Construction Uncovers the Answers to a Ten-Year Mystery

[@bhollars3214]

I would like to see a video of you cleaning up your finds and explaining more about them

[@TheRozylass]

Well Mike Rowe would be proud--that was one dirty job! Great haul and lots of lovelies. The thrill of discovery never gets old. Thanks for sharing!

[@firecracker8071]

Lol, good one

[@benitagrattan193]

Love Mike Rowe...met him in 2019 at a book signing. He is a very kind & intelligent man ❤❤❤❤

[@monicawellman3200]

15:46 ​@@firecracker8071

[@betsywarner2773]

Hey, Tom, Love this episode! The fact that you scouted out this area 10 years ago sheds some light on why you are so incredibly knowledgeable about your finds. Are you self taught ? Wouldn't be surprised. Your passion for digging speaks for itself, along with the tenacity you showed digging this pit in spite of being freezing cold, tired and covered with mud. Rock on!

[@dhanson4698]

Showing the real history, what people were doing on day to day. Tom, u r the treasure.

[@larisarogers2649]

This was the first time I have ever seen you get tired, but you kept smiling and digging. Have an Awesome weekend

[@carolynsimone8647]

I'm so glad you found the teal hutches and finally the Fargo hutches...the teal cleaned up well...love your videos and so glad you have a channel up and running. ..🥰🥰

[@danellabarnes-penman1118]

Tom! What a trove of Hutchinson bottles; the Holy Grail! Sorry you had to be ankles to eyeballs in a pit of 💩 to get them, but, glad you made that haul!

[@LynnSax-o3x]

I love your enthusiasm and your appreciation for the beauty of relics found in the crap!

[@eburro62331]

I am so impressed by the quality of your videos. I haven't seen any other videos about this topic that come even close to yours!

[@katrinkabuttlin]

You seem happier in this video than you have in a while! Glad to see it 😊

[@thecatsmeowfromny]

I thought the same way as you. He seemed happier and really excited to just keep digging 😅

[@georgewolff4491]

I have been watching your videos for a couple of years now. This particular dig was like finding a gold mine. In my imagination I visualize that you must have a huge building or store to display all of your finds. Would love seeing your cleaned up and cataloged collection with commentary done by you on some of the history of your finds. That in itself would be a fascinating video to watch.

[@TomAskjem.]

Thanks for watching! I actually end up donating or selling most of my finds. I then use the proceeds to stay on the road and to fund some book projects I’ve been working on, which will showcase the best of my finds.

[@twindiggersminnesotapamandpat]

Tom, that was an incredible dig, then I saw the ground water and thought he is going to get muddy. Loved the teal hutches and the embossed Minnesota bottles. So happy you found the North Dakota blobs. You must have been exhausted. I never worry about your safety as you are truly a professional with what you do. Take care.👏👏👍😀

[@maureenfitzgerald1895]

That was an amazing dig. Who knows how many bottles remain hidden down there. You were in hutch heaven - congrats, Tom!

[@nancywindbigler6434]

Man! I bet that hot shower felt good!! Terrific dig! I couldn't help but think, when you were doing the recap, you still had to fill the hole and pack up your treasures. Love your new channel!!

[@marlenemeinhard8956]

Fantastic take on this huge pit Tom. I was so happy you got those green/blue soda bottles. They were an awesome color. Then a few new ones on the dig. Great video. Just be careful. I saw that wall toward the end with the big crack opening up. I was so worried a collapse could pin you in the Privy!😢 Well you know what your doing. Have a good hot shower and can't wait till your next dig. It is exciting!!!

[@ChrisN1973]

These drop Saturday afternoon, right before a 12hr night shift so I've something to chill to before the onslaught begins! Cheers, Tom!

[@garysimonson9593]

Tom, have you ever dug around New Ulm, MN? My parents were born around there and I know it was settled in the 1850s and earlier. Many, many homestead farms, probably some great finds. An outhouse was still standing on my dad's family farm in Lafayette, just north of New Ulm, when I was a little kid circa 1960. That farm was in the family in the 1870s, first settlers in the 1850s. My great-grandfather's 200 acres shows on an 1885 map. I wonder if anyone's dug near the Schell's Brewery in New Ulm? Built 1860. Can only imagine what would be under that place.

