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Our readers
Editor, Sea Coast Echo-.
Regarding the article in the last issu2 of S;a Coast Echo -•''Official;; visit Local Ruins”. I too, shake my head sadly but <Jlff=r2r;t reason. Prc-
'	tv,4n.
io
crastinati-jn is truly the thief of time and this is a perfect
example.
In 1S59, 1 wrote to John K. BettsrswGrth at Mississippi Stats Untvarsity, requesting an Historical Marker or ether protection for several Indian Mounds, cemeteries andhouses in Hancock and Warren Counties, My efforts “carae a
cropper,"
in 1960, International Paper Co. formally dedicated to the State of Mississippi, “Laural ttood," the 160 year old plantation home of J.F.H. Claiborne,
J.F.H. Claiborne -was president of the Board of Commissioners set vrp to settle the Mississippi land claims of the Choctows and was thoroughly awaraofthe value of Indian sites on hisproperty.
The home was in excellent condition and the mounds undisturbed at this time. Again,
no action!
In 1963, International granted permission to L, S. U, to do archeological research at the present Port and Harbor development,.
In If55 Archeological materials found by my family and the J. J. Kernels’ were sent to
William O. Hoog, professor of • Anthropo’oey at L.S.U. In contradiction to your article of May 22, 19SS, human fcor.es were among those materials sent to
L.S.U.
Still, no action!
In January of 1966, proper officials ■were advised that the Indian mounds ware to be included in a harbor development. Again, no action!
Two years ago, I wrote in your paper '“Isn’t it a pity that Mississippi didn't take advantage of the generosity of International Paper Co, when it offered “ Laurel Wood” in 1960? This home v/as built in 1800 and was in fire shape until completely destroyed by vandals this "ear, !v;n more despicable is the dasecratlonofthe Indian Mounds bequested to us by the predecessors, who left behind their simple artifacts their dead, and their trust, which we have violated!”
The lovely old home is gone; the visable mounds have been destroyed, any day r.ov/, I shall expact to read that some official Is disappointed that the braast-work of the old Fort (yes, it’s there) have been ruined and the remaining mounds have likewise bear, destroyed.
At the risk cf sounding bitter, perhaps' Mississippi has gained a reputation in much the same way as the ‘‘Leaning Tower” by Mcondog.
“The leaning tower of Pisa . leaned a; little more and said, 'I Y.’ouldn’t be so famous --If I had a level head!” Sincerely,
(MRS.) H. E. WILSON
Officals Visit Local Rwitsis
Tv/o archaeologists from Department of Archives and History, Jackson, recently stood in the wreckage of a 1,000 B.C. period Indian encampment and sadly shook their heads.
Ignoring their solemn expressions and unaware of a little known state law forbidding such practices, diggers of all bents of determination went to thair task with vigor in an- attempt to unearth some item of historic vriue for their home mantel -piece.
Richard Marshall, director, Mississippi Archaeological Survey, led his colleague, John Connaway, a survey force field archaeologist about the site picking up relics that to the untrained eye were of no interest.
Marshall uttered one work after walking the area-. -.
"Ruined!”
Accompanying the group was R, C. Lowry, president, Gulf Coast Chapter, Mississippi Archaeological Assn., who has led what organized digging has taken place at the site over the last few years.
With much of his collection now on display In the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Lowry had. saved countless treasure for viewing by future generations.