Digging out a Sewer Line Leads to a Discovery that We'll Never Forget

[@joannf6286]

Anyone else feel this way when he says, "this pit's done"?....Nooooooooo!😭😅

[@ivcmom75]

Always 😢

[@imawehole]

Absolutely. Could watch these for hours.

[@Davidrcobb]

You didn't check that one dirt clobb.....

[@alanatolstad4824]

In my case, being originally from that area of North Dakota, I enjoy the ambient sounds as much as the treasure hunt itself. Unable to return for several years now, I can only get my fix from Tom, and Sam over on Digging Dakota.

[@wwjoesr]

You know it’s gonna be good when you hear: “Wow, I’ve never seen one of these!” 😊

[@jeffclark2725]

That's cool when he finds a new piece

[@deloradeabel8487]

Your knowledge of history for such a young man as yourself is very impressive!Thank you for another great dig!

[@janiesippel225]

Thank you for addressing the “digging in an old outhouse pit” issue. I’ve always wondered if it was ok to ding in them even tho they are 100 years old , no risk of getting sick or anything. I really do enjoy watching you dig.

[@alanatolstad4824]

Kudos to your videographer for hangin' with you as you dig out those treasures! It's gotta take as much stamina to remain in place, even as you exert in dirt!

[@isaibanez]

...and in complete silence during the shots too! Not a single comment on their part!

[@berkleywoman]

His camera is on a tripod.

[@James-f6f5g]

Interesting work. I love the old jars bottles etc. a glimpse into the past.

[@rogerb4971]

Yes! Nice work, Tom! Always an adventure!

[@kennethstickney8819]

More treasure from the bowels of the Earth😮 Keep up the good work!

[@1978JonBullock]

Tom the only bad part of your videos is when you say that the pit is done. I always enjoy learning about the discoverys that you make.

[@TomAskjem.]

Many vids to come!

[@twindiggersminnesotapamandpat]

Tom, the embossed Sanborn pharmacy bottles were awesome. The Boyd mason jar was cool. Another wonderful dig and great soil to work in.👏👏👍😀

[@wadehendryx7378]

Another great dig. Back in my days of digging. We called the crown tops. Compression tops. I actually like the Boyd's Mason jars. Never heard of it. Take care. 😊

[@Christine-fg2re]

Always a treat watching your videos

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

Another great video! Love seeing you do what you love! Maybe not the quantity of some other pits but embossed prescription bottles! Keep on digging. Btw, have a great time in Butte!

[@TomAskjem.]

Thanks!

[@dawnhaynes7784]

Hey Tom another amazing video 😊

[@hbot37hbot37]

Tom it would be awesome to see a time lapse video of your whole process, from probing to digging and filling back in. Love the videos, glad you’re back to making them.

[@pamvizina8668]

The smallest bottles bring the biggest smiles. It seems. 😊

[@ToddTheJoker]

This was a treat today! Thank you Tom and crew! I still think one day you will come across a skeleton or something and solve a long lost mystery! Be cool..ya never know but if ya do, give me a shout out for saying I knew this would happen..lol take care buddy!

[@terrencebuller7676]

Another great program Tom. See you next time. Take care and stay safe 👍

[@TheSteveBoyd]

I'd sure like to get my hands on one of those Boyd's Mason jars! For obvious reasons... 👍

[@andrewowens9382]

Bottles everywhere 😅 some good finds tom 👌 😊 all the best Andrew south wales uk 👌 👍 👏 😀

[@martinco712]

I cant get enough. dig man dig.

[@alanatolstad4824]

Cold weather is coming, and my phone contact said it was cold and rainy there today. He won't get much digging in before long, so hopefully he has plenty of digs in the can to last over the winter!

[@samsager1]

Good digs! Thanks for another good video!!

[@StirlingLighthouse]

Thank you Tom 🙏

[@carolynsimone8647]

Thanks for sharing another great video ..see you next time ..🥰🥰

[@dixonrupp8347]

MAKES MY DAY. GOOD JOB

[@JeanStAubin-nl9uo]

Nice small Sanborn bottle!

[@ChrisN1973]

Good, solid work there, brother!

[@dannmccord1923]

Awesome bottles Tom. Very nice ones. Love your videos❤❤❤❤

[@northernfound]

Another great dig. Fantastic job Tom. Looking forward to the next one.

[@PeppieP]

Yeah here we go. Made my night Tom x. Thanks

[@BBWFootGoddessRenee]

My man, coming through with another satisfying video 💜 always sparking my curiosity!!

[@jeffclark2725]

Thumbs up,great video,its cool when he Hits treasure so close to the surface

[@jamesblake7338]

Man I’d love to find that mason jar! Happy diggin!

