50 year permission gone, but not before this . . .

parsonwalker

Bronze Member
Feb 16, 2013
1,491
2,856
Virginia
🥇 Banner finds
2
🏆 Honorable Mentions:
1
Detector(s) used
Modified GI Mine Detector (In the 60s)
Metrotech (In the 70s)
Tesoro Tejon (Now!)
Primary Interest:
Relic Hunting
I grew up with civil war trenches in my front yard. Yep. Cold Harbor. Daddy was hunting in the 50s and I started in the 60s. My yard never produced a plate, but buttons from New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut troops and GS eagles in abundance, an unexploded Hodgekiss shell, many frags, and multiple buckets full of bullets. Also a gold political token from Stephen A Douglas' campaign, a Confederate spur . . . wow.

I had to sell my childhood home to pay for my Mother's healthcare. No regrets. The last month, I hunted it every chance I got. Never failed EVER to find at least one CW period item, if only a bullet. With one week to go, I went. I thought, "It would be so cool to pull ONE more button." I found this. NOTHING else. Just this.

DSCN3654.jpg

Then, with two DAYS to go, I had to give it one more try. It was (I promise this is true) It was the ONLY time I ever hunted that yard in 50 years, and found nothing. Zero. Not ONE CW item.

Now I know this isn't accurate, but I was SO thankful - I told myself, "I've gotten everything that my technology would allow me to find." Those of you die-hard CW guys like me will understand what a relief that was to me.

I have permission there no more. And I have no desire to go back. The trenches are still intact. Cleaning out the barn, I found this. Holy cow. Memories of the 1970s.

DSCN3688.jpg

For you newbies, that's a Metrotech "Beep and dig" machine that's nearly 50 years old, modified to be more comfortable to swing. I found my spur, gold token, and many buttons with that.

Near it, I found this. daddy must have stuck it in the barn many years ago.

DSCN3689.jpg

It's a 5-gallon bucket full of frags. Some quite substantial, too.

Lastly, some of you old timers remember the name Mac Mason. he's a Virginia legend, and was a good friend of the family. What you may NOT know, is that he was asked by a professional artist to pose for some paintings. They wanted to use him as a model for a series of prints. He gave daddy a couple of them. (Mac was not a humble guy! Loved to see anything about himself in print!) Check out Mac's face, peeking out of time from 50 years ago, Good times!

DSCN3690.jpg

DSCN3691.jpg
 

Upvote 54
I can only imagine living in an area like that. Thanks for the story...

strick
 

Thanks for the conversation. Yes, I know how fortunate I've been, and yes, the memories are out of this world, and NO, I've never sold a single thing from that yard. Still got it all. Even the shell (now disarmed)! Enjoy the hunt guys . . .
 

Way to go out on top with a clear mind. THE END

P.s. My prayers go out to your mother. Take care of her and make her happy everyday.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Enjoyed your post
 

I grew up with civil war trenches in my front yard. Yep. Cold Harbor. Daddy was hunting in the 50s and I started in the 60s. My yard never produced a plate, but buttons from New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut troops and GS eagles in abundance, an unexploded Hodgekiss shell, many frags, and multiple buckets full of bullets. Also a gold political token from Stephen A Douglas' campaign, a Confederate spur . . . wow.

I had to sell my childhood home to pay for my Mother's healthcare. No regrets. The last month, I hunted it every chance I got. Never failed EVER to find at least one CW period item, if only a bullet. With one week to go, I went. I thought, "It would be so cool to pull ONE more button." I found this. NOTHING else. Just this.

View attachment 1473483

Then, with two DAYS to go, I had to give it one more try. It was (I promise this is true) It was the ONLY time I ever hunted that yard in 50 years, and found nothing. Zero. Not ONE CW item.

Now I know this isn't accurate, but I was SO thankful - I told myself, "I've gotten everything that my technology would allow me to find." Those of you die-hard CW guys like me will understand what a relief that was to me.

I have permission there no more. And I have no desire to go back. The trenches are still intact. Cleaning out the barn, I found this. Holy cow. Memories of the 1970s.

View attachment 1473492

For you newbies, that's a Metrotech "Beep and dig" machine that's nearly 50 years old, modified to be more comfortable to swing. I found my spur, gold token, and many buttons with that.

Near it, I found this. daddy must have stuck it in the barn many years ago.

View attachment 1473494

It's a 5-gallon bucket full of frags. Some quite substantial, too.

Lastly, some of you old timers remember the name Mac Mason. he's a Virginia legend, and was a good friend of the family. What you may NOT know, is that he was asked by a professional artist to pose for some paintings. They wanted to use him as a model for a series of prints. He gave daddy a couple of them. (Mac was not a humble guy! Loved to see anything about himself in print!) Check out Mac's face, peeking out of time from 50 years ago, Good times!

View attachment 1473495

View attachment 1473496

Super great post parsonwalker.

You likely know I tend to rant but Ill try to make this short.

I admire a man that can give up $, possessions to make their Mother Comfortable.

You still have your memories, great ones it sounds like.

Your last find there was a Blessing IMO , being a Nice Union 'I' in such nice condition, then to find 'nothing CW' for the first time . I agree with you , 'You saved all you could'.

Love the 'prints' & a Nice Bucket of Frags (look's like several types).

Hopefully the New owner will respect the site for what it is & save the Trenches.

Best wishes to you & yours in the future.
Davers
 

Thanks Davers. I knew YOU would "get it."

Super great post parsonwalker.

You likely know I tend to rant but Ill try to make this short.

I admire a man that can give up $, possessions to make their Mother Comfortable.

You still have your memories, great ones it sounds like.

Your last find there was a Blessing IMO , being a Nice Union 'I' in such nice condition, then to find 'nothing CW' for the first time . I agree with you , 'You saved all you could'.

Love the 'prints' & a Nice Bucket of Frags (look's like several types).

Hopefully the New owner will respect the site for what it is & save the Trenches.

Best wishes to you & yours in the future.
Davers
 

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