Archaeological Excavations
of the Print House Building,
Slave Quarter Site (18ST1-14),
St. Mary’s City, Maryland
Timothy B. Riordan
Silas D. Hurry
with contributions by
Katherine Cavallo
Sara Rivers Cofield
Historic St. Mary’s City
30 May 2015
Cover Photo: Reconstruction of the Print House shortly after construction.
Archaeological Excavations
of the Print House Building,
Slave Quarter Site (18ST1-14),
St. Mary’s City, Maryland
Timothy B. Riordan
Silas D. Hurry
with contributions by
Katherine Cavallo
Sara Rivers Cofield
Historic St. Mary’s City
30 May 2015
Copyright 2015 Historic St. Mary’s City
P.O. Box 39, St. Mary’s City, MD 20686
Table of Contents
List of Figures ………………………………………………………………………... iii
List of Tables …………………………………………………………………….…… v
Foreword and Acknowledgements ………….……………………………………….vi
Dedication …………………………………….………….……………………...……vii
Section 1 - Introduction ……………..………………………………………………
Location and Physical Description ……………………………………...…
Historical Overview…..………………………………………………………
Structural History of Smith’s Townland Tract……………………
William Nuthead in St. Mary’s City ……………………………….
Previous Archaeological Work ………………………………………...…..
1
1
3
5
7
9
Section 2 - Research Design ………………….…………………………………….. 10
Research Goals ……………………………………………………………… 10
Excavation Summary ………………………………………………………. 12
Methods ……………………………………………………………………... 12
Section 3 – Excavation Results ……………….……………….……………...…… 14
Site Stratigraphy .………………………………………………………..….. 14
Ground Surface in the 17th Century ……………………….………….…… 16
Main Building ……………………………………………………..………… 18
Description of Structural Posts .……………………….…….…..…. 19
Other Features ……………………………………….…...….……… 28
Artifacts in the Structural Features …………………….……..…… 29
Summary of the Main Building Architecture …………..…….…… 30
Timber-Framed Chimney ………………………………………….………. 33
Artifacts in the Chimney Features ………………………………… 40
Architecture of the Chimney ………………………………….…… 41
South Shed …………………………………………………………………... 43
Phase I Shed Post Holes ………………………………………….… 43
Phase II Shed Post Holes …………………………………….…….. 50
Other Features Associated with the Shed ………………….……... 53
Artifacts in the Shed Features …………………………….………. 58
Architecture of the Shed ………………………………..…………. 60
Landscape Features Associated with the Print House …………………… 61
i
Section 4 - General Findings of Artifact Analysis ………………………………… 70
Ceramic Sample …………………………………………………………….. 70
Ceramic Distributions …………………………………….………… 71
Ceramic Vessel Analysis ……………………………………………. 78
Individual Vessels …………………………………………………... 83
Conclusions from Ceramic Vessel Analysis ………………………. 94
White Clay Pipes ……………………………………………………………. 94
Bowl Chronology …………………………………………………… 97
Marks ………………………………………………………………... 99
Decorations ………………………………………………………… 101
Window Lead ……………………………………………………………… 103
Type I Window Leads …………………………………………….. 103
Type II Window Leads …………………………………………… 104
Type III-A and Type III-B Window Leads ……………………… 104
Printing Type ……………………………………………………………… 106
Section 5 – Artifactual Analysis of Structural Features ………………………… 114
Artifacts in Structural Posts ……………………………………………… 114
Architectural Debris in Structural Posts: Plaster ………………. 114
Architectural Debris in Structural Posts: Daub. ………………… 115
Architectural Debris in Structural Posts: Mortars ……………... 118
Artifacts in Structural Post Molds ……………………………………….. 118
Architectural Debris in Structural Post Molds: Plaster ………... 118
Architectural Debris in Structural Post Molds: Daub ………….. 121
Architectural Debris in Structural Post Molds: Mortars ………. 121
Artifacts in the Chimney Features ……………………………………….. 125
Artifacts in Chimney Posts ……………………………………….. 125
Artifacts in Chimney Post Molds ………………………………… 127
Artifacts in Fireback ……………………………………………… 128
Artifacts in South Shed Features ………………………………………… 129
Artifacts in Shed Posts, Phase I ………………………………….. 129
Architectural Debris in the Shed Phase I Post Holes …………… 130
Artifacts in Shed Phase I Post Molds ……………………………. 130
Architectural Debris in the Shed Phase I Post Molds. ………….. 130
Artifacts in Shed Posts Phase II/III ……………………………… 131
Artifacts in Shed Post Molds Phase II/III ………………………. 133
Architectural Debris in Shed Phase II/III Post Molds …………. 133
Artifacts in Timber Molds ……………………………………….. 134
Architectural Debris in Shed Timber Molds …………………… 137
Artifacts in Shell and construction Ditch ……………………….. 137
Section 6 – Summary and Conclusions ………………………………………….. 140
References Cited ……………………………….…………………………………... 143
ii
List of Figures
Figure 1.—Map of the Slave Quarter Site. …………………………..…………………. 2
Figure 2.—Undated Photograph of the Slave Quarter Site …………...………………. 5
Figure 3.—Van Sweringen’s Public Compensation Relative
to the Country’s House …….………………………………………………...7
Figure 4.—Typical Profile of Soils on the Slave Quarter Site, Unit 318 ……………. 15
Figure 5.—Overall Photograph of Features on the Slave Quarter Site …………..….. 17
Figure 6.—Map of 17th-Century Architectural Features …………………………...… 18
Figure 7.—Profile of Feature 580 T, View North …………………………………..…. 20
Figure 8.—Profile of Feature 611 S, View North ……………………………………… 21
Figure 9.—Profile of Feature 612 N, View North …………………………………..…. 23
Figure 10.—Profile of Feature 639 T, View North. …………………………………… 24
Figure 11.—Photograph of Feature 641 T, Post Mold and Hole, View South ….…… 25
Figure 12.—Profile of Feature 641 T, View North ……………………………….…… 26
Figure 13.—Profile of Feature 672 N, View North ……………………………….…… 27
Figure 14.—Profile of Feature 612 W, View West ………………………………..…… 29
Figure 15.—Plan View of Major Posts in the Main Structure ……………………...…31
Figure 16.—Plan View of Features Associated with the Timber Chimney ……..…… 34
Figure 17.—Profiles of Timber Chimney Post Holes and Molds ………………..…… 36
Figure 18.—Photograph of the Chimney Posts and Fireback, View West ………...… 39
Figure 19.—Evolution of the South Shed …………………………………………..….. 44
Figure 20.—Profile of Feature 550 T, View West ………………………………...…… 45
Figure 21.—Profile of Features 581 S and BB, View West ………………………..…. 47
Figure 22.—Profile of Feature 582 Y, View East …………………………………..…. 48
Figure 23.—Profile of Feature 582 W, View East …………………………………...… 49
Figure 24.—Profile of Feature 550 W, View North ……………………………..……. 51
Figure 25.—Profile of Feature 583 R, View West …...................................................... 52
Figure 26.—Detail of Phase III Shed Features …………………………………..……. 53
Figure 27.—Profiles of East Construction Trench …………………………………..... 54
Figure 28.—Profile of West Construction Trench and
Related Features, View West …………………………………………….. 55
Figure 29.—Plan View of Landscape Features …………………………………….…. 62
Figure 30.—Profile of Shell Filled Pit, Unit 576, View East ………………………..… 65
Figure 31.—Profile of Oyster Shell Pit, Unit 1463, View South ……………………... 68
Figure 32.—Temporally Diagnostic Ceramics from the Slave Quarter Site ………… 71
Figure 33.—Sample of Excavated units Used in Distributional Mapping …………... 72
Figure 34.—Distribution of Tin Glazed Earthenware ………………………………... 73
Figure 35.—Distribution of North Devon Gravel Tempered Earthenware ……….… 73
Figure 36.—Distribution of North Devon Sgraffito Earthenware ………….…………75
Figure 37.—Distribution of Rhenish Stoneware with Purple Decoration ….………... 75
Figure 38.—Distribution of Early Staffordshire Slipware …………………….……… 76
Figure 39.—Distribution of Manganese Mottled Earthenware ………………………. 76
Figure 40.—Distribution of English Brown Stoneware ……………………..…………77
Figure 41.—Distribution of Höhr Stoneware ………………………………………..… 77
Figure 42.—Ceramic Vessel Functions ……………………………………………….... 80
iii
Figure 43.—Vessel Mean Dates …................................................................................... 80
Figure 44.—Vessel Mean Dates Grouped by Decade ………………………………,... 82
Figure 45.—Vessel Ware Types ………………………………………………..………. 83
Figure 46.—Profile View of ST1-14-462P/AG ………………………………...………. 83
Figure 47.—Wan Li Plate Sherds (ST1-14-462P/AG) ………………………..………. 84
Figure 48.—Sherds from Porringer (ST1-14-462N/AJ) ……………………….……... 85
Figure 49.—Profile Drawing of ST1-14-462N/AJ ..……………………………….…... 85
Figure 50.—Possible Portuguese Tin Glazed (ST1-14-488F/AA) ….…………….…... 86
Figure 51.—Possible Tin Glazed Lid (ST1-14-630P/AA) ..…………………………… 86
Figure 52.—Profile View of ST1-14-630P/AA …………….………………………….. 87
Figure 53.—Tin Glazed (ST1-14-583P/AA), “What” Sherd …….…………………… 87
Figure 54.—Tin Glazed Vessel (ST1-14-609L/AE) …………………………………… 88
Figure 55.—North Devon Sgraffito (ST1-14-615K/AA) ……………………………... 88
Figure 56.—Morgan Jones Comparisons, Print House Examples on Right ……….. 89
Figure 57.—Vessel Usage at Comparative Sites, by Median Date ….……………….. 91
Figure 58.—Vessel Usage at the Ordinaries …………………………………….…….. 92
Figure 59.—Food and Beverage Vessel Percentages ………………………….……… 92
Figure 60.—Service and Storage/Prep Vessel Percentages ………………………….. 93
Figure 61.—Beverage, Food and Hygiene (x10) Vessels ……………………………... 93
Figure 62.—Pipe Bore Diameter Distribution ………………………………………... 95
Figure 63.—Pipe Bore Diameter Distribution (.2 mm) ………………………………. 96
Figure 64.—Pipe Bowl Shapes ……………………………………………………….… 98
Figure 65.—Pipe Marks …………………………………………………………….…. 100
Figure 66.—Pipe Decorations ……………………………………………………….… 102
Figure 67.—Type Measurement Locations ……………………………………….….. 106
Figure 68.—Distribution of Recovered Printing Type …………………………….… 107
Figure 69.—Sizes of Printing Type According to Moxon (1683) …………………… 109
Figure 70.—Scatterplot, Height to Paper versus Body size of Printing Type ……... 110
Figure 71.—Detail of Major Cluster ……………………………………………….…. 111
Figure 72.—Lead Alloy Analysis ………………………………………………….….. 112
Figure 73.—Printing type, lower case “d” and upper case “C” ...…………................113
Figure 74.—White Plaster in Initial Structural Post Holes …..................................... 116
Figure 75.—Brown Plaster in Initial Structural Post Holes …………………….…... 116
Figure 76.—Brown Plaster with Finish Coat in Initial Structural Post Holes ….…. 117
Figure 77.—Daub in Initial Structural Post Holes …………….…………………….. 117
Figure 78.—Bedding Mortar in Initial Structural Post Holes. ……………………… 119
Figure 79.—Total Shell Mortar in Initial Structural Post Holes ……….……………119
Figure 80.—White Plaster in Initial Structural Post Molds ……….………………... 122
Figure 81.—Brown Plaster in Initial Structural Post Molds ………..………………. 122
Figure 82.—Brown Plaster with white Plaster Initial Structural Post Molds ………123
Figure 83.—Daub in Initial Structural Post Molds ………………………………….. 123
Figure 84.—Bedding Mortar in Initial Structural Post Molds ……………………… 124
Figure 85.—Shell Mortar in Initial Structural Post Molds …………………………. 124
Figure 86.—Mortar with Brick Dust and Loam in Initial Structural Post Molds … 125
Figure 87.—Pierced Half-Groat Coin …………………………………..…………….. 138
iv
List of Tables
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
Summary of Post Hole Data ………………………………………………….…. 19
Artifacts from Structural Contexts …………….………………………………. 30
Summary of Chimney Post Hole Data ………………………….……………… 33
Materials Recovered From Chimney Contexts ……….……………………….. 40
Summary of Shed Post Hole Data ……………….………………………………43
Materials From South Shed Contexts …………….……………………………. 59
Material from West Shell Feature ……………………………………..……….. 66
Colonial Ceramics from West Shell Feature ………………………………….. 66
Material from South Shell Feature ………………………………….…………. 69
Colonial Ceramics from South Shell Feature …………………………………. 69
Ceramic fragments Recovered from the Slave Quarter Site ……….………… 70
Ceramic Vessel Assemblage …………………………………………………….. 78
Functional Groups and Forms …………………………………………………. 81
Comparative Sites ……………………………….………………………………. 90
White Clay Pipe Bores (64ths inch) ……………..………………………………. 95
White Clay Pipe Bores (.2 mm). …………………………………………………96
Type I Marked Window Leads ………………………………………………... 104
Type II Marked Window Leads ………………………………………………. 105
Type III Marked Window Leads ……………………………………………… 105
Printing Type characteristics in Inches ………………………………………. 108
Printing Type Sizes (Moxon 1683) ……………………………………………. 109
Artifacts in Structural Posts ………………………………………….……….. 115
Artifacts in Structural Post Molds …………………………………….……… 120
Artifacts in Chimney Post Holes ………………………………………….…… 126
Artifacts in Chimney Post Molds ………………………………………….….. 127
Artifacts in Fireback ……………………………………………………….….. 128
Artifacts in Shed Post Holes, Phase I ……………………………………….… 129
Artifacts in Shed Post Molds, Phase I …………………………………..…….. 131
Artifacts in Shed Posts, Phase II/III ……………………………………..……. 132
Artifacts in Shed Post Molds Phase II/III ……………………………….……. 134
Artifacts in Timber Molds …………………………………………………...…135
Artifacts in Shell and Construction Ditch ……………………………….…… 139
v
Foreword and Acknowledgements
This report details the findings of investigations into the architecture and material culture
related to a building identified as the “Print House” in Historic St. Mary’s City. The field and
principal laboratory work occurred between 1998 and 2003. Timothy B. Riordan directed the
excavations while Silas D. Hurry directed the laboratory analysis. The initial discovery of the
printing type on the site was the result of a project to prepare the slave quarter for moving as part
of the Brome House Relocation project directed by Ruth Mitchell in 1993. A project of this size
clearly represents the labor of many individuals. Directed by Riordan, the Field School in
Historical Archaeology sponsored by Historic St. Mary’s City with assistance by St. Mary’s
College of Maryland provided most of the excavation effort, working on the site from 1998 to
2003. Laboratory processing was undertaken by students in the Archaeological Analysis and
Curation class (ANTH 357) from St. Mary’s College of Maryland taught by Hurry and Henry
Miller. Additional excavation and artifact processing were undertaken in 2003 by a professional
archaeological crew funded by the capital program for the reconstruction of the building.
Katherine Cavallo produced the ceramics and tobacco pipe analysis while Sara Rivers Cofield
treated and studied the window leads. Donald L. Winter is responsible for the artifact
photography. Dr. Bruce Pregger of the Patuxent Naval Air Station provided the scanning
electron microscope (SEM) analysis of the metallurgy of the printing type. Dr. Hope Mayo,
Philip Hofer Curator of Printing and Graphic Arts, Houghton Library, Harvard University, and
Dr. Christina Hodge of Stanford University provided insights into the metrical analysis of the
printing type. Dr. Harry Alden, former wood anatomist for the Smithsonian Institution identified
the wood remains from the excavation. The late Dr. Alison Grant, author of North Devon
Pottery: Seventeenth Century provided insights into the North Devon pottery recovered in the
excavations. Finally, Dr. Garry Wheeler Stone and Dr. Henry Miller provided insights into the
architecture of the building under study.
vi
Dedication
The study is dedicated to the memory of Dr. Lois Green Carr (1922 – 2015). Lois Green
Carr was the founding intellect of the research at St. Mary’s City. As historian for St.
Mary’s City she established the standard of rigorous inquiry to which we all aspire.
vii
Section 1–Introduction
The building identified as the Print House is located on a site known as the Slave
Quarter (18ST1-14) within Historic St. Mary’s City (HSMC). A double-pen slave cabin,
associated with the 19th-century Brome Plantation, was standing on this site until 1994.
As part of a project to remove the 19th-century buildings from the landscape, excavations
were conducted around its foundation. In two of the units, a large, oyster shell-filled pit
was discovered that had many late 17th-century artifacts. More importantly, a total of 38
pieces of 17th-century printing type were recovered. These were associated with William
Nuthead, the first colonial printer south of New England, who came to Maryland in 1684.
The story of printing in St. Mary’s City is an important one for the museum and this was
the first time we could associate a particular site with this activity.
Because of the importance of this find, HSMC began, in 1998, a multi-year
investigation of the site focused on locating evidence of a structure that might have been
used by William Nuthead. Excavations during the first three years completed a random
sample of the overall site to identify areas where late 17th-century artifacts and features
might be found. The last three seasons concentrated on uncovering a large and complex,
17th-century earthfast structure. Most of the work was conducted by students in the
annual field school. In the fall of 2003, a paid crew completed the excavation of the post
holes and other features related to the late 17th-century structure. The archaeological
investigations were designed to collect information so that a reconstruction could be built
which would house the printing exhibit. Based on the archaeological evidence, the
building was built and opened as an exhibit in 2007.
This report is specifically focused on the archaeology of the late 17th-century
building called the Print House. Early work on the site demonstrated the presence of
other 17th-century components. These have not been investigated in detail and are not
included in this report. The Slave Quarter site, as the site name implies, was also the
location of 19th-century and later occupations. Those components have been addressed in
a separate study (Brock 2014).
Location and Physical Description
The Slave Quarter site is located in St. Mary’s City, on a semi-isolated knoll
overlooking the St. Mary’s River (Figure 1). It is bounded on the west by the river, on the
south by the Key Swamp ravine and on the north and east by the ravine leading to the
Governors Landing. The site includes all of the land, within the confines of the natural
features, north of grid line N7850 and west of gridline E2950. This includes
approximately 37,500 ft2 or about 0.9 acre. Within the overall site, evidence of the Print
House is located on the northern end of the ridge. The building and associated features
are located within a roughly 70 ft. x 70 ft. area centered on N8000/E2800.
1
St. Mary’s City
N 8100
E 2800
40 ft.
Print
House
St. Mary’s River
Single Cabin
Duplex Cabin
0
Governor’s Field
Chapel Land
50 ft.
20 ft.
N 7800
E 2900
Figure 1.—Map of the Slave Quarter Site.
2
In the 17th century, the site was part of two distinct tracts, the Governor’s Field
and the Chapel Land. The division between the two runs through the southern half of the
duplex cabin. The structure known as the Print House is located on the Governor’s Field
property. In 1666, William Smith received a lease for three acres of the Governor’s Field,
which became known as Smith’s Townland (Carr n. d.)
The knoll has an elongated, flat ridge running northwest to southeast. It is no
coincidence that most of the buildings were placed here and were oriented with the ridge
line. In the area where buildings were located, the elevation ranges between 42.00 ft. to
42.50 ft. along the ridge. From this high point, the land slopes down sharply in all
directions except the southeast where the ridge runs past the site boundary. Soils on the
site are part of the Sassafras loam series (Gibson 1978). On the slopes of the ridge, the
soils are described as severely eroded and not useful for agriculture. On the ridge top, the
soils are said to be excellent for tobacco and other crops.
The ridge top has not been extensively plowed, probably because it was so small
an area and later because buildings were placed there. There is evidence of plowing in the
earliest aerial photos of the site. In a photo taken in 1938, the area to the west of the
duplex quarter is shown as plowed. This picture also shows that another cabin, to the
north of the duplex, was no longer standing by this time. Subsequent pictures, taken
about every ten years do not show any further plowing.
Historical Overview
The earliest mention of the land of the Slave Quarter site occurred in 1639 when
Father Francis Poulton, S. J. attempted to have 25 ac. surveyed and patented (Carr n. d.).
The property was described as being bounded on the north with the Governor’s Town
Land. As Lord Baltimore would not recognize land patented to a Catholic priest, a lay
trustee, Cuthbert Fenwick, was appointed in 1641 and a patent issued. This patent was
more specific about the northern boundary: “… on the west with a swamp in St. George’s
River called the Key Swamp and on the north with a right line drawn from the top of the
hill … to the Mill Brook.” These documents indicate that both the Chapel Land and
Governor’s Field properties were recognized as early as 1639 and that their boundary
began at the highest point on the hill of the Slave Quarter site. The Governor’s Field
property, 100 ac., was patented by Leonard Calvert in 1641 and repeats that the boundary
runs at the top of the hill.
The boundary line between the Governor’s Field and the Chapel Land was
apparently marked for a time. Deeds for both properties refer to a “vayle” or rail that
stood at the top of the hill and both indicate that it was no longer there in 1641. Whatever
this may have been, no evidence of any pre-1650 structure or feature has thus far been
found here.
3
In the first half of the 17th century, buildings were built on both properties but
they were on other parts of the tracts. Leonard Calvert built a house on his property to the
north and a Chapel was already in existence on the other property by 1639. The area of
the Slave Quarter site seems to have been little used at this time. It would stay that way
until the Province acquired the 100 acres of the Governor’s Field and town development
began to edge its way towards the south. The Governor’s Field property was purchased
by the Province in 1662 from Mrs. Hannah Lee and the house was then referred to as the
“Country’s House” to reflect its public ownership. This tract would remain in public
control until the beginning of the 18th century.
Having acquired land in St. Mary’s City, the government began to encourage
town development by offering leases on the 100 acres. One of the earliest, a three acre
parcel, was leased to William Smith in 1666 for 31 years. This tract was bounded on the
south by the Chapel Land, on the west by the St. Mary’s River and contained the northern
half of the Slave Quarter site. By 1668, Smith had built at least two buildings on the tract
and these will be discussed in detail in the next section. While Smith’s property was
being developed in the 1660s, it was not until the late 1680s, with a renewed push for
town development, that the western edge of the Chapel Land began to be subdivided. In
1686, a six ac. parcel of the Chapel Land was sold by Francis Pennington, S. J. to
William Digges. This property, termed the Priests Land, shared its northern boundary
with Smith’s Townland, its western boundary was the St. Mary’s River and it included all
of the southern half of the Slave Quarter site. Digges leased this parcel to Lionel Copley,
the Royal Governor, in 1692/3 for five years.
After the capital is moved to Annapolis in 1695, both properties slip into
obscurity. Lionel Copley died in 1693 and his part of the site would have reverted to
Digges. When Digges, in turn, died in 1697, there is no mention of this property. The
Jesuits continued to be listed as owners of the Chapel Land into the 1750s but it was the
whole 25 ac. with no mention of the 6 ac. sold by Pennington. The lease on Smith’s
Townland, held by Garret Van Sweringen, ran out in 1697 and does not seem to have
been renewed. Van Sweringen died in 1699 and again there was no mention of this
property. The rent roll for the Province in 1704 mentions Smith’s Townland but lists the
possessor as unknown.
How the Governor’s Field, owned by the Province of Maryland, passed into
private hands is uncertain but as early as 1697, Philip Lynes sold the property to Gabriel
Parrot. From here, the property passed through a series of owners until early in the 19th
century, the Brome family acquired it. The Brome’s would make the Governor’s Field
into the center of a large plantation in the 1840s and the construction of residences for
their slaves on the knoll by the river gave the site its name (Figure 2). The photograph
shows the duplex cabin to the left and the single cabin to the right.
4
Figure 2.—Undated Photograph of the Slave Quarter Site.
Structural History of Smith’s Townland Tract
While the previous section provided a broad overview of the history of the Slave
Quarter site, to understand the Print House structure, the history must be much more
specific and focused on the structures erected on Smith’s Townland in the 17th century.
The building of the Print House was directly connected to the history of the other
structures on the property.
By the time of his death in 1668, Smith had built a number of structures including
two dwelling houses. These were known as Smith’s Ordinary and John Morecroft’s
house. Neither of them was located in the area where the Print House was built. After
Smith’s death, his widow married Daniel Jennifer. He sold the property lease in 1672 to
John Quigley and Garret Van Sweringen. Within a few weeks, Van Sweringen had
control of the whole three acres and sublet the eastern half to Quigley. Although this
portion of the tract passed out of his direct control, it is clear the Van Sweringen
maintained his interest in the whole property.
When Smith’s Ordinary, the main building on the western half of the tract burned
down, Van Sweringen applied to Governor Thomas Notley for an extension of his lease
in 1678. In exchange for a new lease, on the entire three acres, for 40 years, he
surrendered his old lease and agreed to rebuild the Ordinary. The new lease was voided
5
by Lord Baltimore in 1687 but Van Sweringen maintained control by virtue of the
original lease. Thus, he had an active and sustained interest in the property at least until
1697.
Van Sweringen publicly announced his intention to build a new structure on this
property. A condition of his extended lease was that he would rebuild the ordinary in
brick as soon as he was able. Since no building was rebuilt on the site of Smith’s
Ordinary, it had always been assumed that he never fulfilled that condition. The building
at the Slave Quarter site, while not of brick, is of the right time period and is associated
with him.
There is one way to check whether Van Sweringen rebuilt an ordinary from the
historical records. After every session of the Assembly, Ordinary Keepers were paid for
“public expenses.” Van Sweringen’s name showed up frequently in these records as did a
number of others. Since the expenses varied from session to session, it is necessary to
find a way to gauge whether Van Sweringen’s payments were going up or down. By
comparing his payments to those of whomever leased the Country’s House, the biggest of
the ordinaries, it is possible to view changes in his compensation (Figure 3).
The chart shows Van Sweringen’s payment as a percentage of that paid to the
lessee of the Country’s House. In 1674, he had slightly more than 100% but by 1676, he
had over 250% of the payment made to the lessee of the Country’s House. This reflects
revenue from Smith’s Ordinary and, possibly, Van Sweringen’s other property, the
Lodging House. In 1678 his total falls dramatically to 50%, reflecting both his lease of
Smith’s Ordinary to John Derry and the loss by fire of the original structure. He
maintains this level through 1681 until it rises sharply in 1682. The sharp rise suggests
that Van Sweringen developed another space to put up guests. If he built the structure in
1681, it would explain the rise in his payment. The compensation increases in 1684 and
then drops back to its earlier level in 1686. Explaining the drop is made more
complicated by the entry of Philip Lynes as an ordinary keeper. Exactly where he was
keeping ordinary is a mystery. A large number of places have been proposed but none are
definite. If he leased the building from Van Sweringen, the total would rise again to the
level of 1684.
An alternate explanation for the decline in public payments might be a shift in the
structure’s function to private use. It may not be a coincidence that the decline in revenue
occurs at the same time that William Nuthead arrives in Maryland. Nuthead, presumably
not a rich man, needed to lease an existing building to set up his press and may have also
sought a partner. It is interesting that printing type has been found on both this site and
the Van Sweringen site. How long Nuthead may have stayed on the site is uncertain.
Later references to the “Print House Lot” do not refer to this building.
Whatever its ultimate use, the documentary evidence suggests that this structure
was built by Van Sweringen and began its life as an ordinary. There are no historical
references that can be related specifically to this structure. The documents indicate that it
6
Van Sweringen’s Compensation as a
Percent of the Country’s House Leaseholder
300.00
1676
250.00
200.00
1684
150.00
1674
1682
100.00
50.00
1678
1686
1681
1688
0.00
Series 1
Figure 3.— Van Sweringen’s Public Compensation Relative to the Country’s House.
was built in the last quarter of the 17th century, most probably between 1678 and 1681.
What happened to the building is as much a mystery as anything else. There is no
indication as to whether Van Sweringen renewed his lease in 1697 and the land is not
mentioned as part of his estate in 1699. By that time, with the capital moved to
Annapolis, record keeping was less rigid and there was little pressure for land.
William Nuthead in St. Mary’s City
The discovery of a significant number of 17th-century printing type on the Slave
Quarter site associates at least part of the occupation with William Nuthead, a printer
who came to St. Mary’s City in 1684. While the broad outline of Nuthead’s activities in
Maryland had been known for a long time, his origins were unknown. He was known to
have been born in 1654, based on a deposition given in 1693 where he described himself
as 39 years old (Archives of Maryland [AM] 20:33-34). Using this datum, Cofield
(2006:11-12) suggested that Nuthead came from a family of printers in London. In 1644,
Thomas Nuthead, citizen and goldsmith of London apprenticed his son, William, to
Richard Coates, Official Printer of London. He was freed from his indenture in 1652 and
set up his own business. A series of children were christened in the parish of St. Botolph
without Aldersgate in the 1650s to William Nuthead and his wife Susana, although none
of them were named William. Cofield (2006:12) lamented the lack of a christening record
for William Nuthead but suggested that the weight of evidence linked the Maryland
individual with this family. A transcriber’s error is likely responsible for the confusion
over the christening record. A William “Nathead” was born on 12 February 1653 and
christened in the parish of St. Botolph without Aldersgate on 19 February 1653. His
parents were William Nathead and his wife Susana (FamilySearch.org 2014).
Presumably, he learned the family trade but there is no further record of him until he
shows up in Virginia in 1682.
7
Printing was considered to be a dangerous thing in the 17th century, leading
people to challenge the government and fostering religious controversies. There is the
often-quoted opinion of Sir William Berkeley, Royal Governor of Virginia, who in 1671
stated, “I thank God there are no free schools nor printing and I hope we shall not have
these hundred years” (Wroth 1922:1). The Governor did not have a hundred years as only
11 years later, early in 1683, John Buckner and William Nuthead were called before the
Virginia Council for unauthorized printing (McCartney 2001:68-69). Buckner argued that
there had not been any real printing, just two sheets for presentation to the Governor,
seeking his approval. Nevertheless, the Council put them both under a bond of £100 not
to print anything until they heard from the Government in England. On December 3,
1683, Lord Effingham, new Royal Governor of Virginia, was issued instructions which
required him to “forbid the use of any printing press on any occasion whatever”
(Fortescue 1964:558).
Following the arrival of Lord Effingham in Virginia and his prohibition of
printing, William Nuthead moved to Maryland. Recent research has indicated that he was
printing blank forms in Maryland as early as 31 March 1684 (Cofield 2006:16). The same
study identified 130 surviving printed forms that could be attributed to William Nuthead
or, after his death, to his wife Dinah. The bulk of Nuthead’s work in Maryland were these
blank forms. That he could and did print other things is evidenced by the famous
“Declaration” of the Associators who rebelled against Lord Baltimore in 1689 and the
Address of the Assembly to the King in the same year (Wroth 1922:4-5). In 1694, Mr.
