Privy Finds

[Gypsy Heart]

I had the dis-stink privylage of finding the old town hall privy and spent the last week digging its cellar. Now as bad as it sounds ...it wasn't . Because of it being built with its backside on a sandy slope and limed on a regular basis...it wasn't bad to dig....no deep hole to crawl into .
I used Sanborn maps to help me find this and after talking to a couple of old timers who were very amused at me doing this...I found out that the privy was moved several times over the years along this sandy bank. From what I can gather there were two outhouses (ladies and mens ....cool for the late 1800's) and they were in place (well moving across the top of the slope ) until the late 40's. So I am pretty sure I was digging in the ladies privy cellar for the most part. I will keep digging until snow flies and am hoping to pull out more than my usually wheaties . I am having the neighbor guy make me a sifting screen, as I have been using a colander and its not going fast enough. I was surprised to find the sterling silver ring tho...was one of the first things in my sifter.....
The tortoise shell hair comb is really cool even damaged. It says solid gold on it and I can see along of where the gold was. I am going to see if the gems are real in it and then have the damaged parts removed and a brooch made out of it. Its about 4 inches across and 4 long.

I do like the lamp arm for a kerosene lamp and am going to see if I can find the cup/bowl part for it. Seems like I pulled up alot of kerosene lamp parts and there are many pottery bottles still there that I keep digging...but broken. Hoping for a whole one.
http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.php/topic,119459.0/topicseen.html

 

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[Country Girls Dad]

Hey Gypsy, great stuff ! But you must share with me.......In your responce to Mona.....what's the Johnny Boy Jeep

 

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[kydave]

Sanborn Maps

Anyone know how these Sanborn maps identify the privys? Are they drawn or coded or what? I am planning on getting some for my area and want to be sure i know how to read them. Saw a sample online but it was in such fine print i couldn't make out much.

 

[kydave]

Well that post went in the wrong place! Sorry!

 

[Gypsy Heart]

The sanborn maps I have for my town have the privys marked either as a shed....or its just a little square behind the buildings twards the back of properties.

 

[kydave]

Thanks Gypsy! That's what i wanted to know! As a matter of fact on one of your post you mentioned the maps, first i've heard of them. Already got a list for my town, thanks again!

 

[Gypsy Heart]

Found the pictures of the village hall that was on the property

 

[Wasabi]

Nice digs Gypsy,
You have always seem to have a large assortment of different finds which always makes your post interesting to look at.
WTG on the ring very cool.

 

[Giant056]

Fantastic finds Gypsy, ya never know what your going to find in a privy!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Shortstack]

Hello, Gypsy--
Finding that picture sure adds interest to your project. Have you considered making a shadow box display with the picture and several identifiable items you find in the privies? I would think that a velvet lined shadow box with that picture in the center; surrounded by the hair comb, the shoe button hooks (one on each side for balance), and some of the other everyday items would make a really great wall display. A small printed card with a written description of "what" and "where" would round your display out nicely. Not to mention the built-in added value of otherwise valueless (?) scrap. A display like that would look good in the home and be of value to other collectors (as you might want to sell it one day).

Just an idea. One thing is for certain. You're proving that THing is NOT for lazy people.

 

[Steve in Michigan]

Gypsy.

As always you find the neatest stuff. That sifter is going to find so much more good stuff. Can't wait to see the rest. On a different note, I'm not sure if anyone has ever asked this, but who did your picture? It is such a beautiful picture. Great profile!

Your Friend,

Steve in Michigan

 

[strike it rich]

I really enjoyed reading your thread I found it interesting and informative just one question remains is there any risk to your health due to the kind of activity that once occured at your search location and if so what kind of percautions do you take

 

[Okie Hillbillies]

Hey gypsyheart Those are some real nice finds. How do you manage to find those spots anyhow? seems all I manage to find are some old houseplaces and none of them have anything like that.


Okie Hillbillies......................................................................