Thursday, February 25, 2010

Mead Stapler: A Personal Remembrance

MEAD STAPLER
November 30, 1919 – November 13, 2009


A PERSONAL REMEMBRANCE
by
Edward J. Lenik
I first met Mead Stapler in 1960 at a historical society meeting in Newfoundland, New Jersey. At that time the historical society was conducting archaeological excavations at the site of an 18th century forge on the Pequannock River in West Milford Township. I joined the project team and soon began to work closely with Mead in documenting this important ironworks site. Mead did all the measuring and surveying work for the project. This was the start of our long association. He was to become my close friend and respected colleague.
Mead and I, along with other individuals, became Colonial iron industry specialists, oftentimes referred to as "iron freaks." We went on to excavate a blast furnace in Butler, New Jersey and to recover and document evidence of an iron bloomery site in Vernon Township. Mead's training and experience as an engineer and surveyor was invaluable to the success of these projects. Over time, we traveled widely in search of other ironworking sites in the northeast region including the Saugus Ironworks in Massachusetts.
In 1964 Mead and I visited "Mystery Hill Caves" in New Hampshire, now known as "America's Stonehenge." We were fascinated by this intriguing site and we both joined the newly formed New England Antiquities Research Association. This visit was a major turning point in Mead's research efforts and interests. He once wrote that his "real" interest was in the "Pre-Columbian period" in North America. Soon thereafter, Mead and I began searching for and exploring stone construction sites throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic states as well as military, industrial and domestic sites. We spent many weekends, holidays and vacations pursuing these activities. Our families frequently accompanied us on such journeys.
Mead particularly loved the State of Maine, where he took every opportunity to vacation, travel and explore. One visit of his comes to mind. In 1965 Mead and his family were vacationing near Pemaquid, Maine. He decided to visit and observe the archaeological excavation being conducted by Helen Camp and her team at the colonial settlement site at Pemaquid. He witnessed the discovery of an Indian burial that contained copper artifacts. This brought to his mind the story of the "skeleton in armor." He was so excited in seeing this discovery that he called me in New Jersey and urged me to come up and see this find. I dropped everything and drove immediately to Pemaquid to see for myself. Soon we both joined the Maine Archaeological Society.
From 1972 to 1975 NEARA members conducted archaeological excavations at the Spirit Pond runestone-find site under my direction. We also conducted a number of extensive reconnaissance surveys in search of evidence of Norse occupation in the Phippsburg, Maine area and on Seguin Island at the mouth of the Kennebec River. Mead believed strongly in the authenticity of the Spirit Pond runestones and actively participated in all of these activities.
Mead Stapler saw himself as an irascible Jersey Dutchman and his ancestry backed his posture. His forebears, the Mead family, settled in northern New Jersey in the late 171h century. He was especially interested in military history and the American Revolutionary War. He studied, searched, visited battle field sites, lectured and wrote about many events and sites of this period. He often observed privately that given his choice, he would have supported the King.
Mead Stapler joined the North Jersey Highlands Historical Society in 1959. He served 5 terms as President of the Society. In his long years of membership he also held every other office of this group For 17 years Mead was the Editor of the North Jersey Highlander, an historical quarterly publication 0 the Society. His reputation as an historian and his skill as a writer were paramount. Mead's curiosity about how things came to be the way they are now and his passion for understanding what went before was an inspiration to me as well as to others who met and got to know him. We all enjoyed his good humor and the results of his research.
Mead was an active member of many historical and archaeological societies including the Walpack Historical Society, the Minnisink Valley Historical Society, the Inc. Orange County Chapter, New York State Archaeological Association and the Ringwood Manor Advisory Committee. For many years he served as NEARA's New Jersey Coordinator. Before he died, he asked me to begin to distribute his archives and library among the groups he had served. Reading through his files and correspondence, I marveled at both the breadth of his interests and the tenacity of his devotion to the causes for which he fought.
Mead had an unswerving dedication to historical preservation. He championed many such causes as the preservation of Long Pond Ironworks. a National Register site, Ringwood Manor and many sites along the upper Delaware River Valley in New Jersey. He was unafraid to take on politicians and bureaucrats whether on the nationaL state or local level in furthering the cause of historic preservation. Recently, he wrote the following:
"I view history as a great panorama of events which effect all of our lives and activities. As a nation, we continually ignore the lessons of history and face the perils of the future unguided by the past "
Mead leaves behind a legacy not only in his historical research and writing but also in his enthusiastic efforts which inspire and instruct those of us who carry on the good work he began. Mead Stapler-colleague and friend -you are missed.

Friday, February 19, 2010

February 2010 Meeting: Historical Artifacts


Following the meeting presided over by VP Chuck Tudor, he introduced member, Stephanie Tice, who gave a primer on recognizing historical artifacts, typical of the types found locally.

With nearly 50 in attendance, she pointed out the significant aspects of glass shards, ceramic bits and patterns, metal chucks and more. Of course, reference materials are very helpful in figuring out what's in your hands and Steph provided a long list of valuable resources. 



Following the formal presentation, she identified a wide range of neat artifacts, including those brought in by members.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Improving The Way We Do SEQRA

New York State Environmental Quality Review Act controls the way local municipal boards handle issues such as archaeological sites. Usually, these boards rely on what the developers tell them. Typically, the developers claim that there is nothing sensitive or significant within their projects.

Learn more about this process !

PRESENTS
Improving The Way We Do SEQRA -- the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act
with
Dr. Michael Edelstein 
Co-President of Orange Environment, Inc. and past president of the organization for over 25 years
7:00 P.M. Tuesday evening February 23, 2010
 upstairs at the Barnsider Tavern, 1372 Kings Highway, Sugar Loaf, New York

Members of the public are invited to join us for this very informative discussion.  Please arrive an hour early if you plan on having dinner before the presentation and advise the restaurant you will be attending the meeting.  A $3.00 donation is requested.  For more information call 845-928-9632.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Second call for papers Annual NYSAA Conference!

Second Call for Papers for the upcoming 94th annual meeting of the NYSAA.  Some excellent paper proposals have already arrived.  Now is the time for you to send in your presentation proposal. Share with the conference attendees your latest research or theoretical contributions in or related to the prehistoric or historic archaeology of New York State.  The deadline for submission is March 1, 2010.

We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the meeting in April!
       Regards,
          Barry Kass
          Program Chair