Progress Report on the Bethabara Project for this 1965 Season
Dublin Core
Title
Progress Report on the Bethabara Project for this 1965 Season
Subject
South, Stanley A.
Archaeology.
Wachovia (N.C.)--History.
North Carolina. State Department of Archives and History.
Reports.
Clauser, John W., Jr.
Rauschenberg, Bradford L.
Description
A copy of a 9 page report written by Archaeologist Stanley South detailing the archaeological excavations undertaken in Bethabara in 1965. The document is proceeded by a letter from Archaeologist John Clauser Jr.
It is printed on 11" x 8 1/2 " white paper and has three holes punched in the left margin. The document had previously been stored in a plastic binder with a brown back and clear front.
It is printed on 11" x 8 1/2 " white paper and has three holes punched in the left margin. The document had previously been stored in a plastic binder with a brown back and clear front.
Creator
South, Stanley A.
Publisher
N.C Department of Archives and History
Date
1965
Type
Text
Format
PDF
Language
English
Identifier
SSMC 7-13 001
Source
MC2-Stanley South Manuscript Collection-Reports.
Relation
Stanley South Manuscript Collection Box - Folder 7-13.
Rights
Rights held by Historic Bethabara Park, Inc. Use and reproduction restrictions apply. Contact Historic Bethabara Park Archives.
Rights Holder
Historic Bethabara Park, Inc.
Text Item Type Metadata
Text
PROGRESS REPORT ON THE BETHABARA PROJECT FOR THE 1865 SEASON
By
Stanley South
Archaeologist
The 1965 archaeological season at Bethabara began around the first of June and will end before Thanksgiving. Bradford Rauschenberg has again carried out on the site supervision of laborers involved in the revealing of the ruins, stabalizatiotion of the ruins, and maintenance of the area throughout the season in a very efficient manner. During the summer Mr. Randy Luther of Statesville was a great help in the operation of the project. During the first half of the summer the archaeologist was on hand full time, but was absent throughtout August due to the opening of the new visitor center-museum at Fort Fisher State Historic Site. This report outlines the work accomp;ished during the season at Bethabara, and presents suggestions for further development and interpretation of the historic site.
ARCHAEOLOGY
The Doctor’s Laboratory built in 1759 was excavated and the original stone floor with a drain was revealed. The position of the foundation wall and fireplace hearth were found, as well as a small base which may have been the position of a distillery used by the doctor. This ruin was stabilized and the area landscaped, and before the summer was over grass was being mowed around the stabilized ruin.
The Apothecary Shop built in 1763 was excavated and a deep cellar was found and excavated. The shop proved to be larger than that shown on the 1765 map, indicating aditions were made after that time. This ruin too was stabilized and grass planted over the entire area of the excavation.
The well back of the 1788 church that was originally excavated in 1807 was located and excavated, during which the wooden log used as part of the pump was found. This hollow, faceted log was water soaked after being under
[Page 2]
2.
water for over one hundred and fifty years, so it was necessary to preserve it for future museum interpretation. A vat of polyethelene was constructed to hold the pump stock and ten gallons of boiled linseed oil was poured over it. Gradually the water was replaced with the oil, and the wood again took on its hard quality and lost the soft spongy character it had when first recovered from the well.
The Tavern area was excavated and a large cellar was found. Nearby the Tavern well was located. These features were excavated and stabilized by masons using stone recovered from the cellar. Before the season is over this area will be stabilized and grass planted.
During the excavation of the 1807 well near the 1788 church two foundations of small building were found that were not shown on the 1788 map. Some residents of the area remember old sheds over those foundations and said they were used as wood sheds for the church. These ruins were exposed and stabilized.
In the area of the garden on the 1765 map two Garden Houses were shown. This area was excavated and the foundation of these buildings was found, but also found in the area between these building was a cellar which evidently represents and addition to the garden houses made after 1766. Just behind the Garden House ruins was found a well beside a foundation wall indicating that an addition had been built on the south side of the garden houses as well as on the north. Beside this addition was found a stone floor with a drain down the middle, as was found in the doctor’s Laboratory, indicating either a patio area, or an additional room in this area. With this evidence revealed it became obvious that the Garden Houses of 1766 were expanded considerably in the years to follow into a major building. From the records we know that the Tavern was moved in 1775 to a new tavern. The Garden Houses of 1766 may well have been converted into the New Tavern of 1775.
[Page 3]
3.
The area of the Wagner Cabin built in 1752 was stripped of topsoil, but at this time the details in the area have not been located, and this work will be undertaken before the season is closed for the year. The marker erected in 1902 was on the correct site of the cabin.
