Each unit is identified by a provenience number that is used to locate and differentiate the 2 meter² units that each group is excavating. The numbers consist of positional coordinates representing how far away they are from a given datum point, which are reference plaques placed into the ground at specific intervals throughout the site.
Many common artifacts are recovered every day, including brick, flint, bones, glass shards, and nails. However, occasionally well-preserved or significant pieces are found and specially recorded as field specimens (F S.). In this post, each group will discuss the field specimens that they have uncovered and discuss the background and importance of the specimens.

Group A (Paul, Amanda H, Elizabeth—N244E148, N242E148, N240E148)

Several of the field specimens found in Unit A have been related to prisoner clothing. Of those specimens, two of the more interesting ones have been buttons—a blue glass gaitor style button and a hard rubber button. The gaitor glass button was a relatively unusual find, given the material and design of the button which indicate that it was possibly from a woman’s article of clothing. It was most likely used in prisoner costumes for plays or as a token to a prisoner from a loved one. Conversely, the hard rubber button, made from a moldable and durable form of rubber, was extremely common for the time and was found in almost perfect condition. The back of the button depicts the company’s name, “Novelty Rubber Co.,” and “Goodyear,” which indicates the name of the American who patented hard rubber in 1851.

Other field specimens from the unit included fragments of two redware pipes, a type of ceramic common to the nineteenth century. Additionally, part of a metallic suspender clasp and metallic belt buckle were found as well. These artifacts give insight into day-to-day prisoner life and fashion in the absence of materials such as cloth, which is not as easily preserved in the ground.

Group B (Allison, Heidi, and Adrian—N244E146, N242E146 N240E146)

We have been working for over a week and have been finding a few field specimens a day, including the first one of our field school which was the portion of a rim from a glass bottle. On our third day, Heidi made her first find in the form of a broken green glass bottle on the edge of the N244E146 provenience. Dr. Bush informed us this was an interesting find because it was a green wine bottle. We are currently excited about another piece of glass that has yet to be fully excavated and lies on the edge of N242E146 and N242E144, Group C’s unit. The piece is a green bottle with a square base and, from what we can see so far, it seems intact.

Allison’s most exciting find has been a beautiful piece of translucent orange chert. Chert is a form of flint that, when struck correctly, was used by Native Americans to make objects such as knives and projectile points.  The piece Allison found has flaking on both sides to make the sides sharp and was most likely used for a projectile point or something similar by the Native Americans that inhabited the area in the centuries preceding the Civil War. The piece is the base of the projectile point with the top portion being lost.  The orange chert is relatively rare and we are currently attempting to locate its origin.

Group C (Brandon, DC—N244E144, N242E144, N240E144

During the Civil War smoking was an everyday practice, particularly in the South where tobacco was grown widely on plantations. Though the prison on Johnson’s Island was originally intended to house both officers and enlisted men, within a week after its opening it was decided that the prison would hold only officers of the Confederate Army. The officers leading the Southern forces were most often gentlemen from well-to-do families who owned large estates and possessed both power and vast reserves of money. Prisoners could therefore draw on large sums of cash to purchase both tobacco and pipes while incarcerated, purchased from the sutler (a civilian trader) in the prison. Still more could receive gifts of the same from loved ones back home through the mail, which was delivered daily at 10:00 AM. Clay pipes were the most common form of these as clay was abundant, cheap, and easy to produce, and pipes were in high demand. Most were made of redware clay and unfinished, but some pipes were glazed with a brown color to conceal tobacco and ash. Hard rubber, a vulcanized form of soft rubber similar to modern plastic was highly popular at the time but was less common in the prison than clay. Some prisoners used hard rubber as a craft product to while away the long hours and would carve everything from jewelry to picture frames, and perhaps even pipes. Group C found several pieces of pipe including the bowls of two redware pipes, one of which shows the brown glaze sometimes applied. The other bowl is a base and shows the connection between the pipe stem and the bowl itself. Furthermore, in close association with the pipe bowl base a kaolin pipe stem fragment was found, though it is not likely part of the same pipe. These were found in units North 244 East 144 and North 242 East 144. Also in unit North 242 East 144 Group C found a fragment of a hard rubber tube which may be from the manufacture of hard rubber jewelry, or perhaps a crude pipe stem. All of these indicate an attempt by the officers to replicate genteel Southern life within the confines of the prison walls.

