INFORMATION #2 08-01-2005
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MEMORANDUM
TO: City Council
FROM:
Mara Anderson, Environmental Intern 4
DATE:
August P\ 2005
SUBJECT:
Archaeological Dig
In concert with St. Cloud State University and the Heritage Preservation
Commission, with funds from Minnesota Historical Society, the City of Elk River hosted a
six-day Archaeological Dig. Dr. Richard Rothaus, an archaeologist from SCSU, developed a
probability model that indicated the Hoebelheinrich property (located on West Twin Lake)
as a good site for a dig involving the public. He brought several colleagues and student
workers to instruct, supervise, and interpret the findings for the public.
Even with the heat index high as it was, and limited volunteer positions, the event
drew 101 registered participants and approximately 111 observers with 23 repeat visitors.
The people who came were curious and interested in local history some bringing personal
finds for a professional opinion. Arrowheads, spear points, and stone flakes generated in the
manufacturing of these stone tools were found in several of the units. The type of stone was
traced to areas in SW Wisconsin, SW Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and Canada
indicating someone traded for these desirable stones and brought them to Elk River for
further fashioning. Ceramic pottery pieces were discovered in several of the units significant
because the technology used to build the vessels and the decoration estimates the pieces to
be.800-1200 years old.
The archaeologists said this event was unique in that the public was invited to do the
actual digging, sifting, and documenting necessary for a scientific excavation. The vision of
the City was complimented in its desire to understand the local history and educate the
public in the process. Follow-up surveys will be mailed to the registered participants to
effectively evaluate volunteer satisfaction and gather feed back that will inform future events.
The following local businesses contributed to the event: Hans' Bakery gave dozens
and dozens of doughnuts, Pan era Bread gave fresh bagels and cream cheese, Diamond City
Bread Company gave loaves of bread, Cub Foods donated $25 and Cobom's Superstore
donated $50 which helped buy water, juice, sports drinks and ice.
Nearly everyone I talked with thought this event was worthwhile and asked about
next year's dig which with the gift of grant money from the State Historical Society, the City
will plan on hosting.