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 collection of cobblestones found in the backyard of Lot 8. The cobblestone turned out to be Belgian Blocks. The blocks were removed from their original location sometime in the 20th century and stored in the basement of what was then public school (P.S. 15 and 134), which was in operation between 1885-1922. The blocks extended from the surface of the backyard to around 38-inches deep. Wooden planks underlaid the blocks.
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 surface and were underlaid by a wooden framework.
Results: A layer of fill containing 17th- through 19th-century artifacts was found in the southeast corner of the test cut from 4.5- to 22-inches below excavation surface. Footing stones for Lot 8's 19th-century eastern boundary wall were also found in this layer at 9-inches below excavation surface.
Lot 8, Test Cut AS, Stratum V, Level A
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Collection method
Trowel, Screen (1/4-inch mesh). Natural Level.
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Soil description
Brown Silt with Green Mottles
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Munsell
10YR 4/2