Pipe Stem Fragment (Kaolin Stem)

Pipe Bowl Fragment (Redware)

Pipe Bowl Fragment (Redware)

Hard Rubber Ring Fragment

Group D (Kitty, Amanda L, Dave—N244E146, N242E146, N240E146)

In this past week Group D has come across two interesting field specimens. In unit N244 E142 we found a white porcelain inkwell-shaped prosser button. This item was of particular interest to us because it was a reasonably common item for the Civil War time period. It is a symbol of everyday life in the prison and we felt proud to add it to the collection of other prossers that had already been built up. This gave Dr. Bush a great opportunity to teach us more about the different kind of prosser buttons from that period. It can be seen that the button was created out of a mold because of the orange peel-like quality it has on the bottom.

Ink Well Style Prosser Button

This button has four holes like most prosser buttons. This artifact was found inside the unit when digging. It was noticed quickly because of the brightness of the color in contrast to the color of the soil. It was identified as an inkwell-style button because its shape is similar to that of an inkwell.

Our next field specimen came from unit N244 E142 as well. This artifact was particularly fascinating because unlike the prosser button, it is a bit of a mystery. It is a silver plated copper spring object of unknown use. The shape is out of the ordinary because there are two pieces of metal that come together and form two loops at one end. There is also a metal spring that attaches the two pieces together. The two pieces extend on each side and look similar to arms. The very ends of each piece are bent inward. When looking at it closely under the magnifying glass one can see the silver plating coming off and revealing the copper metal underneath.

Who knows what this belongs to?

By David R. Bush, Ph. D., Heidelberg University

This year the archaeological study of the Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison site continues with the exploration of Block 8. There are two areas of Block 8 under investigation. This is the third year for excavation of the actual location of the block, and the second year unearthing the northern half of a latrine form 1862-1863. In 2010 we explored the outside extension of the block that was used as a mess (food preparation). Last year we were able to explore the southern end of the block. This year we continue with the exposure of Block 8.

The design of Block 8 was significantly differently than Block 4. Block 8 had three large rooms per floor to house captured enlisted soldiers. Block 4 had 11 small rooms per floor to accommodate captured officers. It is our hypothesis the design of the different blocks will manifest through different numbers of cultural materials deposited in the soils below the block. This is only our second year excavating within the actual block area, and we will need at least two more after this year to complete enough of the excavation for comparison to Block 4. Excavation of Block 4 required five years. As can be seen from this discussion, this type of research requires a very long-term commitment. However, after this year we will begin to look at the differences present between these two blocks.

We are also excavating Feature 124, a latrine associated with Block 8. Excavation of this latrine started in 2010. Excavation of the southern half of the latrine took place in 2010. Last year we were only able to explore the top 10 centimeters of the northern half. We are looking forward to completing the excavation of the northern half this year. The photograph shows the exposure of Level 1 of this latrine this year. A vertebrae is exposed in this level. As we proceed with this excavation, more will be presented of our findings.

The next interactive dig entry will introduce the members of the Heidelberg University Archaeological Field School.

Before excavations begin, a unit must first be surveyed and located. This week, we opened two units above the location of one of the latrines associated with Block 8. We set up a total station (also known as a theodolite and an electronic distance measurer) which is used to map specific coordinates based on a predefined point, or datum. First, we aligned the station to the datum, and then we used the locations of last year’s units in the southern half of the latrine to establish the boundary points of our two units. Then, using the station, we projected a point two meters north of the older center point. From there, we generated two two-meter square units which we verified using the total station. These we then marked with fluorescent orange wooden stakes, and strung line between them. We labelled the stakes with their respective provenience numbers relative to the datum point. Chaining pins were then used to mark points and create balks, sections of earth that allow boards to be placed along the borders of each unit, and help mark excavated areas for future archaeologists.

After the units were marked, we removed the majority of plant life above the root from with the units, except from areas on top of the balks. Dislodging these roots would disturb soil strata, and potentially remove artifacts without our notice. We collected this plant refuse and put it in buckets, which we set aside to screen later. As with all excavated material, it is important to make sure the buckets from each unit remain separate. We did this by labelling each bucket with their unit’s provenience number.

Next, using a plumb bob (a weight suspended on string) and our trowels, we marked the “walls” of each unit with a shallow line cut into the soil. This was done by dropping the plumb bob perpendicular to each line at regular intervals, and cutting a line between each point. At each balk these lines were cut in line with each chaining pin to create a square. After each line was finished, we cut down approximately two centimeters in to the unit, and began to remove any extant root systems, and placed them into their respective buckets. After this stage, we continued downward in further two centimeter intervals, removing any roots and rocks as we went. After the wall at each side of the unit was sufficiently delineated, we further endeavored to bring each unit to a single level, removing any hills and undulations in the process. After these stages were completed, we screened any material removed from the unit, and catalogued any artifacts we found.

The latrine we are excavating, associated with Block 8, could seat several prisoners at once. It served not only as a privy, but as a dumping point for contraband refuse and similar garbage items. The vault of the latrine is contained roughly within the space of four of our two-by-two meter units. Many of the larger intact and best-preserved artifacts unearthed on the Island have been recovered from latrines. This is largely due to the great depth of the latrine vault and the less than savory nature of its former use.

The following was prepared by the students participating in the excavations at the Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison site this summer as part of the Heidelberg University Archaeological Field School.  Since they are excavating within the former location of Block 8, they have decided to present some historical information on life in the block during its time as a prison.  However, the pictures reflect the student’s experience recovering the archaeological evidence. 

Beginning the exposure of Feature 124, a Block 8 latrine

The basic day in Block 8 on Johnson’s Island went as follows. Prisoners woke up around six for breakfast consisting of coffee, bread, and beef (fried or boiled).  There was no leaving the quarters until the garrison raised the flag (which was a little after sunrise). This was followed by roll call and count was taken.  No Confederate ranks were recognized in roll call.

After breakfast, the ice man and milk man came into the prison and the sutler would sell (at fixed prices) vegetables, clothes, and newspapers like the Sandusky Register, days-old copies of the New York Herald, and the Cincinnati Enquirer (which was later banned because of secessionist attitudes).  Other items sold were fruits, butter, writing paper, tobacco, smoking pipes, shaving equipment, and other personal items.  Clothes, however, were very limited; the official limits on clothing were one suit of clothes, no boots and only shoes of poor quality, and in winter coats were available.  The sutler operations were halted several times in retaliation for how federal troops were treated in Southern prison camps.

Mail would arrive at ten A.M., with morning rations distributed at the same time. In April of 1864, rations included:

• 3/4lb Pork for each man twice a week
• 1 1/4lb Fresh beef 5 times a week
• 18oz Bread daily
• 15lbs Bean to every 100 men
• 10lbs Hominy or rice to every 100 men
• 4lbs Roasted coffee to every 100 men
• 1gal Vinegar to every 100 men
• 1lb Candles to every 100 men
• 2lbs Soap to every 100 men
• 2lbs Salt to every 100 men
• 30lbs Potatoes to every 100 men 2 times a week

Water could be gathered from either of the two pumps located in the camp. Otherwise, when the pumps were either broken or frozen in winter, it was gathered from the lake.  Early in the war, other services located in the camp were a bakery, lemonade, pastry shop, and even a brewery.  Also available were tailors, cobblers (shoemakers), laundry services (5cents a garment), artists, a circulating library begun in 1864, barbers, a minstrel show, and jewelers.

Firewood for cooking and heating was brought by wagon.  Dinner was served at noon, after which the men had the afternoon to themselves.  Afternoon activities consisted of walking the grounds, talking (the “grape vine” was the rumor mill), playing ball or cards, reading, and manufacturing furniture or trinkets.  Supper was then served right before sundown.  At sunset the flag was lowered, the drums beat evening retreat and all prisoners were required to remain in their quarters.  At 9-9:30pm it was “lights out.”