The area of the 1758 Family House was stripped of topsoil and some signs of the ruin was found. Including fragments of what appeared to be a stone floor. This area will be backfilled since the ruin may be difficult to interpret effectively if left exposed.
The Family House built in 1759 was located just behind the Fou House and this was revealed. Stabilization of this ruin will not be attempted during this season of work. The well for the Fou House is an early one, and will be stabilized at the same time as the 1759 Family House ruin.
The area of the 1764 Smokehouse was excavated, but no foundation for this little building was found. This was on the slope of the hill, and any evidence it may have left was probably removed by erosion.
The Joiner’s Shop area was stripped of topsoil and the outline of the little storage pit was found. This area was backfilled and grass planted.
The areas of the palisade fence to be replaced with the poles were first examined and the ditch located and excavated. The ditch revealed that an opening representing a gate was locaed on the north-west face of the fort.
DEVELOPMENT
The sheds left on the site from the 1964 season were torn down using bulldozers, and the rubble burned and the area where they stood planted in grass. The tools were moved into the Fou House which served as a headquarters for the archaeologist and laborers. Trees in the area were cut and the wood hauled away. Stoned throughout the area were centralized so they would be available for use in stabilization of the ruins.
[Page 4]
4.
STABILIZATION
The Vorsteher’s House was given special treatment because it presented a special problem. When the ditch to drain the cellar of this ruin was dug during the last season it was discovered that the creek was higher than the level of the cellar. Therefore the cellar would present a flooded appearance most of the year. In order to solve this problem the stones were removed from the foundation wall in order to utilize them elsewhere, (with the exception of the bottom row) and the ruin was backfilled. The corners were marked with round dowels left sticking above the level of the filled cellar, and then the ground was settled through the winter months this ruin will be interpreted by building a low stone wall in the position of the original wall, but the cellar itself will not be shown. This is similar to the interpretation that has been carried out at Jamestown by the National Park Service on some of the ruins.
Stabilization of the Tavern, Apothecary Shop, Doctor’s Laboratory, and Garden Houses has been mentioned above. Some stones were purchased in order to fill the need for the stabilization work since not enough were found in the cellars to complete the stabilization.
MAINTENANCE
The entire area has developed into a park during this season, with green grass growing in areas where plowed fields and fence rows once stood. Machinery was used to stabilize the ground and to shape in into contours that could be easily maintained by lawn mowers. A lawn mower was purchased and was used throughout the summer for keeping the grass under control. However, it now seems obvious that due to the extensive area to be maintained that this little mower will not be sufficient to do the job necessary. A cub tractor is highly recommended for carrying out a proper maintenance of the area now in grass. The mower can still be used in small areas, but a
[Page 5]
5
larger machine is necessary to do a proper job without undue wear and damage to the small machine.
In addition to the above buildings torn down by machine, the addition to the Fou House was torn down, and this allowed for the discovery of the Family House located beneath this addition. A contract was also let for the destruction of the Brick Houser House by Mr. Stockton, but at the time of this report it has not yet been removed from the site.
INTERPRETATION
The palisade fence is the major interpretive work that has been undertaken during the season other than the stabilization of the ruins. The poles were sharpened and are now being placed in the excavated ditch in the original position where similar posts stood over two hundred years ago. The palisade fort will be one of the outstanding interpretations of this type anywhere.
PROPOSAL FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, MAINTENANCE AND INTERPRETATION ARCHAEOLOGY
Most of the archaeological work has been carried out on the project, but there are a few small features that must be done. One of these is to locate the position of the ruin of the store as shown in the 1766 map. This building stood near the tavern, and a search for it should be made. Another project that should be done is to excavate a square or two behind the Potter’s House now occupied. This would give us a sample of the type of pottery being made at the pottery located there, and perhaps the answer as to which pottery was using this house. Other than this the archaeology at Bethabara is virtually complete.
[Page 6] 6
STABILIZATION
The Vorsteher’s House and the Family House should be stabilized. The major factor for their not being completed this season was the absence of enough stone to do the job. A few more stones must be available to do this, and the stabilization of the ruins will be complete.
INTERPRETATION
An interpretive and maintenance season should be carried out in order to accomplish a number of goals desirable for the Bethabara Project. One of the major projects would be the development of the trail leading from the parking are to the site of the various ruins, through the stockade, past the ruins inside, outside the stockade to the Tavern area, then back to the parking lot. This trail should be a nicely surfaced path (not cement) made of brown material, probably brown pebbles, that will be the primary trail throughout the area. Besides each ruin a plastic engraved sign will tell the story of that particular ruin, both historically and archaeologically. A large sign stating the nature of the project, and a place for distribution of brochures should be erected. This sign would show a map of the area with the trail, with significant points marked so that the visitor can get an idea of what to expect before he enters the historic area for his tour.
A brochure for the site is not being prepared and will be used to help guide the visitor around the area of the park as well as aiding him toward a greater understanding of the history of the site.
Another major interpretive step would tell of various plants of interest along the Nature Trail by means of identifying signs which would tie the plants into the history of the area by pointing out the various uses made of the plants by the pioneers who first settled Bethabara.
[Page 7]
7
DEVLOPMENT
The major development during the coming season of 1966 would be the Bethabara Nature Trail along the stream in the valley below the site of the town. The trail would lead through the valley, and from benches at the various places the visitor could pause to reflect on the ruins of the town and the struggle that was made here to turn the wilderness into a prosperous area of a new nation. As pointed out above, various plant of interest could be marked, but primarily this trail would be a place of quiet retreat for meditation and contemplation and for a few moments of secret thought before returning again to the faster pace of the modern world.
Another development that should be carried out in the 1966 season would be the parking lot south of the 1788 church. Fill dirt would be necessary, but by developing a parking area here the visitor could approach the town at the first ruins and follow throughout the area along the interpretive path. A second parking lot might be developed in the north area of the site near the Tavern and Hans Wagner Cabin site so that people who cannot walk long distances can drive to both parking lots and walk a short distance to the ruins and interpretive signs. Both parking lots could be relatively small, but will require gravel and other surfacing to properly carry the traffic that will undoubtedly be quite heavy at times as the fame of this project spreads throughout the country. With the development of two parking lots the nature trail could wind or walk throughout the area of the ruins.
MAINTENANCE
The 1966 season should be a maintenance season as well as emphasizing those aspects pointed out above. Grass must be cut, details of stabilization worked out as stones become loose through abuse of weather, and other jobs
[Page 8] 8
necessary to keep the project looking like a park.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PERMANENT MAINTENANCE AND INTERPRETATION OF THE SITE
Since the project began one of the considerations has been the permanent care of the site that is now nearing the stage where it needs considerable maintenance in order to keep it in proper order, and to properly interpret the site to the visiting public. A site such as this cannot be developed and then left to the care of a maintenance man once a week. Its requirements are too large for this type of treatment. In order to properly care for this site I would suggest that an annual budget of no less than $12,000. be planned. A full time employee would see that the site was properly cared for and interpreted. He would open the museum area and talk with the visitors, telling them of the significances of what they are viewing.
I would suggest that the rooms of the 1788 church be developed as a display area after these rooms have been restored. I would suggest leaving the sanctuary room as a restored sanctuary.
The Brewer’s House would seem to me to be an excellent dwelling for the person who would be in charge of the project. The Fou House would make an excellent display itself, representing the 19th century period, and the log type construction typical of the area at this time. The pottery’s house should be continually cared for, and is a nice brick house of the late 18th century period. These buildings lend a flavor to the town that it would not have otherwise.
These considerations are some that should be kept in mind as further long-range planning of the Bethabara Project is carried out.
PUBLICATION
Finds for brochures and the publication of the archaeological report, or the preparation of various aspects of the report such as plates, drawings,
[Page9]
9
and other necessary aspects of the report should be made available. This aspect of the project was outlined in earlier reports, but thus far only a minor portion of the project funds were spent on this item. However, now that the archeology is almost completed a published report is closer to becoming a necessity, so funds will be necessary for the preparation of the final report.
BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR THE 1966 INTERPRETIVE AND DEVELOPMENT SEASON AT BETHABARA
For the past two years the archaeologist has been conservative as to the expense necessary for carrying out the Bethabara project. The estimated expense for the 1965 season was $14,650.00, and the cost has been over twenty-two thousand. It is hoped that the following estimate is nearer to the actual cost for the 1966 season proposed here.
