Colonial Williamsburg Digital Library

ARCHAEOLOGICAL REPORT
BLOCK 1. AREA C

(Powell House Foundation)

The building that was on this site was located on the south side of York Street, approximately 535 feet east of the intersection of York and Waller Streets set back a distance of 23 feet from the south edge of the present 18-foot concrete highway.

In March, 1940., the building was demolished, leaving the foundation exposed for several days before being backfilled. A measured drawing was made of the foundation and notes taken in regard to its general character, etc. Its dimensions were 24' - 11½" x 24' - 1¼" with a wall thickness of 12½" to 13". There was a shallow basement, without floor paving, which was two feet deep below the existing outside grade.

The walls were constructed of two different type brick. A soft red brick was used on the outside next to the earth while the Interior face was of a very hard brick, reddish brown in color. Both the interior and exterior brick were the same size. The reason for this was evidently for the purpose of making the basement waterproof. (See typical foundation wall section on archaeological drawing.)

On the west side of the building, near the center, was a triangular inside chimney foundation which bonded with the rest of the wall. This chimney accommodated two corner fireplaces.

Outside basement steps were located on the east side near the northeast corner. These were damaged considerably when the building was razed.

See photographs N6214 and N6215.

Photograph N 6314

Photograph

[Blueprint - oversized image]