I'm new to the listserve, so bear with me if I'm barking up the wrong tree or throwing out a dead end. Peer pressure is a powerful tool if used correctly. Perhaps contact with the local newspaper(s) would be advantageous. I think that historical issues of this nature would be an interesting story for the press and would heighten public awareness of historical sites, let alone proper respect. The story could be accompanied by a map of area cemeteries and their status/condition. May cause some people to pay attention to areas that they were unaware of. It could also include "who to contact" and other information. The press could potentially be persuaded to run the story on an annual basis in order to kind of "track" the sites. Deborah S. Luzier 4410 Par Drive Indianapolis, IN 46268 phone: (317) 258-8046 * fax: (317) 887-5616 website: www.TheLuziers.com email: [email protected] -----Original Message----- From: Rich Green [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Friday, June 25, 2004 11:26 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [INPCRP] RE: Fw: Mariah Baptist Cemetery Jon and Doug, I can certainly understand your disappointment and agree that the cemetery preservation laws seem to be somewhat lacking when it comes to prosecution of offending property owners. In this case the tenant farmer has agreed to cease use of the property and maybe this will dissuade the owner in the future; at least there is that hope now and this wasn't true just a few weeks ago. Clearly, the DHPA has followed through to the extent that there has been a promise of no further damage. It's a good start. It's my opinion that these sort of problems aren't going to be fixed by the state government and will continue until such a time when more local peer groups and or civic organizations ban together in a concerted effort to convince offenders either through some form of negotiation and arbitration, or perhaps civil and criminal litigation. A site like the original Maria Creek Baptist church and cemetery could be saved if enough Knox County folks come together and insist so. The cemetery commissioners have done their part by diligently bringing this to light. The local genealogical society, DAR chapter, historical society and other interested parties should become actively involved now. Organizations could distribute petitions among their constituencies and make the concerns about this important site known publicly through the local news media. This sort of local pressure is more likely to cause an uncooperative land owner to rethink his/her position than is a visit by the Conservation Officer. I will certainly be willing to assist in any effort along these lines. For now, I'll leave the site photos online. Please let me know if I can help in any other way. Best Regards, Rich Green Historic Archaeological Research 4338 Hadley Court West Lafayette, IN 47906 Office: (765) 464-8735 Mobile: (765) 427-4082 www.har-indy.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Doug Dougherty To: [email protected] Sent: Friday, June 25, 2004 8:13 AM Subject: Re: [INPCRP] RE: Fw: Mariah Baptist Cemetery There might as well not be any laws pertaining to cemeteries. I've got a similar situation in Daviess County, at Cincinnati Cemetery, that no one seems to care about, has been reported, and nothing done. Guess if I kill someone, sell drugs, steal cars, etc., I can simply say "I won't do it again", and they'll let me off. ----- Original Message ----- From: "jon andrews" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, June 24, 2004 7:33 PM Subject: [INPCRP] RE: Fw: Mariah Baptist Cemetery > So, I guess that's it! I'm sorry, but I promise not to do it again. > I just don't get it. In my world, you break the law and you go to jail. > Where is this going to go from here? > I would like to have a copy of the C.O.'s investigative report. If he did > any kind of investigation at all, he might have uncovered the fact that the > so-called "landowner" doesn't even own the land the cemetery sits on. > So, we all go home now and wait for next spring, or what? > I knew it wouldn't go anywhere, it never does. > Jon Andrews ==== INPCRP Mailing List ==== Quote from William Gladstone (1809-1897), three-time Prime Minister of England and Victorian contemporary of Benjamin Disraeli: "Show me the manner in which a nation or community cares for its dead and I will measure with mathematical exactness the tender mercies of its people, their respect for the laws of the land, and their loyalty to high ideals."