Find of a Lifetime in the Rubble of a Burned Down Hotel, Found with a Map From 1901

Excavating 5 privies at the former site of the Commercial Hotel in McHenry, North Dakota,
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#antiques #mudlarking #archeology #bottledigging #antiquebottles #bottles #dumpdigging #privydigging #southdakota #treasurehunting #oldbottles #metaldetecting #ghosttown #northdakota #vintage #vintagebottles #abandoned #old #stagecoach #adventure #mudlarker #mudlark #wildwestgold #wildwest #buried #buriedtreasure

[@johnl1685]

I think people would enjoy seeing a video of your most prized finds.

[@allenbunge817]

New to watching the digging. It would be to see a collection of the finds!

[@user-yq2rn2hy8p]

I'm 77,raised in minnesota, and the more i think abouts it, i remember heilemans beer advertised as a kid. When i was in my teens wed go to a gas station and drink 3.2 beers for 35 cents a glass.

[@judyengland2615]

I can't believe those half gallon mason jars! Who would toss such good canning jars away! I'm 75 and I'm still canning.

[@uptoolate2793]

Right?

[@beverlyhayshouston2770]

A man.🤣

[@holly0297]

I regret never learning but have been familiarizing myself with the basics! Lord, I'd love to have my mom or grannies here - for a zillion reasons - 1, so we could hang out and can together! 💮

[@Lisa-pl6gv]

Years ago there was metal shelving outside a door at the back of the hotel which was directly outside the kitchen, before the hotel was torn down. They were probably buried when the hotel was torn down along with other debris. I think the hotel was torn down sometime in the 1980s but I'm not sure.

[@nancyrobertson550]

I am to canning. I have some half gallon jars from my Aunt in law. Plus her canner. Still works great. From Texas USA

[@Barchordwitter]

I just discovered your site. I really like it. I'm fascinated watching it. I got to do it one afternoon by chance. Behind an old tavern in Bleck Earth Wisconsin. I stepped outside in back to have a smoke and saw a bottle sticking out of the ground. I pulled it out and that led to about 60 old beer bottles and others. One was 1846!!! I like the time you allow for descriptions as I'm a slow reader. It really nice..glad your doing it,,I

[@gkell99]

Really enjoy your videos. A friend of mine in Portland, OR, Mark Junker was a bottle digger for the last 50 or so years. I dug with him several times over the years and it was very much the same as your videos. Couple of stories. One time we were digging a shallow hole in the backyard of a house built in 1890s or so. Hole wasn't wide so Mark was the only one in the hole. He started pulling out some bricks that were sticking out of the dirt. Pulled one and there was a hole underneath. He dropped a rock into the hold and it didn't splash for a few seconds. He'd been digging in the fill over a well that had been bricked over. A few more bricks out would have meant he'd fall to the bottom. Lucky break. Next story: I was digging with him on Thanksgiving morning in early 1980s. Kathy and the kids were still in bed at home. It was the old Sellwood dump in SE Portland. I was undercutting a foundation and finding a few interesting things. I pulled out of the hole to wipe the dirt off my face and about 20 feet of the foundation collapsed into the whole I had been digging. Probably the closest call I've ever had. Fascinating thing you are doing. Be careful and have fun. Do you have a website or ebay store where you sell any of your finds? Mark died mid 2022. But your videos are a great reminder of what he loved to do.

[@VintageLPs]

Thanks for sharing your stories. I lived in Portland in 1968 and 1973-1976. It was so beautiful back then with a small population compared to today. None of the problems either. Used to go to many antiques stores and I worked downtown at both First Nat’l. Bank of Oregon and US Bank.

[@user-is5nx9kw9v]

Mark died from heart complications??

[@pattimessenger6214]

I want to know if he has a store too!

[@jockoharpo2622]

So sorry to hear about your friend.

[@maremuse]

Did u know Art Honeyman?

[@sheiladurst2103]

Out of all the different people who dig, your videos are the best-I love the calmness. And the matter of fact way you present things

[@sandradanforth8524]

I'm 75 and have recognized several bottles. I like seeing things that takes me back. Thank you so much, what fun. 😮😊

[@repairfreak]

Hey Tom, did you ever hear your mom yell to you as a kid…”Hey Tom quit playing in that mud!” 😂

[@kirstendieker9798]

It's so amazing to me that all that stuff is right there below our feet!

[@randb4865]

We want 5 minute videos of cleaned-up finds!

[@jss302]

👍👍👍

[@TracySchollar]

Ditto

[@UnpopularOpinion42]

Good idea

[@glennmurphy1820]

The preserving jars were my favorite and of course the painted crock. .Look forward to the next dig.

