Page 1
Volume 6, Issue 2
THE SRAC JOURNAL
June 2010
Volume 6, Issue 2
THE SRAC JOURNAL T H E R EG I ON ’ S A R C H A E O LO G IC A L , C U LT U R A L , INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
AND
H I S T OR I C A L R E SO U R C E
MISSISSIPPIAN MACE FOUND LOCALLY
Mississippian Mace Found
1
Woolly Mammoth Exhibit Opens
1
SRAC Logo Items
4
SRAC Produced DVDs
5
New Imaging Technology
6
Look What’s New at SRAC
7
Andrew Burns Room Dedication
8
Early Frontier Jacket Donated
8
The Phone Call
9
SRAC Coming Events
12
Recent Activity
14
4th Grade Field Trip
15
Why Donate to SRAC
16
Welcome New Board Members!
17
ow! Go C online n Join SRA Center.org/join RA to www.S today!
BY
DEB TWIGG, SRAC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SRAC is forever having people bring in stone objects that they want us to identify or tell them if they are an artifact. We also have collectors come in often in the spring and summer months, reach in to their pockets and pull out still muddy arrowheads that they just returned from picking up in a local farmer’s field. To someone who doesn’t live in our area, this often sounds strange, but for hundreds of years, people have walked the river flats around our region. You can see them walking the rows after the farmers plow and a gentle rain has made it possible for the sparkle of flint on the ground to catch their eye. But they don’t only find arrowheads. Net sinkers, hammerstones, drills, sinew stones, and other stone tools are often found as well. In some rare cases even highly polished or rare artifacts such as bannerstones, birdstones, or pipes have been found. For instance, an SRAC member told me a few years ago about witnessing another collector walking a field and picking up a strange artifact that looked like a “crescent moon shaped blade with a 5inch handle.” And just about a year ago another SRAC member brought in the artifact shown here – called a mace. It is approximately 3.5 inches wide and 7.5 inches long, and has a red stain along its upper distal edge. It clearly has a shape not unlike ceremonial maces found at Mis(Continued on page 2)
SRAC OPENS WOOLLY MAMMOTH EXHIBIT!
• Our Vision
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies (S.R.A.C.) is dedicated to education, research and preservation of the Native American archaeological, cultural and historical assets of the Twin Tier Region of Northeastern PA and Southern NY.
In July 1983 a workman was loading a pile of debris which had been removed from an outlet of Spring Lake in Asylum Township owned by the late Walter Newton and his wife Jane, when he noticed what appeared to be an odd shaped piece of wood on the pile. It was not a piece of wood, and was later revealed to be part of the remains of a woolly mammoth. This discovery brought amateurs and professionals working side by side on what would later be known by many as the greatest excavation in Pennsylvania history. (Continued on page 5)
The Susquehanna Archaeological Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org BecomeRiver a member of Center SRACof Native today! See back page for more information.
Page 2
Volume 6, Issue 2
THE SRAC JOURNAL
MISSISSIPPIAN MACE FOUND LOCALLY CONT. functional –“crownshaped-head” above a midsection with semi-lunar projections.” The most common shaped maces that have been found to date are made of chipped flint or chert. Several identifying features can be seen in the diagram shown here to include a crown tip, distal end of crown, crown barb, side point, shank, handle and butt. The mace that was found locally has all of these features with the exception of a differentiation between the shank and handle, as do the maces shown here. In 1976, Brown also noted that this type of mace is a common form in the Southeast United states and at that time had been found as far north as Illinois to as far south as Louisiana. Pigmentation Jarrell Mace found in Pike County – Illinois, now in the Illinois State Museum
After I took several photos of the mace, I zoomed in and looked closer at the image to see if there were any marks or scrapes on it. Instead I found a reddish coloring on the upper right distal end of the crown. According to my research, red ochre (ferric oxide) has often been found on maces and other artifacts associated with them . It is important to note that some of these items have also been found with a greenish coloration caused by copper being found in association with them. J.G.Douglas, PhD , University of Illinois, states that, “copper, like mica and shell, is tied to sun symbolism because of its reflective property…and like red, has manitou power when used with weapons against supernatural beings.”
Lilbourn Mace – found in Madrid County, MO, now in the Museum of Anthropology, University of Missouri.
(Continued from page 1)
sissippian Mound sites. Some maces like the one found here can be seen below: Jarrell Mace: According to the Dickson Mounds Museum in Illinois, “W.D. Martin discovered the Jarrell mace in 1915 while plowing a field in Pike County next to the Illinois River. Martin's son-in-law, J. F. Jarrell, obtained the mace and took it to Colorado. It remained in his, then his daughter's, possession for the next 89 years, despite interest shown by the Smithsonian Institution and requests from collectors to purchase it. With the passing of Virginia Jarrell Burke, the heirs of the Jarrell estate decided to return this important remnant of Illinois' prehistoric culture to its home state. On the recommendation of Ray Fraser of Schaumburg, Illinois, the heirs chose Dickson Mounds Museum as a repository because of its focus on Mississippian Culture and its location (only 60 miles from where the mace was found).” Lilbourn Mace: According to my sources the Lilbourn Mace was found at the Lilbourn site (23NM38), New Madrid County, MO and is made of Mill Creek Chert. Mace Shapes According to James A. Brown of Northwestern University, (1976) “The “crowned” biface is typically large and appears to represent a particular war club style in polished chipped flint. Consistent attributes of this socio-technic artifact are
Cultural Affiliation and Use Maces are categorized in the Mississippian (last Mound Builder ) period. Earlier Mound Builder cultures include the Adena, who were known for their huge conical mounds, (example, Miamisburg Mound, Miamisburg, Ohio) the Hopewell culture, known for their geom etric shaped mounds. (example Newark earthworks, Newark, Ohio,) and the Fort Ancient culture, known for their effigy shaped mounds, (example, effigy mound complex in the Wyalusing State Park in Wisconsin.) To read more about these cultures and watch video tours of their mound s i t e s , v i s i t m y www.Spanishhill.com website and click the “Types of Mounds” button. The Mississippian culture (named for their locations in the Mississippi valley region) were known for their temple mound structures , intricate religious practices, and centralized (Continued on page 3)
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 3
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
MISSISSIPPIAN MACE FOUND LOCALLY CONT. (Continued from page 2)
man, possibly supernatural being, which brandishes a mace in one hand and a human head in the other.
