If you are wondering about this week’s post title, thank Arthur Murphy, who has made this his catch phrase to what we usually find in our screens. “We need to revive the contraction ’tis!” he says.
This week was fairly action-packed. Upon arrival, we immediately noticed a new addition to our site – a deer blind! While it provided a nice view, it was a reminder that people hunt in this area and that we should wear appropriate gear if we plan to venture into the woods.
Venture we did! Half of the class laid out a line of shovel tests that went quite deep into the woods. The aim was to locate a “hot spot” of Phase I shovel tests that yield historic artifacts. We plan to start a 5ft x 5ft excavation unit in this area next week. Art and Zach wielded a hatchet and a machete to clear away undergrowth. “I never thought I’d be in a class that required me to use a machete!”
Meanwhile, the other half of the class carried on with Site 4 STPs. Several of them were in the soy field which we expect will be plowed by next week. They made good progress and completed 10 tests. Like last week, the last STP of the day yielded the best finds of the day – some creamware (ca.1750-1820) and a bit of bone! Ani and Alex will try to find out what kind of bone it may be!