Figure 1-20. Fencing and stone masonry site wall along the east side of the Columbia Cemetery, 2022 (source: JVA)
Figure 1-21. Typical fence at a post. Note the decorative finial and the diagonal brace, 2022 (source: JVA)
Stone Walls and Metal Fence The walls around the perimeter of Columbia Cemetery are constructed of mulitiwythe stone masonry and are typically about 18” thick. The stones used to construct the walls are a mix of local red sandstone and granite. The stones are set in a hard mortar applied in different campaigns, one of which included large aggregate. It is unknown how deep below grade the walls extend. Along the north elevation, only the east portion of the wall is retaining approximately 16” to 20” of soil on the north side of the wall. At the west portion of the north wall, the grade is about equal on both sides. Along the east elevation, the north portion of the wall is retaining 15" to 20" of soil on the east (or street) side of the wall. The south portion of the wall is retaining 0” to 15” of soil on the east (or street) side of the wall. Generally the walls appear to be in good structural condition with no signs of major displacement or failure. However, there are several deferred maintenance items that could cause structural issues in the future if not addressed. These include the close proximity of vegetation to the wall (particularly along the north wall) and routine maintenance of the mortar joints of the masonry (especially the top face of the wall since there is no parge coat or coping stones). The perimeter fence along the north, east, south, and a portion of the west sides of Columbia Cemetery is constructed of iron and is approximately 42” tall from the top of foundation to the top of the top rail. The posts are constructed of 1 1/4” x 1/4” bars with a decorative finial at the top and a metal post base connection at the foundation. The pickets are constructed of 1/2” square rods turned on the diagonal. The top, bottom, and middle rails are constructed of 1 1/4” by 3/8” deep channels that open downwards. The top rail is rounded over the decorative finials of the posts. Each post is mounted either on a 16” diameter concrete pier with a diagonal brace down to the pier, or directly to the stone masonry wall. The depth of the piers is unknown, but the distance from the top of the foundation to grade varies along the length of the fence; in some places it is buried, in others it is even with grade, and in some places it extends several inches above grade.
In most places, the fence is coated with an older layer of paint that has faded to a blueish hue. There are several bays of fencing that have been coated with a glossy, black paint.
Generally the fence seems to be in good to fair condition. Although there are no major signs of failure and all elements of the fence seem to be intact, there are several areas of damage that need to be addressed. The older paint is peeling in many places and seems to no longer be protecting the metal elements. The areas painted with the newer glossy black paint appear to be in better condition. Corrosion in the form of rust is visible in some areas. Although the rust has not extended enough to cause section loss, it is possible that it could in the future if not addressed. The other main issue is related to impact damage, primarily along 9th Street. Pickets, posts, and rails are bent in some locations where they were likely hit by vehicles.
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