Archaeological Reports

Augering of 3 piling holes was monitored. Seven artifacts were recovered from the railroad cinder fill horizon consisting of windowpane glass and stoneware and glass storage containers. Stratigraphic profiles were observed and recorded.

Monitoring of mechanized excavation yielded Precontact artifacts (60) representing the periphery of encampments previously identified (correlated with a horizon that has been radiocarbon dated to 580±70 years ago) from the following categories: ceramic, lithic, and faunal remains. Industrial Period (1870-1888) and Railway (1888-1988) artifacts (146) were also recovered from the following categories: architectural objects; lighting and manufacturing equipment; clothing; housewares; faunal remains; ceramic and glass storage and ornamental containers; and dinnerware. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail, and appendices include an artifact catalogue.

Impact assessment of the site yielded 427 diagnostic historic artifacts in the following categories: architectural objects; lighting and manufacturing equipment; medicine; communication; food procurement and processing; commerce; clothing; transportation; recreation; adornment; housewares; glass, ceramic, and metal storage containers and dinnerware; cooking, waste, and ornamental containers; detritus; faunal remains. The history of 200 Main Street from 1870 to 1989 is covered, and stratigraphy and features relating to modification of historic buildings on the site are detailed. Appendices include a preliminary heritage resource assessment, photographic plates, and artifact catalogue in a separate volume.

Monitoring of the reconstruction of Main Street and its arteries from York to Tache Avenue yielded large numbers of fur trade artifacts representing the HBC Upper Fort Garry (1836-1883) and early 20th century commercial and cultural activities. The range of artifacts included: architectural hardware; food processing; recreation; adornment; draft, railroad and vehicle transportation; butchering remains; clothing; flora and fauna; lighting and manufacturing equipment; communication; containers including wood, ceramic, glassware, bottles, cooking, storage, and ornamental; ceramic and glass dinnerware. The ceramics and glassware were thoroughly analysed, using maker’s marks, patterns and company histories. Fur Trade features include a bastion, wall portion, a privy tree-ring dated to 1839, several buildings, and a pit.

In continuation of a 1989 assessment, mechanized excavation of 9 trenches yielded 1533 artifacts. The Late Woodland Period (AD 500-1737), including the Blackduck tradition (AD 750-1000), Precontact artifacts represent the categories of lithics, ceramics, faunal remains, and a hearth feature. Historic artifacts represent the categories of: architectural objects (including structural); glass and ceramic containers; plastic debris; and faunal remains. These are identified with the Early Historic Period (1737-1888), including the Hudson’s Bay Experimental Farm (1836-1848). Stratigraphy is discussed in detail. Appendices include an artifact catalogue.

This is a report on the monitoring of Geo-Technical drilling and exploratory trenches that recovered 229 artifacts from 3 major levels: Railroad Fill (1900s); Early Historic (1737-1885) including Hudson’s Bay Experimental Farm period (1836-1848); and Precontact Native Ceramics (Blackduck tradition, AD 500-1750). Postcontact artifacts (78) represent: architectural objects; dinnerware; glass and ceramic storage containers; transportation; floral and faunal remains; detritus; soil samples. Precontact artifacts (150) represent ceramic, floral and faunal remains. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail. Appendices include an artifact catalogue.

Assessment involved backhoe excavations of 168m of trenches, uncovering artifacts from Protocontact (AD 1650 to 1730) and Postcontact (clustering around 1880 and 1910s). Artifacts represent the following categories: lithics; Precontact ceramics; trade copper; architectural objects; lighting and manufacturing equipment; science related artifacts; communication; food procurement and processing; clothing; transportation; recreation; housewares; floral and faunal remains; storage, cooking, ornamental containers; dinnerware. Land use is briefly discussed for the: Precontact (4000 BC-AD 1737); Fur Trade (1737- 1860); Immigration & Industrialization (1860-1900); and Urban (1900-1970) periods. Stratigraphy and features (waterlines, basement foundations) are detailed. Appendices include provenience data, stratigraphic profiles, and artifact catalogue.

Monitoring of reconstruction activities consisted of observation of the extent of impact. No artifacts or evidence of cultural occupation were observed, save remnants of previous construction, which were not curated.

Monitoring of the construction of Pioneer Boulevard north from Water Avenue to connect with Lombard Street yielded 573 artifacts. Historic recoveries span the late 19th to mid-20th centuries (1872- 1950s). Stratigraphic data and artifact recoveries are discussed. Range of artifacts includes: architectural objects; structural remnants; lighting and manufacturing equipment; transportation; communication; medicine; clothing; housewares; metal, ceramic, and glass containers; bottles; dinnerware; floral and faunal remains. Containers, bottles, and dinnerware were analyzed using maker’s marks, patterns, and where possible, manufacturing firm identification.