Of turtles and zinc
and the Leni Lenape

As the controversy surrounding the re-erection of the Tom Quick Monument continues, the Columns Museum of Milford wishes to remind residents and visitors that the undisputed first inhabitants of this area where, indeed, American Indians.

The first date of European contact with the Lenape Indians, who were indigenous to the Delaware River banks, is recorded as 1524.

That’s when all the trouble began.

It is written that the Lenape were a peaceable people, with a great belief in a higher power. Indian lore tells us that they believed the world was built upon the back of a turtle. A tree, which sprouted and then seeded upon the moss- covered back of the turtle, was the source of first life.

But as European settlement increased, Lenape heritage seemed to decrease. Faced with accepting a new way of life which included many foreign practices, the American Indians that made their home along the mighty Delaware faced many problems and changes in their attempt to co-exist with the white settlers.

They were not like other tribes of the time.

They built no mounds or monuments.

They lived simply, enjoying all that was graciously provided them by a higher being and gave thanks for the same.

Land sale issues perplexed them.

How could someone own the land?

Owning land was as ridiculous a prospect as owning a piece of the sky.

And it was bound to happen that this mingling of such diverse cultures and beliefs would end tragically. History tells us that it did.

When faced with coming to terms with past mistakes, phrases such as “history is history” are often used to excuse an action or reaction. In doing so we don’t attempt to condone the actions of the past, only to acknowledge them as having happened.

In the case of Tom Quick Jr. there is little doubt that he witnessed his father’s death. However, would it be deemed appropriate to erect a statue of the Indian at whose hands Tom Sr. died? I think not.

The Columns Museum would like to take steps in the healing process.

A butterfly garden, in memory of the first inhabitants of the area—the Lenape, will be planted within the next few weeks.

There will be no obelisk with too many words.

There will be no bones in a jar.

It will be just a garden created to attract butterflies, with a stone in the center in the shape of a turtle.

And I am certain, as certain as I am that tribal feet once passed over the very ground on which the garden will be planted, that this will be looked upon as a nod to “the first among equals” in the Lenape tradition.

Guest editorial by Lori Strelecki