November 1, 2014

Historical Society Meeting

20 October 2014
Congregational Church, Amherst, NH Village.


Amherst Historical Society president David Clark addresses the gathering with news, information concerning maintenance projects and our current financial status. The September ANTIQUES ON THE GREEN he advised, was, in spite of the less than perfect weather, another success. Continue below for a blogpost and photography concerning this annual event.


Neil Benner introduces Michael Warren from Mont Vernon, NH who is a "history enthusiast, metal detectorist and public speaker" who was here tonight to enlighten us concerning his metal detecting adventures.


Michael brought with him a varied selection of artifacts that he has discovered over the last few years. They include coins, belt buckles, nails, buttons; some that date to the 18th century. Would you like to have Michael come and search your property? You can reach him at: michael.warren007@gmail.com



He passed several pieces around with his 10X loupe for members to inspect.


Michael brought this detector with him as well as an underwater version and another small, handheld unit that he uses as he digs. He explained how he chooses areas to search, such as near a back door, which is the most utilized door in a New England home; near an old well, which again is an active area and near old cellar holes and barns.


Father and son, Aaron and Caleb Porter from Milford attended the meeting because they're avid metal detectorists themselves and were anxious to hear Micheal speak.


Caleb showed me many of his most recent finds and how he photographs and catalogs his collection.

Within a few days of Michael Warrens presentation, Dave and Sue Clark invited him to scan their property on Mack Hill Road. Rather than me describing his finds, please read Michaels email to the Clarks concerning his discoveries.

Dave,

Here is some information surrounding a Spanish New Years tradition. It calls for sweeping the old year out the front door and then sweeping in coins for good luck. Perhaps Glen was sharing traditions that he learned about in his travels and lost the couple coins that I found?

Additionally, I found a couple other neat items at your home this week. Picture attached. Of most interest is an English Half Penny that I am 99% sure is 1746 based on the bust of King George II and the almost legible date. This was located ~20' to the left of the front well, ~1/2 way on the hill.  It is anyone's guess as to whether the coin was in pocket in 1773 when you believe the original house was built. Could mean some activity on the property at an earlier date. 

Enjoy,

 Michael

To read more about Michael Warren, click HERE.


And, don't forget to join us for a meeting, bring a friend, maybe two as Neil continually strives to find interesting speakers to entertain the group. We meet five times annually, every other month during the third Monday from October through May at the Congregational Church in Amherst Village. Click over to our websites, HERE or HERE for membership information as well as great sources of information concerning town history.

Our next meeting is on Monday 8 December from 7:30 pm until 9:00 pm where we'll learn about NH ON SKIS, by John Allen.



No comments:

Post a Comment