Ledger Monument
St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

In 2023, Oak and Laurel Cemetery Preservation, LLC consulted with the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery board in prioritizing restoration projects that would address the most immediate and significant needs of the historic cemetery landscape.  This 1860s 8-foot by 4-foot ledger stone was prioritized due to its proximity to the cemetery gate, its susceptibility to lawnmower impact, and its historic integrity.

Removal of the ledger stone revealed a heavily decayed subterranean masonry structure upon which the marble slab was laid.  The arched vault and flat "roof" of the structure was reconstructed using naturally-hydraulic lime-based mortars and then stuccoed.  The cleaned ledger was then returned to its stabilized masonry base, leveled, and secured.  The stucco was painted with a black finish, color-matched to evidence found on the historic surfaces.