ML19260A724
| ML19260A724 | |
| Person / Time | |
|---|---|
| Site: | Midland |
| Issue date: | 07/31/1979 |
| From: | Taggart D MICHIGAN, UNIV. OF, ANN ARBOR, MI |
| To: | |
| Shared Package | |
| ML19260A720 | List: |
| References | |
| NUDOCS 7912030158 | |
| Download: ML19260A724 (14) | |
Text
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Report of a Preliminary Archaeological Survey of a Transmission Right of Way from the Midland Plant to the Tittabawassee Substation for the Consumers Power Company (Contrac t #96304) by David Taggart for the University of Mic51gan Museum of Anthropology Creat Lakes Division Submitted to Environmental Services Dept.
Consumers Power Company Jackson, Michigan July 1979
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, 7912030 I E8' 1456 193
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Introduction This is a report of the results of an archaeological survey of a trans-mission right of way from the Consumers Power Company Midland Plant to their Tittabawassee Substation in southeast Midland County. This survey was requested by the Consumers Power Company. The University of Michigan Museum of Anthropology performed the field work daring May 1979, and submits the following report. The Proj ect Director is Ur. Doreen Ozker, Assistant Research Scientist, Great Lakes Division, Museum of Anthropology. The survey archae-ologist supervising riald work and preparing this report is Mr. David Taggart, Candidate in Anthropology (archaeology). Assisting field archaeologist is Mr. Ben Fischler, graduate student in Anthropology (archaeology) .
This survey has been conducted and reported in a manner to comply with the standards set by the Michigan History Division, Department of State, along guidelines of the National Park Service directive 36CFR66 for the preservation of historic, prehistoric and archaeological data.
Survey Area (Figure 1 in Appendix A)
The Survey Area is located in sections 35 and 36 of Midland Township (T14N, R2E) of Midland County, Michigan, along the southeast periphery of the city of Midland, Michigan. The survey area is roughly bounded within less than one square mile area marked by the Salzburg Road on the north, Waldo Road on the east, and the Tittabawassee River on the southwest. (The Tittabawassee River is rather closely paralleled by Saginaw Road to the northeast of the river.)
The survey area is not owned by the Consumers Power Company, howes er, an easement is pending.
The survey area may be described as consisting of three contiguous segments:
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2
- 1) This segment lies within the NWk of the SWk of section 36, a nearly square area (1/16 square mile) just west of the Tittabawassee substation bounded on the north by Milner Road, on the west by Waldo Road, and on the southwest by the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad bed. (This segment is roughly 1300 f eet on a side.)
- 2) This segment lies within the Nh of section 35. It is a northwest transect aligned roughly northwest of segment 1 (from northwest corner) and paralleling the Chesapeake and Ohio railroad on the northeast side between Waldo (north-south) and Salzburg (east-west) roads. At Salzburg Road, the right of way turns to the west, paralleling Sal = burg Road on the south side to the Tittabawassee River (and Saginaw Road). This transmission right of way will be 311 feet wide.
- 3) This segment lies within the SEk of section 35. It is a southwest transect aligned first to the west and then to the southwest of segment 1 (f rom southwest corner) and extending to the Tittabawassee River just west of the Gordonville Road bridge. This transmission right of way will be 72 feet wide.
Environment of the Survey Area The survey area, although of small compass, contains a variety of environ-mental :ones and represents a microcosm of the environmental types generally The survey found in the Saginaw-Midland County area of which it is a part.
area covers a portion of old lake bed
- with Late Pleistocene fossil lake shore features which was subsequently dissected by the Tittabawassee River in a com-As in plicated series of post-Pleistocene changes of water levels and flora.
the general area, it is a zone of low relief (less than 40 feet) and relatively
- (Martin 1955) 1456 197
flat topography. Both lowland riverine and upland habitats are present. The survey area lies several miles downstream f rom the confluence of Chippewa-Pine and Tittabawassee rivers. The Tittabawassee River is one of the largest rivers in the state and certainly contained one of the largest human populations in prehistoric timer. The glacial map of Michigan (Martin 1955) shows the area to be one of glacial lake bed with sandy areas overlying lake-deposited clays. As such it is an area of moderately to poorly drained soils.
