I do the same for the Civil War in general with my fourth graders. They have to know the war was about more than just slavery, that slavery itself is a deeply-rooted and complex issue that wasn't the easiest thing to solve after 400 years, and that all Northerners were not good guys. That complexity is what grabs their attention and makes them think - and fourth graders can think for themselves if given the chance. It's fascinating and sad that our founding fathers were working on the issue of slavery and could not, even then, figure out how to end it. Even Lincoln did not intend to end it altogether - just wanted to keep it from spreading into the territories. Anyway, seeing both sides of an issue is sometimes difficult, but it's important that both sides be brought to the table for serious consideration.
Oh, by the way Andy...I'm over in Pea Ridge myself! Glad to have a Gentry, AR fellow here at SDCFans. One of the long time contributors, BetaMike, is from Benton County, too, although he lives in Florida now. I think he told me he was from around Gentry, or Siloam Springs, or Sulpher Springs...I'd have to check back on some other threads and see.
Uh, oh! Maybe we need to form a sub-group here called the Northwest Arkansas Fans Association of Silver Dollar City! Let's see if we can get a few more members, and then if we get a big enough group we can approach SDC for special requests and perks. (Wait a minute...we're already part of a larger group of folks who love SDC...scratch the first idea!) ;D What about it, though...the coaster community gets special perks...can we at SDCFans.com eventually approach the park management and ask for something special? What would we ask for? A free admission day? Free lunch tickets? Special merchandising items? Hmmmmmm....
Well, History Buff....the border wars was a battle of farmers, farmer's sons and young men that had had enough of the Kansas Union units terrorizing Missouri. Kansas Senator, James Lane and his "Lane's Brigade" hit Osceola, Missouri and pretty much wiped it off of the map. When Quantrill hit Lawrence, the guerrillas were crying "Remember Osceola!"
Ladies & Gentlemen,
I have very distressing news. Due to a ruckus, being caused by patrons
of the Gentry Public Library over the name "Quantrill" and the library
staff being asked how they can "glorify a murderer", the library has
withdrawn the name "Quantrill" from the collection and has renamed it
the "Civil War Special Collections!" This was done without my consent
or asking. They have tried to reassure me that the staff has no
problem with the name "Quantrill", but the public response was
overwhelmingly negative. They have expressed their opinion that, if
the name was changed and people didnt see the actual "Quantrill name,
they might not see it so harsh and understand it is part of the Civil
War without it being spotlighted.
I expressed my anger and resentment of this action and asked for the
library to please pack the collection up and I would move it somewhere
it would be respected. The library then informed me that I didnt have
that option and that, once it crossed over library doors, it was their
property! And that the only way the collection could be removed was if
the donors contacted the library themselves, asked for their donations
back and be willing to the pay for the postage of their items to be
mailed / shipped back to them.
I am trying to figure out options and, if I have none, I will have to
bend to this action and try to come up with a compromise of a more
alternative name. The "QUANTRILL Special Collections Research" is dead
as such. I know that this action is going to make some of you blow
your stack and I dont blame you. I am the one that built and promoted
this and there is no one madder than I am. I am COMPLETELY SHOCKED and
floored that this happened in CONFEDERATE Arkansas, of all places!
There seems to be just the two options of trying to reclaim the
collection or renaming it in a more general term. I knew it was my
responsibility to let you know as some of you have donated many
materials and dollars to the "QUANTRILL collection. Almost all
mentions of the Gentry Public Library is gone from "Josephine" and the
"Perdee Farm" until this gets resolved. I offer my deepest and most
profuse and heartfelt apology to all of you who have donated. I cant
believe this happened and never dreamed it would have. It's obvious I
made a terrible mistake and I cannot express how sorry I truly am. I
hope your trust in my historic research and our friendship /
acquaintances will not be compromised. I will let you know what
happens as soon as things develop.
Ladies & Gentlemen,
Thank you so much for your responses and support on the recent rift
between myself and the Gentry Library over the Quantrill name
controversy! I am very, very happy and, very honestly, relieved, that
all is well and the collection will keep it's name and everything that
goes with it! The situation has been peacefully resolved!We are eager to get to work to start a re-education plan to inform the
naysayers and slanted opinions! If you have any ideas or suggestions
(considering the fact that I am trying to help them from 220 miles
away), feel free to lob any thing you have to offer with thoughts,
ideas and suggestions! Thanks again!
Thank you for your patience during this very stressful time.