[Drawing: Person examining artifacts]
| Minnesota Archaeological Society Building 27, Fort Snelling St. Paul, Minnesota 55111 | Council For Minnesota Archaeology Newsletter Building 27, Fort Snelling St. Paul, Minnesota 55111 |
No. 24 Winter 1976-77 Les Peterson, Editor
[5 pages, mailing cover, no figures]
Since the last newsletter in the spring of 1976, another active field season has, of course, come and gone with at least the normal amount of chaos. Now after the dust has settled, it is again time to offer a brief summary of some of the research carried out in calendar 1976.
University of Minnesota
Professor Elden Johnson directed continued excavations at the Wilford Site, 21-ML-12, in Mille Lacs-Kathio State Park during the first summer session field school.
During the second summer session, Professor Janet Spector directed initial systematic testing at the previously untested site 21-ML-18, also within the Kathio State Park boundaries. The goals of these excavations were to define the site boundaries, determine the cultural and temporal context of the remains, and to assess the site in terms of potential for future problem oriented research. Some effort was also devoted to site survey within the park, locating previously unknown sites.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Under the direction of G. Joseph Hudak, the Science Museum of Minnesota continued its study of the Woodland cultures of southwestern Minnesota with excavations at the Mountain Lake Site (21-CO-l). This research,funded by the McKnight Foundation, resulted in the location of one house structure complete with double post molds, hearth, refuse pit and definable activity areas, although C-14 dating results have not yet been received. The field crew consisted of Martha King, Tim Ready, Sara Schmuck, Audrey Thomas and Kevin Harris. Hudak hopes to do further research in this area in 1977.
Minnesota Historical Society
Contract Archaeology - The EIS Contract Archaeology Survey program continued this past summer under the direction of Jerry Oothoudt and Clifford Watson. Surveys were conducted in various federally-assisted city and county parks within eight counties. These surveys located nine previously unrecorded prehistoric and seven historic sites. Four surveys were also conducted for the U. S. Soil Conservation Service and the Superior National Forest. These surveys resulted in the location of 26 prehistoric and 18 historic sites. They also participated in the MHS Metro Area Archaeological Survey under the direction of Edward Lofstrom of the State Historic Preservation office.
Lower Sioux Agency - This year marked the third season of MHS involvement with excavations at the Lower Sioux Agency (21-RW-15). These excavations were conducted in conjunction with Richard Lane of St. Cloud State University and Douglas George of the MHS, who acted as field director.
The work conducted was of a testing nature to gain further information concerning the community design during the 1853-62 occupation. An intensive shovel testing program was conducted in the central Administrative Complex and a formal cross-trenching of structures in the Trader's Complex. Information from these two areas is to be utilized along with that gathered in 1973 and 1974 for an interpretive trail system. A total of 19 structures have been discovered as well as a widely scattered prehistoric component. Analysis and report preparation should be completed by June 30, 1977.
Fort Charlotte Underwater Research Project - The summer of 1976 saw the completion of the offshore investigations at the archaeological site of Fort Charlotte, a major eighteenth century transshipment point of the North American fur trade now preserved as part of the Grand Portage National Monument in extreme northeastern Minnesota. The project goals are to isolate French, British, and American components offshore; to compare the temporal and Spatial distribution of these data with known historic sites on land; to isolate offshore activity areas, such as the canoe landing, North West Company quay and trash dumps; and to date the use and terminus changes of the portage through time. Adequate information has now been recovered to address these and other problems. This year's field and laboratory time were covered by a grant from the National Geographic Society matched by funds from the State of Minnesota. Douglas A. Birk, Archaeologist with the Minnesota Historical Society and principle investigator of this effort, has worked in close cooperation with Robert C. Wheeler, Director of the Society's Quetico-Superior Underwater Project and coordinator of the Fort Charlotte work since 1971.
Fort Beauharnois - During September and October, 1976, an intensive field survey was conducted within Frontenac State Park in an attempt to relocate the 1727 French site of Fort Beauharnois. This project, financed with matching funds from the Minnesota DNR and MHS, was undertaken to assist the State Parks Division in the definition and interpretation of specific cultural resources under their jurisdiction. As the research area consisted of a heavily vegetated floodplain, it was necessary to investigate using transect shovel tests. Although the fort was not located, a series of Woodland sites were identified. The principle investigator of this project was Douglas A. Birk with additional historical research on the French presence in Minnesota now being conducted by Judy Poseley of the MHS.
Fort Snelling - Under the direction of Robert Clouse, continuous excavations at Historic Fort Snelling during the past thirteen months have resulted in the completion of archaeological investigations in the Commandant's House and the Officers' Quarters Buildings. Stratified deposits dating to the first half of the nineteenth century were located and their excavation has provided an abundance of artifactual and structural data. In addition, analysis has begun on the cultural material recovered during the preceding 11 years of excavation. A complete publication should be available in 1978.
County Highway Archaeology - Under the direction of Scott Anfinson, the new County-Municipal Highway Archaeology Program conducted surveys and coordinated 3 salvage excavations.
In Kittson County, Dr. Mike Michlovic from Moorhead State University excavated the northern habitation area of the Lake Bronson site (21-KT-l) which was endangered by reconstruction of CSAH-10.
