Comments: raymond - 2004-07-09 07:13:32 We've cleaned up several deposits of antique detritus around our place which was open farm land before 1945. It was '45 that the principal of Woodruff school began construction of his Valhalla in the township, a place to puff without restraint his infernal cigars. The major pit was at first a gravel mine before it became a dumping hole. We got down to the early 1960s, according to license plates and Snap-Crackle-Pop puppet heads, before we ran out of steam and money. A "Doctor King's New Discovery" bottle burbled up, though, too. Two 30yd Dumpsters later we need a backhoe, a wad of cash, and another year of life to get rid of the rotted carpet, tangled barbed wire, and nasty roofing material. I envision a quiet grotto in the eventual excavation. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-07-09 09:24:58 It sounds to me from what you say that in pre-garbage-service days people made their own dumps in situ. Wonder what other items are awaiting discovery. I have to ownder: was the Woodruff principal the same individual who spent time in the Ypsi psychiatric hospital for the stabbing incident you described in another post? Just wondering. * * * * * * * * * * * * raymond - 2004-07-09 09:44:51 Floyd Smith served as principal at Woodruff for many years, '30s on. Meredith Bixby with whom I worked knew him well. I performed at Woodruff in the 60s and 70s. Mister Smith didn't murder anyone and was well-liked by students and community, despite his cigars. The unfortunate fellow who stabbed another over a dispute involving a guitar and $400 cash lived as a subsequent inhabitant in the house that Floyd built. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-07-09 09:49:32 Ah. OK--I was just surprised by the apparent eminent local/stabbing incident confluence unintentionally and coincidentally suggested...my mistake. I love reading about this local history, incidentally. * * * * * * * * * * * * Ypsidweller - 2004-07-12 09:12:57 I dug in the back corner of my small back yard this weekend. Went down about three feet. I hit grey ash with coal chuncks after a foot down. Found 4 old clay smoking pipes and a cool glass dress button that looks like a flower and not broken. But alas, I am sore as hell, got dirty as hell, and I have a big pile of dirt in my yard that I really care about. So tonight I fill it back in. But I'm sure there's more, & better stuff down farther but I'm tired of battling tree roots. Maybe someday I'll really dig, but at least I know where to dig now. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-07-12 09:26:05 Wow! That's so cool, ypsidweller! It is amazing that you found 4 fragile clay smoking pipes, plus the flower-button...I am somewhat envious! The houses in my neighborhood weren't built till after WW II, so no clay pipes for me, dangit. * * * * * * * * * * * * Anna - 2004-07-13 18:27:49 So, anyone know why this guy stopped digging up privies in 2000? Or did he just stop updating his page? * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-07-13 19:07:56 It's hard to imagine why anyone would stop digging up privies, given the amazing items therein. I'm hoping Ypsidweller will brave the tree roots one of these days and see what's further down. I believe the Pittsfield Historical Society is involved in an area privy-digging project...racing the oncoming tide of asphalt to do so. * * * * * * * * * * * * Ypsidweller - 2004-07-16 12:28:03 I hope to post a photo soon of the clay pipes. What took me two days to dig (# ft of root sawing) Took me about two minutes to fill in (about a yard of dirt) You cannot tell I dug at all. Protected the grass, and raked back the woodchip path where the digging fortunatley took place. I realized I was making a half-ass attempt. I know theres good shit down there. Must wait till the time is right and I have better methods. Plus, I'm having the small maple that is giving me trouble removed this fall. Should make things easier. From the most recent Ypsi Press, you can see my house and the ones across the street (High School agriculture class 1893) I wanna see who moved in the house across the street in the fall. See if I can dig in their yard. Wouldn't have to be done too fast then. Can see a sunken part in the backyard, a good sign of privy location. Plus they have a cistern. Might have to go in if the house is empty at the end of the summer. * * * * * * * * * * * * Laura - 2004-07-16 13:07:53 That sounds so interesting, Ypsidweller. I saw the Courier photo of the class of 1893 and was surprised that the houses in your neighborhood are that old--that's cool. Your project sounds interesting and fun--the cistern sounds like a good bet, and I bet you're right, that the sunken area is the place to look. According to the privy-digging guy, Scott, people were very open to his digging in their backyards if he just asked and explained why. Looking forward to seeing the clay pipes. * * * * * * * * * * * * add your comment: your name: your email: your url: back to the entry - Diaryland