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Archiver > TNGRAING > 1997-12 > 0881229914


From: Kenneth Hodge <>
Subject: Grainger Co. Loose Records
Date: Thu, 4 Dec 1997 05:05:14 -0500


The following is a note that was sent out a while back. I'd like to get an
update if anyone knows the current status of these records. There was a TV
news segment, presented on a Knoxville station, this year concerning this
matter but I haven't heard of any action by the County to preserve or
protect these old records.

I'm planning another trip (my 7th) to Rutledge and would like to know if
there is a possibility of finding anything. My last trips were very
disappointing.

Ken in Orlando

>Even if you have no personal interest in Grainger County, TN, genealogy or
>history, please read this and help us out.
>
>I saw the most horrible sight I've seen in a while today. The Grainger
>County, TN, courthouse had a flood in the vault where they stored the really
>oldest records. It was about a year or two ago. They took the records out,
>kept what looked salvagable, and threw out the rest (yes, the really OLD
>ones). The remaining old records are now stored in an unsecure place and
>not being maintained archivally.
>
>I talked to the County Executive's office today about what might be done to
>preserve the pitiful lot of remaining stuff. They need to waterproof,
>clean, paint, and re-shelve the vault so the records can be cleaned,
>conserved, and returned to secure storage. They don't have the bucks in the
>budget. I told them I was sure there were enough people out there who would
>donate even $5 to such a cause that I knew the money could be raised.
>
>There is a County Commission Meeting Monday night, July 8. I am going to
>attend to talk to them about document preservation options. I'd like to
>take a long list of email responses from people who support this effort and
>would be willing to donate even a few dollars to the project.
>
>If you are interested or concerned and would like to voice your support for
>the preservation efforts -- whether you would personally give money toward
>it or not -- please respond to this message by Monday afternoon, July 8.
>Just say how important it is that these records be preserved, especially
>since the county is celebrating its bicentennial this year and a major chunk
>of its earliest history is now lost forever.
>
>If you know people who have Grainger County interests, or who are just
>interested in the preservation of historic documents, please forward this to
>them.
>
>PLEASE DON'T CONTACT THE COUNTY DIRECTLY!!!!! We don't want to inundate
>them with correspondence or phone calls. The last time that happened, folks
>there were really put off and nothing got accomplished.
>
>Thanks in advance for your help with this VERY worthy cause.

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