Support Halldale Cemetery Restoration

The Montville Cemetery Committee is looking for support in re-setting, repairing, and in some cases re-constructing, 40 historic grave stones that were vandalized at the Halldale Cemetery in Montville, Maine.

Stones dating back to the early 1800's were toppled and in many cases broken, snapped and crushed.

This senseless act was committed in conjunction with the destruction of American flags commemorating 37 of our veterans. The veterans honored by these flags served in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, the Civil War, both World Wars, and conflicts and service up into this century.

Most of the stones that were damaged date back to the 1800s. One of which was a stone of a direct decedent of John Proctor, who was involved in the Salem Witch Trials in the 1600's. Each of these stones is an historic monument to the lives and stories of generations. The desecration of these stones has serious impacts on families, our communities, our heritage and the historical, archival and genealogical research into the future.

The restoration and repair of these century old stones is a delicate process. These restorations need specific mortars, adhesives, cleaning agents, bracing, supplies, and special techniques to complete. The Montville Cemetery Committee is a dedicated crew, though small, of volunteers who have experience and training in some of the techniques involved in re-setting most stones and repairing simple breaks. For the more delicate, intricate and heavy repairs, there will need to be professionals hired.

A restoration consultant gave us a quote of $10,000.00 each for the replacement of 3 of the larger stones, and $800.00-$3,000.00 each for the resetting and repair of those that can be repaired.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will support the Halldale Cemetery Association Restoration Fund.

Thank you to any and all, who can help us contend with this unforeseen, heart-wrenching, and challenging project.