A sad day.....thrice over. Once for me, once for a friend and once for history.

[Maryland Searcher]

Hello all. Its been a while since I posted, but have had some things happen that I didn't get out much and have had a string of bad luck, health problems and sadness .

A few months ago I posted that I had a stroke of good fortune and gained access to a property where a civil war encampment was stationed on the way to Gettysburg. I believe Colonel Rossers named was mentioned.It was also promising in other ways. Lots of old farm machinery and over eight acres of property not including the house which was built in the 1840's.

After speaking with the owners wife and getting permission from her she stated that I could come over when she felt better and she would show me the camp site and other features of the property AND let me MD the dirt basement floor. That would have been so cool since it had a basement hand dug well which had been filled in and lots of places for cache's.

I was getting ready to call her to set up a time the other day and literally had opened the newspaper in my hand to a random page and set it on the table to call. As I dialed I noticed the page that I had opened it too. It was the obituaries.

My friend who gave me permission to hunt passed away the day before I called, so evidently she was being ever so kind when she said call her back "when she felt better". Not only has the family lost a very loved member (her husband is a crotchety SOB) but the area may have lost a historic site and will never know it. Since the property is an old farm setting by its lonesome in the middle of a development, it will probably be sold and built on. The best I can hope is to get permission while the grading is going on.

I'm also going to keep an eye out for the estate sale and see if I can get the name of the people the property was willed too and contact them for permission. I know it seems selfish a little, but I would hate to see possible history bulldozed and built on without even the opportunity to bring some of it to light. Regardless of the monetary value, I would love to search it and even donate some or all of the finds to the historical society in my friends name. At least this way she would be remembered for a while longer even if it was just by me.

To all who have lost a friend, loved one or even just a friendly little old lady who thinks of someone other than herself I feel your pain.

 

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[Yarrum]

Re: A sad day.....thrice over. Once for me, once for a friend and once for histo

That's sad and unfortunately that's life. It would be a great shame to lose a historic site like that, I believe future generations have a right to appreciate your nation's history. Let us all know how you get on.
All the best.
murraY

 

[TreasureTales]

That's sad. Always sad to lose a good person, and it sounds like that lady was a good person. You have a reasonable plan, IMO, get the info for the new owner (didn't her husband live on the property with her?). Contact him/her and explain what happened - the lady's commitment to you and her untimely passing - and see if they will honor her promise. If not, let the historical society know about the site (with the caveat that you can detect it along with them) because they have more clout than an individual. It would be a real shame it the site is paved over, bulldozed under, or just plain forgotten. And yes, by all means, donate some relics in her memory. GREAT IDEA!!!

 

[VOL1266-X]

I have been hunting CW Relics for 12 years now. I have found that when you get permission to hunt a likely CW site- do it ASAP. The window of opportunity generally closes more quickly than it opens. Also, if the owner gave you permission-they may have recently given others permission. Hopefully, you will get another opportunity to hunt the site. Good luck.

 

[Burdie]

Hope you get an opportunity to hunt the site. HH
Burdie

 

[melnatcat]

Sad... But this is your window of opportunity!!! Make a cake, cookies, hot dish, or pie...take it over to the old goat and talk to him. His heart may be bigger than what you think. Explain to him that whatever you may find, you want to take to the historical society/museum in his wife's name. He just may be an old softy! The thrill is in the hunt, remember? I find that people are like cats...CURIOUS! If you have a metal detector out...they want to know what you are looking for/or what you found so far! He will probably give in to you if he knows it's not for monetary gain on your part. A little kindness goes a long way...remember the way to a man's heart is through his stomach...(well most of the time!)! Good luck and KEEP THE FAITH!! Melnatcat

 

[theloadroom]

Hope it works out for you!