In Europe we call these clearance deposits and they are not uncommon 
in such features as cesspits- masses of them in Netherlands where brick 
cesspits are common. They presumably represent household clearances such 
as might follow the death of an occupant and the throwing out of old and 
perhaps no longer fashionable goods. Items may also have been broken if 
left in empty houses. Some clearance have been interpreted as being also 
inn deposits who presumably periodically refurbished as do modern inns. 
Raucous banquets may also account for some these clearances especially 
in inns and high status houses. I am sure there is a US literature on 
these as well.


On 22/07/2010 19:51, John M. Foster, RPA wrote:
> We have recently excavated a tightly dated deposit (1890s) of residential
> artifacts.  The majority of the deposit appears to be ceramics from at least
> four British makers.  Other items include pressed glass, glass candy dish,
> perfume caddy, horse shoe (one), one French toothbrush, one large comb, couple
> of decomposed cans of indeterminate size, pickle jar, several Prosser buttons,
> condiment bottle, sets of glass stemware, window glass, and one ceramic doll or
> figurine face.  There was no cutlery, cooking ware, tools, and very little
> bone. 
>
> Based on weathering of broken edges, it appears that the items were broken
> elsewhere, as opposed to fresh fractures from excavation, and then deposited in
> a prepared pit (3 x 3 x 2 feet).  Only one whole bottle was recovered.  All the
> ceramics were broken and appear to be from several sets of plain white
> earthenware dishes.  The artifacts appear to be average or slightly above in
> cost. We are investigating the possibility that the artifacts may have resulted
> from a single episode of deposition. The question is what might have occasioned
> mass destruction of a collection of dining ware?  We are investigating
> earthquakes which are well-known for the area but would be interested in other
> possibilities, which brings us to this list.  Any comments or suggestions would
> be appreciated. 
>
>   John M. Foster, RPA Greenwood-Associates.com 310.454.3091 tel/fax 310.717.5048
> cell
>
>