Below are a few of the objects unearthed during excavations at the site of the Sack House. Some of these objects are part of an exhibit installed in the Lower Level of Rhode Island Hall: “On Firm Foundations: The Archaeology of College Hill at the Sack House” (May 2022).
Most likely machine made in the early 1900s.
Discovered in MB10.
Six “Crowntainer” cans dated to ~1940. The cans would be found to have contained a Providence Brewery’s beer.
Discovered in MB15 during the Fall 2022 dig season.
One of six steel cans discovered in MB15. Analysis of the cans identified them as originally containing James Hanley Co.’s Extra Pale Peerless Ale brewed in Providence.
Coating steel pots in enamel started around 1900, putting the production and use of this pot between 1900 and the house’s demolition in 1940.
Discovered during the Fall 2021 dig season in MB15.
Evidence of a three-wire electrical system installed in the Sack House and cut off before demolition in 1940. This electrical box shows that multiple different-types of electrical systems had been installed in the house as technology improved.
Discovered in MB15.
The Narragansett Brewery started canning their beer shortly after the advent of the flat-top can around 1936. Likely consumed and disposed of by a passerby or member of the Sack House demolition crew.
Discovered during the Fall 2022 dig season in MB15 near six Hanley Co. beer cans.
A component of the electrical system installed in the Sack house. This particular fuse holder was produced by the General Porcelain Company as indicated by the markings on the porcelain.
Discovered in MB15.
Produced between 1925 and 1931 by the Coxon Belleek China Company of Wooster, Ohio. Purchased at Providence department store, the Shepard Company.
Discovered during the Fall 2022 dig season in MB15.
Likely produced after 1910 when the two-pronged plug was produced. Fits in with the other electrical components proving the Sack family had electricity in their home during the early years of the electric revolution.
Discovered in MB15 .
Likely produced around 1920 for use in a floor lamp or table lamp. Markings on the object indicate its producer as Bryant.
Discovered in MB15 during the Fall 2021 dig season.
Evidence that the house was electrified after 1892, after construction of the house, or the electrical system was modified. The THOMAS electrical cleat, seen here, helped to usher in the electrical revolution.
Discovered in MB15 during the Fall 2021 dig season.
A dinner fork produced by Avon Silver Plate of the Connecticut-based International Silver Company.
Discovered in MB15 during the Fall 2021 dig season.
Originally thought to be a drinking glass, but upon partial reconstruction and analysis, the glass was found to be produced by the Capstan Glass Company for food storage.
Discovered in MB15 during the Fall 2022 dig season.
Most likely machine-made between 1917-1940.
Discovered in MB10 during the Fall 2022 dig season.
To see additional artifacts found in The Sack House excavations, visit the exhibit installed in the Lower Level of Rhode Island Hall, or browse the online catalog: “On Firm Foundations: The Archaeology of College Hill at the Sack House” (May 2022).