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4-28-05

 

     Steve was on vacation this week. The last couple weekends we were working on our houses rather than digging. So, we decided to try a mid week dig, as we were going to be busy again this weekend.

    Steve had a house lined up for us. The foundation stones looked like they probably came over on the Mayflower.  In no time flat we had three spots lined up. It was tough telling if they had been dug before. So, we started a little test hole rather than open it up for nothing. Steve was up and had a mole hole a couple feet in, and was clunking on some crap.

4-28-05molehole.jpg (144198 bytes) one mole hole

    Steve started in with how it would be cool to dig a local Bull's Bitters. Well needless to say the first bottle out was a Dr. Russells Med Co Pepsin Calisaya  Bitters in a kick butt lime green color! Great way to start the day.  Steve also got a Belle City Brewing Co Racine Wis. Neat looking narrow, amber blob.  

4-28-05stevepepsin.jpg (152288 bytes) Steve and a freshly uncovered bitters

4-28-05pepsin.jpg (59307 bytes) Pepsin Calisaya Bitters

4-28-05Dr.jpg (60739 bytes) Dr Russells Med Co

4-28-05color.jpg (59068 bytes) Purdy

4-28-05belle.jpg (59548 bytes) Belle City Blob

4-28-05take.jpg (156851 bytes) A Kohlman crown, 3 different Dr. Shoops included in the take.

    The next pit was 5 feet over and under an immature elm that was grown into the chain link fence. More roots and tedious digging was in our future.  About the only thing mentionable in this pit was a pile of stained glass window shards in a multitude of color.

4-28-05stained.jpg (60457 bytes) window shards

We moved onto the third pit. This one was even worse. Total crap, bunk screw tops and slick pickles.

Pit #4 started out just like the others. Mega roots and crappy bottles. I started to probe the lot next door. I wanted to fill it in, but good thing my diehard digger buddy Steve said to finish it. I jumped in and instantly found a hutch. I could feel the embossing rubbing my gloves as I spun it in my hands to clear the dirt. An import:  F G Klein Co Burlington Wis. I could see a blob sitting next to this one. This one was a half pint John Hartweg Racine beer. Steve jumped in next and pulled out a Theo Schulte Racine blob beer he didn't recall ever seeing.

4-28-05hartweg.jpg (59384 bytes) John Hartweg 1/2 pint blob

4-28-05klein.jpg (59449 bytes) F G Klein hutch soda

4-28-05shulte.jpg (60547 bytes) Theo Schulte blob beer.

      I did find another pit in this yard. I am sure it was the old one. It was in the most difficult spot. Under a concrete slab, next to a tree with monster roots, and right next to a wooden fence. It will have to wait.

    The last pit was at a different property. Steve had been doing some tree trimming for the landlord. It was another brutal dig. I was spent and there was a tight layer of rock mixed with clay that made it very tough to get through. Then we encountered three leg sized tree roots. Luckily, Steve had the chainsaw in the van.  The hole was large and deep and all we got was a Rumford's and an aqua umbrella ink. Unbelievable!

    4-28-05snake.jpg (60286 bytes)  Best find of the day!