Lt. William Peel was one of the Confederate officers imprisoned at Johnson’s Island.  He kept a diary during his stay, and it was later published.  In his entries he wrote about his time in Block 8, where he stayed and slept.  Block 8 held many religious services and payer services for prisoners.  He also mentioned supplementing his meals with rats to help ease his suffering from hunger.  Along with meals and religion, Peel also described the addition of stoves and other changes among the various blocks. Block 8 was also “home” to the infamous Lt. Charles Pierce of the 7^th Louisiana, who made many escape attempts in his time on Johnson’s Island.  An attempt was made to tunnel from Block 8 to the wall, but escape endeavors were shifted to the more ideal location of Block 1.

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Corey and Felicia working in Block 8

This summer, our excavations are focused on Block 8 and a latrine used by prisoners there in 1862-1863.  Stay tuned for more updates!

Screening

By: Niki Schiefer, Miranda Hessick and Kendra Foos

 Screening by definition is a course sieve used for sifting out fine particles. So you can imagine what mental picture we had concocted for the whole screening process. The typical kinds of images popped into our heads, like what you see on movies or television. A big elaborate set up with all kinds of different buckets and sorting systems was what we imagined. When in reality what we found on site was quite different. The screening process we encountered can be broken down quite simply into about five basic steps.

 Step 1: The Set Up of the Screen

Screen set up at Johnson's Island

             This is the beginning step in your screening adventure. During this step you construct a tripod to which you attach your screening box. The screening box is simply that, a wooden box with screening for the bottom. The screening box is attached to the tripod by three ropes and a clasp to secure it to the top. The tripod is constructed in a selected location where the excavated remnants will be kept until the site’s excavation is completed and can be filled back in.

 Step 2: The Gathering of Excavated Material from Site into Buckets

           Excavating the material from the site is the most difficult step in this process, as we quickly discovered during this experience. It is done with a trowel and other small tool. You scrape away soil and other material from the selected site in even layers, being careful not to damage any artifacts you may be uncovering. The material that is scraped is collected with a scoop and placed into a bucket to be screened.

Step 3: Dumping the Excavated Material Bucket into the prepared Screen.

            Once you have filled your buckets with excavated material it is time to dump. Careful so not to spill your bucket, you dump your excavated material into the prepared screening tripod. It seems to work better if you have an extra set of hands to hold the screen while you dump your bucket. That way you are careful not to bump or dump your screen while you empty your excavated material.

Step 4: Shaking of the Screen

               This step can be completed individually or with a partner. You simply shake the screen box back and forth to remove any loose soil from your excavated material. The soil will fall into a pile under your screen. The soil will remain here till the site is completely excavated and will be used to refill your work space. After you screen in this location for a while you may have to shovel a work spot so that your screen is easily accessed.

 Step 5: Sorting of the Excavated Material

             At this point you will, with one gloved hand, sort through the contents of your screen. You should carefully remove any large rocks, tree branches or roots from your screen. With your gloved hand, easily swipe the material in the bottom of your screen sorting out artifact. Some of the artifacts that we found were brick, nails, flint, glass, and bone. Also keep your eyes peeled for other civil war articles like hard rubber bits, ceramic, metal and other personal materials. Other items like Native American pottery, prehistoric, 19^th century, geological and cultural pieces may be found in your screen as well. So patience is a virtue during this step in your screening process.

 During our week long experience on site we learned a lot of different information about what it takes to manage and maintain an excavation site. We have a new found appreciation for the archeologists who work every day to preserve our past history. So the next time you tour a history museum or view a display of artifacts take a moment to imagine what it took to excavate and locate those artifacts.

An Account of a Red ware Pipe Fragment

Ray Armstrong, Frances Cavotta, Pam Dreslinski, Jason Headman

             Redware pottery was first created by German immigrants settling in Pennsylvania in the late 17th century. It was the first pottery made in the American colonies. Redware was created from clays of different colors that burned to brick-red in kilns fueled by wood.  Redware pottery was used for purposes as eating, drinking and even into smoking pipes.  

             During the week at Johnson’s Island, our group found a piece of a redware smoking pipe (FS8433).  We were in Unit C in Block 8 and found the piece during the screening process. Pieces of redware smoking pipes have been found previous to us being there.  A redware smoking pipe, in its entirety, has also been found at this site on Johnson’s Island (see picture below).  These pieces were a darker red in color.      

