Introduction: Lots 8, 9, and 15 are modern designations for adjacent parcels of land that were owned together and used as a single property until the early 1830's. Excavations produced important discoveries like that of the Colonial-era Lovelace Tavern, proving that significant archaeological resources could still exist in urban spaces. Project archaeologists were able to lobby for increased time and funds to continue their work on the strength of these finds, leading to additional discoveries. In all, the project provided considerable information about the history of New York City and its inhabitants from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
Rationale: Test Cut AS was excavated to investigate a pile of Belgian Blocks laying across a large portion of the backyard of Lot 8. Archaeologists learned from an informant that the blocks were removed from the sidewalk sometime in the 20th century and stored in the basement of public school (P.S.) 15 and 134, in operation between 1885-1922. The blocks were found to a depth of 42-inches below excavation surface and were underlaid by a wooden framework.
Results: A storage pit for the Belgian Blocks was found across the western 2/3rds of the test cut. The sixth and last course of blocks was removed in this level. Wooden planks were discovered underneath the last course at 30-inches below excavation surface.
Results: Test Cut AS was widened 22-inches to the west in order to further explore the wooden planks found at the bottom of the unit. In the AS Extension, the Belgian Blocks were removed as one complete layer to the depth of the wooden planks found in Test Cut AS.
Lot 8, Test Cut AS Extension, Stratum VII, Level A-G
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Collection method
None
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Soil description
Cobbles