[@atuuschaaw]

Yes, extreme bottle diggin' for sure! I know I speak for everyone when I say thank you for the great content, and the labor involved in bringing it to the world. ♥

[@TomAskjem.]

Thanks for watching!

[@DavidJones-smiley]

Shoutout to your camera guy he does a great job! Thanks guys

[@louyeo6571]

Man, that was some epic dig - I’m in awe of the urge that keeps you excavating in such horrendous conditions. Respect to you Tom Askjem!

[@TomAskjem.]

Thanks for watching!

[@DebraJean196]

Glad to find your new channel! Looking forward to your new adventures.

[@firecracker8071]

I am so glad there is no such thing as smell a vision

[@TastyWaffles-qe6qq]

Oh there you are Tom😃 I’ve been looking for you!

[@TomAskjem.]

Welcome back!

[@carolynsimone8647]

​@@TomAskjem.I was lost without your videos...but i found you again..yaa

[@susananthony2366]

A happy enthusiastic Tom! ❤

[@northernfound]

Tom, that cold water looked miserable! I’m sure it was not the most enjoyable dig, but man you were rewarded with some great finds. Love all the hutches! Looking forward to the next video.

[@mellodeed8550]

I so enjoy your videos! I’ve got my 7 and 5 year old granddaughters watching and wanting to know when you can come to Idaho and dig so they can watch!!

[@TomAskjem.]

I may dig Montana at some point!

[@ninaappelt9001]

It's always a good day when you post a new video, Tom.

[@maureenfitzgerald1895]

So true!

[@carolynsimone8647]

Amen

[@npdesign8202]

That was a Monumental Dig!!! So many great finds, but I can't help but hold my breath the whole time you are digging! Not sure if it's because of what it must smell like or because I'm worried about your safety! Thank you so much!

[@melissafedele6568]

Hi Tom, so.....many bottles! Great dig!😊

[@tinaj984]

Awesome dig!! I love Hutch bottles and these have such color...and the special...perfect! Really enjoyed this water challenging dig. Thank you!!❤

[@dannmccord1923]

Beautiful hutches. Bless your heart. You may be never clean again. Lots of awesome bottles.❤❤❤❤

[@bobkirk942]

Badassery as always Tom!!!

[@TomAskjem.]

Thanks for watching!

[@bobkirk942]

@TomAskjem. Dude I watched below the plains for year's!!! And in the last month I was WTF this guy hasn't released anything in awhile??? Damn I seen a Facebook post and bam!! I watched 4 of your videos today!!! I have an 1874 house on land plats that is probably 1840"s to 1850's found the privy glass and ash as I probed 6' compaction and the good feeling of glass and ash !!!

[@BrianCarnevaleB26]

Nice Fargo Hutch here Blob Top. My favorite bottles next to straight side cokes which you never seem to find in your location.

[@TomAskjem.]

I’ve never dug a straight side Coke. I’m guessing Coca Cola wasn’t introduced up here until the hobbleskirt era

[@StirlingLighthouse]

Thank you Tom 🙏

[@TomAskjem.]

Thanks for watching!

[@40shellyfish]

Yay for the beautiful embossed wine flask didn't explode in your hand this time!!!! That was so unexpected and I was so sad after all your hard work that day the best bottle self destructed. Stay safe in those deep pits😘

[@firecracker8071]

Amen

[@pattimessenger6214]

Great job Tom!

[@terrencebuller7676]

Hello Tom, those Hutchinson sodas are awesome. Great program, stay safe, and take care. 👍

[@pixielated2003]

Wow and I also learnt something I didn't know before about dry state. Thanks can't wait for the next one . All that cleaning to do now . Thank you

[@lisag9145]

Thank you Tom for your hard work, i enjoy your finds too , i especially like seeing those little ink wells come rolling out .

