Excavations started in 2014 in historic Philadelphia for a new museum near Independence Hall. Workers uncovered 12 brick-lined privies used in the 18th century. Privies were both toilets and garbage dumps in those days. Broken bottles, glass, metal, garbage and other trash were dropped into the hole. The team found 82,000 shards, cherry pits, animal bones, earthenware dishes, glass, seashells, type (for printing), liquor bottles, steins, tankards, drinking pots, and posset cups. Not surprising since the privy was under a tavern. Pieces were put together like jigsaw puzzles to form whole bowls, plates, bottles, and fan parts. Archaeologists learned about the food, household goods, and habits of the era. Most impressive is an English delftware punch bowl that pictured “Tryphena,”a ship used to take the colonists anti-Stamp Act petition from Philadelphia to Liverpool in 1765. The privies were sealed under several centuries of buildings including those standing today.

Digging for bottles is still popular but it’s unusual to find outhouses and trash dumps as old as those found in Philadelphia. Bottles, beer cans, household goods and surprises can be treasures if found in good to perfect condition.