Archaeological assistant 24 weeks $2,400.00
Field assistant 12 weeks 720.00
Laborers, 5 per day 20 weeks 5,000.00
Masons, 2 for two weeks 2 weeks 500.00
Stone for Stabilization 270.00
Machines for Nature Trail Development 500.00
Archaeological susistant subsistence (Meals) 840.00
Archaeologist subsistence 140.00
Lodging for project 300.00
Development of two parking lots 2,500.00
Cub Tractor 1,500.00
$14,670.00
This estimate is based on an expected season of six months beginning in June and running through November. At this time the project should be virtually completed and ready to turn over to the permanent, year-round caretaker. The plan for the project need not be carried out as outlined here, but should be altered as necessary if desired by the sponsors of the project. The archaeologist has provided this outline based on the expected expenses provided the season outlined here is undertaken. Mr. Rauschenbert should be notified through the archaeologist as soon as the decision is made to continue into the 1966 season so that he can make his plans for the next year.
Stanley South
Archaeologist
N.C. Dept. of Archives and History.
By
Stanley South
Archaeologist
The 1965 archaeological season at Bethabara began around the first of June and will end before Thanksgiving. Bradford Rauschenberg has again carried out on the site supervision of laborers involved in the revealing of the ruins, stabalizatiotion of the ruins, and maintenance of the area throughout the season in a very efficient manner. During the summer Mr. Randy Luther of Statesville was a great help in the operation of the project. During the first half of the summer the archaeologist was on hand full time, but was absent throughtout August due to the opening of the new visitor center-museum at Fort Fisher State Historic Site. This report outlines the work accomp;ished during the season at Bethabara, and presents suggestions for further development and interpretation of the historic site.
ARCHAEOLOGY
The Doctor’s Laboratory built in 1759 was excavated and the original stone floor with a drain was revealed. The position of the foundation wall and fireplace hearth were found, as well as a small base which may have been the position of a distillery used by the doctor. This ruin was stabilized and the area landscaped, and before the summer was over grass was being mowed around the stabilized ruin.
The Apothecary Shop built in 1763 was excavated and a deep cellar was found and excavated. The shop proved to be larger than that shown on the 1765 map, indicating aditions were made after that time. This ruin too was stabilized and grass planted over the entire area of the excavation.
The well back of the 1788 church that was originally excavated in 1807 was located and excavated, during which the wooden log used as part of the pump was found. This hollow, faceted log was water soaked after being under
[Page 2]
2.
water for over one hundred and fifty years, so it was necessary to preserve it for future museum interpretation. A vat of polyethelene was constructed to hold the pump stock and ten gallons of boiled linseed oil was poured over it. Gradually the water was replaced with the oil, and the wood again took on its hard quality and lost the soft spongy character it had when first recovered from the well.
The Tavern area was excavated and a large cellar was found. Nearby the Tavern well was located. These features were excavated and stabilized by masons using stone recovered from the cellar. Before the season is over this area will be stabilized and grass planted.
During the excavation of the 1807 well near the 1788 church two foundations of small building were found that were not shown on the 1788 map. Some residents of the area remember old sheds over those foundations and said they were used as wood sheds for the church. These ruins were exposed and stabilized.
In the area of the garden on the 1765 map two Garden Houses were shown. This area was excavated and the foundation of these buildings was found, but also found in the area between these building was a cellar which evidently represents and addition to the garden houses made after 1766. Just behind the Garden House ruins was found a well beside a foundation wall indicating that an addition had been built on the south side of the garden houses as well as on the north. Beside this addition was found a stone floor with a drain down the middle, as was found in the doctor’s Laboratory, indicating either a patio area, or an additional room in this area. With this evidence revealed it became obvious that the Garden Houses of 1766 were expanded considerably in the years to follow into a major building. From the records we know that the Tavern was moved in 1775 to a new tavern. The Garden Houses of 1766 may well have been converted into the New Tavern of 1775.
[Page 3]
3.
The area of the Wagner Cabin built in 1752 was stripped of topsoil, but at this time the details in the area have not been located, and this work will be undertaken before the season is closed for the year. The marker erected in 1902 was on the correct site of the cabin.
The area of the 1758 Family House was stripped of topsoil and some signs of the ruin was found. Including fragments of what appeared to be a stone floor. This area will be backfilled since the ruin may be difficult to interpret effectively if left exposed.
The Family House built in 1759 was located just behind the Fou House and this was revealed. Stabilization of this ruin will not be attempted during this season of work. The well for the Fou House is an early one, and will be stabilized at the same time as the 1759 Family House ruin.
The area of the 1764 Smokehouse was excavated, but no foundation for this little building was found. This was on the slope of the hill, and any evidence it may have left was probably removed by erosion.
The Joiner’s Shop area was stripped of topsoil and the outline of the little storage pit was found. This area was backfilled and grass planted.
