How Did You Get Started Detecting?

[Idaho PRB]

I just gotta say, what an interesting post! Great readin'

 

[Digger]

In the summer of 1972, my brother and I both came back to our folks for a family get-together. He had rented a detector and asked if I wanted to go to the park to see if we could find any coins. We borrowed an old butcher knife from mom, a huge screwdriver and nail apron from our dad, and spent the day digging stuff at the park. Well, actually that is not entirely accurate. Since Bill had paid for the detector rental, he ran the machine and I dug the holes. After 5 or 6 hours of digging silver dimes, quarters, and what seemed like an endless supply of old copper cents, pop bottle caps and tin foil, he finally asked if his "Digger" would like to use the detector. (by the way, that nickname has stuck with me for going on 39 years) Apparently his arm was as tired of swinging as I was of digging. Naturally, I jumped at the chance to try my luck. Within the first dozen sweeps, I hit my first keeper target..... a beautiful Walking Liberty half. After brushing off the dirt, I handed it to my brother to look at it. After careful examination, he put it in his pocket. I asked him to give it back, as I was the one who had found it. He said that since he paid the $20 to rent the detector, it was his to keep. If I wanted it, I could pay for half the detector rental. Being my older brother and the fact I didn't have $10 on me, I couldn't argue with his reasoning. So he took MY half dollar home with him, along with all the other coins and goodies we'd found. What I took home with me that day was the start of a lifelong hobby.

Over the years there have been times when our jobs had us living in different parts of the Country. And there were times when each of our family's interests took precedence over our detecting. But now that out kids are raised and we only live 45 minutes apart, we get together and detect whenever we get the chance. A few years ago we made a trip back to that same park we had our "maiden voyage" in 1972. To no surprise, technological advances (and better detecting skills) allowed us to find quite a few more coins. But something that did surprise me (and still makes me smile every time I think of it) was a target I dug up about 50 feet from where I detected that Walking Liberty back in 72. Believe it or not, I found another Walking Liberty still hiding amongst those bottle caps. And just like in 72, I showed it to Bill. The difference was, this one went in MY pocket! HH Randy

 

[NebTrac]

Great story Mr. Randy "Digger". Loved it. I'm glad you didn't let the WLH find come between you and your brother.

NebTrac

 

[banditicey]

I agree, this is a wonderful story
But I have to ask, what State or City was this original park?

 

[Digger]

This park is located is a small town of fewer than 500 people. The only park in a town that was originally settled in the late 1800's. I'd tell you where it is, exactly. But in this remote of area, I don't need the competition! HH Randy

 

[Digger]

Being my older brother, you can bet this isn't the "worst thing" he ever did to me. For the number of times I've brought this up to him over the years, I wouldn't have it any other way. HH Randy

 

[banditicey]

I understand
we live in wny and it is a old area too
we share info with others when there is an exciting find at a public location that get detected often
but the information about our better spots is only shared with friends
just the way it is I guess
i was curious about the state/lcity rather than ask your location specific
Thanks for the story it was fun
regards and keep warm