societal structures, and illustrates the peak of technical and Strangely, the actual maces represented on the shell gorartistic age for the prehistoric period in North America. gets appear in archaeological record as tokens of value, The Mississippian people lived approximately from 800 to possessed by people of high rank and used for display as a sign of wealth, dignity and social position. According to 1500 A.D. (early European contact.) some researchers, they were also part of a prestige goods The map below shows all of the Mississippian sites known exchange system used for social status, political power, to have existed from small temple towns with just a few and providing military authority to those that possessed it. temple mounds to Cahokia which is the largest Mississippian site, having many temple mounds and once had a To have been buried with a mace then, would symbolize that particular person’s status and use in the afterlife. population of 10,000 or more people. Archaeological Implications and Difficulties of a Locally Found Mace By now, I am sure that you can understand that maces are very rare. For that reason, we are trying to find out as much as we can about the one that was found in our region. A complicating factor is that no Mississippian sites have been identified in our region. Because of this, I have looked outside of our region for help understand this artifact, and I want to thank those of you that have sent me information from around the country, helping me to put this short article together. Kevin Sampson from the Dickson Mound Museum in Illinois referred me to a cache of maces and other blades that was found in Humphreys County, Tennessee which was said at that time to be the greatest single archaeological find ever made in the United States. "This discovery,----was later to become known as the "Duck River Cache."(reference: 1981, H. C. Brehm, "The History Of The Duck River Cache," Miscellaneous Paper No. 6, Tennessee Anthropological Association, p. 1.) The cache was discovered in 1894 by an employee on a farm in western Tennessee. The cache contains 46 bifaces that were flaked into many different forms .The cache was discovered on a farm owned by Mr. Banks Links. They were found on land that is described as "having been in cultivation for many years.” It is also said that red ochre was found smeared on the items, not unlike the mace that was found locally. Priests governed the fortified towns. Population centers were found in river basins, as their culture was sustained by the cultivation of crops such as corn, beans, squash but continued to take advantage of the plentiful supplies of local nuts, fruits, and wild game and fish. The leaders lived in temples atop large earthen mounds overlooking a central ceremonial plaza. The primary population lived in single family structures situated on the flat land surrounding the mounds. The mace supposedly identified a person of high status and was most likely the axe-like object used in sacrificial ceremonies. The illustration to the right is a shell gorget that was found at the Castalian Springs Mound in Tennessee and dates to 1200 – 1450 AD. It supposedly portrays a hu-
Today the Duck River Cache is on display at the Frank H. McClung museum at Knoxville, Tennessee. The cache on display in McClung Museum in Knoxville, Tennessee. In the bottom center area of the cache (Continued on page 4)
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 4
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
MISSISSIPPIAN MACE FOUND LOCALLY CONT. (Continued from page 3)
display picture you can see the maces found in the Duck River Cache. The interesting thing about the Duck River Cache items is that Native American chiefs valued these ceremonial weapons manufactured by Duck River artisans. Items created by these master stoneworkers have been excavated at Toqua in East Tennessee, Etowah in Georgia, Moundville in Alabama, Kincaid in Illinois, and Spiro in Oklahoma. This tells me that the mace that was found here could also be a trade item coming from another region of the country. Associated Artifact Even more incredible to me was the upper right corner of the picture of the Duck River Cache (shown here); crescentshaped blades with handles – just like I had been told about a few years ago being found at the same site where the mace was later found…Like the mace, the crescent shaped blade is very rare (possibly more rare than the mace) and was made from chipped flint or chert. The sad truth concerning the discovery of this blade is that it actually rarer than the mace – and after it was found – it was immediately sold for cash. For this reason, it will never be used as evidence to help us understand this site and the people who used it, nor can we as a community ever see it logical and historical assets for the communities within the as evidence of the people who lived here before us. This Twin Tier Region of Southeastern NY and Northeastern PA. We are staffed 100% by volunteers, and need your support sadly continues to be an ongoing theme for our region. to keep our efforts going. Please consider supporting our Stay tuned for more information on these efforts! efforts today. SRAC is a non-profit organization (501c3) dedicated to education, research and preservation of the region's archaeo-
SRAC LOGO ITEMS AVAILABLE Did you know that you can purchase your own SRAC logo items? There are a limited number of SRAC logo items available in the SRAC gift shop, but you can go online and special order from a large variety of items. Go to http://www.cafepress.com/SRAC, to place your orders. Show your support on your chest……..or your head…..or your coffee mug…….or dog…...and much, much more!
