john sparrow thompson grave site monitoring report 2011

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Right Hon. Sir John Sparrow Thompson]

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SUBJECT: The Right Hon. John Sparrow Thompson

Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report Holy Cross Cemetery Halifax, Nova Scotia

TO: Madame Julie Dompierre, Director

Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) Les Terrasses de la Chaudière 25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, 5th floor Quebec K1A 0M5

FOR: National Program for the Grave Sites of Canadian Prime

Ministers

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE JOHN SPARROW THOMPSON



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PREPARED BY: Janet Wright

Senior Conservation Advisor Heritage Programs Branch Heritage Conservation and Commemoration Directorate Gatineau, QC

DATE: 21 November 2011 1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

DATE OF INSPECTION: 2 November 2011 PC FIELD UNIT CONTACT: Carla Wheaton Cultural Resource Manager Mainland Nova Scotia FU Halifax, Nova Scotia CLIMATIC CONDITIONS: Sunny, 10o Celsius GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE GRAVE ENVIRONMENT: The Gravesite of Sir John Sparrow Thompson is located in the Holy Cross Cemetery situated in central Halifax near Dalhousie University at the junction of South Street and South Park Street. Established in 1843, Holy Cross is the oldest Catholic cemetery in Halifax. It is a relatively small inner city graveyard occupying half a city block and featuring a wood frame chapel in the gothic style that dates back to the establishment of the cemetery. The grounds are managed by the Catholic Cemetery Commission and recently the Holy Cross Cemetery Trust was established by members of the Roman Catholic community to raise funds and to organize volunteers for the conservation of the cemetery. The gravesite of John Sparrow Thompson is located just past the cemetery offices bordering the main crushed gravel drive through the cemetery. It consists of a polished grey granite sarcophagus resting on a grey granite base. The boundaries of the plot are defined by a rounded granite curb punctuated at each corner by a carved stone marker. The awareness panel and the flagpole are located just inside the main gate of the cemetery. The 125th Centennial Anniversary Plaque is placed on the west side of the gravesite. There are no other markers on the site.



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Holy Cross Cemetery looking towards the chapel. 2.0 COMPONENTS – OBSERVATION AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 1. Awareness Panel Observation: The awareness panel and flagpole are located just inside the main gate of the cemetery. This location was chosen because the gravesite itself was not large enough to accommodate these elements and the cemetery wanted to increase the site’s public profile. The black metal stand for the awareness panel is in good condition but the interpretive panel itself has some damage. There are several large scratches across the oval portrait of Thompson, the grey background paint of the panel is chipped in several places, and the red paint on the Canadian flag on the Government of Canada logo and the Canada word mark is chipping off. Recommended Action: High Priority: Replace the oval portrait of Sir John Sparrow Thompson on the awareness panel. Repaint the grey background and the Canadian flags in the Government of Canada logo and the Canada wordmark.



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Awareness Panel. Awareness panel showing the scratches in the oval portrait

Awareness panel showing chipped paint on the flag Awareness panel showing chipped grey paint. logo.



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2.0 Flagpole

Entrance area with the flagpole and awareness Detail of flagpole with nylon cord. Panel Observation The flagpole is located directly behind the awareness panel adjacent to the main gate and it is in good condition. The nylon cord, which holds the base of the flag to the pole, tends to polish the matte surface of the black anodized coating rather than abrading the coating as is the case with the wire loop found on some of the flagpoles in Ontario. The metal cap covering the base of the flagpole is in good condition but it is not an effective means of protecting the steel bolts, plate and brackets which attach the pole to the concrete base. Rather than keeping moisture and dirt away, it tends to hold them in causing pre-mature rusting of the bolts and steel base plate. Recommended Action: High Priority: The flag pole manufacturer should be consulted to determine if there is a more effective means of protecting and masking the base of the flagpole.



