Allen Image

by Tom Keener

Allen resident James Walczak will discuss his Native-American and paleontology collection at the Allen Public Library, 7 p.m., Thursday, October 16, 300 N. Allen Drive. This program is sponsored by Bach to Books and is free of charge. His collection is featured in the library’s gallery during October.

Raised in Ohio, James and his father took excursions to Lake Erie. While walking along the beach, they discovered Native-American arrowheads—an amazing discovery for a young boy. This prompted James to become an avid collector at the age of six. Later, he learned that these discoveries were Huron arrowheads. Today, James still pursues artifacts and fossils as a hobby.

A graduate of the University of Toledo in Ohio, James majored in geology and earth science but also studied mechanical and civil engineering and paleontology. James states, "I love to learn about the earth, Native-American cultures and prehistoric life."

During the Viet Nam war, James was stationed at Ft. Walters, Ft. Polk and Ft. Sam Houston. While on rest periods, James walked along nearby creeks and rivers. He warns, "Anyone who desires to search for fossils and artifacts needs to be prepared to be muddy and wet." He also visited sites where airports and highways were under construction. One of his most exciting discoveries was locating a cluster of ancient sea urchin echinoids near Georgetown, Texas. During this period, he also discovered sharks teeth, baculites, and Native-American arrowheads, scrapers and knives.

In 1975, while on his first date with his future wife, Shari, he asked her if they could visit a quarry. It was raining and 40 degrees—an optimal time to search for calcite crystals. She was soaked, but he had confirmation on that first date that she would be the perfect wife.

In September, James and Shari traveled to the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas and he will discuss that trip at his presentation. James states, "I hope that all who attend my presentation will learn that if they have patience and willingness to get muddy, they can achieve wonderful discoveries."

For information, call 214-509-4911.