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 5
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
SRAC OPENS WOOLLY MAMMOTH EXHIBIT! CONT. (Continued from page 1)
SRAC Executive Director Ted Keir, and several other SRAC members and Andaste Chapter of PA Archaeology members were there at Spring Lake back in 1983 for this amazing moment in history. The excavation was overseen by the Carnegie Museum in Pittsburgh, PA; where the remains of the woolly mammoth are to this day. It has long been a dream of the Andaste Chapter of PA Archaeology to bring this story and its historical significance back home. To make this dream a reality, Sylvia Wilson , and the Andaste Chapter leadership submitted a grant request to the Alan Pierce Foundation for the funds needed to acquire exact replicas of the 10 foot tusk, teeth, and jaw bone of the mammoth find. That request was granted and the project began; beginning with the tireless efforts of SRAC Board of Directors member Tom Vallilee. Local artists Brian Denlinger, Peter Quilles, Frank Evans, and Craig and Rita Morey were commissioned to bring this important moment in local history to life. After many months of hard work, on April 3rd, 2010 the exhibit became a dream come true for many!
Saturday, April 3rd was one of those nights that will be remembered by everyone for a very long time to come. The evening began with the opening ceremony; featuring Waverly Mayor Kyle McDuffee and Pennsylvania State Representative Tina Pickett. During the opening ceremony Tina Pickett presented Ted Keir with an award in recognition of his decades of contribution to the education of the areas citizens. Later a program of all of the photos that SRAC has collected in relation to the mammoth exhibition was played, with Ted Keir discussing each photo as they were shown on the big screen. In addition, the newsreel filmed by a Scranton TV station from 1983 was shown. The newsreel really struck everyone with the importance of the excavation of the woolly mammoth at Spring Lake. And finally came the actual unveiling of the exhibit. It was incredible to see the reaction of the many people in attendance, and it was especially inspiring for those that had worked so hard for so long to make it happen.
SRAC PRODUCED DVDS ON SALE **You can purchase the Woolly Mammoth DVD that was presented during the opening ceremony to the speakers and others. They are on sale at the SRAC gift shop for just $5.99 plus tax. If you would like to purchase a copy for home delivery, send $7.99 (to include shipping) to SRAC Woolly Mammoth Dig DVD, PO Box 12, Sayre, PA 18840 and don't forget to include your mailing address.
**Also still available - SRAC's first movie "Glimpses of Our Past" tells the story of the thousands of years that man lived in our region and is available now at SRAC! BONUS: The DVD also includes two full length presentations! $9.99 plus tax at the gift shop, or send $11.99, along with your mailing address, to SRAC Glimpses of Our Past, PO Box 12, Sayre, PA 18840. All proceeds benefit the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center. The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 6
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
New Imaging Technology Rediscovers Ancient Falcon Effigy Mound Ted Sojka: Native Earthworks Preservation / Iowa LIDAR is a new imaging technology that uses lasers to measure the elevation of the ground and provides the greatest possible detail of elevations. It can be used to produce three dimensional computer models of archaeological sites or rock art features, and recently was used to discover a new effigy mound in Wisconsin. Good friend, Ted Sojka of Iowa’s Native Earthworks Preservation discusses the recent discovery below:
earth carried up these bluffs from the Mississippi bottoms. They have layers of different colored soil depending on what the river brought at times when annual or even less regular maintenance was done centuries ago. Mounds like the ghost eagle mound along the Wisconsin River bottoms were so large that they were not discovered until aerial photography. They were thousands of feet long and did not look like anything until people had a way to view them from above, and have been confirmed by satellite images. An archeologist of the Ho Chunk Nation in Wisconsin, who is himself a Seneca, says these massive earthworks were like a popup book on the ground, representing things in the night sky. In the case of this Peregrine, maybe the day sky, older residents of the area have told Audubon Society members that when they were young, before radio and TV, they watched the falcons chase off eagles from their cliff-side nests, and dispatch the much larger raptors with great speed and precision. To them it was entertainment.
Ted Sojka of Iowa’s Native Earthworks Preservation Pointing at a Bird Effigy Mound Below
The population of migrating birds is growing after years of help with nesting problems due to DDT used along the river and in the adjacent farm fields which caused the eggs to become too thin to hatch naturally. They were collected; chicks fed by hand until they were old enough to survive predators and sometimes even returned to nests or nest boxes that were placed in protected areas as the numbers did not allow raccoon and possum to endanger the young birds. After many years they now are breeding on their own, their DNA is mapped and closely followed. City skyscrapers and even coal fired chimneys on power plants were used in this save the falcons project. (For more information Google the Raptor Resource Center run by Bob Anderson.)
“Here is an example of an earthwork recently found by the lidar image process that shows a Peregrine Falcon effigy mound that is near Cassville, WI. It measures 270 ft wing tip to tip. There are many others here at Effigy Mounds National Monument in Iowa in the 60 to 100 foot range in width along with the bears and other animals just a few miles away. They’re like giant animal crackers made of tons of I think these ancient images like the one just discovered were in honor of the creators work. A basket of earth up the steepest hill in your area and you gain an appreciation of the ancient peoples work. In the 70's I worked with young students carrying bags of lime to outline some of the mounds in Effigy Mounds National Monument. A bag of lime on an Eagle Scout backpack was a daunting task for the youngsters, and those of us who tried to keep up with them. We are no longer allowed in mounds; but when this was done one could actually see tamping marks made by ancient baskets in the clay of the layers of the soil in the mounds. The work was done by Dr. R. Clark Mallam of Luther College in Northeast Iowa. White outlines were the only way to see the mounds from the air and see the relationship they had to each other. A particular group of mounds always reminded me of the big dipper constellation. When he was dying from cancer Dr. Mallam wistfully said these images were the interface of the world here on earth and whatever LIDAR Photograph of Peregrine Falcon Effigy (Continued on page 7)
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 7
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
New Imaging Technology Rediscovers Ancient Falcon Effigy Mound cont. forming the traveler of food, fuel, and lodging. Think on that awhile and it makes sense.
