Skip to main content

OCC Mastodon Records

 Collection
Identifier: OCCR0002

Scope and Contents

Part 1 of this collection consists of correspondence, factual sheets, “A Guide to the Groleau-White Lake Mastodon”, bonds and permits, a publication by the Elephant Interest Group, course information, postcards, news articles, and programs related to the discovery, excavation, mounting, and unveiling of the Groleau-White Lake Mastodon and the activities surrounding the Shelton Mastodon Excavation Site in Brandon Township. Important people include: Jeheskel (Hezy) Shoshani.
Part 2 Consists of 11 collages that include photographs, news articles, and other documents related to the reconstruction of the Groleau-White Lake Mastodon and its exhibition.

Dates

  • 1979 - 1986

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Refer to the Oakland Community College Archives Rules for Use of Archival Materials.

Extent

2.5 Linear Feet (1 MB, 1 OS)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

In 1968, the Groleau Brothers, Inc. construction company unearthed a mastodon skeleton while digging near Cranberry Lake in White Lake Township. They donated the bones to OCC along with $500 for their preservation. Only one-third of the mastodon’s bones were found and eventually the decision was made to only reconstruct the head, tail, and left side of the mastodon skeleton.

Thirteen years later, the reconstruction of the now nicknamed “Elmer” began under the supervision of Dr. Jeheskel (Hezy) Shoshani. He instructed students in the class “Mounting a Mastodon” at OCC’s Highland Lakes Campus. This class spanned three terms and had around 50 students working on the reconstruction throughout the process. On June 24, 1982 Elmer’s reconstruction was finally complete and at that time he was the second such skeleton in Michigan.

Inspired by the original mastodon project, students searched for another opportunity to become involved with a similar excavation. In 1983, a consortium consisting of the Cranbrook Institute of Science, Wayne State University, and OCC sponsored a series of classes entitled “Dig a Mastodon”. These classes were offered at OCC’s Highland Lakes Campus and provided students with the necessary scientific background to accompany fieldwork at the Shelton Mastodon Excavation Site in Brandon Township. The students were able to perform a basic site layout, excavation, and preparation of all materials uncovered at this property.

Arrangement

Part 1 is arranged alphabetically by subject.
In part 2 the Collages are arranged numerically.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The OCC Mastodon Records were acquired by the College Archivist and placed in the OCC Archives in the summer of 2018.
Part 2 of the Mastodon Records were donated to the OCC Archives by the OCC Science Department in April of 2019.

Existence and Location of Copies

Select materials from this collection have been digitized and are available in the OCC Digital Repository. http://www.dalnetarchive.org/handle/11061/6

Processing Information

Processed and finding aid written by Elizabeth Nicholson on August 24, 2018.
Title
Guide to the OCC Mastodon Records
Status
Completed
Author
Processed by Elizabeth Nicholson.
Date
2018-08-24
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Oakland Community College Archives Repository

Contact:
D201
2900 Featherstone Rd
Auburn Hills MI 48326 United States