During the third summer of excavations at the site of the homestead of Louis Blanchette who founded St. Charles in 1769, the first tangible link to the site's French Colonial founder has been found. 

Outside the Plank Road Pottery shop, a shard of French Faience ceramic has been located nearly three feet underground. 

(Dr. Steve J. Dasovich, Ph.D.)

shard of French Faience ceramic

This particular variety is called Normandy Plain and was manufactured between 1690 and 1790 in France. 

Its location clearly identifies the archaeological site as having French Colonial activity directly associated with the time period of Blanchette. 

The shard was located by volunteer excavator Jodi Witcher during the annual project directed by Dr. Steve Dasovich of SCI Engineering. 

The project is sponsored by the City of St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau.