We will be rebuilding a stone wall and working physically all day. There are opportunities for all to contribute, regardless of strength or stamina. Help us restore one of Charlottes oldest landmarks and learn how to build a stone wall at the same time!
In the Carolinas numerous dry stone cemetery walls were built in the 18th and 19th centuries by immigrant masons. As dry stone skills have died out in this area, many of these walls have gone or are in disrepair. Providence Presbyterian Cemetery is home to one such wall. If the wall is not repaired, it will soon become completely derelict. Our goal is to restore the wall to it`s original condition. Volunteers will provide the labor to rebuild the wall and in return learn some basics of dry stone walling under the direction of Master Craftsman George Crump.
Dry Stone Walling is the ancient art of building walls and other structures with no materials except stone. There is no mortar or concrete in the wall, only rough, placed fieldstone. In Europe there are thousands of miles of these walls, many of which have stood for hundreds of years. Centuries-old techniques of shaping and placing the stone create friction through the structure of the wall, which is why they last for so long.
There is a place for anyone to help with this project. We could use some muscle to move some of the larger stones, but there is plenty of detailed work that does not require brawn. At the last session we had a diverse group from students to Grandmothers. This is a great team building exercise with lots of opportunity to socialize.
The church is providing lunch for everyone. Free lunch included! Also, check out our website www.stonemanrocks.com and click the link on the front page for more information.
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