Excited about Opportunity~!

[OKSooner]

I've just got back from the library and found out some really interesting history of my town. Apparently where there are now some older homes and vacant lots is where the Main part of town once stood before it was wiped out by a tornado in the early part of the 1900's. I'm sure that there has to be something here for me to uncover... If it hasn't been hit hard before... Even then from what I hear nothing is fully hunted out.

I want to thank my fellow metal detecting enthusiest for giving me the idea of heading to the library for research. Even if it doesn't help me in my finds it's always neat to learn something new about where you live. I'm looking forward to going back when I have more time.

 

[Uncle Willy]

Check the history and direct path of that tornado because it scattered goodies all along it's route. I've seen tornados deposit stuff miles away from stricken areas. A guy back home, years ago, learned that a farmer had found his console TV sitting in the middle of one of his fields, totally intact, after a tornado had hit his home miles back and carried it all the way out there. Floods and flash floods deposit stuff the same way.

Other things to look at while at the library are old copies of the local newspaper, especially the entertainment section showing where carnivals or fairs set up years ago or old outdoor rollerskating rinks were situated. The religious section showing where church socials took place, tent revivals, rummage sales, outdoor baptisms ( usually at a river, stream, or pond.) Look for where any type of celebration took place way back when ( like the Fourth of July ). OLd copies of the city business directory will show where old businesses existed that are long gone now. There is a wealth of info there if you know where to look. OLd topo maps of your area can reveal a host of things. If you're into digging old outhouse pits old plat maps from the county tax accessor's office will show all homes with outhouses back then. All you need to do is get the homeowners permission to probe their old pits.

Bill

 

[OKSooner]

WOW~!!!

Thanks Bill!

I would never have thought about some of those ideas.

By the look of things I'll have tons of places to dig for the next fifty or so years.
The town I live in is also right in the path of the old Chisholm Trail and I found some information about some old stores/post office buildings along this area. Sounds like fun.

Link of Chisholm Trail Heritage Center http://www.onthechisholmtrail.com/

 

[Uncle Willy]

If you're close to the Chisolm Trail you have a goldmine to hunt. Will be looking forward to seeing some of your finds. Now if you can find out where people stopped at night and camped out on the trail. Course there's all the stuff that fell off of wagons and horses all along the trail. And if there were any Indian attacks along the trail it would be nice to find out where they occurred. Good luck.

Bill