In Anoka County, construction on CSAH-23 south of Howard Lake threatened to do further damage to the A.H. Anderson site (21-AN-8). Jerry Oothoudt of the MHS directed the salvage excavation.
Joe Hudak of the Science Museum of Minnesota excavated a habitation site on the Crow River in Wright County which was endangered by a bridge replacement. This site appears to be a single component Onamia occupation.
Reports on these excavations are forthcoming this winter.
Trunk Highway Archaeology - During the 1976 field season, the Minnesota Trunk Highway Archaeological Reconnaissance Survey continued its role of reviewing and mitigating potential impacts of proposed state and federal highway construction for the ninth year. This season necessitated the completion of surveys and testing throughout the state with the assistance of Terry J. Pfutzenreuter. Although no major salvage excavations were necessary in 1976, intensive surveys and testing were undertaken in the areas of proposed construction near Blue Earth in Faribault County and Granite Falls in Yellow Medicine County. Salvage may be required in the Granite Falls area in 1977.
State Historic Preservation Office - Edward Lofstrom of the staff has been conducting review of the EIS requests that have been pouring into his office.
He would also like to re-emphasize his request for data pertaining to intensive archaeological surveys which have been conducted in the past for inclusion in a comprehensive listing. He is hoping to assemble the first such list for distribution in January or February. CMA members who have not already done so are invited to contribute the following information on any surveys they have conducted this year, in previous years, or which are in process:
| 1. | Location of surveyed areas, exact to quarter section, in a county-township-range-section format.
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| 2. | Date of survey.
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| 3. | Name of sponsor.
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| 4. | Date and title of reports.
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| Please send survey summaries to: | Edward Lofstrom MHS, Bldg. 27, Fort Snelling Branch St. Paul, MN 55111
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The Minnesota Archaeological Society held its annual Christmas dinner meeting at the Wilderness Hunting Preserve on December 14. G. Joseph Hudak of the Science Museum of Minnesota made the introductory remarks and then a film on contemporary archaeology, "The First Americans," produced by the Shell Company was shown. Following the movie, the election of officers for 1977 was held. They are: Alan R. Woolworth, President; Pat Emerson, Vice-President; Cindy Nugent, Secretary; and Verlan Johns, Treasurer.
A contract has been signed with Xerox University Microfilms of Ann Arbor, Michigan to film the Minnesota Archaeologist from Vol. 1, No. 1 (1936) through Vol 35, No. 4 (1976). The public purchase price will be under $50.00.
Christy Caine of Hamline University is editing a series of papers on prehistoric ceramics in Minnesota for publication in the spring of 1977. These papers were presented at the C.M.A. Ceramic Symposium held in May, 1976. Collectively, they will make up the first of a new series which may be called Occasional Papers in Anthropology to be published by the Minnesota Archaeological Society. Other possible papers for this series include one on Fred Blessing and Leland Cooper's thesis on the Nett Lake or Bois Fort Ojibway. This special publication is made possible through a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society.
Miscellaneous News
Calendar of Events - The Department of Classics at the University of Minnesota has notified us that they are putting together a calendar of local Twin Cities events which have potential appeal to those interested in archaeology, anthropology, and other facets of the study of ancient man. If you think that such a calendar would be beneficial, you can help by taking a few minutes to jot down the following information on appropriate events of which you have knowledge: date, topic, speaker(s), place, time, and cost if any. The first calendar will contain events scheduled between now and June 30, 1977, and will be mailed out in mid-January. Information on events which are scheduled subsequent to your response to this letter can be circulated at a later date through occasional "updatings" of the basic calendar.
| Please send your information to: | Albert Leonard, Jr. Department of Classics 310 Folwell Hall 9 Pleasant Street SE Minneapolis, MN 55455
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"The Bill calls for a check-off box on the Federal Income Tax form wherein the taxpaper [sic] may make a tax-deductible donation to the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, or both equally. These monies will be used for programs eligible for Endowment funding, and will be supplemental funds over and above Congressional appropriations.
There has been enthusiastic response to HR 8274 from the arts and educational communities. That enthusiasm must now be channeled to get the Bill passed. I would be grateful if you would assist us by any or all of the following actions:
- Send us a short statement of your endorsement of the Bill;
- Enlist endorsements from local arts and educational organizations and prominent individuals;
- Send us the names and addresses of potential supporters to build our national mailing list;
- Urge your local media to highlight the Bill's unique funding concept."
| Please send inquiries and comments to: | The Honorable Fred Richmond 1728 Longworth House Office Building Washington, D. C. 20515 Telephone: (202) 225-5936
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For the past sixteen years, the Minnesota Archaeological Newsletter has attempted to keep all interested people informed of current research and new developments in Minnesota Archaeology. However, over that period, the mailing list has become antiquated in some respects. Due to the ever increasing number of non-deliverable newsletters being returned by the U. S. Postal Service as well as skyrocketing costs of printing and mailing, we request that all individuals or institutions who would like to continue to receive this free newsletter submit a postcard or letter which provides an accurate and current mailing address including Zip Code. This procedure should allow a reduction in costs as well as improved levels of service. Also, please inform other interested parties of this newsletter or include their addresses so that we may also reach them. Please forward subscription requests and current addresses to:
| Leslie D. Peterson Minnesota Historical Society Building 27, Fort Snelling St. Paul, Minnesota 55111
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