Old House photos

[artemis moon]

Got permission to hunt a house that is owned by our local ski resort now. It's a bit overwhelming, between the house, the barn and the multiple acres of farm land. Behind the house is a baseball field where I've seen photos of games going on from the '20s. So far, the only things of interest I've found is an '70's era watch and the icebox latch shown below, which was right near the front door.

Notice how the foundation crumbling and you can see into the basement. I don't like to get too close, because I'm not sure of what will come crawling out to drag me in!! I'm still trying to find a date on the house..but I think 1850's. Hopefully it will stop raining one of these days, because I'm stoked to get back there and that ain't no bull! (from the adjoining field)

 

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[thrillathahunt]

That looks like a great place to hunt! Check around the trees and the edge of the driveway oh and close around the porch.

 

[christo000]

definetly a place id like to go to take ur time maybe bring a hunting friend with u its fun having a partner to talk to on those big places to share thoughts

 

[Beans]

That is a big house. I would like to go inside and explore to include the barn.

 

[pippinwhitepaws]

what is the house called...federal period?

beautiful...

 

[CoilyGirl]

I would be so excited to get to detect a house that old and I would probably crawl under the porch or at least wiggle a pinpointer under there.

 

[Mudslide]

Looks like heaven!! Have a great time and dig some good stuff!

 

[artemis moon]

I just found out that the house dates to 1820, and I'm not sure of the architectural style, although I do think that there are some elements of the Federal period, like that palladian window. I'd say it's a mishmash of additions through the years. There's no way that I'd ever go inside the house or in the barn alone. I'm too much of a chicken- afraid of wild animals and squatters, I guess

 

[christo000]

Lol it just sounds like great history I like those old spots that if they could only talk ,but that's where we detectotists come in bringing history back to the present time

 

[mical66]

a little interesting history about windows ,, well maybe not interesting but i wanted to add my 2 cents any way
i learned from my old boss years ago when i restored antique cabins that in a early house large windows were a sign of wealth. back when they had not perfected the art of making flat sheets of glass in large sheets , most people could only afford small panes of glass so had windows with 4 or more panes. the people with large windows were rich enough to afford them.
which if my memory is right is was mid 1800's there was a change in glass window sizes.

 

[Frankn]

It seems odd that a structure from that time period has no porch. That is the area where most activities happened in those days. I think the most productive areas will be at or near the front and rear entrances. Frank...

 

[RGINN]

Pretty cool, Yankee. I noticed no porch too Frankn so maybe it wasn't built as a private residence. I never been to that part of the country Artemis Moon but I have studied the writings of a fella from up that way who's pretty familiar with that part of the world. So be careful. Accordin to ol Stephen King that is probably an old insane asylum and there is things there that could get you, so keep a look out. hahaha! Good huntin, take your time and have fun with it.

 

[mical66]

very good observation guys, the over all look makes it look like a school or hospital for sure, the lack of shutters, porch and overall size and number of windows does not look like a house . wonder what the room lay out looks like inside ?
also looking at the "L" shape of the house is pretty common , the door and window transom match , the lap siding is all uniform with no visible break points , so either the building was built like that or when it was renovated they did a top job making the addition join up and match like it was original .

i would for sure MD around those doors , even though there was not a large porch attached with a roof to the house , the foundation missing around the door area makes it look like there was a stoop or some kind of landing out there .
also i see a soccer goal in the back ground, look around the goal and sidelines where spectators would sit .

 

[artemis moon]

Pretty cool, Yankee. I noticed no porch too Frankn so maybe it wasn't built as a private residence. I never been to that part of the country Artemis Moon but I have studied the writings of a fella from up that way who's pretty familiar with that part of the world. So be careful. Accordin to ol Stephen King that is probably an old insane asylum and there is things there that could get you, so keep a look out. hahaha! Good huntin, take your time and have fun with it.

Thank you, RGINN for playing on my worst nightmares

 

[mical66]

artemis, if you can find a spot where the frame is exposed near the foundation and can find any nails , look to see if you can find any square nails, or if the beams are pegged together , it will help date the house a little closer .
here are what the nails will look like.

 

[christo000]

Like the info on the nails that's good to know

 

[mical66]

main thing to remember about the nails are the early 1800's with machinery and industry coming along and cut nails from sheets, the hand cut nails were to expensive because machines could mass produce them.
So if you find a square head nail that is tapered on all 4 sides , its almost always a hand made nail and will be early 1800's or earlier.
That is also around the time post-n-beam died out.

 

[CoilyGirl]

I just saved that picture of nails to my camera roll.Does that make me an official metal detecting nerd?

 

[pippinwhitepaws]

I just found out that the house dates to 1820, and I'm not sure of the architectural style, although I do think that there are some elements of the Federal period, like that palladian window. I'd say it's a mishmash of additions through the years. There's no way that I'd ever go inside the house or in the barn alone. I'm too much of a chicken- afraid of wild animals and squatters, I guess

nothing like a can of bear spray to keep safe in the wild...works on anything that breaths.
the porch is missing from that house I believe...
that style was a popular build in the northeast.
i'd go with the place being a private residence...lots of modifications

 

[dieselram94]

Sweet place to hunt! I would say that was for sure used as a house and not a school or hospital, ect. I to have heard that about windows being a sign of wealth. If it was me I would not leave any inch undetected of the entire property. Looks like a old farm and I am sure some of the original buildings are no longer standing. I would not hesitate for a second to go inside if you have permission. Is it going to be torn down? If so try to check wall cavities especially under the window sills. Keep the pictures coming!