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3. 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque

125th Confederation Anniversary plaque. Plaque showing scratches on the bronze plaque and

faded maroon paint. Observation The 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque is situated on the west side of the gravesite. The 2005 monitoring report noted that the bronze border and few of the letters are scratched and should be polished. Those scratches are still evident and the maroon paint of the sign appears faded. There are also several chips in the black paint of the metal stand. Recommended Action Medium Priority: Clean and refinish the 125 Confederation Anniversary plaque following the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada specifications for plaque repairs. Scrape and apply a new coat of paint to the black metal stand. 4. Prime Minister’s Grave Marker Observation: The Prime Minister’s gravesite is marked by a substantial and finely-crafted sarcophagus of polished granite. The monument is defined by three, stepped tiers of stone ornamented with a leaf-like border and surmounted by a simple cross laid flat across the top tier. It is inscribed with the word “CREDO.” The north side of the stone bears an inscription with the Prime Minister’s name, title of office, and the circumstances of his sudden death at Windsor Castle. The boundaries of the gravesite were originally defined by a low granite curb marked at the four corners by a stone block which tapers at the top into a cross. This element is still evident on the south side of the gravesite but the raised road bed has completely buried the curb on the other three sides. Only the tops of the two corner stones are still visible.



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The sarcophagus itself is generally in very good condition although there is some biological staining particularly on the top edges of the tiers. There are also a few minor chips in the stone at the bottom corners which are the result of being hit by a lawn mower. In response to this problem, cemetery management has placed gravel around the base of many of the gravestones to provide better drainage and to prevent the growth of grass around the grave markers. This action detracts from the appearance of the gravesite and it has been of limited success as the grass is already spreading into the gravel. At some point the inscribed letters and some of the incised ornamentation were painted white to be more legible. This paint is now fading and the Holy Cross Cemetery Trust would like to have it touched up. The Trust feels that inscription provides interesting historical information and it is difficult to read in its present state. In September 2011 Colleen Day, a Parks Canada conservator, prepared a report on the gravestone and addressed the issue of the paint (See Appendix 1). According to the report there is evidence that the paint is causing a slight deterioration of the stone by holding in moisture but the increased rate of erosion as a result of the paint is very slight and not considered to be a major concern. Generally applying paint to stone is not a recommended action but the cemetery Trust has specifically requested that it be done.

Thompson sarcophagus will gravel placed around Inscription on the side of the grave marker. The white

painting is still very visible on the incised circular motif. Recommended Actions: Ongoing: Monitor condition of stone to determine when cleaning is required. Low Priority: Explore alternative means of communicating the content of the inscription that does not require a re-application of paint.



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High Priority: Replace the gravel with grass and institute non-destructive methods of trimming the grass at the base of the stone. 5. Other Grave Markers

Stone curb and cornerstones on the south side of the Broken corner marker on the northwest corner. gravesite. The granite curb has been buried on two sides and one of the cornerstones has recently been broken. This is the result of the change in the grade of the adjacent roadway. Once a new landscape plan has been developed to address this problem, the corner stone should be repaired. (See Section 7: Other Landscape Features) Recommended Action: High Priority: Repair broken cornerstone to the granite curb. 6. Vegetation (trees, shrubs, plant material, lawn) Observation: The grass around the gravesite is in healthy condition although the gravel around the base of the gravestone detracts from the appearance of the site. (See Section 4: Prime Minister’s Grave Marker.) There is no other vegetation associated with the gravesite. At the entrance area the limb of an adjacent tree limb is starting to encroach on the flagpole. Recommended Action: Medium Priority: Trim the tree near the entrance so that is does not encroach on the flagpole.



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View of trees encroaching on the flag. New gravel that has been placed around the outside of the

gravestone. 7. Landscape features (pavement, benches and others) Observations: The major problem with the site is the raised level of the road bed on the north side of the gravesite. Although no original photos were available, it is probable that the gravesite was originally designed for a flat terrain with the stone border and four corners stones marking the outer boundaries of the site. Over the years the roadway along the north side has been raised about 25 cm burying the curb on three sides and leaving only the top of the cornerstones visible above the grass. The problem has been exacerbated in the past year by the addition of another layer of gravel on the roadway which now extends over top of the stone curb and into the lawn of the gravesite. The gravel has been added to deal with the problem of drainage in that area but, as a result, the tops of the stone markers are now surrounded by gravel and vulnerable to damage by cemetery vehicles and snow clearing. In the past year the crossed top of the northwest cornerstone lost two of its arms. The Mainland Nova Scotia Field Unit has been in discussion with the Holy Cross Trust as to how best address the problem. It has been suggested that bollards be installed along the north side of the gravesite and that the soil be excavated to down to restore the original ground level (See Appendix 2) but neither suggestion is considered ideal.