[@JeffreyLee63]

Great dig good age thanks for the vid

[@karenwright9123]

More good diggin'. I hope you're doing great!!

[@momtrips6783]

Great finds!

[@aicirtkciub9167]

Cool dig I liked the creamer and the spinach plate.

[@markkilley2683]

Great finds, history.

[@sunrunneroldbottels223]

nice stuff

[@daviddarrall9384]

Hello Tom. Let's get digging! Something nice 😊 UK.

[@TamaraSanchez-kg2cd]

I am honestly as fascinated by what comes out as by what gets pushed aside. It's such an interesting period of our country's history. My father was born in Detroit and it is such an interesting place, but I wish I could learn more about the more rural communities surounding the city. That may be why I like to watch your channel. Makes me want to go and find places to dig, but I'm not able physicallly plus where I live I can't. Dig away, young man. This is fun to watch. Question: What is the one thing you most wish to dig up?

[@firecracker8071]

Good morning Tom

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

What is your goal for digging in these pits? How much are these bottles worth, when cleaned up? What do you do with them?

[@jerrysadventures8952]

wow good digging tom

[@Aegopodium]

Ponds is still producing cold cream to this day!

[@tinaj984]

Thank you!!😁😁

[@garysimonson9593]

considered selling a little merch? "I Dig History" would be a good line on a shirt.

[@TomAskjem.]

I’ve considered but with these books I’ve been writing and running the channel I don’t have much free time

[@mr.bearandpokekid24]

Did you use Sanborn maps to find this?

[@bethbartlett5692]

This guy should have 50 X more Subs! Share his video's people. He is extremely knowledgeable about these bottles and artifacts. Beth Bartlett Sociologist/Behavioralist and Historian

[@TomAskjem.]

Thank you!

[@ronl7131]

Good dig

[@Xeromith]

Hi Tom, New subscriber, is there a reason KZbin is only showing a handful of your videos? BTW, I do love your content!

[@sls1776]

Come to Massachusetts and probe the ground...if you don't hit one rock after about 5 inches you definitely will after 6. Lots of history here and I'm sure there are plenty of bottles and relics but the ground isn't so favorable! The people who built the stone walls back in the day had endless material.

[@nickt7658]

And once again Tom .always coming through w your diabolical videos! You rock all things!.. nk

[@zGJungle]

Do you not find many Inkwells, Cold Cream lids, Stonewares ? Were they in use over there ? In the UK you dig them all the time.

[@TomAskjem.]

I’ll find a lot of glass ink bottles. Every once in a while I’ll find a refillable well but I’d say it’s uncommon

[@billzaborowski8007]

do you use a metal detector with your digs and how much do you find

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

He said in an interview that after all day digging he is too tired to metal detect, so no, he doesn't do it.

[@bethcorey6022]

Tom, why is there so many filled bottles of water but the pits are dry?😊

[@TomAskjem.]

It collected during the wet years and couldn’t escape

[@bethcorey6022]

@@TomAskjem. ok, my old brain couldn’t figure it out, lol DONT GET OLD🤪

[@GabrielSeigel]

You said off pudding...🤣

[@imawehole]

Great video. Camera angles were a little off but lots of awesome finds. What do you use to get the bottles so clean and clear.

[@TomAskjem.]

I usually soak them in muriatic acid overnight and then wipe the bottle down with a cloth

[@imawehole]

@TomAskjem. thanks so much. Your such an expert in your field. You have knowledge beyond your years. Bravo. 👏👏👏

[@lucymcrae162]

I'm guessing that you know that you can still buy Pond's Cold Cream today, I believe it is the same as it was decades ago, my favorite.

[@SuperAbcdabcdabcdabc]

Hello. What do you do with all of the finds?

[@BettinaKennedy]

What do you do with all the bottles and things you find in the pitts?

[@TomAskjem.]

Some are kept, sold, given to the property owner and donated to museums. If no one is interested we throw them back.

[@BettinaKennedy]

@TomAskjem. I do enjoy the dig, and seeing all you find.

[@atuuschaaw]

♥

[@laurieishmael1001]

Sometimes life is surprising, I was just thinking of you and then I got the text, I haven’t seen you in a while. So good to see ya Lol 😆

[@elizabethpayne53]

It’s usually a good sign when the one glove starts coming off!

[@Omegaej1]

One of these days I hope you never find a skeleton 💀

[@cathybenson5119]

Do you try to piece together any broken crockery you find? 😊😊

[@MarciaShackelford-st5bt]

Yes he does. I've seen some that he pieced together on his Facebook page.

[@TomAskjem.]

Sometimes if it’s early enough or a historically significant site

[@chrisbutler1827]

Hey Tom what’s up

[@TomAskjem.]

