Archaeological Resources Survey at the Oddfellows Building/Griffin, Georgia

Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted archaeological resources survey of selected areas associated with the proposed restoration of the Oddfellows Building, in Spalding County, Georgia. The Oddfellows Building/Griffin Opera House was constructed in 1894 and was accepted to the National Register of Historic Places on November 16, 1988, as part of the Griffin Commercial Historic District. Project goals included location and evaluation of all archaeological resources which might be impacted by proposed construction activities, and development of recommendations for avoidance or other mitigation options for significant subsurface cultural deposits. Historical and archaeological research consisted of examination of relevant archival resources and field survey. Field survey consisted of visual examination and mapping of the building's basement, and mechanical and hand excavation of a portion of an adjacent alley to be impacted by proposed addition construction. No previously recorded archaeological sites are present in the immediate vicinity of the Oddfellows Building. No archaeological deposits were encountered in examination of the building's basement. Archaeological materials recovered during excavations in the alley represent previous phases of building construction and demolition, and street improvements dating from the late nineteenth century to the present. These deposits have been disturbed by subsequent building construction and alley and utility improvements, and are not considered to be significant. Recorded archaeological deposits do not contribute to the existing National Register of Historic Places eligibility of the Oddfellows Building/Griffin Opera House. Based on the findings of this archaeological resources survey, it is recommended that proposed construction associated with the Oddfellows Building restoration be given archaeological resources clearance to proceed.