Eastender
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- Joined
- Mar 31, 2025
- Messages
- 632
Rained out Saturday and Sunday and it didn't stop raining today until 11:30 AM. By noon I was in place in the field swinging the coil. I was hot on the trail, turning up many large crude forged spikes. Then quietly an elderly couple came walking through the woods. I walked up to them and I greeted them. I was surprised to see them. Very few people in my area spend any time hiking in the woods this time of the year due to ticks. They couldn't figure out what I was I doing so I made small talk to reassure them everything is good.
I explained some of the finds I have made, including the recent 1690 James II copper and Native American copper arrowhead that I found the previous weekend, in fact very close to where we were talking. I explained that I have a permit to detect this property, but mentioned that the homestead itself was on the adjacent private property. They asked me how I knew this, and I said from my earliest colonial era maps. They confirmed that I was right, and that they own the property I mentioned, and it indeed has a British colonial foundation. We were having such a great conversation about history and nature. They said that I could detect their property if I like. I replied that I have always dreamed of detecting that parcel. Not only because of its potential, but because of the sheer beauty of the place. Their house commands a northern view that encompasses Shelter Island and surrounding islands from atop a bluff. Not like monotonous open ocean, but layers of bays and coves. The sunset drops over an 1860's lighthouse. Everywhere the eye looks is undeveloped green forests and small rolling hills.
I said if they were continuing their walk, they could loop back around later and show me their property to make sure I was at the right place. They replied, let's go now. A short walk away and I couldn't believe my eyes: a 1700s foundation pit with many stones still in place in the woods and a chimney of 1700s bricks collapsed in a pile. They said, go ahead, feel free explore the place. They said they enjoyed our conversation, asked me if I was a teacher (I did teach some undergrad archaeology years ago), and liked the idea that I was a Professional Archaeologist who works with local Museums. I was profusely grateful and said that I would gladly give them everything that found. I even offered to help them with any carpentry chores for free! They said no need, I can keep it all. Of about 20 acres, I'm guessing, probably half is undeveloped forest, the rest, beautiful thick perfect grass that I don't want to disturb. A summer estate of this caliber out here has to exceed $25 mil in value.
I immediately found the two keys. I always take that as a sign that the spirits of the place are welcoming me to their house (I have a 20 old key collection). In no time at all I found the buckles and button. I was getting bogged down looking at iron, which was copious, then decided to cover more ground and wait to dig a solid coin signal. That led to the farthing. Not just any farthing, but a 1749 from the batch that arrived in the Port of Boston in a mother-lode of 700,000 copper coins in 1750. I have a matching half pence found about a mile away. Before I could go further, they invited me for drinks and snacks on the patio overlooking the bay. I spent a couple of hours talking with them. Amazing hosts and the view to die for. I got their email to send some of my nature photography and the earliest map to them.
I didn't get any more detecting in before dark. But I have the open invitation for anytime so later this week. I have a good feeling. Finding such big shoe buckles usually means it has never seen a coil. And I made some good friends too.
I explained some of the finds I have made, including the recent 1690 James II copper and Native American copper arrowhead that I found the previous weekend, in fact very close to where we were talking. I explained that I have a permit to detect this property, but mentioned that the homestead itself was on the adjacent private property. They asked me how I knew this, and I said from my earliest colonial era maps. They confirmed that I was right, and that they own the property I mentioned, and it indeed has a British colonial foundation. We were having such a great conversation about history and nature. They said that I could detect their property if I like. I replied that I have always dreamed of detecting that parcel. Not only because of its potential, but because of the sheer beauty of the place. Their house commands a northern view that encompasses Shelter Island and surrounding islands from atop a bluff. Not like monotonous open ocean, but layers of bays and coves. The sunset drops over an 1860's lighthouse. Everywhere the eye looks is undeveloped green forests and small rolling hills.
I said if they were continuing their walk, they could loop back around later and show me their property to make sure I was at the right place. They replied, let's go now. A short walk away and I couldn't believe my eyes: a 1700s foundation pit with many stones still in place in the woods and a chimney of 1700s bricks collapsed in a pile. They said, go ahead, feel free explore the place. They said they enjoyed our conversation, asked me if I was a teacher (I did teach some undergrad archaeology years ago), and liked the idea that I was a Professional Archaeologist who works with local Museums. I was profusely grateful and said that I would gladly give them everything that found. I even offered to help them with any carpentry chores for free! They said no need, I can keep it all. Of about 20 acres, I'm guessing, probably half is undeveloped forest, the rest, beautiful thick perfect grass that I don't want to disturb. A summer estate of this caliber out here has to exceed $25 mil in value.
I immediately found the two keys. I always take that as a sign that the spirits of the place are welcoming me to their house (I have a 20 old key collection). In no time at all I found the buckles and button. I was getting bogged down looking at iron, which was copious, then decided to cover more ground and wait to dig a solid coin signal. That led to the farthing. Not just any farthing, but a 1749 from the batch that arrived in the Port of Boston in a mother-lode of 700,000 copper coins in 1750. I have a matching half pence found about a mile away. Before I could go further, they invited me for drinks and snacks on the patio overlooking the bay. I spent a couple of hours talking with them. Amazing hosts and the view to die for. I got their email to send some of my nature photography and the earliest map to them.
I didn't get any more detecting in before dark. But I have the open invitation for anytime so later this week. I have a good feeling. Finding such big shoe buckles usually means it has never seen a coil. And I made some good friends too.
Just walk away Rene.
