ToastedWheatie
Hero Member
- Jun 30, 2013
- 532
- 759
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- Detector(s) used
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800
Infinium
Whites M6
- Primary Interest:
- Relic Hunting
I've been MDing a number of old foundations, and have been contemplating searching the still existing hand dugs wells (and privies).
Wells:
One is wide enough to put a ladder in, the others I haven't lifted the covers.
i've searched around and haven't found any info as to whether this search would be productive. I have the equipment to pump the water out, so as long as it's 'dry season" I should be able to get most of it out.
Anyone have any experience? and advice on technique?
Thought about dropping a good magnet down first, etc. But that won't work for all. One dropped a pump in at one point, and plumbing into house may still be present.
One farm house is still occupied, but dates back to 1700s. No idea as to age of well. Home was a boarding house for NYC vacationers from turn of the century to 50s. (maybe Little Bobby threw his sisters necklace down the well?)
Another is a typical home, torn down in 40s but shows on 1875 map.
Another is a ministers home, acrossed from the church. The church dates back to 1700s, but unsure of the date of this foundation and well. the building was moved up the street, and to my untrained eye looks mid 1800s.
Privies:
I'm not a bottle collector, so what are the chances of finding artifacts/coins in a privy?
If I was going to do one, which should it be?
-Typical home, torn down in 40s but shows on 1875 map.
-Behind that old ministers foundation (see above) is another depression that may have held a building, and behind it 25' is what appears to be an outhouse outline.So there is a possibility that this one could be previous home built early1800s.
-I found a foundation to an old one room schoolhouse, and MD wasn't productive (except a Sky King Decoder ring from a 40s radio show. Missing a piece, but very cool!). But i think I found the last privy. Would a school privy be more or less productive?
These are all in the woods, and I anticipate propery owners permission without a problem.
Any thoughts, suggestions, or advice??
Wells:
One is wide enough to put a ladder in, the others I haven't lifted the covers.
i've searched around and haven't found any info as to whether this search would be productive. I have the equipment to pump the water out, so as long as it's 'dry season" I should be able to get most of it out.
Anyone have any experience? and advice on technique?
Thought about dropping a good magnet down first, etc. But that won't work for all. One dropped a pump in at one point, and plumbing into house may still be present.
One farm house is still occupied, but dates back to 1700s. No idea as to age of well. Home was a boarding house for NYC vacationers from turn of the century to 50s. (maybe Little Bobby threw his sisters necklace down the well?)
Another is a typical home, torn down in 40s but shows on 1875 map.
Another is a ministers home, acrossed from the church. The church dates back to 1700s, but unsure of the date of this foundation and well. the building was moved up the street, and to my untrained eye looks mid 1800s.
Privies:
I'm not a bottle collector, so what are the chances of finding artifacts/coins in a privy?
If I was going to do one, which should it be?
-Typical home, torn down in 40s but shows on 1875 map.
-Behind that old ministers foundation (see above) is another depression that may have held a building, and behind it 25' is what appears to be an outhouse outline.So there is a possibility that this one could be previous home built early1800s.
-I found a foundation to an old one room schoolhouse, and MD wasn't productive (except a Sky King Decoder ring from a 40s radio show. Missing a piece, but very cool!). But i think I found the last privy. Would a school privy be more or less productive?
These are all in the woods, and I anticipate propery owners permission without a problem.
Any thoughts, suggestions, or advice??