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The Gravesite in 2001. The tip of the arrow points to the Gravesite in 2011. The tip of the arrow points to top of the cornerstone. the top of the cornerstone. The road has moved

approximately 60 cm towards the gravesite. The area around the flagpole and awareness panel is also of interest to the Cemetery Trust. The panel and flagpole are in relatively good condition and the pavers at the base of the pole have recently been re-laid in a level gravel bed and the weeds removed. The Holy Cross Cemetery Trust would, however, like to work with Parks Canada to make changes to this area. First, they would like to rotate the awareness panel so that it is more visible from the street and possibly move the wrought iron fence back a bit in this area so that it would not interfere with the view of the sign. They also feel that some supplementary signage would be useful in directing visitors to the gravesite. The Trust has contacted the Lower Mainland Field Unit about these possible changes.

Entrance area. Entrance area as seen from South Park Street.



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Recommended Actions High Priority: Determine the original configuration of the gravesite and develop a landscape plan that would restore the gravesite to its original design, repair the damage to the cornerstone, and protect the site from of vehicular traffic while addressing the problem of drainage to the area. High Priority: The landscape plan for the site should include a reconsideration of the entrance area and any modifications that might improve the visibility and awareness of the site. 3.0 PREVIOUS CONSERVATION INTERVENTIONS

1999 Flagpole, three oak trees and the awareness panel were installed. 2001 Conservation Management Plan for the Gravesite of Sir John Sparrow

Thompson, January 2001. 2005 Evaluation of the Current State of the Gravesite of Right Honorable Sir John

Sparrow Thompson, prepared for Parks Canada, November 2005. 2011 Gravel added around the base of the Gravestone by the Holy Cross Cemetery. The roadbed next to the gravesite was widen and raised with additional gravel. 4.0 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

The Mainland Nova Scotia Field have maintained good and close relations with Holy Cross Cemetery but there are no clear guidelines or formal agreement with Parks Canada as to the responsibilities and expectations of each organization. A conservation plan has been prepared but this has not been given to the Holy Cross Cemetery. 5.0 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

Awareness Panel • High Priority: Replace the oval portrait of Sir John Sparrow Thompson on the

awareness panel. Repaint the grey background and the Canadian flags in the Government of Canada logo and the Canada wordmark.

Flagpole • High Priority: The flag pole manufacturer should be consulted to determine if there

is a more effective means of protecting and masking the base of the flagpole.



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125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque • Medium Priority: Clean and refinish the 125 Confederation Anniversary plaque

following the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada specifications for plaque repairs. Scrape and apply a new coat of paint to the black metal stand.

Former Prime Minister’s Gravesite • Ongoing: Monitor condition of stone to determine when cleaning is required. • Low Priority: Explore alternative means of communicating the content of the

inscription that does not require a re-application of paint. • Medium Priority: Replace the gravel with grass and institute non-destructive

methods of trimming the grass at the base of the stone. Other Grave Markers • High Priority: Repair broken cornerstone to the granite curb. Vegetation (trees, shrubs, plant material, lawn) • Medium Priority: Trim the tree near the entrance so that is does not encroach on

the flagpole. Landscape features (pavement, benches and others) • High Priority: Determine the original configuration of the gravesite and develop a

landscape plan that would restore the gravesite to its original design, repair the damage to the cornerstone, and protect the site from of vehicular traffic while addressing the problem of drainage to the area.

• High Priority: The landscape plan for the site should include a reconsideration of

the entrance area and any modifications that might improve the visibility and awareness of the site.

Here is a summary of the recommended actions over the next five coming years: Recommendations 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Awareness Panel Replace the

oval portrait of Sir John Sparrow



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Thompson on the Awareness Panel. Repaint the grey background and the Canadian flags in the Government of Canada logo and the Canada wordmark.

Flagpole The flag pole manufacturer should be consulted to determine if there is a more effective means of protecting and masking the base of the flagpole.

125th

Confederation Anniversary Plaque

Clean and refinish the 125 Confeder ation Anniv ersary plaque following



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the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada specific ations for plaque repairs. Scrape and apply a new coat of paint to the black metal stand.

Former Prime Minister’s Gravestone

Explore alternative means of communicating the content of the inscription that does not require a re-application of paint.