Peregrine Coney, a Protestant minister, was requested to have his sermon to the
Assembly printed. While there are no copies of this extant, it would have been Nuthead
who printed it (AM 19:40).
While it is certain that William Nuthead was printing in St. Mary’s City, where he
was printing is much less certain. There was a building known specifically as the
“Printing House” which was originally built and owned by William Blanckenstein.
Whether it was built for that purpose or when it acquired that name is unknown.
Blanckenstein was a German immigrant who arrived in Maryland by 1678 and was
naturalized in 1682 (AM 7:343). When the Assembly passed the “act for the
advancement of trade” in 1683, it offered a one acre lot in St. Mary’s City conditional on
the purchaser actually building on it by the end of August 1685 (AM 7:613). William
Blanckenstein took up one of these lots and built a structure on it which later passed to
Dr. Joseph Sempile and whose wife, Mary, sold it to William Taylard in 1694 (AM
717:684). It is the deed from 1694 that refers to the structure on the property as the
“Messuage, Tenement or dwelling House commonly called the printing house.” It is not
certain where this one acre lot was located but it clearly was not on the three acres of
Smith’s Townland. Through the late 1680s and into the 1690s, Garret Van Sweringen
continued to lease the Smith’s Townland property.
The presence of printing type on the Slave Quarter site strongly suggests that
William Nuthead used this site for printing. As the “printing house” appears to be later in
time, it may be that the structure on the Slave Quarter site was his first location and that
8
he then moved to a different, as yet unknown, location. William Nuthead must have been
leasing the building known as the “printing house” when it was sold in 1694. He died in
1695 and his wife, Dinah, took over the press. By 1696, she was living in Annapolis and
received a license from the Governor to print blank forms (AM 20:449).
Previous Archaeological Work
The initial investigation of the Slave Quarter site was part of a larger project
known as the Leonard Calvert Survey in 1979 (Morrison 1980). A total of 174 shovel test
pits, spaced 10 ft. apart along 50 ft. grid lines, were excavated on the site. While this was
a preliminary survey, it produced abundant cultural evidence. A prehistoric occupation,
dating from the Middle Archaic to the late Woodland, was identified. Materials from the
17th century were common and showed a concentration in the area northwest of the
standing duplex cabin. Artifacts from the 19th and 20th centuries were ubiquitous in the
shovel test pits. To explore the distribution and preservation of these materials, five test
units were excavated. While none of these were excavated in the area of the Print House,
they all confirmed the findings of the survey.
The next major work on the site began as part of the effort to move the 19thcentury Brome Plantation buildings off the 17th-century landscape in 1992 to 1994. To
move the duplex cabin, a number of pits had to be dug for jacks which would lift the
structure off its foundation. A total of 12 of these pits were needed, six on the inside and
six on the outside. For their function, they had to be aligned with the building. As
expected, there was ample evidence of the 19th-century occupation. However, two of the
pits uncovered a large pit filled with oyster shells. Excavation of this feature yielded a
large number of late 17th-century artifacts and 38 pieces of lead printing type. It was the
latter discovery that prompted the present project.
In 1998, HSMC began a multiyear program of testing on the Slave Quarter site.
The purpose was to identify all cultural occupations, including one from the late 17th
century which could be associated with the printing type. The first step was to complete a
stratified random sample across the top of the knoll. The ridge top was divided into 50 ft.
by 50 ft. blocks and a 5% sample was selected from each. This resulted in a list of 47
units to be excavated. In addition, other judgmentally placed units were to be completed
to follow fence lines or explore features discovered by the random sample. During a three
year period, 1998-2000, the annual archaeology field school completed the 47 random
units and an additional 32 units. Ironically, the random sample was set to not impact the
known foundations of the two 19th-century quarters. Even before the end of the testing, it
was clear that the 17th-century structure was directly under the remains of the single pen
cabin. In addition to a concentration of late 17th-century artifacts in the area, the evidence
included part of a small, brick pavement and a portion of what appeared to be a wattle
and daub chimney. Based on these results, the present project to uncover and analyze the
17th-century structure was begun.
9
Section 2 – Research Design
Based on the historical documentation for the Smith’s Townland property and the
previous archaeology, it was evident that there was a late 17th-century structure on the Slave
Quarter site. Further, the discovery of a large number of printing type on the site suggested that
this was one of the places in St. Mary’s City that William Nuthead set up his press in the 1680s.
As printing was one of the few trades that could specifically be associated with St. Mary’s City,
it had always been an important part of HSMC’s interpretive program. Printing demonstrations
had been given at a number of locations around the museum but never had a permanent home as
it could not be tied to a specific site. The discoveries on the Slave Quarter site offered a solution
to this problem. By conducting archaeological excavations and analyzing the results, the museum
hoped to gain the information necessary to reconstruct a 17th-century building on this site that
would become the permanent home for its peripatetic Printing Exhibit. Thus, this building, which
became known as the Print House, was the focus of archaeological investigation between 2001
and 2003.
Research Goals
The primary focus of the study was to gain a sufficient understanding of the
archaeological evidence of the structure and associated features so that a reconstruction could be
planned. At the beginning of the project, there was evidence of a possible structure but that
building had not been defined and there was minimal data on its architecture. The presence of a
large number of printing type indicated an association with William Nuthead but the historical
record suggested this structure served as an ordinary. The changing function of the structure
would have to be addressed during the project. Based on the preliminary analysis, the occupation
had been dated to the last quarter of the 17th century. While this was already a fairly tight dating,
to fully understand the site and its occupations, a more narrow chronology would be needed. To
address these concerns, the excavations were guided by a number of research goals. These were
designed to explore the structure’s chronology, architecture, and function. Briefly summarized,
these goals were as follows:
- define the temporal limits of the 17th-century occupation
- discover evidence of the architecture of the 17th-century structure
- identify and trace 17th-century landscape features related to the building
- collect an artifact sample to assess the use and function of the structure
Each of these goals contributed to a specific aspect of the research and, ultimately the
completion of a reconstruction to house the Printing Exhibit. To understand how these goals
related both to the previous understanding of the site and to research accomplished during this
project, each will be described separately.
10
The temporal limits of an occupation, in its simplest form, refer to when it began and
when it ended. To relate the archaeology to the historical documentation, chronology is vitally
important. Based on the very limited sample of units from the previous archaeology, it was
known that the site was occupied in the last quarter of the 17th-century but the sample was not
sufficient to refine that date. Nor was there any certain evidence of when the occupation ceased.
To accomplish this goal, it was necessary to open a much larger excavation and to investigate
features related to the structure and its landscape. Evidence regarding the temporal limits of the
occupation could be recovered from two sources. Dateable artifacts found in sealed feature
contexts would be valuable both for dating specific events in the structural history as well as
more generally for the site as a whole. A larger sample of artifacts from the disturbed layers
above the features would increase the precision of various artifact analyses used in defining the
temporal limits of the occupation. Both types of evidence should be recovered during the
excavation of large, open area as well as investigating the cultural features.
From the previous archaeology, it was known that features, associated with a 17th-century
structure, existed in this area. These included a paling ditch, a brick pavement and a possible
wattle and daub chimney. While there was a general idea where the structure was located, there
was no information on its architecture, how it was constructed, or even its size. Even though Van
Sweringen promised to rebuild the ordinary in brick, it was assumed that this structure was
constructed as an earthfast building. Excavations had not produced the amount of brick that
would be expected from a brick structure. Recording and excavating the structural post holes and
any associated features would be necessary to gain information on the architecture. The second
research goal addressed the need to define the structure and to understand how it was built, what
changes occurred to it, and how it ultimately was destroyed. Again, this goal required a much
larger, open-area excavation to uncover the structural plan. Once the building was defined, the
features needed to be excavated to further understand the architecture.
The 17th-century building was part of an associated landscape which provided the context
for the use of the structure. The excavations would need to be sufficiently broad to capture data
on the relationship of the structure to the surrounding landscape. A number of different kinds of
features could be expected in the area around the building. It was already known that the
structure had a wattle and daub chimney. The clay for that chimney was likely dug from pits
close to the structure. In addition to construction related features, there were fences that defined
the yard around the building. A portion of a paling fence was already known from the previous
excavations. Investigation of landscape features would not only aid in understanding the function
and use of the site but also contribute to any future reconstruction for exhibit purposes.
Finally, it was anticipated, again based on the previous archaeology, that the excavations
would produce a large sample of artifacts, both from the plow zone and the features. In addition
to contributing to the understanding of the chronology of the building, it was expected that the
sample could be analyzed to help explore the function and use of the structure. Specific artifact
classes, such as ceramics would be used to investigate whether the building was used primarily
as a residence, an ordinary or had another function. Distributional analysis would be developed
to demonstrate how the structure and the lot were used. Analysis of the printing type would
explore the use of the structure during William Nuthead’s occupancy. All of these would
contribute to the overall understanding of the site.
11
Excavation Strategy
To provide evidence that would contribute to accomplishing the research goals, the 17thcentury structure had to be located and exposed. This was done in two stages. The first stage was
to confirm the presence of the 17th-century structure and to define its location. This was
accomplished by discovering several of the structural post holes. Once the building was located,
the next stage would be to uncover the whole site so that overall photographs could be taken of
all the features before excavation.
As the brick pavement and part of the chimney were already known, expanding around
those features was an obvious first step. Both of these features were located in the southwest
corner of the structure so excavation proceeded to the north and east, following the new
discoveries. In addition to uncovering the structure, units were excavated in the yards around the
building to collect information on yardscape features as well as increasing the sample for
distributional analysis.
Excavations were conducted on this site over a three year period. Most of the work was
done by students in the annual HSMC field school. The main structural features were excavated
by a professional crew hired as part of a Capital Funds project through the State of Maryland. In
2001, the field school spent part of the course working on the site and excavated 18 units. They
also completed 3 feature contexts that summer. The next year, 2002, field school spent the entire
time on the site completing 36 units and 8 feature contexts. Finally, the field school again had a
partial season on the site in 2003, excavating 16 units and 2 feature contexts.
In the fall of 2003, HSMC hired four full-time and two part-time excavators to complete
the project. They excavated from the early August through the end of November. To finish
uncovering the structure, they excavated eight more plow zone units. Once the building was
exposed and mapped, they excavated 95 feature contexts to provide the information needed to
address the research questions.
Methods
To maintain comparability of results over 40 years of archaeology within the National
Historic Landmark of St. Mary’s City, the methods used for excavation have been standardized.
These are detailed in a document entitled “Standards and Guidelines for the Performance of
Archaeological Investigations” which is on file at the Department of Research at Historic St.
Mary’s City. While these have evolved over the years, the goal has been to provide continuity so
that older excavations could be enlightened by new data. Rather than repeat everything in that
document, this section presents aspects of the methods used which will make the results clearer
or will allow an evaluation of what was accomplished.
The first of these is a concern for preservation. Where possible, HSMC does not
completely excavate a site. It is recognized that methods are constantly evolving and new ones
12
are being developed. If the site is completely excavated, it would not be possible to ask new
questions of the data. In this particular case, all of the post holes were completely excavated.
Without doing this, it would not be possible to get plan views of the post molds. Also, as a
reconstruction was planned, these holes would be reused for the new posts. Most other features
were tested sufficiently to identify their function and preserved in place for future investigations.
These were protected during the process of reconstruction.
Throughout the report, field measurements are in the English system not the metric
system. When excavation began at HSMC, it was decided that there was an advantage in using
the same measurement system that the people under study used. For continuity and
comparability, that has been continued. However, to make the measurements easier, we use the
Engineer’s scale which divides feet into tenths and hundreds rather than inches and fractions.
Elevations are based on professionally set datum points and are presented as above mean sea
level (AMSL). These are also presented using the Engineer’s scale.
As the post holes contribute the majority of the architectural evidence regarding the
structure, it is important to specify how that data was collected. The method of excavating the
post holes is designed to capture as much detail as possible. After the post hole is defined below
plow zone, it is both photographed and drawn to scale. A cross-section is established that bisects
both mold and hole. As the shape of a post mold is most accurately defined near its base, a
coring tool is used to assess the depth of the post hole. This information is used to establish an
elevation 0.2 – 0.3 ft. above the base of the post hole where the mold can be replanned. As
excavation of the mold and hole proceed, the mold is cleaned and redefined in stages to see if
any significant changes in shape have occurred. If so, additional plan views are completed. Each
post hole will have a complete profile and one or more plan views. Careful elevations are taken
at the base of both the mold and the hole.
13
Section 3 – Excavation Results
The excavations on the Slave Quarter site produced a comprehensive body of data
on the structure known as the Print House. That data is organized and presented in this
section based on the research goals outlined above. It begins with general comments on
the site, presents the excavated features associated with the structure and describes the
information related to the surrounding landscape.
Site Stratigraphy
When the current program of excavation began on the Slave Quarter site, it was
already known that the site was stratified. Unlike most sites in St. Mary’s City, which
have a deep plow zone sitting on top of subsoil, this site had three distinct soil layers
evident. Although we could not say how they developed or when they dated, it was
important to treat each layer as a separate event (Figure 4).
The surface layer, consistently called topsoil, was a dark brown (10YR3/3) silt
loam which had very little material in it. Topsoil varied in depth from 0.2 ft. to 0.5 ft.
with a consistent 0.2 ft. average. Elevation of the surface varied across the site from a
high of 43.30 ft., directly over the rubble of the 19th-century chimney, to a low of 41.20
ft. along the northern edge of the area. A major portion of the site had surface elevations
between 42.25 ft. and 42.50 feet. Basal elevations of the topsoil varied similarly to the
surface ones, with a high of 43.07 ft. over the rubble and a low of 40.99 ft. along the
northern edge. The bottom of the topsoil varied from 42.10 ft. to 42.30 ft. over most of
the site.
Under the topsoil was a layer of the same soil but with very high inclusions of
gravel and whole oyster shell. This stratum was designated dark brown loam with gravel
or mottled brown loam with gravel and was found all over this portion of the site. It
varied in depth from 0.1 ft. to 0.2 ft. with an average of 0.15 ft. overall. The dark brown
loam with gravel contained a huge amount of material from all periods. Elevations at the
bottom of the dark brown loam varied from 42.37 ft. above the brick rubble to 40.76 ft.
along the northern edge. Generally, the dark brown loam covered a shallow plow zone.
Towards the center of the slave cabin, it sat on top of the destruction rubble. The bottom
of the dark brown loam varied from 41.90 ft. to 42.20 ft. over most of the site.
Between the dark brown loam and subsoil was a brown (10YR5/3) clay loam with
gravel. In this layer, the oyster shell was highly fragmented, there was less gravel and
there was material from all periods. This stratum is highly variable in depth ranging from
0.2 ft. to 0.6 ft. and averaging 0.3 ft. overall. Basal elevations for this stratum ranged
from 41.00 ft. to 42.15 ft. but varied from 41.70 ft. to 42.13 ft. over the main portion of
the site.
14
0
1
2
3
4
5
elev. 42.79 ft.
1
2
3
4
0
1 ft.
Brick
Displaced subsoil
Gravel
Shell
1.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) silt loam mottled with 2% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) clay loam. [Topsoil]
2.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) silt loam mottled with 10% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) clay loam, 10% shell, 5% gravel, 2% brick. [Dark brown loam
with gravel]
3.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) silt loam mottled with 30% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 2% shell, 2% gravel. [Brown loam with gravel]
4.
Yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay loam. [Subsoil]
Figure 4.—Typical Profile of Soils on the Slave Quarter Site, Unit 318.
15
Only after excavating a number of units did a pattern begin to emerge. It was soon
noted that topsoil contained a number of pennies dated to the late 1940s and early 1950s.
The final occupation on this site was in the mid 1950s and it is not to hard to associate the
almost sterile topsoil with abandonment of the site. The dark brown loam had a wide
range of material but its pennies date primarily to the late 1930s and 1940s. Aerial
photographs on file at HSMC show the Slave Quarter site being plowed, right up to the
buildings, as late as 1938. Later photographs do not show any plowing. It is likely that
the heavy concentration of gravel and whole oyster shell in this stratum were put there as
an attempt to create a less muddy yardscape after plowing ended. The final layer
represents the plow zone created by the activities noted in the aerial photographs. The
plowing must have been associated with gardening as it was relatively shallow. Had it
been otherwise, much of this site would no longer exist.
Ground Surface in the 17th Century
It is not often that an estimate of the contemporary ground surface can be made
for a 17th-century site. The unique nature of this site and its features makes that possible.
There are a number of preserved architectural features associated with both the 17thcentury structure and the 19th-century quarter, allowing an estimation of the original
ground surface through time. This information is important for assessing the depth of post
molds in relation to the ground surface and has implications for the architecture as a
whole.
For the slave quarter, there are four features relating to underpinning the sills to
keep them off the ground (Figure 5). These range in elevation from 42.01 ft. to 42.23 ft.
with an average of 42.12 ft. for the top of these features. The elevation of the cabin
fireplace hearth is 42.00 ft. and for the brick in the storage pit, it is at 42.17 ft. at the top
layer. The bricks that make up the storage pit lining are modern, probably 20th-century
brick. They would have been placed here after a floor was put into the structure. Still,
they should have been either at ground level or slightly higher. It is not known if the
hearth originally had a brick floor or if it was always dirt. If it had brick, it would be at
42.25 ft. but if not, the lowest the ground surface could be would be 42.00 ft., which
marks the floor of the hearth. At the time the slave cabin was built, c. 1840, the ground
surface would have been between 42.00 ft. and 42.25 ft. and destruction rubble from
tearing down the cabin rests on a surface at this elevation.
Within the 17th-century structure, there are five architectural features that have a
bearing on the contemporary ground surface (Figure 5). Of these, three relate to the shed
on the south side. Perhaps the most important is the brick pavement located in the
southwest corner. These brick most likely served as a step at an entrance to the shed and
therefore must be at or just above ground level. The elevation is 41.99 ft. on the
pavement surface. Other shed features relate to the tile floor. The first of these comprise
the bricks set in a trench along the southern edge of the shed. Their purpose was to
16
Storage Pit
Brick Pavement
Mortar Bed
Figure 5.—Overall Photograph of Features on the Slave Quarter Site.
confine the mortar bed. Because of this, the tops of the bricks must have been above
ground level, else there would be no reason to worry about the mortar. An elevation of
41.92 ft. was taken on the top of the trench bricks. The mortar bed, which these bricks
were designed to contain, had an elevation of 41.88 ft. and was well preserved. If the
thickness of the tile, approximately 0.12 ft. is added to this, the tile floor would be at
42.00 ft. or almost identical to the brick pavement.
There are two features associated with the 17th-century chimney that also provide
insight on the ground surface. The hearth is at an elevation of 41.78 ft. and shows strong
fire-reddening. While there is no way to know how much of the hearth has been removed,
this must be considered the lowest possible elevation for the 17th-century ground surface.
Similarly, the fireback trench, in which the brick of the fireback were set, had a base
elevation of 41.74 ft. and was flat bottomed. The top of the only preserved course of
brick is at 41.95 feet.
Based on these observations, ground surface in the 17th century must have been
between 41.78 ft. and 42.00 feet. The actual ground surface is most likely closer to the
upper end of this range. For the fireback to have any stability, the bottom course of brick
must have been buried at least half, or more, of their depth into the ground which would
make the surface 41.84 ft. or higher. Also, if the top of the mortar bed, at 41.88 ft. was
below ground, there would be no need for the edge bricks. An estimate of 41.90 ft. is
17
appropriate for the ground surface in the 17th century. When discussing the depth of the
17th-century posts, a grade of 41.90 ft. will be assumed as ground level.
The 17th-century structure on this site is composed of three distinct architectural
elements: the main building, the welsh chimney, and the south shed (Figure 6). Each of
these components was constructed in a different way and left differing types of evidence.
Each is discussed separately.
Main Building
The main building was the first to be constructed and seems to have remained
unchanged through the entire period. Evidence of the main structure consists of six large,
structural post holes, two smaller post holes, and a fenceline. The structural posts provide
the most information on the size, shape, and construction of the building (Table 1). These
are described first, and then the smaller features are described and analyzed. Finally, the
architectural inferences drawn from these features are presented.
672 N
641 T
639 T
642 P
Main Building
612 T
612 W
611 S
580 T
Chimney
0
Shed
Mortar Bed
Figure 6.—Map of 17th-Century Architectural Features.
18
612 N
10 ft.
TABLE 1
Summary of Post Hole Data
Post
580 T
611 S
612 N
639 T
641 T
672 N
Hole L
(ft.)
Hole W
(ft.)
Mold L
(in.)
Mold W
(in.)
Base Mold
(ft.)
2.2
2.4
2.2
2.4
2.0
2.2
2.0
2.25
1.95
2.0
2.0
1.8
7
6
7
-7
7
7
6
6
-6.5
7
39.57
39.17
38.89
-39.17
38.91
Below
Grade
(41.90 ft.)
2.33
2.73
3.01
-2.73
2.99
Base Hole
(ft.)
39.76
39.04
38.77
39.78
39.06
38.91
Description of the Structural Posts
Southwest Corner Post (580 T): When first encountered, the upper surface of this post
hole was covered by a dense deposit of oyster shell and mortar, which may have been an
intentional fill to level the ground surface in the 19th century. That deposit was removed
and revealed a square post hole, 2.2 ft. long and 2 ft. wide. This feature was intruded on
the south side by a shallow trench filled with oyster shell (589 AA) which tied the main
structure to the south shed. The trench ran up to but did not intrude the post mold.
A square post mold, 6 in. on a side was located close to the south wall of the hole
(Figure 7). Like the other post molds on the south wall, this mold was significantly closer
to the east edge of the hole, possibly indicating a direction of construction. The post mold
was oriented with the overall structure. At a depth of 1.4 ft. below the base of plow zone,
the mold became round and had a 7 in. diameter. The transition from a square post mold
to a round one was also noted in the other posts of the south wall. The post mold ended at
a depth of 39.57 feet. The base of the post hole was not flat but sloped towards the post
mold. At the west edge of the hole, the base was measured at 39.76 feet. The fill of the
mold, a dark brown silt loam, had large quantities of oyster shell, mortar, and brick. In
contrast, the fill of the hole was a dark yellowish brown silt loam which had a lot of shell
but little else. Like several of the other holes, there were patches of dark loam and shell
scattered through the fill. These appear to be distinct lumps of topsoil included in an
otherwise mixed fill. The evidence suggests that this post was not pulled or burned but
rotted in place.
South Wall Post (611 S): At the surface, this was a square post hole, 2.4 ft. by 2.25 ft.
and contained a square, 6 in. by 6 in. post mold which was oriented with the building
(Figure 8). A rather unique profile was found when this post hole was excavated. It
appears as if this post broke and shifted to the west. At a depth of 40.42 ft., a separate,
round feature was noted. For 0.2 ft., the upper mold intruded this new feature slightly.
The new feature had a 7 in. diameter. From that point on, the upper mold disappeared.
19
0
1
2
3
elev. 42.11 ft.
4
2
1
2
4
3
3
1 ft.
0
Gravel
Mortar
Shell
1.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) silt loam with 2% shell, 2% mortar. [Post mold]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 15% yellowish
brown (10YR5/8) clay loam, 2% shell, 1% gravel. [Post hole]
3.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR3/4) silt loam with 5% shell. [Dark lens]
4.
Yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay loam. [Subsoil]
Figure 7.—Profile of Feature 580 T, View North.
20
0
1
2
3
elev. 41.76 ft.
2
1 ft.
0
1
3
6
6
Brick
Charcoal
4
Gravel
5
Mortar
Shell
1.
Brown (10YR4/3) silt loam mottled with 2% yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay
loam, 5% shell, 1% brick. [Post mold]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 5% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) clay loam, 2% shell, 2% brick, 1% mortar, <1% charcoal, <1%
gravel. [Post hole – east side]
3.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 5% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) clay loam, 25% shell, 1% brick. [Post hole – west side]
4.
Brown (10YR4/5) silt loam mottled with 20% reddish brown (5YR4/4) silt
loam, 2% mortar, 2% charcoal, 2% brick, <1% shell. [Lower post mold]
5.
Yellowish brown (10YR5/8) sandy clay loam mottled with 5% dark yellowish
brown (10YR4/4) sandy silt loam, 2% gravel, 1% shell. [Lower post hole]
6.
Yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay loam. [Subsoil]
Figure 8.—Profile of Feature 611 S, View North.
21
The fill of the new feature was similar to the mold above it but with the addition of a
reddish brown silt loam, possibly a rehydrated brick. This suggests that the post was cut
square at the top but rounded at the bottom and was similar to the other two posts on the
south wall. If the lower feature is a continuation of the mold, then it is located close to
the eastern edge of the hole and suggests that the building was constructed from the west.
Another unusual aspect was the difference in the fill of the hole. The upper fill
was full of shell and debris while the lower fill was almost sterile. Other post holes have
lenses of different material but none had this abrupt transition. The stratigraphic break
occurs at the level that the post hole becomes smaller, being 1.9 ft. by 1.6 at this depth.
While the lower mold feature extends several inches into the upper fill, the upper mold
ends at the transition between hole fills. The fill sequence of this post hole suggests that
the upper portion is a replacement and that the upper portion of the hole was dug out to
set the new post.
The base of the mold was set at an elevation of 39.17 ft. and was slightly rounded.
Unlike the previous hole, the base of this one was flat and at an elevation of 39.04 feet.
There was a 0.13 ft. difference between the base of the mold and the base of the hole.
While the upper portion of the mold was changed, there is no evidence for the removal of
this post when the building was demolished.
Southeast Corner Post (612 N): At base of plow zone, this hole was square, 2.2 ft. by
1.95 feet. On the surface, the post mold was round and not well defined but at a depth of
0.8 ft., the mold had become a relatively square, 7 in. by 6 in. (Figure 9). When the mold
was cored, an air void was encountered at about 0.6 ft. below the surface and extended
about 0.4 ft. in depth. The air void was in the north half of the feature and was not in the
profile. Like the other posts in the south wall, below a depth of 1.2 ft, this mold became
round with a 7 in. diameter. Also, this mold was shifted close to the east side of the hole.
Within the mold were considerable quantities of shell, mortar and brick. The base of the
post was flat and set at an elevation of 38.89 ft. while an elevation of 38.77 ft. was
recorded at the base of the hole. There was less shell in this hole than in the others on the
south wall. The fill was lighter but contained numerous lumps of topsoil. There was a
difference of 0.12 ft. between the base of the mold and the base of the hole.
Northwest Corner Post (639 T): A 19th-century post hole all but obliterated the
northwest corner post hole (Figure 10). The intrusive post hole had transfer printed and
mocha decorated whiteware in both its hole and mold. All that was left of the 17thcentury post hole was a thin edge along the north and west sides. The hole appears to
have been 2.4 ft by approximately 2 ft. and had a square shape. No evidence of the mold
survived. The base of the hole, on the west side was measured at 39.78 ft. which is very
similar to the southwest corner post hole.
North Wall Post (641 T): At the base of plow zone this post hole was square, 2 ft. by 2
ft. and had a relatively square but large post mold visible. When first measured, the post
mold was 8.5 in. by 8 in. and looked like a rounded rectangle. At a depth of 0.8 ft., the
22
0
1
2
3
elev. 41.54 ft.
2
3
2
1 ft.
0
2
1
Mortar
Shell
1.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR3/4) silt loam with 5% mortar, 1% brick, 1%
shell. [Post mold]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 20% yellowish
brown (10YR5/4) clay loam, 2% shell, 2% gravel, 1% brick, 1% mortar.
[Post hole]
3.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR3/4) silt loam with 10% shell. [Dark lens]
Figure 9.—Profile of Feature 612 N, View North.
23
0
1
2
3
elev. 41.35 ft.
3
1 ft.
0
2
2
4
Gravel
1
Shell
1.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) silt loam with 1% shell, 1% brick. [19thcentury post mold]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 20% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 2% shell, 1% gravel. [19th-century post hole]
3.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 10% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 1% shell, 1% gravel. [17th-century post hole]
4.
Grayish brown (2.5YR5/2) clay loam. [Clay lens]
Figure 10.—Profile of Feature 639 T, View North.
24
mold measured 7 in. by 6.5 in. and was square (Figure 11). The base of the post was at
39.17 ft. and, unlike all the other posts in the structure, appeared rounded (Figure 12).
The bottom part of the mold was not straight but appeared to be at an angle. Also, there
was a small sliver of a different soil adjacent to the top of the mold. The mold contained a
significant amount of mortar while the hole had much more shell. Several large chunks of
charcoal were found in the mold at 0.8 ft. below surface and have been identified as black
locust (Harry Alden 2004, elec. comm.). The base of the post hole was not flat but had a
distinct slant with the east side being higher than the west. Elevation at the west end was
39.06 ft. while it was 39.26 ft. on the east.
Northeast Corner Post (672 N): In a square hole, 2.2 ft. by 1.8 ft., at the base of plow
zone, a poorly defined rectangular post mold was noted. This mold was out of alignment
with the long axis of the hole and sat at a 45 degree angle to the wall line. Several
changes took place as excavation proceeded (Figure 13). At a depth of 1 ft. below plow
zone, the mold was still misaligned but now appeared to be square and 7 in. on a side.
Unlike the post molds of the south wall, this mold was shifted to the west edge of the
hole. The base of the post is flat and rests on the bottom of the hole at 38.91 feet. This
hole had very little shell and the fill was much lighter than the other holes.
Figure 11.—Photograph of Feature 641 T, Post Mold and Hole, View South.
25
0
1
2
3
elev. 41.56 ft.
3
2
0
1 ft.
Brick
Charcoal
3
1
Mortar
Shell
1.
Brown (10YR4/3) silt loam with 2% mortar, 2% charcoal, 1% brick, 1%
gravel. [Post mold]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR3/4) silt loam. [Destruction disturbance?]
3.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 10% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 5% shell, 2% gravel. [Post hole]
Figure 12.—Profile of Feature 641 T, View North.
26
0
1
2
3
elev. 41.35 ft.
0
3
2
1
1 ft.
Gravel
2
Mortar
Shell
1.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) silt loam mottled with 2% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) clay loam, 1% gravel. [Post mold]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 20% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 2% gravel. [Post hole]
3.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR3/4) silt loam with 2% shell. [Dark lens]
Figure 13.—Profile of Feature 672 N, View North.
