Something Sticking Out of the Ground Led to An Unbelievable Discovery

Excavating 2 privies at the former site of a 1903 general store 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

[@BelowthePlains]

Hi guys, we now have a patreon that you can go to and sign up to donate to support the channel. As of now there is no bonus content for signing up, but in the future there will be exclusive content and extended cuts of out videos for signing up. if you cannot afford to sign up, then we appreciate you all the same, and we thank you for watching the channel. heres a link for anyone who wants to check it out: www.patreon.com/belowtheplains link will also be in the description. thank you!

[@lindamon5101]

Clean them up & do a "haul" show& tell?

[@Thelongmanable]

*_I know you like going through old trash but why not do something like a old car garage, I mean bottles are great but car parts vintage way cooler.._*

[@RobbBoswell]

Done 👍🏼

[@angelalara4578]

I LOVE HOW YOU TREAT EACH DIG IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE A FOLLOW UP VIDEO OF THE CLEANED FINDS JUST AN IDEA LOVE YOUR VIDEOS

[@RUOFENDED]

Yes yes yes !!!!

[@mimimitch327]

@Tom A where do the bottles go after you find them?

[@livfrehley]

I think it would be amazing to see a glass bottle history museum showcasing all of your digs! You have the knowledge and the inventory to make that happen. I think it would be great way to interact with and learn about American history thru bottles and containers people used in their daily lives.

[@mimimitch327]

@Tom A so do you dig just to dig? I was surprised when you said you don’t collect much anymore. So curious! But I’m sure you can’t keep everything! You find so much! What determines if you keep it or not?

[@daviddarrall9384]

The man on the camera deserves a medal!

[@readit945]

Bet the camera man thinking, just throw me in the hole, 😴

[@BestSellers2122]

I totally agree. The camera work on these videos is really good. Not too much bouncing around. You zoom in to let us see things, but you do it slowly so we don’t really even notice the movement.

[@pattimessenger6214]

@@BestSellers2122 He is the unsung hero of these videos!

[@vickinoeske1154]

Really, how did he get so close?😁👀

[@marg233]

🏅😍

[@SoCalMisfit712]

Neat stuff. My dad had been finding pieces of aluminum with rivets in it forever around his yard. Come to find out a jet crashed in the field across the street from his house before they built there. A couple guys came out looking for pieces and showed him where it went down. He has pieces with serial numbers on it, and still finds pieces when he’s moving earth in certain areas. Another group of people were poking around in the field next door and told him there was an old wagon trail that went through there also. Really neat stuff.

[@RobbBoswell]

I would love to see more on how you study the old maps and pictures when deciding on where to even probe for digging.. maybe you discuss this already, im slowly making my way through your older videos.. love seeing all these un earthings 🤘🏼🇺🇲

[@susanaskjem9623]

Me too! At least I can listen to you tube, sometimes!☮️❤️☯️

[@tsaunders78]

Great videos. My favorite bottle digging channel on KZbin. Any chance doing a video on how you research your spots and maybe show how you go about probing?

[@susanaskjem9623]

Don't give out your secrets, except to me!☮️❤️☯️

[@jakecariveau4058]

Thanks Everyone, for watching and liking and leaving us a comment!

[@johnharrop5530]

Thanks for putting in great effort to find and dig these privys ,we appreciate 👍 it Thanks again from Australia

[@darlenem4940]

thank you from Nevada

[@dopeytripod]

at the end, show time lapse of the hole being filled back in & completed then show the cleaned bottles to finish the video off................ sure sounds like a small ask but im sure it takes time...take what i say as a suggestion only

[@BALOYBEACHBUM]

Being a Sailor it is great to see things come out of the ground,and I love the history! Should dig in my home town of Findlay, Ohio. Lots of glass factories there back in the day! I subscrided, cause I dig your channel!

[@alisonmary1443]

Love the finds, especially the tiny bottles, pills, extracts and the white glass cosmetic jar, square. The intact white glazed pottery in tact was a find, Thank you, made a cold Scottish night a lot better.

