Artifacts from the Archaeological Service Inc. excavation ...glaciers [Monte Verde, Chile] are to be found) and later studies showed that ... hile the outdoor excavation activities

OOAASS NNeewwss

3 President’s message

5 Chapters’ Corner

14 First call for Papers for 2009Symposium

New Series Volume 14, Issue 1 ISSN 0048–1742 January/February 2009

AArrttiicclleess 6 The Reconstruction of Queen Street in Fort Erie, Ontario

8 Emerson’s Arctic: A Walrus Island Love Song

10 Review of Toronto: A Short Illustrated History of its First 12,000Years

V i s i t u s o n t h e W e b a t w w w . o n t a r i o a r c h a e o l o g y . o n . c a

Artifacts from the Archaeological Service Inc. excavation on Queen Street in FortErie (photo credit: Douglas Todd)

Ontario Archaeological SocietyBBOOAARRDD OOFF DDIIRREECCTTOORRSS

PPrreessiiddeennttJean-Luc [email protected]

SSeeccrreettaarryy//TTrreeaassuurreerrJim Keron(519) [email protected]

DDiirreeccttoorr ooff CChhaapptteerr SSeerrvviicceessSteven Timmerman(519) [email protected]

DDiirreeccttoorr ooff HHeerriittaaggee AAddvvooccaaccyyNeal [email protected]

DDiirreeccttoorr ooff MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp SSeerrvviicceessAlistair [email protected]

DDiirreeccttoorr ooff EEdduuccaattiioonnRyan [email protected]

DDiirreeccttoorr ooff SSttuuddeenntt SSeerrvviicceessJennifer [email protected]

DDiirreeccttoorr ooff CCoommmmuunniiccaattiioonnssCarole Stimmell(416) 698-1164 Ext. 23 (w)[email protected]

EExxeeccuuttiivvee DDiirreeccttoorrLorie HarrisPO Box 62066Victoria Terrace Post OfficeToronto, Ontario M4A 2W1Phone/fax: (416) 406-5959executive-director@ontarioarcha-

eology.on.ca

AAPPPPOOIINNTTMMEENNTTSSEEddiittoorr,, OOnnttaarriioo AArrcchhaaeeoollooggyy

Andrew [email protected]

EEddiittoorr,, AArrcchh NNootteessSheryl Smith ([email protected])Carole Stimmell ([email protected])

EEddiittoorr,, WWeebbssiitteeJean-Luc Pilon

CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEESSAAddvvooccaaccyy TTaasskk FFoorrccee

Chair: Neal FerrisCarole Stimmell

AAwwaarrddss aanndd VVoolluunntteeeerr RReeccooggnniittiioonnCCoommmmiitttteeee

Chair: Jennifer Birch

BBooaarrdd RReevviieeww CCoommmmiitttteeeeChair: Holly MartelleAlicia Hawkins and Jim Keron

EEdduuccaattiioonn CCoommmmiitttteeeeChair: Ryan PrimroseCarole Stimmell

FFiirrsstt NNaattiioonnss LLiiaaiissoonn CCoommmmiitttteeeeChair: Jean-Luc Pilon (OAS, Museum of

Civilization)

NNoommiinnaattiinngg CCoommmmiitttteeeeTBA

PPrrooffeessssiioonnaall CCoommmmiitttteeeeChair: Alistair JollyCathy Crinnion, Holly Martelle, Jean-Luc Pilon, Paul Racher, Andrew Murray

MMooddeerraattoorr –– OOnnttaarriioo AArrcchhaaeeoollooggiiccaall SSoocciieettyyLLiissttsseerrvvee ((OOAASS--LL)) hhttttpp::////tteecchh..ggrroouuppss..yyaahhoooo..ccoomm//ggrroouupp//OOAASS--LL//

Vito Vaccarelli

January/February 2009 Arch Notes 14(1)

3

January/February 2009 Arch Notes 14 (1)

Irecently returned to Canadafollowing a trip to southern Chile,Patagonia, where I examined

ethnographic collections relating toFuegians/Patagonians and carried outsite survey and visits on the northernside of the Straits of Magellan with alocal archaeologist from the Univer-sidad de Magallanes, Alfredo Prieto.This is a part of the world which haslong interested me, especially as it is,like Canada, a region of harsh climate.My hope is to see some valuablebilateral exchanges where we learnmore about our respective realities,

both the points in common as well asthe significant differences. Hopefullyan exhibition which would enlightenus about our southern confrères of thecold (a mantle that Canadians love towear over their high-tech insulatedouterwear) will some day be seen inboth Canada and the southern cone ofthis continent.

Our perception of South Americausually focuses on high civilizationsor tropical environments. The tip ofthat continent only rarely enters ourimagination except through thebiased eyes of casual XIXth century

European observers. In spite of agreat many more serious studies ofthe peoples of Tierra del Fuego andPatagonia, in the English speakingworld, the words of Charles Darwinstill ring loudly: “the most abject andmiserable creatures I anywherebeheld.”