Specifically, segment 3 transects an area between the north bank of the Tittabawassee River (at ca. 590 feet elevation) and segment i rising abruptly to about 615 feet elevation on the lake bed (to the northeast) . As such it exhibits riverside, floodplain, river levee (ca.600 feet), backswamp, old lake shore (ca. 600-605 feet) and old lake bed habitats.
Segment I represents an area of old lake bed with only slightly undu-lating topography and little overt drainage (615-620 feet elevation). Segment 2 represents an area of old lake bed (615-620 feet elevation) crossed by a pronounced transverse sand dune ridge at midpoint (625 f eet elevation). The only well-drained soils occur within or along the Tittabawassee River valley (levee and old lake shore) and upon the fossil beach-line dunes (625 feet).
Method of, Survey The entire survey area was covered by a walk-over surface reconnaissance to observe any visible remains of past cultural activity. This is most appli-cable to areas with exposed soil surfaces, although certain cultural features can be recognized even with relatively heavy plant cover. At the time of survey, the area was almost entirely covered by dense vegetatio,\ (meadow, old field succession, or second growth forest), therefore consiuerable use was also made 1456 198
4 of shovel-testing. Shovel-testing is the excavation of a series of one by one foot pits down to subsoil to provide a ' window' into the subsurface situation.
Shovel tests were spaced 25 to 50 feet apart. Soil removed from these small pits was carefully examined for traces of cultural material. Shovel testing was selectively applied also to the more f avorable areas (in this case coarser-textured soils in areas of better soil drainage). At the time of survey, the water table was quite high and surface water was quite abundant. Consequ ently more favorable areas of ten uere those where the soil was not soggy and was marked by rather subtle differences in elevation and vegetation, e.g. 0.5-1.0 feet or bracken (brake fern) versus sensitive fern.
Variations of these two methods were taken in extre=ely favorable or unf avorable situations. For instance, the Tittabawassee River levee (segment 3 just west of Cordonville Bridge) was a highly favorable area for prehistoric c pation and a 2 foot deep exposure of deposits was made in the alluvium to discern possible cultural remains. At the other extreme, the western half of segment 2 was so heavily disturbed by modern construction (roads, settling ponds) and soil removal and fill (industrial wastes) that examination for antecedent cultural activity was fruitless.
Survey Results The transmission line rights of way were surveyed on May 10 and 11,1979 by Ben Fischler and David Taggart. One prehistoric and two historic sites were found on the right of way, all in segment 2. All sites found were clearly visible to the naked eye and all shovel-tests were negative. Of all areas judged highly favorable for occupation previous to survey, only one showed exposed soil surface at the time of survey and there a site was located.
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5 A summary of recovered information is presented below:
Site 1: Scatters A_ and B (20MD406)( see Appendix B.)
Site 1-A lies along the eastern margin of the ridge which represents a small (?) remnant of a sand-mined ridge. Directly eas.t of this ridge is a larger swampy area which represents the main section of the mined ridge. Sparse cul-tural material was scattered within a ' blow-out area 50 feet in diameter.
Portions of the f.op of the ridge are covered with vegetation (chiefly grass, pin cherry, and locust) and show an intact topsoil marked by a relativel-,
uridisturbed podzol with thin Ay, A and B horizons y observable from edges of the sand blow-out.
Site 1-B represents a small scatter of cultural material about 25 feet in diameter (with similar context approximately 175 feet north and slightly east of 1-A (as the ridge is oriented southwest-northeast). Site 1-B may here be regarded as a part of the same site located just off the right of way.
As both areas lie along the east margin of the ridge toward the extensively mined area it is possible (if not probable) that they represent remnants of a once considerably larger site. As podzol remnants are present, it is also possible that additional scatters of material remain intact within the right of way.
Cultural material recovered from Site 1-A and 1-B is su=marized below
[ Grams Weight (Number)] :
Site 1-A Site 1-B Total Fire-Cracked Rock 119.9 (5) 13.7 (1) 133.6 (6)
Chert Spalls 0.2 (1) 5.5 (6) 5. 7 (7)
Quartzite Cobble (possible core)? ---
(NcS0ered boEebed Porcelain Insulator (?) 2.8 (1) ---
.8 (1)
. . c 6 Of the seven chert spalls recovered, five are Bayport chert, and two are of a banded gray chert (perhaps Eastport-Norwood chert) . All spalls are non-cortical and represent secondary trimming flakes (five edge-struck spalls and 1 chip of bif acial retouch).
The fossil beach ridge with which site 1 is associated probably relates to the Lundy-Elkton glacial lake shore of late Pleistocene times and hence could have been occupied at any time period from Paleo-Indian to the present.
The sparse cultural material suggests a rather specialized site probably relating to hunting camps with resharpening and replacement of projectile points.
The presence of fire-cracked rock, however, suggests some duration of occupation.
Site 2 (see Appendix B)
Site 2 is located within the right of way in an area of second growth forest. This site is on a very low sandy hu==ock on lake bed more or less surrounded by wetter finer textured soil supporting considerable wetland flora.
Site 2 is represented by a roughly 10 foot diameter water-filled depression (May 10,1979) bounded i= mediately by sparse historic cultural material of ceramics, metal, leather and wood -- particularly a flat-bottomed ceramic crock with convex 1y rounded converging top, iron barrel hoop and nearby large tin (?)
water bucket with pouring lip and wood board. A nearby large white oak shows wooden steps up the side. No cultural material was retained. The water-filled depression appears to be man-made and shallow. Although a more substantial structure could be nearby, none was noticed.
Site 2 would appear to represent a simple specialized historic structure of quite nodern age -- perhaps for obtaining or cooling water (?) or perhaps related i456 201
7 to deer hunting from a tree " blind."
Site 3 (See Appendi2 B)
Site 3 is represented by a roughly 30 by 50 foot rectangular concrete plat-form foundation with some concrete block structural material and adjacent depress %n with circular cement lid (well/ cistern) on the north side. Lily-of-the-valley (cf. Convallaria majalis) grows nearby as do . scattered archard-type trees, and meadow flora. No artifactual material was noticed or recovered.
Site 3 is represented by a structural symbol on the Midland South U.S.G.S.
1962 7.5' quadrangle map and hence evidently was a standing historic structure of uncertain age until quite recently.
Evaluation and Recommendations Site #1 (20MD406) represents a small probably diffuse prehistoric site probably occupied for a rather short period of time for specialized purposes, quite possibly hunting. With known evidence it is impossible to adequately estimate, let alone determine, its period of occupation or importance. As it is part of a sand ridge which has been badly disturbed in the past by sand mining, it may never be possible to adequately assess its significance. On the other hand, remnants of a relatively undisturbed soil horizon are present. These remnants may well contain portions of the site in undisturbed context.
Despite the large number of recorded sites in Midland County, especially Midland Township, the area has received relatively little professional attention.
It may well be that, only after considerably more attention has been paid the area, that the full significance of small sites such as 2GMD406 (site #1) will be understood. R2 ally small thin sites rarely co=e to the attention of 1456 202
8 archaeologists before they have been plowed. This site has never been plowed and undisturbed soil remnants with occupation may be present.
Avoidance or mitigation of site #1 (2GMD406) is recommended. Mitigation can take the form of careful excavation of undisturbed soil rema ncs of the ridge.
Summary of Recommendations for Mitigation
- Survey site #1 -- avoidance or mitigation recommended (20MD406)
Survey site #2 -- no mitigation recommended Survey site #3 -- no mitigation recommended References Cited Martin, Helen 1955 Map of the Surface Formations of the Southern Peninsula of Michigan.
Michigan Department oj[ Conservation, Geological Survey Division Publication 49.
U.S.G.S.
1962 Midland South Quadrangle (7.5').
- Addendum. On July 8,1979, Mr. David Taggart and Dr. Doreen Ozker inspected site 20MD406. L'e found that the portion of the sandy rise containing the site had been destroyed. It appeared that very recent (probably on the last working day of that week) earth moving activities had affected the site area by removal. Some of the surface soil and vegetation was clearly pushed down into the swamp on the noztheast side of the ridge, Mitigation or avoidance is no longer a consideration for 20MD406.
