MONTICELLO — As members of the Badger State Archaeological Society and several other archaeological societies, Steve and Janet Gobeli have been collecting artifacts for more than 40 years and are like walking history books when it comes to Wisconsin artifacts and history.

“We got a little carried away,” Steve said, reviewing their collection.

The Badger State Archaeological Society will hold its 35th annual Native American Indian Artifact Show from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at the Rehmstedt Gym in Monticello High School, 334 South Main Street. 

When collector Ralph Hammerly started the first show in Monroe, it only had five tables of collections. It’s now the largest of four artifact shows in the state and is sponsored by the Badger State Archaeological Society.

Janet considered Hammerly like a second father to her. She has now taken over organization of the show. 

“The show has grown to more than 90 tables of artifacts on display or for sale, including points, stone, bone, copper artifacts, Eskimo items, prints, books, pottery, jewelry and rugs,” Janet said. 

“In other words, the show will have a little bit of everything,” Steve said with a laugh.

Hammerly was a lifelong resident of Monticello who worked with Janet’s father at General Motors in Janesville for a few years and the two remained friends through their mutual interest. One of Hammerly’s most prized artifacts was a 14,000-year-old Red Hixton Sugar Quartz Clovis.

“One time, he brought it to work in his lunch box to show my dad,” Janet said. “The show itself is a history lesson. There will be experts on hand to identify artifacts.”

Some of the most unique items that will be at the show in Monticello include, “the collectors themselves,” Steve said. 

“We are an assortment of characters who enjoy talking to anybody with the slightest interest in our collections,” he added.

Sometimes, the couple visits schools and shares their collections and vast knowledge with students, 4-H clubs, nursing homes, scouting organizations and historical societies.

“This is knowledge that they don’t always teach in schools,” Janet said. “For several years, we displayed some items from our collection at one of the 10 stations at Honey Creek Park in Monroe when fifth-grade students visited.”

Sometimes, the Gobelis set up a scavenger hunt for the younger show attendees. 

“It helps pique their interest and encourages the kids to talk to the artifact collectors, and they learn some history, too,” Steve said.

Scouts from Boy Scout Troop #106 will have a lunch stand during the show.

“The scouts serve the best cinnamon rolls and steak and chicken sandwiches,” said Janet. 

Several organizations provide tables for the artifact show, including the Monroe FFA and Monroe Fire Department.

“We direct some of the funds raised during the show back to these organizations,” Steve said, adding that there also will be awards for Best of Show, Best Personal Find, Judge’s Choice and Best Educational Display for those collectors taking part.

The couple recalls several years ago a young girl walked into an artifact show in Oregon, Illinois, and presented a point that she had found in the dirt when her parents were building a house near the Rock River. 

She said that she used it to dig in their garden. One of the collectors examined it and identified it as a 14,000-year-old clovis point. After a considerable amount of conversation and some offers, she decided to put it in a lock box. She recently sold the point to pay for her wedding.

Steve and Janet also host a picnic for collector friends during the summer. 

“Some great friendships have been made better through rocks,” said Steve, who works at New Glarus Brewery. 

Steve grew up at the Franklin Cheese Co-op and made cheese for 10 years before meeting Janet. When they were married, they lived at the co-op for 25 years, making variations of Muenster cheese. Janet has worked at Emmi Roth in Monroe for seven years.

The couple also raise caged birds, including doves and finches, and enjoy time touring on their motorcycle. Janet is a talented quilter and Steve enjoys time in his tree stand.

Steve added that they have one hobby: finding new friends. 

“We enjoy meeting people and we have many different interests to accomplish that,” he said. 

For more information about the 35th annual Native American Indian Artifact Show, contact Steve or Janet Gobeli at 608-329-4781.