27
Other Features Associated with the Main Building
While many features were found in the area of the Print House, most were 19th
century in origin and related to the Single Cabin. There were two post holes, along the
east wall which were associated with the Print House. Although small and ephemeral,
these features offer potentially significant insights on the architecture.
East Wall Post (642 P): Located along the east wall line, this post was 12.62 ft. from the
northeast corner post and 7.38 ft. from the southeast corner post. The post hole is
rectangular, 1.9 ft. by 1.6 ft. and had a heavily mottled, dark yellowish brown, clay loam
fill with a small amount of mortar. A round post mold, with a 6 in. diameter, was evident
in the hole. The fill of the mold was a dark yellowish brown silt loam and contained some
shell, brick and mortar. Excavation demonstrated that this feature was extremely shallow
with an elevation of 40.74 ft. for the base of the post. Only 0.1 ft. of the feature remained
to be excavated. Given the ground surface in the 17th century, the bottom of this post was
only 0.65 ft. deep.
The interpretation of this post is difficult for a number of reasons. The mold falls
directly in line with the others along the east wall and the post hole is oriented with the
line of the building. There is nothing in the fill that would indicate it is anything but a
17th-century post. Gable end post holes are not uncommon in Chesapeake buildings and
they are often shallower than the main posts. However, this post is not centered on the
gable but is shifted a considerable distance towards the south. This post does match the
location of the post on the west wall, Feature 610 Y, which joins the north edge of the
chimney to the main building. However, that post mold abuts the west wall but is not part
of it.
One possible explanation for this post is that it, with the southeast wall post
(Feature 612 W), form the sides of a doorway. There is a distance of 4.6 ft. between the
interior edge of this post and the other. Supporting this explanation is the presence of a
paling fence which is associated with the other post. A doorway on this side of the
structure would face the most likely route of approach to the building.
Southeast Wall Post (612 W): The hole for this post intruded the hole for the southeast
corner post (612 N) while there was a distance of 1.6 ft. between the two posts. This post
was in line with the east wall and oriented with it. The post hole was 2.1 ft. by 1.9 ft., was
rectangular and had a highly mottled, dark yellowish brown, silt loam fill with some brick
and mortar. It contained a square post mold, with a 5 in. diameter. The fill of the post
mold was also silt loam but was darker and less mottled (Figure 14). Like the previous
post, this was shallow in comparison to the main structural posts. The base of the post
was at 40.35 ft. which would have been about 1.5 ft. below the 17th-century surface.
Unlike the structural posts, the base of the mold was round and the bottom of the hole
was basin shaped. As described above, this is most likely part of the frame of a door.
28
0
1
2
3
elev. 41.50 ft.
0
3
2
1
1 ft.
2
Gravel
1.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) silt loam mottled with 5% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) clay loam. [Post mold]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) silt loam mottled with 20% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 2% gravel. [Post hole]
3.
Paling fence (612 T) previously removed.
Figure 14.—Profile of Feature 612 W, View West.
Artifacts in the Structural Features
A remarkably rich and varied collection of artifacts and rubble were found in the
structural features. These are discussed in detail in Section 5 but are here presented to
provide context to the architectural sequence. Not unexpectedly, most of these items
relate to the destruction of the building and are found in very late contexts. Table 2
compares the totals of material between the structural molds and holes. The only
categories where the holes have a larger amount of material are the prehistoric artifacts
and the oyster shell. The amount of shell in the holes is not typical of the plow zone
above them. It is possible that the builders chose to fill the holes from a nearby midden
area. This would help explain why there are lenses of dark soil, shell, and lithics in most
of the holes. Why this would be the case is unexplained.
As would be expected, there is clearly more rubble in the molds than in the holes.
This difference is accentuated when the volume of the context is considered. By
standardizing the figures in items per cubic foot of excavated soil, we get a truer sense of
the difference between these two contexts. For example, the molds have an average of 59
nails per ft3 while the average is only 1 nail per ft3 for the holes. Similarly, the molds
have an average of 240 g of brick per ft3 while the average is 5.7 g/ft3 for the holes. The
same difference is evident in all of the rubble categories.
29
TABLE 2
Artifacts from Structural Contexts
Molds
18
197
11
1966
729
266
687
300
American Indian
Nails
Other Artifacts
Shell (g)
Brick (g)
Mortar (g)
Plaster (g)
Daub (g)
Holes
136
58
12
33842
348
190
147
0
However, even the low number of items in the holes suggests a scatter of items
from some earlier building. One could argue that most of the rubble in the holes resulted
from construction waste. Certainly the nails, brick and mortar could be from construction.
It is harder to see the plaster as construction related. It is possible that some of this
material was transported from the site of Smith’s Ordinary along with materials that were
being recycled.
There are 12 artifacts collected from the original post hole contexts. These include
one pipe fragment. Ceramics account for five of the twelve. There were three pieces of
tin glaze, a Staffordshire Slipware sherd and a colonial earthenware. Finally, there was a
piece of red clay floor tile. This last item is particularly interesting as floor tile is not
otherwise present on the site until late in the history of the building. The artifacts from
the molds are typical of destruction contexts and include seven pieces of window glass, a
piece of bottle glass, and two pipe fragments (one with a measurable bore of 2.6 mm).
Given the large number of artifacts in the plow zone above the molds, the lack of
ceramics, additional pipes and other artifacts is unusual. It may be that the posts were
well preserved until late in the history of the site and did not become artifact traps until
after the surrounding matrix had stabilized.
Summary of the Main Building Architecture
Several factors make the understanding of this structure difficult. Without the
northwest post mold, measurement of both the west and north walls is only an
approximation. The apparent movement of the south wall post noted above created a
distinct angle between the two wall posts. In this case, to be more accurate,
measurements were taken from the center of the bottom of the mold rather than what was
seen on the surface. Finally, the misalignment of the northeast corner post raises
questions of where to take the measurement. Consistently, measurements were taken
from the furthest extent of the mold.
30
Despite these problems, considerable information has been derived from the post
hole pattern (Figure 15). These post holes form a building 25 ft. long and 20 ft. wide. It is
composed of two bays of unequal size. The west bay is 14.75 ft. long (measured from the
exterior of the southwest corner post to the center of the south wall post) while the east
bay is 10.25 ft. long (measured from the exterior of the southeast corner post to the center
of the south wall post). Asymmetrical bays are unusual in Chesapeake architecture where
most of the elements are designed to fit the length of a 5 ft. clapboard. With interrupted
sills and studs between the main posts the desired spacing would be possible. Still, the
spacing of these posts remains an oddity. The width of the building was 19.9 ft.,
determined by measuring from the exterior of the east corner posts. A similar
measurement across the two center wall posts was 19.8 ft. wide.
A basic question in assessing the architecture of any post-in-the-ground building
is the manner of its assembly or construction. As described by Carson et. al (1981:150),
there are two common methods. The older method, referred to as “reverse” or bent frame
assembly uses post and tie beam pairs. A more advanced method, known as normal
assembly uses pre-assembled wall frames. These methods result in very different above
ground structures and determining which was used is vital to understanding the
architecture of this structure.
elev. 39.17 ft.
elev. 38.91 ft.
19.90 ft.
0
elev. 38.89 ft.
elev. 39.17 ft.
elev. 39.57 ft.
14.75 ft.
8 ft.
10.25 ft.
Figure 15.—Plan View of Major Posts in the Main Structure.
The evidence is overwhelming that the structure built on this site was constructed
using reverse assembly. A review of the base elevations of the post molds strongly
suggests this. Pairs of posts on the north and south walls share the same elevation and
31
these are different than others in the same wall. The northeast and southeast corner posts
differ in elevation by only 0.02 ft. while the north wall post and south wall post are both
at 39.17 feet. More importantly, the difference between the pairs of posts is 0.27 feet. In
the same way, the northwest corner post and the southwest corner post were probably at
the same elevation and differ from the wall posts by 0.4 ft. and from the eastern posts by
0.67 feet.
In terms of elevation, it was pairs of posts that were important to the builders, not
lines of posts. The only way normal assembly would work in this situation would be if
the site were sloped to the east. While there is a slight slope along the north wall of 0.53
ft., on the south wall, the ground is actually higher on the east side by 0.14 feet. The
elevations indicate that each set of posts was carefully seated to the same elevation.
Frequently in reverse assembly, the long axis of the post holes is oriented with the
long axis of the structure. While in every case, the long axis of these post holes is aligned
with the structure, the post holes are primarily square and the difference between length
and width is minor. Of the five identifiable post molds, two on the south wall are set
against the east side of their holes. This suggests that the bents were raised from the west
to the east. However, the opposite post molds, on the north wall are centered in their
holes.
The use of reverse assembly seems out of place for a building constructed in the
1680s. Carson et. al (1981:158) and Greenville (1999:37) both imply that this was a
primitive technology that was soon replaced by normal assembly. In St. Mary’s City,
removed from frontier conditions, normal assembly might be expected. Use of this
technique and the unusual bay spacing are two of the unique aspects of the Print House
structure.
The use of interrupted sills seems a reasonable assumption given the post spacing.
These sills must have laid on the ground as the distances covered, as much as 20 ft.,
would require some kind of support. No evidence, even in the best preserved areas of the
site, suggests that trenches were dug for the sill. If they were raised, they must have been
supported only by surface laid stones, as there is no evidence of posts, blocks or other
support features. In order to provide the necessary stability, we have to assume that these
were tenoned or lapped onto the posts.
While the post holes reveal how the building was built, other aspects of the
architecture can be derived from the orientation and general arrangement of the structure.
As mentioned in the physical description of the site, there is a significant ridge that runs
northwest to southeast across the site. Most buildings constructed on the site are set with
their long axis parallel to the ridge. The Print House is set perpendicular to the ridge and
fills the flat space at the top. The boundaries of the Smith’s Townland tract and most of
its buildings are set at an angle of 9° north of east and as the structure is located near the
southern boundary, it might be anticipated the Print House would orient the same way.
However, it is set at an angle of 22° north of east.
32
It has long been known that, in the absence of other factors, buildings often orient
to the direction of most likely approach. Considering the arrangement of the 17th-century
town and the site location, the most likely approach to this structure would be from the
town center to the north and east. This has implications for where the front door would
be. It can not be on the west because of the chimney or on the south because of the shed.
The north side of the structure points to the narrow end of the ridge and ultimately into
the river. No one would approach the building from that side. Coming from the town
center, a visitor would cross the ravine and turn west as they walked up the slope. The
building would be on the high ground directly in front of them. Because of this, it is
likely that the main door would be on the east facade. The presence of two, small post
holes on the southern part of the east façade supports the idea of a door on this side.
Timber-Framed Chimney
Excavation in the area west of the main building revealed the post holes and other
features associated with a remarkably well preserved timber-framed, chimney. A
summary of the chimney post hole measurements is presented in Table 3. As with the
posts of the main structure, these features will first be individually described and then
their architectural implications will be presented. There are 11 post holes associated with
the chimney, the remnant of a brick fireback and a fire reddened area where the hearth
was located (Figure 16).
TABLE 3
Summary of Chimney Post Hole Data
Post
579 R
579 T
579 Y
579 AA
580 BB
580 DD
580 GG
609 S
609 W
610 T
610 Y
Hole L
(ft.)
1.5
1.15
1.1
0.9
1.4
1.25
1.5
1.4
1.4
1.2
1.8
Hole W
(ft.)
1.4
0.9
1.0
0.8
1.0
1.25
1.15
1.3
1.25
1.1
1.1
Mold L
(in.)
6
4
5
4.5
6
4
5.5
6
5
4.25
4.25
Mold W
(in.)
6
3.5
4.5
3.25
4
4
4
5.5
4
4.25
4.25
33
Base Mold
(ft.)
40.68
40.94
41.27
41.26
41.40
41.18
40.99
40.69
40.81
41.20
40.84
Below Grade
(41.90 ft.)
1.22
0.96
0.63
0.64
0.50
0.72
0.91
1.21
1.09
0.70
1.06
Base Hole
(ft.)
40.68
40.94
41.27
41.26
41.40
41.18
40.94
40.67
40.81
41.20
40.81
610 Y
610 T
609 W
609 S
Wall Line
579 Y
Fire-Reddened
Earth
579 P
579 AA
579 T
580 T
580 GG
580 DD
579 R
580 BB
0
Figure 16.—Plan View of Features Associated with the Timber Chimney.
34
2 ft.
Southwest Chimney Corner Post (579 R): Generally square in shape, this post hole
measures 1.5 ft. by 1.4 ft. and is the largest of the chimney post holes (Figure 17). The
post mold is square, 6 in. on a side, and is the largest post mold associated with the
chimney. Both hole and mold are filled with a dark brown silt loam. The distinction
between the two is a moderate amount of yellowish brown clay loam in the hole. Hole
and mold both share a basal elevation of 40.68 ft. and have a flat bottom. The post mold
is located in the southeast quadrant of the post hole. On the eastern edge of the post hole,
the fireback rubble (579 P) intrudes this post hole but not the mold. At the same time this
post hole intrudes the south chimney wall, west post (580 GG). Within the post mold, at
the base, was a large piece of in situ wood which has been identified as red cedar (Harry
Alden 2004, elec. comm.).
Chimney Back, South Post (579 T): This feature is a small, generally rectangular post
hole which measures 1.15 ft. by 0.9 ft. with its long axis parallel to the chimney back
wall. The fill of the hole is a highly mottled, dark yellowish brown silt loam. It contains a
square post mold, 4 in. by 3.5 in., which was filled with a dark brown silt loam. Both hole
and mold share a basal elevation of 40.94 ft., are shallow, and flat bottomed. Rubble from
the fireback covered a small portion of the eastern edge of the post hole. Within the hole,
the mold is shifted to the southern half and is set at a slight angle to the line of the wall.
The edge of the mold is inset from the wall line 0.1 ft. to the northeast, perhaps implying
the thickness of the daub used to coat the interior of the chimney.
Chimney Back, North Post (579 Y): Another, small, shallow post hole, this feature
measured 1.1 ft. by 1.0 ft. and was square. The post mold was square, 5 in. by 4.5 in., and
centered in the hole. Both mold and hole had a dark yellowish brown silt loam fill, which
in the hole was mottled with a small percentage of yellowish brown clay loam. The base
of both the hole and the mold were at an elevation of 41.27 ft. and flat. This mold is not
as inset as the other studs on the back wall, being approximately 0.05 ft. from the wall
line.
Chimney Back, Mid Post (579 AA): Located in the center of the chimney back, this was
the smallest of the chimney post holes. It measures 0.9 ft. by 0.8 ft. and was square. The
fill of the post hole was a dark yellowish brown silt loam mottled with a high percentage
of yellowish brown clay loam. A small, relatively square post mold, measuring 4.5 in. by
3.25 in., was centered in the hole. The fill of the post mold was a dark brown silt loam.
Both the mold and the hole had an elevation of 41.26 ft. and were flat bottomed. Like
other stud posts on the chimney back wall, this mold was inset 0.1 ft. from the wall line.
South Chimney Wall, Mid Post (580 BB): Located in the center of the south chimney
wall, this post hole was rectangular, 1.4 ft. by 1.0 ft., with its long axis perpendicular to
the chimney wall. The post mold measured 5 in. by 4 in., was centered in the hole, and
relatively square. Despite being centered in the hole, the mold is inset by 0.2 ft. from the
south wall of the chimney. Both the hole and mold were filled with a dark yellowish
brown silt loam but the hole fill was slightly lighter and more mottled. Basal elevation for
both the mold and the hole were 41.40 ft. and both were flat bottomed. The west side of
35
579 R
579 T
579 Y
elev. 41.96 ft.
elev. 41.92 ft.
elev. 41.98 ft.
579 AA
elev. 41.92 ft.
580 BB
elev. 41.87 ft.
580 DD
elev. 41.87 ft.
Root
580 GG
elev. 41.54 ft.
610 T
elev. 41.94 ft.
609 S
elev. 41.80 ft.
610 Y
elev. 41.81 ft.
609 W
elev. 41.80 ft.
0
1 ft.
Brick
Charcoal
Gravel
Mortar
Shell
Figure 17.—Profiles of Timber Chimney Post Holes and Molds.
36
this post hole intruded the hole for the south chimney wall, west post (580 GG) and was
overlain by the rubble associated with the fireback (579 P).
Southeast Chimney Corner Post (580 DD): Situated adjacent to the southwest corner
post (580 T), this post ties the south wall of the chimney to the main structure. The post
hole is square, 1.25 ft. on a side. It contains a relatively square post mold which measures
4 in. on a side. The post mold is located in the northeast quadrant of the hole and shares a
basal elevation of 41.18 ft. with the post hole. Both hole and mold share a dark yellowish
brown silt loam fill. The fill of the post hole is slightly lighter and more mottled. On the
east side of the post hole considerable root disturbance occurs but it was still possible to
note that this hole intrudes the southwest corner post hole of the main structure.
While this post was termed a corner post in the field, it is more likely the chimney
was directly tied to the southwest corner post (580 T). Feature 580 DD represents a
shallow, small post hole with a small post mold. It does not look like the other corner
posts. Further, it, like the other studs on the south wall, is inset from the wall line.
South Chimney Wall, West Post (580 GG): Most of this feature was covered by rubble
from the fireback and was only defined after the rubble was excavated. Excavation of that
rubble revealed a complex stratigraphic sequence involving this feature, the southwest
corner chimney post (579 R) and the south chimney wall, mid post (580 BB). This
feature is intruded by both 579 R and 580 BB. Clearly, this was one of the first posts
placed on the south chimney wall.
The post hole is rectangular, 1.5 ft. by 1.15 ft., with the long axis perpendicular to
the south wall of the chimney. It has a highly mottled, dark yellowish brown silt loam fill.
The post mold is rectangular and located in the southwest quadrant of the hole. It
measures 5.5 in. by 4 in. and has a dark brown silt loam fill. The bases of the post mold
and the hole are flat and have elevations of 40.99 ft. and 40.94 ft., respectively. The north
edge of the post mold is 0.05 ft. south of the chimney wall line.
Northwest Chimney Corner Post (609 S): One of the main chimney supports, this post
hole was square, 1.4 ft. by 1.3 ft., and had a highly mottled silt loam fill. The post mold
was centered in the hole and was square, measuring 6 in. by 5.5 in., with a dark yellowish
brown silt loam fill. At its base, the mold had an elevation of 40.69 ft. and was flat. The
post hole had a base elevation of 40.67 ft. and a flat bottom. On the east side, this post
hole was slightly intruded by the post hole for the north chimney wall, mid post (609 W)
North Chimney Wall, Mid Post (609 W): This was a relatively square post hole, 1.4 ft.
by 1.25 ft., with a highly mottled silt loam fill. It contains a square post mold, 5 in. by 4
in., which had a dark yellowish brown silt loam fill. The post mold is set more to the east
edge of the hole and is at an angle to the north wall of the chimney. Unlike studs on the
south and west walls, this post mold intrudes 0.1 ft. beyond line drawn for the north
chimney wall. An additional thickness of daub would be needed on the north wall to
cover the studs. At its base, the mold had an elevation of 40.81 ft. and was flat. The base
of the post hole was at the same elevation and was flat.
37
Northeast Chimney Corner Post (610 T): Located on the north chimney wall, this was
called a corner post in the field but it more likely served as a stud. The post hole was
square, 1.2 ft. by 1.1 ft., and had a dark yellowish brown fill highly mottled with a
yellowish brown clay loam. It contained a square post mold, 4.25 in. on a side. The fill of
the post mold was a dark yellowish brown silt loam. Both the hole and the mold had a
base elevation of 41.20 ft. and were flat bottomed. The post mold intruded the line of the
north wall of the chimney by 0.2 ft. and, like the previous stud, indicates a thicker layer
of daub on the north wall.
West Wall Post (610 Y): This post was used to join the north wall of the chimney to the
main structure. The hole was rectangular, 1.8 ft. by 1.1 ft., and was filled with a highly
mottled brown silt loam. Within the hole was a square post mold, 4.25 in. on a side and
filled with dark yellowish brown silt loam. The base of the mold had an elevation of
40.84 ft. and was rounded. In contrast, the base of the hole had an elevation of 40.81 ft.
and was flat.
The location and use of this post mold is important for understanding both the
chimney and the west wall of the main structure. Without the northwest corner post mold,
destroyed by a 19th-century post hole, the location and direction of the west wall of the
main structure is uncertain. This post, along with the southwest corner post (580 T)
provide the line for the west wall. A line drawn along the west side of the southwest
corner post and the east side of the west wall post would pass through the area of the
northwest corner post hole.
Fireback (579 P): An essential element in any timber-framed chimney was a fireback to
reflect heat into the adjacent room and to protect the base of the chimney. Archaeological
evidence of these features is very rare. They were often made of brick but were shallow
and ephemeral. Even with the remarkable preservation at this site, only a small portion of
the lowest course of the fireback was still in place (Figure 18).
What was excavated as the fireback, in reality comprises two distinct events.
Given the shallow nature of the feature and the similarity of the fills, it was not possible
to distinguish between the construction and destruction features. The northern end
represents the construction of the fireback and has in situ brick. The southern end is part
of the destruction which extended beyond the original trench. It is probable that the
change noticeable in the east wall of the feature, next to a dense cluster of brick rubble, is
the boundary between the disturbance and the construction but this is not certain.
The original trench for the fireback appeared to be 1 ft. wide, flat bottomed and
had an elevation of 41.74 ft. at the base. If the trench were centered in the fireplace,
which can not be conclusively shown on the present evidence, it would have been 6 ft.
long. There was a single line of bricks laid in this trench. While there is mortar between
the bricks and some patches on top, the sides do not have mortar on them. This suggests
38
Figure 18.—Photograph of the Chimney Posts and Fireback, View West.
that the fireback only had one row of brick. Presumably, the brick of the fireback would
have butted against the daub of the chimney’s west wall. If so, the daub would have been
0.4 ft. thick.
The base of the trench for the fireback, when compared to a grade of 42.00 ft.,
indicates that the first course of brick was buried in the ground. Interestingly, the bricks
were placed at an angle of 5° to the wall of the chimney. The distance between the line of
the wall and the line of the bricks varies from 0.4 ft. at the north end to 0.5 ft. at the south
end. If the brick line continued, the distance to the wall would have been even greater.
Fire-reddened soil was very obvious in the hearth area and it was carefully preserved
during excavation. From the map of this soil, it is obvious that not all of the hearth area
was used the same. There is a distinct bias toward the north end of the hearth. Building
the fire here would have made it closer to the center of the room. If the fireback was
angled intentionally, it could have reflected more of the heat towards that part of the
room as well.
The fireback feature was shallow and contained few materials other than brick
and some shell. However, there was one tobacco pipe stem which had the letters “I S”
impressed on it. This was likely the mark of John Sinderling of Bristol who was active
from 1666-1699 (Walker 1977:606). The stem has a bore diameter of 3.0 mm.
39
Artifacts in the Chimney Features
Table 4 lists the materials recovered from the chimney post molds and holes.
Overall, there is more material in the holes than in the molds but the molds are much
smaller contexts. If the figures are standardized by volume, the molds have a greater
proportion of rubble than the holes. For example the average density of brick in the molds
is 541 g/ft3 while in the holes it is 77 g/ft3. Even though the concentration of materials is
higher in the molds, there is still a lot of rubble in the holes, which should represent the
original construction period. As suggested for the structural posts, the presence of this
material in the earliest contexts indicates the presence of either an earlier building in the
area or recycling from Smith’s Ordinary.
What is surprisingly absent from the chimney post molds is any evidence of daub.
Daub was found in the plow zone above the features, in three of the molds of the main
structure and in the mold of one of the shed posts. While it could not be described as
abundant, daub was widely scattered over the site. Its absence from the molds of the
chimney posts is odd.
There were few non-rubble artifacts from the post molds. Of the five items, three
were ceramics and these included two sherds of tin-glazed earthenware and a sherd of
North Devon sgraffito ware. The other two artifacts recovered were a piece of colonial
window glass and a fragment of a white clay tobacco pipe bowl. This small collection
does not add much to the interpretation of the site.
TABLE 4
Materials Recovered From Chimney Contexts
American Indian
Nails
Other Artifacts
Shell (g)
Brick (g)
Mortar (g)
Plaster (g)
Mold
9
5
5
277
1283
29
72
Hole
59
36
15
1047
860
159
430
The artifacts recovered from the chimney post holes are not particularly
diagnostic either but do offer some insights. In this collection are six pipe fragments,
40
including two stems with measurable bore diameters (2.4 and 2.8 mm). There is one
piece of tin glaze, a piece of colonial window glass, a piece of window lead, four pieces
of colonial bottle glass and two tile fragments. For these relatively small features, this
seems like an abundant and diverse group of materials to be present during the
construction phase. Even more puzzling are the two tile fragments recovered from the
holes. The first is a tin-glaze fireplace tile and the other is a red clay floor tile. Neither of
these is expected in the holes of the chimney. Tile would not be used on the fireplace
until it was finished yet this piece ended up in the hole for one of the posts. It is possible
that it was discarded during construction. However, the floor tile should be associated
with Phase III of the shed, long after the chimney was built and functioning. The
presence of these two artifacts in the construction holes for the chimney is an anomaly.
Architecture of the Chimney
The placement of the chimney at the southwest corner rather than centered on the
west wall would have led to uneven heating of the structure. Perhaps it was cheaper to
build this way. It requires one less post as the corner post can act as a support. With the
stack located away from the highest part of the roof, perhaps it did not have to be built so
high.
Overall, the chimney has exterior dimensions of 8.25 ft. by 6 ft. and interior
dimensions of 7.2 ft. by 5.5 ft., although neither of these takes into account the daub that
would have been applied to the wooden framework. These measurements imply that the
walls of the chimney were half a foot thick with additional daub applied to the corners to
cover the larger posts. The smaller posts were inset 0.1 ft. to 0.2 ft. from the wall lines.
On the exterior of the chimney, the only timber visible would be the corner posts and the
plate connecting them.
The fact that the studs are inset has an important implication for the construction
of the chimney. They can not have been lapped on the plate but must have been tenoned
into that beam. The corner posts would have been carefully set first. The two western
corner posts are within 0.01 ft. of each other in depth. Once that level was established, the
studs were put in and cut to the desired length. Presumably, the plate was lowered onto
the upright studs.
The placement of the posts was well thought out. Of the eleven measurable
spaces, eight are at 2.0 ft. ± 0.1 ft., measured center to center or, for corner posts, exterior
to center, The only posts that do not follow this pattern are on the south wall where there
is an extra post inserted. This again implies that the studs had to be set to fit the plate.
As would be expected, there are significant differences between the corner posts
and the studs. The average size of the corner post holes is 1.95 ft2 whereas the average
was only 1.31 ft2 for the studs. In the same way, the corner posts are significantly larger,
being on average 29 in2 with an average of 18 in2 for the studs. Finally, the corner posts
were buried deeper than the studs. The average depth of the corner posts, below grade,
was 1.16 ft. while the studs were 0.76 ft. deep on average. As expected, the corner posts
41
are the main weight bearing support while the studs are there to provide a framework for
the daub.
There are two serious problems that remain in the interpretation of the chimney
and both are related to framing the opening in the west wall. The first of these is a
question of how the opening is framed in the main structure. The south edge of the
opening is well secured because of the southwest corner post. However, the other end is
hanging in space. As we have seen, the west wall post (610 Y) is outside the main wall
line and can not, therefore, hold up the wall (Figure 16). If there were a sill that ran the
length of the west wall, then studs attached to the sill could handle the weight of the wall.
Such a solution however puts an exposed timber right in front of the fire. Based on the
edge of the fire-reddened area, there would be only a foot from the fire to the sill. This
does not seem a good solution. It would be possible to fill the chimney area with clay,
covering and protecting the sill but no evidence of this survived.
Alternately, the sill could stop at the north edge of the opening and be framed
with a large stud rather than a post. This leaves the end of the wall insecurely depending
on the stability of the sill and stud. It would imply that the sill was directly laid on the
ground as there was no evidence of a trench in this location. An almost identical situation
has been found at the Roper site (44CC297) in Virginia (Jones, et. al. 1991:30-35). This
c. 1704 earthfast building had an eight ft. by six ft. timber-framed chimney that was offcenter like the one at the Print House. The only evidence of the chimney was two corner
posts and an area of fire-reddened clay. Like the Print House, the south edge of the
opening was supported by a major structural post, while no evidence of a post was found
on the north side. In this case, it is not possible to assume that a sill ran through this area
because the fire-reddened clay occurs directly on and across the wall line. The only way
this building could have been built is if a ground laid sill ran from the northwest corner to
the north side of the chimney opening.
The second issue involves much the same problem but in the chimney itself. In
the chimney, the plates sit on top of the corner posts and support the weight of the stack
above. In order to support the side of the stack closest to the main building, there needs to
be a plate that runs parallel to the west wall. On the north side, that beam could sit on top
of the west wall post but on the south side there is no comparable post. One solution
would be to make the plate on the south wall of the chimney longer and tie it into the
southeast corner post. Alternately, there could be a large lintel built into the main
structure and the front edge of the stack could rise directly from that. This would remove
the weight from the west wall post and perhaps explain why it had such a small post mold
in contrast to the other corner posts.
South Shed
The most complex archaeological evidence recovered relates to a shed on the
south side of the main structure. This area seems to have undergone three major phases
42
during the short time the structure was in use (Figure 19). Compared to the rest of the
building, the attention paid to the shed must indicate a special purpose. Evidence of the
shed consists of seven post holes and five other features. The post holes can be divided
into the first two phases. The early phase post holes are round, deep, have large, rounded
molds and were set at a slight angle to the building. The later phase post holes are square,
shallow, have small, square post molds and are aligned with the structure. Each phase of
posts will be described separately. The characteristics of the post holes are summarized in
Table 5.
Phase I Shed Post Holes
West Shed Deep Post (550 T): Located on the western end of the shed, this feature was
only partially excavated (Figure 20). An undetermined portion of the eastern edge was
covered by the brick pavement. As the preservation of the pavement was desired,
excavation of the post hole only extended to the edge of the pavement. The stratigraphic
position of this post is important in understanding the sequence of the shed. It was
intruded by the brick pavement, the Phase II shed post and the west construction trench.
All three of those features covered some portion of the post mold.
The post hole appeared round and measured 2.5 ft. from north to south. Its other
dimension was at least 1.7 ft. and probably extended to 2.0 ft. under the brick pavement.
The fill of the hole was a highly mottled, dark yellowish brown, sandy silt loam. Centered
within the hole was a round post mold with an 11 in. diameter. The fill of the mold was a
dark brown silt loam with notable amounts of brick, mortar and shell. Both the mold and
hole were flat bottomed and shared an elevation of 38.54 ft. or 3.36 ft. below grade. The
profile of the mold, unlike most on the site, is not straight sided but shows distinct
wiggles. As this post was intentionally removed to allow reconstruction of the shed, these
likely represent the effort of removing the post.
