High Priority Features Section 8

Daniel P. Dieterich’s Rubber Store Token A single red vulcanite token was recovered from Feature 1 that reads “D. P. DIETERICH’S / RUBBER STORE / 308 / CHESTNUT ST. PHILADA.” The opposite face of the token is severely burned, so it is unclear whether it represents a trade token or is merely an advertising piece

Among the molded white granite tea cups and fragments of decal-decorated plates recovered from this feature, several pieces of ceramic and glass emerged that brought current fashion and color to the dining table. Majolica Pitcher A Victorian majolica pitcher is part of the ceramic assemblage discovered in Feature 1 (C-0619). Though the stamped mark on

Bell and Door Knob Rose A simple dome-shaped bell may have been part of a door or service bell (Cat # 8.50.9). This copper alloy dome measures 1 inch in height and 3 inches in diameter. The crown or center of the bell is missing and appears to have been broken away, leaving a crack

Beer Bottles Portions of three green mold-blown beer bottles were recovered from Feature 5. All three have bare iron, or “improved,” pontil scars and typify the forms commonly used to bottle beer (ale, porter, stout) in the eastern third of the United States from the mid-1840s through the 1870s. 1 The iron pontil scars on

The sampling of tableware and teaware recovered from this feature represent patterns and decorative techniques that help to date the deposit. Among the assorted ceramic vessels there are examples from several different matched sets in addition to printed patterns and colored decorations that might have been used together on the table. Chinese Export Porcelain The

Glass Hat Two glass fragments of an irregular shape appear twisted and feature the same type of folded edge or rim. These fragments were identified as pieces from the brim of a glass hat, based on comparison with other more complete examples from other parts of the I-95 project. This hat probably started out being

Kitchen Vessels Some of the ceramic and glass artifacts recovered in this feature represent containers commonly used in the kitchen for the preparation and storage of food. Redware Pan This nearly complete redware pan has patches of charring on the exterior body and base, possibly from use as a baking dish or to rewarm food

Pontil-Scarred “Utility” Bottles A small number of pontil-scarred “utility” type bottles were recovered from Feature 5, including two free-blown bottles and three mold-blown bottles. The free-blown aqua bottles are round in cross-section, but are quite crudely made and slightly asymmetrical. Both feature blow-pipe (or open pontil) scars and thinly flared finishes. The larger of the

Clothing Fasteners Three artifacts recovered from this feature were used as fasteners to secure various pieces of clothing. Suspender Clasp Suspenders were an essential means of keeping garments in place, along with providing fashionable accessories. Men, women, and children wore suspenders to secure both outer and undergarments. A single suspender clasp stamped from copper alloy

While most of the recovered ceramics were made for use on the dining table or in the kitchen, four of the vessels would have most likely been positioned discreetly in the bed chamber (C-0560, C-0567, C-0568, Cat # 8.57.18, 8.58.8). The pots were probably kept under the bed or on a low shelf in the

Although few in number, the eight artifacts related to lighting provide information on the specific type of illumination used. In addition, two of the artifacts appear to have been produced in Boston at the short lived American Glass Company (1847–1857) and represent a patented manufacturing technique. Glass Lamps Portions of three different colorless glass lamps

Also of interest are portions of two hand tools recovered from this feature. One of the tools appears to be made of sandstone and represents the mid-section of a large oilstone—or whetstone—which would have been used to sharpen kitchen knives and razors (Cat # 8.51.27). This example was heavily damaged via exposure to fire, and

A few well-worn or broken slate pencils, a plain porcelain marble, and a few doll parts comprise the objects that can be associated with the presence of children on this property. Doll Limbs Two porcelain doll limbs of similar size appear to have come from the same small doll. Both pieces are broken on one

Ivory Manufacturing Debris A section of ivory measuring about 3.6 inches in length and triangular in cross-section (Cat # 8.58.39) is an unusual find among the household-related artifacts (Cat # 8.58.39). The widest surface has a fine stamped or incised repeating pattern similar to the detail work seen on bone and ivory fan sticks. The

Several artifacts related to oral hygiene and grooming are among the noteworthy items from Feature 1. Toothbrushes and Containers Among the dental hygiene artifacts recovered were a nearly complete toothbrush vase (Cat # 8.31.10), a piece of the lid from a ceramic toothbrush box (Cat # 8.31.162), and three toothbrushes (Cat # 8.30.101, 8.31.270, 8.31.269).

The use of colored glassware was not just confined to the dining table—it was also incorporated into the overall décor of the parlor or sitting room. Porcelain vases and figurines were also used on mantles and shelves to decorate living spaces. Vase (or Basket) with Rustic Handles During the last quarter of the nineteenth century,

Evidence of the Youngest Occupants As documented in the property history, several families raised children in this household in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. The excavation of this feature, located behind the former house at 2925 Richmond Street, yielded quite a few pieces of evidence confirming the presence of young children in this

Several artifacts recovered from this feature provide us with insights into some of the activities that the occupants of this household engaged in during their leisure hours. Painting Accessories Painting was a popular activity in the nineteenth century, and different types of paint boxes were available to suit the professional and amateur artist. Watercolor boxes

Vials The small vials shown here all likely served to package the final medicinal product as it was distributed for consumer use. The vials at left and center were frequently known as homeopathic vials and typically would have contained very small doses of medicine. The vial at left (Cat# 8.31.69) appears in the Whitall Tatum

An assortment of personal accessories was recovered from this shaft feature, ranging from somewhat commonplace items (such as ladies’ hair combs and an eyeglass lens) to more unusual objects (like the stopper from a fancy cologne bottle and a portrait brooch). Side Combs Typically sold in pairs, side combs were used in women’s hairstyles as

Schwerin’s Annihilating Powder Bottle Two small, unusually shaped bottles, bearing the vertical embossing “SCHWERIN’S / POWDER,” were recovered from Feature 1 (G-0818). Schwerin’s Annihilating Powder was first advertised around 1859 as the “only Remedy in the whole World” that was “sure to exterminate Roaches, Bed Bugs, Mosquitos, Flies, Ants, Fleas, Garden Insects, &c.” Pills were

Improvements in lighting over the course of the nineteenth century changed the character of home life, making it possible for people to perform a wider range of work and leisure activities in the evening hours. During this time period, many different types of lamps and light fixtures were made of glass and/or metal. A large

Two artifacts suggest that pets were part of this household. Both objects appear to date to the second half of the nineteenth century, making it difficult to connect them directly with a specific family. Goldfish Globe Pieces of a large glass globe were recovered, and due to the large amounts of lamp glass encountered, these