How would i locate old homesteads?

Holly_squirrel · Apr 4, 2013

I live in PA . I just can't seem to be comfortable with the idea of detecting in public. I'm not that comfortable in public places as is already. My interest is in relics anyhow. Ideally I'd love to go to an abandoned property to mosey around by myself. I seem to be finding however, that everything is owned by somebody. I'm surrounded by a couple thousand acres of forests and meadows, but not aloud to detect on it an inch, because it's state owned. Even the public preserved lands All seem to have a no detecting rule. Anyhow, is there a way to find abandoned homes in your area? It would be a start, if I have to ask permission of somebody I will. If it's privately owned that is

Silver Simon · Apr 4, 2013

HollySnow said:
Sounds alot like me. I'm a stay at home mom... So my social network is limited... Lol.. But.... I do a few places , I got that way ... Only thing is most want to be a part of it... I'd rather not have them looking over my shoulder as I dig up nail after nail... Lol. But I suppose it's tbe best shot I got .

TBH, I bet most people would be intimidated by you. It seems like you change your avatar pic often, so you must be comfortable with your appearance!

I just got back from my very first public detecting session, and it went great, with minimal human interactions, despite plenty of people around. I have also been checking historical maps to see what areas have been inhabited, and I plan on using the website/FB page I created "History Revealed" as my pitch to sway people to allow me to sweep their property. It has my mission statement as well as a code of ethics I adhere to. I think public perception is that we leave giant holes all over the place and destroy their lawn. I plan on creating videos for Youtube that show how well I retrieve the targets with little to no change to the appearance, with the help of a nicely cut plug and drop cloth to hold the dirt until I am done.

And as its been said here, spread the word and have friends/family ask around for you as well. GL!

Holly_squirrel · Apr 4, 2013

Subchaser said:
I've been using Historic Map Works, the maps I'm using are from 1868 and some of the areas have overlays. I've already hunted two old farmsteads I located from those maps, unfortunately they were located right next to a road and had lots of trash scattered around. I still managed to find a few hand forged nails, a couple of hooks, a garden hoe, a pair of French made sheep clippers and best of all a cast iron cap gun that possibly could be late 1800's. It's soaking in apple cider vinegar now but I'm gonna do the electrolysis thing once I get it rigged up and hopefully be able it i.d. it. There's 3 other old farmsteads deep in the woods near that same area I'm going to go hunt this weekend. I'm like you, I don't like hunting with lots of people around either so have been looking for those secluded, non-privately owned places to check out. Also try using the Google Map satellite feature, I just found what appears to be two foundations in remote areas...definitely gonna check them out first chance I get. Best of luck!!

I like that idea. Thank you

Holly_squirrel · Apr 4, 2013

Silver Simon said:
TBH, I bet most people would be intimidated by you. It seems like you change your avatar pic often, so you must be comfortable with your appearance! I just got back from my very first public detecting session, and it went great, with minimal human interactions, despite plenty of people around. I have also been checking historical maps to see what areas have been inhabited, and I plan on using the website/FB page I created "History Revealed" as my pitch to sway people to allow me to sweep their property. It has my mission statement as well as a code of ethics I adhere to. I think public perception is that we leave giant holes all over the place and destroy their lawn. I plan on creating videos for Youtube that show how well I retrieve the targets with little to no change to the appearance, with the help of a nicely cut plug and drop cloth to hold the dirt until I am done.

And as its been said here, spread the word and have friends/family ask around for you as well. GL!

Not sure I get your first comment.... Actually I know I don't get what your saying there.... But good for you on the rest of it

Peyton Manning · Apr 4, 2013

HollySnow said:
Lol... Not hardly ... Some people look better in pics than in person...

true. remarkably I take bad pictures and look better in person.

DiggItUp · Apr 4, 2013

HollySnow said:
Lol... Not hardly ... Some people look better in pics than in person...

Hey! I didn't know you lived in PA! I do too! What area are you in because I am also scared of asking permission and I'm only 16 (almost 17) so I'm afraid people will be suspicious or confused because I'm a kid. I have my drivers permit only so my access is kinda limited but ill have my license soon. Although it won't matter cause my mom is going to question every place I go and is wary of me getting into trouble as always. Anyhow (getting off topic) I am also kind of scared of asking around and hopefully ill muster up some courage to call these people I researched that own this beautiful old abandoned house. The property is abandoned so hopefully they'll let me detect. I'm very nervous!!! Tell me what area are you in!

Best regards

Jimmy

Lab Rat Pappy · Apr 6, 2013

Holly I do not know what area you live in, but I am in the Lancaster area. I can possibly get you permission to hunt around some old homesteads that are located on my relatives farms. Let me know. Lab Rat Pappy

AU Seeker · Apr 7, 2013

Holly,

Most counties have a GIS (Geographic Information System)website, which is public information usually on a map on who owns the land parcels in the county.

Search for your county's GIS website and if they have a GIS website you should be able to get GIS maps that will give you information on who owns what in your county so you can contact them to gain permission to come on to their property.

