bergie
Bronze Member
- Aug 2, 2004
- 1,815
- 1,147
A few tips I've learned on finding a virgin site. Other ideas welcome:
*Old private homes are great targets. Most will not have been searched compared to public lands.
*Talk to "old timers" in your area about where people used to go swimming and hanging out. Lots of those places are no longer apparent unless you know about them from an insider and you can find something that way.
*Visit a nursing home and you can combine doing something nice for the community with picking up good info. Most nursing homes will let you walk around and talk to people if you ask permission. They appreciate the company.
*Go to the library and look up old photos and maps (obvious one, but it works).
*Keep you eyes open all the time. Look for old foundations, roadways and other opportunities while driving around.
*Don't be afraid to ask permission. The worst you will get is a "no" which will put you in the same position you were in before asking. When you ask, approach someone during daylight hours and discuss your interest in the local history and how you are very respectful of property and say you don't make any mess. Offer to show them your finds and don't make it sound like you are there to remove valuable objects from their property. Downplay it. What you decide to do if you find something of value is up to each person.
*Try to affiliate with a local hist. society, school, library or other institution. If you can donate a few things for display that reflect the local area, then when you go asking for permission you can indicate "I am working with local such and such group" to make sure these items are displayed for the community to see. It will help you get a "yes" for permission.
*Old private homes are great targets. Most will not have been searched compared to public lands.
*Talk to "old timers" in your area about where people used to go swimming and hanging out. Lots of those places are no longer apparent unless you know about them from an insider and you can find something that way.
*Visit a nursing home and you can combine doing something nice for the community with picking up good info. Most nursing homes will let you walk around and talk to people if you ask permission. They appreciate the company.
*Go to the library and look up old photos and maps (obvious one, but it works).
*Keep you eyes open all the time. Look for old foundations, roadways and other opportunities while driving around.
*Don't be afraid to ask permission. The worst you will get is a "no" which will put you in the same position you were in before asking. When you ask, approach someone during daylight hours and discuss your interest in the local history and how you are very respectful of property and say you don't make any mess. Offer to show them your finds and don't make it sound like you are there to remove valuable objects from their property. Downplay it. What you decide to do if you find something of value is up to each person.
*Try to affiliate with a local hist. society, school, library or other institution. If you can donate a few things for display that reflect the local area, then when you go asking for permission you can indicate "I am working with local such and such group" to make sure these items are displayed for the community to see. It will help you get a "yes" for permission.
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