The areas of the palisade fence to be replaced with the poles were first examined and the ditch located and excavated. The ditch revealed that an opening representing a gate was locaed on the north-west face of the fort.
DEVELOPMENT
The sheds left on the site from the 1964 season were torn down using bulldozers, and the rubble burned and the area where they stood planted in grass. The tools were moved into the Fou House which served as a headquarters for the archaeologist and laborers. Trees in the area were cut and the wood hauled away. Stoned throughout the area were centralized so they would be available for use in stabilization of the ruins.
[Page 4]
4.
STABILIZATION
The Vorsteher’s House was given special treatment because it presented a special problem. When the ditch to drain the cellar of this ruin was dug during the last season it was discovered that the creek was higher than the level of the cellar. Therefore the cellar would present a flooded appearance most of the year. In order to solve this problem the stones were removed from the foundation wall in order to utilize them elsewhere, (with the exception of the bottom row) and the ruin was backfilled. The corners were marked with round dowels left sticking above the level of the filled cellar, and then the ground was settled through the winter months this ruin will be interpreted by building a low stone wall in the position of the original wall, but the cellar itself will not be shown. This is similar to the interpretation that has been carried out at Jamestown by the National Park Service on some of the ruins.
Stabilization of the Tavern, Apothecary Shop, Doctor’s Laboratory, and Garden Houses has been mentioned above. Some stones were purchased in order to fill the need for the stabilization work since not enough were found in the cellars to complete the stabilization.
MAINTENANCE
The entire area has developed into a park during this season, with green grass growing in areas where plowed fields and fence rows once stood. Machinery was used to stabilize the ground and to shape in into contours that could be easily maintained by lawn mowers. A lawn mower was purchased and was used throughout the summer for keeping the grass under control. However, it now seems obvious that due to the extensive area to be maintained that this little mower will not be sufficient to do the job necessary. A cub tractor is highly recommended for carrying out a proper maintenance of the area now in grass. The mower can still be used in small areas, but a
[Page 5]
5
larger machine is necessary to do a proper job without undue wear and damage to the small machine.
In addition to the above buildings torn down by machine, the addition to the Fou House was torn down, and this allowed for the discovery of the Family House located beneath this addition. A contract was also let for the destruction of the Brick Houser House by Mr. Stockton, but at the time of this report it has not yet been removed from the site.
INTERPRETATION
The palisade fence is the major interpretive work that has been undertaken during the season other than the stabilization of the ruins. The poles were sharpened and are now being placed in the excavated ditch in the original position where similar posts stood over two hundred years ago. The palisade fort will be one of the outstanding interpretations of this type anywhere.
PROPOSAL FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, MAINTENANCE AND INTERPRETATION ARCHAEOLOGY
Most of the archaeological work has been carried out on the project, but there are a few small features that must be done. One of these is to locate the position of the ruin of the store as shown in the 1766 map. This building stood near the tavern, and a search for it should be made. Another project that should be done is to excavate a square or two behind the Potter’s House now occupied. This would give us a sample of the type of pottery being made at the pottery located there, and perhaps the answer as to which pottery was using this house. Other than this the archaeology at Bethabara is virtually complete.
[Page 6] 6
STABILIZATION
The Vorsteher’s House and the Family House should be stabilized. The major factor for their not being completed this season was the absence of enough stone to do the job. A few more stones must be available to do this, and the stabilization of the ruins will be complete.
INTERPRETATION
An interpretive and maintenance season should be carried out in order to accomplish a number of goals desirable for the Bethabara Project. One of the major projects would be the development of the trail leading from the parking are to the site of the various ruins, through the stockade, past the ruins inside, outside the stockade to the Tavern area, then back to the parking lot. This trail should be a nicely surfaced path (not cement) made of brown material, probably brown pebbles, that will be the primary trail throughout the area. Besides each ruin a plastic engraved sign will tell the story of that particular ruin, both historically and archaeologically. A large sign stating the nature of the project, and a place for distribution of brochures should be erected. This sign would show a map of the area with the trail, with significant points marked so that the visitor can get an idea of what to expect before he enters the historic area for his tour.
A brochure for the site is not being prepared and will be used to help guide the visitor around the area of the park as well as aiding him toward a greater understanding of the history of the site.
Another major interpretive step would tell of various plants of interest along the Nature Trail by means of identifying signs which would tie the plants into the history of the area by pointing out the various uses made of the plants by the pioneers who first settled Bethabara.