[@peggybaxter8480]

I've got to say I love it when you get excited about a piece you find. You work so hard you deserve something exciting!

[@amandahouser9824]

I'm so glad time is taken in looking into the past. It's good information. People do not die in vain.

[@davewilson9738]

The delight with which you say "Look seeds!" is both exciting and a tad stomach turning knowing you are in the faecal matter!

[@sherryroseman]

Love the pickle bottles. Make a nice bud vase.

[@karenmassie1239]

I’m 68 and I used to bottle dig with my brother. I did it all my life until I was unable to dig due to injuries. But I loved to watch you finding this stuff and every item you found was a new discovery. I felt like I was young again. Lol! 👍🏻😊

[@detecting_with_matt3643]

4 complete Masons!? Wow! What a great haul on that first pit! Masons are one of my favorites to find!

[@Greenacres1958]

And then a number 2 in tact crock!!!!!! Oh my goodness I was excited about that!

[@maryl1785]

Been catching up, watching some of your older vids as well. I've tried other poster's who dig/hunt for bottles, but I can't watch them. You've spoiled me! I love reading the info you give, you get so much more of the history, which is what I love about all of it.

[@kathymeik]

Judy, I'm jealous!! I used to do a ton of canning! I even made catsup one year. I'm 70 and haven't been able to do much of anything for 10 years. I'm in a motorized wheelchair and can life my arms more than a few inches.I would love to be like you. I pray every day for a miracle. Keep on going! You're amazing!!😊😊

[@TryingtomakeitonSocSec]

I will be praying for you, too. I am 79 now , have Arthritis in every joint of my body. But with God's help I am still up and going. Prayer does wonderful things!

[@jackiemack8653]

1:43:39 ​@@TryingtomakeitonSocSec

[@KatherineHunt-tv3rt]

I love the history of the makers of those bottles and crocks😊.

[@lynndunning1545]

You do a good job with validating with historical info -very nice!

[@andrewowens9382]

It's surprising what turns up in those pits tom very good the best thing about digging these bottles is you don't no what you will find all the best Andrew south wales uk 👍 👌 😀 🇬🇧

[@claymonsterpottery]

I’m in Baltimore. We still have the Bromo Seltzer tower in town. Neat!

[@Kristinmo2]

My dad used to love digging for old bottles & stuff. He had so many! Your channel came up on my feed & I watched a few minutes & hit subscribe so quick. It reminds me of him & in a way makes me happy to watch. It’s also very relaxing late at night while watching this.. this may be my new bedtime routine aside from paranormal videos 😆. Thanks for sharing such cool finds!

[@sdrahcir5054]

I don’t know anything really about archaeology or that but these videos have become one of my favorite things to watch- so satisfying 🙏🏼🙏🏼 love what ya’ll are doing and your knowledge is wild

[@j.b.4340]

Thoroughly enjoy your videos. You put so much work into it. I’m beaming when I find a 1970’s dump. Your dumps are a dream.

[@CA10Z]

A very interesting and respectful dig.

[@RunningGrass-we7tm]

Absolutely love the granite glaze bowls. All over my yard w flowers. Very colorful and makes me smile seeing them everyday

[@mstrick6257]

Look at Curtice Brothers Blue Label Tomato Ketchup. I think that's your 'Fancy' Ketchup bottle. It must have been popular given that you've found it at numerous sites.

[@captjeff2321]

Brother that was a long days work!! Awesome hope the reward was great thanks for taking us along! Keep it up.

[@kaolinwasher]

of all the bottle diggers, I watch on you tube , you have the best video quality, in every way

[@deborahsimmons2414]

You find the best places where bottles go to die! Amazing and fascinating finds, thank you. I think every one of us has that little treasure hunter inside…

[@FantomeBelphegor]

J'aime beaucoup l'idée d'aller fouiller pour retrouver des objets du passé comme les bouteilles et autres artefacts. C'est une trace de la vie d'il y a longtemps, un peu comme des recherches archéologiques sur le siècle passé. Je possède chez moi une bouteille datant de la révolution (1789/1795), fabriquée de façon artisanale et intacte. Je prend l'abonnement à votre chaîne, et salutations depuis la Normandie! 😃

[@Missangie827]

I wonder why the mason jars ended up there? anyone who has preserved food would reuse them unless the lids weren't available-lucky for you though!

[@uptoolate2793]

Someone was was either drunk or hiding their tracks. Probably.

[@2115virgo13]

The blue salt glazed piece was beautiful! Even with the chip. I’d use is for décor!