TABLE 5
Summary of Shed Post Hole Data
Post
550 T
550 W
581 BB
581 S
582 W
582 Y
583 R
Phase
I
II
I
II
I
I
II
Hole L
(ft.)
2.5
1.6
2.2
2.1
2.1
2.45
1.4
Hole W
(ft.)
-1.5
2.0
1.8
1.9
2.2
1.4
Mold L
(in.)
11
6
13
6
8
10
10
Mold W
(in.)
11
6
9.5
6
6.5
9.5
8.5
43
Base Mold
(ft.)
38.54
41.09
38.40
41.14
39.44
38.39
40.71
Below Grade
(41.90 ft.)
3.36
0.81
3.50
0.56
2.46
3.51
1.19
Base Hole
(ft.)
38.54
41.09
38.40
41.14
39.32
38.29
40.71
Main Building
Phase I
581 BB
550 T
582 W
582 Y
Main Building
Phase II
Timber Mold
581 S
550 W
583 R
Main Building
Mortar Bed
Phase III
581 S
550 W
0
8 ft.
Figure 19.—Evolution of the South Shed.
44
583 R
0
1
2
3
elev. 41.87 ft.
Previously excavated
features.
0
1 ft.
Brick
1
Displaced subsoil
2
Gravel
2
Mortar
Shell
1.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/3) silt loam with 2% brick, 1% mortar. [Post
mold]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) silt loam mottled with 25% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 5% gravel, 1% shell. [Post hole]
Figure 20.—Profile of Feature 550 T, View West.
45
Mid Shed Deep Post (581 BB):This post hole was entirely covered by six other features
and presents a complex problem for interpretation (Figure 21). On top of this feature
were the west construction trench, east end (551 N), mid-shed post mold and hole (581 S
& T), west timber mold (581 R), timber mold, west end (582 AA), and construction
trench, west end (582 BB). This area has the most complex stratigraphy on the site and
will be fully explored in the discussion of the shed architecture.
Like the previous shed post, this post hole was round, 2.2 ft. by 2.0 ft. and was
filled with a yellowish brown sandy silt loam highly mottled with a brown silt loam. The
post mold was oval 13 in. by 9.5 in., and located close to the southern edge of the hole.
Its fill was described as a brown silt loam. Both hole and mold were flat bottomed and
had a basal elevation of 38.40 ft. or 3.50 ft. below grade.
East Shed Deep Post (582 Y): As originally built, the shed was set back 2.0 ft. from the
east façade of the main structure. This post was the end of the original shed and was
removed when it was rebuilt (Figure 22). Like the mid-shed post, this feature was entirely
covered by later features and was only discovered during excavation.
The post hole was trapezoidal in shape with all the edges parallel to the building
except the south edge which was at a considerable angle to it. Within the hole was a dark
yellowish brown silt loam mixed with a yellowish brown clay loam. It was 2.45 ft. long
and, at its widest point, was 2.2 ft. across. The post mold was round, 10 in. by 9.5 in. and
filled with a dark brown silt loam containing shell, daub and mortar. Both the hole and
mold were flat bottomed. The base of the mold was at 38.39 ft. while the base of the hole
was at 38.29 feet.
Secondary East Shed Deep Post (582 W): Located west of the east shed deep post (582
Y), this post hole intruded that feature but was covered by all of the later features. For
this reason, it is assigned to Phase I. The post hole was rectangular, 2.1 ft. by 1.9 ft., and
was set at a distinct angle to the rest of the building. While it may not mean anything, the
angle of this post hole is the same as the southern edge of the hole for the east shed deep
post. Both the hole and the mold had fill that was described as dark yellowish brown
sandy silt loam with the hole having a high percentage of yellowish brown clay loam
mixed with it (Figure 23). The mold was rounded, 8 in. by 6 in., extended to a depth of
39.44 ft. and had a flat bottom. The hole was also flat bottomed and had an elevation of
39.32 ft. at the base.
The function of this post is uncertain. It is located directly on the wall line for the
shed and only 0.2 ft. west of the corner post. The post was placed directly against the east
edge of the hole and as close to the other post as possible. Given the rapid changes that
the shed underwent, it seems unlikely that this was a repair post. It is likely that the
original door to the shed was located here and the post was a door post. If that were the
case, it has implications for the construction of the original shed which will be discussed
below.
46
0
1
2
3
4
elev. 42.04 ft.
3
1
2
0
5
1 ft.
Brick
4
5
Gravel
Mortar
Shell
1.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) silt loam with 2% shell, 2% mortar, 1% brick. [Post
mold - 581 S]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) silt loam mottled with 20% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 5% gravel, 1% shell. [Post hole – 581 T]
3.
Brown (10YR4/3) silt loam mottled with 15% yellowish brown (10YR5/6)
clay loam, 5% shell, 1% gravel, <1% brick. [Construction trench – 551 N]
4.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) sandy silt loam with 1% shell, 1% mortar. [Post mold
– 581 BB]
5.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) sandy silt loam mottled with 10% yellowish
brown (10YR5/4) clay loam, 2% gravel. [Post hole – 581 CC]
Figure 21.—Profile of Features 581 S and BB, View West.
47
0
1
2
3
elev. 41.82 ft.
Previously excavated
features.
1 ft.
0
2
1
2
Charcoal
Gravel
Mortar
Shell
1.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) silt loam mottled with 2% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) clay loam, 2% charcoal, 2% gravel, 1% mortar. [Post mold]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) silt loam mottled with 2% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) clay loam, 2% gravel, 2% shell. [Post hole]
Figure 22.—Profile of Feature 582 Y, View East.
48
0
1
2
3
elev. 41.94 ft.
Previously excavated
features.
0
2
1 ft.
Gravel
2
1
1.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) silt loam with 2% gravel. [Post mold]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) sandy silt loam mottled with 5% yellowish
brown (10YR5/4) clay loam, 2% gravel. [Post hole]
Figure 23.—Profile of Feature 582 W, View East.
49
Phase II Shed Post Holes
West Shed Post (550 W): This post replaced the west shed deep post (550 T) and was
set 0.5 ft. further west than its predecessor. This extra space brought the west wall of the
shed more in line with the west wall of the main building. It was also set 0.8 ft. to the
north of the early post. Again, this made the south wall of the shed more parallel to the
main building. After the post was put in place, the hole was intruded by several features.
On the north side, the west wall trench (550 S) ran up to the mold. The south and east
edges of the hole were intruded by the construction trench (550 N) and the mortar bed
(550 P).
The post hole was square, 1.6 ft. by 1.5 ft., and was filled with a dark yellowish
brown silt loam, highly mottled with a yellowish brown clay loam (Figure 24). Within the
post hole, a square, 6 in., mold was evident. The fill of the post mold was dark brown silt
loam. Both the hole and the mold had an elevation of 41.09 ft. and were flat bottomed.
Along the east side of the hole, running parallel to the edge of the mold and the west wall
trench was a dark brown silt loam with a high percentage of gravel. This was at most 0.2
ft. thick and sat on top of the normal post hole fill. In other parts of the site, a layer of
gravel has been noted below the mortar bed and this is probably the origin of this fill.
Mid-Shed Post (581 S): This was a replacement post for the mid shed deep post (581
BB). It was shifted 0.5 ft. north of the earlier post to better align the shed wall with the
main structure (Figure 21). The southern edge of the hole was intruded by the
construction trench. The post hole was rectangular, 2.1 ft. by 1.8 ft., and had a brown silt
loam fill, highly mottled with yellowish brown clay loam. Within the hole was a mold
with a dark brown silt loam fill containing brick, mortar and shell. The mold was square
and 6 in. on a side. Both the mold and the hole had an elevation of 41.14 ft. and were flat
bottomed.
East Shed Post (583 R): Unlike the other two shed replacement posts, this was not set in
the same place as the original. When the shed was rebuilt, it was decided to make the east
wall flush with the main facade. To achieve this, the post was moved 2 ft. east and half a
foot to the north. The post hole is the smallest in the building being only 1.4 ft by 1.4 ft.
yet at 10 in. by 8.5 in., the post mold is large. As excavation proceeded, it was apparent
that the mold maintained this shape and size all the way to the bottom of the hole (Figure
25). The contrast between hole and mold was stark. The fill of the hole was a dark
yellowish brown silt loam with a small amount of shell in it. The mold was dark brown
and contained a large number of oyster shell. Both the hole and mold had basal elevations
of 40.71 ft. with the base of the hole being flat while the mold had a rounded bottom. It is
probable that the large, round bottomed post mold represents disturbance created by
removing the post.
50
0
1
2
3
elev. 41.90 ft.
3
2
1
5
0
2
4
1 ft.
Gravel
1.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) silt loam mottled with 2% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) clay loam, 2% charcoal, 1% mortar. [Post mold]
2.
Brown (10YR4/3) silt loam mottled with 5% yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay
loam, 1% gravel. [Post hole]
3.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam with 20% gravel, 1% mortar.
[Gravel base for mortar bed]
4.
West Shed Deep Post Hole. [550 T]
5.
Yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay loam. [Subsoil]
Figure 24.—Profile of Feature 550 W, View North.
51
0
1
2
3
elev. 41.76 ft.
2
1
1 ft.
0
Gravel
Shell
1.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR3/4) silt loam with 5% shell, 1% gravel. [Post
mold]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 20% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 1% shell. [Post hole]
Figure 25.—Profile of Feature 583 R, View West.
52
Other Features Associated with the Shed
In addition to the post holes, there were eight features associated with the south
shed (Figure 26). All of these features dated to the rebuilding of the shed and were later
than the phase II posts. These features indicate that a significant amount of money and
effort was expended to improve the south shed late in the history of the building.
Construction Trench: Sometime after the phase I posts were taken out and the phase II
posts erected, a trench for the placement of timber sills was completed. When the trench
was filled in, large amounts of shell were included in the fill. This was possibly two
separate features but telling them apart in the field was impossible. One of these features
runs from the east shed post (583 R) to the mid shed post (581 S). It intruded both of
these post holes. The other half ran from the west shed post (550 W) to the mid shed post.
Again, the trench intruded both of these features. The two halves of the trench met south
of the mid shed post where there was a distinct change in the edge of the trench. It was
not possible to tell which half intruded the other, perhaps it was all one feature. The
trench was intruded by all of the other features associated with the reconstruction of the
shed. Segments on each end of both the east and west halves were excavated to reveal the
underlying post holes (Figure 27).
On the east side, the trench is consistently 3.0 ft. wide. The west side is covered
by several unexcavated features, including the brick pavement, and its width is not
readily apparent. In a cross section for the mid shed post, the western part of the
construction trench was also three feet wide (Figure 28). The fill is a dark brown silt loam
mottled with yellowish brown clay loam and containing a high percentage of shell. Both
halves of the feature were created for the placement of timber sills. The edges of the
Main Building
West Wall
Trench
East Wall
Trench
Mortar Bed
550 W
Construction Trench
581 S
West Timber Mold
Figure 26.—Detail of Phase III Shed Features.
53
583 R
East Timber Mold
0
1
2
3
elev. 41.85 ft.
2
3
3
View West
1 ft.
0
1
Brick
Mortar
0
1
2
3
Shell
elev. 42.05 ft.
1
3
2
3
View East
1.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) silt loam with 5% mortar, 1% brick, 1% shell.
[Robbers trench]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay loam mottled with 2% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 2% mortar, 1% brick. [Timber mold]
3.
Yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay loam mottled with 10% dark yellowish
brown (10YR4/6) sandy silt loam, 5% shell, 1% mortar, 1% gravel.
[Construction trench]
Figure 27.—Profiles of East Construction Trench.
54
0
1
2
3
4
elev. 42.08 ft.
2
3
1
4
0
6
5
6
1 ft.
Brick
Gravel
Shell
1.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 10% yellowish
brown (10YR5/8) clay loam, 10% brick, 5% shell, 5% gravel. [Timber
mold/Brick trench]
2.
Light yellowish brown (10YR6/4) sandy silt loam mottled with 20% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 15% shell, 5% gravel. [Construction trench]
3.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam with 20% gravel, 1% mortar.
[Gravel base for mortar bed]
4.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) silt loam mottled with 20% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 5% gravel, 1% shell. [Post hole – 581 S]
5.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) sandy silt loam mottled with 10% yellowish
brown (10YR5/4) clay loam, 2% gravel. [Post hole – 581 BB]
6.
Yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 2% gravel. [Subsoil]
Figure 28.—Profile of West Construction Trench and Related Features, View West.
55
trench are shallow, less than 0.3 ft. below grade but in the center, the trench is much
deeper. On the east side, two profiles reveal that the trench was dug to a depth of 41.25 ft.
while a profile on the west side shows an elevation of 41.33 ft. at the base of the trench.
East Timber Mold: Within the eastern half of the construction trench was a feature with
remarkably straight sides, squared ends and a dark yellowish brown silt loam fill (Figure
29). This feature extended 11.2 ft. and was 10 in. wide. The feature was entirely within
the shell trench and overlaid part of the mid shed post hole. Cross-sections at each end of
this feature showed it to be rounded on the bottom. The base of the feature was at 41.25
ft. or 0.65 ft. below grade.
Given the shape and size of this feature, it appeared to be a timber mold. When
the construction trench was dug, a split log was placed in the hole with the flat side up.
The purpose of this sill may have been for the placement of joists for a wooden floor. On
the north side, the ends of the joists would have been tied into the sills of the main
structure. Unlike the later tile floor, the wooden floor would have extended all the way to
the east wall of the phase II shed. Remarkably, the timber mold extends south of the
phase II shed wall line by half a foot. Why this should be remains unexplained.
West Timber Mold: On the other side of the mid-shed post, a similar timber mold
feature was found. However, it was not as well defined because of later disturbances. It
began at the mid-shed post and extended 5.5 ft. west until it disappeared under the brick
pavement. It did not intrude the west shed post hole therefore its maximum length was
10.2 feet. The timber mold was straight sided with a flat eastern end, 10.5 in. wide, was
contained within the construction trench and had a dark yellowish brown silt loam fill
with mortar, shell, and gravel (Figure 28). At its base, the timber mold had an elevation
of 41.46 ft. and was 0.21 ft. higher than the base of the east timber mold.
Although the two timber molds have different base elevations, this does not imply
that their upper edges were not set at the same elevation. An unevenly split log would
require one side to be buried deeper that the other. Unlike the east timber mold, the south
edge of this feature lined up exactly with the south wall of the phase II shed.
Brick Trenches: At some point, the wooden floor was removed from the shed and the
timber sills were taken out. This action created holes identified as the east and west
timber molds. These holes were filled with rubble and a line of bricks, set on their edges,
were placed in the trench to form an edge for the planned mortar bed. Because the bricks
were set at the same time the timber molds were being filled, there was no separate
feature for the bricks. In the west timber mold, the bricks were still in place and the line
of the bricks was 0.2 ft. north of the shed wall line. However, on the east side, all but one
were removed at some time. The removal created a separate feature within the timber
mold which was evident in two cross-sections (Figure 27). On the east end of the timber
mold, a large disturbance, 0.6 ft. across, was evident while on the west end, the
disturbance was only 0.38 ft. wide, or slightly more than the width of a brick. The one
remaining brick, if it were in place, would have been 0.1 ft. south of the shed wall line.
While these disturbances were evident in the cross-sections, they were not discernable
during excavation.
56
East Wall Trench (582 S): This feature was created to contain bricks set to form the
edge of the mortar for the tile floor. On its south end, it intruded the construction trench
and it was not intruded by any other feature. The east wall trench was 8.5 ft. long and ran
from the east timber mold to the north edge of the shed. On the north, the trench ends 0.2
ft. from the wall line of the main structure. Over its length, the trench was relatively
straight sided and varied from 0.4 ft. to 0.5 ft. wide. Only the southern 1 ft. of this trench
was excavated where it intruded other features. The fill of the trench was a dark
yellowish brown, clayey silt loam highly mottled with subsoil and containing a
significant amount of shell. It had straight sides and a flat bottom with an elevation of
41.47 ft. or 0.43 ft. below grade.
This trench presents an interesting problem in interpretation. By all indications,
the trench is one of the last modifications made to the shed. Stratigraphically, it cuts into
the construction trench which sits on top of the phase I post holes and overlies parts of
the phase II post holes. In the larger picture, the trench is part of the creation of the tile
floor which takes place late in the history of the site. Given these factors, it would be
expected that the trench would run from the southeast corner post of the main structure to
the east shed post. Instead, the trench is set in line with the east wall of the old shed
(Figure 26). It runs directly to where the east shed deep post used to be. This would
indicate that the tile floor did not extend over the last two feet of the shed. In the same
manner, the east timber mold (and the bricks) only continue one foot beyond this point
and do not reach the east shed post. Why this space was treated differently is unknown.
West Wall Trench (550 S): This feature is the companion of the east wall trench (582
S) and ran from the southwest corner post to the west shed post. The trench intruded both
post holes. It was 8.4 ft. long, straight sided and 0.5 ft. wide. Two segments of this trench
were excavated, one on each end. Both were shallow and contained little but shell
fragments. The fill of the trench was a dark yellowish brown, clayey silt loam highly
mottled with subsoil. At its base, the trench was 40.40 ft. or 0.5 ft. below grade. On the
southern end, the mortar bed was noted to come up to but not cover the trench.
Brick Pavement: In the southwest corner of the shed was a rectangular area of brick,
well-laid in a bonded pattern. The pavement was 2.8 ft. from north to south. There was
considerable root disturbance on the west side and this dimension is uncertain. On the
east side there was a good edge and from there, bricks extended 4.1 ft. to the west but the
mortar continued to the west wall, a 5 ft. distance. Within the pavement, there were five
rows of bricks laid east to west and a final row, on the south side, laid north to south.
That the east edge was a finished edge was indicated by the presence, at the end of two
rows, of closer bricks. The southern edge of the pavement lined up with the southern
edge of the brick trench and the south wall line. In order to preserve the feature, none of
the bricks were removed. However, on the west side, where it was already disturbed, part
of the mortar was removed to investigate how the feature was created. Below the bricks
was a 1 in. bed of mortar and under that, a dark, gravelly sand. On the east side of the
pavement, where one of the bricks had been removed, it was noted that the mortar for the
pavement was 1 in. deeper than the mortar for the tile floor. This indicates that the
builders were trying to make the tile and the brick be at the same level. The upper surface
57
of the bricks was at 41.99 feet. The location of this pavement and its composition suggest
that it was part of a door step. If there was a door on the south wall of the shed, the
pavement would be stronger than the tile floor and would distribute the foot traffic better.
Mortar Bed: As it currently exists, the mortar bed is approximately 11 ft. east to west
and 8 ft. north to south. It is assumed that the mortar bed once spread over an area of 22
ft. by 8.5 ft., given the wall trenches that surround most of the shed. Although it varies
somewhat, the mortar is generally 1 in. thick and is underlain by a dark, gravely sand.
The mortar bed varies in elevation according to its preservation but is generally 41.88 ft.,
on average. After it was carefully cleaned, square impressions, 8.5 in. on a side, were
noted in a number of places. These impressions appear to have been created by red clay
tiles. No in situ tiles were located, however fragments of such tiles have been found on
the site. The tiles were 0.12 ft. thick and would have made a floor at an elevation of 42.00
ft., identical to the brick pavement. The tiles that made up this floor are the same type as
those that were in the floor at Smith’s Ordinary. Near the brick pavement, there was a
large, rectangular hole in the mortar bed and it was speculated that this might be another
feature. This area was tested and revealed the dark gravelly sand underlying the mortar
was 0.1 ft. thick. Below the sand was subsoil and the north edge of the shell trench. The
square shape of this hole may simply reflect the removal of the square tiles.
Artifacts in the Shed Features
The south shed represents the only portion of the structure showing significant
changes through time. It also has the most diverse collection of artifacts. As in the
description of the features, the artifacts have been grouped into four phases reflecting the
changes in the structure. Phase I consists of the post holes of the original shed. Artifacts
from these contexts represent things deposited when the shed was originally built. Phase
II consists of three types of features. It includes the molds of the Phase I post holes.
These posts were removed, the holes filled and covered as part of the changes made to
the shed. A second group of features included in Phase II are the post holes associated
with the new arrangement of the shed. Finally, the fill of the construction trench is
included in Phase II. Phase III features include the timber molds/brick trench, the wall
trenches and miscellaneous features associated with the tile floor. This phase represents
the final construction and renovation of the shed. Phase IV consists of the post molds of
the shed which were removed during its destruction.
There are considerable numbers of artifacts and rubble in all four phases (Table
6). However, unlike the previous discussions, the presence of material in the Phase I
holes does not imply anything about previous buildings on the site. There is no way to
demonstrate that the shed was part of the original construction. It could have been built
after the main structure and the chimney. The quantity of rubble, particularly brick and
58
TABLE 6
Materials From South Shed Contexts
American Indian
Nails
Other Artifacts
Shell (g)
Brick (g)
Mortar (g)
Plaster (g)
Phase I
7
3
4
914
13
28
27
Phase II
37
158
115
7918
1188
1122
871
Phase III
9
94
273
2244
4620
1112
511
Phase IV
7
96
20
1605
1020
337
609
plaster, in Phase II and Phase III contexts implies a considerable remodeling of the shed,
if not the whole structure.
The phase I shed contexts were relatively clean. There was very little construction
debris and almost no artifacts. This would be expected on a site that had not previously
been occupied. In total, there were three nails and four other artifacts. While the nails
came from different contexts, all the other artifacts came from the east shed deep post
(582 Y). They consisted of a tobacco pipe stem with a bore diameter of 2.6 mm, a piece
of tin-glazed earthenware and two pieces of colonial window glass.
As would be expected with renovations, there were significantly higher amounts
of material in all categories in the phase II shed contexts. Phase II contexts produced 81
other artifacts. Of these, 31 were window glass and 18 were window lead fragments. The
assemblage also included two pieces of table glass, six fragments of bottle glass, and
three pipe fragments, two of which had measurable bore diameters of 2.6 mm. Ceramics
represented 14 pieces with ten tin glaze sherds, three colonial earthenware sherds, and,
one manganese mottled sherd. One of the pieces of tin glaze has, as part of its decoration,
the word “what” and has been identified as one of a set of Merryman plates dating to the
1680s (Hurry 2003). A silver, two pence coin of Charles II was found in the construction
trench and its manufacture dates c. 1660-1685. It has two holes punched in it, perhaps
indicating use as decoration on clothing. Finally, there were six fragments of flooring tile.
The datable artifacts from the Phase II contexts are typical of what would be
expected from a building renovated in the 1680s and do not add much to the analysis.
However, a closer look at all the materials recovered suggests an interesting source for
some of the material. If the Phase II materials are separated into their specific contexts,
i.e. Phase I molds, Phase II holes, and the construction trench, two categories stand out.
In the construction trench, all of the categories represent less than 50% of the Phase II
sample except American Indian artifacts and oyster shell. In these two categories, the
percentage rises to 70%. The significant association of American Indian artifacts and
oyster shell suggests that the material used to fill the construction trench came from a
prehistoric midden. Although the river bank to the west has suffered considerable erosion
through the years, the initial work in 1979 had uncovered some evidence of the remnant
of a midden in that area. As will be discussed later, there are several large pits, probably
59
dug for the collection of clay for the chimney, which have oyster shell on their surface. It
is possible that in doing the initial construction, the builders dug through a prehistoric
midden and that significant amounts of shell were still around during the renovation.
The number of artifacts from Phase III contexts is much higher than the others but
it is made up mostly of two types of artifacts from one context. In this assemblage, there
were 194 pieces of window glass and 54 fragments of window lead. All of the window
lead and 178 of the window glass fragments came from the fill of the east end of the east
timber mold (Feature 582 N). This represented material deposited in the timber mold
after the timber was removed and before the bricks for the tile floor were placed. It
suggests a considerable remodeling of the windows of the structure at this time.
A sample of window leads were conserved and opened from Feature 582 N
(Rivers 2004). These revealed makers’ marks with three different dates, 1671, 1677, and
1689 with 1689 being the most common. This places the construction of the tile floor
very late in the history of the building, no earlier than 1689. If we allow a certain time lag
for the making of the window in England, its shipment and installation in the structure
and its disposal in the feature, it suggests that the tile floor was created in the 1690s.
Historically, the tile floor most likely represents one of the efforts made by land-holders
in St. Mary’s City, in 1694, to keep the capital from moving to Annapolis. Zacharias Van
Sweringen, son of Garret, was one of the signers of a petition to the Governor which
argued for retaining St. Mary’s as the capital (Archives of Maryland 19:75). The signers
pledged to establish a coach service between St. Mary’s and the Patuxent River, to the
north, and to maintain post horses at their own expense. It is likely that other upgrades
were completed to entice the Assembly to stay in St. Mary’s City.
The remaining 19 artifacts from the Phase III contexts were a diverse group and
not particularly diagnostic. They included two table glass sherds, a piece of bottle glass
and a tile fragment. There were ten ceramic sherds with five being tin glaze and one each
of North Italian slipware, Staffordshire slipware, manganese mottled, Rhenish brown
stoneware, and Höhr stoneware. Finally, there were five pipe fragments, of which three
had bore diameters of 2.0, 3.2, and 3.6 mm.
The artifact evidence, though tenuous, suggests that the shed was built later than
the rest of the structure. The presence of manganese mottled sherds in the original shed
holes but not in those of the main structure or those of the chimney perhaps indicate some
time difference. If this is true, it makes the history of the shed even more remarkable.
Architecture of the Shed
The archaeology indicates that the shed underwent three major episodes in its
short history (Figure 19). Originally, the shed was 22 ft. long and 9.5 ft. wide. Both end
walls of the shed were inset by 1.5 ft. – 2.0 ft. from the walls of the main building. What
characterizes the posts of the phase I shed are their depth and size. They are all over 3 ft.
deep and have large, round molds. Given that the posts of the main building are much
smaller and shallower, one wonders why the shed was built so strong. It is possible their
60
depth and size was required to hold up the shed roof. That roof had to join the main roof
at a sufficient height to create an angle where water would run off the clapboards. While
the weight of the shed roof would be shared with the frame of the main building, with the
posts inset, the shed roof rafters would not align with the main structures posts. This may
have necessitated the very large posts for the shed. When the shed was rebuilt in phase II,
the shed posts were in line with the main posts and those could have helped to support the
weight.
At this stage (Phase I) there is no evidence of a floor in the shed. It is possible that
there were interrupted sills tied into the posts but that would be supposition. The exterior
wall of the shed was not parallel to the walls of the main structure. It was set at an angle
with the east end closer to the main structure than the west end. The presence of a post
adjacent to the east wall post might be evidence of a door in this location.
Phase II consisted of the removal of the early posts and their replacement by
shallow, smaller posts. The phase II shed was 24.5 ft. long and 9 ft. wide. The east wall
of the shed is directly in line with the east wall of the main structure. However, the west
shed post is inset 0.7 feet. The timber sills were placed during this phase, indicating that
the shed had a wood floor. There is no indication of a door location at this time.
During phase III, the timber sills were removed, wall trench bricks were placed on
three sides and the tile floor was laid. For unexplained reasons, the tile floor only
extended 22 ft. leaving the eastern 2.5 ft. as either unfloored or perhaps covered by some
fixture. As noted above, the brick pavement located on the west side of the shed probably
indicates the location of a door. The west wall trench is not parallel to the structure. It
angles from the southwest corner post to the west shed post. This means that, near the
main structure the shed is 25 ft. long but on the south wall it is only 24.5 ft. long. There is
no way to know if this angled wall was part of the phase II shed or if it developed as part
of phase III.
Landscape Features Associated with the Print House
In addition to the structure itself, there were a number of features discovered that
related to the use of the site during the time the Print House building was standing
(Figure 29). A number of fence segments were uncovered and four were excavated. Also,
numerous post holes were found around and adjacent to the structure. Many of these
likely dates to 19th or 20th century and, as none have been excavated, there is no way to
assess their relationship to the 17th-century structure. There were three features which
appeared to be clay pits where materials for the chimney and other aspects of the
structure were collected. All of these were filled with an upper layer of oyster shell. Two
of these features were tested. Analysis of the landscape features provided significant
insights on how the site was used over time.
61
West Shell
Feature
Print House
0
20 ft.
Fence lines
Post holes
Shell features
Duplex Cabin
South Shell
Feature
Figure 29.—Plan View of Landscape Features.
Fences were important markers of how people viewed their property in the 17th
century. On the practical side, they needed a stout fence to keep the pigs and other
domesticated animals, which were allowed to roam free, out of their property. However,
fences seldom enclosed the entire property. They enclosed the areas that people thought
were important and often where various household tasks were completed.
As the primary focus of the research was on collecting data for a reconstruction,
the understanding of fencing at the Print House is limited. There is a fence about 10 ft.
east of the structure and running parallel to it. The line of this fence also reflects the
topography of the ridge on the east side. A short fence segment runs from this fence to
the front door of the building. About 20 ft. west of the structure, there was a north-south
segment and about 20 ft. south of the building there was a straight east-west segment.
These two portions of fence are not oriented with the building but either with cardinal
directions or the river bank. If there was another fence about 20 ft. north of the building,
it would be in the area where the ridge begins to drop off. Such a fence would mean that
the enclosed area around the Print House would be 70 ft. north-south and about 50 ft.
east-west. On all but the east side, the space would be squared off and on flat ground.
However, the evidence is not sufficient to demonstrate this lot configuration.
62
During the investigation, four segments of fence line were tested. Of these, three
relate to the east side fence and the small portion leading to the door. All of these were
shallow and seemed to have suffered from erosion. The final fence segment is west of the
house and seemed to be a short, isolated piece of fence. As will be discussed, its
interpretation remains uncertain.
Door Fence (612 R): As mentioned above, this fence runs up to the wall line and stops
(Figure 6 and 29). From its origin at a post hole to the east of the structure to its end at the
front door of the Print House this fence segment is about 11 ft. long. The portion
described here is 3.3 ft. long and represents the west end of the feature. A shorter
segment, on the east end (613 S) was also excavated.
At the base of plow zone, the feature fill was described as a dark yellowish brown
silt loam, highly mottled with subsoil, and containing brick, mortar and shell. No molds
were visible. However, after excavation of 0.1 ft., a line of molds became visible along
the northern edge of the trench. The molds contained the same kind of silt loam as the
trench but were much less mottled.
