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Show SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS Opinion 4 WEDNESDAY JUNE 27, 2001 Letters to the Editor What is your opinion? This newspaper welcomes opinions from its readers concerning any subject. Anything of a libelous nature or defamation of character will not be considered forpublica tion. Please limit your letters to 300 words or less. We reserve the right to edit for clarity or length. Letters must be signed and include yourfull name, address and telephone number. Limited to one letter per person per month. Kanab Fire, for the dedication of Stewart the J acob Hamblin-Lev- i Dear Editor: Monument. Helen Cram Starrs criticism of Many were in attendance. The the Levi Stewart Foundation and Monument honoring Levi her assertion that we are attempt- Stewart as Kanabs first bishop ing to change history is absurd. was unveiled by Levi Stewarts She gives names and dates as only living son. Stake President though she were an eyewitness, Israel Chamberlain conducted. One of Levis grandsons gave a though obviously she wasnt. Some of her facts do not agree with the brief history. Levi Stewart Udall research that we have done, but addressed the crowd and the band differenthistorical accounts of past played. It was a historic event. We events dont always agree. were excited to be a part of the day! She seems hung-u- p on the term When asked if any of us were defounder. The definition of scendants, my hand and head were founder as used in this context held high. is defined in Websters DictioToday, I hang my head in sornary as a person who founds, or row. At someones whim, the Hisestablishes. Levi Stewart was toric Monuments 21 and 115 the leader of the first group of were moved and broken. I wonpermanent settlers of continu- der why? It didnt fit in, it was too big, too old, too ugly? ously inhabited Kanab, Utah. No one disputes that he was A part of history gone forever. not the first person here. She A monument destroyed. Shame!! ignores the fact that the area was intermittently inhabited for Donna Gae Hamblin thousands of years by nomadic Burgoyne groups of Native Americans. The Starr wars Founding Fathers of the Nothing United States were not the first Dear Editor: but good people in the original colonies. I would like to send a message Ms. Cram Starr does admit to The Levi Stewart Foundation that Levi Stewart was the first Dr. bishop. Remember, in the early days of the Mormon settlements, the bishop was not only the ecclesiastical leader, but also the civil leader. Ms. Cram Starr does recognize one of my personal heroes as being an early settler. Jacob Hamblin had a long term presence in most of southern Utah. The city park in the north part ofKanab is named in honor of Jacob Hamblin. The plaques at the Levi Stewart Memorial give Jacob extensive recognition for his efforts in this area. I believe there is ample room in the new monument for a larger recognition of Jacob Hamblin, such as a statue. The Levi Stewart family descendants contributed in excess of $60,000 to help honor Levi Stewart. I would certainly contribute to an effort to recognize Jacob Hamblin. Maybe Helen Cram Starr would consider contributing to build something, rather than criticizing those who are building Nyle W. Willis Treasurer, Levi Stewart Foundation Monumental sadness Dear Editor: It was a proud day when our little high school band, dressed in full uniform, marched from the beautiful old high school on the hill to the site of the Fort Board of Trustees, Pandya, Kyle Brunner, Mary Ann Cluff, Ron Glover and Roger Cutler. I only wish to say: Right on and way to go! I did not grow up here or attend Kanab High School, but my experiences with the young people of this community have been nothing but positive. Although Ive only lived here a few short years, I too, am proud to say this is my community. Poor Meril - maybe she should move to southern California and see what living among real juvenile delinquents is like. Ones who would just as soon pull a gun and shoot you for a pair of shoes and think it was their right to do so! And what is the big deal about the Levi Stewart Memorial? Its very well done and an absolutely beautiful addition to this town. You people ought to be proud someone cares enough to beautify this community! And finally, to all you complain-ers- : Would you like some cheese and crackers to go with that whine? Name Withheld Still in denial Note: This letter was hand delivered to the Levi Stewart Foundation Board on May 29, 2001. Dear Foundation members: This is to notify you that after consultation with many Kanab residents and after carefiil individual consideration, we deny your request for approval to move , historic properties. We have dismantle, destroy the Pioneer Monuments. The monuments must remain where they are! Children of the original settlers designed and constructed these monuments. They used tools and materials available at that time. The workmanship could not be duplicated today. These monuments have marked the site ofthe original pioneer fort and honored our pioneers for of a century. the If mortar holdingthe stones is beginning to fail, it is no doubt due to the disturbances created by the movement of the massive stones and heavy equipment being used in the construction of the new monument. However, there are skilled craftsmen who can repair the damage. We believe that the old monuments can be the jewels in your project. worked with dedication toward that goal for 17 years. We continue to seek public participation in our goals and would like your cooperation. Sincerely, Kanab Heritage Council Jo Smith, Ina Fae Frost, Deanna Glover, Jeanne Wikan-- antlin B dismantle the markers and scatter their parts around would be a sacrilege. To move them to an inconspicuous spot at the rear of the new monument would be an insult. The only solution is to leave them where they are and repair the damage. Include them in your plan, as you originally planned, with the respect they deserve. They must remain! Although Kanab City donated the property to you for the Levi Stewart Monument, we do not believe they gave you total right to, and control of, the pioneer monuments. We are a member of Utahs Historic Preservation Certified Local Government, and as such, are charged with the designation and protection of AAA D e a d lines AAA FRIDAY PM 1 See LETTERS, Page 5 three-quarte- rs To SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS The Southern Utah News (ISSN No. 0049-165is published every N. Main at 26 SUN serves Kane The Utah 84741 . St., Kanab, Wednesday County, Utah, and the Arizona Strip. Please address communications by mail to: 26 N. Main Street, Kanab, Utah 84741 , telephone 9) 435-644-290- 0, fax or sunewskanab.net. 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