[@playinhooky11]

I liked when the pic of the glass companies/ breweries were shown. The brick architecture was amazing😊

[@dalehuff5740]

Tom I still say you need to get a small mud pump so when you run in to ground water alls you have to do is pump the water out and just keep digging.

[@TomAskjem.]

I’ve tried with smaller pumps, even a pacer semi-trash pump and they all clogged very quickly with mud. It would have to be a very powerful pump which I would consider at some point but would have to get a bigger vehicle to haul it around.

[@ToddTheJoker]

Well, I am glad you got ONE unbroken Hutchison Soda bottle! Nice dig! thanks Tom! take care! ps lol extreme bottle digging should be a sport with Tom Askjem as "Olympic Hopeful"

[@jaygee999]

Tom, Tom ! I guess it's the Grandpa in me yelling at the TV --- "Tom, Look at your boots --- Tom, Look at your knees, --- Tom, Look at at your pants ! -- You're muddy wet to your butt !" 🤣🤣🤣

[@StaceNyourFace]

I suggested previously that he wear mud boots or waders, because he always ends up covered in mud. lol He said that he owns them, but by the time remembers to put them on, it's too late. He's already in the hole and excited to dig for treasure. I get it though. 😉

[@jaygee999]

@@StaceNyourFace Exactly --- I feel his joy when encountering a rare find that gives him to smile ! --- He's quite a lad !

[@StaceNyourFace]

@@jaygee999 I agree. He's so knowledgeable and he obviously loves what he does. 👍

[@bethcorey6022]

The dark orange and green bottles shown at the end are incredibly beautiful colors❤

[@Ari-jj9op]

I watched an archeology team in Northern England dig up a very wet area right in an old town. They found intact leather shoes, clothing, organic materials from the Viking age. Even a braid of a girl's hair. Water definitely preserves.

[@kapok7228]

That was wild! Thanks for another awesome video, Tom.

[@Commandamanda]

Wow! Talk about chock a block loaded!!! Wild. Love the shot glass- can we see it cleaned? Those sodas were awesome!!! Keep diggin' and be safe.

[@samsager1]

Holy crap!! That is the definition of pit!! Good digs!!!

[@alanatolstad4824]

Sam, would you ever keep going if you found one that deep? Uff da.

[@samsager1]

@alanatolstad4824 considering the age, location, and potential, I wpuld

[@StaceNyourFace]

I wish I lived closer to you because I would love to buy some of the bottles from you, if you were willing. I live in Virginia though. Great finds. 👍🤗

[@TomAskjem.]

I’m still hoping to start an online store at some point. I’ll post a notification once it’s up and running but will likely be a while.

[@StaceNyourFace]

@@TomAskjem. That would be awesome. I sell items on eBay. I've been in e-commerce for over a decade. Let me know if you have any questions about selling online. 👍😉

[@carolynsimone8647]

I'm from virginia, too

[@LindaStein-ze8bk]

Whatever will you do with all those lovely hutches Tom. How amazing were those finds. Wow

[@TomAskjem.]

I’m not sure yet. I’ve got them on my shelf!

[@dannmccord1923]

Hope you dont get sick Tom.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

Never has yet!

[@chasetonga]

Sick from what?

[@nvs4u2]

You found someone’s bottle collection! Seriously, if you didn’t have a collection of TOC/pre-pro beers, one would be into a great start with variety, all out of one pit. Excellent dig. This one produced. Always waiting for that backbar Bitters to show itself that they threw down…

[@obieobrien5883]

I always look forward to seeing your videos!

[@roybal1975]

Hello Tom, thanks for the upload. Do you ever ask to get the people who own the property's for there reaction? We as fans would love to see what people think about 100 - 110 year old treasure on their land.😁👍

[@TomAskjem.]

The thought has crossed my mind. I have filmed some folks for a documentary I’ve been working on. It seems some are a bit hesitant about being on film. On top of that, we’re often digging until dark and don’t have much free time after getting the pit filled in.