[@carolynsimone8647]

McHenry turned out to be worthy of your dig....awesome finds...thanks for sharing your finds...🥰🥰

[@christinewold9995]

Would love to see all your finds cleaned up

[@AmstradExin]

Where I live, historically, glassware was returned for a small amount of change. I think that's why not much of the old bottles survived. Even me as a kid collected bottles and paper to pocket money. It was relatively easy.

[@donaldwareham3584]

Great video!

[@dianegorman2595]

Love watching your channel. Your knowledge of what you find makes the videos so much more interesting. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@susancousins8766]

You are one of the most amazing hardworking individual. Every time I watch your videos you find the most stunning bottles! Keep on digging and Enjoy your life ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@netamorton4832]

I love the little Bottles! And I loved seeing the Baby bottles and the crocks! I appreciate all your hard work!❤️

[@jeanpowell7072]

That crock was great Along with the hall jars

[@terrykrall]

The embossed NEHI soda bottle is called the “silk stocking bottle”. Pat. 1925....

[@michaelschuenemann3505]

Brilliant Haul - some of the Finds got You very Excited ! Well done and onto the Next Adventure digging Up History ! Total Support from Australia !!!!

[@skutovr]

I’ve been enjoying your videos for the last month or so…. Finally subscribed. Keep the cam rolling and keep digging ! I’ll keep watching 😊

[@alisonmary1443]

Great to see the extra time. 3 in tact Masons in one pit :D enjoyed that nearly 2 hours with head phones on I heard every scrape lol 😂 Thank you

[@janetangelier]

There's something about digging in the dirt that appeals to the child in each of us! But then you pull all sorts of Little Treasures out of that dirt!

[@tinaj984]

Fantastic!! The Masons, the colors, the crock...WOW!!!😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@dalily9607]

❤ the video, thanks for all the information & research you do

[@tarrasams7423]

Hello 👋 from New York you Guy's Found Some Amazing Finds Thank you for Bringing me Along with you I can't wait to see What you Find Next 😊

[@garyeckstein4917]

The Shoop building still stands in downtown Racine, WI

[@warrenmink2429]

Wow what are jam packed dig ! Killer man , thanks for sharing

[@bethcorey6022]

The little cut glass piece looks like a toothpick or match holder❤

[@ChrissyLovesJesus]

Absolutely my favorite type of treasure hunting .

[@lisawells1064]

What a WONDERFUL video!!! A gift, to be able to watch as you find these treasures, and a long video to boot...what a joy!!! Thank you!!!

[@ladyhawkNone]

Can we see a video with things cleaned up sometime? I'm interested in the patterns on some of them. I also collect old bottles. I'm weird I like old things lol

[@deloiscarroll3103]

Do you ever show videos of the cleaned up finds? Would love to see that at the end.

[@normagrimstad8869]

My dad was born in 1935 and my mom in 1938. It’s interesting to see things they may have had around the house growing up.

[@karendavis7988]

FANTASTIC find!! Love it. ❤

[@christhompson4270]

Awesome finds 👍🙏❤️

[@gayleleier8115]

I am amazed at all the comments from people who did digs. I keep thinking I am going to read about you - - FIRST CASE OF CHOLORA - SWIME FLU - MALARIA - TYPHOID - BUBONIC PLAGUE - DIPHTHERI - who knows. Just scares the heck out of me. No mask - you take your gloves off and rub things with your bare hands. But I guess those that dug before you are still alive and talking about their experiences. I do love your finds.

[@kelco64]

My gosh that is black soil! These are very cool videos! Love watching you find pieces from the past!

[@dawnhaynes7784]

That was amazing love the spatter ware pitcher

[@maryleblanc4961]

Wow great finds!! 😊

[@cheltinker7709]

Love how long this vid is. Awesome x

[@tammydeatherage2219]

I take great joy in watching you dig up history. To put evidence to time behind us. Thank you for sharing it with us. I am always intrigued.

[@centralpametaldetectorist289]

You should come to PA and dig out some of the priveys to my colonial metal detecting permissions. I’d love to see what’s in them. I have properties that go back to early/mid 1700s

[@dannmccord1923]

So many beautiful bottles. Love them all. Great video always waiting for the next one.

[@theresa_lili]

What do you do with your finds? Love watching, thank you for sharing with us. You are appreciated.

[@gailhowes9398]

I was wondering about this as well, maybe selling the cleaned up ones at a flea market? It is kind of interesting to wonder about what was available back then!

