"Morbid curiosity should not be satisfied", Owen Sound Sun-Times, Feb. 4, 1969

There are those who take great pleasure in mud-raking in the past, whether there be any mud or not. Unfortunately, no matter how innocent the situation may be, the rumors and innuendoes of such action stir up, splash mud on both the memories of the principals and, often more important, members of their families and friends.

For years there has been a recurring rumor that the grave at Leith of Tom Thomson, noted Canadian art pioneer, does not contain his remains. One story has been that the coffin is weighted down with stones.

The family, highly respectable, honorable people, presistently have denied such reports, and have been hurt by them. Now it would appear, or so says Toronto Telegram columnist McKenzie Porter, a CBC producer has dug up the old rumors. The producer reportedly is seeking permission to open the, to quote Mr. Porter, “supposed grave.” It would not be surprising if such action was taken by Canada’s great publicly owned communications media which is given to sensationalism and a disregard for other factors.

The revived story is that Mr. Thomson was murdered, not accidentally drowned, that his body was not exhumed from its original grave in Algonquin park, but was left there, and for some mysterious reason, the body of some other man (or just stones) moved to Leith cemetery.

The CBC producer’s angle is that to open the Leith grave, and that at Boat Lake, would be to reveal an old murder. He doesn’t say who the killer was.

No doubt to do so would satisfy the morbid curiosity of some, even though, as in all probability would be the case, the remains at Leith were found to be those of Tom Thomson.

We can see no reason why the desires of those of such curiosity should be met. Officials should ignore such request unless very definite proof is provided that the claims are true.

History has proven the genius of Mr. Thomson. Had his career been cut off purposefully rather than by accident, it would seem pointless to recreate the scene at this late date.