Most of us realize there were small communities and groups scattered across northern Wisconsin that most often moved according to the seasons . . . and evidence of their occupation has been collected, including artifacts on the Vilas county forest.
Vilas County Forest administrator John Gagnon indicated to the county Forestry committee the State Historical Society has requested the county relinquish ownership of artifacts they collected to the state.
“The current list of artifacts were from an area of the county forest where others were noticed and most were found by surface examination,” Gagnon said.
Artifacts collected include partially marked white ware, glass rim liner, glass and metal buttons, beads of various sizes and colors, iron forks and spoons, and various animal bones that show cutting. A couple of the more interesting artifacts were a 1894 Indian head penny with a square hole in the center and a size 20 brass button stating “PATENT APPLIED FOR” with three stars.
The committee approved transfer of ownership to the state indicating the county would not be able to properly display or protect them.
