Forms and Procedures for Cemetery Recording
In preparing photographic images of gravestones for inclusion in the site, the following criteria should be followed whenever possible:
Format: jpg
Resolution: 180 dpi or greater. (Those images appearing on the site will be at this resolution. Archive versions should ideally be 300 dpi.)
Max width: 550 pixels (1.833 inches) Depending on shape of stone, either the width or the height is set at the maximum.
Max height: 800 pixels (2.667 inches)
File Size: 870K RGB color (This is an example for an image that is 550 x 540 pixels.)
The maximum width and height is a function of how the JaffreyHistory.org website appears in a typical monitor. Not exceeding either of these dimensions results in an image that can be seen on the screen without scrolling.
Images should always be properly sized prior to inclusion. If not, files will result that are unnecessarily large.
In photographing the faces of gravestones it is important to the lettering readable and clear. Lighting conditions are key to accomplishing this. Bright sun isn't always what you want as this can cause shadows. It's best to have the light coming from the right or left as opposed to from in front or back. This gives a "raking: effect and causes the lettering to stand out better.
Most of the existing photos of gravestones in Jaffrey cemeteries are either of famous people (e.g. Amos Fortune, Willa Cather) or of stones that have been damaged. In other words, we're almost starting from scratch. We need volunteers to take digital photographs and to do some simple recordkeeping while doing so. Please check with Robert Stephenson before starting so that you are not duplicating work done by others. (Robert Stephenson, 532-6066, rob@jaffreyhistory.org)
The status of each cemetery appears below along with a Recording Form that can be downloaded. The following instructions apply to each Form:
• Include Age only if it appears on the stone, otherwise it can be determined later by the birth- and deathyears if they appear.
• The usual materials are: Slate, Marble, Granite, Fieldstone, Metal (there actually are some). In the case of Granite, indicating the color is helpful.
• Motif refers to any designs or iconography that appear. Examples: Willow tree, Willow and Urn, Urn, Cherub, Winged Cherub, Deathhead, Religous symbols (cross, star, etc.), organizational devices (Masons, Elks, etc.)
• Footstone. If a footstone is associated with the grave, include any inscriptions (usually initials). If nothing, merely enter 'yes.'
• All Jaffrey cemetery layouts have a grid system. A layout can be provided for you so that you can enter the letter-number grid location.
• Epitaph or inscription. These may have already been recorded. If not, enter the text, each line being recorded on a separate line. If the photograph clearly shows the entire inscription, it can be transcribed later from the photograph. Check the back and sides to see if there is any additional text. Some stones are signed by the maker, usually at the bottom right or left, ofter under the surface of the ground.
Old Burying Ground
There are close to 1,000 graves in the Old Burying Ground. The names of all prior to about 1990 have been entered in the data base along with its number. Addition information for probably 10% of the graves has been entered. Photographs have been taken of only a few of the stones. A listing of these can be provided.
Click here to download Old Burying Ground form
Conant Cemetery
Conant is Jaffrey's largest cemetery. Only a handful of photos have been taken and nearly all relate to damage. No epitaphs have been recorded and nothing other than notes on a layout has been collected as to names and dates.
Click here to download Conant Cemetery form
Cutter Cemetery
Cutter and the new Cutter Extension contain about 75 graves. The database currently incudes family name and in many cases other names but no other information and only a few photographs. An inventory is completed or nearly so (by Cynthia Hamilton) but needs to be entered in the database.
Click here to download Cutter Cemetery form
Phillips-Heil Cemetery
There are somewhat more than 100 graves at Phillips-Heil. The database includes all the relevant information. More recent burials need to be added. Only a few photographs have been taken, most related to damage.
Click here to download Phillips-Heil Cemetery form
Baptist (Village) Cemetery
There are nearly 275 graves in the Baptist Cemetery. All have been thoroughly recorded. Photographs were taken some years ago (black and white) which could be scanned.
Click here to download Baptist (Village) Cemetery form