Southern Cove Historical Group Learns About Indians

The Southern Cove Historical Group met on June 23 at the home of Judith Ott in New Enterprise, the home of this reporter.

Chairman Bob Detwiler introduced the guest speaker, James Hostetler of Bedford, who has written four books.

Hostetler is involved with Old Bedford Village. Hostetler spoke about prehistoric American Indians, meaning they lived in the time before Columbus arrived. He told of how Indian tribes lived in the area, although there are no written records to know what they may have been called.

Hostetler spoke about some of his American Indian findings in Cove areas such as Bob's Creek. Also, he discussed a program he participated in called "Passport in Time." Volunteers contribute to vital environmental and historical research on public lands.

Hostetler said refuge pits, such as one found at Old Bedford Village, can be treasures to archeologists. Indians used these pits to keep food, bury garbage, and bury bodies and unneeded animal parts.

Many Indian weapons and arrow heads were shown and discussed, with information about how these items can be dated to a particular time period.

One theory is that some tribes may have become extinct because of climate changes at that time and the involvement of Europeans in latter years. Hostetler's books are available on Amazon.com.

Another topic the group discussed and planned was an upcoming tour on July 27 of the New Enterprise, Salemville, Woodbury, Waterside and Potter Creek area. This bus tour will start at 9 a.m. at the South Woodbury Township Building in New Enterprise. Reservations may be made by calling 766-2341. This will be an all-day tour and lunch will be provided.

David Snyder of Loysburg brought an old atlas of current properties that was very interesting to the group, especially to those who have lived in the area and have relatives in this area.

Glenda Pepple presented a gift to the Southern Cove Historical Group. The gift contained a collection of numerous newspaper articles of people from the Cove area during World War II. The gift was well-received by the group and will be preserved.

The next meeting of the historical group will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Southern Cove Power Reunion showgrounds, New Enterprise.