|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
From 1995 to 2000, two major archaeological surveys were conducted at Pond Spring. The first was led by Dr. Linda Stine (then of Samford University) in the early winter of 1995. A later series of excavations were conducted prior to construction and restoration activities that have since commenced. The following accounts outline work and anticipated results attached to each of the early separate excavations.
[Survey presented at the 1 August AHC meeting at Decatur, AL. Report and Additional Photographs Pending Report Completion]
Volunteers from Calhoun Community College assisted in the archaeological excavation in March, 2000.
Many people know that the Wheeler Plantation has high historical and educational value; field excavations and laboratory work have now demonstrated that Wheeler also has high archaeological potential. In early winter of 1995, archaeologist Dr. Linda France Stine, field director Beth Gantt, and former Samford student Kristen Selikoff began archaeological explorations around the log cabin. They hoped that careful excavation and screening of Wheeler’s soils would uncover hidden features (e.g. postholes, piers, cellars, trash pits) and/or artifacts (e.g. ceramics, glassware, animal bone, nails). From January 17-21, 1995 these archaeologists, site manager Melissa Beasley, and volunteers excavated three 5x5 ft test squares, uncovering evidence of previous porch supports, and posthole evidence hinting that another building may have stood near the log cabin. Artifacts included bits of ceramic, glass, nails, door hinges, buttons, and numerous o ther materials. These items help to verify the date of the midden, the lensing of trash and dirt around the cabin, from the early nineteenth through twentieth centuries.
After meeting with Alabama Historical Commission staff, it was decided that more test units were needed before log building (cabin and barn) stabilization could begin. Dr. Stine and Samford archaeology students completed eight shovel tests around the log barn in February, 1995. More shovel tests were excavated and screened in March, across the proposed parking lot and rest room facility area north and east of the house. All of these shovel tests revealed interesting information about Wheeler’s soil stratigraphy and artifact types.
Archaeologists surveyed a number of sections, such as that to the upper left, revealing numerous artifacts. Note the jaw harp in the upper right photograph.
Stine brought Samford archaeological fieldschool students to Wheeler in June, 1995. Students were able to stay at Wheeler Station Hunting Lodge. They worked hard to dig, screen, photograph, and map six more 5x5 ft test units. Three more units were finished near the log cabin, uncovering more postholes. Over 5076 fragments of historic tool parts, stove legs, buttons, ceramics, screws, nails, window glass, and more were found around the structure. The nineteenth-century dog trot cabin must have been built over a prehistoric intermittent camping spot; archaeologists also found 140 fragments of prehistoric tools and tool making debris. One unit near the log barn uncovered fill-brick "paving" near the entrance. Farm laborers in the early twentieth century probably had to fill in low, wet areas in the work space before the barn. In a unit in the proposed parking area students discovered prehistoric debris, as a result of sharpening stone tools, mixed in with some historic artifacts.
The over 5746 historic artifacts discovered during the 1995
fieldwork and the approximately 277 prehistoric flakes, chips, tool parts, and sherds
(plus numerous weighed and sampled buckets filled with brick and mortar rubble) had to be
washed, sorted, cataloged, and analyzed. Samford students helped to wash some of the
artifacts, the remainder being processed by Dr. Stine and a laboratory helper. Selected
metal objects such as nails, buckles, and cook pot fragments were sent to the Office of
Archaeological Research at Moundville for cleaning and stabilizing. Faunal remains, mostly
mammal bone (cow, pig, turkey, rabbit), were sent to specialist Dr. Mary Ann Holm for
further study. Once the final report has been written, all original photographs, maps,
artifacts, and slides will be curated at the nationally acclaimed storage facility at
Moundville. The work of these specialists would not have been possible without the
generous financial help of the General Joe Wheeler Home Foundation.
Coffee High School students participated in the survey (right).
During the researcher’s initial week-long field project, site manager Melissa Beasley graciously allowed the fieldworkers to stay at the Sherrod house, organized a host of volunteers, and helped to feed the archaeologists. History teacher Harry Wallace brought 40 student volunteers from Coffee High School in Florence. They spent the day learning about preservation, archaeology, and Alabama history. They were also filmed by Ms. Sara Verser, a Birmingham newscaster, and appeared in her two-part series based on the work at Wheeler. Local and regional newspaper articles and television segments appeared about Wheeler. Many Friends of the Wheeler Foundation contributed time, labor, food, and/or intellectual stimulation during this project. Thanks to all.
Linda F. Stine
(Formerly of Samford University)
