This site was founded by the late John Skakel. Contact us HERE
Cemeteries Office Staff have asked that users NOT contact them with questions directly.

Our Volunteers Personal Area

There are now many tools stored in the gray brick mortuary at the back of the cemetery. Paul, John, and Bruce have keys to let you in there. Don't be afraid to ask for tools, etc.

Here is a list of some of the tools that you may wish to use...

1. Small plastic garden tools are available in Canadian Tire or Home Hardware in sets. If memory serves they are only about $2 per tool for a set of 3 in Canadian Tire. Plastic is a must for working around the stones in order not to scratch them.
   
   
2. Knives. One member mentioned to us that she has used a sharp knife to cut soil around stones. Since these are metal you would want to avoid any contact with the stones if possible to avoid scratching them but this indeed sounds like a great method. I would think that a bread knife in particular would be a great tool. She also mentioned using a plastic painter's guide available very inexpensively to shield the stone from the knife to avoid scratching and damage to the stones.
   
   
3. Shovels. A straight mouth spade will work great if you have one. They are easy to find in stores. You do not need an expensive one. Other shovels will work but are not as easy to use and it is very MUCH easier to cause damage to stones with other types. I would suggest that a straight mouth space and plastic garden tools are the only things that you might want to consider purchasing for this project.
   
   
4. Prod replacements. Many folks do not use a prod. You can use a large screwdriver for instance to stick in the ground. Not as easy, but it does work and you do not have to purchase a prod this way. You probably have one at home for free. Even a broken one will work great.
   
   
5. Broom, soft brush, and water pail. A broom or small "whisk broom" can come in very handy to clean gravel or dirt off of stones. A water pail and a soft brush can also be useful to wash off stones and clean them up, etc.
   
   
6. Level. A carpenter's level can be very useful. However, if you do not have one do NOT go out and purchase one. A few members have them and those probably will be available to you most times that you work.
   
   
7. Prods. I suggest that you do NOT purchase tile prods from stores. The reason is that they will probably cost you as much as $65 or more. And, they do not work well. Please contact John at 692-5212 if you wish to purchase a prod as I have found a fellow who will make them from used steel for I believe between $25 and $30. These are very durable and will not bend as easily (A problem with the store models). These have a point PLUS a ball on the end. (Store models only have a ball and are thus MUCH harder to use.) Please remember that once soil becomes very dry prods become difficult to use. We all have to use other means until it rains again. If it gets too dry, it can actually stall all of our work almost completely due to hard soil, etc. Remember that I simply direct you to the fellow who makes them. I do not "Sell" prods.
   
   
8. Wheel Barrow. You may wish to have a wheel barrow if you wish to work alone a good deal. However, this is certainly NOT a necessity. We also realize that these are not easy for some folks to use. They are not easy to carry to the site. And they do cost money. A number of us have them, so do not get one until you find out which jobs you would like to tackle. There is often a wheel barrow on site, right now located right behind the "King Monuments". Also John, Paul, Les, and Bruce have keys to the St A's Mortuary, and there is a wheel barrow in there as well.
   
   
9. Leverage tools. Unless you get very highly involved in the project you will not need any of these. Extended experience will show you what might be useful to you if you do decide that you would like to use such.
   
   
10. Wooden levers. You may find you would like to make some wooden levers for lifting, but I would certainly not advise you get such til you find if you need them. Again you will not unless you are very much involved with the project.