Hello all,
 
I have uncovered what appears to be a brick kiln site at an early 19th
century historic site.  It was built directly on clay, with a prepared
floor that exhibits an interesting burn pattern with imbedded "crispy"
brick fragments.  So far the prepared floor matrix has yielded only a
sherd of edge decorated pearlware and some <1mm thick aqua flat glass).
At least it's in the right time period for construction of the nearby
collapsed brick house.  Does anyone have any illustrations and
background information on brick kilns.  I know they built the kiln from
the bricks themselves, but am looking for information on how and where
(inside/outside?) the fire was kindled, flue construction, etc.
 
On the same project, I am researching the rural landscape associated
with this site; a number of associated sites; and the surrounding rural
landscape.  The family all stayed close together, with the parents
helping their children build similar style houses.  They donated land
for a church and cemetery, provided a setting for religious revivals,
convinced the township to build them their own school, etc.  They also
constructed "living" fences of osage orange trees that are still visible
(very cool).
 
I am looking for information on this rural pattern of family community
and land ownership.  My project area is in southwest Ohio.  I have a
very similar situation in northern Kentucky, but am looking for
additional comparative data.  If anyone has a paper/report, etc, I would
be happy to pay for copying and mailing.
 
Thanks in advance
 
Jeannine Kreinbrink
Senior Archaeologist
N&E Environmental Solutions             or:  Crooked Post Pumpkin Farm
4670 Imperial Drive                          11283 Big Bone Road
Liberty Township, Ohio 45011                 Union, Kentucky 41091
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