Tuesday, December 9, 2014

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST Vol. 12, December 2014 Excerpts

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST
Vol. 12, December 2014
The unabridged edition has been send to members in good standing.
- - -
Chapter meetings are held on the third Friday of each month except July, August & November, at the Mulbury House Senior Center located at 62-70 West Main Street, Middletown, NY 10940. All are welcome.
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2014 Election Results
President 2015-2016:                          Stephanie Benson
Vice-President 2015-2016:                  Gary Keeton
Secretary 2015-2016:                          Priscilla Johnson
Treasurer 2015-2016:                          Jon Leonard
Corresponding Secretary 2015-2016: Chuck Tudor, Chuck volunteered to fill this position.
Trustees 2015-2016:                         Doc Bayne
                                                        Gary Sipila
Trustees 2014-2015:                        *Dave Johnson
(Dave will fill balance of Gary Keeton’s term in 2015)
                                                                Barry Kass (Barry was elected  in 2013.)
* * *
President Elect’s Message:
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I was so happy to see so many of you at the annual banquet and that I myself was still able to attend. As I take over the presidency of the IOCCNYSAA on the new year, I cannot express my gratitude for being chosen to continue leading our group in such a great direction and being a part of such a great club of people! The regular meeting for December will be our annual Holiday grab bag party and there is not a speaker as the party replaces the talk this month. See rules below for how it works for anyone that might be unfamiliar with how we play, and we always have an abundance of great finger-food to enjoy while we have fun. If you would like to bring a dish/snack/dessert/beverage it would be greatly appreciated but not mandatory and please let me know what you plan to bring to ensure we don't have many duplicate dishes. We are currently looking for speakers for this winter and spring so if you have any suggestions on what you would like to hear or a talk you would like to give, please let us know. We also need suggestions for meeting themes. Our December meeting is one of my favorites and I look forward to seeing everyone and hope that everyone has a wonderful, healthy and happy holiday and New Year!

Stephanie
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December meeting: 12/19/14 @7:30pm
Holiday Party Grab-Bag
The December meeting will feature the Holiday potluck dinner and the Grab-Bag.
** Please let Stephanie know what you are bringing so we can make sure there will  be a variety of food and drinks at the party.
    1. You can attend the meeting and not participate in the grab-bag.
    2. Anyone who wishes to participate in the grab-bag needs to contribute a gift.
    3. Although archaeological themes are welcome, other gift ideas are also acceptable such as baked items. In other  words, simply use your imagination.
    4. We are suggesting the value of the gift be up to $10.
    5. All gifts need to be wrapped and identified as to gender specific if needed.
***Should weather force us to cancel the meeting this month, please check your email, the blog, or Facebook for any updates/cancellations on the morning of the meeting!***
* * *
Annual Banquet     
The annual banquet this year took place on November 15, 2014 and was a wonderful time had by all! It took place at Tony Boffa's Restaurant in Middletown and was a lunch this year instead of dinner. Our speaker was Ed Lenik, long-time member of the IOCCNYSAA, who gave a great talk on the Indians of the Ramapos. Dave Johnson was honored by the chapter for his many years as president. Sharon Assmus was also honored for her retirement from the position of Corresponding Secretary. Two members were inducted into the Order or the Trowel: Margaret Bosques and Barry  O’Neil. 
* * *
Lab Sessions
Check your email, our Facebook page or the blog for upcoming updates on lab work sessions from the 2014 field season after the new year!
* * *
Dues
Once again dues are due for calendar year 2015! Please contact our treasurer, Jon Leonard or you can pay your dues at the monthly meetings. Checks should be made out to IOCCNYSAA and need to be in before April in order to receive the 2015 State Bulletin.
Annual Dues:
_________.___ Active Member $25.00
_________.___ Husband/Wife or couple $35.00
_________.___ Student including college, (no bulletin) $12.00
_________.___ Life $350.00
_________.___ Total enclosed:
Name (s)
Address
City, State, zip
Phone
email
Send to: Jon Leonard, Treasurer
I.O.C.C.N.Y.S.A.A.
34 Clark Road
Goshen, N.Y. 10924

* * *
Upcoming Local Events
Saturday, December 13, 2014 02:00 PM
Phone: (845) 561-1765
Come experience three centuries of our military personnel coping with being away from home during the holidays. From the Civil War through Afghanistan, hear the letters they wrote, and join in singing some of the songs they sang. Light refreshments will be served.
Seating is limited and reservations are strongly encouraged. To make a reservation, please call 845-561-1765
Registration: Required

Saturday, December 13, 2014 04:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Phone: (845) 561-5498
Tour by candlelight the elegant 1754 Ellison mansion ornamented with costumed staff and 18th century holiday decorations.