[@pamelajohnson7777]

I would love to do this but have no idea where to start. I live in North Central Minnesota, but the ideal properties are owned by rich, snobby people and they won't let anyone dig or metal detect their properties. I've been metal detecting for many years and have found some very old, crazy finds and also items of history in the areas I detect. When I have detected private property with permission, I always offer the owner(s) any items I've found, but most the time, they let me keep anything I've found. We used to own property where a gas station / restaurant used to stand and I recovered a lot of canning jars, old bottles, dishes, intact oil cans, beer cans, etc. The guy that bought the property is a good friend and I'm invited back at any time to continue my digging, with him keeping anything of interest to himself, but mostly I'll get to keep what I find.

[@symonehall8555]

I love watching these videos. I have always loved fosiking in and around old miners huts, river beds, etc. I ended up sustaining a permenant spinal injury in 2008 and so live vicariously through guys like you and a few others. P.S, I live in Australia. Keep up the good work, Sam.

[@suemoenius5619]

Isn't it fun? To see things I recognize sometimes, takes me back to time at Grandpa's homestead in Colorado. Also quite a contrast to another favorite, England's Time Team---where each find is quickly whisked away to a researcher with a PhD to identify. Of course their digs go back to Bronze age, Celtic, Roman, Tudor or Saxon.. What you do in these videos is fun and fabulous! Thanks for letting us tag along..

[@melk.6024]

Such great finds!! Thank you for sharing!!❤

[@billiejofrance2526]

How are you not extremely excited about the bottle from Paris, France! So COOL!

[@almawalker6617]

KTK is Knowles, Taylor and Knowles China, I believe. I used to sell vintage American dinnerware. You find some interesting stuff! Thanks for sharing your digs here. I love watching!

[@anniecorbin7998]

Where do you get these maps? My home was born in 1901 and they just dumped downhill. Every hard rain brings broken glass to the surface.

[@jimnorthland2903]

Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Library of Congress online.

[@figgy7099]

Those Mason Hero Jars are beautiful, I'm so jealous!

[@billiejofrance2526]

So many exciting things that you have found! I love the crocks!

[@wheretonow3106]

Right on!

[@seanwelch71]

You must have the finest Dak. Territory bottle collection. Well done.

[@joejoebus8814]

Another awesome video. ThX so much for sharing.

[@FloCreasy]

In this dig you are finding great items

[@deloradeabel8487]

The Hayner’s embossed Whiskies are fantastic!

[@vardenfell971]

my grandparents have the entire base of a singer machine in their house. my grandfather fitted a top to it and its actualy the dining table now

[@cpandjr]

It would be very cool to take a bunch of those pieces you dig out that are broken and turn them into Mosaic tables and stuff😊

[@gailhowes9398]

Yes I thought that as well, when I was young I did a serving tray about 60 years ago! 🤭🤗🫣

[@revajobeattie1839]

Ditto on the person who wanted to see a video of items found. Loved the pitcher that looked as though it was white or off white with the blue pattern. Looked beautiful not cleaned.

[@shelllinderman2932]

Hi Tom. How long is one dig from probe to fill? Keep up the great work. Love watching your channel!

[@martihoney7873]

Makers mark

[@kathycronin3571]

Amazing finds. Love the intact crock!!! Beautiful design on the broken pieces

[@Merlijnvv]

All the hard work paid off well it seems. Very nice.

[@sme_sage1241]

Your bottle finds are great as are the oddball finds like the crocks, chamber pots, pitchers, etc. Are you able to keep all the items you find or do you have to turn them over to the land owner? (sorry if I’ve missed this answer somewhere).

[@dane-my1qo]

I would like to know too do you get to keep some

[@marthapatebell1040]

Great finds! Love the video. I know it must be hard work for you Tom, But some great finds! Thank you!

[@dgb56bgd]

Awesome dig and cool findings. Thanks and Blessings.

[@melindahawk8540]

Cool job you have. Love the history of it all.

[@seanwelch71]

The more I study your excavations the more I see a pattern of local vs regional brands.

[@mariemoss2475]

A new subscriber... As a part time Archaeologist I love a good dig, so jealous what you find you can actually take home. I love the fact you have text explaining the find and history, very helpful. Love from Wiltshire UK 💕

[@peggybaxter8480]

Thank You!

[@GaliSinatra]

Cool stuff!

[@riverc3171]

Wow on that nice crock! Got some nice bottles too!

[@RonnieTheFish]

The Valley City Bottling co. That one blew me away I used to live in Valley... That was so cool to see. Thanks for the video :)

[@ziantszo]

Every time I watch your videos, I keep thinking “ I so want to be you!” . Thank you for your expertise and consistency in keeping the past present!