Thursday, September 18, 2003
More Publicity
A story in today's Daily Egyptian offers a glimpse of some other research into the Old Slave House, though the lead paragraph once again downplays the history calling it "wild rumors." Once again I will point out that it isn't a wild rumor that Crenshaw kidnapped free blacks and sold them into slavery. Letters from the 1820s and 1840s exist telling the stories of Crenshaw's victims, how they were once in Illinois and later sold into slavery.
A story in today's Daily Egyptian offers a glimpse of some other research into the Old Slave House, though the lead paragraph once again downplays the history calling it "wild rumors." Once again I will point out that it isn't a wild rumor that Crenshaw kidnapped free blacks and sold them into slavery. Letters from the 1820s and 1840s exist telling the stories of Crenshaw's victims, how they were once in Illinois and later sold into slavery.
Crenshaw Mansion on Hickory Hill near Equality, also known as the Old Slave House, has been the site of speculation and controversy for many generations. Old tourist brochures say the former owner of the 19th century home kidnapped freed slaves, keeping them on the third floor of his mansion until he could sell them into slavery in the South. Wild rumors endorsed by the owners of the house until it was bought and closed by the state in 1996 fuel an image of terror.
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Editorial Support
The Southern Illinoisan came out strong today in support of reopening the Old Slave House. I usually do a link with the opening paragraph of a story. This time I'll give you the concluding paragraphs.
The Southern Illinoisan came out strong today in support of reopening the Old Slave House. I usually do a link with the opening paragraph of a story. This time I'll give you the concluding paragraphs.
One of Southern Illinois' most precious assets is its rich history. Telling this story is a key element to bolstering the region's tourism industry. The Old Slave House is part of that history and the public should have the chance to see it firsthand.
If that means the governor taking the group up on its offer, or finding the funds to reopen it outright, it should be done.
Sunday, September 14, 2003
AP Attention
The Associated Press covered the Old Slave House this week. Susan Skiles Luke's story ran in a number of newspapers this weekend including the Sunday edition of the Evansville Courier & Press as quote below. It doesn't mention much about Open it NOW!'s plan to reopen the site, but it certainly outlines the need for some action to be taken.
The Associated Press covered the Old Slave House this week. Susan Skiles Luke's story ran in a number of newspapers this weekend including the Sunday edition of the Evansville Courier & Press as quote below. It doesn't mention much about Open it NOW!'s plan to reopen the site, but it certainly outlines the need for some action to be taken.
JUNCTION, Ill. — When George Sisk heard steps on his driveway early one morning, he did what he usually does when strangers ignore the No Trespassing signs leading to his house and the gate at the end of his driveway.
Mansion Attacked
No, for once I'm not referring to the Old Slave House. Instead, check out the Chicago Sun-Times article on the Hayes House on the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. Chicago folks don't understand why it exists.
No, for once I'm not referring to the Old Slave House. Instead, check out the Chicago Sun-Times article on the Hayes House on the DuQuoin State Fairgrounds. Chicago folks don't understand why it exists.
Thursday, September 11, 2003
Third Time's a Charm?
For the third time in the last year I've sent in a plan to state officials that could reopen the Old Slave House at Equality. The first time was last November to IHPA. The second took place this summer in June, and now Open it NOW!'s submitting its plan for a second time to the governor's office.
So now we wait. The first time it took six months for a response. The second time just two months. Maybe on this, we can get it down to a matter of weeks.
For the third time in the last year I've sent in a plan to state officials that could reopen the Old Slave House at Equality. The first time was last November to IHPA. The second took place this summer in June, and now Open it NOW!'s submitting its plan for a second time to the governor's office.
So now we wait. The first time it took six months for a response. The second time just two months. Maybe on this, we can get it down to a matter of weeks.
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
Great News!
Less than a month after rejecting our Plan of Action, Gov. Rod Blagojevich's office has requested a second look — and that's an offer we'll take.
More News
The Associated Press interviewed George Sisk and I today about the recent troubles at the house as well as what a non-profit group could do there. The story should be released for this weekend's papers throughout the state.
New Picture
I'm adding a large format (888k) 1280 x 960 pixel picture of the Old Slave House for anyone who needs a high resolution shot for their newspaper, newsletter or website. Just give credit to "Jon Musgrave. IllinoisHistory.com". Click on the picture for the high resolution version. The picture is from this afternoon around 1:20 p.m.
Less than a month after rejecting our Plan of Action, Gov. Rod Blagojevich's office has requested a second look — and that's an offer we'll take.
More News
The Associated Press interviewed George Sisk and I today about the recent troubles at the house as well as what a non-profit group could do there. The story should be released for this weekend's papers throughout the state.
New Picture
I'm adding a large format (888k) 1280 x 960 pixel picture of the Old Slave House for anyone who needs a high resolution shot for their newspaper, newsletter or website. Just give credit to "Jon Musgrave. IllinoisHistory.com". Click on the picture for the high resolution version. The picture is from this afternoon around 1:20 p.m.
Saturday, September 06, 2003
Another Attempted Break-In
Just got a call from the former owner of the Old Slave House. Yet another group of stoned idiots attempted to break into the Old Slave House in the wee hours before dawn Thursday morning. Mr. Sisk had run off a group riding four-wheelers Wednesday evening and hadn't slept well. Between 3 and 4 a.m. he heard his dog bark, "his bark that something's wrong." After getting up and going outside he saw a truck drive up the railroad bed and park. As he got in his car and started down the hill he met the trio coming up. They took off to their truck, but he managed to block their exit. They attempted to flee, but a warning shot over their heads sobered them up enough to stop. The story continues, but I'll stop here.
Okay folks, if anyone is keeping score that's two attempted break-ins this past week, and one last week that resulted in property damage. Does anyone think that site security isn't a problem? Gallatin County, like the rest of the region, has a growing meth problem, a rash of break-ins, a small sheriff's department and, apparently, a state's attorney who thinks everybody deserves a second chance. None of this bodes well for the site.
The responsibility for this site rests with the chief executive officer of state government, Gov. Rod Blagojevich. It's not a local problem. It's not a regional problem. It's a state problem that needs to be addressed. The governor's staff screwed up on their first attempt on look at the issue. It's only been a few weeks, but with three break-ins since their bad decision in mid-August, it's time to rethink their position.
Somebody told me they'd heard criticism that we were (I was) trying to make this a partisan issue. Come on! I really don't think the governor is so dumb to make it a Democratic Party platform plank to deny job creation in economically depressed counties and to whitewash African-American history. Granted, if that is the case I'm sure the GOP would gladly decide to do the opposite. This isn't partisan politics. This is bureaucratic wrangling gone awry. The governor's office is developing a reputation for ignoring agency recommendations and going their own way on issues. Why can't they do that on this issue? This is one that works.
More Publicity
Maybe the governor will read a copy of state Rep. Lou Jones' fall newsletter. Jones is one of the assistant House Majority Leaders on the Democratic side and a leader in the Legislative Black Caucus. I haven't seen the article, but one of the House Democratic staffers called this week and I sent him some pictures. Jones visited the house back in 1997 and has been a strong supporter ever since.
Just got a call from the former owner of the Old Slave House. Yet another group of stoned idiots attempted to break into the Old Slave House in the wee hours before dawn Thursday morning. Mr. Sisk had run off a group riding four-wheelers Wednesday evening and hadn't slept well. Between 3 and 4 a.m. he heard his dog bark, "his bark that something's wrong." After getting up and going outside he saw a truck drive up the railroad bed and park. As he got in his car and started down the hill he met the trio coming up. They took off to their truck, but he managed to block their exit. They attempted to flee, but a warning shot over their heads sobered them up enough to stop. The story continues, but I'll stop here.
Okay folks, if anyone is keeping score that's two attempted break-ins this past week, and one last week that resulted in property damage. Does anyone think that site security isn't a problem? Gallatin County, like the rest of the region, has a growing meth problem, a rash of break-ins, a small sheriff's department and, apparently, a state's attorney who thinks everybody deserves a second chance. None of this bodes well for the site.
The responsibility for this site rests with the chief executive officer of state government, Gov. Rod Blagojevich. It's not a local problem. It's not a regional problem. It's a state problem that needs to be addressed. The governor's staff screwed up on their first attempt on look at the issue. It's only been a few weeks, but with three break-ins since their bad decision in mid-August, it's time to rethink their position.
Somebody told me they'd heard criticism that we were (I was) trying to make this a partisan issue. Come on! I really don't think the governor is so dumb to make it a Democratic Party platform plank to deny job creation in economically depressed counties and to whitewash African-American history. Granted, if that is the case I'm sure the GOP would gladly decide to do the opposite. This isn't partisan politics. This is bureaucratic wrangling gone awry. The governor's office is developing a reputation for ignoring agency recommendations and going their own way on issues. Why can't they do that on this issue? This is one that works.
More Publicity
Maybe the governor will read a copy of state Rep. Lou Jones' fall newsletter. Jones is one of the assistant House Majority Leaders on the Democratic side and a leader in the Legislative Black Caucus. I haven't seen the article, but one of the House Democratic staffers called this week and I sent him some pictures. Jones visited the house back in 1997 and has been a strong supporter ever since.
Friday, September 05, 2003
Like We Were Saying
The governor's office is moving closer to Open it NOW!'s position that the state will have to start seeking partnerships with the private sector. However, they are still ignoring the Old Slave House. Today, the Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced, "that his office will initiate state partnerships with the private sector to boost funding for state services." While this might include naming rights or commercial product placement at state parks and historic sites, it still ignores the fact that state law allows private sector (including non-profits) operation of educational facilities at state sites. That's what we are proposing.
Read the news release for more.
Book Signing
I'll be doing a book signing Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Marion Waldenbooks in the Illinois Centre mall. Come buy and I'll sign a book. I prefer it be one of mine — such as the Handbook of Old Gallatin County and Southeastern Illinois, but I'm not picky. You can also order one of these online by clicking on the book to the left.
The governor's office is moving closer to Open it NOW!'s position that the state will have to start seeking partnerships with the private sector. However, they are still ignoring the Old Slave House. Today, the Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced, "that his office will initiate state partnerships with the private sector to boost funding for state services." While this might include naming rights or commercial product placement at state parks and historic sites, it still ignores the fact that state law allows private sector (including non-profits) operation of educational facilities at state sites. That's what we are proposing.
Read the news release for more.
Book Signing
I'll be doing a book signing Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Marion Waldenbooks in the Illinois Centre mall. Come buy and I'll sign a book. I prefer it be one of mine — such as the Handbook of Old Gallatin County and Southeastern Illinois, but I'm not picky. You can also order one of these online by clicking on the book to the left.