Vol. 6 No. 10                                                                                                                                              OCTOBER 2001

THESCOOP& THE BUCCANEER

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN SEEK & SEARCH

Our fall seeded hunt was great fun for everyone who participated! However, when my wife and I left Kalamazoo for South Haven, the sky looked threatening. The weather forecast also gave us little hope with rain predicted for most of the day. We had almost reached Bangor when the rain drops started to hit the windshield. At first, and for a few more miles, there was not enough rain to allow the wipers to work smoothly, even on the slowest intermittent setting. When we reached our turn north to Phoenix Road, all of that changed. The rain came down in sheets! Now the wipers could not help visibility even in the fastest setting!

It looked as if we would arrive about a half hour early, and I was hoping that I would be at the hunt site in time to encourage the hunt master to call off the event.

On arrival, we found several club members huddled under the picnic shelter. Rob Poth and Dan Mollohan greeted us first and I remarked, "We better cancel this event."

Rob responded, "We can't, the coins have already been planted." I could see that the members' spirits had not been dampened, even though every thing else sure was. . . and the steady rain was still coming down . . . hard!

For a short time the rain let up. Instead of coming down in buckets, we now had a steady drizzle. This looked like our window of opportunity to get things rolling! But alas, another problem came up. Rob Poth and Dan Mollohan's detectors were locked in Rob's company van along with the van's keys! "When it rains, it pours," as the old saying goes.

While work was taking place to unlock the new Ford van, I was looking into a problem of my own. I had no rain gear! It seemed like everyone came prepared except me. We had people wearing light ponchos and some in full rain suits including rain pants. . . but all I had was a cotton jacket. That is when Al and Linda Randolph came to my rescue! They had purchased one extra hooded poncho which they loaned me.

Rob and Dan also found a rescuer in John Dudley. John had a tool to unlock vehicle called a Slim Jim. John had to work fast though! You see, Rob and Dan's business is replacing broken auto glass and Rob was already planing to break out the van's back window! In fact, just as Rob decided it was his only option, Mr. Magic (John Dudley) pulled the van door open, as everyone cheered!

Within minutes of opening the van, we started our march through the puddles, which were everywhere, to the first hunt field. The rain remained light but steady when the first hunt got underway. Moments after Keith McGrew gave us the go-ahead to hunt, everyone was so focused on digging old silver coins we never noticed that the rain was coming down harder and harder!

Some hunters were lucky enough to be running detectors designed for use underwater, but the rest of us had our machines wrapped in plastic bags and anything else we could find.

On occasion I would swing my detector over a deep puddle and get a solid hit! Now the trick was wading out into ankle-deep water, pinpointing, and digging blindly. I found that feeling with my fingers worked best! Oh what a great time we had! No kidding! It was great fun! I guess just being with great friends can bring a lot of joy , no matter what!

The kids hunt was planned for after the pot luck. That hunt started out during a break in the rain. However, the young hunters had no more than started when again it poured! Most of the adult hunters watched the kids from under the shelter near the great food and hot coffee. I believe it was the Dudleys who brought in two gallons of fresh-pressed cider, which was out of this world!

The final adult hunt was a different story! The clouds broke away and the sun started warming our backs and drying our clothes. . . it was beautiful. The Michigan Fly Wheelers' grounds were perfect for the hunt. For anyone who is interested in antique machinery, it was all around, from old tractors and trucks to old steam engines. The area is dotted with tall white pines. Inside the shelter there is an old saw mill and the sweet smell of fresh-cut wood. The shelter itself was rough-cut beam construction made with boards cut by the old mill itself.

The atmosphere was great and the fellowship warm. And if there was one thing that we put to the test, it was our old claim, "The hunt goes on, rain or shine." And we did it!

I must confess, with all of the tremendous prizes passed out at our spring hunt, I was afraid our hunters had been spoiled! I was hard pressed to come up with items to donate. What I mean is, it was hard for me to think of something different. I finally came up with the idea of visiting B&G Discount in Schoolcraft where I found several inexpensive but useful items. Two of our hunters took the suggestion to ask for prize donations from businesses. One business that we wish to thank is

SCOTT'S SPORT CARDS COINS AND JEWELRY, located at 7428 South Westnedge. This is a business that has stood the test of time. When sport card shops were popping up everywhere, most were short lived. Scott's shop has survived and even prospered by offering good selection, quality merchandise, and fair prices. If you are looking to deal in cards, coins or jewelry give them a call at 1-616-329-1930 . . . Thanks, Scott!

"How can this be?" you ask. "How can a business like this survive with all these mind boggling lumber 'super stores' popping up everywhere?"

