08/05/2026
Sometimes, history leaves a signature—and sometimes, it reveals itself one careful layer at a time.
While refurbishing a monument in a historic cemetery in Stevensville, Montana, we noticed what appeared to be a small signature carved near the bottom of the stone. After carefully cleaning and examining it, we were able to make out the name: “Geo. Pringle.”
That discovery sent us digging into the past.
We learned that George Pringle immigrated from Scotland and began working as a monument builder in Missoula in the 1890s. As we continued our research, we were able to trace the lineage of our business all the way back to him—revealing George Pringle as its original owner and the beginning of a tradition that continues through our work today.
The signature wasn’t the only piece of history the cleaning process uncovered. We also noticed uneven weathering around the top of the monument. With closer study, we determined that the original stone had featured an ivy design around its upper edges, along with an engraved cross that had almost entirely disappeared.
After more than a century exposed to Montana’s weather, much of that beautiful detail had been lost. To honor George Pringle’s craftsmanship, we will recreate the original ivy and cross design on the back of the new stone. Visitors will be able to see the beauty of the monument as it once appeared and appreciate the skill that went into creating it so many years ago.
Finding George’s signature on a monument entrusted to our care has given us a remarkable connection to the beginning of our own story. More than a century later, we have the privilege of preserving his work, restoring its details and carrying forward the tradition he began.
We’re honored to share George’s photograph, the signature that led us back to him and the design that Montana’s weather nearly erased—but history has allowed us to rediscover.
