Recently my friend Debbi asked me if I wanted to help out on a dig in Monmouth County. TAVI, the historical group she volunteers with, was sponsoring a dig on a farm in Upper Freehold. Students from Monmouth University would be there, but they also wanted some volunteers.
TAVI stands for The Allentown Village Initiative. The group is made up of people who want to share Allentown, NJ's history, while beautifying the downtown area. The goal of the one day dig was to see if there was a connection to the Revolutionary War. The Battle of Monmouth is clearly identified as taking place in a different part of the county. Declaration of Independence signer, David Brearley, had a law office in downtown Allentown.
The day of the dig was pleasant for July, but a little on the warm side. TAVI provided hoagies and bottles of water. The owner of the farm provided entertainment in that we watched his horses and goats study us in their field. Their grandchildren came out and learned about archaeology.
The Monmouth University students, under the leadership of their professor, laid out a grid and put flags marking each spot they wanted to dig an STP (Shovel Test Pit). We then separated so as not to crowd each other. Each student working with a member of the public who used their collapsible screens to discover treasures. The students did the heavy lifting and digging. The rest of us oohed and aahed over the pieces of pottery, and building materials found.
My most exciting find was a Coke Bottle dating back around 1955. Unfortunately, unlike many from that era, this one did not have a date. The experts could tell it approximate age from its raised lettering.
My friends Dan and Stacey joined Debbi, Mike, and other TAVI volunteers. Stacey graduated with a degree in archaeology from Monmouth University. Dan digs with me at Newlin Grist Mill and last summer went on a dig in the United Kingdom with Time Travelers. They are both serious archaeologists. I fall somewhere in-between serious and casual.
Have trowel. Will travel.
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