pipsico hunt?

[sndman60]

I'm still way excited about the hunt at the BSA. Is there any positive news? Definitely a go, definitely a no go, or just partly cloudy? Thank you for the invite Ann. It really does sound like it will be awesome and I am so looking forward to it.

 

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[Kiros32]

No news is certainly good news at this point Gary. Ann is pretty good about posting important updates as they develop. Though I am a bit concerned that these people are purposely making themselves unavailable and when it comes time to hunt, we will not have a definitive answer and therefore should probably not conduct the hunt. From the way these people have acted so far, it wouldn't surprise me.

With that said, the positive of all of this is that IF we do get to go, it should be another awesome hunt. This site has so much potential and we have only grazed the surface. It's interesting, this site literally has locations from different eras. For example, there is an area at the tree line where most of the finds dated from 1900-1940s. There is a field on the other side of the camp where I pulled two flat buttons and a key plate dating from the early 1800s. AND, the area in front of the old mess hall turned out to be a great place to find silver. We pulled probably 20 silver coins out of there last time, including one guy finding 3..count'em, 3 silver halves, 2 Ben Franklins and a Walking Liberty.

I can't to sink my teeth into this place again!!!

 

[sndman60]

I am very excited and anxious to get into this hunt. But at the same time I really don’t want to expect to much as it may be a disappointment if we arrive and get turned away “at the door”. Any place I get to use my detector is a great place for me. I live in Williamsburg and as you can imagine, it isn’t that “user friendly” for us. I used to ride my bike across the fairy to Surry and I really liked the ride. A very nice area so it will be nice to get over to the BSA and do a little detecting. Thanks for the update and info. I am still so looking forward to this. Thanks again.

 

[LadyDigger]

Hey Kiros....Hey Gary...

No NEWS is GOOD NEWS...I hope....!!! So far...the hunt is STILL ON....

and I'm still making plans for it....

Gary....down this way....Witchduck Road is due for widening, project to start 2011....from Bonney Road to 264. I spoke with Mr. Davis, who wrote the article...he said 31 homes were involved, 26 are down now, 5 are still standing and of those 5, only 2 are occupied. One tenant will be leaving soon and Mr. Hamilton, the last to leave, is still in his home.

I spoke with the City Clerk Office yesterday, who put me in touch with the City Manager and she called me back yesterday....she's trying to get ahold of the one person she thinks may have an answer....she will call me back today, by 3 pm...

I am trying to see if I can detect those lots where the houses were. I know in the City of Virginia Beach...there is NO LAW against metal detecting, however, because this is to be considered a CONSTRUCTION SITE...I wanted to make sure I could go. I am more interested in finding items that maybe the previous owner lost and be able to give them that piece of memrobilia!! However, I would suspect SILVER to be found...as several of the homeowners are the original owners and some have lived there 42 / 45 years!!! (one lady since 1954, I believe it said)....if this pans out...I'll be sure to let you know....maybe you can come this way and detect....

Look on maps.google.com and look for Bonney Road and Witchduck....I'm sure you would remember this area.....

Kiros, looking forward to seeing you next month....WHOO HOO....I'm thinking POSITIVE HERE!!!

Bye guys...talk to you later,
Annmarie

 

[sndman60]

Ann, you make me all excited now. I do hope the area pans out. I have been out detecting on a place that owner has just let me on. He also let one other guy on. Speaking with this other detectorist, he said he had been asking for a few years and the owner finally gave in but is still a bit particular. I have to ask everytime I go out and I feel this may not last too much longer. Any place is a great place. I haven't made it over to the church yet as my attention has been here due to the uncertainty. When I do get to the church I will definitely let you now. It would be great to meet you and your hubby and do some digging. Thanks for the update. Good luck, good hunting, and persevere.

 

[EX2user]

Just wanted to tell everyone locally that Barnes and Noble in Va beach has the "The Official Military Atlas of the Civil War" on the bargin book section for about 20 bucks. It's a great map resource and very cheap for that price.

 

[sndman60]

Road trip!!! Mapquest from Williamsburg to Va beach Barnes and Nobles. JK, We might have it here in Williamsburg B & N. Thanks for the info. Will definately check into this.

 

[Kiros32]

Road trip!!! Mapquest from Williamsburg to Va beach Barnes and Nobles. JK, We might have it here in Williamsburg B & N. Thanks for the info. Will definately check into this.

Thanks Ex2, I went to the Barnes and Noble website and they have it there for $20. It came to $25 with shipping, which is still a good price.

 

[SamN]

Back to the witchduck rd. hunt i would love to be a part of it. I grew up of of providence rd. and remember using old VA bch blvd. to kempsville rd and WD rd. '70s there use to be lots of woods and fields...

 

[LadyDigger]

SamN and Gary60

Regarding Witchduck Road construction widening: I received a voice mail from Jessica today, from the City Manager's Office...she gave me the number of the man (Burl Haggerty) who is checking into it...

But this is interesting....she said that Mr. Haggerty said that "I AM THE FIRST" to ever make such a request (and mind you, I did so ONLY because it is considered a "construction site"). They made so many phone calls and Mr. Haggerty has my number and I have his....I was told to call back in a day or two...Friday is good, cause I am off Friday!!!!

Mr. Haggerty said, through Jessica, that usually the demolition crew have FIRST CHOICE over anything that is found, but since my request was to find memrobilia of the folks that lived there, which they think is awesome, that puts this into another light! It sounds promising!!!

So, I hope to have an answer by Friday. If Mr. Haggerty finds anything out sooner, he will call me. I will be at work all day tomorrow...but will be home in time, if they call before 3:30 to return their call...so I may have an answer tomorrow (if I receive a phone call).

Sam, you are more than welcomed to come along....I think the weekend is best, that way my hubby can join in too and I hope that it's good for you both! But I will keep you posted.

Ex2User....Thanks also about that book...I will have to check it out...B&N is just up the road from me...I'll go Friday! And you are more than welcomed to come to the Witchduck Rd hunt if it can be done.

Oh, and Witchduck Road built up alot...those woods and fields...well, can't recall seeing that many around anymore...VA BEACH is really building up and tearing down and taking away...etc.

I spoke to one of the previous owners yesterday, Mrs. Ann Cass. Her and her husband moved out last Nov '07. They bought a new house. Just before they moved, he was diagnosed with Cancer (stage 4)....he passed away on Christmas Eve '07, not even in their new home a month. She also lost her son a year or two prior and has one daughter. She's 71 years old (will be 72 this year)....what a sweetheart of a lady she is. I was on the phone with her for 3 and 1/2 hours!!!! Yes sir...that long...and we had the nicest chat, talked about everything...life...you name it!

I told her if I am given permission, that her yard will be the FIRST one detected and I would love to find something that may have belonged to her son....they lived in that house 42 YEARS!!!! She said you probably won't find much and I told her...YOU JUST NEVER KNOW!!!

So, I'll let you guys know and when I speak to Mr. Haggerty...I will also let him know that myself, my hubby and three friends (two locals and one retired Navy) will be joining us. That is a alot of houses to cover....and I don't know, if we can, how much time we would be given to detect.

But I'll let you know


And Pipsico is STILL ON as far as I am concerned and I'm still making plans until I am told different!
Annmarie

 

[EX2user]

Your welcome Kilros 32. Looking forward to hunting with you again at Pipsico. Maybe we can all dig some more half dollars.

Gary60 if you can't find the book in Williamsburg I can pick it up for you and drop it off when I go to work. I work in Williamsburg and drive it everyday. Have to be to work before 3 Pm so we can work something out.

Ann thanks for the invite. I always like to dig when I can. Will see if I can find some old maps of the area.

 

[sndman60]

EX2, thanks alot. I will check here this after noon and get back to you. My PM is open to all if you care to use that. If I do get you to pick up the book for me, I work at Ft. Easts and maybe we could get together for lunch or just meet somewhere close. I sometimes continue to be rigidly flexable.

 

[EX2user]

Hey Gary60 did you ever check to see if B&N in Williamsburg had the book? The offer still stands. Just let me know. If you schedule conflicts . I can bring it to the hunt. I'm thinking positive here. Later

 

[Kiros32]

Hey Ex, my copy arrived on Friday, and holy crap its huge!!! I am not sure where I am going to put it, but I am glad I got it, it's an amazing book. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[cryptodave]

Yeah, that civil war book is awesome. I bought mine several weeks ago.

Ann, let me know about that Witchduck Rd project, it sounds promising... I might even be able to talk Seeker into going.

 

[LadyDigger]

As for the Withduck Road Project....it was BILL Haggerty...not Burl...LOL...anyways....

I spoke with him yesterday....he said it will be about 4-6 weeks before all the debris will be removed. Right now, the cops are patrolling the area to keep folks out, due to some houses still standing (as vandalism has already been noted on some of those homes, even before the folks completely moved out, Mrs. Cass and her family being one of them!)....and also due to equipment still there to complete the tearing down of the homes.

I told Mr. Haggerty that I will drive by each week to see the progress and when I see all is clear, I will give him a curosity call to make sure nothing else is to be cleared and all equipment is gone....he said that they WILL NOT START for another 3 years on that road widening!!!

He said YES and that it is CITY PROPERTY...so we can...but it won't be until about mid-April...I will keep ya'll posted if you want to come on out!!!

