Grounds at Stoddard County's oldest home explored using radar device

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A professor from Southeast Missouri State University was in Bloomfield last week using technology to see into the past.

Dr. John Kramer, professor of environmental biology, arrived at 9 a.m. Tuesday with his ground-penetrating radar in an effort unlock the past underground at the Miller house.

Stoddard County's oldest home, built around 1843, is in increasing disrepair as it awaits funding for renovation through a grant that was awarded several years ago.

The dig, coordinated by Southeast's Dr. Frank Nickell, who invited Kramer, was organized to locate other buildings surrounding the residence, pathways and anything else that they could locate. About 15 people were on hand to watch.

The device sends radar pulses into the ground to image the soil. It detects objects, changes in material that could indicate a prior ground disturbance, cracks and voids in material.

After covering a section, students placed small flags at locations where a disturbance had been located.

One such spot in the back yard was just a few feet from the house and measured two feet long by eight feet wide and close to three feet deep. It was initially believed to have something to do with a sewer system or outhouse, but it was determined to be too large for that.

Another place was on the west side of the back yard that is believed to have been a building. Local historian Jim Mayo speculated that it could be the old slave quarters or possibly where the Millers lived while the house was being built.

Kramer and the students will analyze the data they received and create a report. No time frame was given as to when the report will be finished.

Pertinent address:

The Miller house is on Cape Road in Bloomfield and has for years been the apple in the eye of local historians. (COREY NOLES ~ Daily Statesman)

Bloomfield, MO