"Area F" Investigations, Second to Front Streets between Gatzmer and Ionic Streets
This site was originally excavated in the mid through late 1970s by archaeologists and students from Temple University, prior to the construction of the parking garage that sits just north of Welcome Park. These investigations resulted in the discovery of 35 archaeological features sealed beneath the basement floors of the 19th century commercial/industrial and warehouse structures that last stood on this site. From within these features, members of the archaeological team were able to recover some 68,000 artifacts dating to the mid to late 18th century, and that helped reconstruct what life was like for the varied artisans and crafts people who lived in this vibrant waterfront community.
While a number of preliminary or provision reports of findings from Area F have been written over the past few decades, as well as a handful of professional articles, no single comprehensive report had ever been completed, until recently. The final report of findings presented here was compiled from the original documentation by archaeologists from John Milner Associates, and includes their full analysis and interpretation the findings from this important site.
Chinese porcelain dinnerware recovered from the site.
A variety of 18th century wine and alcohol bottles.
Stone-lined shaft feature exposed beneath later foundations.
Profile and plan views of one of the excavated privies.