Sunday, December 14, 2014 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Phone: (845) 562-1195
Visit the Hasbrouck House, decorated for the yuletide, with live music, hot cider and cookies! Historic interpreters will be available in every room to answer questions.

Sunday, December 14, 2014 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Phone: (845) 351-5907
Archaeologist Ed Lenik sifts through the layered evidence of human history in the Ramapo Mountains and the general northern New Jersey - southeastern New York region to detect patterns that bear witness to Native Americans in the Ramapos. In this lecture, Mr. Lenik will discuss research and archaeological evidence that shows the presence, persistence, and survival of Native Americans in the Ramapos well into the 18th Century. Mr. Lenik is an archaeologist with over 30 years of experience researching and investigating the history of the Highlands, is well known as a lecturer, hike leader, author.
Will take place at the Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Visitor's Center (116 Old Forge Rd., Tuxedo, NY 10987)

Friday, December 26, 2014 10:00 AM - 03:00 PM
Phone: (845) 561-5498
The Ellison mansion is open for tours at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM & 3:00 PM each day. Tour the elegant 1754 historic house decorated for the season in 18th century fashion.

Saturday, December 27, 2014 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Phone: (845) 255-0752
Need a break after the holiday? Then join Park Preserve Educator Nick Martin for an outdoor hiking therapy session! For this session, participants will be hiking a combination of historic carriage roads to reach Echo Rock on this approximate four mile outing. As participants walk along the recently restored Hamilton Point Carriage Road, the deep Palmaghatt Ravine expands at the edge of the trail with every step taken. Our destination, Echo Rock, is a scenic vista which offers expansive, stunning views of the immediate Hudson Valley. If there is abundant snow on the ground at the time of this outing, the destination will change to Mossy Glen Footpath.
Pre-registration is required for participation in all public programs. Please call the Park Office at 845-255-0752. For outings, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear and bring snacks and water. A parent or guardian over the age of 18 must accompany children wishing to participate in any programs. Unless otherwise noted, all programs meet at the Nature Center.
Registration: Required

100 Years: Chester’s 1915 Erie Railroad Station
Sunday, January 18, 2015 2:00 PM
1915 Erie Railroad Station, 19 Winkler Place, Chester, NY
Phone: (845) 469-7645
Following the Annual Meeting and election of Chester Historical Society officers, Town of Chester Historian, Clif Patrick will kick off this year’s one hundredth anniversary of the 1915 Arts & Crafts style Chester Erie Railroad Station.


Thursday, November 20, 2014

Reminder: NO regular chapter meeting this Friday!

Our annual meeting last Saturday replaced the monthly November meeting.

See ya at the December 19th holiday meeting/grab-bag!

Thursday, November 6, 2014

“The Ancient Cumberland Tradition”


“The Ancient Cumberland Tradition”

Presented by
R. M. Gramly, ASAA

at 1:00 P.m.
Croton Point Park Nature Center Croton-on-Hudson, NY Sunday, November 9, 2014

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Close dig for the season - plus…

Hi everyone,

We will unfortunately not be digging tomorrow 10/26. I am taking everyone's advice and wrapping up for the season as things get more difficult for me to participate at the site and as the weather gets colder in the mornings. We had a great season and I look forward to getting the lab work done in the new year. 

Also, dont forget this is your last week to sign up for banquet 11/15 at the cost of $25. After next Saturday 11/1 the price will increase to $35 per person. Checks can be mailed to either Sharon Assmus or Stephanie Benson

Steph

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

"Reading the Woods" Program following the October 17th meeting.

What is living in the woods? How do you know what is there or what is not there? You just need to know what to look for. Come and learn the tell·tale signs of the forest so that next time you hike, you will know what lurks in the woods you are in the woods.

Chapter member, Doc Bayne, is a former Environmental Educator at Sterling Forest State Park and leads many educational hikes in the Hudson Valley. 



Sunday, October 5, 2014

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST Vol. 10, October, 2014 Excerpts

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST Vol. 10, October, 2014 has been emailed to members in good standing and for those without email, the postal versions will be in tomorrow's mail. 

If your dues are up to date and you do not receive your newsletter, please contact us via email: ioccnysaa@gmail.com

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THE ARCHAEOLOGIST
Vol. 10, October, 2014

Chapter meetings are held 7:30 pm on the third Friday of each month except July, August & November, at the Mulbury House Senior Center located at 62-70 West Main Street, Middletown, NY 10940.
All are welcome to our meetings at the Mulbury House Senior Center!
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Vice-President’s Message
Welcome back! It was great to see so many attend our September meeting and if you weren't able to, we missed you! Our scheduled speaker for last month, Jim Wisochlo, had a last minute work obligation and was unable to attend. Instead, we were able to hear the wonderful news and explanation of a recent local Mastadon excavation that members Gary and Glen K., and Gary S. were able to be a part of. I hope everyone is able to make the October meeting, our show and tell topic will be Iron! I also hope that everyone will take part in the upcoming activities planned for this fall. Be sure to vote for officers, enjoy the always great Highlands Conference, and don't forget the annual Banquet/Lunch in November. Reminder: there is no regular meeting in November as it is replaced by the annual Banquet. 
Stephanie

Bring your Iron for the October meeting Show & Tell!

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2015 New York State Archaeological Association Conference
The 99th Annual NYSAA Meeting will be May 1-3, 2015 at the Ramada Inn in Watertown, NY hosted again by the 1000 Islands and Finger Lakes Chapters. The hotel rate will be the same as it was two years ago ($75/night)! The Banquet speaker will be Dr. Darrin Lowery. The call for papers is now open with an abstract deadline of March 1st. More details will be posted soon.


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Fall Election - This fall, all of the officers and two trustees’ term expire.  Ballots will be collected by the October meeting and results announced at the Annual Dinner
 Official Ballots one per current Chapter member in good standing should be returned to Suzanne & Norm Brahm before October 17th.
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Chapter Annual Meeting & Banquet 
Saturday, November 15th at High Noon
Tony Boffa’s Restaurant
75 Railroad Avenue
Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 343-8842 or www.tonyboffas.com
Our Banquet Menu Selections to be announced.
$25 per person
(Sharon must receive your paid reservation before November 1st)
$35 per person
(For reservations received after November 1st)
Featured Speaker: Ed Lenik
Will speak about Indians in the Ramapos, generally based on his first book which has more archaeology in it. "Indians in the Ramapos" is still probably the best title.
This was the abstract for that book:
Archaeologist Ed Lenik sifts through the layered evidence of human history in the Ramapo Mountains and the general northern New Jersey southeastern New York region to detect patterns that bear witness to Indians in the Ramapos. The archaeological record indicates a strong, continuous and persistent presence of Indian bands in the northern Highlands Physiographic Providence-Ramapos well into the 18th century. Historical accounts record the presence of Indians in the Highlands during the 19th and 20th centuries. Oral traditions, and settlement and subsistence activities are examined as well. Using these resources, Lenik develops a story that testifies to the presence, persistence and survival of Indians in the Ramapos.Lenik, a regional archaeologist with over 30 years of experience researching and investigating the history of the Highlands, is well known as a lecturer, hike leader and author in northern New Jersey. His dictum, “Search the records before you dig,” has directed him through years of searching archives, libraries, museums and collections seeking references to the continuing Indian presence in the Highlands. He has developed a close relationship with the Ramapough Lenape Nation and has interviewed tribal elders. He has been an avid historical hiker for years, stopping to explore the vanishing evidence of human occupation in the forests of northern New Jersey.
See Sharon directly or mail your paid reservations to her at:
** Please get your reservation in by November 1st. If you wait until after the first, it will cost you ten dollars more per person.

Names..........................................................................................................................
Total Reservations at $25 each. _______________
Total Amount Enclosed. _______________
Please mail to: Sharon Assmus, 10 Keystone Park, Middletown, NY 10940
Tel: 845-343-1671
Or Stephanie Benson, 358 Rock Hill Dr. Rock Hill, NY 12775. Email: ioccnysaa@gmail.com
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Florist Site
"We will not be digging on 10/12 during Columbus Day weekend! Our last day in the field for this season is tentatively set for 10/26 so come out and help before we have to wrap up!". Check the Chapter’s Facebook page:www.facebook.com/IOCCNYSAA or the latest dates and announcements. 

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28TH ANNUAL HIGHLANDS CONFERENCE
Hosted by
THE NORTH JERSEY HIGHLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
INC. ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER NYSAA
FRIENDS OF STERLING FOREST STATE PARK

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014
LAUNTENBURG VISITOR CENTER, STERLING FOREST STATE PARK
115 OLD FORGE ROAD, TUXEDO, NY

CONFERENCE THEME: HISTORIC IRONMAKING 

In 2014 we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the arrival of Ironmaster Peter Hasenclever in Ringwood in 1764. 

