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: Project archaeologists continued to test the backyard area of Lot 9, placing Test Cut AR to the west of Test Cut AO. Important archaeological features were discovered in this test cut, including a late-18th- to mid-19th-century privy. Privies were essential structures for New York City residents before the introduction of utilities like water, sewers, and indoor plumbing in the mid- to late-19th century. In all, Test Cut AR is an important resource for understanding the history and development of Lot 9.
Results: An oval, dry-laid stone privy was discovered during excavations of Test Cut AR and is thought to have been used by the residents of Lot 9 between the late-18th and mid-19th century. However, looting at the site caused the privy to collapse during excavations. While a significant amount of information was lost, archaeologists were able to determine that the privy contained three separate historic filling episodes. This layer was produced during a cleaning event sometime in the late-18th- to early-19th-century when the privy was in operation. As recepticles of human waste, privies had to frequently be cleaned out by hand.
Lot 9, Test Cut AR, Stratum XVI, Level A
-
Collection method
Shovel, Trowel, Wetscreen (1/4-inch mesh). Natural Level.
-
Soil description
Gray, Tan, and Brown Clayey Silt and Clay
-
Munsell
5Y 6/4, 10YR 5/4
