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This excerpt from "The Wier Saloon" published in the 2020 Central States Archaeological
Societies 2020 October Journal
Read the complete column in the Central States
Archaeological Societies 2020
October Journal which can be purchased on-line after March 2021
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Figure 1. Aerial photograph of the main mound group
looking south.
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The Wier Saloon, located in downtown Muscatine, Iowa, was an unusual tavern, to say the least. Owned by James Wier, one of the more interesting residents from Muscatine’s past, the saloon stood at the same location for 28 years.
Mr. Wier was born in Lebanon, Tennessee, on May 19, 1842. He received his
education at Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio, and in 1865 he moved to Lafayette,
Indiana, moving to Muscatine one year later.
Mr. Wier enjoyed collecting historic and prehistoric curios and relics of
all kinds and had been collecting for over 25 years. He was said to have
had one of the finest private collections in the state.
His saloon was filled with all types of interesting artifacts, and he even
built a booth outside along the east side of his business to house some of
his collection. He also had parts of his collection stored at his home in
Muscatine.
Some of the more interesting items in his saloon were taxidermy head mounts
and entire stuffed animals including moose, deer, alligator, Rocky Mountain
sheep, a cinnamon-colored bear, a white weasel and a wolverine to name a
few. He also had pelts of many unusual animals on display.
His collection also included mastodon and mammoth bones, teeth, vertebrae
and tusk fragments reportedly found in Washington County, Iowa.
Another very unusual curio, visible in the broken glass negative, leaning
against the bar is the lower jaw of a sperm whale. Presumably the gentleman
standing next to the jaw is Mr. Wier.
He also had 14 varieties of .....
|
This excerpt from "The Wier Saloon" published
in the 2020 Central States Archaeological Societies 2020
October Journal
Read the complete column and see all four
images in the Central States Archaeological Societies 2020
October Journal which can be purchased on-line after March 2021
|
|
|
Figure 1. Aerial photograph of the main mound group
looking south.
|
Read the complete column in the Central States Archaeological Societies 2020
October Journal which can be purchased on-line after March 2021
