Unique artifacts have been found in Verkhnedvinsk during construction work at sites preparing for "Dazhynki-2018"

As soon as the excavator bucket on Yubileynaya Square dug two meters deep, an interesting historical layer was revealed – numerous ceramic shards and artifacts dating back to the 16th, 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Just across the road, construction of a 12-apartment residential building began, and as they started digging the foundation pit – more archaeological finds... The builders were warned that this was possible, so they worked carefully.

Yuri Karasev, an employee of the Verkhnedvinsk Historical and Local Lore Museum, is simply delighted with the artifacts found.

– Although there is nothing surprising, as Verkhnedvinsk has a 600-year history, and where the cesspit was found – in the 16th century, a quarter for nobles was located on this spot, – he says. – Fragments of ceramic items confirm this. When shards of one item were assembled, they formed a frying pan – a prototype of the modern, Teflon one. Coins from the 16th century were found. A trident-shaped candle holder has been perfectly preserved – a device into which splinters were inserted for lighting rooms. This is a rare artifact that any museum possessing it can be proud of. And also: a burial set from the 11th century – there are only two such artifacts in the republic, and now one is in our museum.

Imagine how much interesting material was hidden beneath that two-meter layer of earth!

Our acquaintance with Verkhnedvinsk began with such an excursion into the distant past. These days, it more closely resembles a construction site. There is no street, no corner in the central part of Verkhnedvinsk where construction equipment and people are not working in the early morning. Stanislav Protas, Head of the Department of Architecture, Construction, and Housing and Communal Services of the District Executive Committee, volunteered to be our guide and walk us through some of the significant construction sites. In total, more than two hundred facilities need to be built from scratch and reconstructed in the district center and Verkhnedvinsk district for the festival-fair. More than 500 people work on them daily.

How could we not visit the district House of Culture and Folk Art, located next to the square? Especially since its director, Svetlana Konovalchenko, was so eager to show us the new bright dance hall, modern decorative wall finishes, and a room for art exhibitions. And although repairs are still underway everywhere, the cultural facility continues to operate. Rehearsals for the city festival are being held, and creative groups are participating in various competitions, and not without success. For example, the choir "Yarytsa" took third place in "Braslaŭskija zarnicy."

Active work is also underway at the "school of the future" – this is how the residents of Verkhnedvinsk position Secondary School No. 2. The educational institution will be equipped not only with modern interactive equipment, but solar installations will appear on the roof of the building, which will accumulate solar heat and direct it to heating the building.

"And this facility, which is being built from scratch on the site of the demolished cinema, will attract a lot of supporters of a healthy lifestyle," explains Stanislav Dmitrievich. "The sports and recreation complex will feature not only a gym and fitness rooms, but also a swimming pool with lanes measuring 25x7.5 meters, and a sauna. In the meantime, our swimming enthusiasts make long trips to pools in Rossons and Novopolotsk. The most interesting thing is that the designers managed to take into account all the nuances of the pool's construction, making it convenient for both young and adult swimmers. The pool's capacity is 80 people per shift."

The beautiful building has already taken shape, and landscaping is underway around it. Paths and recreation areas are being improved in the square, and shrubs and flowers are being planted. Across the road, the former hotel building is being modernized into a polyclinic.

– This is a very necessary facility for the residents of Verkhnedvinsk, as the current polyclinic and hospital are located six kilometers from the city, – explains Stanislav Protas.

We managed to talk to some residents of the district center. All of them expressed the idea that they are ready to endure temporary difficulties. Moreover, they themselves will take part in establishing proper order and improving the areas around their homes. In return, Verkhnedvinsk will appear in a new image by the time of "Dazhynki": many landmark buildings will be changed and updated, giving the city freshness, modernity, and convenience.

Elena BASHUN, "Vitbichi", photos by the author.