Please join us at this “IRONMASTERS CONFERENCE.” Topics will include aspects of the iron industry – works, mines, owners and workers, etc. Presentations are 25 minutes and may be illustrated with digital projects. You will will have an opportunity to interact with presenters and fellow iron buffs, archaeologists, and iron industry historians. The event is free to attend, but reservations will be required as space is limited.

Sterling Forest State Park is an historic iron site containing Sterling Furnace, the ruins of a workers village, ruins of iron related buildings and many mines. The beautiful Launtenburg Visitor Center overlooks Sterling Lake and contains several exhibits relating to the history of iron mining and manufacturing in the Park along with an introductory movie that describes the region and its resources.

Need more info – contact: Edward J. Lenik, R.P.A., Program chair, via email at ioccnysaa@gmail.com

 or snail mail at 100 Deerfield Road, Wayne, NJ 07470-6414.

Walking tours of iron sites in the region are being planned and the three sponsoring organizations will have books for sale in the Bookroom.

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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Orange County Land Trust 2015 Calendar Reception October 3rd

Join Exposures Gallery and the Orange County Land Trust for the:
2015 Calendar Kick-off Reception
Friday, October 3rd, 7-9 pm

The reception will feature an exhibit of photographs by Nick Zungoli published in the 2015 Orange County Land Trust Calendar. Stop Exposures Gallery, 1357 Kings Highway, Sugar Loaf, NY by any time from 7 to 9 pm and enjoy complimentary refreshments and meet members of the Land Trust Board.


 
Calendars will also be available for purchase at a special one-day discounted price of $10 and 25% of Nick's print sales are donated to OCLT! 

 
All proceeds from our annual calendar sale help the Orange County Land Trust fulfill its mission of preserving the county's natural areas, wildlife habitats and farmland.

Archaeology Symposium At Hawthorne, NJ Library - Nov 8

2nd Archaeology Symposium at Hawthorne, NJ Library - Nov 8 hosted by Chapter member, Veronica Ditko:

Saturday, September 20, 2014

2014-09-19 Meeting


V-P Steph presided at the meeting bringing those in attendance up to date on the various Chapter projects and events. Nominations for our upcoming elections were opened, but more to follow on that subject.
We were disappointed when tonight's scheduled speaker, Jim Wosochlo, called early Friday morning to say he was unexpectedly called into work and couldn't make it to Middletown. But, when Steph said she had arranged an alternate program, she wasn't kidding, introducing Gary S. & Gary K.!



Gary S. began telling the story how, last week, he struck up a conversation with a guy, who had just arrived in our area for a job from down south. The conversation turned to archaeology, and when the visitor learned of  Gary's interest, he mentioned that he was looking for Gary K. and wondered if Gary knew Gary. Well, of course he did! Gary S. connected with Gary K., who upon hearing of the project, called is son Glenn, who immediately left his office at the Museum of Natural History.

They all converged at the site in Pine Island, where the farmer clearing the ditch above, hit something. In that grey muck in the left of the photo were mastodon bones!

The Garys proceeded to tell how they got right into the muck and recovered what is thought to be roughly half of an articulated mature male with lots of slides. 

Gary showing a few photos on his phone that didn't make it into the slide show.

This was absolutely fascinating and wonderful talk!
Bravo Gary, Gary & Glenn!

Friday, September 19, 2014

Change to tonight's meeting.

Tonight's scheduled speaker, Jim Wosochlo, got called in to work tonight, so we'll have to reschedule his talk!

V-P Steph has arranged an alternate program, "so we will be fine tonight!"

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Program for October 25, 2014 Highlands Conference

28TH ANNUAL
HIGHLANDS ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL CONFERENCE

PRESENTED BY
THE NORTH JERSEY HIGHLANDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
THE INC. ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER, NYSAA
THE FRIENDS OF STERLING FOREST

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2014
Image credit: http://www.hudsondesign.pro/images/projects/thumbnail/326x0-86-EXTERIOR2.jpg
LAUTENBURG VISITOR CENTER, STERLING FOREST STATE PARK
115 OLD FORGE ROAD, TUXEDO, NEW YORK

Image Credit: Orange County Historical Society
MORNING FIELD TRIP: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Join Doc Bayne on a hike to the Crossway, Paterson, Conklin, Mountain and Smith mines. Meet at the hiker's parking area located on the west side of Long Meadow Road, county Route 84. Look for driveway entrance just south of the Scott Mine Hoist Tower and opposite the Town of Tuxedo recycling area. Hike will start promptly at 9:00 AM.


