most memorable of 2009

[Detector]

Looking back over my year of detecting there is always a few things that stick out as my most memorable finds. This year had several exciting such finds that I thought I would share.

My first memorable find of the 2009 year was the rediscovery of a local parks history. A small seemingly insignificant park on avenue L, I have hunted many times over the years, revealed its secrets as a site I have looked for over the years. Old pictures of Dodge City show a circus heading east in the early 1900's, but asking the old-timers I found no one knew where it was headed. While researching an old motorcycle track east of dodge I found a reference to carnival grounds that lead me to this park. Right away the proof came to light. Many older coins and rings given as carnival prizes was the reward.

Also pictured is my first gold of the year and cross swords. Of course the first gold of the year is always memorable, but what makes the cross swords memorable to me is that they were found in a tot lot. My guess is some kid took it to school from a parents collection and lost it while playing. Just goes to show you never know what you might find in a tot lot.



Speaking of the old motorcycle track, I will never forget the feeling, after a year of research, when I found the location of the grandstands. Being a huge 2 mile track used from 1914 to the 1920's the potential was great. My trips to the location were very exciting. Finding Indian Heads and Barbers on top the ground was amazing. The site gave up lots of goodies until the farmer plowed the field. I thought this would increase the finds, but in fact nothing was found afterward. Now I wait until next season, and plowing, in hopes the goodies will come to the top.

This was the location where the national 300 and 500 mile motorcycle races were held in the very early 1900's. It was where Indian Motorcycles and Harley Davidson Motorcycles competed for top spot in the circuit. While the old coins were nice, my favorite find was a Indian Motorcycles pin dated from 1913-1914. This site has many more goodies to give up yet.



Wright Park. My testing grounds for more than 20 years. This park goes back to the 1880's where in 1884 the first authentic bullfight was held in America. Tens of Thousands gathered here to watch the fight. Over the years it has given up lots of old coins, but for the last 3-4 years it seemed to have dried up. In the fall I bought a E-Trac and as usual took it to the park for testing. My first 2 weeks with the new detector did little to impress me, and I was almost ready to give it up. Knowing that it is important to give it time I learned to slow down and listen to the tones and my finds from this park exploded.

I was pulling old coins at will on every trip. Its been many years since I was able to pull silver so regularly. On virtually every trip no matter how short, I pulled silver and wheats. Even as the season drew to an end with frozen ground, I was still pulling the old coins from every location at the park. This will always be a reminder that new technology can be the key to reviving an old site.



Of course there is that shiny gold stuff that always will be remembered. This year was not bad and those tot lots continue to produce the shiny stuff. This year was the year I paid for a detector on one hunt. I bought a Tesoro Silver uMax to use as a tot lot machine, and the very first time out I found enough gold to pay for it. That is something I will always remember. I've posted pictures of my rings for the year so here is some of the other shiny gold stuff.



With the year all but gone I can only say I had a lot of fun, and thats what its all about. Here to a lot of fun next year.

[Monster]

I have little or no interest in metal detecting or treasure hunting, but this is a fantastic article, with some great pictures!

That's always the sign of a well written and interesting piece I think, when the reader is drawn in, informed and entertained, even if the subject material isn't usually something that interests them.

Thank you for sharing.

I have one question. Forgive my ignorance. What is a "tot lot"? Is that a kids playground or something?

[Detector]

What is a \"tot lot\"? Is that a kids playground or something?

Yes. To be more exact, it's those little play areas that are confined and filled with either sand or wood chips. Generally where the younger "tots" play hence tot lots.

Here is a shot of all my rings from last year.

[Made in the USA]

I always find your articles very interesting, Detector. You've got enough "treasure" to start your own jewelry store. One of these days I need to come with you guys and do some learning. I got a detector last year, but have not been able to find much stuff yet. Probably need more patience than what I've got!

[Detector]

90% of metal detecting success is LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION.

[Made in the USA]

90% of metal detecting success is LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION.

They wouldn't let me onto Fort Knox-------commie bastards---------

[slim]

Is this park on ave L thorough park(spelling?) I love history of dodge and thought that would be an interesting place for a carnival the more i think about it. I remember playing there when i was younger when i could convince my folks to go there.

[Detector]

Yes that is the park. On the east part(the plateau) is where we have found the most relics.

[slim]

incredible congrats!