Buried treasure behind the museum?

By TOM KANE

HONESDALE, PA — Honesdale was digging into its past Tuesday, April 12, hoping to find evidence of its bygone glory days. So far, not much has been unearthed.

Specialists from Pan Cultural Associates from Pittston, PA were commissioned by the Wayne County Historical Society to conduct an archeological dig behind their building at 810 Main Street in Honesdale. Because of the historical significance of the area, the dig is mandated before any work can begin on a new addition planned by the society.

The building, constructed in 1860, was the office of the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company. “The canal was located directly behind the office,” said Ed Cooper, field director from Pan Cultural.

“We hope to find the canal prism or the canal channel,” he said. “In those days, after canals failed, they filled them in and built a railroad over them. So far, we discovered a wooden platform about four feet down that looks like shops might have been located there. Or it could be the dock next to the canal boats,” Cooper said. “We also exposed a section of a large beam that was made of oak,” he said.

“There is a possibility that artifacts from the era could still remain, buried for more than a hundred years,” said Ann O’Hara, historical society board president.

Executive Director Sally Talaga and Buildings and Grounds Chairman Harry “Skip” Hillier, who is spearheading the construction project, will be working with Pan Cultural for at least two days.

“If nothing is found, the dig will be over,” Talaga said. If something is uncovered, however, the exploration might be extended, she said.

The society is in the fifth year of a capital campaign to construct a much-needed addition space for the museum and library. The new addition will provide aboveground storage for the artifacts and additional library and exhibition space.