Click to enlarge	Dr. Henry M.Whelpley (1861-1926). Dr. Whelpley was an avid collector of artifacts, eventually assembling a collection of 17,000 artifacts, including the famous “Chunkey Player” flintclay pipe. His collection was mostly donated by his widow to the Academy of Science in St. Louis in 1943. A few artifacts are in private hands, as she gave some away during the intervening years. Many of his artifacts are one-of-a-kind and of extreme quality, showing some of the finest examples of prehistoric craftsmanship ever uncovered. For more information see: The Whelpley Collection of Indian Artifacts at the St. Louis Museum of Science and Natural History by Leonard W. Blake and James G. Houser.
Click to enlarge	This photograph, from the December 1953 issue of Hobbies Magazine, shows William L. Waters at age 84 in his artifact room holding a 12 pound axe found in St. Charles County, Missouri. According to the Hobbies Magazine article, Waters collected more than 50,000 artifacts in 70 years of collecting. He was most known for his plummets, of which his collection numbered 1,700. Photo by John H. Gerard, Alton, Illinois
Click to enlarge	Mike Hill, is holding a frame with this artifact in it. He found this odd object on a Mississippian Period Site in Lafayette County, Mississippi. Just one corner was showing when he discovered it buried in the ground. It is extremely thin, made from claystone and measures 5 inches by 4 inches. He would appreciate any insight from the readers as to what this mystery object might be. Collection of Mike Hill, Oxford, Mississippi
Click to enlarge	Ronnie Croley holds a mysterious stone object. He found it in the town of Oakridge, Tennessee in 1973. It was laying in a stream bed that went through his backyard. Since then, he has tried to have it identified, including showing it to several archaeologists. The eyes and nose are drilled, and ears are visible on the side (see image above right). It is quite large, and truly must be seen to be believed, since it is very three-dimensional. The editor examined it and could not come to an absolute conclusion. Is it modern, old, just a rock, Indian or European? One of the archaeologists thought it was made from grog (also known as firesand and chamotte) which is a ceramic raw material. Any input from the readers is appreciated. Collection of Ronnie Croley, Madison, Missi