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DAR and SAR volunteers describe multi‑year restoration at Union Pioneer Cemetery in Tumwater
Summary
Volunteers from the Daughters of the American Revolution and Sons of the American Revolution told the Tumwater City Council they have cleaned, straightened and repaired historic markers at Union Pioneer Cemetery, discovered buried footstones using trained detection dogs and enlisted the city and local businesses for material and equipment support.
Members of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) described their volunteer project to restore headstones and preserve historic graves at Union Pioneer Cemetery in Tumwater on Dec. 2.
"We came to Tumwater," said Fernanda of the DAR, describing previous work in other cemeteries and the group's motivation to bring "pride" back to local history through preservation. Fernanda and Lou Maudsley of the SAR detailed cleaning methods, realignment and repairs, and techniques to locate buried markers, including use of Cairns human‑remains detection dogs from Snohomish County.
The presenters said volunteers raised and stabilized sinking markers, removed biological growth using conservation‑grade cleaners and modern epoxy, and in several cases uncovered buried footstones or fully buried markers. They reported the canine teams detected roughly 25 spots without visible stones and noted that work to investigate those hits requires careful, manual excavation to avoid disturbance.
The presenters credited local partnerships for enabling the work: city crews provided aggregate and a temporary water supply, and a local firm, Mills and Mills, provided periodic equipment assistance. Fernanda highlighted the role of a professional historic preservationist who performs delicate repairs that exceed volunteer capabilities.
Mayor Debbie Sullivan thanked the volunteers for their efforts and the city noted it had met with project leaders before the volunteers began work. Council members and staff acknowledged the project's community engagement, including an outreach event that drew more than 100 people and oral‑history programming that connected descendants to family plots.
The volunteers said they plan to return in the summer to continue restoration and to install a permanent support frame for a multi‑piece monument. They asked the council to consider long‑term stewardship options, but did not request legislative action at the meeting.
