The Coffin is Opened!

As reported in the last TLC, a mysterious coffin was recently discovered at Machpelah Cemetery. Experts from the University of Missouri at Columbia were called in. Faithful correspondents Ann '56 and Don '55 Coen provided us with these interesting shots and information.

"Don was able to attend the opening of the cast iron coffin on Wednesday, the 11th [of April], at the University of Missouri. There were about 20 people there and two TV stations. The Director of the Anthropology Department was very excited - he had never seen one like it. After it was taken to MU he traveled to Washington D.C. and Atlanta to view other ones like it to gather information and advice on the opening."

"They are sure it is a woman, around 30 years of age plus or minus 5 years. With access to current scientific tests many physical characteristics will be determined. The glass viewing plate was intact and the patent seal and patent markings are stamped on the coffin certifying that it is a Fisk model manufactured in the early l850's.

"The staff had cleaned the outside of the coffin and you can see all the detail including the top of the foot area (one of the close up pictures), handles, viewing plate, etc. The historian will try to identify the flower design as it should have some meaningful significance."