CBS5 reports on a new program going on at Lands End. From now until June 11, from 8am until 4pm every day, the public can participate in the Archeological Stewardship Program at Lands End. National Park Service Archeologist Leo Barker and his team of experts, will conduct archeological excavations to recover historical artifacts before construction begins on the Lands End Lookout visitor center near the Cliff House.
Some background on the site from the Parks Conservancy:
Merrie Way, also known as the Sutro Pleasure Grounds, was originally constructed out of amusement rides recovered from an 1894 Midwinter Fair held in Golden Gate Park. Adolph Sutro, then mayor of San Francisco, incorporated these rides into the opening of his newly-constructed Cliff House, Sutro Baths, and a scenic railroad around Lands End. Between the Ocean Terrace railroad station and the Baths along Lobos Avenue, a series of concession stands offered food and services to the public.
The amusement park and its “stands” lasted around 15-20 years before they were eventually dismantled. After that, the public gravitated to the flatlands below the Cliff House on Ocean Beach with the construction of other amusement areas like Chutes-at-the-Beach in 1913 and Playland in 1928.
To date, Barker has found several kinds of artifacts including architectural features such as pressed tin from old ceilings, sculpture fragments, and antique bottles. Barker also expects to uncover many of the oyster shells discarded by the concession stands since shells, unlike other food items, do not decay easily over time. Artifacts recovered during excavations at the Merrie Way site may be used in interpretive displays and exhibits at the new Lands End Lookout visitor center, which is expected to open in late 2011.
To check out the dig (and participate if you want!), stop by the field site which is located next to the Merrie Way Parking Lot on Point Lobos Avenue (up the hill from the Cliff House).
In related news, the Parks Conservancy is offering a special slideshow on Thursday, May 19 from 5:30pm until 6:30pm on “Merrie Way Stands — Digging a 19th Century Amusement Park.” Leo Barker will share photos and information about his past archaeological findings at the site. Register online for the program
Sarah B.