Under Yazoo Clay: Episode Summary – "Like They’re Reaching Out to Me"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Under Yazoo Clay
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and Mississippi Museum of Art
• Description: Under Yazoo Clay delves into the generations of family secrets surrounding Mississippi’s former “lunatic asylum.” In 2012, human remains were discovered at the site of the state’s university hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, revealing over 7,000 patients who died at the old asylum and were buried on its grounds. Reporter Larrison Campbell explores the stories of families seeking answers about their ancestors and investigates how this significant chapter of history became obscured.

Introduction

In the episode titled "Like They’re Reaching Out to Me," Under Yazoo Clay focuses on the enigmatic discovery of unmarked graves at the old Mississippi State Asylum and follows the journey of Wayne Lee, a grave douser, as he seeks closure for his family's past.

Discovery of Unmarked Graves

The episode opens with a vivid description of the asylum cemetery's history and its fading presence in the landscape of Jackson, Mississippi. Reporter Larrison Campbell paints a picture of the cemetery overgrown with vegetation and engulfed by time:

Larrison Campbell [05:58]: "And here there are the thousands of unmarked graves... The cemetery had been swallowed by the woods from Welty's photograph, and Jackson residents began to find other uses for it."

Wayne Lee: The Grave Douser

Central to the episode is Wayne Lee, a native of North Carolina in his early 70s, who believes he can locate unmarked graves using divining rods. His deep personal connection stems from his own family's history with the asylum—his grandfather was one of the patients who died there.

Wayne Lee [04:30]: "I'm Wayne Lee. I'm a douser."

Wayne uses two thin metal rods, known as divining rods, to detect the presence of graves. His practice is rooted in faith, believing that his ability is a divine gift:

Wayne Lee [16:52]: "It has strengthened my faith. It has told me that just because you don't understand something doesn't mean it's not real."

The Asylum Hill Project

The University of Mississippi Medical Center initiated the Asylum Hill Project, an archaeological excavation aimed at uncovering the history of the asylum and reconnecting with the descendants of former patients. Dr. Ralph Didlake explains the project's mission:

Dr. Ralph Didlake [35:48]: "We have, in a way, inherited these patients and we want to care for them in the very best way we can."

The project faces significant challenges, including ethical considerations and legal barriers like HIPAA, which restrict access to medical records of deceased patients.

Revealing Wayne’s Grandfather’s Story

Wayne's quest for answers about his grandfather led him to obtain medical records that had been inaccessible for decades. These records revealed that his grandfather died of pellagra, a nutrient deficiency, rather than mental illness—a revelation that provided much-needed closure:

Wayne Lee [48:47]: "He did not have mental illness in the family. So, you know, there's some closure with that."

This discovery aligns with family narratives that previously dismissed his grandfather's institutionalization as a result of poverty and malnutrition rather than mental instability.

The Role of Pellagra

Pellagra plays a crucial role in understanding the conditions that led to the high mortality rate at the asylum. The disease, characterized by severe malnutrition, was a common but often misunderstood ailment in rural Mississippi during the early 20th century. The records Wayne accessed clarified that many patients, including his grandfather, suffered from pellagra, which was mistakenly attributed to mental illness at the time.

Wayne’s Personal Struggles with Mental Illness

Wayne's personal life has been deeply affected by mental illness. His youngest son, diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, faced numerous challenges, including homelessness and incarceration. Wayne's experiences have shaped his empathy and dedication to finding and honoring those buried in the asylum cemetery:

Wayne Lee [50:57]: "Mental illness is a tough thing, but I always knew we had been hearing that pellagra was involved in it, but I just never got it official until... yeah."

Wayne's journey highlights the intergenerational impact of mental health issues and the stigma associated with them.

Ethical and Legal Challenges

The Asylum Hill Project grapples with ethical and legal obstacles in unearthing the past. Dr. Didlake emphasizes the importance of ethically handling the records while balancing the family's right to know:

Dr. Ralph Didlake [41:44]: "We want to bring these people who have been in this unmarked cemetery back into the community in some way... we have the ethical standing to do what we're doing."

The stringent HIPAA regulations and the sheer volume of records further complicate the process, leading to delays and frustration among families seeking information.

Conclusion

"Like They’re Reaching Out to Me" is a poignant exploration of memory, history, and the quest for truth. Through Wayne Lee's dedication and the efforts of the Asylum Hill Project, Under Yazoo Clay sheds light on a forgotten chapter of Mississippi's history, honoring the lives of those who were once hidden and ensuring their stories are remembered.

Wayne’s work underscores the importance of acknowledging the past to heal and move forward, emphasizing that "We all have a creator that's in charge... and there are miracles that happen every day." ([16:52])

The episode concludes by reflecting on the profound connections between the living and the dead, and the enduring significance of remembrance:

Wayne Lee [55:58]: "Person, your relative, and that this was their life, this is when they were born and died, and this is where they live. Showing respect."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Wayne Lee [04:30]: "I'm Wayne Lee. I'm a douser."
• Wayne Lee [16:52]: "It has strengthened my faith. It has told me that just because you don't understand something doesn't mean it's not real."
• Wayne Lee [48:47]: "He did not have mental illness in the family. So, you know, there's some closure with that."
• Dr. Ralph Didlake [35:48]: "We have, in a way, inherited these patients and we want to care for them in the very best way we can."
• Wayne Lee [50:57]: "Mental illness is a tough thing, but I always knew we had been hearing that pellagra was involved in it, but I just never got it official until... yeah."
• Wayne Lee [55:58]: "Person, your relative, and that this was their life, this is when they were born and died, and this is where they live. Showing respect."

Final Thoughts

"Like They’re Reaching Out to Me" offers a deeply emotional and investigative look into the legacy of Mississippi’s old asylum. By intertwining personal narratives with historical analysis, Under Yazoo Clay not only honors the forgotten but also prompts listeners to reflect on the broader implications of memory, history, and reconciliation.