Mr. Haggerty also said, and I remember when houses were there, as I use to drive by them everyday going to the Naval Base...but on Independence Blvd....there were houses on both sides..now it's just grass and trees planted. That is when they were widening Independence Blvd...he even said that is CITY PROPERTY...I may give that a go...I have been wanting to do that area....but wasn't sure. I remember where all the houses use to be!!! So, that is another spot we can also hit!!!

So, this is a local area we can project for in April.......k? Dave ... you and Ken are more than welcomed to come along too!!!

Now for PIPSICO.....Kiros came up with an idea for SATURDAY NIGHT BBQ....DCMatt and Kiros have awesome info on Pipsico (maps included)....we need to come up with a game plan ...

I am thinking, like where the thimbles and spoons were found...we ALL go and hunt the same area...grid it off (I'll bring some string so we can)...and we hit that area hard.

No word as of yet...SO as far as I am concerned...THE HUNT IS STILL ON!!!!.....and we need to hit this site hard, as it just may be our last!!!! (I hope not, but we have to think this way!)

We can pick certain areas, grid and we ALL detect that area...to get as much done TOGETHER!!! We can save the SILVER MINE for the evening when we are done with the our areas of the land....cause it's closer to camp and just a way to unwind from a hard day in the field

Anyone have any ideas for Saturday night BBQ? Kiros was thinking like hot dogs, hamburgers and such....let's get this HUNT ON!!!!!!!!!!

I can't wait!!
Annmarie

 

[Kiros32]

Someone will need to bring a grill if we are going to BBQ. I had to give mine up when I moved into my new apt since they don't allow grilling. If we agree that's what we want to do, we should have everyone bring something to contribute.


I think gridding the field by the dig site is a good idea. I found several clam shells, iron, and some relics in one spot last time, which leads me to believe there was either a homesite or trash dump there. That's where I found the key plate. I will be bringing my Super 12 coil this time to grab the deeper stuff that I may have missed.

 

[sndman60]

EX2, I did get b y and looked at this ATLAS. It is a great book. But it may be something I re-think in the near future. I do thank you for the 411. For me I didn't see a whole lot I could use right now. Having said that, I do plan on venturing out when I can afford to add more play to my work schedule and then the book would be of great help. It is also just a great coffee table book also. Thanks again. I also look forward to meeting everyone at either the Pipsico hunt or the Witch Duck road. Good luck to all in the mean time.

 

[EX2user]

Hey everyone. Glad to see the hunt is close. I have an old looking gas grill that I can bring. The outside looks a little rough but it will grill burgers. I can bring it. Cosco has the kirkland brand burgers pre made that are good. They come in a pack of 24. I think they are about 12 dollars a pack. Will have to check. I'm also planning to bring a coffee pot this time. I like fresh coffee. How does that sound ?

Gary60 , Kiros you both are welcome. Thought everyone would like it. I have an old copy that I use all the time.

Ann looks like a plan is coming together.

Later

 

[TheSleeper]

Ann, A lil history for you pertaining to bonney rd. Grew up on bonney rd from 55-88 .
Bonney rd was at one time one piece when the interstate was created bonney rd was split as it stands today.
If you look at the map of the current form at the corner of alicia DR that lil nub that juts towards the off ramp was bonney rd. there was once a gas station/ small convience store that servered the entire neighborhood, right in that V between alicia and that nub of old bonney rd..

Getting back to its old route, if you look at a current map follow dolton dr to its end after it crosses alicia draw a direct line to south Blvd then where south blvd vears to the right alongside 264 it use to go directly across and join bonney rd before the offramp to independence (right where the independence blvd north exit starts) and that is the orginal route of bonney road. Dolton and south blvd were named after the orginal bonney rd was broken up for the interstate. SO looking from the witchduck end u have bonney rd, dolton dr, south blvd then bonney rd draw imangary lines and you have bonney roads orginial route.

The extension of bonney rd from dolton DR to baxter rd was actually opened and named bonney rd and cut thought to baxter after the interstate was created. The orginal bonney rd was renamed dolton, looking at alicia dr where it shows it joining the off ramp is where it use to end. There were a couple of homes on that ave mainly the owner of the gas station/convience store was one of them.

Now as far as homes on that section of bonney rd though to witchduck. The trailer park was in existance back to the 50`s on the right side of bonney it was added to and increased in size over the years. On the left side of bonney the oldest section of homes was from the corner of Dolton(remember dolton use to be bonney) and alicia to the intersection of bonney and ritzcraft in its present form.

Many residence along bonney rd from alicia dr to witchduck rd were black families of which many were customers of my father`s and me.

Now if you are referring to just S.witchduck rd from its intersection of bonney north to 264 that section of road was widened before. Most those homes that now sit right on witchduck at one time had nice large front yards but the widening took alot of that away. Witchduck was at one time a 2 lane road so that will give you an idea how much front yard those people lost. If i am not mistaken some of those houses along witchduck were either moved back or torn down and new ones built.

Anyway hope this helps...