Cleaning Marshal Bowman’s Gravestone

On Friday, January 31, 2025, we cleaned Marshal Bowman’s gravestone, under the supervision of Lynn Harrell, trained and certified by the Florida Public Archeology Network in Cemetery Resource Protection.

BEFORE front of the Woodman of the World gravestone. There are streaks on the granite and lichen growing, particularly on the carved log on top.

BEFORE back of gravestone. There is a lot of lichen, bird droppings and dirt on both sides.

STEP 1: Spray with water

STEP 2: Apply D/2 diluted 50 / 50 with water

STEP 3: After applying D2, allow it to sit for 20 minutes

Here we see the lichen puffing up.

The moss and lichen are dissolving.

STEP 4: After letting the D2 mixture work its magic on the lichen, gently brush the gravestone. You may need to add more of the D2 / water.

D2 and elbow grease can perform miracles!

STEP 5: Spray more D2 / H2O on the gravestone to protect it from further damage.

Marshal Bowman

Tour Guide Evie

Eve Alexander is a historical sleuth seeking answers to mysteries of the past. As the owner and primary tour guide at SW Florida Walking Tours, Evie shares her knowledge of historic Punta Gorda with tourists and locals. Historical consultant Lynn Harrell says, “Tour Guide Evie is a treasure! Her research is extensive, she manages to ferret out amazing, little known details that she works into her tours, making them as entertaining as they are educational.”