I'll answer this with a question! This question is the one posed to the general public by the best known Michigan superstore, Meijers. They ask us all in their ads, "Why Pay More?" Why indeed! How about little things like: quality, knowledgeable personal service, a desire to really get what the customer wants! Sadly, we are now seeing two or three generations who are amazed to find retailers who actually want to help them, who care about their business, and really stand behind their products. At these old- fashioned retailers, a hand shake is still considered a binding agreement!

As the JUDD LUMBER web site claims, "Outstanding customer service by knowledgeable tradesmen (this must be Keith) keeps our customers coming back!" Besides their historic Dowagiac location, Judd Lumber also has a yard and store in Watervliet. They have a toll free number which is: 1-800-725-5900. Thanks, Judd Lumber!

Here we grow again. . . is what I should say. This year has been a year of steady club growth. A couple of our new members are past members who have rejoined the club, finding it way too hard to stay away from this great family-like group! We welcome: RON JAYNEfrom Battle Creek, MARY BLOOM from Kalamazoo, ELDON & CYNTHIA BRIGGS from Coloma, WILLIAM NORDMARK from Kalamazoo, LONNY CONVIS from Battle Creek, PATRICK & DANIEL GORAJ from Parma, MR. & MRS. THOMAS PETERS, SR from Lansing, NEIL HAYS from Baroda, DON BENEDICT,JRfrom Wayland, CORINNE GERKEN and LARRY DAVIS both from Sturgis, and last, but certainly not least, STEPHEN JELLISON from Okemos.

This puts our family and individual memberships at 93! This translates by my calculations when figuring family members, counting husband and wife and children, to somewhere around 170 to 180! No matter which way you figure, this is an all time club membership record! Welcome, new members! It is my hope that your club membership will help you to enjoy your detector more and help you to make many long lasting friendships!

THE LAST MEETING!

The attendance at the September meeting was down from our usual numbers. We only counted 41 people, which was not surprising, considering the terrorist attack which was still fresh on everyone's mind. At the meeting, I was making a verbal presentation to the group when, in my mind, flashed the image of that second terrorist plane flying into the World Trade Center. I just stood there, somehow lost in my thoughts, as the whole group awaited my next words! It was really strange. This mental pause, which only lasted only a couple of seconds, seemed like minutes. Later while driving home I thought about this strange mental drifting that I had experienced. It brought tears to my eyes to think how deeply we all have been scarred by these terrible events.

I was moved at the meeting, not only by our president Keith McGrew asking us to observe a moment of silence for the victims of the terrorist attack, but by a new policy he started. Keith set a flag out in the meeting room and he went on to say, "For as long as I am president of this club, we will open each meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance!" Wow! Where have we been? Thanks, Keith for putting us back on track!

The next order of business was to bring up an issue that had been set aside at the August meeting. Frankly, this was on my mind a lot leading up to this meeting! I was afraid it was going to take up a lot of meeting time. The issue was about re-addressing the club policy of restricting the entry of weapons and ammunition in our Find of the Month contest, or for that matter, even bringing this stuff to a meeting. As Keith told us, "Nobody is more fascinated by this stuff than I am, but it just isn't safe." Enough said! Everyone was in agreement and what I feared would be a battle in itself was shot down quickly and cleanly!

Keith also addressed the issue of the club seeking a reward or piece of the treasure if we were to find that great Ransom Dopp cache. Since the last meeting, Keith has researched the location even more and is feeling a bit more positive about this location! However, we must remember, we will be hunting on someone's property as invited guests! It clearly would be improper for us to ask our host for anything. After all, we are told that if we find individual coins or relics, we are welcome to keep them. That, in itself, is very generous!

Once again, we thanked John Dudley for the great program he presented at the August meeting. I heard more good comments regarding John's program than I have ever heard before and we have had some great programs!

That was pretty much the bulk of the business. Our secretary, Minnie Cathcart and her husband Ron were gone last month on vacation . . . treasure hunting at Beaver Island. I am sure they will have some interesting treasure to show us when they return. With the vast quantity of entries in Find of the Month, Linda Randolph and Linda Sherwood were really tied up and I never thought to ask someone to take notes. But, I think I remembered the highlights well enough. If you think of something I missed, please bring it up at this meeting.

Once again, this club continues to amaze everyone in the hobby with great treasure recovery! The list is long, so let's get to it.

COIN ENTRIES

1. 1948 U.S. QUARTER                                           BY: Dan Goraj

2. 1890 INDIAN HEAD 1¢                                BY: Greg Stonerock

3. 1917 WALKING LIB. 50¢                               BY: Patrick Goraj

4. 1864 U.S. 2 CENT PIECE                          BY: Joshua Stonerock

5. 12 CLAD DIMES (one dig)                               BY: Mike Walker

6. 1898 U.S. BARBER 25¢                                       BY: Dan Clark

7. 1944 U.S. MERCURY 10¢                                BY: John Dudley

8. 1941 U.S. MERCURY 10¢                         BY: Don Benedict, Jr.