Although only 3.3 ft. of trench was exposed, there was a significant difference
between the east and west ends. The east side is 0.8 ft. wide and for 2.2 ft. continues
straight. At that point, it narrows to 0.55 ft. and takes an abrupt turn to the south. The
molds follow this change in direction, with the four eastern ones in a straight line and the
last two displaced. All of the molds are generally rectangular except the western most
which is triangular. The eastern molds are consistently 0.5 ft. long and vary from 0.2 ft.
to 0.35 ft. in width. The base of the molds and trench are both at 40.72 ft. and the depth
of the feature was 0.58 ft. below base of plow zone.
Neither the molds nor the trench had much in the way of artifacts. The only items
recovered were two quartz flakes and two wrought nails. In addition, there were very
minor amounts of brick, mortar, plaster, and shell. The lack of material in this segment,
and the next two, may be due to a cultural practice of keeping the area at the front of the
structure clear. However, it is important to note that the front door of the 19th-century
cabin was about in the same place and that the ridge in this area had eroded.
Door Fence, East End (613 S): This represents the other end of the fence described
above. This portion of the fence intruded a post hole and began near the post mold. Only
about 1.5 ft. of the feature was excavated in this area. The trench was about 0.5 ft. wide
and only 0.36 ft. deep. No evidence of molds was found in the trench. Only very minor
amounts of mortar and oyster shell were found in the feature. Again, erosion was most
likely responsible for the shallowness of the feature.
East Fence (613 T): The East Fence is oriented to the front façade of the Print House and
runs roughly northwest-southeast along the edge of the ridge. Approximately 12 ft. of the
fence was exposed during the investigation. On the north end, it intrudes the same post
hole as the Door Fence (613 S) and also begins at the post mold. The northern end of the
trench was excavated for about 2.0 ft. The trench was 0.75 ft. wide and was only 0.3 ft.
63
deep. As with the previous feature, excavation produced only minor quantities of shell,
brick, and mortar.
The impact of erosion on the east side of the site is evident in the decreasing depth
of the three fence line segments. Most palisade fences were at least a foot deeper than the
base of the plow zone. However, the Door Fence (612 R) was only 0.58 ft. deep. Moving
further east the other two related fences were 0.36 ft. and 0.3 ft. deep respectively. These
were closer to the edge of the ridge and therefore suffered greater erosion.
Isolated Fence Segment (608 N): About 8 ft. west of the northwest corner of the Print
House was a feature that looked like the trench for a paling fence. However, it was only
5.4 ft. long and did not connect to anything else. Although it was set about 1.5 ft. south of
the wall line of the structure, it was oriented at the same angle as the north façade.
The trench was 0.65 ft. wide and the fill was a dark yellowish brown silt loam
mottled with a slight amount of yellowish brown clay loam. No molds were visible on the
surface but as excavation progressed, they became obvious at a depth of 0.3 ft. below the
feature surface. The molds were rounded ovals which averaged 0.5 ft. in length and 0.3 ft.
in width. Most were flat bottomed and ended at the base of the trench. In two cases, the
base of the mold was 0.1 ft. deeper than the base of the trench. The trench averaged 0.6
ft. in depth below the base of plow zone. As with the other fences, there was only a small
amount of shell and brick in the fill.
West Oyster Shell Pit (546 R and 576 P)
Approximately 30 ft. southwest of the Print House was a large, oval, oyster-shell
filled feature. It was at least 25 ft. long, measured north to south, and 14 ft. wide. The
feature was found in seven excavation units with boundaries defined on all but the north
side. The surface of the feature, below plow zone, was very dark and showed a dense
concentration of oyster shell. The soil, mixed with the shell was a silt loam with very
little mottling.
The feature was tested in two excavation units and both revealed that the shell
layer had an average thickness 0.5 ft. and was underlain by a mottled, dark yellowish
brown silt loam with a small amount of shell and brick visible. In both excavation units,
this layer was tested and found to contain abundant colonial artifacts. Further testing in
unit 576 showed the edge of a pit and excavation ceased (Figure 30). The bottom of the
shell was approximately 1.2 ft. below the present surface. From that point, a coring tool
was used to probe another 0.8 ft. where it hit an obstacle, probably a shell, and could not
continue. The obstacle that stopped the core was at an elevation of 40.76 ft. but the actual
base of the feature is undetermined.
Within the pit there were significant differences between the artifacts contained in the
upper shell layer and those in the underlying stratum (Table 7). As previously mentioned,
64
0
1
2
3
4
5
elev. 43.06 ft.
1
2
3
4
5
7
6
1 ft.
0
Brick
Gravel
Mortar
Shell
1.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) silt loam mottled with 2% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) clay loam. [Topsoil]
2.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 5% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) clay loam, <1% shell.
3.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) silt loam mottled with 10% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) clay loam, 10% shell, 5% gravel, 2% brick. [Dark brown loam
with gravel]
4.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) silt loam mottled with 30% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 2% shell, 2% gravel. [Brown loam with gravel]
5.
Very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) silt loam with 50% shell. [Shell feature]
6.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 10% yellowish
brown (10YR5/6) clay loam, 1% shell, <1% brick. [Pit feature]
7.
Yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay loam. [Subsoil]
Figure 30.—Profile of Shell Filled Pit, Unit 576, View East.
65
Table 7
Material from West Shell Feature
Material
Tobacco Pipes
Colonial Ceramics
Nails
Misc. Colonial
American Indian
Brick (g)
Mortar (g)
Plaster (g)
Shell (g)
Bone (g)
Shell
9
20
14
25
70
238
96
116
24,688
119
Non Shell
12
21
30
55
116
446
44
285
5997
193
Total
21
41
44
80
186
684
140
401
30,665
312
the lower fill had many more artifacts and much more debris than the shell layer. In
addition to the quantity differences between the two layers, there were hints of a
difference in the type of artifacts deposited in each layer. Perhaps the most intriguing
difference was in the kinds of colonial ceramics from each layer. Although the sample
was small, the lower layer seemed to have more utilitarian ceramics while the upper layer
had more fashionable wares (Table 8).
Unfortunately there is no way to accurately date the two layers. Of the small
sample of pipe fragments, there were six with measureable bore diameters, ranging from
2.6 mm to 3.0 mm. Only one of these, with a bore diameter of 3.0 mm, was found in the
shell layer. All the rest of the artifacts date to the third quarter of the 17th century.
Interpretation of this feature must remain uncertain until it is more fully
investigated. It may be that this was a clay pit, created when the structure was first built
and that the upper shell layer represents changes made to the building during phases 2
and 3 of the shed. Phase 2 began with the creation of the shell-filled construction trench.
Table 8
Colonial Ceramics from West Shell Feature
Ceramic Types
Colonial earthenware
Manganese mottled earthenware
North Devon gravel tempered
Rhenish blue & gray stoneware
North Devon sgraffito ware
Staffordshire slipware
Tin-glazed earthenware
Shell
2
1
0
4
1
1
11
66
Non Shell
7
0
3
0
3
0
8
Total
9
1
3
4
4
1
19
South Oyster Shell Pit (462 and 1463)
Located approximately 35 ft. south of the Print House was another shell-filled pit.
This feature was tested during the removal of the duplex slave cabin in 1992, where it
was investigated in two units. An edge to the feature was discovered in 1998 when a unit
was excavated near the foundation of the cabin, as part of the random sample. While the
western boundary has been determined, the extent of the rest of the pit is uncertain. It is
at least 10 ft. north-south and 10 ft. east-west. The fill of the pit was a very dark silt loam
containing abundant oyster shell (Figure 31). The unit profile is more complex because of
its location inside the cabin and includes a builders’ trench, living surfaces and rodent
holes from the 19th century. Under the shell fill there were two other dark silty layers with
less shell and more mottling. In an adjacent unit, at an elevation of 40.76 ft., subsoil was
located below the feature. This is approximately 1.5 ft. below the living surface inside the
cabin. This feature is much shallower than the other oyster shell pit.
There was a large amount of colonial material in the fill of this pit (Table 9). This
included a higher quantity of both brick and mortar, suggesting that this was related to the
construction phase of the Print House. The types of artifacts recovered also seemed to
date to the earlier part of the occupation and were different than those from the west shell
feature. The ceramics recovered were more utilitarian and included earlier types such as
Lead backed tin glaze, Morgan Jones earthenware, and Portuguese micaceous
earthenware (Table 10). These earlier ceramics, which were not found in the west shell
feature, make up 30% of the total sample.
Perhaps the most significant artifacts recovered from this feature were the large
number of lead printing type. These were the items that launched the investigation of the
site and led to the discovery of the structure known as the Print House. Interestingly, no
printing type was found in the west shell feature, perhaps indicating that William
Nuthead’s occupation of the site was early in its history. This would be the structure
where he first set up his press and that later, he moved it to the historically known “Print
House lot.”
The analysis of the features revealed the complexities of the Print House structure
located on the Slave Quarter site. Despite the short occupation of the site, the structure
went through some major changes. These developments have significant implications for
the history of the site and its use by William Nuthead.
67
0
1
2
3
4
5
elev. 42.42 ft.
1
2
6
7
7
11
4
5
10
1.
3
8
9
Dark brown (10YR3/3) silt loam mottled with 15%
yellowish brown (10YR5/6) sandy clay loam, 1% gravel.
[Living surface]
2.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) mottled with 5% yellowish brown
(10YR5/6) silty clay loam, 5% gravel, 2% brick, 1% shell.
[Living surface]
3.
Very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) silt loam mottled with
10% dark yellowish brown (10YR4/6) silty clay loam, 5%
shell, 1% mortar. [Builders trench]
0
1 ft.
Brick
Charcoal
Displaced
subsoil
Gravel
4.
Dark brown (10YR3/3) silt loam mottled with 25%
yellowish brown (10YR5/4) clay loam, 1% gravel, <1%
mortar.
5.
Very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) silt loam mottled with 10% yellowish brown (10YR5/6)
clay loam, 30% shell, 2% gravel. [Pit feature]
6.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 20% yellowish brown (10YR5/6)
clay loam, <1% shell.
7.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silt loam mottled with 5% yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay
loam, <1% shell, <1% charcoal. [Rodent burrows]
8.
Very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2) silt loam mottled with 20% dark yellowish brown
(10YR4/6) silty clay loam, <1% shell.
9.
Dark yellowish brown (10YR4/4) silty clay loam mottled with 25% dark yellowish brown
(10YR4/6) silty clay loam, 1% shell.
10.
Yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay loam. [Displaced subsoil lens]
11.
Yellowish brown (10YR5/6) clay loam. [Subsoil]
Mortar
Shell
Figure 31.—Profile of Oyster Shell Pit, Unit 1463, View South.
68
TABLE 9
Material from South Shell Feature
Material
Tobacco Pipes
Colonial Ceramics
Nails
Misc. Colonial
American Indian
Brick (g)
Mortar (g)
Plaster (g)
Shell (g)
Bone (g)
Total
80
94
91
57
747
7850
468
176
197,745
904
Table 10
Colonial Ceramics from South Shell Feature
Ceramic Types
Colonial earthenware
Portuguese Micaceous earthenware
Morgan Jones earthenware
North Devon gravel tempered
North Devon sgraffito ware
Porcelain
Rhenish brown stoneware
Tin-glazed earthenware, lead back
Tin-glazed earthenware
Total
69
Number
4
1
8
2
1
1
3
20
54
94
Section 4 -- General Findings of Artifact Analysis
The excavations at the Print House recovered a wide range of 17th-century
domestic and architectural materials. To best approach these artifacts, we will first
examine them in reference to time, and then move on to a discussion of the artifact
distribution.
Ceramic Sample
The most temporally diagnostic materials recovered from the excavations of the
Print House are the ceramics. Numerous, temporally discrete ceramic types were
recovered. They are summarized in Table 11.
TABLE 11
Ceramic Fragments Recovered from the Slave Quarter Site.
#
6
23
7
4
14
535
2
15
120
67
14
21
4
130
149
10
11
16
9
52
4
Ceramic (diagnostic colonial)
NORTH DEVON GRAVEL-FREE
RHENISH BROWN STONEWARE
NORTH ITALIAN SLIPWARE
BORDER WARE
LEAD-BACKED TIN GLAZE EARTHENWARE
TIN GLAZED EARTHENWARE
RED SANDY EARTHENWARE
PORTUGUESE MICACEOUS REDWARE
NORTH DEVON SGRAFFITO
RHENISH BLUE AND GREY STONEWARE
MORGAN JONES EARTHENWARE
BLACK GLAZED EARTHENWARE
CHALIS-LIKE EARTHENWARE
MANGANESE MOTTLED EARTHENWARE
EARLY STAFFORDSHIRE SLIPWARE
RHENISH BLUE AND GREY STONEWARE W/ PURPLE
ENGLISH BROWN STONEWARE
RHENISH HOHR STONEWARE
LATE STAFFORDSHIRE SLIPWARE
NORTH DEVON GRAVEL TEMPERED EARTHENWARE
BUCKLEY EARTHENWARE
introduction
1600
1600
1610
1630
1630
1630
1635
1650
1650
1650
1660
1675
1675
1680
1680
1665
1690
1690
1700
1650
1690
Taken together, these point to an occupation primarily in the last quarter of the
17 and first decade of the 18th centuries. However, there is evidence of earlier
occupation in the form of North Devon gravel-free earthenware, Italian slipware, and
Border wares which date from the first quarter of the 17th century through the midcentury. The Portuguese micaceous redware and the red sandy earthenware tend to date
to the second quarter of the 17th century. However, these are probably the remains of
earlier depostion in the area. The large amount of third-quarter 17th-century materials
th
70
end
1660
1700
1660
1660
1700
1760
1675
1675
1770
1710
1685
1720
1700
1750
1720
1700
1775
1710
1770
1720
1780
(Morgan Jones earthenware, early Staffordshire slipware, black glazed, and manganese
mottled earthenware) represents the most intense site occupation and deposition. A
number of the ceramic types have relatively long periods of use so do not lend
themselves to fine temporal discretion. Generally, we see the greatest amount of material
pointing to an occupation extending from early in the third quarter of the 17th century into
the first decade of the 18th century (Figure 32).
Figure 32.—Temporally Diagnostic Ceramics from the Slave Quarter Site.
Additional insights from the ceramics analysis are included in the distributional
and ceramic vessel analyses below.
Ceramic Distributions
For purposes of mapping, a select sample of excavation units immediately
adjacent to the Print House was chosen. They are represented in Figure 33. A wide range
of ceramic types from the Print House site were mapped using the surface trend mapping
program Surfer ©. Selected maps are included herein.
One of the more prevalent ceramic types on the site is tin glazed earthenware
(Figure 34). Tin glazed has a very long use period from before colonization through the
American Revolution. Generally appearing as dining wares, the tin glazed at the Print
House site concentrates in a major midden located where the shed was later built and a
smaller midden northwest of the main structure.
North Devon Gravel Tempered earthenware is a utilitarian earthenware often
associated with dairying. Dating from the 1650s to about 1720, North Devon is rather
71
ST1-14
Sample for Domestic Analysis
8050
8040
700
701
8030
8020
637
638
8010
8000
577
577
7990
547
517
7970
670
671
671
672
640
640
641
641
642
642
639
640
640
641
641
642
642
643
609
609
610
610
611
611
612
612
613
609
609
610
610
611
611
612
612
613
581
582
582
583
582
582
583
552
552
553
578
578
579
579
580
580
581
578
578
579
579
580
580
581
548
548
549
549
550
550
551
551
548
550
550
551
551
518
518
520
520
518
518
519
520
520
488
488
489
488
488
489
547
7980
671
639
638
608
671
519
614
615
613
583
585
552
556
490
494
494
494
494
7960
7950
2750
2760
2770
0 ft
2780
2790
20 ft
2800
2810
40 ft
2820
2830
60 ft
2840
2850
80 ft
Figure 33.—Sample of Excavated Units Used in Distributional Mapping.
72
2860
2870
Figure 34.—Distribution of Tin Glazed Earthenware.
Figure 35.—Distribution of North Devon Gravel Tempered Earthenware.
73
widely scattered around the Print House and within the shed (Figure 35). The diffuse
pattern may be an indication that little dairying and food preparation was being
undertaken in the area of the Print House.
North Devon sgraffito decorated earthenware was in use in the Chesapeake
colonies from 1650 to nearly 1770. This ceramic is often associated with drinking
vessels. The distribution has peaks within the structure and immediately south of the shed
and within the shed (Figure 36). This material may relate to activities during the
building’s use as both an ordinary and as the Print House.
Rhenish Blue and Grey stoneware with purple (manganese) decoration is a
product of the Rhine Valley of what is now Germany. Its basic dating is from 1665 to
around 1700. Used primarily as drinking vessels, it may relate to the usage of the
structure as an ordinary before it was repurposed as the Print House. The principal
concentration is north of the building and inside the building near the fireplace (Figure
37).
Early Staffordshire slipware dates from the 1680s through the second decade of
the 18 century. It is characterized by finer, more carefully executed decoration than later
Staffordshire and Staffordshire-like slipwares. The major concentration appears in the
area of the shed addition (Figure 38). This is adjacent to the front door and probably
represents midden accumulation after construction of the main house but before the area
was capped with the brick and tile floor. Generally in drinking forms, it may be
associated with the Print House occupation and the reuse of the building as an ordinary.
th
Manganese Mottled earthenware dates from the 1680s into the middle of the 18th
century. The major concentrations are along the eastern wall of the main building and the
eastern corner of the shed (Figure 39). This ceramic generally occurs as drinking forms
and its deposition may relate to the post-Print House period reuse of the building as an
ordinary or be the result of the domestic occupation associated with the Print House
period.
English Brown stoneware was invented in the 1690s. It is generally in drinking
forms and is often associated with ordinaries or taverns. The distribution sort of mirrors
some of the deposits of early Staffordshire slipware and manganese mottled earthenware
with concentration in the eastern corner of the building and shed and deposition in a
midden northwest of the main structure (Figure 40).
Höhr stoneware was made in the Rhine Valley of what is now Germany from the
1690s to about 1710 (Figure 41). It is a Rhenish grey stoneware with no color
embellishment but is generally decorated with sprig molding. Like the other ceramics, it
is primarily a drinking form. The distribution strongly concentrates in the eastern corner
74
North Devon Sgraffito
8035
slave quarter
8030
8025
printhouse
8020
shed
4 sherds
8015
not excavated
8010
3 sherds
8005
mapping limits
8000
2 sherds
7995
1 sherds
7990
7985
0 sherds
7980
7975
2770
2780
2790
2800
2810
2820
2830
Figure 36.—Distribution of North Devon Sgraffito Earthenware.
Rhenish with Purple decoration
8035
slave quarter
8030
8025
printhouse
8020
shed
8015
not excavated
1.5 sherds
8010
8005
mapping limits
1 sherds
8000
7995
0.5 sherds
7990
7985
0 sherds
7980
7975
2770
2780
2790
2800
2810
2820
2830
Figure 37.—Distribution of Rhenish Stoneware with Purple Decoration.
75
Staffordshire Slipware
.
8035
slave quarter
8030
printhouse
8025
8020
shed
12 sherds
8015
10 sherds
not excavated
8010
8 sherds
8005
mapping limits
6 sherds
8000
7995
4 sherds
7990
2 sherds
7985
0 sherds
7980
7975
2770
2780
2790
2800
2810
2820
2830
Figure 38.—Distribution of Early Staffordshire Slipware.
Manganese Mottled earthenware
8035
slave quarter
8030
8025
printhouse
8020
shed
6 sherds
8015
5 sherds
not excavated
8010
4 sherds
8005
mapping limits
8000
3 sherds
7995
2 sherds
7990
1 sherds
7985
0 sherds
7980
7975
2770
2780
2790
2800
2810
2820
Figure 39.—Distribution of Manganese Mottled Earthenware.
76
2830
English Brown Stoneware
8035
slave quarter
8030
8025
printhouse
8020
shed
2.5 sherds
8015
2 sherds
8010
not excavated
8005
1.5 sherds
mapping limits
8000
1 sherds
7995
0.5 sherds
7990
7985
0 sherds
7980
7975
2770
2780
2790
2800
2810
2820
2830
Figure 40.—Distribution of English Brown Stoneware.
Hohr Stoneware
8035
slave quarter
printhouse
shed
8030
8025
8020
8015
not excavated
2 fragments
8010
8005
mapping limits
8000
1 fragments
7995
7990
7985
0 fragments
7980
7975
2770
2780
2790
2800
2810
Figure 41.—Distribution of Höhr Stoneware.
77
2820
2830
of the shed and probably relates to the reuse of the building as an ordinary after its earlier
repurposing as the Print House
Ceramic Vessel Analysis
Less than half of the overall sherd count, (46.19%), could be attributed to a total
of 137 specific vessels. The average number of ceramic sherds per vessel is 8.9.
Quantities of sherds per vessel ranged from 1 (32 vessels) to 60 (a Staffordshire Slipware
drinking pot, ST1-14-582K/AS) and 61 (a Glassy Brown bowl, ST1-14-643J/AT). The
most common ceramic type was tin glazed, representing 44 vessels (Table 12).
TABLE 12
Ceramic Vessel Assemblage.
Type
BLACK GLAZED
BROWN GLAZED MICACEOUS
CHALLIS-LIKE
DONYATT
ENGLISH BROWN
FLEMISH
GLASSY BROWN
HÖHRWARE
MANGANESE MOTTLED
PORTUGUESE MICACEOUS
REDWARE
MORGAN JONES
MORGAN JONES BANDED
N. D. GRAVEL FREE
N. D. GRAVEL TEMPERED
Form
BOWL
BUTTER POT
HOLLOW FORM
PITCHER
POT
BOWL
HOLLOW FORM
PITCHER
BOWL
JUG
MUG
PIPKIN
BOWL
SMALL JUG
HOLLOW FORM
MUG
BOWL
BOTTLE
BOWL
BUTTER POT
DISH
HOLLOW FORM
MILK PAN
PEDESTAL CUP
PITCHER
POT
MILK PAN
UNKNOWN
TALL POT
BOWL
HOLLOW FORM
MILK PAN
UNKNOWN
78
Count
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
3
2
7
1
1
3
3
1
1
1
3
1
3
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
N. D. SGRAFFITO
N. ITALIAN SLIPWARE
RED PASTED
RED SANDY
RHENISH BLUE & GRAY
RHENISH BROWN
STAFFORDSHIRE SLIP
TIN GLAZED
TIN GLAZED, LEAD BACKED
UNKNOWN
VAN SWERINGEN
BOWL
CUP
DISH
FLAT FORM
HOLLOW FORM
BOWL
CUP
BOWL
HOLLOW FORM
MILK PAN
JUG
MUG
BOTTLE
BOWL
DRINKING POT
DRINKING POT OR CUP
MUG
BASIN
BOWL
CUP
DISH
DRINKING POT
FLAT FORM
GALLEY POT
HOLLOW FORM
LID
PITCHER
PLATE
PUNCH BOWL
FLAT FORM
PORRINGER
PATTY PAN
BUTTER POT
2
1
6
1
1
3
1
1
1
2
3
5
2
1
2
1
3
3
7
4
2
1
2
2
4
1
1
13
2
1
1
1
1
There were several kinds of vessel forms at the Print House site, which can be
broken down into seven categories: beverage service, beverage storage, food preparation,
food service, food storage, hygiene, and generic (Figure 42 and Table 13). Of course, it
must be noted that these functional attributions are not set in stone. Vessels can be used
for functions not generally assumed. The largest group was for service, both beverage
and food. Service was split almost down the middle with 26.28% for food (n=36) and
31.39% for beverage (n=43). The smallest group was that of hygiene, at 3.65% (n=5).
The most common forms were, not surprisingly, all service related, including bowls
(n=24), mugs (n=16), and plates (n=13).
Due to the long production periods of some of the ceramics, the vessels’ mean
dates stretch a full century: 1630 to 1730. There are however, some things that can be
seen from charting the mean dates (Figure 43). Two noticeable spikes occur during the
17th century. The first occurs in 1660, this mostly being tin glazed earthenware painted in
the wet, and the second occurs between 1672.5 and 1680. This spike is made up mostly
of Morgan Jones and North Devon sgraffito. When these mean dates are grouped by
79
Print House Site
4%
16%
BEVERAGE SERVICE
31%
BEVERAGE STORAGE
FOOD PREPARATION
6%
FOOD SERVICE
FOOD STORAGE
2%
26%
GENERIC
HYGIENE
15%
Figure 42.— Ceramic Vessel Functions.
Vessel Mean Dates
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
Figure 43.— Vessel Mean Dates.
80
1737.5
1730.0
1727.5
1712.5
1710.0
1700.0
1697.5
1695.0
1687.5
1685.0
1680.0
1672.5
1665.0
1662.5
1660.0
1655.0
1652.5
1650.0
1645.0
1630.0
0
TABLE 13
Functional Groups and Forms
Functional Groups
Beverage Service
Beverage Storage
Food Preparation
Food Service
Food Storage
Generic
Hygiene
Form
Cup
Drinking Pot
Drinking Pot or Cup
Jug
Mug
Pedestal Cup
Pitcher
Punch Bowl
Small Jug
Bottle
Bowl
Milk Pan
Patty Pan
Pipkin
Bowl
Dish
Lid
Plate
Porringer
Butter Pot
Tall Pot
Flat Form
Hollow Form
Pot
Unknown
Basin
Galley Pot
81
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
Total
43
6
3
1
5
16
3
4
2
3
3
20
12
6
1
1
36
12
9
1
13
1
8
6
2
22
4
12
4
2
5
3
2
137
decade (Figure 44), there is a curve that is at its highest in the 1660s, 1670s, and 1680s.
There is a second spike in the 1700s, but this appears to be largely due to the mean date
of undecorated Tin Glazed earthenware being 1700. Tin glazed vessels could have been
manufactured any time during the 1600s or 1700s. The earliest vessels appear to be food
related, storage, service, or preparation. Based on use dates, ceramics attributable to
either before 1660 or after 1720 were excluded from the functional analysis so that the
assemblages represented only material directly related to the Print House occupation.
Ceramics excluded from the analysis included two North Devon gravel-free tall
pots (1600-1660), one North Italian slipware hollow form vessel (1610-1660), one Brown
Glazed Micaceous bowl (1640-1665), one Flemish earthenware Pipkin (1640-1665), and
three Red Sandy earthenware vessels (a bowl, a hollow form, and a milk pan) (16351675). Additionally, one tin glazed vessel with the Fazackerly palette (1760-1770) was
eliminated. The earlier vessels are indicative of activity at this site prior to the Print
House structure’s occupation, while the Fazackerly vessel indicates later activity.
Vessel ware types at the print house were pretty varied (Figure 45). As
mentioned before, tin glazed earthenware vessels made up the largest group, with Morgan
Jones coming in second. After these two vessel ware types, the following four largest
quantities tend to be table wares: North Devon Sgraffito, Manganese Mottled,
Staffordshire Slipware and Rhenish Blue and Gray. Although Rhenish Blue and Gray
can be used as storage, the vessels at the Print House site were all service vessels.
Overall, table wares outnumbered utility wares.
Vessel Numbers by Decades
24
22
20
18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
1630s
1640s
1650s
1660s
1670s
1680s
1690s
Figure 44. — Vessel Mean Dates Grouped by Decade.
82
1700s
1710s
1720s
1730s
Vessel Ware Types
1%
1%
5% 1%
17%
7%
12%
31%
14%
2%
9%
Utility Wares
North Devon
Morgan Jones
Rhenish Stonewares
English Stonewares
Tin Glazed
Manganese Mottled
Merida Micaceous
N. Italian
Staffordshire
Unknown
Figure 45. — Vessel Ware Types.
Individual Vessels
Some of the vessels had sufficient unique traits to warrant further investigation.
One such vessel was a tin glazed octagonal plate (ST1-14-462P/AG), decorated with a
Wan Li style edge pattern in blue, and an interior decoration of a seated figure on a rock
(Figures 46 and 47). Pieces of this plate were found in the pit under the slave quarter
duplex, which also contained large quantities of print type, and over the 17th-century
structure focused on in this analysis. The edge pattern on this vessel appeared very
similar to Wan Li edge patterns dated to the 1680s and 90s (Lange 2001:113; Lipski and
Archer 1984:54, #162; Austin 1994:144). In 1989, Ellen Schlasko did a study of the
dated tin glazed earthenware vessels listed in Dated English Delftware by Lipski and
Archer, observing the apparent popularity of several decorations, including this seated
figure motif. According to her study, this interior decoration of a seated figure dates
from 1669 to 1699 (Schlasko 1989:46).
Figure 46. — Profile View of ST1-14-462P/AG.
83
Figure 47. — Wan Li Plate Sherds (ST1-14-462P/AG).
Two tin glazed cups (ST1-14-579M/AC and ST1-14-581N/BT) had an overall
robin’s egg blue color to the glaze, with additional hand painted decorations (one in blue,
and one in purple). According to the aforementioned work by Schlasko (1989:39) this
color was popular for only 16 years, between 1687 and 1703.
Another tin glazed earthenware octagonal plate was recovered from the Print
House (ST1-14-550T/AA). The light blue ground of this vessel, similar to that of the
previous vessels mentioned, was popular from 1687 to 1703. During the seventeenth
century, octagonal plates appeared to be popular during or around the 1680s. Dated
wheel thrown examples range from 1679 to 1691, and two other molded examples are
dated 1661 and 1687 (Lipski and Archer 1984:43, 51-59).
Another style of decoration, seen on a tin glazed drinking pot at the Print House
site was powdered decoration. This decoration style, when used alone, was popular for
nearly 50 years, from 1628 to 1673 (Schlasko 1989:39). The Print House example
(ST1-14-611K/GM) was decorated on the exterior with powdered manganese, and no
other form of decoration.
Sherds making up a nearly complete tin glazed, lead backed porringer (ST1-14462N/AJ) were found in a pit under the slave quarter duplex. This porringer exhibits
only one handle (Figures 48 and 49). The handle resembles that of an example pictured
in English Delftware Pottery (Ray 1968) which is dated between 1670 and 1690. Two
84
Figure 48. —Sherds from Porringer (ST1-14-462N/AJ).
Figure 49. — Profile Drawing of ST1-14-462N/AJ.
two-handled examples with similarly shaped handles are shown in Nederlandse Majolica
(Korf, 1963:30, #39 and plate #27). These examples are both dated to the first quarter of
the 17th century. Although the handle also resembles earlier examples, it is likely a later
17th-century vessel.
Another tin glazed earthenware vessel was determined to possibly be of
Portuguese origin (ST1-14-488F/AA). This plate was painted with dark manganese and
shades of blue cobalt (Figure 50). The fragments are small, but it seems that there are
some similarities to Portuguese vessels in Charlotte Wilcoxen’s “Seventeenth-Century
Portuguese Faiança and Its Presence in Colonial America” (1999:11-12).