[@Vitusvonatzinger]

Seems like homebrewers would kill for those slick beers.

[@idaho2ndgens240]

It is great to see how much your subscribers have grown! That is a tribute to the work you put into your digs and your quality videos. The history that you include is what I enjoy and of course the bottles!! Thank you for sharing all of this with me.

[@bettybatson9622]

I enjoy watching you dig up those treasures, your so knowledgeable And you work so hard, at finding a Places to dig ,.your awsome,!!

[@birdwatcnetty9881]

Once again another fantastic video, thank you to the masters Tom and Jake !!!

[@twindiggersminnesotapamandpat]

Tom, two great privies loaded with great bottles. The soft dirt was amazing for you to work with. Loved the two Minnesota bottles, let me know if you want to sell them. Another educational video.👍👏

[@samsager1]

Awesome video!! Thanks Tom and Jake!!!

[@Original_Auburn]

I love those little pill bottles! I want them all! I don't know what I would do with them, but I wants!

[@mavericktheiceman1155]

Love the old advertisements that pop up, thanks for another great video!

[@darrylwillett8359]

These videos brings back memories. When I was about 12 yrs old, we lived next to some woods where the old town dump was located. It was in use from about 1880's to 1940's. We would dig some very interesting things. I still have some of my finds but most of my bottles were lost through the years because we moved a lot. Thanks for sharing these amazing clips.

[@TFDwriting]

That is back-breaking work! Thanks for sharing!

[@healingsprings11]

Love the cobalt blue and aqua finds , ink bottles and the small toiletry sizes. Very charming I bet once they're cleaned up.🐾🍾🍽️🥃🍺🫙🫖 The jug is gorgeous and in one piece is unbelievable!!🤠

[@soonzach4017]

My favorite channel, thank you for sharing. I enjoy watching but you work so hard Tom.

[@tarrasams7423]

Hello 👋 from New York you Found Some Amazing Finds my Favorite Definitely Was the Stoneware Jug Thank you for Bringing me Along with you I can't wait to see What you Find Next 😊

[@joanlittle4235]

I sure like being with you on your digs. I am so old now this is fun to think back. Granny Oregon

[@marykaystreasures]

Awesome 💯 Video you know I love your videos Thanks. For Sharing 👍♥️⚒️👍🗝️

[@juliecullom6955]

I’d sure like to know what you do with the bottles you’ve found. Are you selling any, or just collecting?

[@Whocares.........]

That's the way to make money! He needs a go Daddy website!

[@iminsmim]

Would be great to see some bottles from your own collection..

[@jeffclark2725]

Great video, and to think some people think bottled water is a new thing,your always finding them, Thumbs up

[@kathysenn7664]

wikipedia has a short write up about Watkins products. Starting in 1868 the owner sold liniment door to door.. pepper and vanilla extract and other extracts were added. the company is still in business. Mr Watkins developed a bottle with a mark on it to help the consumer . if the consumer was disatisfied with the product by the time they reached the line they could get their money back. Have you guys found any of those bottles? every time you pull an extract bottle out, Watkins comes to mind. thanks for taking us along!

[@mariebonfiglio2063]

Great finds. Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed this video… best of luck on your next adventure.

[@andrewowens9382]

Hi Tom and jake it's good you got the maps and surveys you had a another good dig 👍 👌 all the best Andrew south wales uk 👍 👌 😀 🇬🇧

[@williamheden6794]

Awesome adventure. Thank you for letting me come along. From Ohio

[@77Shiloh7]

That liquor jug that you pulled up at the end of the video was amazing!

[@johnlord8337]

Still need to see those food bottles for any Heinz food category, bottle numbers, (potential makers marks), and dates of production.

[@marg233]

Kudos Tom 👏🏻unbelievable jug find

[@jamesonheche2899]

and another great video! thanks my friends

[@kimfaust156]

When I was a teenager, my family lived right beside a National forestry in Southern Indiana. I used to take my dogs and search for old moonshine still sites and dig for old bottles. Unfortunately, my father saw no value in my collection and threw them all away when I went to college. Watching your videos reminds me of those days. I'm 66 now.