[Page 7]
7
DEVLOPMENT
The major development during the coming season of 1966 would be the Bethabara Nature Trail along the stream in the valley below the site of the town. The trail would lead through the valley, and from benches at the various places the visitor could pause to reflect on the ruins of the town and the struggle that was made here to turn the wilderness into a prosperous area of a new nation. As pointed out above, various plant of interest could be marked, but primarily this trail would be a place of quiet retreat for meditation and contemplation and for a few moments of secret thought before returning again to the faster pace of the modern world.
Another development that should be carried out in the 1966 season would be the parking lot south of the 1788 church. Fill dirt would be necessary, but by developing a parking area here the visitor could approach the town at the first ruins and follow throughout the area along the interpretive path. A second parking lot might be developed in the north area of the site near the Tavern and Hans Wagner Cabin site so that people who cannot walk long distances can drive to both parking lots and walk a short distance to the ruins and interpretive signs. Both parking lots could be relatively small, but will require gravel and other surfacing to properly carry the traffic that will undoubtedly be quite heavy at times as the fame of this project spreads throughout the country. With the development of two parking lots the nature trail could wind or walk throughout the area of the ruins.
MAINTENANCE
The 1966 season should be a maintenance season as well as emphasizing those aspects pointed out above. Grass must be cut, details of stabilization worked out as stones become loose through abuse of weather, and other jobs
[Page 8] 8
necessary to keep the project looking like a park.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE PERMANENT MAINTENANCE AND INTERPRETATION OF THE SITE
Since the project began one of the considerations has been the permanent care of the site that is now nearing the stage where it needs considerable maintenance in order to keep it in proper order, and to properly interpret the site to the visiting public. A site such as this cannot be developed and then left to the care of a maintenance man once a week. Its requirements are too large for this type of treatment. In order to properly care for this site I would suggest that an annual budget of no less than $12,000. be planned. A full time employee would see that the site was properly cared for and interpreted. He would open the museum area and talk with the visitors, telling them of the significances of what they are viewing.
I would suggest that the rooms of the 1788 church be developed as a display area after these rooms have been restored. I would suggest leaving the sanctuary room as a restored sanctuary.
The Brewer’s House would seem to me to be an excellent dwelling for the person who would be in charge of the project. The Fou House would make an excellent display itself, representing the 19th century period, and the log type construction typical of the area at this time. The pottery’s house should be continually cared for, and is a nice brick house of the late 18th century period. These buildings lend a flavor to the town that it would not have otherwise.
These considerations are some that should be kept in mind as further long-range planning of the Bethabara Project is carried out.
PUBLICATION
Finds for brochures and the publication of the archaeological report, or the preparation of various aspects of the report such as plates, drawings,
[Page9]
9
and other necessary aspects of the report should be made available. This aspect of the project was outlined in earlier reports, but thus far only a minor portion of the project funds were spent on this item. However, now that the archeology is almost completed a published report is closer to becoming a necessity, so funds will be necessary for the preparation of the final report.
BUDGET PROPOSAL FOR THE 1966 INTERPRETIVE AND DEVELOPMENT SEASON AT BETHABARA
For the past two years the archaeologist has been conservative as to the expense necessary for carrying out the Bethabara project. The estimated expense for the 1965 season was $14,650.00, and the cost has been over twenty-two thousand. It is hoped that the following estimate is nearer to the actual cost for the 1966 season proposed here.
Archaeological assistant 24 weeks $2,400.00
Field assistant 12 weeks 720.00
Laborers, 5 per day 20 weeks 5,000.00
Masons, 2 for two weeks 2 weeks 500.00
Stone for Stabilization 270.00
Machines for Nature Trail Development 500.00
Archaeological susistant subsistence (Meals) 840.00
Archaeologist subsistence 140.00
Lodging for project 300.00
Development of two parking lots 2,500.00
Cub Tractor 1,500.00
$14,670.00
This estimate is based on an expected season of six months beginning in June and running through November. At this time the project should be virtually completed and ready to turn over to the permanent, year-round caretaker. The plan for the project need not be carried out as outlined here, but should be altered as necessary if desired by the sponsors of the project. The archaeologist has provided this outline based on the expected expenses provided the season outlined here is undertaken. Mr. Rauschenbert should be notified through the archaeologist as soon as the decision is made to continue into the 1966 season so that he can make his plans for the next year.
Stanley South
Archaeologist
N.C. Dept. of Archives and History.
Collection
Citation
South, Stanley A., “Progress Report on the Bethabara Project for this 1965 Season,” Historic Bethabara Park Collections, accessed April 24, 2024, https://historicbethabarapark.omeka.net/items/show/19.