Hi ken, have you gone to the press or gathered a petition of citizens -
local historical society might organize a protest rally that could get
press attention.
regards,
suzanne


On Fri, Mar 28, 2014 at 3:55 PM, Carl Steen <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>
> Bad news from Ken Lewis
>
>
>
> Greetings,
>
> It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this message, but I feel that
> its content should be disseminated to the community of archaeologists,
> historians, and others who are concerned with the preservation of South
> Carolina's historic past.  As many of you know, I have been associated with
> the investigation of the colonial town of Camden for the last 40 years and
> have an interest in the preservation of this unique archaeological
> resource.  Apart from its historical significance, Camden is one of the few
> early historic town sites that has not been impacted by subsequent
> construction and which has until now been set aside for preservation and
> research.
>
> Last week the City of Camden announced that it was planning to construct
> sewer lines along both sides of Broad Street, which bisects the town site
> (see attachments).  The trench on the east side will be 20 feet wide and 10
> feet deep.  Because many of the early buildings lay along Broad Street,
> this constructing will destroy all evidence of them.  Previous sampling
> excavations have identified the remains of two structures here.
>
> On the west side of Broad Street the pipe line trench, 6 feet wide and 4
> feet deep, will run parallel to the street and impact the identified sites
> of at least two structures, and associated activity areas, situated here.
>  We have found intact foundations and cellars on this side of the road  and
> any construction here could result in the loss of invaluable archaeological
> remains.  These include houses, stores, and other structures associated
> with the town itself, as well as those of British barracks in this
> vicinity.  All of these sites are shallow and will be obliterated by this
> construction.
>
> I feel that this work, which was planned without input from the Historic
> Camden Foundation and others with historical concerns, will irrevocably
> impact the site of this historic community and devalue its potential for
> future researchs.  It represents an unconscionable act that will desecrate
> one of South Carolina's archaeological treasures and will be blot on the
> state's record of historic preservation.  This project is apparently being
> funded by non-federal funds and the SHPO has not reviewed the planned work.
>  The construction is imminent and all efforts to dissuade the city so far
> have been unsuccessful.  There appears to be no way to stop the
> construction, but I feel that the larger archaeological and historical
> communities should be made aware of it and of the disregard for the past
> that it represents.  I will appreciate your sharing this information with
> any concerned individuals or groups so that they too will know of it.
>
> Best regards,
> Ken
>
> Kenneth E. Lewis, Ph.D.
> Professor
> Department of Anthropology
> Baker Hall
> 655 Auditorium Road
> Michigan State University
> East Lansing, MI  48824
> (517)353-6732
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
>
> Carl Steen
>