1. Test fence line along the west hill for occupational remains to be avoided in construction of a new drive and parking facility.
2. Test the west hill to avoid disturbance of cultural material in construction of a parking lot and memorial.
3. Expand the test on the central rise to learn more of the settlement pattern.
4. Expand the test by the oval to find Mormon period occupation levels north and south of the ditch.
Week Five of 2004 Haun's Mill Dig
August 3, 2004
A full day on the site with a crew! Marvin Crozier (photograher), Jean Davis with son Jacob,
Mike Riggs and myself found frogs occupying the pools in the squares. We
bailed out one of particular interest to let it dry and worked in the
a.m. on the prospective feature adjacent to the Mormon period house. At
the conclusion of level 5, we used the probe and convinced ourselves
that the rodent (definitely prairie crawfish per Newell Kitchen, August 2004) holes are probably nothing but rodent holes. The open
ended probe (thanks to Restoration Trail Foundation we have a new one) showed the clay transition
within a few inches of uniformly across the square. If the rodents were
using an old cistern or well to their advantage, it should not conform
to the soil profile of the site. We did find a nice yellow ware (see photo below) and a
salt-glazed stoneware for our efforts.
In the afternoon we shifted to the somewhat dry Feature Two, a fire pit
about 2.5 ft. in radius centered at 654 w, 56 s level 8. GPS N 39
40.202, W 93 50.522 elevation at 887. It had been our hope that we could
transect the feature, water screen and complete the project, however, we
only scraped a couple of buckets of soil from the darker zone and water
screened them (see photos of Jean and myself in Shoal Creek) before closing the site for the summer. The feature will
require concentrated time and effort from more than the occasional crew
we have at hand. It has been covered to protect it for another season.
The water screening did not produce the charcoal we anticipated,
probably because it was held in the secure grasp of the (mostly clay) mud. I
anticipate that with the soil dry, charcoal will be more readily
extracted. One possible piece for c-14 date has been extracted as has a
soil sample.
While this was the last day of work during the Summer Camp portion of the 2004 season, the Far West Cultural Center will resume our traditional Fall schedule on August 29th and it will extend through the first week in December (weather permitting). Thank you to all that particapted the Summer. The price of gasoline prohibited the prospects of the large crews we were hoping for, but much good was accomplished by those that did come.
Many of these photos by Marvin Crozier, shown with camera above.
Week Four of 2004 Haun's Mill Dig
June 28, 2004
My crew expanded this morning to include Sharon, Bethany and Camille who
worked in 660w, 60s on level 7. They found a dozen chert chips and an
assortment of flakes and cores of at least three different colors and
sources.
Mindy and Dessa brought Laura Makovec for the afternoon and they worked
in 610w, 70s where they completed level 6 and made progress on level 7.
The Brown, Johnson, Jackson clan visited at about closing time and
Karlene Brown from Idaho found a nice chert core.
Mike Riggs is braving the poison ivy to open a square on the property
line at 660w, 10s. We can hope he will leave the more significant
marks. It will be a difficult square because of tree roots as well as
the vindictive vine, however, the compensation comes in shade on hot
afternoons.
I finished levels 7-10 in 670w, 110s. the soil is compact, tough to dig,
containing charcoal, burned earth, sandstone, Indian paint stone, brown
to red clays and no diagnostic artifacts. Because we opened this square
to test for a feature identified by the probes at about 30 inches, we
will continue to that level.
June 30, 2004
We staked and opened the center eight foot square cornered at 750w, 60s
near the northwest corner of the field. This test is in an area with no
magnetometer, metal detector, nor probe evidence of cultural occupation
and should be sterile. A heat treated chert chip in level 1 and a piece
of oxidized metal, perhaps a nail head were all the evidence opposing
the premise in the first two levels. The square in the poison ivy,
660w,10s, is expected to produce according to the metal detector, and
since it is on the lot line, it would be nice for it to give us
something substantive of the Mormon period. With three stumps in the
square, Mike Riggs asserts that I chose it to punish him.
We also opened 170w60s to look for the north wall of the apparent
structure with the key upon which we have been focused for the past
year. The sod is off and several pieces of limestone are evident.
July 1, 2004
Last day for Trevor Bray, who has worked diligently and well toward our
objectives, two days each week. He found the possible feature for which
we tested with the square at 670w,110s. It produced a biface and a nice
piece of catlinite in level 6 and we shovel scraped to level 13 to reach
the 30" mark. There, we found a compact layer of yellow clay with
reddish brown rust-like inclusions underlying the square.
Level one is complete on 170w,60s with substantial limestone showing.
Much of the stone in the north half shows fire reddening. Numerous
artifacts have already been recovered including a couple of hand painted
pieces which may belong to the period in question.
Bethany is begining level 5 in 180w,70s and has five rodent holes
suggesting a subterranean feature. Having been misled previously by
rodents, I defer judgement beyond the suggestion.
Sharon finds two pieces of catlinite 660w,60s. Catlinite 4 is fully
ground in a trianular shape, presumably as jewelry. Catlinite 5 is more
complex, ground on each face but still rough. These, with the chert
chips, flakes, cores and bifaces emphasize a prehistoric lithic industry
can now be documented for the site. If the catlinite is from the
pipestone mines of Minnesota, transported down the Mississippi, up the
Missouri, the Grand and Shoal Creek, nearly a thousand miles of
transport of raw material would be evident. There may be closer sources
for us to ascertain with additional research.
July 2, 2004
Special thanks are due to Mindy and Dessa Crum for thier diligent and significant contributions for the season. They have come every afternoon to work, often on less enchanting aspects of the project which were not producing artifacts, and have shared delightful attitudes as they developed data, dug in the heat, and occasionally made significant discoveries. One could but wish to distribute the delightful discoveries proportionately. To a large extent, those who work more find more, however, regular dependable workers like Mindy and Dessa, who have participated in every significant discovery we have made in the past four years receive too little credit for the fine contributions made. May they retain sufficient satisfaction in the investigation to continue in future seasons.
Sharon, Bethany, Stephanie and Camille have been regulars this week. They have the special knack of discovery fed by the key last year, catlinite this year, and a wide assortment of artifacts between. As they relocate to Utah, let it be with gratitude from all of us supporting the Haun's Mill investigation for thier contributions.
A ground stone tool adds a unique dimension to the lithic technology being uncovered in the Middle Woodland aspect of the Haun's Mill site. It appears to be a ground stone blade. The mineral from which it is composed and its workmanship will have to be analyzed, but, it is a most intriguing development.
Two features entice our efforts for the August session. The rodent burrows may be indicating a subterranean feature near the Mormon house we are investigating. A fire pit has tentatively been identified in the Middle Woodland assemblage with prospects for a house and village to accompany it. We will need workers!
Week Three of 2004 Haun's Mill Dig
June 21, 2004
I worked alone this morning. Dessa and Mindy joined me for the
afternoon. We shovel scraped levels 3-5 in 410w, 70s, a square with no
cultural material evident in the open ended probe. Such material has
become evident. Although the pieces are fragile, sometimes crubling
before we get them bagged, we have tiny evidences of 1/4 inch thick sand
or grit tempered pottery of the aboriginal period. Several chert chips,
some heat treated have also materialized, been plotted and photographed.
One brown burned clay without grit is interpreted as daub and bagged. In
the adjacent sqare, 420w,80s, we worked from level three to five. One
clear brickbatt from the Mormon period showed up in level 3. Nothing
else in spite of the prolipherating evidence a few feet north and east.
June 22, 2004
I worked alone this morning. Shovel scraping levels 6 and 7 in 410w,70s
produced several fragments of cord-marked grit tempered aboriginal ware.
