The success of the archaeologists in finding many more structural remains than had been envisioned provided a unique opportunity to feature the history of their search as part of the interpretations of the restoration's history. After consultation with representatives of the National Park Service it was decided that all footers and fireplaces which had been found complete, or nearly so, would be set in concealed concrete bases as the major features of what was to be a self-guided tour of the site.
Each feature was photographed and sketched in situ, the elevations checked and recorded. Forms for the bases were then built tight against each footer or fireplace. Each stone was numbered and the number registered on the sketch. They were then taken up and laid out to one side in exactly the original pattern. On the underside of each, a fiveeighths inch hole was drilled to a depth of two inches, a hexagonal steel rod inserted and fixed with Porox. The stone then was reset in a fairly dry concrete mix.
When only a fraction of a fireplace was found, it was treated in the same manner. If enough stones which obviously had been part of a fireplace, (not necessarily the one under reconstruction), were found in the adjacent area, they were used in the restoration. Where only a few, or no stones, remained, but there was a definite evidence of hot fires of long duration, the fireplace was reconstructed with sandstone brought from the same hillside where the weary soldiers and their standing horses had labored in 1778.
The cobbled walk was not set in concrete. After the final grade had been established and planted, a 30-inch wide cut six inches deep was !Bade in its entire length. The original stones, which had been stored, were fitted into place so as to give the appearance of being tossed there years ago by hurried workers, and packed with earth. Application of weed killer during the growing season controls the vegetation.
To the greatest degree possible the ground level was reduced to that of 1778. In the middle of the site - the parade - excavation was not possible because of the large maple trees. It is the long range plan of the Borough Council not to replace these 70-year-old trees when they die, so that eventually the entire site can be brought to the colonial level.