GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE ARTHUR MEIGHEN

SUBJECT:

The Right Hon. Arthur Meighen Grave Site Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report St. Marys Cemetery St. Marys, Ontario Madame Julie Dompierre, Director Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada (HSMBC) Les Terrasses de la Chaudire 25 Eddy Street, Gatineau, 5th floor Quebec K1A 0M5 National Program for the Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers

TO:

FOR:

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Right Hon. Arthur Meighen]

Page 1 of 10

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

PREPARED BY: Janet Wright Senior Conservation Advisor Heritage Programs Branch Conservation and Commemoration Directorate Gatineau, QC February 28, 2012

DATE:

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION DATE OF INSPECTION: PC FIELD UNIT CONTACT: October 27, 2011 Dhruba Subedi Asset Manager SW Ontario Field Unit 905 308-8954 Overcast, 10 o Celsius

CLIMATIC CONDITIONS:

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE GRAVE ENVIRONMENT: The gravesite of the Right Honourable Arthur Meighen is situated in St. Marys Cemetery located on the southern edge of the small town and bordered along the eastern edge by a naturally wooded area. The cemetery was established in 1885 as an expansion of the original Protestant cemetery located in the towns core. In contrast to many cemeteries of the period, which are laid out in the informal manner of the Picturesque landscape tradition, St. Marys cemetery features a regular grid pattern of roadways lined with a variety of tree species. The cemetery is owned and maintained by the Town of St. Marys. The gravesite of Arthur Meighen is located in section F, Plot 2 in the southeast quarter of the cemetery. Set on a gently sloped site, it is marked by a simple rectangular granite headstone. The flagpole and 125th Confederation Anniversary plaque are located below the stone just off the roadway. The awareness panel has been placed adjacent to the cemetery offices and it is not visually linked to the gravesite.

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Right Hon. Arthur Meighen]

Page 2 of 10

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

2.0 COMPONENTS OBSERVATION AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS 1. Awareness Panel Observation: The awareness panel is located next to the cemetery office. This site was selected to increase public awareness of the gravesite which is located behind the chapel and cemetery building and not visible from most locations in the cemetery. The 2005 Report noted that the black metal stand was rusting at the back and that one of the screws that attached the interpretive panel to the frame was missing. It was recommended that these elements be repaired but, as was pointed out by the cemetery manager, no action has been taken. The panel itself is in good condition and no repairs are required. Recommended Action High priority: The black metal stand should be scraped, sanded and repainted and the missing bolt should be replaced.

Awareness panel.

Rusted metal at the back of the sign.

Missing bolt.

2. Flagpole Observation The flagpole is situated just off the paved roadway and at the bottom of the slope leading up to the grave stone. It is in relatively good condition although the wire holding the bottom of the flag has lost its plastic covering and the bare wire is wearing away at the black anodized coating of the flag pole. The metal cone covering the base of the
[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Right Hon. Arthur Meighen]

Page 3 of 10

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

flagpole is in good condition but it does not provide an effective means of protecting the base of the pole and the steel bolts and plates from moisture or debris. The base of the pole underneath the protective cap was damp and covered with grass cuttings and dirt. Although the steel bolts were in good condition, the steel plate under the two flag pole brackets is rusting and staining the concrete base of the flagpole. These defects were described in the 2005 report but no action was taken. Recommended Action High Priority: Contact the manufacturer of the flag pole to discuss options for providing more durable and less abrasive attachments for the bottom of the flag. High Priority: The manufacturer of the flagpole should also be contacted to determine whether there is a more effective cap for protecting and masking the brackets and bolts.

Flagpole at the Meighen gravesite.

Bare wire loop which is wearing away the black anodized coating.

Rusted metal plate underneath the flagpole cap.

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Right Hon. Arthur Meighen]

Page 4 of 10

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

3. 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque

125 Anniversary Plaque with faded maroon paint.

th

Slight rusting along the top edge of the black metal base.

Observation: The 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque is attached to the base of the flagpole. The metal stand shows slight rusting along the top edge and the maroon paint on the bronze plaque is fading with exposure to the sun. Recommended Action: Medium Priority: The metal frame of the 125th Anniversary Plaque should be scraped and repainted and the maroon paint on the bronze plaque should be stripped and a new coat of paint applied following the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada specifications for plaque repairs. 4. Former Prime Ministers Grave Marker

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Right Hon. Arthur Meighen]

Page 5 of 10

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

Meighen gravestone. Small patches of lichen are visible on the stone.

