Casey & Lowe, recently incorporated into Heritage Now were commissioned as part of the Sydney Metro project to undertake the archaeological excavation of the early house and associated land of Billy Blue, an African American convict who operated the first ferry boat service on Sydney Harbour in the early 1800s. On the success of his boat operation and market garden at Blues Point, his holdings created the need for the first gazetted road in North Sydney which encouraged more European settlement in the area and thus played a role in developing this part of Sydney.
The archaeological excavation included the remains of the original house expanded by John Stevens in c.1869, a cistern, foreshore retaining walls and road leading to the jetty. The artefacts from the first cottage are associated with the everyday lives of women, men and children who lived there, with many men working on the waterfront. Fragments of ceramic and glass vessels, as well as thousands of buttons, jewellery, and other personal accessories from the rooms reveal individual taste and affiliations. The working to middle class residents were able to choose from a huge range of plain to elaborate Victorian fashion items, including men’s fancy waistcoats and female brooches. There is evidence for sewing, crocheting and beading of garments and household accessories. Toys, games and slate clerical items, indicate children playing and learning within the rooms. Dr Mary Casey was interviewed as part of the project, you can see her interview here.