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    MMFF joined the 30 or so interested folks who turned out to assist with a site clean up at Haun's Mill. Mark Scherer, Community of Christ Historian, first called for the clean up last March. Lachlan Mackay, Director of Community of Christ Historic Sites, came from Kirtland to help coordinate this event. Though bad weather postponed the event three times, this year conditions were perfect. Interested parties from all walks of the Restoration Movement responded to the call for assistance. Two descendants of the Haun's Mill episode were on hand to help cut and clear brush from the tree line between the main field and Shoal Creek. In addition to several MMFFers and JWHAers, members of the LDS Church, folks from Chillicothe, MO, and a crew from Community of Christ Joseph Smith Historic Center in Nauvoo were on hand to help wield saws, rakes, and trimmers.

    Clean up work progressed rapidly, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and continued till late afternoon. Eight large brush fires were set. During the lunch break, workers took the opportunity to roast hot dogs. As the crew headed home, Lachlan Mackay stayed at the site until 10:45 p.m. tending the large fires until safely burned.

    Some of the dead trees that were cleared had been washed onto the property over the past year by flooding. An enormous log jam downstream last season prompted high water several times. This log jam has since been cleared. But a small jam near the mill site allowed workers unusual access to the south side of the property. A number took advantage of this rare opportunity to look for evidence of former habitation.

    The removal of brush and flood debris from the Haun's Mill Site will be helpful at a variety of levels. The change in appearance of the site was immediate as newly cleared areas permit better access to and an improved view of the creek. With brush removed, the area will be much easier to mow and maintain. Many thanks to those who turned out for this clean up day!

    In addition, there have been several attempts to survey the site over the past two years seeking to better understand the story of Haun's Mill, the former community's physical lay out and perhaps identify specific sites, such as the Haun's Mill Well. With brush cleared, additional areas may now be better investigated. MMFF with the help of area Archaeologist Paul DeBarthe plan to conduct a more extensive investigation of the site. Paul devoted the weeks of 10-21 June 2002 to work at the site. Much valuable information was obtained to help with future planning. A magnatomer scan of part of the area was also conducted.

    MMFF and John Whitmer Historical Association sponsored the summer 2002 archaeological investigations. Plans for the rest of the season involve Paul DeBarthe in a continuing informational reconnaissance at Haun's Mill, and an ongoing dig at an early Mormon home site south of the Far West Burial Grounds. The public and interested parties are invited to assist in late summer and fall investigations. Those with an interest in Mormon and local history are strongly encouraged to join in this endeavor. Paul adds, "bring a trowel, a paint brush and get your hands dirty. Even if only one trip is possible, it would be well worth your while and we could sure use your help."

    Contact Mike Riggs: farwest@cameron.net

    Credit through Graceland University was available to students who assisted Paul DeBarthe earlier this summer. More information about summer digs is available.

    If you would like to visit the Haun's Mill site, here is the easiest route:
From KC- up I-35. Exit I-35 at Exit 40 [Lathrop-Polo] turn right (east) on MO Highway 116. At Polo, turn right (north) on Highway 13. Before Kingston- turn right (east) on F Highway. Follow the curves and turns of F for about 6 miles to Catawba. At Catawba turn left (north) - cross Shoal Creek (over the new bridge) and turn left (west) at the end of the bridge. Follow this gravel road to the site. New directional signage is currently being planned.

Mark Scherer tending clean up fires.