[@GS-fi8pj]

@@TomAskjem.hello seen you on fb and I bottle dig a bit also but was curious if there’s any websites for good marble info . Or if you’d be willing to identify some

[@carolynsimone8647]

​@@GS-fi8pj That's a good question

[@maureenbeckstead6407]

Ugh...brutal all right. Glad it's you not me. Thanks. Love seeing your finds and the info you give us about them.

[@DiggingTimesPast]

Wow. You must have been exhausted. What a great pit. Congrats on finding all those hutch’s. I’m sure you were thrilled.

[@40shellyfish]

🤩Fantastic dig!! All I have to say is that Page N.D. must have been one wild and crazy frontier town🥴🍻

[@johndummer8743]

Greatest......messiest dig ever! Keep em coming!

[@wwjoesr]

Awesome dig! Thanks for the pictures at the end too.

[@squatchthumper7537]

Awesome dig!!!! Seemed to be a bigger hole than expected

[@pamvizina8668]

My goodness you were up to it in that pit. Good job!

[@rogerb4971]

Love your stuff! Thanks Tom!!!

[@UnpopularOpinion42]

PIT BOSS strikes again! Legendary dig ✨

[@bouncerslabrealnature9143]

Another invigorating adventure 💪😎⚡

[@patty4091]

I see the North Dakota wind is alive and kicking. I don’t miss that. You sure did find a lot of nice glass, it’s too bad about the water. On other sites I keep hearing that the hutches being a holy grail. Darn, it kept on giving, that privy.

[@stevehowe1792]

I enjoyed watching, thanks!

[@andrewbroderick5702]

Another incredible dig Tom. Amazing

[@gregwicking7688]

Never a dull moment with your videos. Great finds! How do you manage to get all the dirt back in the hole and appear like no hole was dug?

[@MadelineRose-ep7fj]

Good thing there was some "stability" on the sidewalk wall. Tom, that was something to watch, holding one's breath. Literally wonder how much restraint you show digging in, it's got to be "closer to barnyard strength odorific pits. Kept wondering why didn't they sell by kegs with the quantity consumed or whether each business created their own brand and bottled it in the bottles that became available. We were a horrible "throw away society" a hundred years ago, too. Now it's wax coated wine cartons and aluminum cans. Not quite the "treasures" that future offspring will place any value on😂.

[@Portaltotheparanormal70]

😅what a whole and packed full of bottles the hutcgs are a very pretty colour. You lootired and wet and dirty .. bless you!!

[@garbagearchive]

Legendary dig!

[@nickt7658]

Rocking it again Tom!?

[@janloewen3404]

Awesome amount of bottles. Great job

[@patablanche5075]

Always nice of you to show a few washed up finds after the dig

[@TomAskjem.]

I try keeping at least a few to show. I’d like to clean/photograph them all but I’m usually on a time crunch

[@shadowslayer505]

What’s the rarest bottle you dug out? Awesome find Tom and thanks for sharing 👍

[@TomAskjem.]

In this pit, probably the Breckenridge bottle.

[@michaeldavis8249]

Hey Tom, I love watching your videos on here and below the plants is anyone ever told you that you look like Tom Petty or Dwight Yoakam?

[@TomAskjem.]

I’ve heard that before haha

[@DavidJones-smiley]

What’s up my man ! Tom playing in water again! Awesome finds

[@TomAskjem.]

Thanks for watching!

[@nickt7658]

Hey everyone? I've got an idea! Now this is just me but uhh.. I think it would be soooo Awesome if there was an episode of our main man Tom showing us his personal bottle collection.. I think (as Tom would say) it would be" Monumental" to see? You know and I know that it has to be one of thee greatest's of all time. I couldn't even Imagine the stories he could tell. Keep it up Tom. Nk.

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

He says he only has 10 in his collection. Those are very rare and probably expensive. I think he he usevto have a big collection but sold most of it, if not all of it, to finance publishing a book.

[@kentsenatore5354]

WOW! Soda bottle City!! Awesome!!!

[@thecatsmeowfromny]

Have you ever thought of bringing a "camping shower" along with you while traveling? Just to help you rinse off & clean up a little b4 getting in your car! Lol 😅

[@TomAskjem.]