[@bouncerslabrealnature9143]

Great job.... keep them coming. 👍⚡

[@2packs4sure]

I noticed that all text top and bottom were in frame on my TV unlike most of your earlier videos,,,, which is nice..... There is not a millimeter to spare but it's in frame..

[@michaelschuenemann3505]

2 Pits and more History coming back to Light - lovely early Bottles and that "Rosaline" Chamber Pot and hey the White Crock - Dozen small Veiles und more Drug Bottles - You hit a small Jackpot for sure - tons of Beers as well ! Thank You and we are looking Forward to the next Dig ! Many Cheers from us in Australia !!!!

[@harryrainey6212]

That pottery jug was the find of that day. I see you found the Sanborn Insurance Maps.

[@BelowthePlains]

haha yeah.. thats how we find these sites.. they are a godsend.. sometimes they are a nightmare to find, but yeah.. we couldnt do what we do to the scale that we do it, without those.. it takes away 80% of the guesswork. i think you might be the first person to ever leave a message mentioning the sanborn maps.. nice.. thanks for watching!

[@jerrysadventures8952]

nice digging Thanks for sharing video

[@deancole4559]

You guy's are the best of the best!!!!!

[@lisacassells3828]

Oh the blue bottles. Glad lots of whole bottles.

[@kennethganser4119]

Hi, new 1st ti.e viewer here. Love the show. You have the most professional presentation, that your audience will appreciate, unlike the other comedian wanna bees that I have been stuck watching. Thanks

[@donnaml8776]

Very interesting! That jug was some find! Thanks!

[@barbarawright5548]

That looks so interesting and fun to do that type of digging.

[@marthapatebell1040]

I am glad I ran across your videos! I really enjoy them!

[@douglaswiggins1810]

Your show is so good thanks for digging it up BOTTLES

[@indianaouthouse5693]

Good job!!!

[@glenh4971]

I would like to see cleaned up bottles. Can you show us what some of the better finds look like after cleaning? I would also like to know more information on some of the bottles. Can you give us more information on this hobby? How much are some of these bottles worth on the collectable market? What makes a bottle collectable? Just any interesting information on your collection would be helpful.

[@grizzmax]

Whatever you manage to earn from your endeavours, you sure earned it with your research and shear physical labour.!

[@martinemjt]

in those days everybody worked! possibly in a manufacture but it was honest work none the less!

[@marg233]

I'd love to purchase that Boston bottle🍀

[@williamfoster7165]

Thanks for sharing guys!

[@darlenem4940]

the white glaze you found was great. I really like the colors on the AB bottles. great dig.j also like the cosmetic white bottles

[@debbiegoble9836]

My first time here. I enjoyed it.

[@treasurehuntingscotlandmud9340]

Great finds enjoyed watching

[@bettybatson9622]

I watched this whole video to get to see that chamber under ground, full of old good stuff !!! And you didn't show it I was sooo bummed

[@hippieporium7836]

I am enjoying your channel so much! I am also learning a ton about early collectibles. Very hard work but thank you for saving all of these artifacts of early plains living!!

[@susancousins8766]

This was 2 awesome pits with so many bottles, my goodness if there was a Time Machine I would love to go to the start of 1800. It must’ve been cool back then , these bottles are so old would love to know who drank all that beer 🍺⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@warrenmink2429]

What some killer finds man ! Love the history there in that area , in the opening I was hoping you were gonna say a union outpost , but history none the less , thank you for the short history lesson yet again sir !

[@nosillalaluna7078]

Love this ! 👍

[@clidemorrow8786]

Kick ass jug! Wow those redwing ones can fetch a pretty good price! Thanks for sharing, the quality looks amazing

[@jaycall2505]

Congrats on your finds! :)

[@riverc3171]

Good finds!!

