Paula Ann Patecek Johnson of Abita Springs was well-known in archaeology circles and was named as a "key figure in female Louisiana archaeologists" in a book focusing on women in archaeology.
In
the 1970's, Paula took courses at UNO and LSU in the field of
archaeology, seeking to earn a master's degree in anthropology. Her work
in the field continued for years, according to Susan J. Wurtzburg in
her book "Women in Archaeology."
"She was a member of the
Louisiana Archaeological Society for many years," Ms. Wurtzburg wrote.
Paula published two historical articles, one being an oral history
interview with Lawrence Flot, and the other on the early history of Abita Springs.
"In
addition, she has been involved in a number of historical preservation
surveys and efforts, including the placement of the Abita Springs
tourist park pavilion on the National Register of Historic Structures in 1975," Ms. Wurtzberg said.
Paula was the daughter of Frank and Irma Blackwell Patecek of
Covington and followed in her maternal grandfather's field of interest
in archaeology and Native Americans.
He would travel to distant
locations to collect artifacts, and these provoked her curiosity enough
to convince her to get the proper training and volunteer in the field.
Mrs. Johnson was particularly interested in Egyptian archaeology.
After
receiving a B.A. Degree in Education from LSU in 1962, she took courses
in anthropology at the University of Chicago in 1963 and gradually
developed an interest in the Mayan civilization. She traveled to the
Yucatan peninsula that same year to visit some of the archaeological
digs there.
After marrying in 1965, she focused her attention on
archaeological efforts in the southeast, visiting sites of interest and
recording information and making collections of artifacts she discovered
in Washington and St. Tammany parishes.
Her work in coordinating
the dig at a Native American mound in Covington conducted by the "St.
Tammany Parish Archaeology Society" in 1971 helped paved the way for
heightened interest in early St. Tammany history. The archaeology
society met regularly to discuss their finds and plans, as well as hear
speakers of interest. In January of 1971, the group met at the Doby residence in Lewisburg to hear Judge Steve Ellis talk about the recent geological history of the Pontchartrain basin.
Paula Johnson of Abita Springs was recognized for her accomplishments by the St. Tammany Historical Society
at the society's annual banquet held at Tchefuncta Country Club in 1977.
Ron Barthet, society president, presents her with a check to help her
continue her work in historic preservation and archaeological
research.
She ran for mayor of Abita Springs in 1978 and was active in a variety of historical preservation projects throughout the region. She also promoted educational programs for gifted and advanced students in the school system.
In 1975, she took part in an archaeological dig along Bayou Jasmine (or Shell Bank Bayou) in St. John The Baptist Parish near Pass Manchac.
That historic find opened a window into the culture of a prehistoric Native American settlement that existed some 3000 years ago. According to an article written by John Fahey in the Times Picayune (Sept. 1, 1975), the cultural remains were "almost 100 per cent preservation" quality.
Ms. Johnson was on the team of archaeological volunteers who delved into the settlement that was estimated to have started some 1500 years B.C. Other team members included Father Dominic Braud of St. Joseph's Abbey (a pioneer member of the St. Tammany Historical Society).
Fragments of the prehistoric remnants were tossed up along the path of Interstate 55 as crews worked on construction of the interstate through the Manchac lowlands. The site had been known since 1957, but lack of funding was a problem until the group of volunteer archaeologists came along and made the dig possible.
See also:
Covington's Archaeological Dig