85
Figure 50. — Possible Portuguese Tin Glazed (ST1-14-488F/AA).
There was one very oddly shaped tin glazed vessel (ST1-14-639P/AA). It was
determined that it was probably a lid; however, there is no lid seat present (Figure 51). In
addition, the vessel it was made for must have been large, as the rim diameter measures
to 10 inches (Figure 52). The most similarly shaped lids depicted in books on tin glazed
earthenware, were in Anthony Ray’s book (1968, plates 60 and 86), which contained two
lids of much smaller diameter, but with somewhat similar shapes. These two vessels
dated to 1770-1780 and 1750-1760, respectively. Another similar example is that of a lid
to a butter dish, dated to circa 1730 (Britton 1987:142). Considering that lids do not
often survive in museum collections, either from being broken or lost, the lack of similar
examples may be because they did not survive, rather than because they did not exist.
Figure 51. — Possible Tin Glazed Lid (ST1-14-639P/AA).
86
Figure 52. — Profile View of ST1-14-639P/AA.
A single small sherd recovered was distinct enough to identify a whole set of
plates (ST1-14-583P/AA). This tin glazed earthenware sherd exhibited the word “what”
on one side (Figure 53), and was found to be part of one plate in a Merryman plate set.
This style of decoration had two phases of popularity, the first of which occurred between
1680 and 1710, the second between 1720 and 1740 (Hurry 2005:221). The earlier
Merryman plates had a Mannerist arabesque motif surrounding the verse, while the later
style incorporated a simpler wreath or garland design (Hurry 2005:221; Britton
1987:143). The style of script used on the Print House Site’s “what” sherd most
resembles that of examples dating to the first phase of popularity.
Figure 53. —Tin Glazed (ST1-14-583P/AA), “what” Sherd.
Two vessels tied the Print House structure to the refuse pit discovered under the
duplex quarter moved in 1994. This pit contained numerous pieces of print type as well
as other 17th-century artifacts. One of these vessels was the Wan Li octagonal plate,
mentioned above. This vessel had two sherds from the pit, though no mends could be
made between them and the sherds from over the house. The other vessel is a plate,
decorated with blue cobalt (ST1-14-609L/AE). This plate contained two sherds from the
pit, one of which mended to a sherd from the plow zone over the house (Figure 54).
87
Figure 54. —Tin Glazed Vessel (ST1-14-609L/AE).
One red pasted earthenware vessel (ST1-14-640L/AD) with a distinct heavy base
was found to be similar to a St. John’s vessel from Phase III (ST1-23-51/DW). Phase III
at the St. John’s site lasted from 1685 to 1715 and the house was used as an ordinary and
a records office during this period.
One very interesting and unique vessel recovered from the Print House site was a
North Devon Sgraffito cup rim fragment (ST1-14-615K/AA). This vessel had a
distinctive rickrack style scratched along the rim (Figure 55). No similar examples were
seen in the published literature. Consultation with Alison Grant, author of North Devon
Pottery in the 17th Century (1983) suggests a late 17th- or early 18th-century date (Alison
Grant, elec. comm. 2006).
Figure 55. — North Devon Sgraffito (ST1-14-615K/AA).
Morgan Jones was the single most represented potter in the Print House
assemblage. Jones’ transportation to America was paid in 1661 by Robert Slye.
Archaeological excavations, and historical records, suggest that Jones produced pottery
88
on Slye’s property at Bushwood, 20 miles north of St. Mary’s City in Maryland, prior to
Slye’s death in 1671 (Miller 1981). As early as 1669, Jones was producing pottery in
Westmoreland County, Virginia, and was in Lower Norfolk County by 1681 (Straube
1995:24-25). Seventeen Morgan Jones made vessels were found at the Print House site.
At other sites, Morgan Jones’ vessels have been recovered from contexts dating to the
second half of the 17th century (Straube 1995:25). Morgan Jones pottery is commonly
found on sites in St. Mary’s City dating to 1660 to the early 1680s (Miller 1986:41). In
Figure 56, two Morgan Jones sherds from the Print House (right) are compared to
Morgan Jones sherds from vessels at St. John’s (left).
Figure 56. — Morgan Jones Comparisons, Print House Examples on Right.
Other Site Comparisons
So that the Print House site’s ceramic vessel assemblage could be put into perspective,
data from a range of other sites where vessel analysis was undertaken were collected.
The group of comparative sites spanned the 17th century into the 18th century. Site uses
included urban ordinaries, urban and rural domestic sites, and a storehouse (Table 14).
Several of these sites are from elsewhere in St. Mary’s City, and all are from the
Chesapeake region. The two ordinaries included were Smith’s Ordinary and St. John’s
Phase III (Historic St. Mary’s City Research Files). The domestic sites included The
Maine (1618-1626) (Outlaw 1990), Chapel Field Phase I (1635-1645) (HSMC Research
Files), St. John’s Phase I (1638-1665) (HSMC Research Files), Compton (1651-1684)
89
TABLE 14
Comparative sites
Site Name
The Maine
Chapel Field Phase I
St. John's Phase I
Compton
Smith's Ordinary
St. John's Phase II
Patuxent Point
Print House
Drummond
Cordea's Hope
Chapel Field Phase III
Dates
1618-1626
1635-1645
1638-1665
1651-1684
1666-1677
1665-1685
1658-1700
1670-1700
1680-1710
1675-1700
1680-1720
St. John's Phase III
Calvert Site
1685-1715
1727-1735
Use
Domestic Rural
Domestic Urban
Domestic Urban
Domestic Rural
Ordinary Urban
Domestic Urban
Domestic Rural
Ordinary Urban
Domestic Rural
Storehouse Urban
Domestic Urban
Ordinary Urban and
Records Office
Domestic Urban
Reference
Outlaw 1990
HSMC files
HSMC files
Outlaw 1989
HSMC files
HSMC files
Gibb 1994
HSMC files
Outlaw 1990
HSMC files
HSMC files
Location
VA
MD
MD
MD
MD
MD
MD
MD
VA
MD
MD
HSMC files
Yentsch 1991
MD
MD
(Outlaw 1989:60), St John’s Phase II (1665-1685) (HSMC Research Files), Patuxent
Point (1658-1700) (Gibb 1994: 243), Drummond (1680-1710) (Outlaw 1990), Chapel
Field Phase III (1680-1720) (HSMC Research Files), and the Calvert Site in Annapolis
(1727-1735) (Yentsch 1991). Another site included was Cordea’s Hope (1675-1700)),
which was used as a storehouse (HSMC Research Files). St. John’s was also used as a
Records Office in the latter portion of Phase III, but it seems unlikely that this would
have produced many domestic vessels.
When the ceramic vessel usages at the comparative sites were ordered by median
date, two sites stood out as having similarities to the Print House site (Figure 57).
Smith’s Ordinary, an ordinary occupied from 1666 to 1677, had a slightly lower
percentage of beverage service, significantly more beverage and food storage, and
slightly more food preparation. The Drummond site, a domestic site occupied from 1680
to 1710, had very similar percentages of beverage service and storage, slightly more food
preparation and significantly less food service. The meaning of these similarities is
difficult to determine due to the fact that the two sites most similar to the Print House Site
are very different in nature. Drummond is a rural domestic site occupied 1680 to 1710,
and Smith’s Ordinary is an urban ordinary occupied 1666 to1677. Drummond’s
similarity likely stems from it being a contemporary of the Print House site, while
Smith’s Ordinary represents functional similarity.
In order to try to find a clearer pattern, the Print House site’s vessel usage break
down was ordered by percentage, highest to lowest. The order was found to be beverage
service, food service (together at approximately ¾ of the assemblage), food preparation,
food storage, beverage storage (storage altogether at less than 10%). Smith’s ordinary
was the only other site to follow this pattern (Figure 58).
90
Comparative Sites
100%
90%
80%
70%
food storage
60%
food service
50%
food preparation
40%
beverage storage
beverage service
30%
20%
Calvert Site Annapolis
St. John's Phase III
Chapel Field III
Cordea's Hope
Drummond
Print House
Patuxent Point
St. John' Phase II
Smith's Ordinary
Compton
St. John's Phase I
Chapel Field I
0%
The Maine
10%
Figure 57. — Vessel Usage at Comparative Sites, by Median Date.
Ordinary Ve s s e ls
100%
90%
2.91%
5.83%
6.09%
13.48%
14.56%
80%
70%
20.43%
60%
34.95%
50%
beverage storage
f ood storage
f ood preparation
29.57%
f ood service
40%
beverage service
30%
41.75%
20%
30.43%
10%
0%
Smith's Ordinary
Print House
Figure 58. — Vessel Usage at the Ordinaries.
91
Although Smith’s Ordinary had less beverage service and St. John’s III had much
more, this can be accounted for by Smith’s being earlier than the Print House, and St. John’s
being inhabited slightly later (though occupation periods somewhat overlap). Drummond,
as mentioned earlier, has a similar pattern, but it is closer to Smith’s than to Print House.
This difference might be due to it being a different use at a later time than
Smith’s. Drummond was occupied at approximately the same time as St. John’s Phase
III and the usage percentages are very dissimilar to that site. The rise in percentage of
beverage service can be attributed to the rise in individualized consumption habits during
the 17th century. Prior to this time, food and drink consumption was more communal,
and so fewer vessels would have been needed.
In a comparison of the food and beverage percentages, it was found that four sites
were similar to the Print House site. In this comparison, food service, storage, and
preparation were lumped together, and beverage service and storage were lumped together.
Drummond, St. John’s Phase II, and Smith’s Ordinary all had percentages of food and
beverage vessels most similar to that of the Print House site, though slightly higher (Figure
59). In another comparison, food and drink vessels were split up by service, and storage and
preparation. In this comparison, St. John’s Phase III was most similar to the Print House site
(Figure 60).
When the percentages of hygiene, food, and beverage vessels were compared,
other similarities were found. For this study, the percentages of hygiene vessels were
multiplied by a factor of ten because they were otherwise so small that they were difficult
to compare (Figure 61). This is a common statistical operation to compare widely
disparate data sets. The Print House site was found to have very similar percentages of
hygiene vessels to two other sites, St. John’s Phase I and Patuxent Point.
Beverage and Food
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
beverage
50%
food
40%
30%
20%
10%
C
Th
e
M
ai
ha
St
ne
p
.J
el
oh
Fi
el
n'
d
s
Ph I
as
e
Sm Co
I
ith mp
t
'
St s O o n
.J
rd
in
oh
ar
n'
y
P
Pa
ha
s
tu
xe e I
I
nt
Pr Po
in
in
tH t
D ous
r
e
C um
or
m
on
de
d
a
C 's H
ha
o
St
. J pel pe
C
al ohn Fie
ld
ve
'
rt s P
I
h a II
Si
te
se
An
I
n a II
po
li s
0%
Figure 59. — Food and Beverage Vessel Percentages.
92
Th
e
M
St hap ai ne
.J
e
oh l Fi
el
n'
d
s
I
Ph
as
e
Sm C
I
o
ith mp
'
t
s
o
St
. J Ord n
oh
in
ar
n'
y
Pa Ph
a
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se
xe
II
nt
Pr Po
in
in
tH t
D ous
ru
e
C
or mm
de
on
a'
d
s
C
H
op
St hap
.J
e
el
C
al ohn Fie
ve
l
rt ' s P d III
Si
ha
te
s
An e I
n a II
po
li s
C
Th
e
M
St hap ai n
e
.J
e
oh l F
i
el
n'
d
s
I
Ph
as
e
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I
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ith mp
'
St s O to n
.J
r
oh di n
ar
n'
Pa Ph y
t u as
e
xe
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C
or mm
de
on
a'
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St hap Hop
.J
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e
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al ohn Fie
ve
ld
's
rt
Si Ph a III
te
s
An e I
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li s
C
Form Usage
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
storage and prep
40%
service
30%
20%
10%
0%
Figure 60. — Service and Storage/Prep Vessel Percentages.
Beverage, Food, Hygiene
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
Hygiene (x10)
50%
Food
40%
30%
Beverage
20%
10%
0%
Figure 61. — Beverage, Food and Hygiene (x10) Vessels.
93
Conclusion from Ceramic Vessel Analysis
Several factors contribute to the conclusion that the Print House site was used as
an ordinary. The abnormally large quantity of tin glazed earthenware, and the large
quantity of beverage service vessels, suggests that the building on this site was used as a
place where large quantities of food and drink were served, rather than as a domestic site
where there would have been fewer individualized services vessels. The levels of storage
and preparation vessels are quite low, but this could be explained by the existence of a
separate structure used for storing and preparing food. Later excavations at the Print
House site, towards the ravine north of the 17th-century building, found evidence of
remains of another building at the Print House site, although this area has not been
studied in full yet. It is known that Smith’s Ordinary, located a short distance from the
Print House Site, made use of a separate kitchen which did not burn down when Smith’s
Ordinary did. It seems possible that this kitchen could have also been used for the Print
House site’s ordinary. Taken together, the overall assemblage seems to point to a place
where food and drink were consumed, rather than prepared or stored. An ordinary or a
similar type of site is indicated.
Other archaeological evidence at the Print House site has suggested some sort of
earlier occupation at or near this site, including plaster found in architectural features and
very early pipe bowls. The plaster in the major architectural features suggests that there
was a structure at this site prior to the Print House. The earlier ceramic types recovered
from the Print House Site probably relate to this earlier occupation.
White Clay Pipes
Equally temporally diagnostic are the white clay tobacco pipes recovered from the
excavations. A total of 989 measurable pipe stems were recovered associated with the
Print House. The bore holes of these pipes were measured in both 64ths of an inch and .20
mm increments (Harrington 1954, and Stone 1977).
The measurements in 64ths of an inch follow the system proposed by Harrington in
the 1950s and suggest a date 1650 to 1680 with a minimal occupation before this principal
mode and a small trailing off of occupation after this mode (Table 15 and Figure 62).
Utilizing the Binford formula, one receives a date of 1668.63 which is relatively congruent
with the Harrington date (Binford 1961). Both of these dates agree with the ceramic dating.
Additional insights into the site’s occupation can be gleaned by examining the
pipe bores in .20 mm increments (Table 16). These divisions are roughly comparable to
being twice as sensitive as 64ths of an inch (Stone 1977). This stretches the curve out and
allows for insights into the nature of the deposition. Our curve seems to suggest that there
was minor occupation/deposition in or near the site followed by rapid deposition and then
a very gradual, measured decline (Figure 63). This suggests most of the pipes are
directly related to the Print House occupation with only minimal deposition before and a
gradual decline in deposition after the peak, Print House period.
94
TABLE 15
White Clay Pipe Bores (64ths inch)
Bore in 64ths of an inch
4
5
6
7
8
9
number
0
60
234
479
197
19
percentage
0.00%
6.07%
23.66%
48.43%
19.92%
1.92%
White Clay pipe bores: 64ths inch
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
4
5
6
7
Figure 62. — Pipe Bore Diameter Distribution.
95
8
9
TABLE 16
White Clay Pipe Bores (.20 mm)
Bore in .20 mm increments.
1.40
1.60
1.80
2.00
2.20
2.40
2.60
2.80
3.00
3.20
3.40
3.60
3.80
4.00
number
0
0
22
38
98
136
188
291
92
105
8
11
0
0
White Clay pipe bores: .20 mm
35.00%
30.00%
25.00%
20.00%
15.00%
10.00%
5.00%
0.00%
Figure 63. — Pipe Bore Diameter Distribution (.20 mm).
96
percentage
0.00%
0.00%
2.22%
3.84%
9.91%
13.75%
19.01%
29.42%
9.30%
10.62%
0.81%
1.11%
0.00%
0.00%
Bowl Chronology
At the Print House site there were approximately thirty pipe fragments of a size
from which pipe bowl form could be discerned. All pipe bowl, mark, and decoration
sketches are actual size.
Eight examples of small bulbous bowls were recovered from the plow zone at the
Print House site. Four of these are of the size of the smallest bulbous bowl type
recovered from the St. John’s site (approx. 1.2 inches tall), but the other four examples
are of a much smaller size (approx. 1.1 inches tall) (Figure 64 a). One of the smaller
bowls greatly resembles small bulbous bowls with spurs in the Chester Bowl Form
Typology (Rutter and Davey 1980:219), which date between 1640 and 1680 (Figure 64
b). These bowls are likely to date to the early occupation in Maryland, 1640s-1660s.
The two more complete bowls of the larger size are most similar to the Hull Pipe Type II,
or “Yorkshire bulbous” (Figure 64 c) (Watkins 1979:86-87). No fragments of small
bulbous bowls were recovered from feature context.
Five pipe fragments recovered contained spurs (Figure 64 d). A significant
amount of the bowl remains on only one of these specimens, and its shape suggests a
1660 to 1680 time period (Oswald 1975:41). There are signs of rim rouletting on this
pipe.
Two pipes of an elongated bulbous shape were recovered from the plow zone.
These two bowls are mostly complete, and have beveled rims (Figure 64 e). Their flat
heels are parallel with the angle of the rim. According to Noel Hume’s typology (1969)
these pipes are probably from the very late 17th century, or possibly from the very early
18th century. One of these pipes has a rouletted rim, which suggests a pre-1700 date.
Ten examples of export style pipes were recovered from the Print House Site.
Export pipes are spurless, heel-less pipes with the bowls curving up sharply from the
stem (Figure 64 f). The export style of pipe dates from the late 17th century to the early
18th century, approx. 1680-1740 (Hurry and Keeler 1991:44-53). Two export pipe forms
were found in features 609 T (NW Chimney corner post hole) and 611 P (square brick
feature). The fragment recovered from feature 609 T (Figure 64 g) exhibited a
particularly large bore size, 3.4 millimeters or 9/64 inches; this fragment could be from a
Dutch funnel angle trade pipe, which could have been present on the site earlier
(production of this type began 1660s or earlier) (McCashion 1979:128, 129).
There were four examples of stem/bowl fragments with small non-prominent
heels that appear to be similar to Type G, from the St. John’s pipe bowl typology (Figure
64 h). This bowl type is described as a “forward leaning, very slightly bulbous bowl,
with a flat heel and a rouletted rim” (Hurry and Keeler 1991:44). This bowl type appears
to date to roughly the late 17th century or the early 18th century; 1680-1710 according to
Oswald (1975:37, 39), and 1650-1680 according to Noel Hume (1969:303).
97
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
Figure 64.—Pipe Bowl Shapes: a, Small Bulbous; b, Small Bulbous with Spur; c,
“Yorkshire Bulbous”; d, Spurred Pipe; e, Elongated Bulbous; f, Possible Export
Style; g, Possible Export Style or Dutch Funnel; h, Slightly Bulbous, with Small
Heel.
98
Marks
There was not a large quantity of marks found at the Print House site; only twelve
fragments exhibit makers’ marks. Of these twelve marks, three are located on bowl
fragments, three are located on stem fragments, and six are located on a heel or spur.
Of the three bowl fragments, two can be identified. One fragmentary mark
contains an E surrounded by looped lines on the front of the bowl (Figure 65 a). This can
either be attributed to William Evans (I or II) or Llewellin Evans. All of these makers
worked out of Bristol during the 17th century: William Evans between 1667 and 1682 and
in 1697, and Llewellin Evans from 1661 to 1688 or 1689 (Walker 1979). This marked
fragment was recovered from plow zone. A complete mark bearing the initials of
Llewellin Evans was also recovered from plow zone (Figure 65 b). This, a more simple
mark, bears only the initials on the front of the bowl. A third fragmentary unidentifiable
mark was recovered from plow zone. This mark contains the letter “F,” which probably
followed another letter (Figure 65 c). There is no decoration surrounding the initials on
this mark.
All three stem markings are recognizable and have been identified at other sites.
One stem, found in feature context, contains the initials “IS” raised within impressed
rectangles and surrounded by Bristol style rouletting (Figure 65 d) (Walker 1979). This
mark probably belongs to John Sinderling of Bristol (ca. 1666-1699). Other examples of
this mark have been found at the St. John’s site. This pipe fragment was recovered from
feature 579 P (Fireback). Another stem has the initials “IP” also surrounded by the
Bristol style of rouletting (Figure 65 e). A similar pipe has been found at the St. John’s
site. The maker associated with this mark is unknown, however the style of the mark
suggests that it was made in Bristol. Sharpe, Luckenbach, and Kille (2002:33-34)
associate this mark with either Jacob Prosser of Bristol (ca. 1662-1680) or John Prosser
of Bristol (ca. 1673). The third stem mark reads “A A X •” (Figure 65 f). Examples
have been recovered from the St. John’s site (Hurry and Keeler 1991:52-53) and the
Buck Site on the Eastern Shore (Alexander 1979:52, 55). Three examples of a similar
mark have also been recovered from Burle’s Town Land in Anne Arundel County and
have been associated with pipe maker Ambrose Ambler of Leeds, ca. 1669 (Sharpe,
Luckenbach, and Kille 2002:33-34).
Among the six marked heel or spur fragments, only three separate marks have
been identified. One of these marks is stamped on the bottom of a flat round heel. This
mark contains an “A” capped by a crown (Figure 65 g). Examples of this mark have
been found at both Smith’s Town Land (Riordan 1991:94, 96) and the St. John’s Site
(Hurry and Keeler 1991:52, 53). Similar marks of crowned initials have been attributed
to Dutch makers (McCashion 1979; Duco 1981). There is one mark on a spur: a small
“L” on the side of the spur, with no letter on the other side (Figure 65 h). The other four
marked heel fragments appear to have the same mark. This mark is a square stamp on a
circular heel (Figure 65 i), the mark is not clear enough to show what is inside the square,
but the four marks are clearly of a type. The presence of a square stamp on a circular
heel is distinctive.
99
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
i
Figure 65.—Pipe Marks.
100
Decorations
The most common type of decoration is the rouletted rim. Out of the 241 bowl
fragments with rims identified on the site, 133 fragments contained some sort of rim
rouletting; approximately 55% of the rims are rouletted. Rim rouletting was a common
feature of 17th-century pipes.
Other than rim rouletting, the most frequent decoration recovered from the Print
House site is a stem decoration: a series diamonds stamped in a row along the stem, each
diamond containing only one fleur-de-lis (Figure 66 a). There are six fragments
containing this type of decoration. Two of these examples appear to have slightly smaller
diamonds than the other four fragments. These two, plus two of the fragments with the
slightly larger diamonds, have a 6/64 bore diameter, while the other two fragments have
7/64 bore diameters. This type of decoration has been seen at the St. John’s site and is
probably a Dutch decoration (Hurry and Keeler 1991:66, 67). Similar decorations have
also been found at the Mohawk Indian “Castle” Caughnawaga in New York, occupied
from 1667 through 1693 (McCashion 1979:140), Smith’s Townland in St. Mary’s City,
occupied from the 1660s to around the 1690s, and at the Compton Site in Calvert County,
Maryland, which was occupied from 1651 until 1685 (Cavallo 2004:8).
A single fragment contains rouletting along the bowl stem junction (Figure 66 b).
At least three individual rouletted lines can be identified. This decoration type has been
identified at two sites in Maryland: Pope’s Fort and St. John’s. However this decoration
is not as neat as either of those examples; the lines cross over each other in a disorganized
fashion. The bore diameter for this mark is 7/64ths of an inch.
There are two stem varieties of Bristol rouletting. Both seem to have lines of
dentate milling, and a line of scrolled diamonds; one stem has raised central dots (Figure
66 c), and the other does not (Figure 66 d). A third stem fragment has two lines of
dentate milling along the broken end. This third stem’s decoration may or may not be
associated with a mark or with Bristol or Dutch style rouletting, but this cannot be
ascertained by what is left of the decoration.
There are two examples of another kind of stem rouletting decoration (Figure 66
e). These have a band of diamonds with raised central dots and triangles flanked by lines
of dentate milling, and are described by Hurry and Keeler as being of Dutch origin. The
two fragments to not appear to mend, although they are both fragmentary, and are of the
same type.
There are several small fragments of bowls that exhibit molded designs. One
fragment has a horse head and a leafy vine. The other five fragmentary bowl marks are
too small to discern the type of decoration. Two of these mend together and are
somewhat deteriorated. One of the most clear shows what might be a small fleur-de-lis
and a leaf, but the fragment is too small to see anything more than this.
101
a
b
c
d
e
Figure 66.—Pipe Decoration.
102
One particularly elaborate molded pipe fragment recovered from the Print House
site is from a pipe called a ‘Sir Walter Raleigh Pipe’ or a ‘Jonah and the Whale Pipe.’
This pipe depicts a man being swallowed by an animal. The story behind the ‘Sir Walter
Pipe’ has Sir Walter Raleigh falling overboard during one of his South American trips. A
hungry crocodile caught him, but ultimately spit him back out because he smelled so
strongly of tobacco (Duco 1981:380). The more likely basis of this decoration is the
story of Jonah and the Whale from the Bible (Duco 1981:381).
Of the marked or decorated fragments and complete or partially complete pipe
bowls, few are located away from the building. One spurred stem/bowl fragment is
located north of the building, in unit 700 G, and a fragment with a stamped fleur-de-lis
within a diamond is located in 701 E. A cluster of these separated pipes is to the south
and west of the house. Two export style (or Dutch Funnel) pipe fragments, a pipe with a
square heel marking, an unidentifiable stem marking, and a stem mouth with usage wear
are all located in this area.
To summarize, this site was certainly occupied during the second half of the 17th
century. The earliest deposition was light, and occurred possibly before the 1660s.
Deposition peaked at around the mid-1660s, or later based on overall bore distributions
and bowl shape. Space usage changed over time as well. Earliest occupation shows most
pipe fragments deposited on the western side of the building; concentration for the
middle time of occupation appears to be in the shed (this period beginning with the peak
in occupation), moving around to the east side of the building, and the latest occupation
appears to have concentrations to the east. It can be hypothesized that this functional
shift could have been the change from the building’s earlier usage as an ordinary to a
later usage as a print shop.
Window Leads
As part of this project, 168 window leads were cleaned and examined for marks.
The marked examples provide rather fine-grained temporal divisions. Of this sample, 31
(18%) had inscriptions of some kind. Three of the 31 were completely illegible, but the
remaining 28 have some type of distinct phrase or symbol. The inscriptions that were
discovered generally fall into one of three types, with a possible fourth type that is
discussed with the Type III marks.
Type I Window Leads
Type I inscriptions start with a symbol that resembles an asterisk, followed by a
capital “WM” followed by another asterisk, the number eleven or Roman numeral II,
another asterisk, the year 1671, and a final asterisk. This type of window lead has also been
discovered at the Chapel Field, the Van Sweringen site, and St. John’s (Hanna 1986:4).
103
Two leads have whole Type I marks. One of these (ST1-14-582L/AA) is also
attached to a join (solder point) in the window. Another seven leads have Type I marks
that are only partially present because of breaks in the leads or illegible areas obscured by
corrosion. Table 17 shows the complete list of Type I marks found during this project.
Type II Window Leads
Type II marks consist of five “petal” dots surrounding a central dot to make a dot flower,
followed by the letter E, another dot flower, W, another dot flower, the year 1689, dot
flower, H, dot flower, A, and a final dot flower. Type II marks were the most common
mark found. Only one lead contained a whole mark (ST1-14-582N/AT) and it was pulled
from the ground tied in a knot and broken into two pieces that were corroded together.
The remaining marks are partial because of breaks or corrosion that obscures them. These
marks are presented in Table 18.
TABLE 17
Type I Marked Window Leads
PROVENIENCE
ST1-14-582N/AO
ST1-14-582N/BH
ST1-14-582N/BP
ST1-14-582L/AA
ST1-14-582K/HQ
ST1-14-582K/HV
ST1-14-582K/IG
ST1-14-582K/IM
ST1-14-582K/JK
MARK PRESENT
WM I I I 6 7 I 
I I I 6 ? I 
WM ?
WM I I I 6 7 I 
WM I I I 6 7 I 
I67I
WM I I 
? I 6 7 I 
?67I
Type III-A and Type III-B Window Leads
Type III leads most likely exhibit two separate phrases. Type III-A consists of
four dots arranged in a diamond shape, followed by the letters EW, another dot diamond,
the year 1677, another dot diamond, the number 8, the letter B, and a final dot diamond.
The first dot diamond and EW are not present on any of the leads in this assemblage, but
at least three window leads from the St. John’s and Van Sweringen sites have Type II
marks, and these helped to reconstruct the whole phrase. These leads are summarized in
Table 19.
A Type III lead previously treated at HSMC serves as the connection between the
Type III-A phrase and Type III-B phrase, which consists of a dot diamond, MH20, and
104
TABLE 18
Type II Marked Window Leads
PROVENIENCE
ST1-14-582N/AY
ST1-14-582N/BB
ST1-14-582N/BN
ST1-14-582N/BN
ST1-14-582N/BX
ST1-14-582N/CB
ST1-14-582N/AT
ST1-14-582L/AC
ST1-14-582L/BP
ST1-14-582K/JE
ST1-14-582K/JM
ST1-14-582J/CM
ST1-14-582J/CN
MARK PRESENT
EW1689
E
HA (long branch on join)
689  (short branch on join)
A
? W168
EW1689HA
? ?
?W168
1689H (top of mark only)
689H  (bottom of mark only)
? 
E W168
TABLE 19
Type III Marked Window Leads
PROVENIENCE
ST1-14-582N/AZ
ST1-14-582N/BE
ST1-14-582N/BL
ST1-14-582N/BR
ST1-14-582L/AE
ST1-14-582K/IX
MARK PRESENT
?
16778B
MH20
?
16778B
8B
105
another dot diamond. The lead ST1-19-440/CY was a soldered window joint that broke
into three pieces during treatment. Two of the pieces that would have mended had phrase
Type III-A. The third piece was connected to another part of the joint, and it had phrase
Type III-B. Unless two different vices created the leads for this one window, these two
phrases were found on the same leads.
Further support for this hypothesis is found in the example set by numerous 1678
leads from the St. John’s and Van Sweringen sites. On the 1678 leads, the phrase
EW appears on the same lead as the name “WILLIAM” and the phrase
“PVRYOUR:1678:” but all three of these phrases are separated by mill marks, rather than
being consecutive (Hanna 1993). It is therefore entirely conceivable that the leads made
the year before with the similar EW mark, also had two non-consecutive phrases in
the vice wheel.
