This came from the Historical Archaeology list. Has anyone else heard of
this? Do people on the MUSEUM-L list share Jay's feelings?
 
Anita Cohen-Williams; Reference Services; Hayden Library
Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ  85287-1006
PHONE: (602) 965-4579              FAX: (602) 965-9169
INTERNET: [log in to unmask] Owner: HISTARCH
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Has anyone heard of the "Listerine bottle hunt"?  Appearently there is a
contest with cash prizes for those who have the oldest Listerine bottle.
While the idea of having a collection of Listerine bottles is not a bad idea,
I was disturbed at the idea of cash prizes.  The thought of thousands of
people digging up their backyards and looting privies was quite disturbing.
This also gives the impression to the general public that artifacts are sought
only for a monetary value.
 
This contest is being coordinated by the National Bottle Museum.  Has anyone
heard of this place?  Does anyone have any impressions about this subject?
I do not know about anyone else, but I see this kind of event as a step in the
wrong direction.  I am in favor of working with bottle collectors;getting infor
mation from them and teaching proper methods.  However, I felt compelled to wri
te a letter to the museum and inform them that there are other options to
obtaining collections.  If anyone else is interested in writing to them concern
ig this contest, here is the address:
 
 
The Listerine Bottle Hunt
c/o National Bottle Museum
76 Milton Avenue
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
 
I hope I am not overreacting.  I do not want to alienate this museum because
it is a potential resource, so I had to be sensitive to their misconception.
By the way, the deadline for entries is sept. 30th 1994.
 
M. Jay Stottman