The largest is about one inch in length with 1/16" reddish exterior on a
potsherd about 1/4" thick. Riggs and Minday and Dessa joined me for the
afternnon and we got this square midway through level 8 (two tenths of
foot levels) where we found a broken biface base. Tentatively it is
identified as an oval base of a Middle Woodland blade. The broken biface
base has fosicular inclusions making it quite attractive, but the
knapping is rough, more characteristic of later periods. Since it was
found immediately adjacent to one of the grit tempered potsherds, the
propinquity associates the two and the grit tempered pottery,
characteristic of the Middle Woodland period, is presumed to provide
temporal identify for the biface as well. The other square (420w, 80s)
is through level 7. That square has charcoal but no pottery.
We worked for an hour on 180w,70s uncovering numerous evidences of
burned limestone, several white undecorated earthenwares, and one nice
salt-glazed stoneware with a scar impression from its handle.
Our aborigainal material raises an interesting dilemna. Our sponsors
want us to find Mormon priod materials from the 1830s. We are extending
upon those two years two centuries ago by two millennia. To what extent
are we retrieving cultural materials for their appreciation and our
learning, and to what extent are we obligated to meet program
objectives? I am disinclined to recommend a parking lot on top of an
aboriginal site, if indeed that is the situation. It may not be a very
significant site, yet, so little of the materials from the people who
resided here two millennia ago remain, if we can preserve the larger
context, we should. On a site made historically significant by the shed
blood of a few, many may benefit by placing incidents in thier larger
context.
June 23, 2004
Again this morning I worked alone. I took the eighth level to 1.6 feet
below surface in both of the squares 410 and 420 west. The productive
one produced another couple of pieces of grit-tempered pottery and
another biface. This biface base is very like the Dongola chert we found
at Nauvoo. The workmanship is similar and I am convinced we are dealing
with a substantial Middle Woodland component. For that reason, I stopped
at noon and moved to the wesernmost square, 660w,60s and took it down
four levels with the afternoon assistnace of Mindy. We found one glob of
ferrous metal in level three. Beyond that, chert chips, burned
sandstone, burned earth and a little daub were identified.
Riggs and Dessa opened 670w,120s and chunked it to level 3. This square
was selected after last week's probing found burned earth, charcoal and
an impenetrably compact zone from 95-120 south. This square catches a
depression in the midst of a concentartion of slough (slew) grass that
may also be responding to cultural history.
June 24, 2004
I began the day alone but, Luke Johansen joined me before noon to work
on aboriginal materials. He found several pieces of earthnware (Middle
Woodland grit-tempered chord marked). One, nearly three inches across is
the largest we have retrieved to date. The curvature suggests a pot
neck. He has finished level 10 (two feet) in 410w,60s. One potsherd
remains in the baulk wall at level 9.
Mindy found a piece of catlinite in 660w, 60s level 6. I dientified the
first tentatively, because burned sandstone, burned limestone, burned
earth, aboriginal pottery and daub all have contributed to our
appreciation of the culural influences on the site. To add pipestone
from Minnesota to the spectrum of reddish compounds in the assemblage
seamed a bit of a reach. Then she found one that appeared to have a
ground surface and my confidence confirmed asserted itself. Mr. Riggs
observed that such small smooth surface could be attributed to glacial
till and scoffed at the premature attribution of too much human
influence on natural phenomena of the site. One must be careful to
identify accurately, after compelling evidence is presented, to maintain
the standards academic excellence and of professional competence.
His square, 670w,110s had received my attention at the beginning of the
day, shovel scraping to level 6. He arrived after noon and promptly
found biface 3, a nice point tip, probably of the Middle Woodland oval
biface type. Dessa assisted him with the recovery of the red stains left
by his shovel scraping and found a three inch piece of ground catlinite
just below where the biface had been. These fragments, probably from
platform pipes, or banner stones for which Middle Woodlanders apre
particularly noted, reinforce the we are hitting cultural remains from
the second millennia before the present. Mr. Riggs had no hesitation in
confirming the catlinite from his square was culturally more significant
than glacial till. While some daub was also bagged at this lower margin
of the plow zone, it appears that the prehistoric cultural components
are far more widespread and significant on the the site than anticipated.