To summarize the dating, 29 turned window leads with decipherable marks were
identified in association with the Print House structure. Nine of these can be attributed to
a date of 1671, 6 to a date of 1677, and 13 to a date of 1689. These dates are generally
consistent with the ceramic and pipe dating, but are more nuanced in that they indicate at
least two phases of renovation after the initial construction phase. It would appear that the
Print House was built shortly after 1671, renovated sometime after 1677 and again
sometime after 1689. This is an unusual amount of change for a single building and may
relate to adding a shed after slightly more than a decade in existence, followed by yet an
additional phase of renovation. Perhaps the first phase of renovation relates to creating
more space within the building and then repurposing the structure for use by Nuthead
after his arrival in 1684 while the last phase indicates perhaps a return to the earlier
purpose, most likely as an ordinary.
Printing Type
Excavations at the Print House site in St. Mary’s City recovered 48 pieces of
printing type. Most were highly battered and deteriorated. In order to better identify
specimens, the type was conserved. However, this did little to clarify identification of
specific characters. The relevant measurements taken are
depicted in Figure 67. These correspond to the standard
terminology used by printers and bibliographers (Hope
Mayo, 2015, elec. comm,, Gaskell 1972:9). These
dimensions are length to paper, body size, and width.
Figure 67.— Type Measurement Locations.
106
The printing type were scattered across the site with the largest concentration
related to the feature complex under the duplex slave quarter. This concentration consists
of 40 of the 48 specimens. The rest of the examples are widely scattered between the two
quarters and the river bank. Their distribution is presented in Figure 68.
Figure 68.—Distribution of Recovered Printing Type.
The specimens are summarized in Table 20. This table provides the specimen’s
provenience, and metrical data concerning each specimen’s body size, height to paper,
and width in decimal inches, and includes any observations about the character
represented. The characters present include 6 upper case letters represented by two
examples of a “C,” two “W,”s one “I,” and one “O”. The lower case examples include
one “c”, and three “d”s.” Four spaces and one hyphen are also present.
107
TABLE 20
Printing Type Measurements in Inches
specimen
ST1-14-339-K/BK
ST1-14-370-F/CJ
ST1-14-403-R/AZ
ST1-14-404-P/EQ
ST1-14-429-B/BA
ST1-14-433-J/GR
ST1-14-462-K/BW
ST1-14-462-K/BX
ST1-14-462-M/DU
ST1-14-462-M/DV
ST1-14-462-M/DW
ST1-14-462-M/DX
ST1-14-462-M/DY
ST1-14-462-M/DZ
ST1-14-462-M/EA
ST1-14-462-R/CZ
ST1-14-462-W/CO
ST1-14-520-C/AY
ST1-14-546-F/DG
ST1-14-553-L/EQ
ST1-14-580-S/AE
ST1-14-582-M/DH
ST1-14-726-F/ER
ST1-14-1433-F/AC
ST1-14-1463-G/AO
ST1-14-1463-H/AC
ST1-14-1463-J/AF
ST1-14-1463-J/AG
ST1-14-1463-K/AA
ST1-14-1463-L/AF
ST1-14-1463-M/AV
ST1-14-1463-M/AW
ST1-14-1463-M/AX
ST1-14-1463-N/AB
ST1-14-1463-P/BH
ST1-14-1463-P/BI
ST1-14-1463-P/BJ
ST1-14-1463-P/BK
ST1-14-1463-P/BL
ST1-14-1463-P/BM
ST1-14-1463-P/BN
ST1-14-1463-P/BO
ST1-14-1463-P/BP
ST1-14-1463-P/BQ
ST1-14-1463-P/BR
ST1-14-1463-R/CU
ST1-14-1494-H/AC
ST1-14-1494-H/BI
Body size
0.1985
0.1940
0.2320
0.1800
0.2370
0.2130
0.1875
0.1850
0.1840
0.1740
0.2390
0.1955
0.1645
0.1645
0.2320
0.2250
0.2470
0.2850
0.1770
0.1670
0.4675
0.1990
0.2160
0.1735
0.1965
0.2190
0.1890
0.1680
0.1820
0.5865
0.5350
0.1940
0.2280
0.1880
0.2210
0.2240
0.1800
0.1665
0.2310
0.3690
0.1890
0.2085
0.1660
0.1630
0.2240
0.1590
0.1850
0.1840
Height to paper
0.9170
0.9070
0.9010
0.9090
0.9240
0.9370
0.9210
0.9135
0.9220
0.9280
0.9090
0.9100
0.7365
0.7440
0.9220
0.9240
0.9335
0.9410
0.9215
0.9230
0.7765
0.9250
0.9180
0.9410
0.7410
0.8450
0.7890
0.9150
0.7210
0.7635
0.7450
0.8410
0.7530
0.9150
0.9160
0.9130
0.8070
0.9130
0.9050
0.9130
0.9180
0.9110
0.9090
0.9140
0.9115
0.9160
0.6910
0.9150
108
Width
0.0705
0.0600
0.0705
0.0820
0.0980
0.1460
0.0950
0.0720
0.0725
0.0970
0.0815
0.0851
0.0805
0.0470
0.0675
0.1500
0.0970
0.1520
0.0365
0.0850
0.2405
0.1480
0.1080
0.1005
0.0680
0.0910
0.0510
0.0800
0.0910
0.1760
0.2310
0.0940
0.1190
0.0610
0.0810
0.0850
0.0880
0.0715
0.0840
0.2045
0.0850
0.0850
0.0820
0.0800
0.0850
0.0410
0.1070
0.1320
notes
upper case C?
upper case I?
space?
space?
upper case C?
lower case d ?
space?
upper case W ?
hyphen ?
lower case c?
space?
upper case O
lower case d ?
lower case d ?
upper case W ?
In order to place the printing type into some sort of size typology (c.f. Little 1987
and Loren et al 2014), we have utilized the type sizes specified by Joseph Moxon in 1683
(De Vinne 1896). Moxon lays out ten specific sizes of type and expresses their sizes in
terms of the number present in a foot. He summarizes this in a table (Figure 69). Table 21
repeats Moxon’s size specification, expressed in English (decimal inches) equivalent.
Figure 69.—Sizes of Printing Type According to Moxon (1683).
TABLE 21
Printing Type Sizes (Moxon 1683)
font size
Moxon per foot
decimal inches
Pearl
184
0.0652
Nonpareil
150
0.0800
Brevier
112
0.1071
Long Primer
92
0.1304
Pica
75
0.1600
English
66
0.1818
Great Primer
50
0.2400
Double Pica
38
0.3158
Double English
33
0.3636
Great Cannon
17.5
0.6857
109
Figure 70 shows a scatterplot of type height to paper versus body size. What
initially appears to be one major cluster is on closer inspection two adjacent clusters (see
detail, Figure 71). This seems to suggest that the principal type sizes represented are
“Pica,” “English,” and “Great Primer.”
Height to paper versus body size
1.0000
0.9500
0.9000
0.8500
Height
to 0.8000
paper
0.7500
0.7000
0.6500
0.6000
0.0000
0.1000
0.2000
0.3000
0.4000
0.5000
0.6000
Body size
Figure 70.—Scatterplot, Height to Paper versus Body size of Printing Type.
110
0.7000
1.0000
0.9500
0.9000
0.8500
0.8000
0.7500
0.7000
0.6500
0.6000
Figure 71.—Detail of Major Cluster.
By removing all specimens greater than .25 inches body size, 43 of the 48
specimens fall between .16 inches and .25 inches. Only three of Moxon’s sizes fall in this
range: “Pica” at .16, “English” at .1818, and “Great Primer” at .24 inches. Perhaps our
sample represents a little Pica, mostly “English,” and maybe a bit of Great Primer, but the
sizes seem much more variable. Moxon does comment that Dutch type sizes are much
more varied, so perhaps Nuthead’s type represents these “Dutch” improvements, or
possibly a greater lack of standardization than Moxon implies.
The outliers (greater than .25 inches) appear to represent Double Pica and Double
English. Two of these outliers are clearly spaces.
Cofield suggests, based on measurements from printed documents by Louis
Wroth that Nuthead had “Double Pica,” “Pica,” and “Great Primer.”
To summarize, the principal sizes represented by the recovered printing type seem
to suggest “Pica,” “English,” and “Great Primer,” while there is a suggestion of “Double
Pica” and “Double English.”
As part of this study, a select sample of type was submitted for elemental analysis
using a scanning electron microscope. This work was undertaken by Dr. Bruce Pregger,
Materials Engineer at the U. S. Navy’s Patuxent River facility. Scanning electron
microscopy is a non-destructive method of testing for elemental analysis and is
particularly suited for metallurgical alloy analysis. The hypothesis was that the printing
type would include antimony in the alloy. Antimony is generally a key element in type
metal. Antimony, unlike other metals actually expands as it goes from a liquid state to a
111
solid state. This has a great advantage when casting printing type as the expansion better
fills out the details of the type mold producing sharper characters. Figure 72 presents the
results of this analysis (Lead values were factored by .10 to make the variation in the rest
of the alloy more obvious)
The results clearly demonstrate that almost all of the printing type tested had a
considerable amount of antimony. The one extreme outlier represents a spacer where
expansion into the mold would have been less an issue. Perhaps some spacers were
molded out of almost pure lead as a cost saving measure, or perhaps this spacer is a
“home-made” example.
Figure 72.—Lead Alloy Analysis.
Looking at the overall makeup of the sample analyzed, there appears to be two
somewhat distinct clusters, one with slightly more tin and one with slightly less tin. This
could be the result of two different batches of alloy and would suggest that the printing
112
type recovered was produced in two different casting sessions. There does not seem to be
any relationship between the size of the printing type and the alloy makeup.
To summarize, the printing type appears to primarily represent two distinct sizes
with some larger sizes represented. The alloy used in the printing type almost always
includes antimony which has the characteristic of expanding when cooled to a solid state
and thereby serves to better fill the mold. There is the suggestion of two distinct batches
of alloy. Lower case “c” (1 specimen), and lower case “d” (3 specimens), upper case “C”
(2 specimens of different sizes), upper case “I,” upper case “O,” and upper case “W” (2
specimens) and a hyphen round out the identifiable letters and symbols. Two of the better
preserved specimens (lower case “d” and upper case “C”) are illustrated in Figure 73.
Finally, four specimens appear to be spacers of two distinct sizes. The printing type
recovered from the Printhouse site appears to mostly represent “Pica,” “English,” and
“Great Primer” with some suggestion of “Double Pica” and “Double English.” The type
was primarily cast of an alloy of lead, tin, and antimony.
Figure 73.—Printing type, lower case “d” and upper case “C”.
113
Section 5 – Artifactual Analysis of Structural Features
A series of contexts will be discussed in turn where all of the artifacts from related
features which create an architectural/cultural complex will be combined. Specifically, we will
look in turn at the principal structural posts from the Print House (contexts ST1-14-580 W, 611
P, 612 P, 612 S, 639 T, 641 W, and 672 P) and the related structural post molds (ST1-14-580 Y,
611 S, 611 W, 612 N, 641 T, and 672 N). This will be followed by a discussion of the features
related to the shed addition to the Print House. These shed-related features are further divided
into two phases of activity. The structural post relating to the Phase I shed includes ST1-550 AA,
581 CC and 582 Y. The post molds related to this grouping include ST1-14-550 T, 581 BB, 582
W, and 582 Y. The second and third phase structural posts include ST1-14-550 Y, 581 T, and
583 S, while the associated molds include ST1-14-550 W, 581 S, and 583 R. Two more feature
complexes were identified which relate to the shed addition. These include the shed timber mold
made up of ST1-14-550 S, 580 FF, 581 R, 582 S, 582 N, 582 AA, and 583 N and a shell-filled
construction ditch (ST1-14-550 N, 551 N, 582 P, 582 R, and 582 BB). The final collection of
contexts to be discussed will be those related to the wattle and daub chimney which provided
heating and cooking facilities within the Print House. These include the chimney posts (ST1-14579 P, 579 S, 579 W, 579 Z, 579 BB, 580 EE, 580 HH, 609 T, 609 Y, 610 W, 610 Z, and 580
CC); chimney molds (ST1-14-579 R, 579 T, 579 Y, 579 AA, 580 BB, 580 DD, 580 GG, 609 S,
609 W, 610 T, and 610 Y ) and finally the fireback (ST1-14-579 P).
Artifacts in Structural Posts
The content of the seven contexts which represent the structural posts for the Print House
is presented in Table 22. While a number of American Indian lithics are represented, they are
clearly redeposited from the overall prehistoric occupation which occurs throughout the area of
Site ST1-14. Historic material is dominated by architectural debris including colonial brick, two
types of plaster, and mortar. There appears to be some contamination in the form of more
modern brick, but that constitutes only eight fragments weighing 7 grams. Thirteen clearly
wrought nails are present, and a further 23 highly corroded nails may well be wrought. Food
debris is represented by a quantity of oyster shell (n=920, w=1374 gr) and animal bone (23
fragments). Only one white clay pipe fragment is present. Ceramics are represented by one
fragment of early Staffordshire slipware and one fragment of tin glazed earthenware. Finally, one
fragment of European gunflint debitage and assorted non-diagnostic debris complete out the
assemblage.
While well dated materials are sparse in these contexts, the early style Staffordshire
slipware points to a date sometime in the last quarter of the 17th century for the construction of
this building.
Architectural Debris in Structural Posts: Plaster
Examination of the distribution of plaster in the structural post holes for the original
building indicates the presence of plaster in most of these contexts (Figures 73, 74, and 75). The
central post on the south wall was excluded from this analysis since there was clear evidence of
it having been redug and replaced subsequent to the original construction. The amount of
114
TABLE 22
Artifacts in Structural Posts
count
27
8
70
212
60
7
13
1
2
21
3
1
1
1
4
1
23
920
1
1
2
1
8
1
1
weight
(gr)
29
7
64
163
102
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1374
0
0
4
4
0
0
0
item
BRICK
BRICK
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
COLONIAL WINDOW GLASS
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
HARDWARE
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
ARCHITECTURAL STONE
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN MATERIAL
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
FAUNAL REMAINS
FAUNAL REMAINS
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
MISCELLANEOUS
MISC. MATERIALS
MISCELLANEOUS
EUROPEAN FLINT
TOBACCO PIPE, STEM FRAGMENT
description
HANDMADE (RED)
MACHINE MADE
MORTAR
PLASTER
BROWN CLAY PLASTER
ALL THICKNESSES
UNMEASURABLE FRAGMENT(S)
TURNED WINDOW LEAD
SQUARE, UNMEASURED
NAIL FRAGMENT,UNMEASURED
SANDSTONE
QUARTZ DEBITAGE
CHERT DEBITAGE
FIRE CRACKED ROCK
QUARTZ FLAKE
QUARTZITE FLAKE
BONE
OYSTER
EARLY STAFFORDSHIRE SLIP
TIN GLAZED
CHARCOAL
FOSSIL SHELL
FERROUS SANDSTONE
DEBITAGE
WHITE CLAY, 2.6 MM BORE
material, in some cases in excess of 40 fragments suggests the presence of an earlier structure
nearby which had been demolished before the construction of this building, or contamination of
the hole fills with material from the molds during excavation. It seems likely that the amount of
material that occurs in Features 612 P and S are the result of contamination. Some material could
have been introduced by bioturbation, but the quantity of white plaster, in particular, seems to be
indicative of either feature contamination or inclusion of incidental surface debris from a
building that had been built nearby and demolished before the construction of the structure under
analysis. Evidence elsewhere on the site does suggest an earlier building to the south but actual
structural features for this building have yet to be identified.
Architectural Debris in Structural Posts: Daub
The distribution of daub in the structural postholes is most likely the result of
bioturbation. Only a few fragments are present in any of the features and the greatest amount is
directly adjacent to the location of the chimney for the structure (Figure 76). The other
occurrence is in the 612 P and S complex which, as was noted above in the discussion of plaster,
was most likely contaminated.
115
Figure 74. — White Plaster in Initial Structural Post Holes.
Figure 75. — Brown Plaster in Initial Structural Post Holes.
116
Figure 76. — Brown Plaster with Finish Coat in Initial Structural Post Holes.
Figure 77. — Daub in Initial Structural Post Holes.
117
Architectural Debris in Structural Posts: Mortars
Like daub, both bedding mortar and a distinctive type of shell mortar with brick dust and
loam seem to have been introduced into the post hole contexts by biological action. In all cases
the amount of material is quite small and can be explained by root or rodent action. The bedding
mortar occurs only in the 612 P and S complex which has been noted as most likely
contaminated (Figure 77). The distinctive shell mortar occurs in only the post hole adjacent to
the chimney (Figure 78). The chimney related context has only two small fragments which easily
could have been transported from the mold by roots. This type of shell mortar is different than
the material associated with the quarter chimney and may relate to a very different use. It appears
to relate to the 17th-century deposits.
Artifacts in Structural Post Molds
The structural post molds from the Print House are represented by six distinct contexts.
American Indian material includes a considerable quantity of debitage including quartz,
quartzite, and chert and one quartzite tool and two fragments of quartz tempered ceramic which
appear to be Accokeek. Like in the post features, this material was redeposited from the
American Indian occupation observed throughout the site. The structural molds have a much
greater quantity of architectural debris. We again have some contamination in the form of fairly
modern brick. Mortar, daub, and two types of plaster are present. A considerable number of nails
represent numerous size ranges with nails two to three inches the most common. However the
range goes from 1.10 inches all the way to 5.50 inches. The nails also include numerous
specialized nails (“L” and “T” headed) which are indicative of wooden floors. Also grouped here
are two fragments of sandstone which may have been utilized as building stone. Domestic debris
is rather limited: one fragment of tin glazed earthenware; one fragment of colonial round bottle
glass; two white clay pipe fragments, and a quantity of oyster and clam shell, and animal bone
(Table 23).
This collection of material, specifically the large quantity of nails, is indicative of
demolition debris. This material would have filled the voids left by the rotting wooden post.
Temporally diagnostic material is fairly scarce with the one fragment of tin glazed earthenware
pointing to a general colonial date while the round bottle points to a post-1650s date. There is
nothing specific that points to a post-1700 date.
Architectural Debris in Structural Post Molds: Plaster
In examining the distributional patterns from the post molds, it is clear that these contexts
served as catchment basins for considerable debris from the demolition of the structure. All of
these features contain markedly more material than the structural post holes (Figures 79, 80, and
81). With the exception of the western-most post on the north wall and the central post on the
east wall all the building post molds contain large quantities of plaster. It is possible that some of
the plaster seen in the post holes results from the migration of material from these post molds
into the post hole by root action. Since these features (post molds) date to the demolition and
abandonment of the site, they serve as samples of the nature of how the building was interiorly
118
Figure 78. — Bedding Mortar in Initial Structural Post Holes.
Figure 79. — Total Shell Mortar in Initial Structural Post Holes.
119
TABLE 23
Artifacts in Structural Post Molds
count
Weight (gr)
item
description
572
1112
198
269
BRICK
MACHINE MADE
MASONRY RUBBLE
651
MORTAR
688
MASONRY RUBBLE
PLASTER
272
378
MASONRY RUBBLE
DAUB
781
1300
MASONRY RUBBLE
BROWN CLAY PLASTER
8
COLONIAL WINDOW GLASS
ALL THICKNESSES
1
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.10 INCHES
3
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.20 INCHES
3
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.30 INCHES
9
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.40 INCHES
17
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.50 INCHES
4
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.60 INCHES
1
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.70 INCHES
2
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.80 INCHES
5
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.90 INCHES
4
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.00 INCHES
3
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.10 INCHES
2
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.20 INCHES
3
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.30 INCHES
2
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.40 INCHES
4
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.50 INCHES
2
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.60 INCHES
1
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.80 INCHES
1
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.90 INCHES
3
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
3.00 INCHES
2
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
3.30 INCHES
1
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
3.40 INCHES
2
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
4.0 INCHES
1
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
5.50 INCHES
22
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
UNMEASURABLE FRAGMENT(S)
1
WROUGHT L HEAD NAIL
1.60 INCHES
1
WROUGHT L HEAD NAIL
3.10 INCHES
1
WROUGHT T HEAD NAIL
2.60 INCHES
1
WROUGHT T HEAD NAIL
3.30 INCHES
78
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
SQUARE, UNMEASURED
15
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
NAIL FRAGMENT, UNMEASURED
2
ARCHITECTURAL STONE
SANDSTONE
2
AMERICAN INDIAN CERAMIC
QUARTZ TEMPERED
4
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZ DEBITAGE
4
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZITE DEBITAGE
2
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
CHERT DEBITAGE
1
AMERICAN INDIAN MATERIAL
FIRE CRACKED ROCK
3
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZ FLAKE
1
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZITE FLAKE
1
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZITE TOOL
120
28
28
FAUNAL REMAINS
BONE
1526
1962
FAUNAL REMAINS
OYSTER
5
12
FAUNAL REMAINS
CLAM
2
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
TIN GLAZED
1
COLONIAL GLASS
ROUND BOTTLE
142
MISCELLANEOUS
CHARCOAL
9
MISCELLANEOUS
IRON OBJECT
1
MISCELLANEOUS
UNIDENTIFIABLE ROCK
1
TOBACCO PIPE, STEM FRAGMENT
WHITE CLAY, NO BORE
1
TOBACCO PIPE, STEM FRAGMENT
WHITE CLAY, 2.6 MM BORE
finished at the end of its use life. The critical information from these contexts will be in the form
of qualitative data rather than quantitative. These individual specimens with distinctive traits will
be discussed in a separate section below.
Architectural Debris in Structural Post Molds: Daub
The distribution of daub in the structural post molds shows a very odd pattern. The
greatest amount of daub occurs in the post mold that is the second farthest away from the
chimney (Figure 82). A relatively small amount of daub is in the post mold adjacent to the
chimney and in the other molds on the south wall of the main structure. One would logically
have assumed a concentration in the post mold near the chimney but the pattern seems to mimic
that of the daub in the overlying strata which indicated two clusters, one in the shed area and one
near the northwest corner of the main structure. The distribution must reflect overall building
demolition rather than renovations.
Architectural Debris in Structural Post Molds: Mortars
Three distinct varieties of oyster shell based mortar were identified from the post molds. The
previously mentioned bedding mortar which seems associated with the tile floor in the shed
occurs only in the extreme south east post mold and is only represented by 30 fragments
constituting 35 g. (Figure 83). This suggests that most of the molds may have been filled by the
time the tile was pulled up and reclaimed. The pattern of the shell mortar which we have
previously related to the chimney of the later slave quarter is represented by only a few
fragments (5 and 1 respectively) from the central mold on the south wall and the easternmost
mold on the north wall (Figure 84). Both of these inclusions could easily be the result of
bioturbation. The final type of shell mortar recognized in the post molds is a very distinctive
mixture of loam, brick dust, and oyster shell lime. A small amount of this material was
recovered from the central post mold on the southern wall, but a large quantity (132 fragments,
333 grams) was found in the post mold adjacent to the chimney (Figure 85). Arguably, this
material represents part of the original mud and stick chimney and demonstrates an unusual
blending of lime into the daub which would tend to make a more durable chimney.
121
Figure 80. —White Plaster in Initial Structural Postmolds.
Figure 81. — Brown Plaster in Initial Structural Postmolds
122
Figure 82. — Brown Plaster with White Plaster in Initial Structural Postmolds.
Figure 83. — Daub in Initial Structural Postmolds.
123
Figure 84. — Bedding Mortar in Initial Structural Postmolds.
Figure 85. — Shell Mortar in Initial Structural Postmolds.
124
Figure 86. —Mortar with Brick Dust and Loam in Initial Structural Postmolds
In general, the structural post holes and post molds from the main building reflect
elements of the architecture of the building. The distribution of these rubble classes in the
structural post holes appears, in all cases, to be the result of either material from an earlier nearby
building being on the surface of the ground at the time of construction, or feature contamination,
most likely by bioturbation. This is logical given the nature of the construction features from a
building reflecting previous occupation and construction waste rather than demolition waste. The
material in the molds shows details about the demolition of the building. It seems likely that the
central post on the north wall was pulled allowing considerable plaster to fall into the void.
Similarly, the concentration of daub in the post molds is possibly the result of where the chimney
collapsed while the distinctive mixture of loam, brick dust, and oyster shell lime concentrated in
the corner post is associated with the mud and stick chimney.
Artifacts in the Chimney Features
Artifacts in Chimney Posts
The feature complex that makes up the chimney posts for the wattle and daub chimney
includes 12 distinct contexts. The typical, small amount of American Indian material is present in
the form of quartz and quartzite debitage. Architectural material consists of masonry rubble
(brick, flat tile, mortar, plaster, daub, and some modern brick contamination). Nails are
numerous and rather widely distributed in terms of length. Considerable window glass and
numerous turned window leads were also found in these contexts. Domestic material included
animal bone and oyster shell plus a fairly wide array of colonial ceramics. These include
125
manganese mottled earthenware, early Staffordshire slipware, tin glazed earthenware, North
Italian slipware, Rhenish Brown stoneware, and Rhenish Blue and Grey stoneware. Additionally,
there are four white clay tobacco pipe fragments, colonial round bottle glass, and one fragment
of European flint debitage. Finally, post-colonial contamination includes both 19th century table
glass and bottle glass.(Table 24).
This complex of features has a considerable number of dateable colonial ceramics. While
the North Italian slipware and the tin glazed earthenware can date from the first half of the 17th
century, the Staffordshire slipware points to the last quarter of the 17th century while the
manganese mottled pushes this date to after 1680. Clearly the large number of turned window
leads and colonial window glass points at the demolition of a well equipted domestic structure.
TABLE 24
Artifacts in Chimney Posts Holes
count
Weight (gr)
item
description
109
8329
BRICK
HANDMADE (RED)
11
2284
BRICK
MACHINE MADE
1
4
TILE
FLAT
336
446
MASONRY RUBBLE
MORTAR
253
399
MASONRY RUBBLE
PLASTER
93
64
MASONRY RUBBLE
DAUB
189
0
COLONIAL WINDOW GLASS
ALL THICKNESSES
1
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.30 INCHES
1
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.40 INCHES
4
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.50 INCHES
1
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.60 INCHES
4
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.80 INCHES
2
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.90 INCHES
3
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.00 INCHES
1
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.10 INCHES
2
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.20 INCHES
1
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.30 INCHES
2
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.40 INCHES
2
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.50 INCHES
1
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.70 INCHES
1
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
2.80 INCHES
1
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
3.00 INCHES
1
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
3.40 INCHES
12
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
UNMEASURABLE FRAGMENT(S)
54
0
HARDWARE
TURNED WINDOW LEAD
32
0
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
SQUARE, UNMEASURED
126
18
0
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
NAIL FRAGMENT, UNMEASURED
2
0
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZ DEBITAGE
1
0
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZITE DEBITAGE
1
0
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
CHERT DEBITAGE
3
0
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZ FLAKE
47
52
FAUNAL REMAINS
BONE
1200
2030
FAUNAL REMAINS
OYSTER
1
0
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
MANGANESE MOTTLED
1
0
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
EARLY STAFFORDSHIRE SLIP
5
0
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
TIN GLAZED
1
0
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
NORTH ITALIAN SLIPWARE
1
0
COLONIAL STONEWARE
RHENISH BROWN
1
0
COLONIAL STONEWARE
RHENISH BLUE AND GREY
2
0
TABLE GLASSWARE
GENERAL 19TH - 20TH CENTURY
1
0
COLONIAL GLASS
ROUND BOTTLE
1
0
19TH - 20TH C. BOTTLE GLASS
CLEAR
2
4
MISCELLANEOUS
CHARCOAL
1
0
EUROPEAN FLINT
DEBITAGE
1
0
TOBACCO PIPE, STEM FRAGMENT
WHITE CLAY, 2.0 MM BORE
1
0
TOBACCO PIPE, STEM FRAGMENT
WHITE CLAY, 3.2 MM BORE
2
0
TOBACCO PIPE, BOWL FRAGMENT
WHITE CLAY, NO BORE
Artifacts in Chimney Post Molds
The chimney molds are made up of 11 distinct contexts. American Indian material is
represented by quartz, quartzite and chert debitage. Only a little architectural material was
recovered in the form of brick, mortar, plaster, wrought nails and window glass. Some
contamination in the form of more modern brick is also indicated. Domestic material includes
oyster shell and three colonial earthenware fragmnets; two tin glazed and one North Devon
sgraffito. No white clay tobacco pipes were recovered (Table 25).
TABLE 25
Artifacts in Chimney Postmolds
count
Weight (gr)
item
description
1
2
1279
BRICK
HANDMADE (RED)
4
BRICK
MACHINE MADE
24
30
MASONRY RUBBLE
MORTAR
86
79
MASONRY RUBBLE
PLASTER
1
0
COLONIAL WINDOW GLASS
ALL THICKNESSES
1
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
1.20 INCHES
2
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
UNMEASURABLE FRAGMENT(S)
1
0
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
UNMEASURABLE FRAGMENT(S)
127
1
0
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
SQUARE, UNMEASURED
2
0
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZ DEBITAGE
1
0
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZITE DEBITAGE
3
0
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZ FLAKE
1
0
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZITE FLAKE
2
0
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
CHERT FLAKE
171
273
FAUNAL REMAINS
OYSTER
1
0
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
SGRAFFITO
2
0
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
TIN GLAZED
2
4
FLORAL
WOOD
2
0
MISCELLANEOUS
IRON OBJECT
This complex of cultural features contains more plaster than brick pointing to the fill
being sources from a building demolition. The ceramics are in keeping with a last half of the
17th- century date.
Artifacts in Fireback
The fireback is made up of only one context. As with all contexts at this site, some
American Indian material (quartz and quartzite debitage) is represented. Masonry rubble includes
handmade brick, mortar, and plaster. Some more modern brick points to a bit of contamination.
Only one nail was recovered. Oyster shell and bone make up most of the domestic debris. One
white clay pipe stem fragment was recovered, but no ceramics were found (Table 26).
TABLE 26
Artifacts in Fireback
count
Weight (gr)
item
description
1
0
TOBACCO PIPE, STEM FRAGMENT
WHITE CLAY, 3.0 MM BORE
3
0
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZ FLAKE
4
0
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZ DEBITAGE
3
0
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
QUARTZITE DEBITAGE
1
0
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
SQUARE, UNMEASURED
2
0
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
NAIL FRAGMENT, UNMEASURED
68
975
BRICK
HANDMADE (RED)
10
442
BRICK
MACHINE MADE
14
20
MASONRY RUBBLE
MORTAR
7
7
MASONRY RUBBLE
PLASTER
1
5
FAUNAL REMAINS
BONE
151
272
FAUNAL REMAINS
OYSTER
128
The fireback does not contain much in the way of temporally diagnostic material. One
white clay tobacco pipe fragment supports a colonial date but the lack of other dateable cultural
material greatly limits what can be said.
