Vol. 124 No. 32 THE BACK MOUNTAIN'S NEWSPAPER SINCE 1889 October 13-19, 2013 The DALLAS POST . BARRE, PA. WWW.MYDALLASPOST.COM AN EDITION OF THE TIMES LEADER Canyon dig it An archaeological dig in the Coxton section of Duryea was open to the public recently. The Frances Dorrance Chapter 11 of the Pennsylvania Archaeological ~~ Society hosted an open house to show off what’s happening at the site. Researchers have uncov- ered remnants of American Indians who camped along the Susquehanna River ousands of years ago. A up of volunteers, most ithout formal archaeo- logical training, had been methodically digging to learn about the past and find artifacts that will be housed at The State Museum of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg. John Dziak, president of the Greater Pittston Historical Society, said the dig, which has been ongo- ing since 1991, is in the only spot in the Coxton area that hasn't been touched in 10,000 years. The rest of the area has been compromised by min- ing, railroading and other development. Crews have uncovered fire-cracked stone, a fire pit and “projectiles” — sharp, spear-like objects used for hunting, and an ax-type tool used for split- ting bone or wood. Also discovered were net sink- ers, nutting stones, a pol- ishing stone and a fire pit with 13 boiling stones. It’s rare to come across wood and bones because the soil in the Susquehanna River area is very acidic. Carbon dating of piec- es has proved the site is 10,000 years old. The American Indians who inhabited the site of the dig were much differ- ent from the American Indians whom students typically learn about in school. Rather than being part of a collective or tribe, these were nomadic family groups that followed the migratory patterns of ani- mals. Vince Ephault, left, of Olyphant, and Sadie Trudger, of Dallas, flat-shovel soil as they look for artifacts. Bill Tarutis photos | For The Dallas Post Native American Durland Siglin of Noxen, left, presents Frances Dorrance Chapter board member Mike Goldsmith, right, of Dallas, a sacred ‘ceremonial bundle’ of Indian tobacco blessed by members of Indian nations participating in the Noxen pow-wow the day before, for ‘educating the youth on what was and what is. Looking on are Doria Cresko of West Wyoming, second from left, and chapter secretary Paula Cenera of Laflin. The gem of the Coxton digs is a kirk point that would have been on the 8,000 B.C. end of a spear. Carbon test- ing determined it is from the soil at Coxton as they look for artifacts. The Back Mountain Memorial Library’s Annual Barn Sale on Oct. 5 featured antiques, new goods, col- lectibles and household items, including glassware. It was also the last day of the farmers’ market at the library grounds on Huntsville Road. by, i A 1950’s-era globe is available for purchase at the Back Mountain Memorial Library Barn Sale. Finding bargains at the Barn Sale ONE Bill Tarutis photos | For The Dallas Post Mary Ann Finch, of Harveys Lake ,browses items at the Back Mountain Memorial Library Barn Sale. Daryl Rother, of Dallas, buys a bunch of sunflowers during the final day of the farmers’ market at the Back Mountain Memorial Library. Lisa and Nelson Snyder, of Lehman Township, try out a chair. archaeology site. Archaeological society hosts open house at B dig site in Coxton Donna Hartman, of Lehman Township, ‘pans’ for artifacts at the Coxton archaeological site. Mike Smith, right, of Harding, and Mike Goldsmith, of Dallas, carefully excavate Sadie Trudgen, of Dallas, sieves soil looking for artifacts at the Coxton Adams selected to attend Honor Camp Bradley Adams, son of Todd and Jennifer Adams, of Dallas, recently completed the Troop “P” Camp Cadet Program. Camp Cadet is a weeklong summer camp for boys and girs from Pennsylvania between the ages of 12 and 15. Pennsylvania State Troopers, local police officers and other volunteers staff the camp. The goal of Camp Cadet is to introduce participants to the diverse criminal justice system and establish a positive relation- ship with law enforcement per- sonnel. Camp Cadet is open to all youth and is structured similar to training at the police academy. The camp focuses on discipline, self-esteem, teamwork, drug and alcohol education, violence pre- vention and other issues facing youth today. While participating in group activities and physical fitness chal- lenges, the Cadets are observed by the troopers for leadership, positive attitudes and helping fellow cadets. At the end of the week, troopers select four boys and four girls to return the follow- ing year as Junior Counselors. Ofthe eight selected to return as Bradley Adams, left, stands with Trooper Tom Kelly, Director of the Pennsylvania State Trooper's Troop “P” Camp Cadet Program for area youth. Adams excelled in the pro- gram this past summer and has been invited back next year as a Junior Counselor. Junior Counselors, troopers unani- mously select one boy and one girl to attend Honor Camp to represent Troop “P” The Honor Camp pro- gram was formed to showcase “the best of the best” from Camp Cadet programs throughout the state. Adams, 14 and an eighth-grade student at Dallas Middle School, was not only chosen to return as a Junior Counselor but was also selected to attend Honor Camp in Hershey. Legion sponsors essay contest Daddow-Isaacs Dallas American Legion Post 672 is sponsoring the Pennsylvania 79th Annual Essay Contest entitled: “What Is Our Nation's Responsibility To Our Wounded Veterans?” Any student enrolled in grades 9-12 in a private, public, parochial or home-schooled is eligible to participate. Monetary prizes will be awarded. A first-place winner will be awarded a $3,500 scholar- ship. The second-place Wwnner will be awarded a $3,000 schol- arship and the third-lace winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship. The local school winner must be determined by Feb. 1, 2014. Dallas American Legion will : also offer local cash prizes. Information can be gar nered at local schools or by calling Clarence J. Michael at 570-675-0488. 09815 D794 7%
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers