In the summer of 1994, Paul Koons and his daughter, Karin Stocking, then Karin Jones, began the cleaning, stabilization and restoration of the mausoleum of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock and his daughter, Ada Elizabeth, at Montgomery Cemetery in Norristown, Pennsylvania. With the gracious help of many private citizens, reenacting groups, Civil War Rountables and one very dedicated monument professional, Bill Wenz, the team with the permission of the Historical Society of Montgomery County (the owners of the mausoleum) formed the Hancock Restoration and Maintenance Committee, a sub-committee of the Historical Society.

The restoration included removing 2 inches of cement from the roof
which was cracked and allowing water to congregate underneath
(deteriorating the true mausoleum roof), removing a granite slab
which served as a permanent seal on the tomb front replacing it with an authentic
reproduction of the original iron ornamental gate which once graced the mausoleum
entrance. All the arch stones in the front and back were removed, recemented and
the exterior was power washed after all the stones were repointed.

On the interior, the resting place of the General and his daughter were determined
and bronze plaques were set to mark them. What a joy it was to finally see the
inside of the tomb and know that in the future we would be able to monitor the
health of the mausoleum just be viewing it!

An outside area beautification included surveying the Hancock plot, planting rows
of trees and bushes, erecting a flag pole and adding small gardens of flowers.

Today, the maintenance of the mausoleum is administered
by Paul Koons and Bruce Stocking all year long!

Recently, we have formed a coalition of various Civil War related groups to work with us in the huge job surrounding the renovation of the Smith Memorial which stands in West Fairmount Park just outside the city of Philadelphia. This gigantic Civil War monument is dedicated to the Union generals who hailed from Pennsylvania. Of course, there is an equestrian statue of Major General Winfield Scott Hancock as he appeared leading the funeral procession of Ulysses Grant along with one of General George B. McClellan and two standing statues on pedestals of General George Gordon Meade and General John F. Reynolds. Other lesser generals have busts tucked away in little alcoves on the monument.

The city of Philadelphia's Arts and Culture Council tell us there is no money for this project so, in order to keep our fragile heritage alive, it is a job we feel compelled to do! Your donations for this work (which in total we are told will be about a half million dollars)would be greatly appreciated.

Another facet of our society is our deep commitment to the preservation of beautiful Montgomery Cemetery where General Hancock, along with four other Civil War generals, rest. This Victorian cemetery was once the premiere burial site in Montgomery County. Today, hard work by committed volunteers will be required to bring it back from the neglect and decay it has suffered over the years. The Historical Society of Montgomery County now holds the deed to this piece of Norristown History and are currently raising funds to finance the back breaking work associated with restoring and maintaining an American Treasure.