Relic hunters hope to form local chapter

By Rob Treynor

Robert Converse, of Plain City, has written many definitive books on the subject of archeology and is the publisher of the Ohio Archaeologist Journal.

Can you dig it?

Over the fall, Madison County’s relic hunters have congregated monthly to discuss and share their collections of arrowheads, fossils, beads and other found historical treasures.

The group has applied to be a chapter of the Archaeological Society of Ohio (ASO). When accepted, they will be called the Darby Creek Chapter.

The archeology group has been meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at the London Florist Greenhouses and Garden Center, 196 W. Center St., London.

Steve Peterman, owner of the greenhouses, is a fellow relic hunter.

The Darby Creek chapter also has one of the most prolific Archaeologists in the state as a member. Robert Converse, of Plain City, publishes The Ohio Archaeologist Journal, a quarterly publication.

Converse has written many definitive books on Ohio Archaeology, including Prehistoric Stone Tools, Ohio Slate Types, and Ohio Flint Types.

At the December meeting, held Tuesday, featured member Doug Stowers speaking on flint tools and how to find them. Stowers showed his extensive collection of artifacts and told those in attendance what he’d learned about his finds.

A raffle was held, and arrowhead collections were given as prizes to three lucky people.

Steve Peterman discussed what steps still needed to be accomplished for the group to be accepted as members of the ASO.

“We have to write a code of conduct before we’ll be accepted as members,” Peterman said.

Winter is a great time to comb fields for ancient treasures, since little to know digging is required.

“The best time is after a field has been tilled,” member Jack Smith said, since artifacts are often found on the surface of newly-tilled fields.

Barry Thomas, of Plain City, added, “With more fields going to a no-till process, there’s fewer fields to go hunting.”

The group plans to offer field trips in the spring. For the winter, a registry has begun so novice archaeologists can pair up with more experienced ones for winter relic hunts.

The chapter’s next meeting is slated for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 15, at London Florist Greenhouses and Garden Center, 196 W. Center St., London.

For more information, call Steve Peterman at (740) 852-0990.