June 25, 2004
Short day due to weather conditions only worked to 3:30 pm. Mindy, Desa, Riggs and myself worked squares already in progress down several levels.
Week Two of 2004 Haun's Mill Dig
June 14, 2004
Week two began with the prospects of a larger crew. The Brown family of 11 from Northern California visted the Far West Cultural Center Sunday night and were recruited to return on Monday to assist at Haun's Mill. We were also joined by Hamilton, Missouri Middle School Instructor, Carolyn Greenwood and her two daughters. Later in the day, The Whitman and Howard families (also tourists) came and helped as well. Probing, scraping and elbow work with this large crew helped move a lot of dirt and several significant artifacts were recoved.
Mr. Noel Whitman, Pam and son, Chris, also from California, (Granite Bay) joined us in probing and their report follows:
600w, 80s 18" burned earth and charcoal
590w, 80s 13" burned earth, & 16" & 20" and 24" burned earth and charcol
580w, 80s 24" burned earth and charcoal
570w, 80s 26" burned earth and charcoal
560w, 80s 0
550w, 80s 24" burned earth and charcoal
540w, 80s 23" burned earth and charcoal
530w, 80s 20" burned earth and charcoal
520w, 80s 0
510w, 80s 22" burned earth and charcoal
500w, 80s 0
490w, 80s 0
Heat treated chert flakes were found 404w, 58s at N 39 degrees 40.204, W 93 degrees 50.466 at elevation 742 ft. gps reading. The 44 caliber pistol ball in the same square at 405w, 52.5s level 2 produces gps reading of: N 39Degrees 40.204, W 93 degrees 50.468 at elevation 781. Mr. Mike Howard found a gray chert flake, possibly a gunflint at 616 w 65s level 2.
Crew Members included: Carolyn Greenwood, Elsie Greenwood, Elene Greenwood, Carol Brown, James C. Brown, Jenny Brown, Christy Brown, James Brown, Chandra Brown, Catherine Brown, Janae Brown, Jacob Brown, Desse Brown, Julie Brown, Mindy Crum, Dessa Crum, Noel Whitman, Pam Whitman, Chris Whitman, Mike Howard (wife, son and two daughters).
June 15, 2004
Delayed by rain, we tested with the probes in the early afternoon, then, as squares dried to near perfect soil conditions, proceeded to trowel the phenomenal complex of 180w, 70s, level 2. It has numerous reddened limestones as from a hearth. They, of course are plow scattered and mixed with burned earth, brickbatts, charcoal and substantial numbers of artifacts. At this level, blue and green shell edged earthenwares, a pontil scar and salt glazed stoneware attest to a probable Mormon period asignation. I left the site late, anticipating the delight of discoveries close to the surface as soon as crew permits.Trevor and the Crums found a subsurface phenomenon 170w, 95-120s which is a compact zone about 30 inches below surface. Trevor hit it with the six foot probe and was unable to penetrate. The ladies hit the surface of it with the open ended probe and found substantial evidence of charcoal at and above that level. We will need to open a square to see what causes this irregularity.
Julianne Weigand came to help, but left after a couple of hours. In that time, she helped measure the 200 ft West and 15 ft. south from the Selzer marker to the iron post. We then began probing with both the open ended probe and a 6 ft. We penetrated to four feet below surface with it every five feet along the first series of tests with no resistance from 300-400 w, 60s.