Yet these people were successful inliving in this most southerly region ofthe continent (where, by the way,some of the oldest archaeologicalremains of the Americas south of theglaciers [Monte Verde, Chile] are to befound) and later studies showed that

PPRREESSIIDDEENNTT’’SS MMEESSSSAAGGEE

4


while their material condition was notthe same as that of other groups, theirspiritual world was quite complex andwell-furnished.

The only reason for bringing thisup now is to make the point thatDarwin’s observations and opinionsare not easily challenged, not becauseof their basis in fact, but because ofwho he is and the place he has cometo occupy in the modern scientificworld with his theory of the origins ofspecies. He was a fine and brilliantnaturalist, but he was not ananthropologist.

Recently (Jan. 23, 2009), the TorontoStar published an article about abottle collector and his passion forlearning about the past through thediscovery of old dump sites and thesearch for their precious booty ofbottles. Reading this article reallyallows you to understand that thisyoung man and his friends areearnest in their appreciation forhistory and the opportunity to comeinto close and personal contact with itis exhilarating. OAS membersabsolutely understand this.

Troubling, however, is that thearticle excitingly promotes such aninterest that flies in the face of someof the basic notions underlyingarchaeology; the controlled recoveryof objects and information, and theirpreservation and sharing. Societyagrees with such notions since thispast belongs to the collectivity who,though their legislature, enacted lawsto ensure that the past is consideredand, in as much as is reasonable,preserved for the future.

There has been a law to protectarchaeological sites and manage theirstudy in Ontario for 34 years now, yeta major newspaper in a majorCanadian city publishes in 2009 anarticle which undermines the basicprinciples of the Heritage Act.Imagine if we were talking about thethrill of driving on public streets athigh speed without a driving permitand without respecting speed rulesand road safety regulations. The

outcry would be intolerable and nonewspaper would ever carry such astory.

Of course, human safety does notcompare with dirty old bottles longabandoned to garbage dumps. Still,the media have a duty to beresponsible in their reporting andstory telling, because, like thosereading the great Charles Darwin,most readers will not be in a positionto critically evaluate some of theimplications I’ve just mentioned. Andso, as far as a great many readers ofthe Toronto Star’s Living section areconcerned, they too can go out andrummage through the countrysidelooking for old dumps, or old housefoundations, or construction sites, orploughed fields, or…and pick up,collect, dig up, whatever they see.After all, the Star showed them it’sokay.

As OAS members and people with agenuine interest in the past, we canserve as models and we can also bringsuch articles and attitudes to theattention of newspapers and othermedia by writing to them andsuggesting there are alternatives todigging for bottles which yieldsurprising results like new insightsinto the past revealing lost bits of ourhistory, etc. I am not advocating thatanyone should carry a stick here, butwe could and should be prepared toput out a few carrots.

On Jan. 11th, the board of directorsmet for the last meeting of the 2008board and the first of the 2009 board.Alicia Hawkins and Henry vanLieshout made their lastpresentations and left the board withour thanks and before they partedwith us, they left us withcommitments to be available if andwhen we have need of their talentsand knowledge. In fact, Henry willcontinue to guide the transitionprocess for our new Secretary/Trea-surer, Jim Keron.

At the same time, we welcomednew board members Neal Ferris andSteve Timmermans, who, along with

our still new Executive-Director, LorieHarris, will be slowly entering thefray of Ontario archaeology from theperspective of the board of directorsof the OAS (which, I dare say, isdifferent from other vantage points).

I agreed to continue in my role asPresident of the OAS for one last year,after which I am prepared to stay onthe board for an additional year inorder to ensure a smooth transition.There remain several projects that Iwished to see through or at least seestarted before I left. While I think thelist may be somewhat ambitious, it isstill worth keeping on the frontburner of the stove. This list includes1) a revamped website; 2) encou-raging a province-wide network ofarchaeology-related organizations/in-stitutions/interpretive centers, etc.; 3)finding some way of bringingattention to Ontario archaeology on aprovince-wide basis; 4) finding waysthrough collaboration with siblingorganizations, of commemorating the400th anniversary of Champlain’s firstdescriptions of lands now within theprovince of Ontario.

Do you have ideas about any of theabove or other related subjectspertaining to Ontario archaeology orthe OAS? Don’t hesitate to contactmyself, Lorie Harris or any of theboard members and share them withus. Feedback is so important andyour suggestions are always welcome,even if we cannot always act on them.

So while the snow continues to flyhere in the national capital region andthe Ottawa buses get back on the roadafter a 51 (!) day strike, continue towrite up last summer’s work andconsider producing articles forOntario Archaeology or Arch Notes(Sheryl Smith, our new Arch Noteseditor will appreciate it!) becausebefore you know it, the sun will warmand the trowels will come out again,marking the beginning of yet anotherseason of discovery.

Jean-Luc PilonOAS President

5


OOAASS CCHHAAPPTTEERRSS’’ CCOORRNNEERR

While the outdoor excavation activities ofthe chapters may be on hold until thespring thaw, chapters continue to holdpublic lectures and other events.

Below are some of the recent and upcomingactivities of the chapters. Abstracts of the talks areoften available on the chapter websites listed on theback page of ArchNotes.

Ottawa

GORDON & MARGARET WATSON BURSARY

Gordon Watson, a founding member of the OttawaChapter OAS, died in June 2007, predeceased by hiswife Margaret. He received several awards for hisconsiderable contribution to archaeology: the J.Norman Emerson Silver Medal Award, the PeggiArmstrong Public Archaeology Award, and the Spiritof Trent Award. All this came after ‘retirement’ andthe completion of an M.A in Anthropology(Archaeology) at Trent University!

In recognition of Gordon and Margaret’s dedicationto archaeology, their support of the OntarioArchaeological Society and their inspiration toothers, the Ottawa Chapter has established a bursaryin partnership with Trent University. The objective isto make an award each year to a needy graduatestudent studying Canadian archaeology/anthro-pology.

To qualify for matching Provincial funds, thusforming the basis of an endowment, donations mustreach $6,250. Trent University will monitor the fundsand award the bursary. If the above amount is notreached in 2009, the award will be made for two orthree years, but will lapse when the funds have beenused up.

The Ottawa Chapter hopes that if you have notcontributed to this fund and would like to rememberGordon and Margaret in this way, you will do so bygoing to our web site where you will find the form orwhere you may contribute electronically –www.ottawaoas.ca.

•The Ottawa Chapter is notifying everyone that,

effective Jan. 1, 2009, its membership rates are: $20individual, $25 family, $12 student (no change).

TorontoFebruary 18: Robert von Bitter, Ontario Ministry of

Culture“Management of Archaeological Site Data at the

Ontario Ministry of Culture”

March 18: Dena Doroszenko,Ontario Heritage TrustTBD (FYI: Arni Brownstone had a conflict with a

conference in Germany and will speak at anothermeeting.)

April 15: Helen Mills“The Archaeology of Toronto's Lost Rivers”

May 21: John Steckley “Finding the St. Lawrence Iroquoians and BenKingsley: How I spent my summer vacation”

September 16: Dr. Jock McAndrews, University ofToronto

“Did a Comet Kill Clovis?”

Toronto Chapter meetings are held at 19 RussellStreet, Room 246, starting at 7:30 pm. This buildinghouses the Anthropology Department of theUniversity of Toronto.

Thunder BayJim Keron recently stumbled on a web page with

Thunder Bay Chapter information through LakeheadUniversity. The URL is http://anthropology.lakehe-adu.ca/?display=page&pageid=80.Members may wishto check with their local universities to see if they, too,can add such links and promote their own Chapters.

Please edit your address books and deleteany reference to the old email address‘[email protected]’.

In the future please use either [email protected] for LorieHarris or [email protected] generic inquires.

OAS email has changed

6


by Aleksandra Pradzynski

Picture a cold March day in 2008along the shore of the NiagaraRiver in the town of Fort Erie,

Ontario. A group of archaeologistsfrom Archaeological Services Inc.(ASI) was excavating in deep trenches,when one unearthed artifactquickened some hearts. It was a largeOnondaga biface measuringapproximately 16 cm in length and 6.5cm in width (Fig. 1). This exquisitemasterpiece, datingto the EarlyWoodland period,could easilyovershadow anyother point.

ASI was hired bythe Buffalo and FortErie Public BridgeAuthority in orderto monitor thereconstruction ofQueen Street,between CentralAvenue and theNiagara Parkway,that could impactthe Peace Bridgesite (AfGr-9). Stage4 archaeologicalmonitoring andsalvage excavationof this highlysensitive area wasneeded before anywater and sanitarysewers could bereplaced.

The town isdusted witharchaeological sitesand chances offinding burieda r c h a e o l o g i c a ldeposits in Fort

Erie are always very high. Theunderlying reason for thisphenomenon is because of its locationon an Onondaga quarry, and becauseof the wealth of natural features. Thispart of Fort Erie was occupied by onegeneration after another. Researchhas shown that 4,000 years of humanoccupation have left a deep impact onthis region.

A smooth bucket backhoe excavatedlong trenches along Queen Street innew alignments for services. Layers of

fill, asphalt and granular weremechanically removed exposing intactstratigraphic deposits (Figs. 2 and 3).

Numerous features ranging fromthe Late Archaic to Late Woodlandperiods were hidden under a thicklayer of black organic paleosol. All soilprofiles and features werephotographed and recorded. Then,features and paleosols were hand-excavated and screened through 6mmmesh. Paleosol was similarly hand-excavated in one metre units.

Investigators collectedsoil samples forflotation and artifactsfor further analysis.

P r e v i o u sinvestigations (e.g.White 1966, Williamsonand MacDonald 1997,1998, Williamson et al.2006) produced massiveamounts of artifactsand the 2008excavations were nodifferent. Undisturbedorganic paleosol wassaturated with artifactsincluding lithic,ceramic and faunalremains. Most of theflaked lithicassemblage consistedof debitage though italso contained largequantities of tools suchas projectile points,bifaces, drills, scrapersand gravers. TheGenesee perioddominated theassemblage, which wasrepresented not only byprojectile points butalso by preforms anddrills. Besides theGenesee type, other

The Reconstruction of Queen Streetin Fort Erie, Ontario

Figure 1: Find of the day. This large early Woodland biface wasuncovered in Fort Erie. (photo credit: Douglas Todd)

7


frequently encountered tools includedLate Archaic Adder Orchard andEarly Woodland Meadowood points.

Ground stone tools wererepresented by numerous netsinkers,hammerstones and celts. Pre-contactceramic artifacts were excavatedmostly from the features and postmoulds; however, some were alsorecovered from the paleosol.Generally, they represent early formswith predominantly cord-markedsurfaces and coarse-tempered paste.In addition to the Aboriginalcomponent, historic Euro-Canadianfeatures were identified and artifactsrecovered.

Archaeological excavations havealways captivated the attention of thebroader public interested inAboriginal history and Fort Erieresidents are especiallyknowledgeable of their significance.Recent discoveries have provided newinsights into one of the most famoussites of this region; however, we stillhave to wait for the final results as theartifacts are yet to be analyzed.

White, M.E.1966 The Orchid SiteOssuary, Fort Erie,Ontario. Bulletin of theNew York StateArchaeologicalAssociation 38: 1-35.

Williamson, R.F. and R.IMacDonald (editors)1997 In the Shadow ofthe Bridge: TheArchaeology of the PeaceBridge (AfGr-9), 1994-1996 Investigations.Toronto, ArchaeologicalServices Inc.

1998 Legacy of Stone: Ancient Lifeon the Niagara Frontier.Toronto: Eastendbooks.

Williamson, R.F., S.J. Austin and D.A.Robertson (editors)

2006 In the Shadow of the BridgeII: The Archaeology of thePeace Bridge Site (AfGr-9),1997-2000 Investigations.Toronto, ArchaeologicalServices Inc.(http://www.archaeologicalservices.on.ca/Publications/Reports/PeaceBridgeSiteShadow2Report.pdf)

Figure 2: Test Trench on Waterloo Street north of Queen Streetin Fort Erie. (photo credit: Aleksandra Pradzynski)

Figure 3: Stratigraphy from the excavations atFort Erie. (photo credit: Douglas Todd)

REFERENCES

8


The 42nd annual meeting of the Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) will be held at the Valhalla Innin Thunder Bay, Ontario from May 13-17, 2009. Thunder Bay is located on the west side of Lake Superior withinthe spectacular scenery afforded by the Norwester Hills and southern boreal forest.

The organizing committee of the CAA 2009 Meeting is pleased to announce a call for papers/posters andinvite you to Thunder Bay. There is no specific theme for this meeting but instead we anticipate examining avariety of interesting issues to archaeologists working in Canada and nearby.

Paper presentations will be scheduled for 20 minutes each including questions. All rooms will be equippedwith digital projectors, laptops and screens; however, slide and overhead projectors will not be provided.

Posters will be limited to a maximum size of 0.9m x 1.2m (3' x 4'), in order to provide space for allparticipants. The Lakehead University Anthropology Association student group will provide a prize for boththe best undergraduate and graduate poster.

Please submit an abstract of 150 words or less on the separate Paper/Poster Form by the deadline of April 3,2009 to the email address below (preferably). If you have any questions, contact the program coordinator at:

Email: [email protected] Coordinator, CAA 2009 Meetingc/o Dept. of AnthropologyLakehead University955 Oliver RoadThunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1

Note: According to CAA regulations, presenters must be members in good standing. To join the CAA, pleasecontact:

Jeff HunstonSecretary-Treasurer, CAA 4 Salter PlaceWhitehorse, Yukon Y1A 0C6 Email: [email protected]

Also, please check our web site frequently for updates at:http://flash.lakeheadu.ca/~pnhollin/CAA2009.html

Canadian ArchaeologicalAssociation Annual

Meeting 2009

Call for Papers and Posters

9


by Karen RyanResearch Fellow, CanadianMuseum of Civilization

J. Norman Emerson is bestremembered for hiscontributions to Ontario

archaeology, where he conducteddecades of research on the region’sMiddle and Late Woodland periodoccupations. He is also recognised forhis key role in establishing both theCanadian Archaeological Association(CAA) and the OntarioArchaeological Society (OAS).

Less widely known is his 1954 and1955 fieldwork in the Canadian Arctic,when he travelled to north-western

Hudson Bay to participate in a projectdirected by Henry B. Collins. In 1955he worked alongside two fellowCanadian archaeological luminaries,William E. Taylor, Jr. and James V.Wright.

It was during this second season,following a mid-June stopover atCoral Harbour on SouthamptonIsland, that the quartet and their gearwere taken almost 65 km south toNative Point, where a number ofarchaeological sites are located. Thetwo day dog sled journey overdeteriorating spring sea ice was, asrecounted in Collins’ (1955) log, aparticularly memorable experience(Fig. 1).

At Native Point the group spent five

weeks excavating ruins of theSadlermiut, a poorly known Inuitgroup that became culturally extinctin 1902-1903, and also investigatedseveral Dorset Palaeoeskimo sites.The Dorset were of special interest as,only recently defined by DiamondJenness, they were thought to be thevanished ‘Tunit’ of Inuit oral history.

A Peterhead boat from CoralHarbour arrived at the end of July totransport everyone to Walrus Island,a low-lying islet approximately 80 kmsouth where additional sites had beenreported. Collins’ 1955 log imparts theexperience of eight hours spent insidea cramped cabin while the boatpitched and rolled its way through iceand heavy seas. Certainly everyone’s

constitution was tested onthe passage.

Going ashore, Collinsdescribed the topography asconsisting of “granite ledgesand chasms which call forthe agility of a mountaingoat.” As suitable campingspots were at a premium,they settled on a low gravelbeach ridge connecting twoareas of higher elevation.

EMERSON’S ARCTIC: A WALRUS ISLAND LOVE SONG

Figure 1: By dog sled toNative Point. Taylor,Wright, and Emerson arethird, fourth, and fifthfrom the left (Collinstook the photograph).Note Emerson’s guitarcase on the secondkomatik, or sled. Giventhe poor condition of theice, canoes were lashedto the sleds and held theexpedition’s gear toprotect it from waterabove and below the ice’ssurface.

10


After four days, theweather rapidly soured as amajor wind storm, bringingboth snow and rain, blew in.At camp, tents previously 10feet from the high tide lineshortly becameoverwhelmed by wind-drivensea spray and were furtherthreatened by a storm surgewhich promised to swampthe entire isthmus. Followinga hasty retreat, in the midstof howling winds andblowing snow, to higher andbetter protected ground (Fig.2), a late supper was eatenand the mood brightened.

As midnight neared,Emerson picked up hisguitar to lead one of thegroup’s regular evening‘song fests’. He took theopportunity to premier anew song whose lyricssuccinctly captured hisfeeling for the island.Parodying ‘Pagan LoveSong’, the theme song from aTahitian-set movie of thesame name released in 1950,the words (as recorded byHenry Collins) offer awonderfully tongue in cheekinsight into Emerson’s finalarctic experience.

Come with me where breakersPound the boulder shoreAnd the ancient TunitWalk the rocks no more.Deep and jagged ridges Ground by ice and snowHaul-up place for walrusBarren above, below.

This is Walrus Island,Black and grey and drearWhere no moonlight glistensAnd no moonbeams peer.

Land of ancient TunitsHouse rocks fallen inLichen covered relicsOf a life that’s been.

Land where Nanook wanders,Seas where Inuk dwellsWhere great silence settlesAs the tide just swells.Stinking, bug-filled waterFills your cup of teaCome with me to WalrusIf Dorset you would see.

REFERENCES

Collins, H.B.1955 Excavation Log, 1955.

Manuscript No. 1975 on file atthe Canadian Museum ofCivilization. Gatineau.

1955 Photos – Southampton Islandand Walrus Island, 1955.Manuscript No. 1969 on file atthe Canadian Museum ofCivilization. Gatineau.

Figure 2: Walrus Island, the day after the storm. The three hastily relocated tentsare now crowded onto the only relatively dry and flat land found on this part ofthe island. Collins’ photograph shows Wright and Taylor (?) in front of the tents,while sodden jackets and boots are spread on the rocks behind to dry.

Walrus Island

11


12


By Jennifer Birch

The latest volume to detail thehistory of Canada’s largestcity considers equally itsnatural setting, its prehistoric

past and its contemporary face.Toronto: A Short Illustrated History ofIts First 12,000 Years, edited by RonaldF. Williamson isan accessible andenjoyable read,equally suited toboth scholars andschoolchildren.

The preface byPeter CarruthersintroducesToronto as ameeting place anda middle ground.He describes thetransportationroutes that runthrough the city,beginning withthe aboriginalportage routesrunning betweenthe Upper andLower GreatLakes, presentlytaking the form ofthe analogoushighway 400. Healso highlightshow Toronto’s unique geographyplaces it at a point of economic andcultural exchange both within Canadaand relative to our southernneighbours. His emphasis on Toronto’s“interconnectedness” sets the stage forthe next five chapters, written byarchaeologists and historians withuncommon knowledge of the processesthat comprise Toronto’s geographical

and social history. The first chapter by Robert I.

MacDonald outlines Toronto’s naturalhistory. A description of the geologyand glacial history of northeasternNorth America includes an explanationof how some of the more pervasivefeatures of the landscape of theToronto area came to be. MacDonald

also describes the watersheds of thecity, including the changes inhydrology wrought by moderndevelopment and the effects on theflora and fauna whose habitat they flowthrough.

With OAS members as an obviousexception, there are few people livingin the Toronto area today who areaware of the deep history of human

settlement in the region. Ronald F.Williamson rises to the task ofsummarizing 11,000 years of humanoccupation in an insightful overviewthat links the remains of past peopleswith the modern cityscape. He usescontemporary landmarks to orient thereader to prehistoric sites and eventsthat lie in generally shallow deposits

beneathcontemporaryparks, intersectionsand buildings. Hisdescription coversthe Paleo-Indianperiod, archaichunter-gatherer-fishers, theintroduction of foodproduction and thebeginnings ofvillage life andsubsequentIroquoian socialdevelopments. Hehighlightsimportantarchaeological sitesand resources inand around the cityand moves the bookinto the contactperiod with theobservation thatthe first Europeansettlement of

Toronto was simply a continuation ofpatterns that had been in place forthousands of years.

In the third chapter, Carl Bennpresents an historical overview of thecolonial transformation of Toronto. Hebegins with the dynamic relationshipbased on loose alliances, trade andmilitary skirmishes between the Nativeinhabitants of the region and the

BOOK REVIEW

Toronto: A Short Illustrated History ofIts First 12,000 years

13


French and English newcomers. Thepurchase of the city of Toronto fromthe Mississauga in 1787 (for £1700 incash and goods) heralded the end ofthe coexistence of Native -Europeaneconomic interests and the beginningsof the commercial-agriculturaleconomy that dominated the regionwell into the present era. Benncondenses an amazing amount ofhistory into this chapter, including theWar of 1812-1814, the dramatic increasein Toronto’s population between 1815and 1851 and the transformation ofToronto from a remote outpost into anurban and provincial capital.

Christopher Andreae describesToronto’s “Age of Industry” in thefourth chapter. He emphasizes theimportance of railways in connectingthe city to other major centres of thenortheast and beyond. With neweconomic prosperity in Toronto came adifficulty that the city still struggleswith today – urban growth and theneed for improvements in urban

planning, formal education, policingand public health. Andreae is careful tonote that while many of Toronto’slandmark cultural and economicinstitutions came into being at thistime, poverty and slum housing stillcharacterized some parts of the citywell into the early twentieth century.

Chapter five, written by Roger Hall,takes Toronto into the twenty-firstcentury. His lively prose describes theToronto during World War II, the post-war growth in population, suburbia,industry and cultural pursuits,including the multi-ethnic vigor of thecity today. Hall writes that it ischallenging to pin-point a single dateor event that marks the emergence ofwhat might be called modern Toronto.He also notes that the development ofthe city of Toronto was not a“Cinderella story,” and characterizesthe city instead as a “middle-aged,middle class aunt or uncle…decidedlyhuman, and wearing sensible shoes.”That said, the juxtaposition of this

statement with a brilliant photo of theMichael-Lee Chin Crystal, lit with amyriad of colours and moving imageson its opening night at the RoyalOntario Museum stands in oppositionto any characterization of Toronto asdull.

This book, like the city itselfsuccessfully seeks and inhabits amiddle ground. With inspired text anda myriad of inviting photographs,paintings and images, Toronto: AnIllustrated History of Its First 12,000Years breathes life into the history ofthe city, creating images of past eventson modern street corners and invitingthe reader to imagine the city as it waswithout compromising everythingToronto is today.

Toronto: An Illustrated History of ItsFirst 12,000 Years edited by RonaldF. Williamson. Published by JamesLorimer & Company Ltd., 160 pp.ISBN 978-1-55277-007-8. $29.95.2008.

All lectures are held on Wednesday evenings startingat 7 p.m. at the Tollkeeper’s Cottage Museum,Tollkeeper’s Park (NW corner Davenport & Bathurst)

11 February – Gary Sault, Elder & StorytellerStories from the Past affecting the Future

18 February – Carolyn King, Former ChiefIndians 101: Who are the Aboriginal People in Canadatoday?

25 February – Stacey LaForme, PoetBeing an Indian in a Non-Indian World

4 March – Margaret Sault, Historian & Land ClaimsExpertThe Toronto Purchase Land Claim

Refreshments will be served and a Q&A period willfollows each lecture

Individual Lecture $15 / Series $50 Tickets available at door

Community History ProjectFounded in 1983 Incorporated in 1987Mail: c/o Spadina Road Library,10 Spadina Road Toronto ON M5R 2S7Office: Scotiabank 79 Queen St. E. Second FloorToronto ON 416-515-7546Proceeds of the series go tor upkeep of the Tollkeeper’sCottage Museumwww.tollkeeperscottage.ca

COMMUNITY HISTORY PROJECTSPRING 2009 HERITAGE LECTURE SERIES

The Mississaugas of the New Credit(Original Toronto Landowners)

14


The OAS’s 2009 Symposium will be held inWaterloo on the weekend of October 16-18.The central theme for the symposium is

“Ontario Archaeology: Expanding the Audience.”Our research into Ontario’s archaeological record ispart of a worldwide endeavor studying the entirearchaeological record of all humanity, and clearlythere is widespread public interest in the results ofarchaeological research as shown by the popularityof many archaeological sites as tourist destinationsas well as by the proliferation of archaeology-themed television shows on the Discovery andHistory channels, etc.

In this context, we would like to use the 2009 OASsymposium to explore the potential of expanding theaudience for information concerning Ontario’sarchaeological record both among the general publicand among archaeological scholars. We anticipatethat papers on a wide variety of topics will fit nicelywithin this theme. The following questions point tosome of the issues that we hope to see explored:

Are we telling the right kinds of stories about ourarchaeological work and about what we havelearned from our excavations here in Ontario, inorder to interest the general public? Naturally wefind what we do to be fascinating but mostarchaeologists practicing in Ontario were trained inuniversity to focus on certain categories ofinformation such as subsistence or settlementpatterns, or culture history.

Are these categories the best way to present ourfindings to non-archaeologists or are there otherthings that we can learn about and talk about thatwould be of more interest or relevance to them?

Are some of the newer topics within academicarchaeology, such as the archaeology of childhood,worth exploring more fully using archaeologicaldata from Ontario?

Are we making effective use of all possible meansof making our findings accessible to the public?

How can we find out what new kinds ofarchaeological information, or new ways of

presenting our findings, might be of interest to thepublic?

To what extent are we working to make what wehave learned about the archaeology of Ontariointeresting or relevant to archaeologists who workelsewhere? Data or approaches to certain issues ortopics that were important in Ontario’s past areclearly relevant elsewhere. These topics include (butare by no means limited to): The initial humancolonization of the region; Hunting and gathering ina temperate forest environment; Responding toclimate and environmental change; The adoption offood production; Culture contact; Trade; Conflict.

Are there comparisons that can be drawn betweenthese aspects of Ontario’s archaeological record andthe same aspects of the archaeological record ofother parts of the world that might have thepotential to reveal new insights? We therefore invitepapers that make comparisons between aspects ofOntario’s archaeological record with the sameaspects of the archaeological record of other regions,especially regions outside Northeastern NorthAmerica.

Finally, what kinds of things do we think that non-archaeologists, or archaeologists whose researchfocuses on other parts of the world, should know orwould want to know about Ontario archaeology?What are the most important contributions thatOntario archaeology has made or could make to theworldwide archaeological endeavor?

We look forward to seeing you all in Waterloo inOctober to explore together these and any otherquestions that anyone wishes to contribute with thegoal of expanding Ontario archaeology’s audience.We especially hope that students of archaeology willcontribute papers since many of these issues will beof vital importance to them in their future careerswithin the field.

Everyone should feel free to direct any questionsconcerning paper topics or the symposium to RobertPark ([email protected]) or Robert MacDonald([email protected]).

First call for papers for the2009 OAS Symposium

in Waterloo

15


OOnnttaarriioo FFiieelldd SScchhoooollssTrent University Field School

The field school will focus on non-invasivearchaeological data collection and analysis. It willbe working mainly in the vicinity of TrentUniversity, concentrating on the documentationand reconstruction of 19th century settlementpatterns. The program runs between 18 May and 26June.

Contact: http://www.trentu.ca/anthro-pology/ontario.php or [email protected]

McMaster University Field School

The field school offered by the Department ofAnthropology will be located in the Hamilton areathis summer, exact location TBA. Excavations inprevious years have investigated Princess Pointcomponents of Cootes Paradise.

Contact: [email protected]

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority(TRCA) Boyd Archaeological Field School

Over a three week period, students develop andmaster interdisciplinary knowledge and skillsthrough the exploration of Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian histories. The course includes lecturesand hands-on work at an archaeological site underthe instruction of certified teachers andarchaeologists.

This field school is operated in partnership withthe York Region Board of Education and studentswill earn a Grade 12 Interdisciplinary StudiesCredit.

Contact: http://www.boydfieldschool.org [email protected]

Wilfrid Laurier University Field School

Professor Dean Knight will be offering a fieldschool at the Baumann Site, a circa A.D. 1450Huron village near Orillia.

Contact: [email protected]

CCaalllliinngg AAllll FFiieelldd SScchhoooollDDiirreeccttoorrss

The OAS has been contacted by a number ofmembers seeking to enlist with accredited oravocational field schools in 2009. We intend topublish such a revised list in the March/April issue

of Arch Notes. Please send information directly to us at

[email protected] no later thanMarch 15, 2009 if you have information to add to theexisting list.

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Trent UniversityBelize Field School

Conduct Maya Archaeology at Minanha with theTrent/SARP 2009 Field School. The SocialArchaeology Research Program (SARP) is a long-term project focused on the investigation of ancientMaya sociopolitical interaction.

Applications will be evaluated beginning April 1,only 20 spaces available. Please contact Dr. GylesIannone for an application package.

Contact: [email protected] orhttp://www.trentu.ca/anthropology/belize.php

University of Toronto Portugal Field School

Gain valuable experience in excavation andartifact recovery techniques, as well as recordingmethods involving measured drawings and sitephotography while excavating a hilltop enclosuredating from the 3rd to 2nd millennium B.C.Enrolment is limited.

Contact: [email protected] [email protected]

VVoolluunntteeeerr OOppppoorrttuunniittiieess iinnOOnnttaarriioo

The Davidson Site

The Davidson excavation (late archaicbroadpoint) has opportunities for volunteers on alimited pre approved basis. Commitments of atleast several days are preferred and we will need toschedule the volunteers ahead of time so that wecan adequately manage and supervise theexcavation. The site is located in the Grand Bend /Parkhill area of southwestern Ontario.

Accommodations are up to the volunteer. Contact: [email protected]

FIELD SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES 2009

PO Box 62066Victoria Terrace Post OfficeToronto, Ontario M4A 2W1

(416) [email protected]

www.ontarioarchaeology.on.ca

Membership(Canadian $. Second figure includes asubscription to Ontario Archaeology)

Individual 34 / 46Family 38 / 50Student 23 / 32Institution / Corporate 60Life 750

Arch Notes submissionsContributor deadlines:

January 15March 15May 15July 15

September 15November 15

Send articles to:[email protected]

orArch Notes editor

PO Box 62066Victoria Terrace Post OfficeToronto, Ontario M4A 2W1

OntarioArchaeological

Society

The

Inc.

President: James B. BandowTreasurer: Chris Nisan

The Heights Editor: Art HoweyE-mail: [email protected]

Web: www.hwcn.org/link/hcoasMail: 27 Tamwood Court, Stoney Creek, ON L8J 2L1

Phone: (866) 243-7028Meetings: Fieldcote Museum, 64 Sulphur Springs Road, Ancaster, dates TBA

Membership: Individual $11, Family $28

President: John RaynorVice President: Ann MacKinnon

Secretary/Treasurer: Michael HenryMail: P.O. Box 82, Station Main, Midland, ON L4R 4P4Meetings: 2nd Thursday of every month Sept. to May at

Georgian Bay Métis Council, 355 Cranston Crescent, MidlandMembership: Individual $15, Family $18

President: Nancy VanSasVice President: Darcy Fallon

Treasurer: Chris EllisSecretary: Chris Dalton

Directors: Jake Anderson, Lindsay Foreman, Holly MartelleKEWA Editors: Christine Dodd & Chris Ellis

Web: www.ssc.uwo.ca/assoc/oasMail: Museum of Ontario Archaeology, 1600 Attawandaron Rd.,

London, ON N6G 3M6Phone: (519) 473-1360 Fax (519) 473-1363

Meetings: 8 pm on 2nd Thursday of the month except May–August; at MOAMembership: Individual/Family $18, Student, $15, Institutional $21

President: Glenna Roberts

Vice President: André MillerSecretary: Marilyn WittwerTreasurer: Bill MacLennan

Director at large: Stacey Girling-Christie and Stephanie GoodfellowOttawa Archaeologist Editor: Irene-Ann Lacroix

Web master: Yvon RiendeauWeb: www.ottawaoas.ca

Email address: [email protected]: PO Box 4939, Station E, Ottawa ON K1S 5J1

Meetings: Every 2nd Thursday of the month from Sept. to May; usually at RouthierCommunity Centre, 172 Guigues Street, Ottawa (in the Byward Market)

Membership: Individual $20, Family $25, Student $12

President: Clarence SuretteVice-President: Bill Ross

Secretary/Treasurer: Jennifer Surette Director: Frances Duke

E-mail: [email protected]://anthropology.lakeheadu.ca/?display=page&pageid=80

Meetings: 7 pm on the last Friday of the month in Room BB0017, Braun Building, Lakehead University

Membership: $5

President: Sylvia TeavesVice President: Janice Teichroeb

Treasurer: Norma KnowltonSecretary: Annie Gould

PROFILE Editor: Mima KapchesWeb: http://tinyurl.com/ebpfj

Meetings: 7:30 pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month, except June–Augustin U of T Anthropology Building, Room 246, 19 Russell St.

Membership: Individual $12, Family $14

President: Katherine GrahamPast president: Rosemarie Denunzio

Secretary: Barbara JohnsonTreasurer: Bob Drago

Web: http://ca.geocities.com/windsoroasContact: [email protected]

Membership: Individual $15, Family $20, Students $5

Hamiltonc h a p t e r

Ottawac h a p t e r

Thunder Bayc h a p t e r

Torontoc h a p t e r

Londonc h a p t e r

Windsorc h a p t e r

Huroniac h a p t e r

Documents

Artifacts from the Archaeological Service Inc. excavation ...glaciers [Monte Verde, Chile] are to be found) and later studies showed that ... hile the outdoor excavation activities