The digs provided a breadth of information that was surprising. First of all since 1976 over 190,000 artefacts have been collected from digs at almost all of the 21 lockstations. These artefacts yield information on diets, commercial trading routes, the general well being of the communities, and the backgrounds of the people operating the canal in the nineteenth century.
In the case of the Ottawa locks, the original blacksmith shop built under the Sapper’s bridge and footings from the bridge itself were found and the design of the restoration of the Plaza Bridge was altered to incorporate them.
The presentation
also included a number of the artefacts from the Cornwell facility
which further illustrated the living standard of the times and the
resourcefulness of the people. A number of posters were also brought along
to demonstrate the digs and archaeological works.
This was Rachel’s first presentation to a large group. It was well received and most of the attendees stayed on after to further discuss the subject and pass on congratulations to the speaker and her colleague Caroline Phillips.
Parks Canada
111 Water Street East
Cornwall
Ontario (K1A 0M5)
Web Site: http://parkscanada.pch.gc.ca/
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