Little Miss Pratt's Mausoleum Restoration Project
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“Little Miss Pratt’s Mausoleum Restoration Project”
Along with this project, I have written a book about my life, called Vignettes of “Little Miss Pratt” (not yet published). It depicts the exact sentiment of Pratt life on the farm in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co, Michigan. Plus, it’s a “Hoot” with lots of stories and photos. During that process, I discovered my family genealogy. This has led me to our family mausoleum located in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter, MI. I have known about the mausoleum for years but didn’t know who was buried in the structure nor my relationship to them. Now, I do. It is my Great Grandfather, John J. Pratt and his family, built by him ca. 1900. It has been an exciting adventure.
Photo of John J. Pratt's son Alvin (my grandfather) and his family.
The structure is in great disrepair and the restoration work includes grinding out the stone joints and re-grouting; repairing the cracks in the concrete roof; repairing the concrete edge around the roof; cleaning the stone; installing a new door; repair and refurbish the gate and latch and repair the opening. We believe the gate and door were severely vandalized, damaging the gate, the door portal and the original door was broken into pieces.
I have met with several contractors and I have selected the team for the project. They are real stone restorers and from Hartland, MI. Their main objective is to restore the structure as it was when originally built. They were taken with the structure and excited about the restoration. The total cost of this project is about $20,000.00. I am seeking contributions from family, friends and acquaintances to help fund the project.
This is a unique project in the Washtenaw County area. It will compliment Scio, Ann Arbor, Lima and Dexter Townships. The Pratt’s were scattered among these townships and were known to many of the area residents. It is the only mausoleum and a landmark in this cemetery. It will not only save the structure, but it will enhance the cemetery. I might add, it is one of a few mausoleums of its kind in the surrounding area. I’m afraid if we don’t take care of the repairs, this structure may be destroyed in time. The cut stone is gorgeous, unique and in good shape. I believe the stone, came from the homestead on Zeeb Road along with stone from my Great Grandfather’s farm in Lima Township. This is an historic local landmark, and it would be a shame to lose it.
Your donation will be greatly appreciated for this worthy and historical project. If you know of an acquaintance, friend or relative who might be interested in supporting this project, please send them to my “Go Fund Me” site. Please consider sharing this request for funding on your social media network. Thank you for your help.
Along with this project, I have written a book about my life, called Vignettes of “Little Miss Pratt” (not yet published). It depicts the exact sentiment of Pratt life on the farm in Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Co, Michigan. Plus, it’s a “Hoot” with lots of stories and photos. During that process, I discovered my family genealogy. This has led me to our family mausoleum located in the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter, MI. I have known about the mausoleum for years but didn’t know who was buried in the structure nor my relationship to them. Now, I do. It is my Great Grandfather, John J. Pratt and his family, built by him ca. 1900. It has been an exciting adventure.
Photo of John J. Pratt's son Alvin (my grandfather) and his family.
The structure is in great disrepair and the restoration work includes grinding out the stone joints and re-grouting; repairing the cracks in the concrete roof; repairing the concrete edge around the roof; cleaning the stone; installing a new door; repair and refurbish the gate and latch and repair the opening. We believe the gate and door were severely vandalized, damaging the gate, the door portal and the original door was broken into pieces.
I have met with several contractors and I have selected the team for the project. They are real stone restorers and from Hartland, MI. Their main objective is to restore the structure as it was when originally built. They were taken with the structure and excited about the restoration. The total cost of this project is about $20,000.00. I am seeking contributions from family, friends and acquaintances to help fund the project.
This is a unique project in the Washtenaw County area. It will compliment Scio, Ann Arbor, Lima and Dexter Townships. The Pratt’s were scattered among these townships and were known to many of the area residents. It is the only mausoleum and a landmark in this cemetery. It will not only save the structure, but it will enhance the cemetery. I might add, it is one of a few mausoleums of its kind in the surrounding area. I’m afraid if we don’t take care of the repairs, this structure may be destroyed in time. The cut stone is gorgeous, unique and in good shape. I believe the stone, came from the homestead on Zeeb Road along with stone from my Great Grandfather’s farm in Lima Township. This is an historic local landmark, and it would be a shame to lose it.
Your donation will be greatly appreciated for this worthy and historical project. If you know of an acquaintance, friend or relative who might be interested in supporting this project, please send them to my “Go Fund Me” site. Please consider sharing this request for funding on your social media network. Thank you for your help.
Organizer
Lois Pratt-Mekas
Organizer
Hillsdale, MI