Observation: The Arthur Meighen gravesite is marked by a simple granite headstone with a rusticated granite base and an upright granite slab that is polished front and back and roughly dressed on the sides. The stone bears the name of Meighen and his wife, Jessie Isabel Meighen. It is a simple design of durable material and shows no sign of weathering or damage. It is set on a concrete foundation which is just visible on the downward slope of the hill. Close inspection revealed small patches lichen on the polished granite but they do not mar the appearance of the stone. Recommended Action: Ongoing: Monitor the condition of the stone to determine when a gentle cleaning is required. Medium Priority: Add topsoil to mask the exposed concrete base on the downward slope. 5. Vegetation (trees, shrubs, plant material, lawn)

The grass in front of the Meighen gravestone shows some slumping around the gravesite and result in slightly uneven mowing of the lawn.

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Right Hon. Arthur Meighen]

Page 6 of 10

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

Observation: The Arthur Meighen gravesite is located on a gently sloping grassy site with no other vegetation in the immediate area. The 2005 report noted that the grass around the gravesite showed some bare areas but this was not the case on this visit. The grass was lush and was being well-maintained by St. Marys cemetery staff. There is, however, slight depression in the grass that forms a rectangular outline in front of the gravesite. This depression is probably due to some slumping of the gravesite and it results in a slightly uneven cutting of the grass. Recommended Action: Low Priority: Add top soil to the site to even out the depressions in the lawn in from of the grave stone. 3.0 PREVIOUS CONSERVATION INTERVENTIONS 1994 1999 The Canada 125 plaque was erected. The flag pole and awareness panel were installed. Grave marker was cleaned using warm and fine blast of water to remove lichen. The work was carried out under contract by the Heritage Memorials of Perth County. The Conservation and Maintenance Plan was prepared for the site. Evaluation of the Current State of the Grave Site prepared by Heritage Conservation and Commemoration Directorate.

2000 2005

4.0 ADDITIONAL COMMENTS St Marys Cemetery maintains the gravesite by cutting the grass and applying topsoil and reseeding when required. There is, however, no formal relationship with Parks Canada and the cemetery management is unclear as to where its responsibilities stop and Parks Canada begins. A conservation plan was prepared in 2000 but it was never given to the site. 5.0 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Awareness Panel High priority: The black metal stand should be scraped, sanded and repainted and the missing bolt should be replaced.
[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Right Hon. Arthur Meighen]

Page 7 of 10

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

Flagpole High Priority: Contact the manufacturer of the flag pole to discuss options for providing more durable and less abrasive attachments for the bottom of the flag. High Priority: The manufacturer of the flagpole should also be contacted to determine whether there is a more effective cap for protecting and masking the brackets and bolts.

125th Centennial Anniversary Plaque Medium Priority: The metal frame for the 125th Anniversary Plaque should be scraped and repainted and the bronze plaque itself should be stripped and a new coat of maroon paint applied following the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada specifications for plaque repairs. Former Prime Ministers Grave Marker Low Priority: Monitor the condition of the stone to determine when a gentle cleaning is required. Medium Priority: Add topsoil to mask the exposed concrete base on the downward slope.

Vegetation Low Priority: Add top soil to the site to even out the depressions in the lawn in from of the grave stone. Here is a summary of the recommended actions over the next five coming years: Recommendations 2012 Awareness Panel The black metal stand should be scraped, sanded and repainted and the missing bolt should be replaced. Flagpole Contact the manufacturer of the flag 2013 2014 2015 2016

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Right Hon. Arthur Meighen]

Page 8 of 10

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

pole to discuss options for providing more durable and less abrasive attachments for the bottom of the flag. The manufacturer of the flagpole should also be contacted to determine whether there is a more effective cap for protecting and masking the brackets and bolts. 125th Confederation Anniversary Plaque Scrape and repaint stand and maroon background paint following the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada specifications for plaque repairs. Add topsoil
Page 9 of 10

Former Prime
[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Right Hon. Arthur Meighen]

GRAVE SITES OF CANADIAN PRIME MINISTERS MONITORING REPORT

Ministers Grave Marker to mask the exposed concrete base on the downward slope. Monitor the condition of the stone to determine when a gentle cleaning is required. Add top soil to the site to even out the depressions in the lawn in from of the grave stone.

Vegetation (trees, lawn, flower bed)

6.0 APPENDIX Cemetery Contact: Kevin Hyatt Cemetery Caretaker Tel: 519 284-2340 Ext 220 khyatt@town.stmars.on.ca

[Grave Sites of Canadian Prime Ministers Monitoring Report: The Right Hon. Arthur Meighen]

Page 10 of 10