9. 1893 INDIAN HEAD 1¢                                     BY: Dick Rogers

10. 1854 U.S. Half Dime                                      BY: Lonny Convis

The 1854 Half Dime, entered by veteran hunter Lonny Convis, battled it out with an entry by one of our younger hunters, Joshua Stonerock. Joshua's entry was the 1864 Two Cent Piece. What a thrill it would have been to find either one of these very desirable coins!

Even though Lonny's half dime is ten years older, it was heart breaking to see that one of its owners had drilled a tiny hole in it.

It has been said that in the mid 1800's when 90% of all clothing was homemade, pockets were a luxury and wallets were almost unknown! So how did you keep your change together? Simple, a small hole combined with a piece of string did the job! When the coins were needed, the owner would reach behind a tan "natural colored" cotton undershirt, which was often darker because of rare washings, and pull off the string of coins draped around his neck. I have read about Civil War relic hunters finding several holed coins in one dig! Here it can be assumed the whole string of coins were lost, yet now, only the coins remain.

Even though there is this neat story behind "holed" coins, the collector today considers this a flaw; however I don't!

Joshua Stonerock's 1864 Two Cent piece was the winner and it was the condition that made the difference. It is a beautiful coin in every respect. This coin was clearly spared the normal wear of circulation by being lost shortly after it was minted. Another thing about this coin's condition which is easy to see is that it was not lost in a high acid soil. There is no pitting or serious leaching of the metal. In fact, it has a uniform light green patina which to some is very desirable. Great job, Joshua!

1. 1981 E.R. CLASS RING                                  BY: Dan Clark

2. SILVER RING                                             BY: Mike Walker

3. HORSESHOE PENDANT                           BY: Patrick Goraj

4. ANTIQUE SILVER RING                          BY: Louie Dudeck

5. 14K GOLD RING                                            BY: Glen Lane

6.18K DIAMOND RING                              BY: Joyce Frederick

7. 14K GENT'S RING                                    BY: Dan Mollohan

8. 18K GOLD GENT'S RING                           BY: Daniel Goraj

Two of our new members are the father and son treasure team of Patrick and Daniel Goraj, who joined our group by driving all the way from Parma, Michigan. These guys are really excited about the club and this great hobby! Both father and son had some neat items which they entered at this meeting. It was young Daniel who entered the 18K Gold Gent's Wedding Ring. What was so special about this ring? Well, 18K is good for starters! However, this ring also had a very special date inscribed. This date reminded its owner when he and his love united as one. These lovebirds decided, like so many lovers do, to have a spring wedding and the date they picked was April 24th. And the year was 1923! That's right, it was in the case of this entry, the date that made all the difference!

Just imagine, you are a young man courting a gal when the way to impress her was by driving one of Henry Ford's amazing Model -T automobiles. How did things turn out for these lovebirds? How did they weather the Great Depression and what did World War II bring for their family? Dated personal items can really get a treasure hunter lost in his daydreams! Daniel was so proud to be voted the winner at his first meeting. Dad has really been taking some teasing! What an awesome find, Daniel!

1. RELIGIOUS PENDANT                          BY: Don Benedict,Jr.

2. 1¢ CIGAR TOKEN                                            BY: Dan Clark

3. 1930 SHOTPUT MEDAL                             BY: Dan Mollohan

Only three entries . . . but all are great finds! The voting was very close, but it was Dan Clark's old 1800's Cigar Token that was the big winner! Great Job, Dan!

1. LEAD SHOE CHARM                                   BY: Mike Walker

2. PETOSKEY STONE                                BY: Gordon Sampsell

3. COPPER ROSE PIN                                     BY: Patrick Goraj

4. ARCADE TOY TRUCK                              BY: Alan Randolph

5.SWORD BELT PLATE                                 BY: Louie Dudeck

6. 1891 MUSKEGON PIN                              BY: Greg Stonerock

Yes! These are all great finds! With an entry like Louie Dudeck's, which is a bit overwhelming, I am surprised the voting was so divided. Louie's find was the Sword Belt Plate or buckle which predates the Civil War! Louie is still searching for more information, but he has pinned down a date of 1855! The books that I looked in do not give a value of his exact buckle, but the range that I found runs from $350.00 to $3500.00! We will keep you updated on this item! My advise to Louie is, "Western & Eastern Treasures is collecting entries for its top finds of 2001. You better get this item entered!" Great find, Louie!

(Non-Detected Items)

1. NFL SOUVENIR RING                             BY: Linda Sherwood

2. VICKSBURG TOKEN                                    BY: Mike Walker

3. OLD LIGHTNING ROD                             BY: John Archbold

4. CHEVROLET TOKEN                                   BY: Erik Mitchell

5. POLISHED STONE EGG                                BY: Tom Becker

    Here is a case where I am sure glad I have the voting score sheet! I would have sworn the polished stone starter egg was the winner, but the vote sheet says no. Our winner was the commemorative Frontier Days token from Vicksburg, Michigan. This was entered by Mike Walker and I believe he mentioned it was one of his E-Bay acquisitions. Nice item, Mike.