190w, 80s burned earth 6" soil change 18"
200w, 80s soil change 15"
210w, 80s charcoal and burned earth at 14" soil change at 18"
220w, 80s soil change 18"
230w, 80s soil change 18"
240w, 80s soil change 15"
250w, 80s charcoal 6"
260w, 80s soil change 14"
270w, 80s burned earth 20"
280w, 80s in water
290w, 80s in water
300w, 80s in water charcoal
310w, 80s in water
320w, 80s in water
300w, 60s charcoal 17" soil change 20"
310w, 60s 0
320w, 60s soil change 22" burned earth and charcoal at 26"
330w, 60s soil change 25" charcoal at 26"
340w, 60s soil change at 12" iron appearing deposit at 26" (browner than burned earth)
350w, 60s soil change at 14" rust? At 28"
360w, 60s charcoal at 4" soil change 8" charcoal @26"
370w, 60s soil change 12" with clear line of demarcation where previous have been general
380w, 60s soil change 14'
390w, 60s Charcoal 5" soil change, 14"
Mindy and Dessa Crum used the short probe for the following while Trevor Bray used the 6ft. He finds the irregularity in the next sequence.
670 w 60s 0
670 w 70s 0
670 w 80s 0
670 w 90s 0
670 w 95s 6" charcoal +18"+24"+26" and very compact soil with rust? Charcoal at 30"
670 w 100s 14" brickbat, 27" charcoal,
670 w 110s 10" soil change abrupt, 24" charcoal
670 w 120s 10" soil change, 25" brickbat
670 w 130s 15" small rust? Flakes, long probe easily inserted.
670 w 95s to 125s probe obstructed according to Trevor.
670 w 140s 6" rust, 30" soil change
670 w 150s 6" through 20" rust flakes. 6" bone. 22" soil change. 23" charcoal.
670 w 160s 10" rust flakes and soil change. 14-16" charcoal concentration. 30" charcoal.
Blue shell edge and green shell edge found in 180w, 70s today. Burned limestone scattered across square indicating possible dismantled hearth.
Crew Members included: Carolyn Greenwood, Elsie Greenwood, Elene Greenwood, Trevor Bray, Mindy Crum, Dessa Crum, Dessa's friend (need name), Kevin Freestone (family of 4 from Penn), Ann Freestone, Kristi Freestone, Kati Freestone, Julie Ann Weigand
June 16, 2004
Sunshine this morning whetted my anticipation for a delightful day on the dig! The accompanying photo will show the obstacle. Shoal Creek has responded to yesterday's rain by covering the access road to a depth of more than one foot. Catawba Road is covered by the levy. We deferred for an hour and the water level came up. Rain in the afternoon has made me glad to not have been trapped on Haun's Mill Island (isolated by flooded roads). Until the water recedes, we have no access and no more report. The earlier photo of Mike Riggs draining the same section of road with water eight inches deep will add perspective to the current flood.
Trevor crossed the high water and we spent time computerizing data while we wait for the water to recede or for someone with a truck to accommodate our crossing.
GPS
44 caliber musket ball at 39 degrees, 40.204 N and 93 degrees, 50.468 W. Elevation 781.
660 w, 60 s = 39.40.202 and 93.50.526, elevation 748
blue shell edge @ 39. 40.198 N and 93' 50.415 elevation 761
H M foundation 39'40.199 N and 93' 50.413 elevation 735
HMPRBRCH 39'40.207N and 93'50.523 elevation 708 (Probe sample)
HMPRBRNRTH 39'40.192N and 93'50.535W elevation 715 (Probe sample)
HTChert (heat treated) 39'40.201N and 93'50.466. 742.
Key fndtn (Foundation of structure in 170w and key 39'40.202N and 93'50.412, 734.
Kpost 39'39.841n and 93'50.359w 845.
Limestones 39'40.188N and 93'50.532, 767
Oak 1 39'39.943N and 93'50.398 ele 822
Ref 1 Hmil 39'40.152n and 93'50.380 el 739
Samonwatr 39'40.192n and 93'50.531
Setzer hm 39'40.207n 93'50.323 elevation 960
SW1 39'40.199n and 93'50.412 el 725
Test sq 39'40.137n and 93'50.430 el 738
Tre1 39'40.065n and 93'50.351 el 705
Tre2 39'40.217n and 93'50.327 el 708
Crew Members included: Trevor Bray and Paul DeBarthe
June 17, 2004
Rained out.
