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Unearthing a Colonial Legacy
In the rolling fields of Lancaster County, beneath layers of soil that have settled for centuries, lies a treasure trove of history just waiting to be discovered. Recent excavations have revealed the likely remains of Lancaster County's oldest tavern, a site believed to have functioned as a public house as far back as 1725. This remarkable find by Millersville University students offers a rare glimpse into colonial American life, showcasing the culinary habits and social customs of early settlers.
What’s Cooking at the Galbraith Ordinary?
The dig, situated north of Marietta, points to a tavern known as the Galbraith Ordinary. Led by anthropology professor Timothy Trussell, the excavation has turned up a staggering number of artifacts, providing a window into the everyday lives of those who frequented the tavern. “We’re discovering bones from various meals that indicate the people here were not just consuming barnyard animals,” Trussell noted. “They were incorporating wild game into their diets, revealing a resourcefulness typical of pioneer settlers.”
Delving into Culinary Practices
Among the artifacts unearthed were bones of cows, pigs, and chickens, as well as less common fare like wild turkey and turtle. This combination indicates a diverse diet that included not only farm animals but also wild game hunted from the surrounding woodlands. Just imagine enjoying a hearty meal after a long journey: maybe roasted pig or turkey, paired with fresh bread from the tavern—it paints a vivid picture of communal gatherings during an era long past.
Insights from the Past: The Artifacts Speak
Beyond just bones, the excavation yielded an array of ceramics and personal items that shed light on the tavern's history. Trussell highlighted how ceramics, easily dated, act as time-markers, helping to establish a timeline for the tavern’s operation. Shards from dishes that date from the 17th century to the 1790s testify to an evolving culinary culture infused with both local and imported influences.
A Learning Experience for Future Generations
This excavation is more than just a historical inquiry; it serves as a hands-on educational venture for the 36 Millersville University students involved. It offers them essential skills in archaeology, preparing them for future careers in research and museum curation. Student Julia Swan articulated the importance of this experience, indicating that the knowledge gained here will be invaluable in their professional lives. “We’re not just digging for artifacts; we’re learning the significance of what we find,” she explained. The excavation is scheduled to continue, exposing not just artifacts but stories that deserve to be told.
Preservation of History for Tomorrow
Every bone excavated and each ceramic fragment collected is destined for careful analysis in Millersville’s archaeology lab. Here, future scholars and students alike will study these remnants of the tavern, learning from the past to inform our understanding of history.
The Importance of Local Historical Research
Trussell’s project highlights the importance of community-based historical research that can unearth forgotten narratives. Local historians played a crucial role in locating the tavern, pointing researchers to historical documents and photographs that have laid the groundwork for this investigation. The tavern's legacy lives on through the collective efforts of students and faculty who are committed to unearthing and preserving this slice of the past.
Connect with Your History!
For those living in the Lancaster County area or for history buffs across Louisiana and beyond, there’s something special about discovering the local past. Not only does it enrich our understanding of where we’ve come from, but it also instills a sense of pride in our communities. This fall, consider visiting local historical sites or volunteering for archaeology projects in your area. These experiences can be rewarding and insightful, drawing a connection between past and present.
Digging deeper into our own histories not only fosters local pride but also encourages a broader understanding of our shared narrative as a people. Let's make history come alive!
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