The paper presents a preliminary report of the site excavations at Harvard Yard, Cambridge, Massachusetts and relates some of the difficulties that secondary deposits and urban dumps pose for the historical archaeologist. Although the study has not been completed, it is suggested that a study in material pattern as indicated by vessel form may reveal whether the assemblage excavated from the James Olmstead House Site consists of mainly students' refuse or a mixture of household and student debris. A 19th century example of how material patterning of vessel form can reveal a dormitory origin is presented.
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