[@rodvanness3973]

Do the privy's have any smell to them or do they just smell like soil? Lovin' the videos!

[@bdwilcox]

He occasionally comments on the odor of some pits.

[@MrMattDat]

It is amazing the stuff you find!! Some beautiful pieces!

[@dawnhaynes7784]

Another amazing video I just love those small bottles

[@markupton3482]

You are a determined and regular person. Your hard work and discoveries pay off! I hope the market is good for all your finds? The jug finds are great!

[@danarandol164]

Love the euphemisms: “well-used pit!”😂

[@mygrammieis]

You guys are awesome 👏

[@stratocaster1greg]

I use old coricidin bottles for playing slide guitar. Cool video.

[@Denise-fm2xs]

You Said It Is Or My Be An Old Out House ? Did The Generally Throw Bottles Down The Shitter Like That , And You Took Off Your Gloves , CRAZY & BRAVE ! Interesting, Enjoying Your Digs !!!

[@dextergordon99]

Love the channel! I am waiting to see if you ever go to Barton!

[@IsitMe65]

I just accidentally came across your channel and now I'm watching every single video. I subscribed and now I'm addicted. Thanks for letting us be "privy" to what you find. LOL. I wish you could sell these on a web page or something.

[@kimberlychicago7608]

I lived in a condo, on a section of land that was a acquired from an old cemetery. Our building had to do extensive parking lot and sewer repairs. The lot was excavated. Literally six feet down, there were busted coffins, cracked headstones, a couple of toilet bowls, old bedsprings, broken garden tools, bottles, general trash. It was wild to see. Parking lot repairs were made, giant holes filled in. All the stuff down there, was just left in place.

[@danreed7889]

Hope to see you in MN in the spring!

[@Fairplayer43]

It must be fun being you! :)

[@douglaswiggins1810]

Thanks

[@rayriddle9462]

Hi really enjoy your channel ❗ 🤗

[@maryhudson6137]

Fascinating finds!

[@maryleblanc4961]

I have become obsessed with your channel! I love treasure hunts! I also love how you narrate and explain what you find and the history behind the items and the area. I live in a home built in 1911 and now want to get a plat map and find where the out house or trash pit was and dig it out. I live in Minneapolis Minnesota . 😁❤

[@BelowthePlains]

haha wow thanks! glad you like the videos! and i really appreciate all that, these videos are hard work! but yeah, i would encourage you to do so.. but you could probably find it without a plat map.. its usually directly out the back door, or on the side or back lot line. you could look for a dip in the ground where the pit settled over they years.. not all the time, but a good deal of the time, you can just see a strage dip in the yard, and thats where it turns out being. well thank you! and stay safe out there, and watch for power lines

[@maryleblanc4961]

I looked in the back of the house and on the right side by an old maple tree I can see where the ground sinks down. I won't be able to dig it until spring. I'm so looking forward to it. 😅

[@lorienray6216]

Being a gardener, that man made soil, sitting all these years looks like great garden soil, LOL. Agree with Angela about seeing best finds cleaned up. But will ask again how do you tel the difference about machine made and circa period. You found all those pill bottles, could be someone from the war badly injured or painful disease with no cure, give you another pill, cool applied top, turn mold, what exactly does that mean? I like you enjoy finding old things, have a few milk bottles as my Grandfather was refused duty in world war 2 because he delivered milk. Now at my age need to start getting rid of some of my collections.

[@lorienray6216]

@Tom A thanks for the explanation

[@ickyfrupp2751]

Looks like you need rain man - that dirt is fluffy!

[@bridgethaig8923]

I love how you just so casually pop that bone into your bucket.

[@craigwills1615]

Enjoy your program! What happens to all the bottles you dig up? Do they end up in museums? What happens to all the broken bottles?

[@BestSellers2122]

Nice!

[@susanaskjem9623]

Working alone today!☮️❤️☯️

[@smokenjoe4022]

All those beer bottles are making me thirsty I’ll bet it was good stuff!!