I usually just wash off my arms/face with a jug/bottle of water and change clothes.

[@2Amendment]

Tom, I would love to own one of those Wooster, Ohio bottles you dug . I live in Wooster and collect Wooster adv.

[@karenwright9123]

Best digger in the World!!!😁Pretty bottles!!

[@jimmylarge1148]

I found one of those Virginia dare wine bottles just chillin on the side of a culvert. 😂 I also dig a Virginia dare extract bottle recently. This is Michigan. Amazed how they pulled off logistics back on the day.

[@debbiestumm511]

🤣 NICE CATCH TOM!!!❤

[@JasonwFaber]

Wow made me tired watching you dig. Good job Tom. Ya just never know what you find. Good stuff man.

[@luanncolistro879]

Oh my gosh !! What a haul !!!!!

[@AnneWilliams-u5s]

Wow! Was that ever fun! But the whole time i was wondering if you drive home all muddy like that and do you throw your shoes out? Lol! You are such fun to watch... thank you 😊😊😊!

[@MarshaChalupa]

Wow what a dig!

[@alanatolstad4824]

Interesting comment you made about export Coca Cola having a paper label. I would love to have seen that description explained in the overlay.---That exploding bottle was very scary to watch. Can't imagine the terror of being in the pit with it.---I was scared for you down there Tom, how long were you down there? At least it sounded like the prairie wind finally died down.

[@TomAskjem.]

It was an afternoon project. It was getting a bit sketchy, which was part of the reason we abandoned it. Had there been Dakota Territory era bottles in the bottom, we would have braced it up and cleaned it out but with it bottoming out around 1905, it seemed like more trouble than it was worth.

[@Davidrcobb]

EPIC DIG TOM!!!!!

[@Bequeefed]

We need a go fund me to get you a water pump Tom, what a monumental dig, you definitely earned yourself a beer, that was brutal

[@daviddarrall9384]

Hi Tom. I really relish your videos. Thank you 😊 UK.

[@TomAskjem.]

Thanks for watching!

[@CatCmdr]

Wow. Dig & swim!

[@Crazy4Crafting50]

That one from the Wooster Glass company caught my attention! I live in Wooster. Ohio. It's pronounced the same as Worcester Massachusetts is by the locals. Pronounce the double oo like wood but with ster at the end. Wooster Collage is actually one of the most prestigious for the arts & music. David Boey actually sent his son here to study music. I'm within walking distance from the collage. I used to walk past ot when I was still able to walk long distances.

[@santashipsterbrother]

Wowsers!

[@KathyLarge-b8j]

Nice dig!!!

[@apismellifera1000]

I love those Hutchinson sodas. I actually found one in a recycling center and its embossed with the words Queen City Bottling works

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

Lucky find for sure!

[@apismellifera1000]

@@MarciaShackelford-st5bt I need to find it and get it out.

[@michaelhargis7036]

The odor in that pit must be nauseating. I couldn't do it. Kudos to you. ✌️

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

The waste that once filled that pit breaks down and over the course of 100 years is largely turned into humus which is absolutely less nasty smelling than that pit did on the day it was covered up. Though it is true in this one with that water involved which can prolong the nasty smell. But 100+ years largely decomposes everything. I'm sure he could tell you which pits smelled the worst and how old or what conditions they were in. Any kind of stagnant water would be brutal of course.

[@jimmylarge1148]

If you’ve ever composted anything before you’d know u could turn that out into compost that smells like earth in three weeks with addition of some grass clippings 😂 let alone 120 years.

[@ToddTheJoker]

dude, theses are well over a hundred years old. Time and ground water infiltrates the earth, tends to disseminate any nastiness !

[@ritahall8653]

I never thought I would be recognizing beer and liquor bottles to think of the name of them before you said it. It’s kind of funny.

[@shawnmccomb1446]

I’m curious what you do with all your bottles? It’s seems like sometime you donate to museums but what about the rest?

[@TomAskjem.]

Some are given to the property owner and the rest is thrown back for the next person to find