(Continued from page 6)
the world we call heaven, or their native version of this place. A few years ago the town put in homage to the mound builders to honor what was removed, and Eagle Scouts carried Think about when food production and gathering was the the earth to make the mound permanent. It was covered in main job of people who lived in this place 1200 or more Prairie Grasses, and I had the honor and privilege to help years ago. They would spend much summer hunting time to them design an image similar to the one below. A smoke do this work as a group. There is plenty of evidence that the ceremony was done to bless the valley by a native descenmounds were cleared and sometimes burned before new dant of those who bear the town and counties name. ??? layers were added. They were not built like a dam with said wisely, “that anything that honors those who have speed in completion as the task like modern methods of hill- walked here before us is a good thing" - Ted Sojka side erosion pond dams or earthworks. It was ritual work and some say in the archeological community, that a population increase made a surplus of people and summer food from the river available to create these effigies. We don't know the whole story and it is very hard to put our mind sets at the task of interpreting those who lived here a thousand or more years ago. I was an art educator and just appreciate the beauty and magnitude of the projects. In my town we bulldozed some of the mounds back in the 1950's for flood control levees, as we built without the knowledge of how high the water can get. The mounds were built above the flood plain. I was told they could be seen by travelers on the ancient canoe trails that showed that there was fish, game, and good water, in the area for the traveler. A Ho-Chunk archeologist said the mounds in some cases were like the road signs along the Interstate Highway, in-
Look What’s New at SRAC! There are always new things happening at SRAC. You are likely to find something new every time you stop by to visit. You’ll also find a lot of what’s new in every journal we put out, and you may have also noticed our presence around the community on signs directing visitors to our center. The latest news is that now we are even on television!!! Woolly Mammoth Touch Screen Movie Kiosk! The SRAC Mammoth Exhibit now has a touchscreen movie kiosk that plays several videos to educate the public about the woolly mammoth excavation in Asylum Township, PA in 1983 as well as about the region's prehistoric and early historic past.
SRAC's New TV Commercial! Those of you that get channel 12 WBNGTV will be seeing SRAC's new TV commercial - - We have also loaded it up on YouTube so you can play it on our website!-Please share! http://sracenter.blogspot.com/2010/06/sracs-new-tvcommercial.html
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 8
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
Andrew A. Burns Room Dedication at SRAC The SRAC Exhibit Hall was dedicated to and named in memory of Andrew A. Burns during a recent ceremony at the Susquehanna River Archaeological Center (SRAC) in Waverly, NY. The Board of Directors and Barbara Sowinski of Standing Stone, PA viewed the plaque in his honor. An engineer by profession, Andrew later purchased and expanded the historic Three Bear Inn in Marathon, NY. Retiring to Standing Stone, PA, Andrew followed another passion throughout the U. S., Central and South America researching many ancient cultures. Involved in many organizations in Bradford County and a strong supporter of gun rights, Andrew donated his estate to the National Rifle Association. SRAC used the donation to complete interior and exterior renovations for the main floor of the Center located at 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY. The gift funded projects including: designing and constructing the display case containing the replica of an actual tusk and jaw of a locally (Spring Lake) excavated Woolly Mammoth, creating the storyboard, kiosk, and murals for the woolly mammoth exhibit, installing new front doors to SRAC, carpeting the lecture hall, repairing a small area on the roof and drain that had begun to leak, fabricating and installing the door leading to the second floor, upgrading the stairs and back doors to the lecture
hall, removing, insulating, and replacing the exterior woodwork on the side and rear of the building, covering the back windows of the Center with insulation and painted boards to match the remainder of the building. SRAC’s Deb Twigg commented, “Because of the generosity of Barbara Sowinski, SRAC has finished renovations of the main floor of our Center, and has begun making plans for the other two floors in the coming year. We’d like to thank all of the people who have supported us through our first two and a half years in Waverly, and look forward to many more thanks to the support we have received from our community.” SRAC is open from 1-5pm Mondays through Fridays and Saturdays from 11am – 4pm. To learn more about SRAC, visit www.SRACenter.org.
Early Frontier Jacket Donated to SRAC The Wayne, NY Historical Society recently donated a rawhide jacket to SRAC that is reportedly over 150 years old and made by a member of the Cree Indian tribe. The Cree Indians live in southern Canada and in some parts of the United States; North Dakota and Montana. The jacket, which is now on display at SRAC was a part of the Edward Wixon collection in Wayne, NY and will continue with that name at SRAC. “We want to thank the Wayne Historical Society for thinking of SRAC when they were looking for a new home for this impressive artifact,” SRAC’s executive director Deb Twigg stated, “it is the first piece of clothing that we have added to our exhibit and I am sure it will be a popular piece with our visitors.” SRAC is located at 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY and is open from 1-5pm Mondays through Fridays and Saturdays from 11am – 4pm. To learn more about SRAC, visit www.SRACenter.org. The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 9
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
THE PHONE CALL BY DEB TWIGG, SRAC EXECTIVE DIRECTOR In April I received a phone call that really made me think about what matters……and what just doesn't. You see it seems to me that there are books out there (best sellers even) about how to "get ahead" in life, how to be a SUCCESS, and how to make a lot of money. But there doesn't seem to be a lot written on the art of being true to yourself, following your life's passions, doing what you said you would because YOU SAID YOU WOULD, or just doing what is right for the simple reason that it's the right thing to do. Some may attribute this all to the fact that this is the second year that I had to spend Mother's Day, my birthday, and my mom's birthday without her all in the same week, (and if you knew her, you know that is where I gained the values that I have)....But I will tell you that while losing my mother has point was that he usually charged $5,000 for what I was askbeen the hardest thing that I ever have dealt with, that the ing him and his boys to do for us, and I remember telling him phone call that I received last week was indeed the icing on that there was no way that SRAC could afford it... the cake... How do I explain what happened next? If I were to be totally Let's face it... we all know people in our lives that spend their honest, I'd tell you that I wondered if I had caught Derrick lives trying to get ahead and others that follow their heart after a drink or two or it was that he was as impressed with and their passions...And sometimes when we lose one of my background and life passion with SRAC as I was with his the latter, it somehow makes a ripple...at times even casts a with his boys and his bears...but whatever the answer really shred of darkness in that space in our hearts that, for lack of was, when I asked him what his bare minimum fee to get a better term, I’ll call the place where HOPE and Faith in him to SRAC would be - Derrick simply laughed and said, "My bare minimum for you is spelled "B-E-A-R" - and we are Mankind still reigns. coming to Waverly." While my life has been blessed with many that I could say fit this description, it is at this time that I want to share a story And so it was that we started to plan the "Bears on Broad with you about a friend of mine that I met just last summer, Street" event. named Derrick Rosaire. Talk about trusting someone you just met! - I trusted him For those of you that do not recall, Derrick, otherwise known enough to even keep it a secret from our board that Derrick as "the Bear Guy" and his two sons came to SRAC last Au- was admitted to the hospital near Albany and was on IV antibiotics for an infected leg for several weeks before he was gust in an event we dubbed, "Bears on Broad Street." to come to Waverly! In fact, he "coincidentally" was disI met Derrick in Owego at the County Fair where he and his charged with just enough travel time to make it to SRAC for boys worked with five bears in a live show that simply our event. (Strangely, none of you who attended the shows amazed me. After that show I asked Frederick the youngest could have noticed simply because as he and the boys reson who stayed out with his bear "Indian" after the show to lated to me that you can never show weakness with bears ask his father to come out to talk with me. A short time later that are actually predators...) Derrick in his "Grizzly Adams" attire and mountain man beard appeared and we discussed my idea of bringing the Even with Derrick sick and everything rushed to get setup show to downtown Waverly later that summer...He told me that day - it was a great community event that was well atthat he would get back to me about it, and as I road home tended and was an incredible feat to say the least for even with Susan and her daughter, Jessica... they both laughed getting a live bear show in downtown Waverly! To see the at my idea and picked that I was a dreamer, etc...We still slide show from the event go to http://www.sracenter.org/ SRAC_Bears_Slideshow/ laugh about that today... It was a few weeks later that Derrick and I were back in touch on the phone and it was early evening after Derrick had a long hard day in the sun performing for a fair somewhere in upstate NY. As I recall - we chatted for a long time about SRAC, Indians and Bears, and the business side of getting them to perform in downtown Waverly. The sticking
We actually packed three shows in just one afternoon to make enough $$ to break even, and Frederick laughed when he told me that the bears were totally confused at doing three back to back shows like we did - and that before each new show the bears would look at them as if to say (Continued on page 10)
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 10
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
