MATERIAL CULTURE
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Camp life
AZ AA:10:8(ASM) and AZ AA:10:20(ASM) provided a limited picture
of life in temporary mining encampments of the late nineteenth century.
Men lived in tents and other small temporary structures (such as
lean-tos) on prepared platforms or cleared ground. Canvas and wood
superstructures were stabilized with informal rock walls and piles.
The miners at AZ AA:10:8(ASM) camped quite close to their work.
Their trash did not indicate the presence of women or children.
It did suggest that they ate canned provisions and drank plenty
of liquor. Their tools—undoubtedly valuable equipment—apparently
left the camp with them.
 |
| A food can, a meat
or sardine can, and a large metal canteen. »Enlarge |
Town Life
The early 20th century community at Silver Bell (AZ AA:10:20[ASM])
went through well-documented cycles of boom and bust. Census data
and other documentary materials confirmed the presence of different
ethnic groups, women, and children; these demographics were reflected
to a limited extent in the archaeological record. Certain families
lived in better-appointed, more permanent structures with limited
amenities. At least one family in the excavated portion of the community
owned an automobile.
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