Excavation Uncovers Century-Old Artifacts

An archaeological dig focused on a Chinese merchant’s store has uncovered artifacts that are more than 100 years old.

Volunteers from the Idaho Archaeology Society assisting in the project have found eating utensils, wooden dominoes and coins.

The excavation is inside the Pon Yam House, a store that belonged to Chinese merchant Pon Yam in the late 1800s, said Susie Osgood, an archaeologist from Boise.

She said Yam sold imports, food, medicine and clothing to gold miners.

The volunteers also found imported tea pots, bowls and plates.