(Click on an image to view thelarge version)
 These were a few of the finds described in "Invitation to a Shootout" (Western & Eastern, May, 1997)
A few finds from the front lawn of old home. (See "This Old House," Western & Eastern, Sept. 1996). | Metal detecting, and the people in it, is my life. Little did I know when I dropped my keys on the riverbank over 25 years ago, and rummaged through my mother’s closet for that dusty, old "metal finder," that I would not only find my keys, but also embark on a journey of excitement, learning, history, wonderment, and friends that would become life-long soulmates. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a love affair with dirt, as the picture to the right will attest (no, I didn’t dig my way that deep – I ATE my way that deep). To this day, I love the smell of the air after a new rain, or the dense muskiness of a root cellar or dirt basement. |  Dirt - it's not just for breakfast anymore.
Cross section of some of my better coin, jewelry and button finds over the years. |
| I’m very fortunate to be living in an area that is surrounded by history, offers great coinshooting opportunities, and is only an hour from the beach. I’ve tried my hand at every kind of metal detecting there is, and then some. My two favorite specialties are relic hunting and competition hunting. Over the years, I’ve found many coins and artifacts dating back to the 1700’s, and have learned to appreciate not so much the value of these finds, but the history behind them, and how they related to the lives of those who witnessed the birth of a nation… The excitement I feel each time I unload my gear while looking out on a promising site is strictly intrinsic in value, and greater than the worth of any find. By the same token, I enjoy competition hunts not so much for the gold, silver and prizes, but for the opportunity to compete – with myself, and to enjoy the company of others. So far, I've attended competition hunts in 13 different states, and hope to add many more! |  Some of my silver finds - silver seems to be getting scarcer to find these days.
For this handful of finds, check out "Tapestry of Time" in Western & Eastern's Silver & Gold issue, 1998. |
 Toys of yesteryear. Nostalgic and fun to find.
Cornfield memories…
My best and oldest large cent. | Mom always said, "You get out of something what you put into it," and heeding Mom’s sage advice, my involvement in the hobby has evolved beyond swinging a detector. I’ve been a member of the Mid-Jersey Research and Recovery club since 1981, and have worn every hat from President to Huntmaster to Newsletter Editor to Secretary. When the Federation of Metal Detector and Archeological Clubs was formed in 1984, I signed on to do various jobs, including writing articles for it’s newsletter, "The Quest." I’ve also been the PR Director and Historian for the past 12 years, since I’ve probably amassed more info on the Federation than anyone except Betty Weeks. I've had the privilege of working with every FMDAC President, starting with Dick Stout, Joe Cook, Jim Keller, Mike Race, Betty Weeks, Al Dubiel, Carolyn Garrett and Duane Biller. All of these people have worked hard to build the Federation into an organization that has given us a strong, collective voice, and is capable of preserving and protecting our rights. While I have received many awards over the years, the three most memorable to me were receiving the presigious "President's Award" from the FMDAC in Reno, Nevada in 1992, being inducted into the Treasure Hunters Hall of Fame in New Hampshire in 1997, and being the recipient of the Betty Week's Woman's Achievement Award in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho in 2002. I also believe in forging strong bonds with my community, and have given dozens of talks to business organizations, schools, scout troops and historical societies over the years, which have resulted in invitations to detect some prime property. Along with my hunting partners, Pat and Betty, we have created and donated to several local museums, along with presenting many display cases of finds to the owners of properties we’ve hunted. Betty is nicknamed "Lucky" because she wins the top prize at every competition hunt (well, that’s a bit of a stretch, but it often seems like it), and Pat doesn’t get out as often as she likes, but usually makes one spectacular find a year. When we’re not detecting, we’re usually discussing potential hunt sites, and scheduling our next outing. |
 My "theatrical debut" on MTV. Me on the left, Matt Pinfield of "Say What?" in the middle, and Tara Davis, Program Coordinator, on the right. | The hobby has also provided me with an outlet and material for another favorite pastime, which is writing. Since, 1985, I've had over 75 stories published, and in 1996 I became a Contributing Editor for Western & Eastern Treasures Magazine. I've also been on 4 covers (April 1994, November 1997, January 2000 and February 2005). My advice to aspiring writers is to go for it, because the thrill of seeing your name above a story is equal to making a great find. Just make sure you have some kind of angle such as a tip or a recent success story, and include lots of pictures. And don't worry about your writing ability. That's what editors are for : ). | 
Masonic medallion I found while detecting the dredgings from a local canal. Unfortunately, the owner had passed away, but the family was grateful to have it back. |
 Giving a talk to the local Scout Troop. Afterwards, they presented me with my very own neckerchief.
Over 100 kids showed up for this talk at the local elementary school. (see "Out of the Mouths of Babes," Western & Eastern, December, 1996)
This shot was taken during the Forbes Magazine interview and photo shoot. | Being at the right place at the right time has happened to me several times, not just with some of my better finds, but also with the media. Over the years, I’ve appeared in several local newspapers and magazines, but in 1998 I was presented with a rather unique opportunity. I was contacted by MTV, who had set up their summer beach house at a nearby shore town, and wanted to do a segment on metal detecting for a show called "Say What?" with Matt Pinfield. It was a terrific experience, and the show didn’t turn out too badly either. Also, I was contacted by Forbes magazine to do an interview and a photo shoot, but so far, the story hasn’t materialized. Metal detecting has gone beyond a hobby for me. It’s become a way of life (I dare not use the word "obsession,"). At the end of the day, instead of relaxing in front of the TV, you’ll find me on the computer cruising the forums, or talking to my buddies on my favorite metal detecting chat. The hobby has awakened me to many new interests, taken me back through time as a student of living history, and introduced me to many fine people. What other pastime offers the opportunity to discover our roots, challenge our skills, test our luck, and become more involved citizens? My only regret is that I didn’t discover it sooner. |
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