THE CURSE OF OAK ISLAND – THE HISTORY CHANNEL (All Pics)
In last night’s episode, “Team Time”, Rick Lagina, Craig Tester, and metal detectorist, Gary Drayton continue working at the southern edge of the Swamp near the Stone Road Feature. After further excavation it reveals what appears to be a possible extension of the Stone Road Feature that appears to form a ramp that extends to the waterfront. Craig Tester describes this area as a possible “Mini Wharf”. The Stone Road is discussed with the possible creation date in the 1500’s as posed by researcher, Terry Deveau.
THE CURSE OF OAK ISLAND – THE HISTORY CHANNEL (All Pics)
The scene shifts to the Interpretive Center, where Archeometallurgist Emma Culligan is showing the Oak Island team the coin that Lindy Martin recently discovered at the Lot 5 excavation area. Emma has completed a CT scan of the coin, and it reveals what appears to be a British Half Penny that features King George III on it. The coin was minted from 1760-1820. The team estimates this one is from around 1770. When it was actually deposited on the island is unknown. The glass beads that were found in the same area as the coin were also examined. It is mentioned that they appear to be Venetian and were a barter currency. Gary states they appear to be stretch beads from a bracelet or necklace. It is recommended that the team take the beads to an expert for their analysis.
THE CURSE OF OAK ISLAND – THE HISTORY CHANNEL (All Pics)
Back at the Swamp/Stone Road site, Rick Lagina and Gary Drayton continue going through the spoils when more artifacts are discovered. These pieces have a blue pattern on them that Gary identifies as Chinese porcelain. It is then explained that the Portuguese obtained this porcelain on their exploration in Asia and used it for trade. Different pieces of porcelain are found and appear to be parts of a teacup and saucer. The Compendium has mentioned previously that this area was used as a dump in the 1800’s, but we also believe that the Portuguese were on Oak Island in the 1500’s. The mixture of pieces from different time periods has added to the confusion of who left what and when exactly.
THE CURSE OF OAK ISLAND – THE HISTORY CHANNEL (All Pics)
We are then taken to Halifax with Jack Begley and Charles Barkhouse to visit Glass Bead Expert, Philip Doucette at his home. Mr. Doucette inspects the beads and mentions that these were a precious commodity at one time. He confirms that they appear to be Venetian drawn glass beads. He notices pitting on the ends and says that they are early formulations dating from 1500-1650. He said they were used as trade beads and that 5 or 6 of these would be worth 1 beaver pelt. He also mentioned that the Portuguese used these beads for trade and would have had barrels of them at any given time. This again provides possible evidence that the Portuguese, French and British were all on Oak Island and trading with the local Mi’kmaq from as early as the 1500’s.
THE CURSE OF OAK ISLAND – THE HISTORY CHANNEL (All Pics)
Back at the Swamp, Rick and Gary are continuing to go through the spoils and they find more pieces of pottery. The first piece looks like a two-toned piece with a black glaze on brown pottery. Other pieces that are found look like white stoneware, a blue patterned piece, and an orange glazed piece. They then find what appears to be the sole of a boot. Gary mentions you can see where little nails with square shanks held the boot to the sole. Gary thought it was from the 1800’s or older. This again fits into Fred Nolan’s opinion that the area was used as a place to dump broken and worn-out items in the 1800’s. What makes it so difficult is ascertaining what is normal refuse and what are legitimate artifacts that suggest any secretive or unusual happenings on Oak Island at any specific point in time. One thing seems clear to the Compendium, there was activity on Oak Island that starts from at least the 1500’s. Until next week.
Good day from the Compendium!