This is a record of our plans and development of a public park on 140 acres of historically and ecologically significant open space land along the Seneca River/Barge Canal in Montezuma, NY. Along with plans for the park, local history and events are shared as it relates to our Erie Canal heritage.
Richmond Aqueduct
Sunday, September 27, 2009
WISHING GONDOLA JOE A SAFE & HAPPY VOYAGE!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
DIG SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED!
WE'RE READY TO GO!
Saturday, September 12, 2009
9/12/09 DIG CANCELLED
Friday, September 11, 2009
LATEST UPDATE FOR RESUMING DIG WORK ON 9/12/09
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Artifacts Found
Taking Cover From the Rain
Sifting for Artifacts - 8/29-30, 2009
Bob Melvin, Port Byron, Dru Lis, N. Tonawanda and Chris Gradzien, Weedsport worked together on test unit #1. From the screens we were able to find the smaller artifacts such as china, glass, brick, and nails.
Documenting the Test Units
M. Holmes, Auburn makes notes on Test Unit #1 with her
granddaughter, Gabrielle Babilot, Weedsport
The Digging Begins
Receiving Instructions Before We Begin on 8/29/09
Our special thanks for the success of this project goes to Mr. David Babson, Archaeologist from Syracuse. He designed and conducted the project very precisely with over 35 years of expertise. His professional direction will add to a better understanding of this site during the Erie Canal era in New York State while assuring there was minimal disturbance to the archaeological resource base.
Mr. David Babson, Archaeologist
Surveying the Site - 8/29/09
Preparing to Start the Dig on 8/29/09
We were off to a late start on Saturday, August 29th. Threatening skies and weather forecasts for thunder showers couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of those who showed up for the dig. The site had been prepared prior to the dig by the Cayuga County Sheriff's Inmate Work program with the supervision of my husband, Stan Longyear and Deputies Bruce Watkins, Todd Fisher, and Larry Westover.
Tools for the project had to be transported by lawn tractor and then carried across the Clinton's Ditch via a bridge that Stan and Bob Melvin built with pallets and lumber donated from Secor Lumber Company, Savannah. Bob Alnutt lent his newly painted golf cart (Case Orange, of course) for transportation to and from the site.