Week One of 2004 Haun's Mill Dig
June 7, 2004
We are digging! This update was delayed by a case of poison ivy and computer revamping. The computer issues have purged the 2003 list resulting in some e-mail addresses having been lost. My appologies to any of you left out of the loop. We began as scheduled on Monday, June 7, at the Riggs-Wallace-Rich log house [Far West Cultural Center]. The clay marble remains among the fireplace stones on desplay with window glass, a milk glass button, a bone and a rapidly decaying superstructure. One whole log from the top of the south wall has yielded to the persuasion of the elements.
With Miss Wurth and Mr. Bray as crew, we explored Wallace State Park, looking for evidence of a "Mormon road" and saw possibilities. The Winchester site drew our attention and we found two pieces of yellow ware, a brick batt and a piece of white undecorated earthenware as evidence of its location on the north and east of Mirabile.
Crew Members included: Elisa Wurth, Mindy Crum and Trevor Bray
June 8, 2004
I proceeded to attack Haun's Mill with a weed whip. The weeds won. Poison ivy reaches from the roadway to about 60 ft. into the field. I cut paths. They now are mapped on my arms, chest, legs and face. We shot the line 60 feet south of the benchmark post to 660 ft. west. That corresponds with the cleared area in the fence line prepared by the industrious spring cleaning crew. Mindy, Dessa and Miss Wurth laid out grid, used metal detectors and began the study of the west hill.
Depth probes at 660 west/60 south (39'40.203.2 west longitude 93'60.926, elevation 746),
655 west/? south, 650 west/60 south,
645 west/60 south,
640 west/60,
635 west/60 south showed no signs of habitation.
630 w/60s still no signs.
At 625 w/60s soil becomes more claylike, also clay showing up at 620 w/60 s at a depth of about 8 inches.
615 w/60s clay at about 2inches.
610 w/60s still clay.
605 w/60s burned earth or brickbatt at 20 and 22 inches.
610 w/60 south, test deeper and found brick batt at 20-22 inches.
At 600 w/60s dark sandy loam to a depth of 20 inches.
605 w/55s burnt earth at 18 and 20 inches.
605 w/65s dark sandy loam to 20 inches.
610 w/65s just dark, sandy loam.
610 w/55s dark, sandy loam.
50 south/610 west, at 24 inches burnt earth.
Morgan Hughes, owner of the property to the north and possibly to the south of the site, stop by. He works of Dow Chemical in Houston. He asked questions about the location of the mill and expressed interest in the project. Mr. Debarthe discussed the possibility of parking access.
At the MMFF meeting in the evening, [held at the LDS Visitors Center in Independence, Missouri] we received affirmation that the poison ivy had left its tracks upon the mapable surfaces of those participants as well. There, we also met Michael Ostrom, whose three dimensional mapping program offers exciting potential for incorporating resources of differing scale into a manageable presentation.
Crew Members included: Elisa Wurth, Mindy Crum and Dessa Crum.
June 9, 2004
We probed the lines 660 west and 60 south to see what cultural material was evident at 10 ft. intervals. Few probes did not produce burned earth or charcoal. Most evidences, however, appeared between 12 and 24 inches below surface, beneath the plow zone for the most part. This indicates that flood deposits may well have increased the the elevation of that part of the site since the Mormon period. Trevor Bray and I are used the open ended probe.
660w, 100s has charcol at 18 in below surface.
660w, 90s has charcol and burned earth at 6 in below surface with burned earth and charcol at 15 in below surface.
660w, 80s has charcol at 5 and 17 inches, burned earth at 15. Photo # 60 taken.
660w, 70s has burned earth or perhaps a brick fragment at 3" and charcol flecks at 20"
660w, 60s has charcol and burned earth at 16 inches below surface.
