Edith Wharton's Grave: Restoration Plans

Dear Wharton Society Members, Recently, members of the Wharton Society traveling in France have noted the deteriorating state of Wharton’s grave at Versailles.  We have received an estimate from the cemetery, indicating that we can have the gravestone re-engraved and the grounds surrounding it restored for a cost of 915 Euros.  The Wharton Society Board has voted to proceed with this restoration.  We will be using some Wharton Society funds and would like to invite you as Society members to donate funds, if you wish.  The two donation options, check and credit card (via PayPal), are described below.  The deadline for donations is SEPTEMBER 30, 2012.   Donation by check: Please send checks to Wharton Society Treasurer, Carole Shaffer-Koros; email Gary Totten for the address. Please indicate on the check that this is a donation for the “Wharton Gravesite Restoration.”   Donation by credit card through PayPal: If you wish to donate by credit card through PayPal, please use the “Donate” button at the link below. http://www.edithwhartonsociety/memform.htm Please be sure to use the “Donate” button on the right and not the Membership Payment Options on the left. If you are paying with PayPal, please include a note indicating that this is for the “Wharton Gravesite Restoration.”  There should be an option in PayPal to include a note with your payment.  If you are unable to locate this feature, please send an email to Gary Totten (gary.totten@ndsu.edu) letting me know that you have made the online donation through PayPal. The Society is considering options for ways to create an ongoing fund to supply flowers at Wharton’s grave on the anniversary of her birthday and death.  We will inform the Society membership of these plans as they develop. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Gary Totten (gary.totten@ndsu.edu). Thanks and best wishes, Gary Totten