The Phone Call cont. me about not showing weakness in front of a predator, and then he related a story about Pam's chimps and how he had limped on a bad ankle once in front of them only to have one take him out at the knees "like a football player" and have the rest jump on him and start wrenching on that bad ankle....When I asked him how he got them off, he just laughed and said his sister Pam took care of them...that she loved them as if they were her children, but she had several belts in many types of martial arts, and that she kept her role as the matriarch with her chimps at all times. Derrick and Frederick chimed in their deep respect for their aunt Pam who today still trains her chimps - some of whom she has had their whole lives...over forty years. Derrick went on to talk about how Pam in adulthood had even taken care of two rather large fellows in New Orleans one night when "weren't we just out there?" as they took them back out to they had tried to push her little brother Derrick around. start again! As I said before, I had received a phone call that has made After the day was over and as Derrick Jr. and Frederick me think about all of these things - not least of all what the loaded tons of donated dog biscuits, fruits and vegetables "successful person" (type A from above) would have called and breads into their truck along with the bears and all of "a loss" for both the Rosaire's Bears and the SRAC bottom their stage equipment - Derrick and I chatted about their line for the event that took place last August...but for those next stop - one that Derrick and the boys were very excited of us that value B.) the art of being true to yourself, following about - to meet up with his sister Pam and to spend some your life's passions, doing what you said you would because time with her up in the Catskill mountains. YOU SAID YOU WOULD, or just doing what is right for the simple reason that it's the right thing to do - I think you know For those of you that did not see the Rosaire movie that we what my answer would be on the subject. played before and after the event, Pam Rosaire is also an animal trainer Sadly, I cannot call or email Derrick to have him comment, who would because that phone call that I received last week was from tell you that his distraught son Derrick JR, who called to tell me that his she trains dad passed away a few months ago of cancer. possibly the most danger- At this time, my heart goes out to the entire Rosaire family ous animal (To learn more about what they as a family do all year act of them round, visit: http://bigcathabitat.org/index.html ) for the loss all - older of their husband, brother, and uncle - and to Derrick Jr. and chimpanzees. Frederick - I send you hugs and prayers. You were blessed (From what I to have such a wonderful person as your dad and to have understand, shared such a close relationship with him....I know you are most trainers going through the worst time in your lives right now, and will do not train need time to heal. chimps after the age of 7 - Staying true to their family roots and their father's wishes, because that Derrick Jr. also informed me that he and his brother Frederis when they ick will continue their Rosaire's Bears show and will even be get a little trying to work in another stop in Waverly someday. harder to handle...)In In the meantime, I have decided start an SRAC/Derrick Rofact, when I saire Memorial Fund and you can donate to it simply sendasked Derrick ing your tax deductible donation to SRAC/Derrick Rosaire why he didn't Memorial Fund, PO Box 12, Sayre, PA 18840. I will collect it limp on his and send all $$ received directly to his kids - who without infected leg in their dad will have a long haul on the road this summer. front of the bears, he told The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 11
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
Local Community Development Board Appointment SRACs Deb Twigg was recently appointed to the Local Community Development Board. The board seat is appointed by the Tioga County Legislature and meets every month to discuss opportunities and issues surrounding Tioga County Tourism. Deb commented on her new position stating, "My hope is that by dedicating time to this board that I can represent the eastern portion of Tioga County and instill new interests in developing tourism here."
Gloria Dick Donates Collection Gloria Dick recently donated the collection that she and her late husband had spent a lifetime accruing.
Contact Us!
Our Headquarters Mail: SRAC PO Box 12 Sayre, PA 18840 Phone: 607-727-3111 Email: info@SRACenter.org
SRAC would like to thank Gloria for her generous gift, and for her trust and faith in our organization and its mission.
Our Center Location: 345 Broad St. Waverly, NY
THANK YOU!
Phone: 607-565-7960 Website: SRACenter.org Online Giftshop: SRACenter.org/store Gloria Dick with some of the many artifacts from the Dick Collection, now on display at SRAC.
RECENT CONTRIBUTORS TO SRAC Special thanks to the following for their support: • Lincoln Street School • Diane Menio • The Twigg Family • IBM • Jack Andrus • Janice Bennett • Gloria Dick
• • • • • • • •
The Wayne NY Historical • Susan Fogel Society • Mary Keene Hal and Janet Lambert • Andaste Chapter of PA Janet Andrus Archaeology Ted Keir Family Maryann Taylor Peggy Burkhart Chappel Lumber Dan Johnson
Online Membership: SRACenter.org/join SRAC Blog: SRACenter.blogspot.co m Online Donations: SRACenter.org/ donations Mobile Website: SRACenter.org/mobile
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 12
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
Coming Events at SRAC— SRAC—August– October 2010 Barclay Mountain by Matt Carl - Bradford County Historical Society When: Tue, August 3, 6:30pm – 7:30pm Where: SRAC - 345 Broad Street Waverly, NY Description: "Old Barclay: A History of Coal Mining on Barclay Mountain" "Old Barclay: A History of Coal Mining on Barclay Mountain" reviews the story of Barclay Mountain's now deserted coal mining settlements, including Barclay, Fall Creek, Dublin, Graydon, Foot of Plane, Carbon Run, and Long Valley. The old methods of coal mining are described and the development of the incline plane, railroad, and canal system are also briefly discussed. Matthew Carl is Manager/Curator at the Bradford County Historical Society. Admission is $5 per adult, $4 for SRAC members and students. Admission includes entrance to the SRAC exhibit hall. Stay tuned for additional events throughout the summer!(SRAC Events Calendar) Don't forget - SRAC members attend all SRAC exhibits for FREE every day and kids who take the SRAC Exhibit Hall Quiz win a free prize! Join today! Hours of Operation: Tuesdays - Fridays 1 - 5pm, Saturdays 11- 4pm SRAC is a nonprofit organization and is staffed 100% by volunteers. Please consider supporting our efforts in whatever way you can! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Central NY Ghost Hunters When: Sat, August 7, 6:30pm – 7:30pm Where: SRAC 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY Description: Stacey Jones "Ghost Cop": Top female Paranormal Investigator in USA Stacey was on 2 episodes of "A Haunting" on Discovery Channel; "Hidden Terror" and "Ghost Hunter" She was also on the series "One Step Beyond"-Discovery Channel, and featured on upcoming episode of "Ghost Adventures", She is also the lead in upcoming "CNY Spirits" -The CW Syracuse 8/28/10 Stacey gives lectures around the country for colleges, universities and Paranormal Conferences and founded 1st Paranormal Investigation Team in New York-called the "Central New York Ghost Hunters" which is the largest group in New York state. She has 25 years experience and CNY Ghost Hunters have been voted 2nd Best Organization in USA! Don't miss your chance to meet the most experienced paranormal investigator New York state! General Admission: $6, SRAC members and students $4. Admission price includes admission to the SRAC exhibit hall. Presale tickets are available at SRAC during normal business hours. *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
