Introduction: Lots 8, 9, and 15 are modern designations for adjacent parcels of land fronting Pearl Street 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.
The Lovelace Tavern was constructed by the second English Governor of New York, Francis Lovelace, around 1670. Taverns were important spaces for colonial communities, serving as centralized meeting places that fulfilled important social, recreational, political, and economic functions. The Lovelace Tavern also served as New York's temporary City Hall starting in the late-17th century after the Stadt Huys fell into disrepair. The tavern was demolished in 1706.
Rationale: Remains of the Lovelace Tavern were first encountered during the excavation of Test Cut AQ. Test Cut BM was placed between Test Cuts BH and BG. Overall, archaeologists excavated 27 test cuts inside, adjacent to, or within the walls of the tavern, representing around fifty-percent of the total area.
Results: Part of the the fragmentary and charred remains of the Tavern's wooden floor and surrounding soil were found in this level. Overall, the tavern floor layer extended to between 19- and 22-inches below datum. Diagnostic smoking pipe bowls and stems indicate that the layer dates to the late-17th century, though one pipe has a TPQ of 1624.
Lot 9, Test Cut BM, Stratum V, Level A
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Collection method
Trowel, Screen (1/4-inch mesh). Natural Level.
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Soil description
Gray-Brown Sandy Silt with Wood and Mortar
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Munsell
2.5Y 5/2 - 5YR 4/6