The discovery of charcol and burned earth with this probe when it was not found by Mindy and Dessa yesterday may legitimately be explained that the probe is expected to be within one foot of the point for accuracy. An interpretive point should also be inserted here. The ladies may not have penetrated as deeply into the sub plow zone. What Mindy refers to as clay is a lighter colored compact soil which Trevor has penetrated more easily. Clay flecks are lighter and may be misconstrued as burned earth. I have verified the burned earth and charcol in each of Trevor's probes but, was running the week whacker while the ladies worked yesterday. I did affirm their claim to "brickbats" charcol or burned earth when cited. Trevor has had to relocate the probe because of tree root obstructions on this probe. He found the divit from their test and found they were obstructed by a root at 12 inches. He found charcol at 17"
660w, 50s charcol at 5 and 16 inches below surface.
660w, 40s charcol at 17"
660w, 30s charcol and burned earth at 17"
660w, 20s charcol at 3" however, this probe is within four feet of the burned area from the spring cleanup. Another charcol at 19" below surface confirms that here too, likey Mormon period occupation will be found.
660w, 10s charcol at 16"
660w, 0s roots but charcol and burned earth at 16 inches. Photo #61 taken.
The fact that this 660 west line of tests shows charcol and burned earth consistently from 15-20 inches below surface encourages an excavation to test whether flood deposits have overlain Mormon period deposits on this western elevation of Haun's Mill.
It would be nice to have confirmation by metal detector to help us highlight probable productive locations. The vegetal growth, red clover, brome, slew grass, orchard grass mix makes it difficult. The poison ivy grows within forty feet of the treeline but adds to the mix. It is supplemented by dense stands of stinging nettles along the south edge of the field, where mixed with volunteer rye, and substantial horse weeds among the trees, a thicket virtually impenetrable has yet to be bested by mower or beast.
The Coit brothers who helped to cut lines through that tangle on an earlier season stopped to visit at SME last month. David earned a $40,000 scholarship to engineering school at Rolla, Mo. This in significant measure was due to his publication in high school concerning the Rich log house. That scholarship turned into an assistance-ship for graduate school and he brought me his thesis to show it had been approved. I felt proud to see my name first among the acknowledgements.
He now is employed by the navy as an aeronautical engineer in California. Younger brother, has completed his engineering degree in three years and has gained employment with an underground construction company in Omaha.
We opened two squares in preparation for the larger crew coming Friday.
Crew Members included: Trevor Bray, Mindy Crum and Dessa Crum.
June 10, 2004
Rained out. We dug into documents at Caldwell and Davies County courthouses. Mr. Riggs was able to point out a Mormon family document legally claiming several slaves. A teacher at Gallitan expressed interest in our project and may join us after summer school concludes.
June 11, 2004
A group of 23 LDS Single Adults from Wichita, Kansas, came to work with us in the afternoon. They found a few artifacts including another mulberry of the same style as the one from last year with a horse profile. A pontil scar from the bottom of a soda lime bottle fragment, several pieces of salt glazed stoneware, a unfacially flaked chert blade and some squarenails were also recovered.In the rush to prepare for the onslaught of workers, we opened two additional squares in the area the probe indicated no obstruction.
As Riggs worked through the sod, he found in the plow zone, a lead ball, 44 or 45 caliber with 100.5 grains, battered but possible evidence of a hand gun used at or near the time of the storied conflict.
Riggs and I opened 8 ft. squares centered on 410w 60s and 420w 70s.
Amy and Scott Wilson probed 30 inches every ten feet from 400w 70s to 500w 70s finding the soil change from darker to lighter (Kennebec to Blackmor) at 14 inches, no cultural evidence.
At 510w, 70s, 14" soil change, 24" burned earth and charcoal
520w, 70s 14" soil color change, 24" burned earth
530w, 70s 14" soil color change, 24" charcoal
540w, 70s 14" soil color change, 24" burned earth, 32" burned earth and charcoal
550w, 70s 14" soil color change, 24" burned earth + charcoal and at 32 inches, heavy charcoal
560w, 70s 14" soil color change, 24" burned earth and charcoal, 32" burned earth and heavy charcol
570w, 70s 24" color change and burned earth, 27" burned earth and heavy charcoal
580w, 70s 14" burned earth and color change, 24" burned earth and heavy charcoal
590w, 70s 12" soil color change, 14" burned earth and charcoal and at 24"
600w, 70s 14" soil color change, 18" burned earth,24" burned earth and heavy charcoal
Crew Members included: Amy Wilson, Scott Wilson, Mindy Crum, Dessa Crum, Sharon Harris, 23 members of the Wichita, KS Stake LDS Single Adults.