              Tobacco smoking was very common during the nineteenth century.  President Zachary Taylor (1849-1850), and his wife Margaret Taylor were frequent pipe smokers.  However, Margaret Taylor became ill from smoking and her husband was then forced to only smoke his cigar with male companions.   There are documents and letters illustrating that while making a decision, General Taylor at the time, would puff “vigorously” at his short pipe.  Because of his continuous pipe smoking, the redware smoking pipe was made with “Rough and Ready” inscribed on it.  “Old Rough and Ready” was President Zachary Taylor’s nickname in which he received because of his of his willingness to share his troops’ hardships.        

Pondering Lt. W. H. Peel

byHank, Drew, Shelia & Stacey

 Lt. William H. Peel enlisted in the 11th Regiment Mississippi Infantry in August 1861 at the age of 23.  After being captured at Gettysburg, Peel arrived at Johnson’s Island in late September 1863.  Prior to his death at the prison on February 17, 1865, Peel spent time crafting items out of a hard rubber the prisoners called Gutta-percha.

 Hard rubber, patented in 1851, was used to make everyday items such as buttons, combs, and chart rulers.  Having access to these common items, Peel crafted new items by carving the hard rubber, fashioning rings and watch chains among other items.  He would then sell these new items to other prisoners or use them to barter for items such as clothing.

 The present-day search for hard rubber at Johnson’s Island is an exciting endeavor.  Even more so this year, as we excavate Block 8. This block was home to Peel while he was imprisoned on Johnson’s Island.  As we find hard rubber artifacts in Block 8, we cannot help but hypothesize.  Did Peel make this ring?  Was Peel the last one to touch this hard rubber artifact 145 years ago?  The search has not only revealed items from the past, but also our curiosity about the past.  FS8456 is a hard rubber chain link fragment recovered from Block 8.

We are excavating in front as others are mapping features on the site

Our group, that being group D, and all the others have been mapping all features and artifacts located in-situ in our units and the latrine.  The purpose of mapping both features and artifacts is to record the provenience and context within that unit.  Mapping requires the following tools: a tripod, total station, plumb bob, level, and a stadia rod with attached prism. 

To begin mapping you must first set up the tripod over a datum point.  A datum point is a known point of reference within the greater context of the site.  The datum points of Johnson’s Island are all referenced from several permanent datum points placed within the site.  Next one should hang a plumb bob from the hook located at the apex of the tripod and place the level on top of the apex.  Then you make the tripod and the plumb bob level over top the datum point.  At first this was difficult for our group.  Then you place the total station on top of the tripod and secure the total station in place.  Next you level the total station by turning the dials to level it out and check the eyepiece to make sure that the total station is directly above the datum point.  If this is not the case adjust total station or repeat the preceding steps.  Once the total station is correctly set up you can backsight.  To backsight you must sight in another known datum point and place the total stations crosshairs on the appropriate spot.  In our sites case this is typically at the base of a nail set in a stake representing various datum points.  Once the total station is sighted in you can turn on and enter data into the total station.  You first input the Northing and Easting of the datum point over which the total station is positioned.  Next you enter the Northing and Easting of the datum to which you are shooting to, and make sure the total station is set for meters. 

The intrusions and features in the subsoil are marked with colored push pins

What we map on our sight are features and artifacts.  Features are disturbances in the ground and changes in the soil.  These are mapped out to show their significance to the site. We use the total station to measure with the stadia rod to identify the exact location of the features that were previously mapped with pins. One person is in charge of positioning the stadia rod in a level position over the pin, while another person is operating the total station. A third person is recording the Northing and Easting numbers. 

With this recorded data, we can input the numbers and with a program that plots the location of the feature or artifact.

Artifacts exposed ready for mapping and recording

Cleaning a piece of ceramic using a simple tooth brush

            An essential component of any archaeological excavation is the processing of the artifacts. Once a week, our class meets in the archaeological lab at Heidelberg University to sort, clean, and label the materials we have excavated from our units. We begin with a bag of artifacts, carefully labeled with its unit of origin, and sort out the brick, flint, bone, glass, metal, and ceramic. Once the materials have all been separated, we gently scrub each piece of flint, bone, glass, and ceramic in water to remove the dirt. Brick is dry-brushed, and metal must be left untouched to prevent corrosion.

