Patterson Village has provided an interesting journey for myself and my team. 
Last week we brought you the details of the Seamstress’ house, and as promised, here is the story of the Cobbler’s House. I hope you enjoy reliving some of our experiences with us.
House 14 was one of the more unusual structures excavated at Patterson Village (see map of location). It was different in so many ways. 
First, we found that it was comprised of two cellars which were attached to each other. This was the only house in Patterson Village that had a double cellar; this suggested the presence of a house with an adjoining workshop. 
Compared to what we uncovered from the other cellars of houses in the village, our excavation of the double cellar produced a variety of unusual artifacts. One such artifact is a cobbler’s shoe holder, used to repair shoes. In addition, the cellar contained more than 200 fragments of leather boots and shoes, as well as a few eyelets for shoes (see artifact picture). These items hint, of course, that a cobbler worked in this structure.
Also unearthed were a large number of metal tools such as an axe head, metal files, and a screwdriver, among others. There were numerous metal barrel hoops and pieces of flat metal as well, which point to other activities that may have been undertaken in this structure too. 
Additional artifacts recovered include a leather shoe, a soda/mineral water bottle, an antler handle for a tool, a whetstone, and a copper alloy clock gear. There was even a Canadian one-cent coin dated 1859.
We still need to do more historical research to better understand the nature of craftsmen who lived on one structure and worked in an adjoining one. However, we were thrilled to make yet another amazing discovery in Patterson Village, a site full of secrets and wonder.
Please join us again next week when we discuss the finding of the stable on the grounds.
Kindest regards,
Bill Finlayson
William D. Finlayson, Midland, Ontario
Ontario’s Leading and Senior-Most Archaeologist and Author