Haun's Mill Clean Up Work Day, Held 17 April 2004
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
MMFF has successfully completed the scheduled work day at the site. We
completely cleared about 300 feet of fence row. We started about 300 feet
east of the west fence line completely clearing the largest space between
contiguious substantial trees in the vicinity. beyond this area, we thinned
and trimmed along the edge of the field. We had 10 workers. Hot dogs were provided for lunch to volunteers assisting with the clean up. Shared snacks provided a veritable banquet throughout the day. We began at 9:15, took a break at 10:30, lunched at noon, and ended around 3:00. It was moderately windy during the day, and the ground was pretty dry- however we had no trouble containing the brush fire to the single established burn site. Mike Riggs arrived around 10:30. MMFFer, Larry Harlacher operated his chain saw throughout the day. Dave McEwen brought two missionary elders from the Caldwell and Daviess Counties mission. Dave operated his chain saw for about 1 hour. He and the elders did some exploration in the middle of the field then left around 2:00. We had porta-potties on site. The rest of the crew left around 3:00. Mike Hoey and I stayed until 9:00 p.m. tending the fire and spreading the ashes. There were relatively few visitors during the day. The work day proved very successful and provides a big boost to implementing this season's archaeological plans.
Missouri Mormon Frontier Foundation was pleased to accept a request from Lachlan Mackay, Director of Community of Christ Historic Sites, to organize and host a work day at Haun's Mill. We focused the work on clearing brush from along the west end of the north fence line of the main field north of Shoal Creek. The area cleared is slated for archaeological exploration this coming season.
Nancy Harlacher, carrying brush
Over the past couple of years, interest in Haun's Mill has redoubled. Scholars and friends of Restoration history are seeking to better understand the story of Haun's Mill. A number of historical organizations have joined to advance this common effort to uncover the physical lay out of the former community and better identify specific sites, such as the Haun's Mill well. It is hoped that this work will lead to the placement of an appropriate interpretive marker as an aid to assist the many visitors who travel to the site.
Nancy, Larry Harlacher and Elder Morris
Two years ago, MMFF sponsored a similar clean up day at the historic site. The participation of 30 or more volunteers two years ago helped make the 2002 clean up a big success. The work accomplished at that time greatly facilitated subsequent archaeological investigations conducted over the past two summer and fall seasons (2002-2003). Now, the area along the north edge of the field has been identified as a focus of future explorations -- so your help is needed to clear the brush and prepare the site for the archaeological team.
Plans for the coming season involve area Archaeoligist Paul DeBarthe and his team in a continuing reconnaissance at Haun's Mill. The public and interested parties are invited to assist in late summer and fall investigations. Those with an interest in Mormon and local history are strongly encouraged to join in this endeavor. Paul adds, "bring a trowel, a paint brush and get your hands dirty. Even if only one trip is possible, it would be well worth your while and we could sure use your help." To be involved with future archaeological activities, contact Mike Riggs: farwest@cameron.net.
If you would like to visit the Haun's Mill site, here is the easiest route:
From KC- up I-35. Exit I-35 at Exit 40 [Lathrop-Polo] turn right (east) on MO Highway 116. At Polo, turn right (north) on Highway 13. Before Kingston- turn right (east) on F Highway. Follow the curves and turns of F for about 6 miles to Catawba. At Catawba turn left (north) - cross Shoal Creek (over the new bridge) and turn left (west) at the end of the bridge. Follow this gravel road to the site. New directional signage is currently being planned.
For more information on facilities and events at the Far West Cultural Center, follow these links:
