A Town Name and a Reburial Question

This is the week for news stories about things I care deeply about.  Now the New York Times has news of a lawsuit filed by Jim Thorpe's son to have his remains removed from the town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, so they can be buried in Oklahoma.  From the Times article:

In June, with the backing of his two surviving brothers, Jack Thorpe sued the town of Jim Thorpe in United States District Court. Citing the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990, the suit contends that Jack Thorpe, as a lineal descendant, has legal claim to his father’s remains.

Read the rest here.

Comments

[Eric Fink]

I wonder if now they will return the town's name to Mauch Chunk? At least that would appropriately recognize the American Indians who actually populated the region, rather than one whose name and body were appropriated in a publicity stunt.

By whatever name, it is among my favorite towns in Pennsylvania, boasting a magnificent courthouse where some of the Molly McGuire defendants (or, depending on your inclination, martyrs) were hanged.

[Alfred Brophy]

Eric--I was going to write something about the trial (and execution) of the Molly McGuires (or perhaps it's more appropriate to say supposed MMs) at the town currently known as Jim Thorpe. Then I thought that's worth a separate post down the road.

My guess is that the town won't be renamed either way -- too much reliance on the name at this point. But, when it comes to renaming, you never know what's going to happen.