Taylor's Schoolhouse Treasure UNCOVERED: The Dig Begins

By: Dylan Bowman, HAHS Board Member

October 11, 2024

Dane Snyder, HAHS Treasurer and professional archaeologist, hard at work uncovering the past. Photograph by Dylan Bowman.

The Archeologist Returns

Halifax's favorite archaeologist, Dane Snyder, dug into local history this past weekend by starting the excavation of a portion of land near the Taylor's One-Room Schoolhouse Museum.

The target? Two outhouses used for relief approximately 100 years ago.

Snyder, who performed a similar excavation along the side of the main school building in 2007 (before it's completion), used photographs from the early 20th century as well as his skill and extensive experience to pinpoint the roundabout location of where the easternmost outhouse would have resided. Once procedural documentation was complete, the dig began.

It is Snyder's belief that the outhouses (used, of course, for their primary role) would have also served as an avenue of trash disposal for the students of Taylor's One-Room Schoolhouse, as was common in the preceding centuries. This means a massive cache of items, including glass bottles, paper, pencils, and other "trash", potentially sits beneath the soil, waiting like buried treasure to be uncovered.

As Dane Snyder digs and documents, he uncovers several artifacts, starting the journey. Photographs by Dylan Bowman.

Treasures Found...More to Come.

As the weekend passed and the museum "OPEN" flag blew in the autumn wind once more, visitors stopped by to see the one-room school, as well as the activity of Snyder. Through long hours of sun and tetious work, Dane uncovered several beautiful treasures, including bits of pottery from the 20th century, cut nails, broken glass, small seashells, a spring close pin (first used in 1904), and bits of coal. When the future of the project was discussed, Snyder seemed optimistic:

"I believe we are very close to where the outhouses resided," Snyder stated after the dig had concluded. "We are probably hitting the edge of the feature right now; if we move north and west from where we started, a bit closer to the schoolhouse perhaps, there's a good chance we will find a treasure trove of stuff."

Both the Board, HAHS Members, and the community are thrilled about Snyder's next steps, as it is clear that they are well-founded and aimed at discovery. We will be certain to keep you updated on the progress of the project and any new artifacts that the Society may find at this historic location.

As Dane Snyder digs, documents, and talks with visitors, he uncovers several artifacts, starting the journey. Photographs by Dylan Bowman.