A funny remark was made by John Dudley while I was trying to explain the use of a starter egg. I mentioned these eggs were placed in the hen's nest to encourage her to start laying. I asked, "How else would you encourage the hen to lay?" I am told that John suggested that displaying a large cook pot in the hen house should do the trick! What a motivator!

I have long been a follower of Great Lakes ship history. I would love to have been around the lakes when there was the heavy traffic of wooden schooners and steamers. The stories that fascinate me the most are the stories of the 'ghost ships'. These are the ships which left port, then disappeared without a trace. The ghost ship that intrigued me the most was the wooden steamer, Chicora.

The Chicora story has been twisted around so many times most of the facts have been all but lost. I have read many books about the Chicora and it is amazing how different each writer's account of the missing ship is.

One legend links the missing ship with the tiny village southwest of Allegan, which is named Chicora. I am told there is a general store in Chicora with a wall filled with pictures and the history of the ghost ship.

Some believe that the ship wasn't named after the town, but that the town was named after the ship. This was assumed to be because most of the lost crew was from that little village. The truth is, none of the 24 crew members or even the one passenger was from Chicora. All but three of the lost men were from Michigan. Most lived in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph. The two crew members who lived closest to Chicora were two of the deckhands, who were from Bangor.

The story is often told, and I believed it until recently, that the Chicora left South Haven on her last trip and that this was in November . . .also not true. Others have claimed the ship was loaded with merchandise being shipped from Kalamazoo and included was a large transfer of $30,000.00 in gold.

Now let me set the story straight. The Chicora was owned by the Graham & Morton Transportation Company. She was built by the Detroit Dry Dock Company in 1892 and overall was 209 feet in length. She was an extremely strong ship, built for winter crossings on Lake Michigan. She could break her way through pack ice with a speed of up to 17 miles per hour!

In January, 1895, the Chicora was already tied up for the winter at St. Joseph. Even though she could work through the winter, there was not enough cargo to make it profitable and the insurance companies would not cover the winter travel. However, her owners received a request to take her out one more time. They were to pick up a load of late winter flour in Milwaukee for a delivery back to St. Joseph.

Captain Edward C. Stines readied his winterized ship for one more trip Sunday morning January 20. One of the tragic ironies of the voyage occurred when the captain, finding himself short of crew members, signed on his 23 year old son to replace his second mate, who was ill.

The next day was an unusually pleasant January 21st. The Chicora was already in Milwaukee, loaded and ready for the return run across the lake. She left dock at 5:00 am just ten minutes ahead of a messenger who arrived at the dock with a telegram from the ship's owner, Mr. Graham. It warned the captain to stay at the dock because the barometer was falling fast in Benton Harbor.

The ship would have been about mid lake when a January storm hit Lake Michigan. Later that day the ship was reported past due. All southwest Michigan harbors were on alert to keep watch for the vessel. A South Haven man reported seeing a ship headed for shore with its stern down and sinking. Another South Haven sighting saw a ship in trouble and blowing her whistle continuously.

When the storm passed, wreckage was found from Saugatuck to South Haven. A Chicago-based tug reported seeing a hulk floating on open water with crew members still alive! W.J. Hancock, regular clerk on the Chicora, who missed the sailing rented a tug and steamed out to investigate. He found only a dark iceberg covered with seagulls. No bodies were ever found and very little wreckage.

What happened to this once great ship? Whenever I look at Lake Michigan, I silently ask myself, "Where are you, Chicora?"

Hundreds of divers have searched for this ship without seeing a thing. Some say the Lake Michigan bottom is like a large underwater desert with large shifting dunes. They have suggested that the Chicora remains out in the open, then Lake Michigan guards her secret when searchers come near.

On April 14, 1895, a bottle with a note was discovered. It was identified as coming from the troubled Chicora. The note read, "All is lost, could see land if not snowed and blowed. Engine give out, drifting to shore in ice. Captain and clerk are swept off. We have a hard time of it. 10:15 o'clock."

Another note was found a week later in Glencoe, Illinois, which read, "Chicora engines broke. Drifted into trough of sea. We have lost all hope. She has gone to pieces. Good bye. McClure, Engineer."

The September 11th terrorist attack overshadowed one of the most fascinating Great Lakes news events in decades. A team of professional wreck divers from Holland, Michigan, found the long lost Chicora. She sits upright and intact in water 300 feet deep! She is well beyond the depth of sport divers and at a depth where she is likely well preserved. Hopefully they will video- tape the ship so we can all see her after her disappearance over 106 years ago!