Bill,

I kinda think it's not too unusual to find some freshwater mussel shells on historic sites in the Midwest, and possibly in the Northeast, too, but can't come up with any specific references, except for this:

Teagan Schweitzer identified five freshwater mussel species in an assemblage overwhelmingly dominated by oyster at the Speaker's House in Trappe, Pennsylvania. The shells may date from as early as the mid-18th century up to 20th century.  She suggests they might have been used as feed and/or a calcium source for chickens (T. A. Schweitzer 2010, Philadelphia Foodways Ca. 1750-1850: an Historical Archaeology of Cuisine. University of Pennsylvania Dissertation. Should be available online, or let me know if you want a copy).

Cregg

-----Original Message-----
From: HISTORICAL ARCHAEOLOGY [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Bill
Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2013 9:06 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Freshwater mussels on 18th century sites

Recent excavations on an early 18th century site in central Delaware recovered some freshwater mussel shells amongst the faunal remains.
Normally freshwater mussels are associated with Native American sites in the Middle Atlantic region.  This presents the possibility of a Native American presence or interaction with the European inhabitants of the site (circa
1720 to 1735).  Several glass seed beads recovered from floatation further support this theory.  My question is: Has anyone found freshwater mussel
shells on non-Native American 18th century sites in the region?    

Thanks for your input in advance!

Bill Liebeknecht, MA, RPA
Principal Investigator
Hunter Research, Inc.
Trenton, New Jersey