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9 Appendices to Report of a Preliminary Archaeological Survey of a Transmission Right of Way from the Midland Plant to the Tittabawassee Substation for the Consumers Power Company (Contract #96304)
A. Figure 1. The Survey Area.
B. Site Locations.
C. Site forms.
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lo Appendix A l
\ Salzburc Road Seg 02 '
I North A
Tow #45 8 U M A 1hSandRidgd
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$ te la"4 over
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S $ 44
% Site #2 + !
o Nl Milner Road Site #3 N '-
N E (f*g Segment #1 1
C
\N
\O P,
e sg i
k Gordonville Road L i I
y Scale: 1 inch approximately 1250 feet Figure 1. The Survey Area in Sections 35 and 36 of Midland Township, Midland County, Michigan. Location of Three Segments of the Right of Way and Three Sites Found During Survey.
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11 Appendix B Site Locations Site #1: Scatters f,and B (20MD406)
This site is located in the NEk SWk NEk of section 35 of Midland Township (T14N R2E) on a pronounced sand dune ridge at approxima cely 625 feet elevation.
Site 1-A is located beneath the existing powerline between Towers 44 and45 (slightly closer to Tower 45 ) - approximately 1800 f eet along the powerline northwest of Waldo Road (segment 2).
in the Site 1-3 is located just off the right of way on its northeast side, NWkSEkNEk of section 35.
A sit.a form has been filed in the University of Michigan Museum of Anthro-pology. A copy is attached as Appendix C.
Site M (no site number awarded)
This site lies within the SWh SEk NEh section 35 Midland Township (T14N R2E). Its position is approximately 200 feet southwest of existing transmission tower #44 and approxinately 1300 f eat along the powerline northwest. of Waldo Road (segment 2).
Site n (no site number awarded)
This site is located within the NEk NEk SEk of section 35 Midland Township (T14N R2E). It is positioned within the right of way (. segment 2) on a slight rise adjacent to the west side of Waldo Road just south of and opposite to the west terminus of Milner Road.
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Appendix C 12 UNIVERSITY CF MICHIGAN MUSEUM OF AL"I"dROPOLOGY FIELD SHEET - MICHIGAN ARGHAE0 LOGICAL SITE SURVEY Site number 20MD406 County Township Name Midland Midland Section 35 Town Range USG3 Quadrangle NE SW NEl;s 14N 2E Midland South 7.5' Owner Address Classification Dow Chemical Co. Midland, Mi.
Occupant Address Attitude toward excavation Possibility of destruction likely*
Type of site Approxicate size 2 sparse scatters A -- 50' diameter within R0W pronounced sand dune ridge at 625' el.
Surface features Kind of soil mined, but some intact areas of topsoil sand Vegetation Nearby water cource grass, pin cherry, locust Tittabawassee River If within a mile of a shore of Sne of the Great Lakes give estimated or measured distance above the water levtl.
Type of artifacts from site ,
fire cracked rock and chert s?a tis Location of collections Surface collections U}DIA Catalog numbers Excavated Material Published references
, Unpublished references (Manuscripts, notes)
Report of Survey to Consumers Power Co. 7/79 Photographic record Source of this infor=ation Actual visit to site yes Correspondence Publications Conversation Unpublished accounts This record by David Taggart Date June,1979 Remarks
- July 8, 1979 -- site had been removed. D. Ozker 1' 'A' V' 207
-a Accessibility P. cad to site Number of gates Describe any buildings on site Present use of site In urban, a6ricultural, or vilderness area
, NE'< Section 35
_ Salzburg Road-
- --- dirt road \
- - - center Line of tovars c:=> sand ridge G trans. towers Site Ib g depression filled with swamp s
[
vegetation s M , p ,- - - _ . . . . . . , :
\ ROW-311' wide h1 g RR track Site la \ i i
\ \
N . %v' .o 1
Y\ S o
\ l 1
1
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Above is a blank plat that may be used to represent a county, a township, four sections, or one section according to the requirements of a precise location f7r the site. In any case named or numbered aads can be drawn in. If the county subdivisions are not used it should be so stated.
When sections or townships are not square, as in the case along the coast-lines, the shape can be sketched in with this blank plat as a base.
One of the four directions must be indicated.
When a site is measured to a cross-roads that is too far away to be shown on this plat, a line of dashes (----), with the distance indicated, can show the direction in which the cross-roads lie .
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- .s- .. . . . _ .