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All Forums >> [Bottle Forums] >> Digging and Finding >> getting permission??

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getting permission?? - 6/8/2008 10:44:10 PM    GeorgiaVol   Posts: 170 Joined: 5/3/2008 Status: online How are yall asking permission to dig in peoples yards??  I just cant think of a good way to say "hey I dont know you, but can I dig a 6' hole in your back yard to look for bottles?"  So I would really like to know how you get people to let you dig.  I know several homes from the mid 1800s in my area, and I would love to dig them. thanks, Matt Post #: 1

RE: getting permission?? - 6/8/2008 11:06:48 PM    GuntherHess Posts: 4902 Joined: 12/13/2004 From: Frederick Maryland Status: online One way is to write a small historical guide for the area you want to get permission in. Include photos of bottles , items dug from privies, and discuss the privey digging process in it. Include your name and number in it. Make it professional looking. Walk around the area and hand out the brochure. They at least will feel like they are getting something (an education if nothing else).  If people tolerate Mormon missonaries they most likely wont kill you either. Send me a bottle if it works for you. < Message edited by GuntherHess -- 6/8/2008 11:07:46 PM > _____________________________ Looking for Frederick Maryland and Dr Fahrney Bottles 2008 Medicine Bottle Price Guide on CDROM http://www.mattsoldhouse.com/MC/bottles/BottleBook2008.htm email http://www.mattsoldhouse.com/MC/bottles/email.jpg (in reply to GeorgiaVol) Post #: 2

RE: getting permission?? - 6/9/2008 4:46:17 AM    cordilleran   Posts: 135 Joined: 2/13/2008 From: Walla Walla, Washington Status: offline Gunther is on the money for asking permission, but I believe it is simpler than that. Forget handing out fliers. Carry a small bottle in your pocket, preferably one that has great eye appeal. Also, carry with you a copy of the Sanborn map of the area and your short probe. Introduce yourself as a hobbiest and showing the map, how you believe there is an outhouse site located on the prospective client's property. Show them what you are looking for with your bottle. Explain to them that you wish to probe their property with your unobstrusive probe and should you locate a prospective site, you'd like to dig a small test hole. Explain to them that you will leave the property as good, if not better than before you arrived. If there is grass, you will cut it out in sections and arrange it on a separate tarp so that it can be placed back as you found it. Should you open up the hole,  make sure that any dirt removed is again placed on tarps to minimize your presence and ease filling the hole following excavation. Reassure the property owner that you will be minimally intrusive as a result of your excavation and encourage them that you are willing to share with them whatever you excavate. Most property owners are receptive to this full disclosure and will be more than enthralled as you explain historical knowedge while unearthing historical detritus. Frequently, property owners will refer you to others, who in turn will open up their own respective properties for exploration. There is no reason with sincere heart, good will, and old fashioned neighborhood communication skills, that you won't have more than your fair share of permissions to dig 'til your heart's content. The real beauty of it all is that you'll expand your circle of friends incrementally. < Message edited by cordilleran -- 6/9/2008 4:49:21 AM > _____________________________ "The hammer and sickle is a swastika in drag." (in reply to GuntherHess) Post #: 3

RE: getting permission?? - 6/9/2008 5:35:16 AM    RICKJJ59W Posts: 3322 Joined: 3/8/2007 From: Lehigh Valley US of A Status: offline For one. I never use the word dig,that will scare most people away.Just be your self tell them about the hobby,bring some pictures of bottles and a little info for them to read.Once in a while I bring a dug bottle with me to show them.I try and show them a before and after pic of a past dig.If all that fails we move on to the next door and do it all over again.and so on and so on.Someone will say yes sooner or latter.Hell we got permission from the Mayor of a town,to dig her yard.Once you get a few permissions under your belt you can use them as references,It works for us.There are times when it seems like everyone says NO thats what we are going through now.Sometimes it flows some time it don't.Keep on knocking. _____________________________ My Web Page.Lots of pix. Dig story's published in Antique Bottle & Glass Collector. New story added 9/08 www.19thcenturybottlediggers.com Digs in action. http://www.flickr.com/photos/pitpirate/ (in reply to GeorgiaVol) Post #: 4

All Forums >> [Bottle Forums] >> Digging and Finding >> getting permission??

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