Our present and future are based on our past and heritage.  Our past and heritage can be positive or negative but it is how we respond to and reenergize our past that moves us forward for a better, productive, and quality future.  Some of the best physical elements of our heritage, the concrete reminders, of where we have come from, and to whom we own the resilience that was expressed in those past times that has allowed us to become who and what we are today, are structures such as this one that is now in peril.

We do have an inherent duty and responsibility to maintain and keep these elements for our future generations.  This is a rare example - the only one of its kind in Martinsville and this needs to be preserved as it is - not tagged, dismantled, and potentially reassembled in some other unknown place without context.

Morgan County Commissioners do not have a good track record when it comes to our collective history and heritage and the intrusive building of a "justice center" in this neighborhood is a fine example.  But, in the course of leveling 2 blocks of residential housing for this project - the only example of an early Old Hickory aesthetic structure.  And one of the earliest houses build here.

The County Commissioners want to "tag" each log, dismantle, and transport the remnants of this historical building to some as yet undesignated area, and potentially relocate it to another area for reassembly.   They want to do this next week - there is no time to perform a historic/preservation inspection or developed a structural plan within a week.   This is a rush job with no concern for the historic nature of this structure.

Additionally, it may also violate the terms and conditions of the use of federal funds that are the source for the construction of the "justice center".  

"Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) requires federal agencies to consider the effects on historic properties of projects they carry out, assist, fund, permit, license, or approve throughout the country. If a federal or federally-assisted project has the potential to affect historic properties, a Section 106 review will take place.

Section 106 gives the ACHP, interested parties, and the public the chance to weigh in on these matters before a final decision is made. This process is an important tool for citizens to lend their voice in protecting and maintaining historic properties in their communities."

Sign this petition to tell the County to keep their hands off this structure until all historical and structural assessments have been completed.   A comprehensive plan has been developed for its preservation, and a determination has been made as to the potential violation of the terms and conditions of the use of federal funds for this project.

As humans we depend upon context; physical, mental, and emotional anchor points to guide us through life.  This is a physical anchor point that guides us and connects us with our past and how we respond and react to this will guide our future and quality of life.

If you do not act it could be gone forever.