The “63-year-old” Search for the Illusive 1767 Corbit Tannery

This PowerPoint presentation will review the archaeological and historical research that has finally led to the discovery of the location of the lost Corbit tannery in Odessa. 

Archaeology in Odessa

The Corbit tannery was built in 1767 by William Corbit, and after 83 years of continuous operation by the Corbit family, the tannery closed and was eventually buried and lost to history.  The Corbit tannery is an important Delaware archaeological site because of the critical importance of leather in the 18th century - - and because tanning and milling were the second largest industries in colonial Delaware.  This presentation shows the survey maps, deeds, aerial photos, soil tests, test units, and numerous historical records that John and HOF docent Jay Plischke used to find the lost Corbit tannery site.

The presentation is presented by John Bansch, Volunteer Coordinator of Archaeology Projects, Historic Odessa Foundation.

Free, at the HOF Visitors Center. 

Please send John an email if you plan to attend at beach-home@verizon.net.