Something a Little Different

[Chris Peters]

OK guys, since I've been having such rotten luck arrowhead hunting lately, I thought I'd try something different.
I dug out the metal detector and put fresh batteries in it. It was a nice day. Not too sloppy, and warm enough to enjoy, so I needed to get out of the house.
I remembered awhile back that the Commander of the VFW in Washington, Mo. told me I could detect around their grounds. I called him up and he said, "Come on up!".
Here's the twist; The VFW building in Washington, Mo. is the original Busch family mansion & brewery grounds. It was the John Busch brewery, which was built in the 1850's by the brother of Adolphus Busch, who is more well known as the co-founder of the Anheiser Busch brewing company.
The mansion was donated to the VFW many years ago.
At any rate, I was stoked! Visions of "old-timey" fancy parties & rich guests dropping old coins, jewelry, etc. danced in my head. I was sure I'd find some really cool stuff.
Here's a couple pics of the mansion as it stands today. It really is very neat inside.


Well, it wasn't meant to be. I spent most of my time in the front yard getting multiple hits and digging up modern quarters. One of the caretakers said there are alot of events held in the front yard.
 I got tired of digging quarters, so headed for the back. I found nothing but a modern aluminum beer can about 4 inches deep. Apparently, a lot of dirt has been moved around on the place for the purpose of building a hall, sidewalks, paving, etc. I got tired of finding nothing and headed back to the front yard. I continued to find quarters and an occasional dime or penny. The oldest quarter was a 66, with several modern state coins even being found. I couldn't believe how many I was finding!
After about 3 hours, I was tired of digging and detecting, not to mention my pants was about to fall off from the weight of the coins, so I headed home.
After I got home, I emptied my pockets on the kitchen counter. Holy Smokes! I counted 64 quarters, about 5 dimes and as many pennies! No wonder my pants was so heavy!
Here's a pic of the pile, and another of the quarters in stacks of 4.




All in all, it was a fun day. I wish I'd have found something of more value, but it beats sitting at home, and I have plenty of ground to cover yet when I go back. And I found enough to pay for my gas! LOL!

[Joel]

Good deal Chris. Looks like an interesting place to hunt.

Joel

[seeker]

I love metal detecting too Chris. You had a pretty good day even though no older coins. You are right in  the fact they have moved and filled dirt but you could still come up with something old.You can bet there are old things there, might be too deep though. Beats staying in the house for sure.

[David Earhart]

Looks like a fun day anyway. They may have moved in a lot of fill dirt or sand to level the place out inlater years. Where the old brewery was, more then likely has fill dirt on it, if there are not any foundations showing now. I bet there are some things buried deeper. But someone told me one time, you just may not find that many old coins in places like that. One thing, people didnt have that much change or anything to be lugging around in their pockets. And the rich people had little coin purses, and probably didnt have much need to be getting them out at social functions. Just a few thoughts.

[Chris Peters]

Actually David the old brewery buildings are still there. They have been converted to offices, etc. and I think there is an event hall in one for parties, receptions, etc. They are to the right of, and down the hill from the mansion.
There are acres of ground to cover there yet. Maybe I'll find something yet.
By the way, I'm looking for interesting places to metal detect (within a reasonable distance), if anyone has any ideas.
Chris

[Jeremy Luna]

So the veterans get drunk and use their foreign war skills to blow up old pay phones on the VFW lawn, and you get all the free carwashes you want??? Only in Washington.

[Joshinmo]

  Good hunt!

[lebruce]

Nice haul and cool pictures !!!

[Raymond G]

Hey Chris, by my count you did find something worth something... $16.55 in change.  Shoot, I've had days where I found a pocket full of points that wouldn't have been worth that much   Perspective, it's all about perspective   Thanks for the virtual trip, it was fun.  Raymond

[KnifeHunter]

So the veterans get drunk and use their foreign war skills to blow up old pay phones on the VFW lawn, and you get all the free carwashes you want??? Only in Washington.

..Not sure if I should be offended by that or not Jeremy?Have you ever served? I have..I know, friends that never made it to 19 years old. The VFW serves and stands as more than a drinking gallery and bingo parlor and I am sure you in no way mean that Veterans are in any way associated with the corrurpted skum that run this country..Yeah, just not sure if your jabbing a sharp stick. I do not drink but yes, I can dam sure blow up a payphone..Just so you know my skills are not wasted either...KH

[Jeremy Luna]

So the veterans get drunk and use their foreign war skills to blow up old pay phones on the VFW lawn, and you get all the free carwashes you want??? Only in Washington.

..Not sure if I should be offended by that or not Jeremy?Have you ever served? I have..I know, friends that never made it to 19 years old. The VFW serves and stands as more than a drinking gallery and bingo parlor and I am sure you in no way mean that Veterans are in any way associated with the corrurpted skum that run this country..Yeah, just not sure if your jabbing a sharp stick. I do not drink but yes, I can dam sure blow up a payphone..Just so you know my skills are not wasted either...KH

Of course I served. HHC 1/112 Tank BN., 49th Armor, US ARMY. When you're a tank gunner you don't need a sharp stick.

[KnifeHunter]

So the veterans get drunk and use their foreign war skills to blow up old pay phones on the VFW lawn, and you get all the free carwashes you want??? Only in Washington.

..Not sure if I should be offended by that or not Jeremy?Have you ever served? I have..I know, friends that never made it to 19 years old. The VFW serves and stands as more than a drinking gallery and bingo parlor and I am sure you in no way mean that Veterans are in any way associated with the corrurpted skum that run this country..Yeah, just not sure if your jabbing a sharp stick. I do not drink but yes, I can dam sure blow up a payphone..Just so you know my skills are not wasted either...KH

Of course I served. HHC 1/112 Tank BN., 49th Armor, US ARMY. When you're a tank gunner you don't need a sharp stick.

..I would say I think I would rather be on the recieving end of the sharp stick!!..nuff said..KH

[Chris Peters]

Just to be clear, this is Washington, Missouri. No politicians, just good old boys and girls. I took no offense Jeremy. I was sure you were making some light hearted humor because of all the change.
The fellows at the VFW told me that the local school has some homecoming events on the front lawn every year. They said, "It's hard-telling what you'll find out there."
Because of my job, I've walked into VFW's, American Legions, Elks Lodges, Eagles, etc. all over this state. I have yet to have a bad experience and almost always find myself leaning against a bar or sitting at a table having an extended conversation with a handful of old (and sometimes young) veterans. Some of the greatest folks you'd ever meet, and some really interesting conversations.
I try to make it a point to (at least occasionally) say "Thank you for your sevice." to a gentleman wearing a hat indicating they're a veteran of one of the wars. They are always gracious, and I've had one gentleman tell me it really meant alot to hear it.
So thanks to both of you Roy and Jeremy! Also thanks to the rest of you on this board who are veterans!
Your service to this country is really appreciated!
Roy, you can pass my thanks to your wife for her sacrifices and service as well.
Chris