Cellar Hole Survey Newsletter #8 November 2025
What is the purpose of this ancient stone arch?
Greetings Canterbury history enthusiasts.
Last month we took “stock of the big picture” regarding the social status of the people inhabiting the houses that were supported by the cellar holes we document. This time we invite you to read our text and examine our photos, and see if you can determine the original function of this ancient stone relic. And we encourage you to send us your guesses or affirmative statements about your conclusion to our email address below. This is an ungraded and not scored quiz!
This is the first of three images of the ancient stone relic. The camera is facing southeast. To be clear. The descriptions and photos we present are intended to be both interesting and factual. The stories we tell in our narratives are conclusions we sometimes make based on the evidence we find. Hint: Notice the firmly situated tree which indicates the age of abandonment of this stone feature.
Now, before you move on you may wish to make a decision about this structure’s purpose.
Here the camera is facing northeast. When originally constructed this side was intended to be a symmetrical equal to the first side. But like side 1, some stones have tumbled down. Vegetation prevented us from taking the photos from an equal perspective. For those who have an answer to the question, we offer a hint that will confirm your choice. This structure is sited on a totally flat and level tract of land, and is positioned about 100 feet from a town road, and about 500 feet from any associated dwelling. Any guesses yet?
Facing east, it becomes clear that the space between the two walls has been filled in, forming an arched surface, about 10 feet wide.
Hint:That one tree in photo #1 actually has a neighbor a short distance north of the structure and is diagnostic as to the purpose of the relic.
We hope that there are many correct answers to our question as that will inspire us in the future to present a more difficult identification challenge.
All this to advance the mission of the Canterbury Historical Society: Preserving Canterbury’s heritage and sense of community. Of special importance as our Tri-Centennial celebration is in the works.
Next month we unravel the dilemma imposed by a cellar hole jammed between two roads, and answer the question, “where was their front door.”?
As before, send your responses about the quiz to cellarholesurveys@gmail.com.