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<br /> <br />JHFORNfAJIOfi <br /> <br />, 'C1._i: j <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />TO: City Council <br /> <br />FROM: <br /> <br />Mara Anderson, Environmental Intern 4 <br /> <br />DATE: <br /> <br />August P\ 2005 <br /> <br />SUBJECT: <br /> <br />Archaeological Dig <br /> <br />In concert with St. Cloud State University and the Heritage Preservation <br />Commission, with funds from Minnesota Historical Society, the City of Elk River hosted a <br />six-day Archaeological Dig. Dr. Richard Rothaus, an archaeologist from SCSU, developed a <br />probability model that indicated the Hoebelheinrich property (located on West Twin Lake) <br />as a good site for a dig involving the public. He brought several colleagues and student <br />workers to instruct, supervise, and interpret the findings for the public. <br />Even with the heat index high as it was, and limited volunteer positions, the event <br />drew 101 registered participants and approximately 111 observers with 23 repeat visitors. <br />The people who came were curious and interested in local history some bringing personal <br />finds for a professional opinion. Arrowheads, spear points, and stone flakes generated in the <br />manufacturing of these stone tools were found in several of the units. The type of stone was <br />traced to areas in SW Wisconsin, SW Minnesota, North and South Dakota, and Canada <br />indicating someone traded for these desirable stones and brought them to Elk River for <br />further fashioning. Ceramic pottery pieces were discovered in several of the units significant <br />because the technology used to build the vessels and the decoration estimates the pieces to <br />be.800-1200 years old. <br />The archaeologists said this event was unique in that the public was invited to do the <br />actual digging, sifting, and documenting necessary for a scientific excavation. The vision of <br />the City was complimented in its desire to understand the local history and educate the <br />public in the process. Follow-up surveys will be mailed to the registered participants to <br />effectively evaluate volunteer satisfaction and gather feed back that will inform future events. <br />The following local businesses contributed to the event: Hans' Bakery gave dozens <br />and dozens of doughnuts, Pan era Bread gave fresh bagels and cream cheese, Diamond City <br />Bread Company gave loaves of bread, Cub Foods donated $25 and Cobom's Superstore <br />donated $50 which helped buy water, juice, sports drinks and ice. <br />Nearly everyone I talked with thought this event was worthwhile and asked about <br />next year's dig which with the gift of grant money from the State Historical Society, the City <br />will plan on hosting. <br />