Can anyone provide comparative references for archaeological investigations
of log cabin foundations, preferably from the Midwest U.S. late 19th- early
20th century?
We are studying the foundation of a structure that (documentary and oral
history evidence suggests) was a log cabin, built ca. 1880 and dismantled
or moved ca. 1930.   It was built by the second generation of an Irish
family who had emigrated from the Bluegrass region of Kentucky to central
Missouri in the 1850s.
The foundation piers and upper soil zones do not appear to have been
disturbed since the structure was dismantled / moved.    The limestone pier
stones are spaced roughly 8 feet apart.  The westernmost piers, forming a
16-foot square, are simply limestone slabs laid on the clay subsoil at
about 30 cmbs.   However, the piers on the eastern end of the foundation,
which extended the structures size to  40 x 16 feet, are each set on top of
a gravel-filled pit measuring ca. 65 cm across and extending well into the
subsoil (75-80 cmbs).
It's pretty obvious that the initial 16-ft square structure was later
expanded, with better care devoted to preparation of the foundation piers
on the addition.  While most of the standard historical / architactural
works on lob cabins briefly mention these techniques, I have been able to
locate any archaeological reports that document this aspect of log cabin
construction.   Any suggestions?
 
Thanks in advance.
 
Jack Eastman
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