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Pocono News Section
Controversy Over Jim Thorpe's Remains
Controversy Over Jim Thorpe's Remains - Monday, November 9, 2009 at 6:15PM EST
Reported by: Mike Trim
Monday, Nov 9, 2009 @ 06:15pm EST
JIM THORPE, CARBON COUNTY -- The namesake of a Carbon County town could be moving to Oklahoma.
Jim Thorpe's family is suing to have his body removed from the borough. The borough was named after the Olympic gold medalist in 1954. Thorpe's wife agreed to have him buried in Carbon County when the borough was named Mauch Chunk.
People living there aren't ready to give up on the piece of history that lies in their neighborhood. Jim Kutchera of Jim Thorpe said, "Why would they want him back after all these years, why would they want him back all of the sudden?"
Thorpe's three brothers want him buried in Shawnee, Oklahoma with his parents and other American Indian relatives. They're threatening to sue the borough to make that happen.
Lisa GabrielÕs daughter lives in Jim Thorpe. She said, "I basically think it's disrespectful to exhume a body after it's already been at rest. I think he should stay here. I understand his roots are in Oklahoma but he's at peace here."
Thorpe is widely known as one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century. He won Olympic gold, played pro football and baseball and the list goes on.
Jim Holleran of Jim Thorpe said, "Oklahoma, a state that denied to build him a memorial when our county agreed to do so. We've taken care of his remains."
Donald Moser of Jim Thorpe said, "It's not right, it's been 50 years and to change it now, it's not right."
An American Indian attorney says the borough is obligated to part with ThorpeÕs remains under the 1990 Native American Grave Protection and Repatriation Act.
The court case could begin next month. | | |
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