Hey!

[@jimbennett2795]

Tom it would be nice if you also gave us a price of what you would value it at. thanks

[@realitychange]

dude you really should be running a metal detector over that dirt i bet ya there are many old coins

[@kermitmawyer1743]

😊😊😊😊😊😮😮😮😮

[@bwilliams463]

16:57 That is the smallest embossed pharmacy bottle that I have seen. Do you know roughly how much more expensive engraved druggist's bottles were than flat/plain ones?

[@chasetonga]

I grew up in Racine. We have a Horlick High School.

[@wayneweidman1543]

How do you know when a bottle is rare? I’ve heard you say there’s only one or two of certain bottles known to exist. Is there a database or a book?

[@HeatherPleass]

Tom has written books and is currently writing more, his knowledge is amazing

[@wayneweidman1543]

@@HeatherPleass where can I buy his books?

[@James-f6f5g]

There are many many books on and about old bottle's and glass items.

[@Kltpzyxm17]

Howdy Tom! 👋

[@VolcanoTimeLapse]

Dry pits!

[@alanatolstad4824]

Y-E-S!

[@BestSellers2122]

Any thoughts on where the rest of the early trash that wasn’t thrown down the outhouse pit ended up? Is that all the non biodegradable trash that was generated by these early folks?

[@TomAskjem.]

That’s a question I’ve asked myself for years. A lot of it probably ended up at an early town dump but I’ve found there often isn’t an exact indicator where that was.

[@speedfreak8200]

First... high from Orygun

[@Spikedgriffon]

Win some, lose some. The first pit had some interesting bottles, the second not so much.

[@rebeccarigney2477]

What do you do with everything you find

[@TomAskjem.]

Some pieces are kept, sold, given to the property owner and donated to museums.

[@rebeccarigney2477]

​@TomAskjem. The reason I was asking I love to buy some of your ceramic pieces I put that stuff back together if possible i have put some back together when pieces where missing and turned out and re paint them also the little ceramic dolls if u sale those Ty for responding

[@cheekymonkey9997]

Did I miss it? What was the discovery that you'll never forget?

[@TomAskjem.]

The 1880s hotel pit in general. They’re not easy to find.

[@cheekymonkey9997]

@@TomAskjem. Cool. Thanks for answering.

[@KristinPhillips-fs7lr]

Ponds cold cream is still made and sold today! The containers aren’t nearly as interesting!

[@jameslong4283]

Tom, you ever find a complete human remains. Just wondered how you'd handle it.

[@TomAskjem.]

I haven’t found any but I’d report it.

[@JanRegnier]

How do you not get sick or infections from digging in these poo pits?

[@TomAskjem.]

Most viruses can only live outside of the human body for a few days at best. We’re talking 100+ years here. The only times I’ve gotten sick from digging were due to external factors like catching a cold after digging in the rain, E. coli (once) after a pit was left open overnight during a rainstorm, and the worst was getting West Nile from mosquito bites while digging.

[@JanRegnier]

@@TomAskjem. Glad to hear you stay healthy!! Love your videos.......

[@realitychange]

I sure do hope ya dont dig up something like the Spanish flu lol

[@TomAskjem.]

I’ve dug many Spanish flu pits. No diseases can live outside of the human body that long.

[@roybal1975]

Have you ever thought about digging around those old insane asylum?

[@joesmith-es1zy]

One of the problems with the old insane asylums is that there are unmarked graves on the grounds of a lot of them.

[@tamran127]

So Tom, what’s that scent your wearing? Oh they call that Pretty Pittie!

[@Graffenburg100]

You should start telling what you think the value of the stuff you are digging is.

[@TomAskjem.]

I’d like to but most prices are subjective and all over the board. I don’t feel as though, for most that I’d be able to give an accurate price plus a majority are chest I consider to be “recycle grade” and I wouldn’t feel right calling them “worthless” when they hold historic value.

[@user-mf6wg9wo3y]

Once again, would have been nice to see the figurines. Unsubscribe!,

[@berkleywoman]

This is the first video, that I can honestly say, is the worst editing I have ever seen for one of your videos. Why did they cover the bottles with the graphics?

[@TomAskjem.]

I do the editing. Ended up going through it quickly to have the video ready before my digging trip to Montana. Got it uploaded with just enough time before I left. When the ads are inserted they take up the entire screen. From there I have to adjust them. Must have overlooked it. We were on a time crunch being my buddy had to fly back to North Carolina. It’s been a chaotic year.

[@berkleywoman]

@@TomAskjem. Thanks for the info.

[@tyanderson4344]

Answered my question too, there’s a dig outside of North Dakota coming soon. So excited!!