Writing the catalogue number onto a piece of bone

After every piece is clean and dry, they must be labeled with a number specific to its unit of origin. Metal and brick can’t be written on, but every piece of glass, flint, bone, and ceramic, no matter how tiny, must be appropriately labeled with a fine-tipped pen. This is a painstaking but surprisingly enjoyable process!

            Once the labeling is complete, the pieces of glass are sorted once more, as we attempt to determine if any of the shards might have come from the same bottle. Comparing contour, thickness, color, and similarities in their imperfections and the ways they broke, we can determine which pieces go together. Once we have assembled our likely matches, we take the glass to the refitting lab and piece adjacent fragments back together. Working from the bottom up or the top down, we slowly reconstruct bottles of all shapes and sizes, adhering the pieces together with PVC cement. Although it may take many hours to complete a bottle, finding the right pieces is very rewarding.

A small amount of B72-pva-is added to the edges of pieces that belong together

Some features contain many broken specimens that need refitting.

FS8340 discovered by Brandi Oswald, a Heidelberg University studentStudents working with the total station to map artifacts and features within the latrine.

One of the first artifacts to be located within level 1 of Feature 124 (a latrine used in late 1862 or early 1863) was this 12-sided bottle. The bottle is just over 10 centimeters in length and 5 centimeters in width.  We have yet to remove the bottle from the latrine, but expect to in the next day or two.  Prior to its removal, it is mapped and photographed.  As it is removed, the bottle will be bubble wrapped and boxed for transport to the Gilmor Archaeological Laboratory at Heidelberg University.  Once we have it cleaned we will post another picture of this unusual bottle.

It did take us several days to get the bottle out of the latrine.  The reason we leave the bottle in place (insitu) is to allow us to explore any materials that may be associated with it and to also document its depositional history.  This means we need to discover exactly at what level the bottle was added to the latrine, which will usually be at the bottom of the artifact.   Below is a picture of this 12-sided bottle once we got it to the laboratory.  We have rinsed off the soils on the outside, but have not thoroughly clea

FS8340

ned out the interior. 

Students working with the total station recording the locations of artifacts and other features within the latrine

Each layer excavated is photographed and mapped.

Field School Members Clearing The Land

The Block 8 Latrine is a perfect example of how a new archaeological site is begun. After the latrine was located through soil samples, the site was staked out within an existing grid system and we continued to investigate. Members of the excavation teams worked to clear away the foliage, branches and tree roots with scissors, root cutters and trowels. Once all the vegetation was cleared away, each team began to excavate their unit to a level determined by Dr. Bush’s excavation of a portion of the area.  The purpose was to remove the disturbed topsoil above the undisturbed latrine.

Excavating the Block 8 latrine.

The excavation and screening of the top layers of the plow zone was completed quickly. Only a minimal amount of artifacts were found. .We continued to work deeper, carefully measuring our depth using the robo laser. As we neared the pre-determined level, excavation slowed as we took greater care to avoid harming any artifacts. When the outlines of the feature began to appear, Dr. Bush decided to extend the two western units by one meter so that more of the latrine would be exposed for excavation. Once the latrine feature was exposed and the differences in the soil became more apparent, the feature was marked with colored pins. Dr. Bush photographed a floor plan of the feature, showing us the proper techniques.

Dr. Bush overseeing the excavations of Feature 124, the Block 8 latrine.

Following the photographing, each group has had the chance to excavate in the feature. It is a slow and careful process. While delicately excavating, smaller trowels and scoops are used. We carefully mark and leave in place any artifacts that appear as we excavate millimeter by millimeter. So far, a mirror shard, some bones, nails and burnt lime were found, which is very promising since we are only in level one. The latrine may extend down about five levels before reaching bedrock. We look forward to uncovering new and interesting artifacts as we continue deeper into the latrine.  Keep watching for updates on the most recent finds.