Show will sell, display Indian, Civil War relics

Published 9:11 am Thursday, June 12, 2008

One of the first things Barry Watters did after moving to this area as a child was visit the various Indian mounds. He was hooked on Native American history from then on, his wife Phyllis said.

Barry used to search his grandfather’s freshly tilled fields in search of artifacts that may have surfaced, she said.

“It’s a cheap hobby, with gas and everything how it is,” Phyllis said. “You just go and look at the riverbanks and fields when they’re turned up. That’s how you find (artifacts).”

Barry will display artifacts he has found over the years, along with more than 40 other exhibitors at the Indian Artifact Show to be held from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Sunday, June 22 at Athens State University Ballroom.

The Alabama Rebel State Archaeological Society at Athens State University, started by Watters in 1980, is sponsoring the free event.

Exhibitors from Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and other states will display Indian artifacts including points or arrowheads, tools including axes, celts and banner stones used in hunting and pottery. Others will display Civil War artifacts.

“We will have points and artifacts that are more than 10,000 years old at the show,” Phyllis said.

There is an expectation of many pottery artifacts as well because northeast Alabama is rich in pottery, she said.

Attendees will be able to buy, sell or trade their artifacts.

Several archeologists will be at the show to identify genuine artifacts.

“Van King from the University of Alabama will probably be there,” Phyllis said.

Cost is $5 per table to display items and $10 per table to sell items.

To reserve a table to exhibit Indian or Civil War artifacts, call John Hammons at (256) 232-0698 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. or Barry Watters at (256) 702-7647 after 7 p.m.