Lock
38 Structure
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The Structure at Lock 38 (33CU314)
This structure is located adjacent
to Lock 38 on the Ohio & Erie Canal, and
is thus commonly known as the "Locktender's
House," although there is no evidence
to suggest that it ever actually served as
such. After a long and colorful history as
a residence, tavern, and finally, apartment
building, this structure was purchased by
the NPS in 1978. |
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"Locktender's House" near the
end of the 19th century, probably while
it was in use as a private residence. Note
the canal and part of Lock 38 in the foreground.
(Photo courtesy Cuyahoga Valley National
Park)
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MWAC conducted archeological investigations
in 1983 in response to plans by the Cuyahoga
National Park (then National Recreation
Area) to renovate this structure for use
as a visitor's center. Since some of these
activities would involve removal or disturbance
of archeological deposits under and next
to this historic structure, a plan was made
to collect as much information as possible
from the intact archeological deposits before
they were destroyed by the renovation process
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"Locktender's House"
during renovation of the structure for use
as a Park Visitor Center. A front porch
has since been added. Edge of the towpath
trail is visible in the foreground.
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Dilapidated Lock 38 prior to restoration.
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As a result of the archeological
research at site 33CU314, a large body
of nineteenth and early twentieth-century
archeological and architectural information
was recovered and added to the historic
record of how this structure was used
and on the regional economy through
this time as well. Research using historic
documents, such as tax records, census
data, newspaper accounts and other records
did result in a plausible construction
sequence and occupational history to
start with. |
However, archeological
data enabled researchers to evaluate
some of the less certain conclusions
and to help fill in those periods
lacking documentation.
These investigations revealed information
about this structure's original form
and approximate construction date,
as well as type and timing of various
modifications completed through the
nineteenth century. Combining this
information with artifacts from various
areas within and around the house
enabled archeologists to explore changes
in how this building was used through
time as well.
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Concentration of ceramic
fragments in excavation unit at 33CU314.
This density of certain deposits supports
interpretation of commercial activity
at this structure.
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Deposits made in the early years (during
the commercial peak of the Ohio &
Erie Canal prior to 1860) were consistent
with use of this building as a tavern
or similar commercial venture. Archeologists
observed high quantities of certain
materials in several dense accumulations,
such as coins,
tumblers,
and well-used
plates. Such deposits suggest a
commercial food service setting. Deposits
made between 1860 and 1910 (after the
canal fell out of use and into disrepair)
are more consistent with use of this
building as a domicile or perhaps a
store. |
Archeological analyses
also inform on the local economy during
the period studied. As expected during
the high point of canal-based trade,
high proportions of certain kinds of
artifacts are imported and of relatively
high value. The ceramic artifacts from
the early deposits are composed almost
entirely of transfer printed whiteware
from the Staffordshire region of England.
Only a few late vessels of United States
manufacture were found. The tobacco
pipe assemblage is also largely imported
-- only two of the 216 found are known
for sure to be local, and those are
also from later deposits.
The structure at Lock 38 has stood for
almost 200 years now, and has seen a
series of economic highs and lows in
the Cuyahoga Valley. This building and
the archeological materials nearby represent
important resources for increasing our
knowledge of the history of Euroamerican
settlement in the Cuyahoga Valley. NEXT
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