Outhouse Archeology: BCHS to sponsor unique history lesson

Rod Moore, co-owner of Red Cedar Antiques in Vinton, will dig into the interesting subject of hunting for buried tidbits of history in the ground under outhouses. Each layer represents a time period. Much can be learned about the people who used the privy by the items that are found: their health (medicine bottles), whether they imbibed (liquor bottles), their financial status and more. Rod will be bringing artifacts that he has recovered-many of local interest and included in a recently published book to a special presentation sponsored by the Benton County Historical Society.

Reservations are suggested for the event that begins at 6:30 pm Monday, April, 20, at The Ray House at 912 First Avenue, Vinton. Tickets are $10 or $7 for the members of the BCHS; and free for students under age 18. Refreshments will be served. Payment may be mailed to: BCHS, P.O. Box 22, Vinton, IA 52349. Tickets may also be purchased online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/outhouse-archeology-tickets-15279841417.

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JD April 21, 2015, 9:54 am Just a quick note reminding everyone that digging on private property is against the law without permission of the landowner and also against the law on public property (e.g., state or county parks) without permission of the managing agency and consultation with the State Archaeologist. Why? Because archaeological sites--including historic privies and outhouses--are nonrenewable cultural resources. They shouldn\'t be dug into without complete and systematic documentation and archiving of the results where other researchers and the public can find it.

Events and Activities : Outhouse Archeology: BCHS to sponsor unique history lesson

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