Tom Quick
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Reposted from Tri-State News - July 11, 2003 Reposted with Permission |
| Tom Quick Monument Discussed at Milford Meeting By Dawn McElligott Jul 11, 2003, 12:05am The controversial issue of the Tom Quick Monument was raised at the Milford Borough Council meeting on July 7th. A representative of the Tri State Unity Coalition, (TSUC) pointed out the organization’s recommendations for a "Pathway to Community Harmony" concerning the monument during the meeting. The coalition had earlier submitted a report to the Borough explaining their objectives. The summary describes their organization as a non-political, non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating diversity, promoting human rights, creating a moral barrier to hate and enhancing community harmony in Pike County, PA. The coalition report cited certain incidences that have occurred since the statue was vandalized in 1997. Among them were: “-A book, ‘Forgotten Americans’ published in 1998, containing a chapter on Tom Quick that sarcastically mentioned his memorial in Milford. -Noel Paul Stookey, (a member of Peter Paul and Mary) released the song, ‘Tom Quick’ in 2001 as derogatory to Milford and Pike County for a monument to such a person.” The organization's presentation states that “Resolution of the issues has not come about because there has been no suggested formal process for involving all the key players”. Their report suggested that a special committee be formed for the resolution of these issues. Further details can be found on TSUC's website at http://www.tristateunity.veneziale.net On June 25th, the Pike County Historical Society and the Tom Quick Inn hosted a forum about the monument at the inn on Broad Street. Milford Borough Council Member, William Kiger attended the forum and prepared a comprehensive report. In Mr. Kiger’s account, he noted that there were “many variations and probable exaggerations of the Tom Quick story.” The council member’s report included a letter from Chief Wounded Bear of Cree/Lakota ancestry. The Native American leader is distinguished for his many titles including, an American Indian representative to the United Nations, and a Vietnam veteran. In Chief Wounded Bear’s letter, he states that Tom Quick “was the first pioneer to settle in Milford and lived in harmony with the Indians until his death, paving the way for the East Gate of America.” The letter also brings to light a number of possible explanations for Tom Quick’s death. “It is impossible to substantiate whether he was really killed by Indians or just a victim of friendly fire from the Fort as it happened at night in the winter darkness”. Chief Wounded Bear concludes, “Therefore, the memorial should be for the elder Tom Quick, where all the evidence and proof is on his contribution to the area, and not to the young Tom Quick where there are so many confusing stories”. Mr. Kiger’s summary also documents his extensive efforts before the June 25th symposium to discuss the issue with several other members of the Native American community. Possible resolutions cited in Mr. Kiger’s report are the return of the monument to its Sarah Street location with some wording changes and a jointly-worded plaque at the site expressing “our common understanding”, a prominent monument in Milford or nearby, to the presence of “the Indian” here, the planting of a white pine “peace” tree near the monument and a community ceremony to seal the peace. At the Milford Borough Council meeting, Council Member James Price asked about a timeline for the decision making process. Mr. Kiger replied that it would be done as soon as possible. |