Archaeology duo took to Battle Harbour to revive graves, which included one iconic resident

A husband and spouse crew of archaeologists made a visit to Labrador this summer time to revive dozens of grave markers — which included one which belongs to a resident immortalized in an iconic {photograph} from greater than a century in the past.

Black Cat Cemetery Preservation administrators Robyn Lacy and Ian Petty travelled to Battle Harbour in July to deal with two websites: the St. James Old Anglican Cemetery and the St. James New Anglican Cemetery.

The new cemetery is the resting place of Victor Croucher.

Croucher might not be a family identify, however many have probably seen him within the fashionable black and white {photograph} — shot by educator and images fanatic Robert Holloway — which reveals a small boy standing between two giant cod, each a few head taller than the lad.

Restoring Croucher’s grave was precedence from the beginning, mentioned Lacy, which she described as a “complex” piece made out of quite a few items of stone.

“It’s made of white marble. It’s gleaming somehow. The rest of them were not in as good of shape as Victor’s, and it’s from 1918,” Lacy informed CBC Radio’s The Broadcast.

Croucher died throughout a chicken searching accident when he was simply 21-years-old. His grave stone says it was erected by his “sorrowing” spouse and father.

Help wanted

Lacy and Petty have been first contacted about tending to cemeteries in 2023 by Battle Harbour Historic Trust govt director Peter Bull. A personal donor in Montreal funded the mission.

Petty mentioned they noticed their work laid out for them once they arrived.

“A majority of the stones were falling over, half buried, just overall in need of conservation,” he mentioned.

The couple cleaned about eight to 10 stones a day.

Lacy mentioned the oldest stones they noticed dated to the 1840s, however there could possibly be older grave markers on web site.

The older headstones haven’t got a heavy base on the backside, and are put straight into the bottom.

Lacy mentioned that is why these are inclined to lean however not fall over. To reposition them, the couple would dig, reposition the gravestone after which place crushed gravel beneath, like a paving stone.

Some additionally have been damaged and wanted stone epoxy, she mentioned.

Petty mentioned once they completed their work it was a “stunning display.”

“Nothing was beyond repair,” he mentioned. “We were able to complete conservation on every stone we set out to, which was thrilling and a little bit surprising given the tight time frame, but overall [we’re] very pleased with it.”

Black Cat Cemetery Preservation has taken the couple to quite a few communities. 

Petty mentioned one among his favorite tasks was the St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Trinity, however the Battle Harbour mission is particular too.

“Having just been up in Battle Harbour, I’d say that’s by far on the podium of highlights,” he mentioned.

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