FORMAL PROGRAM: Nancy L. Gibbs, presiding.
11:00 AM -11:10 AM Welcome by Ralph Colfax, President, NJHHS

11:10 AM - 11:35 AM “Peter Hasenclever in His Own Defense.”
Nancy L. Gibbs, North Jersey Highlands Historical Society

11:35 AM - Noon “The 'Forgotten' Documents at the Ringwood Manor Archives” Hans R. Niederstrasser, Friends of Long Pond Iron Works

12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch (on your own)

1:00 PM - 1:25 PM “In Search of the Tuxedo-Ringwood Canal and Ringwood Forge. Archaeological Investigations Conducted by the North Jersey Highlands Historical Society.”
Edward J. Lenik, R.P.A., NJHHS & INC.OCCNYSAA.

1:25 PM - 1:50 PM “The Andover Ironworks, Come Penny, Go Pound, an Eighteenth CenturyCharcoal Iron Plantation in the Appalachian Highlands of New Jersey.”
Kevin Wright, Historic New Bridge Landing Park Commission

1:50 PM – 2:15 PM “Valentines & Thomas - 19th Century Ironmasters & Innovators: Archaeological and Historical Investigations of the Valentine & Co. Iron Ore Washing Plant (36CE526), Centre County, Pennsylvania.”
Gary F. Coppock, Skelly & Loy, Inc.

2:15 PM – 2:30 PM COFFEE BREAK

2:30 PM – 2:55 PM “A Theoretical Layout of the Colonial Ironworks at Long Pond.”
Paul Frost, Friends of Long Pond Ironworks

2:55 PM – 3:20 PM “The History of the Crossway, Paterson, Conklin, Mountain, and Smith mines at Sterling Forest State Park.”
Donald “Doc” Bayne, Friends of Sterling Forest.

3:20 PM – 3:45 PM “'Go East, Young Man': What Robert Esrkine Didn't Do.”
Carol Siri Johnson, PhD., New Jersey Institute of Technology

11:00 AM – 4:00 PM BOOK ROOM
PROGRAM CHAIR: Edward J. Lenik, R.P.A., NJHHS. INC.OCCNYSAA
Meeting Facilities courtesy of Sterling Forest State Park,
Jeff Hutchinson, Park Manager

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

THE ARCHAEOLOGIST Vol. 9, September, 2014

"THE ARCHAEOLOGIST, Vol. 9, September, 2014" has been sent to members. 

If you are a paid up member, but have not received your copy, please let us know!

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Chapter Dig Report 2014--09-07

Another beautiful day to dig!

 Steph & Gary extending test line '0' & 'A.'
Margaret & Steph on line '0.' 
 Steph, Gary & Margaret on the screen.
A magnificent heat treated jasper flake retrieved from today's last test pit.

Notice!
Due to scheduling conflicts: There will be no Chapter dig September 14 or 21!

Hope to see you on the 28th, weather cooperating, of course!

Sunday, August 31, 2014

Chapter Dig Report 2014--08-31

Beautiful sifting this Labor Day Sunday 2014!

When an big and very quick bluish-black spider appeared on the screen and made a beeline towards Gary, was the first time any of us had seen him back up! He quickly regain his composure and provided a stick for the creature's escape.

Today's crew: Margaret, Steph, Gary, Barry & Clif.

Weather and schedules permitting, we'll see you next week!

Sunday, August 24, 2014

2014-08-24 Dig

Margaret, Stepth, Barry, Gary and Clif extending a shovel test pit line.

The dry conditions made for easy sifting, but not much evidence of early use.

See ya next Sunday, weather permitting!

Friday, August 1, 2014

Chapter dig is cancelled for this Sunday, August 3rd!

Due to conflicting schedules and the weather forecast:

The chapter dig is cancelled for this Sunday, August 3rd!


Hopefully, we will have better weather next week!

Sunday, July 27, 2014

2014-07-27 Dig…

Step, Gary & Clif arrived at the dig this morning, got set up, began sifting. Then it got so dark that we had to use a flashlight to examine the screenings. Shortly thereafter, a cloudburst sent us scurrying out. We'll return next Sunday - weather willing!

Sunday, July 20, 2014

2014 Chapter Picnic

 A lovely couple.
 Howie sends one away…
 Then retrieves.
Do not mistake discipline for patience.
(Leslie Smith photo.)
Ray and Gary compare napping techniques.

(Leslie Smith photo.)
 Last throw under the fading skies.

Beautiful weather and thanks to Tom, another wonderful Chapter picnic!