Artifacts in the South Shed Features
Artifacts in Shed Posts, Phase I
The posts holes and molds related to the shed addition have been divided into individual
phases. The first phase shed posts are made up of four contexts. American Indian material is
represented by fire cracked rock and quartz and quartzite debitage. Architectural material is
represented with relatively small quantities of handmade brick, mortar, and plaster. The
remaining architectural material is restricted to nails. Domestic debris includes animal bone and
oyster shell. One white clay tobacco pipe was recovered. The only historic ceramics recovered
were one fragment each of tin glazed earthenware and early Staffordshire slipware (Table 27).
TABLE 27
Artifacts in Shed Post Holes, Phase I
count
5
1
1
1
11
1
1
11
5
568
4
32
42
3
10
2
1
1
1
1
Weight (gr)
0
0
0
0
16
0
0
0
8
912
8
19
20
8
0
0
0
0
0
0
item
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN MATERIAL
ARCHITECTURAL STONE
BRICK
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
COLONIAL WINDOW GLASS
FAUNAL REMAINS
FAUNAL REMAINS
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
TOBACCO PIPE, STEM FRAGMENT
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
description
QUARTZ DEBITAGE
QUARTZ FLAKE
FIRE CRACKED ROCK
SANDSTONE
HANDMADE (RED)
EARLY STAFFORDSHIRE SLIP
TIN GLAZED
ALL THICKNESSES
BONE
OYSTER
BROWN CLAY MORTAR
MORTAR
PLASTER
CHARCOAL
FERROUS SANDSTONE
IRON OBJECT
WHITE CLAY, 2.6 MM BORE
SQUARE, UNMEASURED
1.90 INCHES
UNMEASURABLE FRAGMENT(S)
The material discovered in the Phase I shed posts clearly indicate that the shed was an
addition to the Printhouse since they contain some architectural debris probably resulting from
the earlier construction campaign that built the main structure. There is relatively little domestic
debris intermixed supporting the suggestion that these posts are later than the main building. The
historic ceramics point to a date in the third quarter of the 17th century.
129
Architectural Debris in Shed Phase I Post Holes
The contexts identified as relating to the first phase of the shed contain relatively little
architectural debris. Close examination of these features revealed that while there was plaster
found in most post holes, all quantities were small. The presence of white plaster could suggest
that there had been an episode of plastering in the main building prior to the construction of the
shed, or bioturbation could have moved some fragments into the features.
Daub was absent from the Shed Phase I post holes. Only a small amount of shell mortar
is found in the Shed Phase I post holes. This small amount is likely due to bioturbation
The paucity of Daub, Brown Rough Coat Plaster, and White Rough Coat Plaster (and
both rough coats with white finish) suggests that these wall finishes were either not applied until
after the first shed was built, or were simply not affected by the addition of the shed.
Artifacts in Phase I Shed Post Molds
The Phase I shed post molds are represented by four contexts. Like all the other features
associated with this structure, these molds contained a bit of redeposited American Indian
material. This is represented by quartz, quartzite, and chert debitage and one fragment of shell
tempered pottery. Architectural material is present in the form of brick, plaster, mortar, and one
fragment of flat tile. In addition, some nails and window glass round out the architectural
materials. Bone and oyster shell represent the principal domestic debris while ceramics are
limited to one fragments of tin glazed earthenware and two fragments of manganese mottled
earthenware. Both colonial table glass and round bottle glass are present as is one pipe bowl
fragment (Table 28).
These contexts all date to the last quarter of the 17th century. The amount of architectural
debris is consistent with demolition activities, probably related to the modification of the shed
during a subsequent rebuilding campaign. The flat tile is interesting since its presence suggests
the flat tile floor was instituted either at the end of Phase I or the beginning of Phase II.
Architectural Debris in Shed Phase I Post Molds.
In stark contrast to the Phase I shed post holes, the Phase I post molds contained
relatively large quantities of all kinds of plaster. Features 550 T and 582 Z contained the most
plaster by far. From feature 550 T were recovered 182 fragments of white finish plaster, 71
fragments of brown plaster, and 49 fragments of brown plaster with white finish coat (weighing
498 grams). Feature 582 Z contained 308 fragments of white finish plaster. There was no
plaster in 582 W, and very little in 581 BB. This all seems to imply that plastering had occurred
before this shed was renovated in Phase II.
130
TABLE 28
Artifacts in Shed Post Molds, Phase I
count
1
1
1
3
1
179
2
1
3
2
46
21
733
142
2
412
14
1
1
1
27
1
1
3
1
Weight (gr)
0
0
0
0
0
412
0
0
0
0
0
14
539
730
4
439
4
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
item
AMERICAN INDIAN CERAMIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
BRICK
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
COLONIAL GLASS
COLONIAL GLASS
COLONIAL WINDOW GLASS
FAUNAL REMAINS
FAUNAL REMAINS
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MISCELLANEOUS
TILE
TOBACCO PIPE, BOWL FRAGMENT
UNID. COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
description
SHELL TEMPERED
CHERT FLAKE
QUARTZ DEBITAGE
QUARTZ FLAKE
QUARTZITE FLAKE
HANDMADE (RED)
MANGANESE MOTTLED
TIN GLAZED
ROUND BOTTLE
TABLE
ALL THICKNESSES
BONE
OYSTER
BROWN CLAY MORTAR
MORTAR
PLASTER
CHARCOAL
FLAT
WHITE CLAY, NO BORE
RED PASTE, BROWN GLAZE
SQUARE, UNMEASURED
1.30 INCHES
1.40 INCHES
1.60 INCHES
1.70 INCHES
No daub was found in the post molds for the shed’s Phase I. Mortar was found only
sparingly. Thirty-five fragments of the distinctive shell mortar with brick dust and loam were
recovered from Feature 550 T. No bedding mortar was found in the post molds.
The contents of the Phase I shed post molds suggest that a plastering phase prior to the
first renovation of the shed, involving both white and brown rough coats with a white finish
plaster. A fair amount of plaster was recovered from several of the post molds. However, in the
two post molds furthest from the suspected site of a doorway there was little plaster. Feature 582
W is distinctly smaller in diameter than the other shed Phase I post molds, which could be a
reason for the overall smaller amount of artifacts.
Artifacts in Shed Posts Phase II/III
The rebuilding of the shed during phases II and III are represented by only three contexts.
These deposits also demonstrate redeposited American Indian materials in the form of quartz and
quartzite debitage. A small amount of relatively modern brick appears to represent
131
contamination. Other architecturally related material includes handmade brick, two types of
plaster, nails, window glass and turned window leads. Domestic material is limited to oyster
shell, animal bone, one fragment of early Staffordshire slipware, and a single white clay tobacco
pipes stem fragment (Table 29).
TABLE 29
Artifacts in Shed Posts Phase II/III
count
4
1
2
25
8
1
5
1
18
1075
1
56
79
8
1
1
1
21
6
1
14
Weight (gr)
0
0
0
23
7
0
0
0
7
1786
0
94
60
7
4
4
0
0
0
0
0
item
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
ARCHITECTURAL STONE
BRICK
BRICK
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
COLONIAL WINDOW GLASS
EUROPEAN FLINT
FAUNAL REMAINS
FAUNAL REMAINS
HARDWARE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MISC. MATERIALS
MISCELLANEOUS
TOBACCO PIPE, STEM FRAGMENT
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
WINDOW GLASS, 19TH - 20TH C.
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
description
QUARTZ FLAKE
QUARTZITE FLAKE
SANDSTONE
HANDMADE (RED)
MACHINE MADE
EARLY STAFFORDSHIRE SLIP
ALL THICKNESSES
DEBITAGE
BONE
OYSTER
TURNED WINDOW LEAD
BROWN CLAY MORTAR
MORTAR
PLASTER
FOSSIL SHELL
CHARCOAL
WHITE CLAY, 3.6 MM BORE
NAIL FRAGMENT, UNMEASURED
SQUARE, UNMEASURED
UNMEASURED
UNMEASURABLE FRAGMENT(S)
Unfortunately there is nothing particularly diagnostic about this assemblage. The early
Staffordshire slipware, and white clay pipe are the most dateable, but other than indicating the
last quarter of the 17th century little can be forwarded. The presence of the window lead is
informative and clearly supports glazed windows as does the window glass, while the fragment
of machine made brick indicates some disturbance.
Architectural Debris in Shed Phase II/III Post Holes
Relatively little plaster was found in the post holes of the second and third phases of the
shed. A small amount of white plaster was recovered from feature 550 Y (eight fragments).
No daub was found in the Shed Phase II/III post holes. Because there was also very little
daub in the shed’s Phase I features, it seems likely that the chimney did not undergo renovation
during the modifications to the shed.
132
There was a small amount of shell mortar recovered from the shed Phase II/III post
holes. Twenty-three fragments (11 grams) of shell mortar were excavated from feature 550 Y
and one fragment was excavated from feature 583 S.
The shed’s Phase II/III features were very shallow and small compared to the Phase I
features, with post molds usually measuring .5 to .9 foot across, and all of the features no deeper
than six inches. This small size would have severely limited how much could have collected in
the holes as they were dug during the renovation. Besides the architectural rubble, there were
few other artifacts found in these features, suggesting that the lack of artifacts is mostly due to
the small size of the catchment basin, and not due to any lack of plaster, daub, mortar, or other
debris on the site.
Artifacts in Shed Molds Phase II/III
This context is represented by three discrete proveniences. These deposits include
American Indian materials (quartz and quartzite debitage, and fire cracked rock). Architectural
material includes handmade red brick, mortar, plaster, and daub. This group of contexts includes
an unusual amount and variety of nail sizes. Domestic material includes bone and oyster shell.
The ceramics are not particularly diagnostic with only one tin glazed earthenware present. Three
bottle glass represent simple round bottle fragments. The pipes are represented by one stem
fragment and one small bowl fragment (Table 30).
These contexts show a fair amount of architectural debris as would be expected in the
demolition of the shed and/or the Print House proper. The lack of clear diagnostic material
minimizes the interpretive potential of this group of contexts.
Architectural Debris in Shed Phase II/III Post Molds
Closely examining the post molds from the Phase II/III shed shows that there is a
substantial amount of architectural rubble included. Brick, mortar, and plaster are abundant as
are nails in a variety of sizes.
These later two phases of the shed addition seem to reflect the demolition of the building
rather than giving insights into the construction. The demolition signature is so strong, and the
post holes so insignificant that few additional insights can be gleaned.
133
TABLE 30
Artifacts in Shed Postmolds Phase II/III
count
3
1
180
4
1
3
10
46
22
364
52
46
248
546
124
1
1
2
14
30
2
3
4
4
2
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
28
Weight (gr)
0
0
1020
441
0
0
0
21
20
558
110
102
225
608
21
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
item
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN MATERIAL
BRICK
BRICK
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
COLONIAL GLASS
COLONIAL WINDOW GLASS
FAUNAL REMAINS
FAUNAL REMAINS
FLORAL
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MISCELLANEOUS
TOBACCO PIPE, BOWL FRAGMENT
TOBACCO PIPE, STEM FRAGMENT
UNID. COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
description
QUARTZ DEBITAGE
FIRE CRACKED ROCK
HANDMADE (RED)
MACHINE MADE
TIN GLAZED
ROUND BOTTLE
ALL THICKNESSES
BONE
OYSTER
WOOD
BROWN CLAY MORTAR
DAUB
MORTAR
PLASTER
CHARCOAL
WHITE CLAY, NO BORE
WHITE CLAY, 2.6 MM BORE
RED PASTE, CLEAR GLAZE
NAIL FRAGMENT, UNMEASURED
SQUARE, UNMEASURED
1.30 INCHES
1.40 INCHES
1.50 INCHES
1.60 INCHES
1.70 INCHES
1.80 INCHES
2.40 INCHES
2.50 INCHES
2.60 INCHES
2.70 INCHES
2.80 INCHES
3.20 INCHES
UNMEASURABLE FRAGMENT(S)
Artifacts in Timber Molds
The timber mold complex included seven distinct contexts. Again, we have a suite of
American Indian artifacts including quartz, chert, and jasper debitage. The prehistoric ceramics
includes a fragment of steatite tempered ceramic which would date to the very Early Woodland
period, and a fragment of quartz tempered ceramic which appears to be Accokeek. Architectural
material includes handmade brick, flat tile, mortar, plaster, daub, and a specific type of
134
handmade brick which has fine sand inclusions. This brick has previously been linked to
construction at the Van Sweringen site. Perhaps most impressive is the amount of window
glazing related artifacts, 191 window glass fragments and 55 turned window leads. Wrought
nails range in size from one inch up to 3.40 inches in length. Unfortunately, there is a great deal
of contamination and intermixture in these contexts. Cut nails and 19th-century window glass are
present in fair numbers. In terms of domestic material, we have some oyster shell and bone and a
number of white clay tobacco pipe fragments. In terms of ceramics, we have the widest range of
17th-century pottery of any of the structural features. However, we also have the largest amount
of 19th-century contamination including Rockingham, white ware, and yellow ware. These
contexts also included a considerable amount of 19th- and 20th-century bottle glass, hurricane
lamp globe fragments, a rimfire cartridge, and a metal crown cap that cannot date before 1892
(Table 31).
TABLE 31
Artifacts in Timber Molds
count
356
11
1
13
374
267
100
3
191
1
1
5
2
4
2
3
1
1
1
2
2
1
1
1
1
29
1
Weight (gr)
8724
2284
4
11
479
404
72
item
BRICK
BRICK
TILE
BRICK
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
WINDOW GLASS, 19TH - 20TH C.
COLONIAL WINDOW GLASS
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WIRE COMMON NAIL
135
description
HANDMADE (RED)
MACHINE MADE
FLAT
HANDMADE, FINE SAND PASTED
MORTAR
PLASTER
DAUB
UNMEASURED
ALL THICKNESSES
1.00 INCHES
1.30 INCHES
1.50 INCHES
1.60 INCHES
1.80 INCHES
1.90 INCHES
2.00 INCHES
2.10 INCHES
2.20 INCHES
2.30 INCHES
2.40 INCHES
2.50 INCHES
2.70 INCHES
2.80 INCHES
3.00 INCHES
3.40 INCHES
UNMEASURABLE FRAGMENT(S)
UNMEASURABLE FRAGMENT(S)
1
1
2
8
1
55
32
19
1
2
1
7
7
7
1
13
2
3
53
26
1
7
1
2
1
4
8
1
2
1
2
1
2
2
24
4
6
40
1
2
1
1
1
1
5
3
1
52
26
4
5
0
CUT NAILS
CUT NAILS
CUT NAILS
CUT NAILS
FASTENERS
HARDWARE
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
OTHER GLASS
AMERICAN INDIAN CERAMIC
AMERICAN INDIAN CERAMIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
FAUNAL REMAINS
FAUNAL REMAINS
FAUNAL REMAINS
WHITE WARE
WHITE WARE
YELLOW WARE
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
COLONIAL STONEWARE
COLONIAL STONEWARE
UNID. COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
UNID. COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
TABLE GLASSWARE
COLONIAL GLASS
19TH - 20TH C. BOTTLE GLASS
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
UNIDENTIFIABLE METAL
UNIDENTIFIABLE METAL
MISCELLANEOUS
AMMUNITION PARTS
EUROPEAN FLINT
TOBACCO PIPE, STEM FRAGMENT
TOBACCO PIPE, STEM FRAGMENT
TOBACCO PIPE, BOWL FRAGMENT
OTHER GLASS
STORAGE
136
1.40 INCHES
2.00 INCHES
2.20 INCHES
UNMEASURABLE FRAGMENT(S)
SPIKE
TURNED WINDOW LEAD
SQUARE, UNMEASURED
NAIL FRAGMENT, UNMEASURED
BEADS
QUARTZ TEMPERED
STEATITE TEMPERED
QUARTZ DEBITAGE
QUARTZITE DEBITAGE
CHERT DEBITAGE
JASPER DEBITAGE
QUARTZ FLAKE
QUARTZITE FLAKE
CHERT FLAKE
BONE
OYSTER
CLAM
PLAIN
UNDERGLAZE PAINTED
ROCKINGHAM/BENNINGTON
MANGANESE MOTTLED
EARLY STAFFORDSHIRE SLIP
TIN GLAZED
NORTH ITALIAN SLIPWARE
RHENISH BROWN
RHENISH BLUE AND GREY
RED PASTE, BROWN GLAZE
RED PASTE, GREEN GLAZE
GENERAL 19TH - 20TH CENTURY
ROUND BOTTLE
CLEAR
CHARCOAL
IRON OBJECT
UNIDENTIFIABLE IRON/STEEL
UNIDENTIFIABLE WHITE METAL
COAL
RIMFIRE CARTRIDGE
DEBITAGE
WHITE CLAY, 2.0 MM BORE
WHITE CLAY, 3.2 MM BORE
WHITE CLAY, NO BORE
LAMP GLASS
CROWN BOTTLE CAP
These contexts show considerable admixture and contamination with 19th-century debris.
The large number of colonial window glass and turned lead fragments clearly indicate that the
fill was in part derived from the demolition of a building which was well-lit with glass windows.
These include 14 dated window leads, from the early 1670s through the late 1680s. This may
indicate a major renovation or demolition phase sometime after. These contexts, while disturbed,
do offer clear evidence of a major renovation phase involving the shed in the middle of the last
quarter of the 17th century.
Architectural Debris in Shed Timber Molds
The largest quantity of rubble in the east timber mold was plaster. In feature 582 AA,
166 grams of white plaster were found, and 256 grams of white plaster were recovered from
feature 582 N. There was also a large quantity of white rough coat plaster (137 grams in 582 N)
and a smaller amount of white rough coat with a finish coat (three fragments in 582 N and three
fragments in 582 AA). Only a very small amount, two fragments, of brown plaster with finish
was found in 582 N. In the west timber mold, plaster was found in significant quantity. Eighty
fragments of white plaster were recovered from 581 R. Small amounts of white rough coat, and
white rough coat with finish coat were also recovered from 581 R, one fragment of each. In
addition 18 fragments of brown plaster were recovered.
Only a small amount of mortar was found in the east timber mold: twelve fragments of
bedding mortar were recovered from feature 582 AA. A large quantity of bedding mortar was
found in the west timber mold, in feature 581 R: 88 fragments weighing 173 grams.
Due to the amount of all kinds of plaster found in earlier features, the amount of plaster
recovered from the timber molds is not surprising. However, presumably the tile floor was set in
place after the timber was removed, so the bedding mortar found in feature 582 AA is likely due
to bioturbation. The quantity of bedding mortar in 581 R, however, seems to be too great to
entirely attribute to bioturbation. The west timber mold was located directly under the bedding
mortar and tile floor, and later disturbances would have likely brought some of the bedding
mortar down into the feature.
Artifacts in Shell and Construction Ditch
This collection of deposits is composed of five separate contexts. We again have the
admixture of some American Indian material represented by quartz, quartzite, and chert debitage,
fire cracked rock, and one sherd of shell tempered pottery. These contexts include the largest
amount of flat tile of any so far analyzed. Handmade brick, and mortar and plaster are all present
as are wrought nails, both common nails and specialized nails used with flooring. Numerous
colonial window glass fragments and turned window leads again speak to the presence of a well137
lit building having been demolished. These strata, however, seem to include a fair amount of
19th-century architectural debris including brick and at least one 19th-20th-century window glass
fragment. Colonial domestic debris is present in the form of one fragment of tin glazed
earthenware and two white clay pipe fragments. The most striking single artifact from these
contexts was a Charles II silver half-groat or two pence coin which had been twice pierced to
facilitate sowing it on to clothing (Figure 86). This specimen would date between 1660 and
1685. Also recovered from this context was a fragment of yellow ware which also indicates 19thcentury admixture (Table 32).
The large number of flat tile fragments recovered are directly related to the flat tile floor
paving in part of the shed. The specialized wrought flooring nails support the argument that this
area had both wooden and tile flooring. The turned window leads and window glass again
suggest that a building with numerous windows was either demolished or renovated nearby. The
presence of the altered Charles II coin may speak to the political leanings of one of the site’s
owners or occupants. It may as well served a perceived magical function as some sort of house
blessing following British folk traditions. However, the amount of 19th century admixture
somewhat restricts how heavily one can rely on these contexts contents.
Figure 87. —Pierced Half-Groat Coin
138
count
120
12
5
73
163
22
1
19
1
22
1
1
1
18
15
2
2
6
4
4
1
6
1
1
38
2793
1
6
1
3
24
1
12
1
1
1
Weight (gr)
401
143
64
193
268
36
28
5585
TABLE 32
Artifacts in Chimney Posts Holes
item
BRICK
BRICK
TILE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
MASONRY RUBBLE
WINDOW GLASS, 19TH - 20TH C.
COLONIAL WINDOW GLASS
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT COMMON NAIL
WROUGHT T HEAD NAIL
WROUGHT T HEAD NAIL
WROUGHT T HEAD NAIL
HARDWARE
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
UNIDENTIFIABLE NAIL
AMERICAN INDIAN CERAMIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN MATERIAL
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
AMERICAN INDIAN LITHIC
FAUNAL REMAINS
FAUNAL REMAINS
YELLOW WARE
COLONIAL EARTHENWARE
TABLE GLASSWARE
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
MISCELLANEOUS
UNIDENTIFIABLE METAL
GOLD/SILVER
TOBACCO PIPE, STEM FRAGMENT
TOBACCO PIPE, BOWL FRAGMENT
139
description
HANDMADE (RED)
MACHINE MADE
FLAT
MORTAR
PLASTER
BROWN CLAY PLASTER
UNMEASURED
ALL THICKNESSES
3.00 INCHES
UNMEASURABLE FRAGMENT(S)
1.50 INCHES
2.40 INCHES
3.00 INCHES
TURNED WINDOW LEAD
SQUARE, UNMEASURED
NAIL FRAGMENT, UNMEASURED
SHELL TEMPERED
QUARTZ DEBITAGE
QUARTZITE DEBITAGE
CHERT DEBITAGE
FIRE CRACKED ROCK
QUARTZ FLAKE
QUARTZITE FLAKE
CHERT FLAKE
BONE
OYSTER
PLAIN
TIN GLAZED
GENERAL 19TH - 20TH CENTURY
CHARCOAL
IRON OBJECT
COPPER ALLOY OBJECT
UNIDENTIFIABLE IRON/STEEL
COINS
WHITE CLAY, 2.8 MM BORE
WHITE CLAY, NO BORE
Section 6 – Summary and Conclusions
The full extent of Colonial era occupation on the Slave Quarter site is still uncertain but
this report addresses one aspect of that question. The discovery of a concentration of 17th-century
printing type in 1993 lead to the discovery of a previously unknown structure on the site. Based
on evidence from test excavations, the building was known to date to the last quarter of the 17th
century. Review of the available documentation showed that the structure was located on a tract
known as Smith’s Townland and was being leased to Garrett Van Sweringen. He was an
innkeeper and entrepreneur who ran and then leased the nearby Smith’s Ordinary until it burned
to the ground in 1678. After the building burned, Van Sweringen offered to rebuild it in brick if
his lease was extended. It was hypothesized that the building discovered on the Slave Quarter
site, built in the third quarter of the 17th century, on Van Sweringen’s property, was the
replacement building.
The significant amount of printing type found on the site suggested an association with
William Nuthead, who ran the first printing press south of New England. Nuthead came to
Maryland in 1684. While there was a property in St. Mary’s City known as the “Print House
Lot” in 1694, that property was not on Smith’s Townland. The historical record suggests that the
lot in question did not get its name until after Nuthead had been in St. Mary’s for some time. It
was suggested that the building on Smith’s Townland was the first place that William Nuthead
set up shop and is now referred to as the Print House.
The current project was aimed at exploring both of these possibilities and of documenting
the architecture, use, and history of the structure known as the Print House. As discussed in the
Research Design, the investigation was guided by four research goals. The first of these was to
define the temporal limits of the 17th-century occupation. The testing suggested that the structure
was used in the last quarter of the 17th century, but could not define when the structure was built
or when it was abandoned. During the present project, it was our hope to refine the dating of the
site. The second goal was simply to understand and report on the architecture of the structure.
Thirdly, the goal was to place the structure within the landscape and understand how the property
was used. The final goal related to the use of the structure. Could the artifacts or the architecture
show that the building was used as an ordinary? What other aspects could relate to the use of the
structure by William Nuthead? The results of each of these goals are discussed below.
Despite the relatively shallow nature of the site stratigraphy and the disturbance caused
by the 19th-century use of the property, the excavations produced a remarkably rich and varied
collection of 17th-century artifacts. The ceramics recovered pointed to an occupation from early
in the third quarter of the 17th-century to the first decade of the 18th century. The pipes suggested
a median date of c. 1670 for the occupation which is at odds with the historical record. This may
reflect the problem of using a method designed for long occupied sites on a short term
occupation. Alternately, there may have been an earlier occupation on the Slave Quarter site
which we do not yet know about. It is possible that William Smith, the first lessee of Smith’s
Townland, built some structure on the property which has not yet been located. The best that can
still be said about the Print House is that it was constructed in the last quarter of the 17th century.
140
The demise of the structure is somewhat better known. Based on the artifacts, the
occupation ended around the beginning of the 18th century. Van Sweringen’s lease on the
property ran out in 1697 and there is no mention of the property in his estate when he died in
1699. The 1704 rent roll for the Province lists the lessee of Smith’s Townland as unknown and it
is likely that all occupation had ended by that time.
The excavations were very successful in achieving the second goal of the project, the
understanding of the architecture of the Print House. The main building was constructed of six
posts and it measured 25 ft. long by 20 ft. wide. Unlike most earthfast structures, this one was
built with asymmetrical bays, one 15 ft. long and the other 10 ft. long. The posts were square at
the surface but remained rounded below ground. The squared portion at the top had a diameter of
roughly 7 in. and at least one of the posts appeared to be burned. A portion of that post was
preserved and was identified as black locust. By carefully observing the base of the post molds, it
was seen that each pair of posts were set at the same elevation but that the pairs varied over the
length of the building. This was clear evidence of the use of reverse framing in the erection of
the main building.
An important part of the architectural evidence was the features associated with the
timber and daub chimney. This is likely the best preserved 17th-century wattle and daub chimney
in the Chesapeake. The 11 molds and holes associated with this feature present the first detailed
look at such a chimney. The chimney had a firebox that was a little over 7 ft. wide and 5.5 ft.
deep. The placement of the molds of the walls to the molds of the corners suggested that the
interior daub was 0.1 to 0.2 ft. thick. The location of the wall molds further suggested that they
were tenoned into the plates rather than lapped. The posts were spaced consistently 2 ft. apart,
showing a planned regularity in the construction. All of these observations demonstrate that
while this was a mud and stick chimney, it was well thought out and carefully carpentered. A
portion of one of the posts was recovered and identified as red cedar.
The most surprising aspect of the building’s architecture was the south shed which went
through three major changes over its short lifespan. It began as a 22.5 ft. long shed, 9 ft. deep.
This was shorter than the main building and the shed walls were inset 1.5 – 2 ft. from the
structure’s façades. Because the shed posts were inset, the rafters of the shed roof would not
align with the posts of the main structure, perhaps requiring that the first phase shed posts were
overbuilt, and all three were over 3 ft. deep. There was no archaeological evidence of a floor in
the shed. The presence of a post adjacent to the east wall post might indicate a door in this
location.
Phase II of the shed was extended to line up with the main walls. It was 24.5 ft. long and
9 ft. deep. The post holes and molds were very different from those of Phase I, being both
smaller and much shallower. This was possible because the main walls of the structure now
helped to support the shed roof. After the new posts were erected, two timber sills were installed
along the south wall. These do not appear to have been tied into the posts but rather laid in
trenches. It is believed that these represent a wooden floor in the shed. There was no indication
of a door at this time.
The final phase of the shed represented a major upgrade to the structure. While the posts
remained the same, the timber floor was taken up and a tile floor created in the shed. Preparation
141
for the tile floor included taking up the timber sills along the south wall and placing rows of
bricks, set on their sides, to contain a mortar bed. Based on the location of the the edge bricks,
the tile floor was 22 ft. long and 8.5 ft. deep. It has been suggested that some type of fixture,
perhaps a set of shelves, filled the 2.5 ft. of the eastern end. No flooring tile were found in situ,
however, numerous molds of tiles were visible in the underlying mortar bed. Based on this
evidence the tiles were 8.5” square. These are the same size tiles that had been in Smith’s
ordinary when it burned. In the southwest corner of the shed, was a small brick pavement, 2.8 ft.
deep and over 4.1 ft. long. The west end of the pavement was disturbed but it was probably 5 ft.
long overall. There were six rows of brick with five being laid east-west. The final row, on the
south side, was laid north-south. This pavement appears to mark a doorway in the south wall of
the shed.
Dating the changes in the shed is difficult because of the short time spans involved.
However, the final phase is well dated because of the debris deposited in the the timber sill
molds. These were removed to allow the creation of the tile floor and, when excavated, were
found to contain window leads which bore dates of 1689. Allowing a few years for the windows
to be created and shipped to Maryland and for their eventually being broken, it is likely that the
timber sills were replaced sometime in the early 1690s. This coincides with the efforts of St.
Mary’s City landowners to upgrade their properties in an effort to keep the capital from being
moved. This suggests that the tile floor was created c. 1694.
While the landscape surrounding the Print House was not a major research interest for
this project, significant information was collected. Based on limited data regarding the fence
layout, the Print House appears to be located on a lot that was square on three sides with the east
side angling along the edge of the ridge. The lot may have been 70 ft. north to south and, at most
50 ft. wide. There were two, possibly three, large pit complexes that were dug as part of this
occupation. Presumably, these were created to obtain clay for the chimney. All three were
located outside the proposed lot fences. Much more needs to be done to fully understand the
landscape of the Print House.
The final research goal was to assess the use of the building during its timespan. Analysis
of the ceramic sample, and comparison with other sites, demonstrated that the Print House was a
place where food and drink were consumed, rather than prepared or stored. The sample
suggested that the building was used as an Ordinary, at least part of the time that it was occupied.
This is likely to have swamped any sample related to its use as a printing establishment.
In many ways, the Print House structure is a paradox. It is remarkably well preserved yet
there are many questions about its history and architecture that are not easily answered. The main
structure appears to be a typical post-in-the-ground building at first glance. However, it is built
with asymmetrical bays and must have had ground laid sills. Although it was built late in the 17th
century, it was constructed using reverse assembly rather than wall frame construction. The
archaeology suggests that it was an above average building (two kinds of fireplace tile, a tile
floor, abundant evidence of windows) yet it had a mud chimney that was never replaced. The
changes in the shed indicate a continuing concern for upgrading the building. Why did this not
extend to the chimney?
142
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