artifacts excavated from a former near west side chicago 19th century coal yard

investigating a near west side chicago site, i discovered some history through researching nineteenth century maps. according to an 1886 e. robinson's atlas (sanborn insurance) map of chicago (lots 14-17), a large parking lot that was recently excavated used to be a huge coal yard surrounded by several wood-framed structures and a scattering of light manufacturing.

when the backhoe began busting through the concrete slabs, i was taken aback by the overpowering stench emanating from the the exposed blackened soil. it was filled with giant chunks of coal and dust.

as the excavator rumbled along from one spot to another, the ground produced nothing but more coal, sand and eventually clay. discouraged, i began to think that this spacious parcel of land located on the outskirts of downtown would be a complete bust and was prepared to call it a day.

in a last ditch effort, i suggested one other spot to the excavator. it was near an old limestone foundation wall, the last remnants of a small factory building  that was likely torn down at least 50 years ago, according to the 1886 insurance map.

in a nice turn of events, i began finding several artifacts in the form of insulators, stoneware, sidewalk vault light prisms, marbles, china and several bottles. all were heavily irridized from being submerged in soil consisting of coal ash. i was hoping the newly discovered trash pit would yield more that either reflected the daily life of the coal workers or residents living nearby, but the great majority of the haul was heavily fragmented, so more "data" would be needed.