PA Andaste Chapter of Archaeology: The Kennedy Site: by Ted Keir When: Mon, August 16, 6:30pm – 7:30pm Where: SRAC - 345 Broad Street, Waverly, NY Description: The "Kennedy site" is the Athens Susquehannock archaeological site having a large longhouse and village. Historical artifacts were found at the site that relate the people who lived there to those who were were thought to have left our region earlier than this site suggests, while other artifacts relate the site to some of the earlier sites known in Athens. As result, this site and our area has (Continued on page 13)
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 13
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
Coming Events at SRAC— SRAC—August– October 2010 been thought of by many as the birth place of the Susquehannock warriors - who would become the only tribe that the Iroquois would ever fear. Many other interesting facts about this site will be shared on this free night of education presented by the Andaste Chapter of Pennsylvania and Ted Keir. Admission: Free Admission Night! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Stories from the Natural World - Ed Nizalowski, Newark Valley Historical Society When: Tue, September 7, 6:30pm – 7:30pm Where: SRAC - 34 Broad Street Waverly, NY Description: *Stories From the Natural World*, by Ed Nizalowski, Newark Valley Historical Society The Southern Tier prior to the Revolutionary War was the realm of Native Americans who took the bounty of the land, soil and forest in ways that had been developed and sustained for centuries. Although native tribes had altered the environment to suit special needs, the white settlers who streamed in after the Revolution entered a cornucopia of animal life and plant life all sustained by a forest that offered some of the finest building material in the world. Nizalowski will present how the past 200+ years the transformation that has taken place in the natural world of the Southern Tier has been remarkable to say the least. Those interested in wildlife can read the first reports of animals making their reappearance in Tioga County including the white tail deer, beaver, bear, coyote and bald eagle. Three possible sightings of the eastern mountain lion are sure to be intriguing. Forest history includes accounts of the chestnut blight, Dutch elm disease, wide spread tree plantings in the first quarter of the century and the development of state forests in the 1930's. Ed has been involved with the Newark Valley Historical Society for over 30 years and has developed a special interest in ethnic, immigrant and minority groups along with both agricultural and environmental history. Doors open at 6pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for SRAC members and students. Admission to the SRAC Exhibit Hall Filled with thousands of local artifacts is free with admission to the presentation *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Nasca Plain Drawings in Peru- David Johnson NYSAA When: Sat, October 9, 2pm – 3pm Where: SRAC 345 broad street Waverly Description: David Johnson- 845-454-1860 golbaldi@optonline.net More information to follow!!! *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 14
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
R E C E NT A CT IV I T Y AT S R AC There is always something happening at SRAC! Whether it’s public events, educational programs, regular business hours, or the many hours spent behind the scenes by our fabulous volunteers, there is always something going on at the center. Every time you visit, it’s something new!
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 15
THE SRAC JOURNAL
Volume 6, Issue 2
4TH GRADE FIELD TRIP One of the most fun things that we do at SRAC is to host field trips for the local 4th grades. This year marked our 5th field trip for Sayre's H. Austin Snyder 4th grade - and we all agree that things just get better every time, and we can't help but be so very proud of the childhood memories we made for 60 great kids today. The students were broken up into their three groups, and they rotated through three stations: #1 Ted Keir - "All About the Woolly Mammoth", #2 Dick Cowles - "Early European Trade", and #3 - Jack Andrus - "Native American Children Stories." The students all then took the SRAC Exhibit Hall quiz and won prizes. We also want to give special thanks to McDonald's for giving each student a gift certificate for attending the event! Most importantly, thank you to everyone who made this event as special as it was - along with Ted, Dick and Jack, SRAC's Peggy Burkhart, Susan Fogel, and Tom Vallilee and let's not forget three awesome 4th grade teachers, Robin Munn, Greg Dehahn, and Barb Anderson!
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 16
Volume 6, Issue 2
THE SRAC JOURNAL
W H Y D O N AT E TO S R AC ? SRAC is a 501c3 (nonprofit organization) and all of our funding comes from our membership, the revenues that we can generate at the Center, and donations from incredible philanthropic organizations such as the Allen Pierce and Mildred Faulkner Truman foundations and generous individuals like you. Thank you to all of you that have supported us over the years. We hope that you can understand the importance of our mission and how important your support is for us to continue to thrive and succeed. We see every dollar donated to SRAC as an investment in our community. As you learn more about SRAC, we trust that you will too. Here are a some of the ways that you can help fund SRAC: Room Dedication Opportunity! Donors have the opportunity to have the SRAC Lecture Hall dedicated in a manner specified by the donor. This could be living tribute and/or an eternal memorial, and it is currently available for just one donor for a donation of $25,000 or more. Contact executive director, Deb Twigg at 607-727-3111 or dtwigg@sracenter.org to learn more. SRAC Journal Advertising/Sponsorships! Platinum $500.00 - Our top level of the SRAC Journal sponsorship! With your donation of $500 you will be facilitating the printing of one quarterly journal. Your donation will be recognized with a full half-page gray-scale or black and white ad that can measure up to 7 1/2� wide by 5� tall. Donations can also be made at the following levels for ads in smaller sizes: Gold $100.00 (4 lines of text, up to 35 characters each); Silver $50.00 (3 lines of text, up to 35 characters each); Supporter $25.00 (2 lines of text, up to 35 characters each); Friend $10.00 (1 line of text, up to 35 characters) Contact executive director, Deb Twigg at 607-727-3111 or dtwigg@sracenter.org to learn more.
