My former neighbor used old maps to locate “ghost towns” in the AZ desert with an army buddy of his to dig up “treasure” – They had access to current day transparencies that were placed over historical maps to give them a general idea of where the new could uncover the old – Then they’d go driving around until they found signs of abandoned wagon trails in the desert (surprisingly easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for) They’d follow them to old undisturbed towns and come back with some wild things! His garage was filled with civil war items, belt buckles, pistols, indian griding stones etc.. Ever watch Antique Road Show! He was an engineer for Honeywell – hobbyist – and one smart cookie!
Bill, What is really sad is we are supposed to be working and we are reading trivia. In the meantime he is making money digging up old trash and apparently he only answers to himself. Sounds to me like he has his priorities in order. At least he has someone writing about him and people reading about him too. It’s been a while since someone interviewed me about my work! How ’bout you?
I’m shocked no none has picked up on his comment that he’s digging in old outhouses. That’s what the maps are: land survey maps showing house, out buildings, latrines, stables, etc.
Say what you will about the value of antique glass, I’m not digging through turn-of-the-century poop.
LOL I think the turn of the century poop has pretty much biodegraded by now ! What we call dirt has a certain amount of what was once poop in it !
As for the other comments, I think if Mr Given were to read them, he would have the last laugh. Like others said, he is his own boss, sets his own schedule, works outside, not behind a desk all day, and apparently makes enough to pay his bills and drive a Camaro ! Kudos to him for following his heart and making himself a life that makes him happy ! I know alot of people that can’t say as much. As for finding a purpose, we don’t know what he does with his spare time or spare change – maybe like many of us, he finds purpose in donating time and/or money to a charity or two. You can’t expect to determine whether someone has a purpose in life just by what their job is.
If it’s anything like a friend of mine here in Michigan found, then I feel sorry for this guy, no matter how free and happy he might be. My friend and his wife were digging around just outside their backdoor to put in a patio. They found an old glass bottle. It was kind of interesting at first, but after 30 or so, it just got annoying. They too read about people putting things like that down the outhouse hole. Like I said, he might be happy driving all over the country doing this, but what is he doing to be a useful member of society? And what’s up with the ‘unnamed business’? Sound fishy. Besides, he might make 100 bucks on something, but that’s no gold mine in my book!
As for being useful, he’s got a business up and running and we’ll assume for now that he’s paying taxes. That’s as “useful” as he has to be. He pays his bills and he’s happy – what more can people ask for?
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My former neighbor used old maps to locate “ghost towns” in the AZ desert with an army buddy of his to dig up “treasure” – They had access to current day transparencies that were placed over historical maps to give them a general idea of where the new could uncover the old – Then they’d go driving around until they found signs of abandoned wagon trails in the desert (surprisingly easy to spot once you know what you’re looking for) They’d follow them to old undisturbed towns and come back with some wild things! His garage was filled with civil war items, belt buckles, pistols, indian griding stones etc.. Ever watch Antique Road Show! He was an engineer for Honeywell – hobbyist – and one smart cookie!
Bill, What is really sad is we are supposed to be working and we are reading trivia. In the meantime he is making money digging up old trash and apparently he only answers to himself. Sounds to me like he has his priorities in order. At least he has someone writing about him and people reading about him too. It’s been a while since someone interviewed me about my work! How ’bout you?
AMEN
I’m shocked no none has picked up on his comment that he’s digging in old outhouses. That’s what the maps are: land survey maps showing house, out buildings, latrines, stables, etc.
Say what you will about the value of antique glass, I’m not digging through turn-of-the-century poop.
LOL I think the turn of the century poop has pretty much biodegraded by now ! What we call dirt has a certain amount of what was once poop in it !
As for the other comments, I think if Mr Given were to read them, he would have the last laugh. Like others said, he is his own boss, sets his own schedule, works outside, not behind a desk all day, and apparently makes enough to pay his bills and drive a Camaro ! Kudos to him for following his heart and making himself a life that makes him happy ! I know alot of people that can’t say as much. As for finding a purpose, we don’t know what he does with his spare time or spare change – maybe like many of us, he finds purpose in donating time and/or money to a charity or two. You can’t expect to determine whether someone has a purpose in life just by what their job is.
Better digging through 19th century poop than 21st century poop. By the time he gets to it it’s soil.
It sounds like this guy has his priorities in order. He does what he likes for a living. That’s fantastic.
If it’s anything like a friend of mine here in Michigan found, then I feel sorry for this guy, no matter how free and happy he might be. My friend and his wife were digging around just outside their backdoor to put in a patio. They found an old glass bottle. It was kind of interesting at first, but after 30 or so, it just got annoying. They too read about people putting things like that down the outhouse hole. Like I said, he might be happy driving all over the country doing this, but what is he doing to be a useful member of society? And what’s up with the ‘unnamed business’? Sound fishy. Besides, he might make 100 bucks on something, but that’s no gold mine in my book!
As for being useful, he’s got a business up and running and we’ll assume for now that he’s paying taxes. That’s as “useful” as he has to be. He pays his bills and he’s happy – what more can people ask for?
Im passing a law that says he has to recycle all those old bottles.