Old or new?

[oji]

I took a walk behind the Pemberton Twp. Library today. ( The Ongs Run flows right behind there) Directly behind the library is what seems to be a cellar hole and not too far away is another. Farther back in the woods, right behind Deborah Hospital I found rubble and a partial foundation. What I'm wondering is how can you tell if this is from 1840 or 1940?

 

[MarkBNJ]

That's quite a question . A professional might know right off, from local knowledge already in his or her possession, from inference based on related information, from types of materials remaining at the site, if any, or from the amount of soil build-up in the hole. Other physical clues at the site might be things like out-of-place trees or remnants of shrubbery that might give an idea of age. Bricks of a certain style. Iron nails and other such often tell a really clear tale just from their style, but that says when they were made, not when the place was last used. Glassware and other household discards are great clues, and sometimes found on the surface. Beyond that they would have to dig.

If I had to guess I would generally say that anything from the last century is unlikely to be completely filled unless it was demolished. If it's just a depression in the soil then it's probably well over 100 years. 1940's I think you would be looking at something clearly identifiable as a cellar, though partially filled with debris.

 

[oji]

Thanks Mark, Does anyone know when cinderblocks started to be used? Or when re-bar was introduced. I have noticed when an area is excavated on some construction sites in Philly they dig up old bricks that are rectangular blocks that are solid, they don't have holes like the new bricks being put up now. They also seem soft and more porous than the new ones.

 

[Pine Baron]

Oji:

Portland cement used in block making was invented in the 1820's. Mass produced concrete blocks from molds were not used until the late 19th century. Previously, blocks were solid and very heavy. Blocks made with coal cinders were made sometime in the 20th century. Steel reinforced concrete was first used in the 1880's. I hope this helps in your research.

 

[woodjin]

Oji,
I might have some answers for you on those foundations you found. I will have to find some resorces of mine first though. I'll get back to you. How large approx. were the foundations?

Jeff

 

[oji]

Jeff, Behind the library were what appeared to be cellar holes with no debris. They were about 8 by 10 feet if my memory is correct. I'll check them out if I make it to the library this weekend. Behind Deborah I saw the partial foundation. I seemed to be the entranceway into the house and there was bricks and rubble scattered around. I think this was the house that was lived in by a local downtown character that we called "Doc Old Boy".