The Leadership Company 234 Main Street Your Town, USA 555555-555555-5555
The Lucky Penny Club
The Hollowell Family Jan, Christy Ryan, Allison, and Tommy
The Johnson Family In loving memory of our dad John
Donate a Local Collection. SRAC supports our local collectors. Since 2005, SRAC has received ten collections and thousands of local Native American artifacts. We hope that our local collectors continue to fieldwalk and enjoy their collections. Without them, we would have very little evidence of our Native Indian past that remains in our community. All we ask is that they consider planning ahead. As many of you already know, many of our local collections have been lost in the past by ending up at auction houses at which point they were lost forever. SRAC was founded for this very purpose - to allow our private collectors a place where their collections can be housed in their name forever when they are ready to consider a new home for them; to consider the community's need to be able to see them and learn about our Native Indian past, and to allow more research to continue. For these reasons, SRAC will accept private collections (artifacts, books, etc) or will work with collectors for a future donation of a collection and will preserve and use them to benefit the community in the education of our local history for many generations to come. Looking for Instructors! SRAC is looking for instructors for educational, art, healthy living, and exercise classes. Please call Deb Twigg to discuss further at 607-727-3111.
Volunteers at SRAC usually volunteer for two hours a week. If you have two hours to come and have fun with us, please call Deb Twigg at 607-727-3111. Anyone who volunteers for 7 hour or more a month gets free admission to all SRAC events!
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 17
Volume 6, Issue 2
THE SRAC JOURNAL
SRAC Welcomes Two New Board Members! SRAC is proud to announce the latest additions to the SRAC board of directors, Peg Burkhart of Sayre, PA, and Mary Keene of Waverly, NY. The additional seats make a total of eleven very active and talented board members for SRAC. Peg holds a BS degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the Pennsylvania State University and an MS in Education from Elmira College. She also was involved in elementary education before retirement. Currently, she is the President of the Valley Library Association representing Spalding Memorial Library in Athens, Sayre Public Library, and Waverly Free Library. She is also the Vice President and Sayre representative of the nine member library System Board of the Bradford County Libraries. Peg is also the corresponding Secretary and Gift Shop committee chair of the Sayre Historical Society and member and past president of the Sayre Public Library Board.
Newest SRAC Board Member, Mary Keene
Mary is a local native of Waverly, NY and has been a volunteer at the Center for the past two years. Mary is also involved with the Garden Club and Altar and Rosary Society at St. James Church in Waverly where she is very active. Mary is the only volunteer who took on one full 4 hour shift (Wednesdays) every week for the past year. She claims that she does it because she is very interested in the development of downtown Waverly, and also loves that SRAC gives the Valley access to educational offerings and a museum based on our prehistoric past that did not exist before. From the board's standpoint, Mary already has been a leader for us in so many ways, and we consider the board appointment will give her the seat with the other leaders of SRAC that she deserves. Mary also enjoys sewing, gardening, and painting. Clearly, Peg and Mary both add additional historical, educational, leadership and community experience. As SRAC moves into their next phases of development, we know that Peg and Mary will be invaluable in helping us continue to succeed in the future plans.
SRAC Board Members Janet Andrus and Peggy Burkhart
Did you know that SRAC was founded in 2005? In December 2007 we bought the building that is now our Center at 345 Broad St., Waverly, NY; and in just over two years, with the support if so many philanthropists and volunteers, we have renovated what was once an eye sore into a bustling Center with a gift shop, lecture hall, and exhibit hall for our community!
SRAC operates with 100% volunteer staffing. The people listed below donate hundreds of hours every month to make SRAC a success. Thank you for all that you do! We survive because of your efforts!
SRAC Board of Directors
SRAC Volunteers
•
Deb Twigg
•
Tom Vallilee
•
Don Hunt
•
Beryl Cleary
•
Dick Cowles
•
Janet Andrus
•
Peggy Burkhart
•
Sam Ayers
•
Ted Keir
•
Mary Ann Taylor
•
Mary Keene
•
Pat Miran
•
Susan Fogel
•
Mark Madill
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org
Page 18
THE SRAC JOURNAL
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies PO Box 12 Sayre, PA 18840
Volume 6, Issue 2
Return Service Requested
- cut here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Type
Annual Fee
Benefits
Student
$15.00
Newsletter, special events, exclusive offers, and special discounts.
Senior (65 and over)
$15.00
Newsletter, special events, exclusive offers, and special discounts.
Family
$25.00
Newsletter, special events, exclusive offers, and special discounts.
Individual
$20.00
Newsletter, special events, exclusive offers, and special discounts.
Research Partner (Ind.)
$100.00
Newsletter, special events, exclusive offers, special discounts, and online database collection access.
Corporate or Group
$250.00
Newsletter, special events, exclusive offers, and special discounts.
Benefactor
$500.00 One Time
Lifetime membership and newsletters, special events, exclusive offers, and special discounts. Address:
Name:
Email: Phone: Become a member of SRAC!
• • •
Please check the type of membership you wish to apply for. Fill out the information above. Submit this form with a check for the appropriate amount to: SRAC, PO Box 12, Sayre 18840
The Susquehanna River Archaeological Center of Native Indian Studies ~ www.SRACenter.org ~ email Info@SRACenter.org