I did a little searching to see if Pa. counties have GIS websites and the few I checked do, the down side is they want you to purchase the maps, I'm not sure if your county has a GIS website with available maps or not, if not info would be available at your county's main office.

In my state/county you can view the GIS maps online for free and get the owner's info simply by finding the parcel on the map and clicking on the parcel, but it may not work the same in your state/county.

So you can see how it works here's the GIS map for my area, click on the "Go To Map" on the popup menu and just zoom in real close on a parcel and then click on it to see the info of ownership.

http://webgis.bcgov.net/gissite/index.html

Edit:My county's GIS map is rather new and may glitch when you click on the parcel and only show county district and such, just drag the map a little and zoom in or out and back in and try again and it should show the owner's info.

DiggItUp · Apr 7, 2013

AU Seeker said:
Holly,

Most counties have a GIS (Geographic Information System)website, which is public information usually on a map on who owns the land parcels in the county.

Search for your county's GIS website and if they have a GIS website you should be able to get GIS maps that will give you information on who owns what in your county so you can contact them to gain permission to come on to their property.

I did a little searching to see if Pa. counties have GIS websites and the few I checked do, the down side is they want you to purchase the maps, I'm not sure if your county has a GIS website with available maps or not, if not info would be available at your county's main office.

In my state/county you can view the GIS maps online for free and get the owner's info simply by finding the parcel on the map and clicking on the parcel, but it may not work the same in your state/county.

So you can see how it works here's the GIS map for my area, click on the "Go To Map" on the popup menu and just zoom in real close on a parcel and then click on it to see the info of ownership.

http://webgis.bcgov.net/gissite/index.html

Edit:My county's GIS map is rather new and may glitch when you click on the parcel and only show county district and such, just drag the map a little and zoom in or out and back in and try again and it should show the owner's info.

Yeah I'm in butler county PA and I use the gis to find sites it's by far my most caked resource.

AU Seeker · Apr 7, 2013

Diggitup,

I tried using your county's GIS map (which is free to use online) and didn't get owner info without doing a "property search" on the parcel number which the map did give when I clicked on a parcel, is that how you use the map or did I not click on the proper map function?

Edit: Nevermind I figured it out, I had to click on the drop down menu beside the parcel number to get the owner info.

DiggItUp · Apr 7, 2013

AU Seeker said:
Diggitup,

I tried using your county's GIS map (which is free to use online) and didn't get owner info without doing a "property search" on the parcel number which the map did give when I clicked on a parcel, is that how you use the map or did I not click on the proper map function?

Edit: Nevermind I figured it out, I had to click on the drop down menu beside the parcel number to get the owner info.

Yup

Frankn · Apr 7, 2013

jeff-gordon said:
Holly's ad would be very simple. " Model looking for places to use her detector." Put your pic in and your phone won't stop ringing.

PS, don't forget to take that big dog for protection. Looks like he has the same blue collar as my pit bull has. Frank...

Holly_squirrel · Apr 7, 2013

Thanks for the GIS info!

TerryC · Apr 7, 2013

Two things.... First, look for plants that are not native to the area. In rows, gardens, along lot lines. Trees, bushes, vines. That will tell you a homestead was near, even if it is nolonger visible. Use a platt map to learn where the lots are. Your tax recorder's office has the owner's info. Tip number two.... Take a child with you when asking permission. Who can refuse a child? Not many. Sounds sneaky but it works! And let the child detect also. You will be a super hero for it!! TTC

Holly_squirrel · Apr 7, 2013

TerryC said:
Two things.... First, look for plants that are not native to the area. In rows, gardens, along lot lines. Trees, bushes, vines. That will tell you a homestead was near, even if it is nolonger visible. Use a platt map to learn where the lots are. Your tax recorder's office has the owner's info. Tip number two.... Take a child with you when asking permission. Who can refuse a child? Not many. Sounds sneaky but it works! And let the child detect also. You will be a super hero for it!! TTC

Hey now, I have 2 cute kids I could use for this purpose... Make them earn their rent... Lol . Sneaky indeed.... Yet effective .

Fixitdave · Apr 7, 2013

Took my nephew 14 & grandson 11 with me here awhile back got turned down at all places we stopped was like 4 or 5 times but then easter sunday we went again and all said yes think it has to do with time of year people get grouchy in winter from staying in good luck happy huntin

Holly_squirrel · Apr 8, 2013

Fixitdave said:
Took my nephew 14 & grandson 11 with me here awhile back got turned down at all places we stopped was like 4 or 5 times but then easter sunday we went again and all said yes think it has to do with time of year people get grouchy in winter from staying in good luck happy huntin

I can't muster the nerve to ask... However if I run into someone with a nice old property I may tell them of all the treasures that may be in their yard. I'm surprised though, the way people are these days.... That most wouldn't demand to keep anything found that was potentially worth anything. Like if I found a peice of jewlery, sure I'd feel obligated to hand it over.. Regardless if it was theirs or Not. But if I found some rusty old coin or say a roof ice breaker or something.. I'd be bummed if I couldn't keep it.
I wouldn't mind if another history lover asked me to scan their lawn to dig up what treasures I could for them... Though I wouldn't spend more than a couple hours doing it.. Lol