First Day

    Our first day started at 8am on July 7th when we arrived at the site. There was much to

be done to prepare for excavation. Our first task was to dig a trench that allows the wet

screening run off to be drained. Wet screening allows us to find smaller artifacts by running soil 

through multiple screens. With help from Neil, the master behind the drainage at the site,

we were able to complete it quickly. It was great to see the whole team working together.

After mucking the trench and setting up equipment, we got down to business. Units were

This is unit N6E2. In the top left
corner is Feature 35. This unit has
multiple different soil characteristics.

assigned to every pair. Along with my partner, Connor, I was

assigned Unit N6E2. This unit had been previously opened and

excavated several times and is the home to Feature 35, a feature of

foundational rocks that may connect to something larger. The

arrangement of rocks could be a part of a clay foundation or even

connect to another neighboring structure. At first look, the unit also

featured several charcoal deposits, ash deposits, and signs of

widespread oxidation in the soil.

    Through out the next few weeks I hope to learn about the

significance of these features and how they connect to the daily

lives of those who lived at Fort St. Joseph. The unit required extra

preparation, which set me and my partner back slightly, but fear

not, there was plenty of other work to be done.

    There were several buckets of soil from the plow zone that

needed screening. The plow zone  is the soil above where the

settlers of Fort St. Joseph would have lived, the occupation zone. It is where soil would have been

frequently plowed and moved, meaning most artifacts are not found there. Small bone fragments

were the most common artifacts found on my first day. One of my favorite parts of the day was wet

screening.  The intricate task of sorting through rocks, soil, and possible artifacts was pleasant task.

Along with bone fragments, small circular beads produced in Europe in the 15th and 16th century called

seed beads were common as well. Beads were frequently used to adorn clothing and used in trading. Their

small intricacy fascinated me.

Using wet screening, I found what may be 
the molar of a deer!

   

to trim the tall grasses along the site. He taught me proper

technique, arc-like motions kept close to the ground.

Though the scythe is an age old tool that is seemingly simple,

it is extremely effective! 

 Although the first day was slow moving excavation-wise,

important preparation was completed to ensure smoother

excavating in the coming day. All in the first day I met several

dedicated community members, utilized a scythe, and

uncovered several small artifacts during wet screening. I am

looking forward to all the people I will meet and the things I

will learn in the next few weeks.

- Rachel