IFFS New Salem, Tour, May 13, 2006

New and revised facts about life in the village of New Salem, Illinois were the topic of a tour of New Salem State Park sponsored by IFFS. . Twelve hardy souls braved wet and cold weather to follow Robert Mazrim, director of the Sangamo Archaeological Center, through the park discussing the history of the town including various archaeological excavations conducted there. These investigations include Joseph Booten’s work in the 1930s prior to the reconstruction of the park’s structures and Mazrim’s investigations in 1995-1996. Mazrim’s work in the 1990s revealed the location of two previously unknown house sites. Robert also discussed his recent work at the Denton Offutt Store and Clary’s Grocery.


The beginnings of the community of New Salem are discussed at the replica of the Cameron and Rutledge Mill.


Robert Mazrim stands in a test unit next to the Offutt Store where he discovered a portion of the store’s original cellar.


One interesting find in the 2006 investigations at New Salem was the remains of a temporary kiln 
or “clamp” used to fire handmade bricks used for construction purposes in New Salem.


This is a close-up of the brick clamp remains.


The interior of the Rowan Herndon Cabin.


Robert Mazrim describes his fieldwork conducted in 1995-96 which resulted in the 
location of two previously unknown house sites and a still house.