Nov 1, 2014 1 min read

I read with interest the article about the repair of the Dunlap Creek Bridge in Brownsville written by Scott Beveridge in the Oct. 21 edition of the Observer-Reporter and his reference to the Snowdon and Sons Vulcan Iron and Machine Works.

During 2012 and 2013, the Mon/Yough Chapter 3 of the Society for Pennsylvania Archeology conducted an archaeological excavation at the Machine Works with extensive assistance from West Virginia University and students from California University of Pennsylvania. Beneath 2-feet of compact railroad fill, we discovered interior walls and a forge. Other artifacts, such as coins, bottles, and household goods were recovered from an area which was used as a tenement after the foundry closed.

Recently, board members of the Mon/Yough chapter discussed the historical significance of the foundry and the requirements for obtaining a historical marker for the site. Excavation has ceased due to the lack of interested assistance. Many people show passing interest in such projects, but it is difficult to find those who have hands-on interest.

Photographs can be found on our Facebook page.

Carl Maurer

Washington

Maurer is the president of the Society for Pennsylvania Archaelogy, Mon/Yough Chapter 3.