SKELETONS AND RELICS FOUND - Old Indian Cemetery in West Berkeley Is Uncovered shellmound - San Francisco Examiner, 03 Jun 1902

SKELETONS AND RELICS FOUND

Old Indian Cemetery in West Berkeley is Uncovered.

BERKELEY, June 2. - Professor J. C. Merriam, of the department of Paleontology and Historical Geology at the State University, has made some very interesting discoveries concerning the inhabitants of this coast. With a force of men, Professor Merriam has been excavating in the shell mounds of West Berkeley and has already unearthed nearly twenty skeletons of Indians. Just how long they have been buried cannot be determined, until the professor makes the proper investigation.

The land upon which the discoveries were made is owned by J. Everding and is on Second street near Bristol. The bones of the ancient savages are found, as a rule, among the ruins of the shellmounds, the Indians' dwellings. These were built like cliffs and were carefully constructed. Stiff clay and shells form the strata which served as walls for the dwellings. The different apartments of the rude houses were plainly discernible as the workmen tore away the walls.

As the shovels neared the floors of the dwellings, the first bones were discovered. Professor Merriam realized that many families of the ancients must have dwelled in this vicinity so the work was continued with the result that fourteen skeletons, closely intact were subsequently uncovered. With them were found many valuable relics. Spears, arrow heads and clubs were among the articles.

Centuries ago, it is believed, this spot formed the mouth of the body of water known as Strawberry creek. The houses of the Indians were built on the banks of the stream, which, at that time was undoubtedly large. So close was the mud and shell material put together, that the wind and cold of the ocean could have little effect.

The excavators will continue their work through North Berkeley and San Rafael with the hopes of obtaining many valuable curios for the college museum.

Second street near Bristol is now Second Street near Hearst, roughly where Truitt & White lumber is.

SKELETONS AND RELICS FOUND Old Indian Cemetery in West Berkeley Is Uncovered shellmound 03 Jun 1902, Tue The San Francisco Examiner (San Francisco, California) Newspapers.com