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History buffs dig Indian excavation
By WAYNE AYERS
| Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009 |
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| Members and friends of the Indian Rocks Historical Society visit Mac Perry’s home atop an ancient midden left by Indian tribes in St. Petersburg. |
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ST. PETERSBURG – Energized by the chill of the coolest temperatures in months, members and friends of the Indian Rocks Historical Society set off Nov. 12 on a journey that would take them back thousands of years into Florida’s aboriginal past.
The group joined Mac Perry, noted author and expert on Florida’s prehistoric Indians, at his home atop an ancient midden (trash pile) left by the tribes who lived, worked and played in the area.
Ongoing archeological excavation in Perry’s yard and neighboring properties has revealed refuse and remnants that offer clues to the lifestyles of Florida’s first inhabitants.
The midden comprises 35 acres running along the shore of Long Bayou from Tyrone Boulevard to Abercrombie Park on Park Street. A burial mound is also in the neighborhood.
The open dig on Perry’s front lawn allowed the visitors to peer into 10,000 years of history. Using the midden’s contents as a guide, Perry has set up demonstration areas that give glimpses into the Indians’ activities – fishing and hunting, eating, medicine and gardening. Perry also told about some of the strange customs practiced, such as having pregnant women swallow the blood of sick patients to assure their children would be strong and active.
An informative video showed the archeologists at work. The shells, pottery fragments, fish bones and other artifacts taken from the midden are cleaned and analyzed. From these “throw-aways,” the scientists gain a greater insight into the ways of Florida’s original settlers.
For the visitors from Indian Rocks Beach, Mac Perry’s tour provided a better understanding of local artifacts in the museum’s Indian Room, and a new appreciation for the beaches’ earliest visitors.
“It was a cool, truly nice event that helped me realize the earth is a history book. It tells the story,” said attendee and museum board member Carol McGlaughlin.
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Article published on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009
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