ARCHAEOLOGY UNDER THE FLOOR

The Mansion's original flooring was nailed across pine logs like those of the walls. These logs were leveled in shallow trenches in the ground. By 1980, they had been destroyed by termites and fungus and it was necessary to build a new foundation. Dirt from the 1980 foundation project was sifted through a screen. Over 2,000 artifacts were collected and cataloged. These objects, from coins, buttons, and bullets to seeds and bones, give us clues about the lives of the people who lived here. Small things fell between the rough pit-sawn boards of the 1864 floor. In October, 1865, Richard McCormick married Margaret Hunt and a new planed-wood floor was laid on the north side where the McCormicks lived. The tighter floor stopped accumulation on that side, but items continued to collect under the south wing until after 1900.

Native walnuts, probably gathered along Granite Creek.

This mummified mouse is one of many rodents found under the Mansion. It may have been killed by termite fumigation of the building.

1924 "Mercury" dime.

Marbles: probably lost by children from 1895 until 1917 when the Mansion was a rental property.

Pencils, pens, and pen nibs were necessary for territorial business and small enough to easily fall between floor boards.

Horseshoe nails were carried in pockets to be handy for tightening loose horseshoes.

Imitation ivory shirt stud, suspender buckle, and watch key, about 1870s to 1890s, may have been lost by Judge Henry Fleury who lived here until 1895.

Selection of buttons from the 1860s through 1900.

Lucifer sulphur matches came in blocks.

John Goodwin, about 1863.

Facsimile of an envelope from letter to Governor Goodwin.

Margaret McCormick, about 1860.

Carpenter's marking pencil, possibly used in the construction of the Mansion.

This lead ball from the north wing fits the pistol given to Margaret McCormick by her father for her Arizona adventure. After Margaret's death, the pistol was returned to her family, who donated it tot he Museum.

Margaret McCormick, about 1865.

Richard McCormick, about 1870.

Three-cent coin from the 1850s; this and a half dime from the 1860s are both so severely worn from long use and handling that the exact date is illegible.

Selection of 1860s balls, bullets, percussion caps, and cartridge cases. Hunting and war with the local Indians made guns and ammunition a part of everyday life.