MACROFLORAL, POLLEN, PHYTOLITH, STARCH, AND PARASITE ANALYSIS OF THREE NINETEENTH CENTURY PRIVIES LOCATED AT SANTA CLARA UNIVERSITY; SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA

Twenty-seven samples from three privies (Features 6, 14 and 62) discovered at Santa
Clara University in Santa Clara, California, were submitted for archaeobotanic analyses. These
three privies are associated with a German immigrant community that dated to the latter half of
the nineteenth century. Each of the samples was analyzed for macrofloral remains, pollen,
starch, and the presence or absence of parasites. One sample from each privy was also
examined for phytoliths. The macrofloral, pollen, phytolith, and starch remains will be used to
present evidence of the diet and to examine the variation in the privy contents between
contemporary residential and commercial properties. The presence or absence of parasites will
provide information regarding the general health of the residents of the neighborhood.