Reconstruction of Milner`s Barbershop at Colonel Allensworth

Archaeological Testing at Frank Milner’s Barbershop
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park

 View image from the reconstruction project

The current building program at Colonel Allensworth SHP includes the reconstruction of Frank Milner's barbershop. The structure was important both for the town’s history and as an example of its architectural diversity. The barbershop was the only concrete block structure in Allensworth. Over time, it had been completely dismantled, with only the concrete foundation walls remaining.

Archeological testing was conducted to expose the foundation, as well as two interior walls and the remains of a storage cellar. Shallow units, one at the southeast corner and one at the southwest, showed the depth of the foundation. Two deeper units in the northeast quadrant established the location of the cellar. Trenches, one east-west and one north-south, revealed the interior walls.

Click on the thumbnail below for the full-size image:

         

         

         

The archeological work at Milner’s barbershop was planned to include public demonstration and participation. Testing was ongoing during the Annual Rededication of the park in October 2001. An information board was set up in front of the site, and the crew took turns explaining the methods, purpose, and results of the testing. Back dirt, from which diagnostic material had been removed, was piled near the site, and visitors of all ages were invited to screen. Crewmembers helped to identify the finds and stressed saving them according to site area. Public response was overwhelmingly positive.

         

Artifacts recovered from the Milner barbershop site include:

      

For more information about Colonel Allensworth SHP visit:
Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park