Buying a Monument

Buying a Monument

When should I purchase and have the monument installed?

The time for installing a monument always revolves around what you and your family are comfortable with.  The most common custom however, is sometime near to the first Yartzeit (the first anniversary of passing according to the Hebrew date.)

Is size an important factor?

Remember, size should not be the measure of value when assessing a monument. It is the finer points of artistry, craftsmanship and quality that truly define a fine memorial.

With many variables that affect the ordering of a monument, we understand that it can be overwhelming for families. Let us help. We will send a field representative to the gravesite (at no cost to you) to perform a visual inspection of the area.  After our inspection, we are then able to advise you as to the size and style of monument that will fit well in the area.

What is the most common size for a headstone?

At both the Old and New Cemeteries the most common sizes are:

• 24″ x 36″ for a single stone
• 48″ x 30″ for a double stone.

Do I need to purchase a double monument?

Not necessarily.  If there is a reserved grave adjacent to the burial, a double monument is often preferable. In addition to giving assurance to the survivor that the burial site has been reserved for them, there is some comfort in the knowledge that the survivor’s final resting place will be at the side of one’s lifelong companion.

Can you guide me in what to write on the monument?

An inscription is meant to be a lasting tribute, so it needs to be correct. This is why we have made this one of our specialties. We can guide you to create an inscription that will express your feelings in English and Hebrew.

What factors will affect the timing of the placement of the monument and how does this affect the timing of my order?

There are many factors that can affect the timing of delivery and placement of a monument, such as the choice of materials and/or intricacy of the monument design. While the average time is approximately 4 to 6 weeks between the ordering of a memorial and its placement at the gravesite, in some cases, with more customized stones, it may take as long as few months or more given the specific factors involved.

Can a monument be installed in the winter?

No. The winter months prevent the construction of foundations because concrete cannot be mixed during freezing weather. If an unveiling is planned for the early spring, arrange to purchase the monument no later than early November. The foundation can then be finished before the frost sets in. Foundation construction is usually halted in winter until late April or after the ground has thawed out.

Can you duplicate an existing monument of a family member interred nearby?

Yes we can. First, we send a field representative to the gravesite where photos, rubbings, and measurements are taken of the existing headstone. From these, our experienced craftsmen can carefully create an accurate reproduction, within the limits of existing technology.

How do I get the second side of an existing double headstone inscribed?

We will send a field representative to the gravesite. Photos, rubbings, and measurements will be taken of the existing headstone to assure an accurate duplicate inscription.

Does my monument need to be made of granite?

Yes.  Granite is the most enduring of cemeterial stones.

Why are there so many Marble and Limestone monuments in the Old cemetery on Bank Street?

Many cemeteries in our region from the 1900’s  through the 1940’s are filled with monuments made of marble because it was less expensive to cut, polish and carve with the tools of that time. Unfortunately, this is why many of those old marble memorials are nearly unreadable today—while granite memorials from the same time, are easily read and show almost no deterioration.

Certain conditions (salt, hydrocarbon and sulfur dioxide pollution) contribute to the decomposition of the calcite structure of marble and allow it to be eroded rather rapidly. Some marbles are more durable than others. Also, dry, rural areas (without major automobile and industrial pollution) are less damaging to marble.

Marble was used almost exclusively before the 1920’s. Then, gradually, better tools and techniques—wire saws, sandblast carving, carbide and diamond tools—allowed more efficient quarrying, cutting, polishing and carving of the harder granite. Today granite has proven the most durable and is the preferred choice for cemetery Headstones.