Amateur archeologist donates 3,500 pieces of history to Transcona Historical Museum

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This article was published 25/06/2003 (8495 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

AN arrowhead used by a hunter to shoot his prey. An ancient stone engraved with a mysterious message. A hammerhead used to pummel the marrow out of a bison bone.

Sound like artifacts Indiana Jones might be chasing? The treasures were actually found right here in Manitoba by amateur archeologist Cecil. H. Patterson. And his stock of some 3,500 pieces dating back 10,000 years is on display at the Transcona Historical Museum.

The artifacts were used by first nations people, including Cree, Anishnabe, Inuit, Dakota and Chipewyan tribess, before they had contact with Europeans.

“When you’re up close to this collection, it’s just amazing,” says museum curator Sheryl Kolt. “Displays like these, at least one of the items goes back to 8,000 BC, really help you understand the past.”

The collection is a permanent fixture at the Transcona Historical Museum, but only a limited number of pieces are on display at any one time.

The curator is sure that anyone who hears the story of Patterson’s collection will be immediately entranced.

Patterson was a Manitoba-based forester who collected his material from 80 archeological sites across the province, often through digs. Most of his collection consisted of tools used for hunting and food preparation.

The son of a Brandon farmer, Patterson had no formal training in archeology, but was aware of proper collecting procedures as he kept in close contact with the National Museum in Ottawa. He also acquired objects directly from first nations people. And apparently, he purchased and traded with other collectors, says Kolt.

In 1970, the Transcona-Springfield School Division raised $5,000 to purchase the collection and donate it to the museum. Patterson had several bidders from around the continent hoping to buy the collection, says Kolt, adding that selling artifacts is not allowed today.

“You put an object like this on the open market and you just never know how much it would go for,” says Kolt. “They’re priceless.”

Terri Patterson, the widow of Cecil’s nephew, often visits her uncle’s collection. Sometimes she brings her grandchildren along to share in the family history.

“He was really dedicated to collecting,” says Terri, who is a former curator with the museum. “Just the fact that people made this stuff. There’s a real art to it, and uncle Cecil just thought it was wonderful. I hope people see there’s a real community history to his collection.”

Transcona Historical Museum is located at 141 Regent Ave. W. Admission is free. For more information, call 222-0423.