In 2023 we revisited 11Ck1147 the Hidden Pond site as part of our reinvestigations of previously reported sites in the Forest Preserve. Originally reported by Ed Lace in 1978 where he recovered an early Archaic Fox Valley point, some flaking debris, and fire cracked rock. On the basis of this report, we conducted a shovel test survey in Hidden Pond woods and relocated the site area first reported by Ed. During this work we recovered a second Fox Valley point, leading us to plan additional investigations. These distinctive points with their upswept “wings” are one of the more iconic early archaic point types in northern Illinois. However, few sites dating to this period have been found, and even fewer excavated. Most these points are known from isolated finds scattered about and they have not been dated by radiocarbon or other means in Illinois. With this knowledge in hand, we were excited to return to the site to learn more.
Hidden Pond Excavation
In August 2024 we returned to the site to conduct test excavations. Based on the results of the 2023 shovel test survey we were able to narrow down the location and place some test units across the site area. We concentrated on the areas of positive shovel tests and the second recovered Fox valley point.
