Introduction:

On June 22nd 1996 an archaeological survey took place near the village of Cumberland by an Ottawa Chapter OAS survey crew consisting of Helen and Peggi Armstrong, Marian Clark, Bill McLellan, Jim Montgomery, Jean-Luc Pilon and myself . The surface inspection resulted in the location of former wharves and mills.

Location:

Historical Background:

In early 1890's, Mr. WIlson's sons Charles and George relocated the mills beside the actual ferry landing (the former Cameron wharf location).

Environmental Settings

Methodology:

Findings:

The inspection of subdivision lot # 4 has revealed four features, consisting an embankment and foundation wall of a second wharf built in the early 1880's, more of concrete slab rubbles with tie rods.

The inspection and survey of subdivision lot #5 has revealed 28 features: one of them is the probable remains of a first wharf embankment built in circa 1860's still present in circa. 1879. The other observed features are the remains of grist mill and a granary built in the early 1880's. The wharf embankment area was later reused for a grist mill. The waterfront area has architectural features such as wooden beam, a pebble floor, rectangular block and a heavy assemblage several. bricks and stones rubble, plaster rubble, were observed. Other features such as walls, timber beam with bolts on a wall, miscellaneous hardware ( foundation rods, steam pipe, tie bolts, etc.) , a stone platform (which could have been a chimney base or a machinery platform) were also observed along the waterfront. The area has two wooden beams and foundation rods used to support a steam engines. Another wood remain were observed on top of a rises. These features can be associated with a grist mill.

Artifact Analysis:

Thirteen (54%) Architectural Class Artifacts :

• Eight bricks: one common red brick with mortar, and seven fire bricks, one identified as clinker fire brick with hardware, possibly an anchor brick. Six others buff coloured with brand names were dated from the late 19th C. Four firebricks with brand name were imported New Castle Upon the Tyne area. Two other firebrick had with parts of brand names. The Fire bricks were used for chimney, boiler cradle and steam engine foundations.
• Five Hardware: 4 flat metal sheets fragments dated late 19th century used for roofing, and one cut nail (datable to the late 19th C.) were collected.

• Two Ceramics: one ceramic bottle identified as late 19th C. salt/ tin glazed inkwell. Another ceramic was identified as an exfoliated white refine earthenware with blue transfer pattern.
• Six Medical Glass: 6 aqua medical glass bottle fragments:one was identified as Castor Oil Bottle finish dated to the circa.1880's. Two others possible necks fragments and three currently unidentified.

• Firearms: One firearm fragment was identified as a Lee-Enfield Rifle Butt Plate, circa.1907-1941.
• Two Metal Tools: One tool identified, as a 1927 Universal Oil and Grease Gun, the another tool identified as a late 19th century- 20th Century Flat Mill Bastard file.

The 1996 surface inspection and survey of the Wilson Properties and the Allowance Road area waterfront confirm the presence of wharves and an industrial complex during the late 19th century.

Additional information about other wharf installations and their role in the development of commerce in Prescott & Russell Counties of Ontario can be found at the following Web site by Jean-François Beaulieu: The Forgotten Wharves of Prescott - Russell.
 

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