What will be discovered this year?

That was one question on the minds of those participating in the start of the fifth year of the Walnut Grove Archaeology project at the Fenton History Center, located at 67 Washington St. Since 2012, an archaeological survey and dig has taken place each summer at Walnut Grove, which is the grounds of the former Fenton Mansion. Dr. Thomas Greer, Walnut Grove archaeology project manager and Fenton History Center trustee, leads the exploration into the former mansion grounds that once had a servants’ quarters, carriage house, greenhouse and a barn.

This summer’s dig will have two focuses. One will be continuing to work where a barn was located that was built around the same time as the mansion in 1863. Greer said they have been digging around the foundation of the structure the last two years, making several discoveries along the way. One of those discovers was that after the barn was torn down, a greenhouse was built on the same location. The second focus this summer will be to start defining where the carriage house and a servants’ quarters were located at the Fenton Mansion.

Shannon Bessette, Jamestown Community College anthropology professor, started her fourth summer on the archaeology project Tuesday. At times, mostly in the fall, Bessette will bring some of her students to the exploration.

”I just love archaeology,” she said. ”I’m interested in how people lived, “How every-day people interacted.”

Finding old pots and medicine bottles in the ground does bring excitement, but doesn’t tell the whole story. After the artifacts are found, Bessette said they will research the history of the company or business where the items originated from, which sometimes leads to an exciting story.

”One hair tonic bottle we found was from the Seven Sutherland Sisters. They were singers, but they were known for their long hair. They made millions on hair tonic, but died penniless,” Bessette said. ”We also found a Clark and Topper Pharmacy bottle. They had a business on the corner of Third and Main (streets).”

Bessette said volunteers are welcome to join in the archaeology project at the Fenton History Center that takes place Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All skill levels are welcome, with several tasks suitable for all age groups.

Amanda Brainward of Conewango Valley will be participating in the dig for the third year. She said her interest is in the lives of the servants who worked at the Fenton Mansion.

”It is like (the show) Downtown Abby. I’m interested in the lives of those who were in service,” she said.

Dan Zabala of Lakewood started his third summer working on the Fenton summer project. He said working in Walnut Grove is an enjoyable way to be outside during the summer.

”It gives me time to just focus on looking for artifacts and zen out,” he said. ”Plus, the people are fun to be around. We have a good time.”

This will be the second summer John Gustafson will be participating. On Tuesday, he was digging in a new area where the servants’ quarters were located.

”This is an interesting learning experience,” he said. ”It is a nice venue, very scenic. I’m enjoying getting to know the other participants. It is a fun to be a part of it.”

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.