[@3cl1]

The little bottles for that bad toothache (opium)? Great channel.

[@charleswieand4445]

I know where there was a old bar where they dumped bottles into muck bottom stream and some Some old farm dumps I dug when I was a kid in 60s

[@seastheday2020]

Nice digs!

[@johnlord8337]

Another view of extract bottles (other than the high alcohol content) as a cooking and flavoring ingredient was a counterpart to the bitters stomach consumption market ... was the same healthful consumption of herbal extracts (sage, thyme, oregano, ...) and other wild herbs (dandelion, ...). So extracts would be the lower class herbal liquers to the middle class herbal bitters, and then the higher upper class European herbal liquers (Chartreuse, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, etc).

[@jimc12]

18:07 That long neck glass tube thing in the middle and to the left looks like a hydrometer. They would have mercury in the bottom feeding a thermometer that went up the neck. There would be a graduation scale behind the mercury showing temperature on it. While the other side would measure how far the hydrometer sank into the fluid showing it gravity/density of a liquid. The two items to the right of the hydrometer looking item resemble scientific beakers used in liquid measuring. They would use those in conjunction with the hydrometers.

[@Grannysadventures]

It seems you start digging the pit much bigger rectangle then you end up. If it is an outhouse pit….4 questions 1- did they just throw trash and bottles down the outhouse as trash? 2- was the actual hole for the outhouse the smaller area? Or the beginning rectangle? 3- did people actual dig the hole and then build the outhouse on top of the hole 4- did they holes ever fill up

[@BelowthePlains]

ok laura, 4 questions is a little much lol.. let me see how well i can answer them! 1. long story short, yes.. but basically just anything that wouldnt burn.. they had town dumps that were usually at the edge of the town, so typically it would be under a 10 minute walk from anywhere in town, but it was just easier to throw it away in the outhouse.. i suppose they didnt wanna leave shrapnel laying all over the place 2 well i think this pit actually had a wood lining.. it would have been like a box in the hole, that supported the sides.. those were the edges at the time of the use.. but the way we find the edges before we dig in in-precise, so we just kinda make a guess and sometimes we dont realize we are off until we are down there.. the wood beams in the pit, if you could see them, would have been the original hole 3 umm.. i guess i dont know for sure, but yeah, i assumed what they did was dig the hole, cart off the dirt, and then i guess they would just tow the outhouse over.. and when it was full they would dig another hole close, and use some of the dirt to bury the other hole and cart off the rest, and drag the outhouse over it.. ive only seen a few outhouses that were still around and they were all in really poor condition.. but they appear to just have been sitting on horizontal beans that werent fixed to anything in the ground 4 and yeah.. sometimes they would actually hire someone called a "privy dipper" who would come clear the outhouse pit out so it could be re-used.. typically in upper class peoples house.. because the outhouse would be in the prime location the first time.. and poorer people would fill theres up and just dig another hole.. but yeah, some houses we find just one pit that spanned 40 years or more.. and sometimes we find 5-10 of them.. but typically i would say the average yard had between 1 and 4 well hoped that answered your questions! thanks for watching, and be sure to follow us on facebook, its just "below the plains" thanks!

[@doug_sports_collector]

Another great dig and finds, how do I get my hands on one of those AB connected bottle?

[@andrewchase7684]

cool jug!

[@johnlord8337]

People ASSUME that a SHOE POLISH bottle is a SHOE POLISH bottle when in reality - with any blackening dye in the product - they could also be used to polish up the stove - and STOVE POLISH was used to keep the cast iron stoves and chimneys all clean, polished, and bright black (along with stove polishing for brass/bronze/chrome fittings with a Brillo type of polishing rouge). So people with shiny shoes/boots could also have shiny stoves, or have raunchy boots but have a spit-and-polish stove ...

[@johnlord8337]

Shoe polish black dye (yuck !!!) could also be used in re-blacking cast iron pots and pans (hopefully only the outside surface !) and seasoned with oil in having continued bright black shining cast iron cookware as well !!!