Archaeological Project Continues At Fenton History Center
New discoveries are already being made during the second week of the archaeological dig at the Fenton History Center.
On Wednesday, Dr. Thomas Greer, Walnut Grove archaeology project manager, said they have already discovered what appears to be a well on the west side of the Fenton Mansion. For the first time during the sixth year of the archaeological project, the dig is taking place on the west side of the mansion.
Greer said the goal for digging on the west side of the mansion is to find the foundation for an addition that is no longer standing. He said the addition was included on a Sandborn Insurance Map that dates back to 1902 and a map from 1915 discovered in the city archives. He added the addition was gone by 1926, according to another insurance map.
“What we found so far has been unexpected,” Greer said about discovering the well and a footer for a 16-foot-by-13-foot single-story structure.
Greer suspects that the addition might have been an indoor restroom installed during the 1890s. He said there is still evidence that supports that the former privy, or outhouse, is still a part of the mansion today, which underwent remodeling in the 1930s.
This year for the first time Greer said they will also be digging around the area of the former carriage house, which was located behind the mansion toward the east. He said the carriage house was 40 feet by 60 feet and was torn down in 1919.
Greer said when they have more volunteers, they will start to branch out the archaeology dig to both locations.
“We will get out there by the end of the season” he said.
On Wednesday, Sally Austin of Portland participated for the second day this year, which is her first year participating in the archaeological dig. A Jamestown Community College intern, Austin is merging her fine arts major with archaeology.
“I like playing in the dirt. I like sifting and searching for fossils when I’m bored,” she said.
Danielle Harrington of Jamestown was participating for her third day this year, which is the first year she has participated in the dig at the Fenton. She has been interested in archaeology since learning about the pyramids in Egypt while in middle school.
“I love coming here and digging around, and seeing what is in the ground,” she said.
John Gustafson of Jamestown is in his third year of participating in the archaeological project. He said he enjoys interacting with others who participate in the dig.
“I guess I enjoy the learning experience. Uncovering the history of the mansion that is not documented,” he said.
The Fenton archaeological dig will commence every Tuesday and Wednesday during the summer. In certain cases, the team may also meet on Saturdays. The days that are not spent digging due to rain or other circumstances will be spent washing and cataloging artifacts.
To volunteer, call the Fenton History Center at 664-6256. For more information about the archaeology project, visit fentonhistorycenter.org or the Walnut Grove Archeology Project Facebook page.
COMMENTS