Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2010 10 18

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monuments, others appear to be random in their location. Many of the plantings are mature and appear to have been present on the property for at least fifty years. Some have been planted very close to grave markers and are encroaching upon them, with the possibility of causing damage in future years. The site is irrigated with city water. Grave Markers & Related Features:The monuments on this site are varied, both in terms of materials used and carvings. The most common material usedis granite, much of which appears to be of regional origin. This material, especially Salidagranite and rose granite, is common throughout many of Colorado’s cemeteries due to its availability and resilience toweathering and deterioration. Some of the more modern granite markers have been imported to Colorado from out-of-state quarries. Marble is probably the second most common material used. While some of these stones were quarried in Colorado, others were likely brought here by rail from sourcesin the eastern United States. Many of the grave markers would have been carved by local craftsmen. Sandstone monuments are found in smaller numbers throughout the cemetery. These tend to weather more quickly than granite and marble, and were less expensive to obtain due to the presence of numerous quarries in thefoothills of the Front Range. Often preferred by poor families due to their low cost or even free availability, sandstone markers sometimes have rough non-professional carvings that eventually weather and become obscured. A modest number of concrete tablet monuments are also found in the Louisville Cemetery. These are typically painted white with black lettering. Some were noted to be clustered in groups, most likely of individuals related to one another. Again, these inexpensive markers were a preference of poor families. Because they were often painted, their inscriptions have worn away and many are no longer readable. Concrete tablets such as those found in this cemetery are not typically seen in most of northern Colorado’s cemeteries. These markers most likely represent a single ethnic group. Location of the names of the individuals buried in these graves may answer the question of whether there is an ethnic association. Finally, flat bronze markers of more recent decades are scattered throughout the site. These are a modern choice and represent a nationwide move toward flat markers that are easier to mow around. Many were observed to mark the graves of World War II veterans. In broad terms, it is estimated that at least 80% of the grave markers in the cemetery are upright and no more than 20% are flat lawn-style markers. A combination of upright styles is found throughout the property: tabs in sockets, dies on bases, military issue, pedestals with vaulted roofs, slant markers, tablets and a few others. Many of the stones, especially the older ones, include ornate artistic carvings, poems, and other inscriptions beyond the basic names and dates. Footstones are present at some of the graves.