North Fifth Hotel Data Recovery

Rock and mortar wall (a), test units dug in trash pits (b), and brick wall (c) on Historic Block 92, the site of the N. 5th Hotel.

Purpose

Prior to the construction of a hotel in downtown Tucson, Desert Archaeology investigated portions of Historic Block 92, which was occupied by residences and businesses beginning in the 1880s. Archaeological compliance was critical to the client securing funding and approvals.

Actions

Historical research on residential and commercial use of Block 92
Trenching, asphalt removal, and feature excavation in lots 8, 9, and 12 of Block 92
Excavation of 75 percent of the 117 subsurface cultural features encountered

Results

Historical research identified the primary residents in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century and also the businesses that existed on the block into the 1960s.
The block was home to Tucson’s first volunteer fire department chief, who operated a freight transfer business next to his home. Livery stables once present on the block eventually gave way to automotive businesses, including a gas station.
Through close coordination and communication, Desert Archaeology completed the fieldwork ahead of schedule and incorporated a press outreach effort that brought the client positive publicity.

Client Satisfaction

This letter is written as a recommendation for Desert Archaeology (DAI). DAI exceeded expectations in all aspects of their work on the AC Marriott project. Schedule concerns were brought up to DAI before the start of their field work, and they met or beat all required due dates for their work, all while coordinating adjacent demolition activities with the General Contractor. When it came to gaining agency approvals, DAI took a proactive approach, and as a result, all clearances were achieved much sooner than expected. DAI has acted as a true partner in their entire scope on this project, and I would recommend them on any archaeological study.

Date:

March 2016

Location:

Tucson, Pima County, Arizona

Type:

Testing and Data Recovery

Compliance:

Federal

Lead Agency:

Housing and Urban Development

Client:

5 North Fifth Hotel, L.L.C.

DAI Reports:

Technical Report No. 2015-08

Services:

Excavation

Artifact and Specimen Analysis

Click any image below to enlarge.

Concrete slabs for a service station constructed around 1928 and torn down in the 1950s lay beneath an asphalt parking lot. Block 92 initially had horse-related businesses including livery stables and blacksmiths, but beginning in the 1910s these were replaced by auto repair shops and gasoline stations.

A 1928 to 1931 Model T engine block was found in a pit filled with discarded automobile parts. The engine will be part of a historical display in the 5 North Fifth Hotel lobby.

A Tea Leaf pattern saucer was used as a painter's palette, perhaps by a resident of the block, Mrs. Ada Johnson. China painting was a popular pursuit during the Victorian era.

Jack Boleyn became the first volunteer Fire Chief in Tucson in 1881. Ironically, his house and stables burned in 1898. Debris from the fire was thrown down a well, where the buttons from his fire department uniform were recovered during our excavation. Boleyn died from injuries sustained while fighting a fire in 1910.

Jack Boleyn's Fire Department badge and uniform buttons were found in features on the block.

A place setting assembled from items thrown away by the members of the Boleyn family in the 1890s. The family dined from inexpensive whiteware dishes.

Quick Findings