Replace the gravel with grass and institute non-destructive methods of trimming the grass at the base of the stone.

Monitor condition of stone to determine when cleaning is required.



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Other Grave Markers

Repair broken cornerstone to the granite curb.

Vegetation (trees, lawn, flower bed)

Trim the tree near the entrance so that is does not encroach on the flagpole.

Landscape features (pavement, benches and others)

Determine the original configuration of the gravesite and develop a landscape plan that would restore the gravesite to its original design, repair the damage to the cornerstone, and protect the site from vehicular traffic while addressing the problem of



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drainage to the area.

The landscape plan for the site should include a reconsideration of the entrance area and any modifications that might improve the visibility and awareness of the site.

6.0 APPENDIX

Appendix 1: Gravestone: Sir John Thompson Condition Report, prepared by Colleen Day, conservator, Atlantic Service Centre, Parks Canada, 21 September 2011. Appendix 2: Sketch drawing of proposed modifications to the Sir John Thompson Gravesite, Holy Cross Cemetery, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Prepared by Asset Management, Mainland Nova Scotia Field Unit, n.d.

APPENDIX 1

Gravestone: Sir John Thompson

Condition Report

Prepared by Colleen Day, September 21, 2011

Description: Granite Stone, fairly course grained. The inscriptions are shallowly inscribed. The inscribed words have been painted with white paint, probably to increase the legibility of the inscription.

Background: Carla Wheaton (CRM Manager, HDC) requested a report on the stone as people where concerned that the inscription was less legible than it had been.

During a review of available documentation, a memo from 1986 was discovered which was written in response to a complaint about the maintenance of the stone. It suggests sampling the existing paint so that a matching paint can be used to inpaint the inscription. At the time an analysis of the paint using infrared spectrophotometry found it to be an oil paint containing titanium dioxide (a white pigment). The analysis also noted that the paint contained mica, which originated from the stone.

Condition

In 1986 the condition was described as good, with a general dirty appearance from atmospheric pollution, and algae and moss in the dark corners on the north side. The stone was then slightly tilted, with biological growth and staining.

In 2009 the stone was examined. The inscription does not appear to be very worn. There is evidence of soot and lichen growing in the inscription. There are bird droppings on the stone. There are small crystals on the surfaces adjacent to the paint. Crystals are usually a sign that acid rain has dissolved some of the stone, which recrystallizes as it dries. The base of the stone is encrusted with cut grass where a line trimmer has been used right up to the stone, and there are scars in the stone from the whipping action of the trimmer.

Discussion:

I have not found a record of why the inscription of the stone was painted in the first place. The report from 1986 shows that painting is a long standing practice, and the painted appearance has come to be expected by the public.

The paint on the stone is not protecting the stone, it is solely an aid to legibility. The crystals are evidence that rain is dissolving some of the stone; the stone is probably porous enough to allow rain in behind the paint and causing crystallization. The paint is interfering with even distribution of moisture in the stone. It protects a narrow strip of stone from direct rain, but also stops damp from evaporating

once the rain stops. This eventually causes the paint to detach from the stone. The analysis of the paint in 1986, which found mica from the stone in the paint, supports this argument.

However, any acceleration in the erosion of the inscription is not happening fast enough to be a real concern. There is a slight preference for the leaving the stone completely unpainted. The existing paint should not be scraped off with metal tools or wire brushes, or removed with strong chemicals --- it is likely this would remove a thin layer of the stone.

It is not clear how long the stone has been in place and exposed to the weather, as the date of erection is not marked on the stone, or known from documentary sources. On the whole, it is in very good shape for a stone of its presumed age.

Recommendations:

1. Grass around the stone should be trimmed using hand held grass clippers. The line trimmers being used are staining and damaging the stone.

2. If public perceptions allow, the inscription should be left unpainted. 3. A gentle cleaning with water, with or without a little mild soap, and a soft brush should be tried,

to see if this cleans the stone enough to give it an acceptable appearance. This will remove the lichen, soot, and bird droppings.

4. If it proves desirable to paint it, great care should be taken in any preparation of the inscription. Any existing paint that is firmly attached should be left in place.

5. Any chemical or solvent paint removal should be carried out under the guidance of a conservator.

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APPENDIX 2

john sparrow thompson grave site monitoring report 2011

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