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SPA 2010 Annual Meeting April 9-11, 2010 at the Four Points Sheraton in Greensburg, PA hosted by Westmoreland Chapter #23 |
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President:
Dave Sorg
Vice President:
Denise Garrott
Secretary:
Cheryl BurkettLinks Section
Robins Island Archaeology Project
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Amanda Glaz
Archaeologists with the Jefferson County Historical Society have recently completed an archaeological survey of a popular location along the Clarion River known as “Robin’s Island”. The Allegheny National Forest proposes to construct 2 campsites and a “sweet smelling toilet” (SST) at this location. In accordance with federal law, an archaeological survey is first required in order to take into consideration the cultural resources that may be present. The Allegheny National Forest has entered into a partnership with the Jefferson County Historical Society to conduct the archaeological excavations.
The Robin’s Island location is officially known as the “Riverview” site and is the 203rd archaeological site recorded in Elk County. Brian Fritz of Quemahoning, LLC directed and conducted the fieldwork, along with excavators Travis Bercel and Jason Espino. Since this is a cooperative project, Forest Service archaeologists from the Marienville Ranger District also provided assistance.
Fritz and his team carefully laid out an exact 2-meter by 2-meter square, which was then excavated according to soil layers. Preliminary geomorphological testing by Dr. Frank Vento of Clarion University of Pennsylvania provided soil descriptions, depths, and potential for cultural material – any evidence of humans – to aid in the excavation process. All material is screened in the search for historic and prehistoric artifacts. Artifacts were bagged according to soil layers, and each level was precisely mapped with a total station, an instrument commonly used by surveyors. This scientific approach allows archaeologists to maintain consistency and helps to determine the relative ages of artifacts. Without such control, artifacts have little meaning. Documentation of the excavation and its findings will be submitted to the State Historic Preservation Office in Harrisburg, PA and the Seneca Nation of Indians Tribal Historic Preservation Office in Salamanca, NY. Both offices review archaeological reports on federal undertakings on the Allegheny National Forest, as well as many other projects throughout the region. Since laws protect archaeological sites on federal land, archaeological excavation on the Allegheny National Forest is undertaken only by Forest Service archaeologists, or partners and contract archaeologists under a Permit for Archaeological
Investigation.
Fritz’ team uncovered evidence of historic habitation, which may be associated with a man named Slyhoff. According to Millstone Township supervisor Eric Patton, Slyhoff lived in that area in the 1800s and was buried across the river (on private land) in Jefferson County. The crew also found a few items indicating that prehistoric Native Americans had used the area. The information helps the Forest Service to determine the appropriate treatment of the specific area, and also provides data that can be collected to develop a better understanding of the Clarion River corridor.
This project is the second “challenge cost share” agreement between Jefferson County Historical Society and the Allegheny National Forest. A previous partnership resulted in the total station mapping of Arroyo, a ghost town which once developed around a tannery. An interpretive sign was installed at the site last fall. The partnership agreements are coordinated by Ken Burkett, Executive Director of the Jefferson County History Center, and Amanda Glaz, Marienville District Archaeologist.
