Treasure Hunting

This link comes from one of our readers. This is my kind of treasure hunting!  http://youtu.be/BkI52-ZwA6U

American Digger

I had hopes that this new show would be something fresh and interesting, but after watching a few episodes I'm saying bogus. Much like a pro wrestling match it's entertaining to watch, but in the back of your mind you know it's fake.

Who knew that a rototiller was a good tool for artifact hunting? I could hear the screams of archaeologists as I watched in horror. If you're going to plant stuff to find on camera then maybe a tiller would come in handy. I want Randy to sell all the relics and artifacts I've found over the years, because I could never get the kind of money he does for his finds.

The one thing I can see being real and legit is all the times he hears the words not interested or no when he asks permission to search someones property. I'd have to hold out for a 50/50 split and would feel a bit insulted only being offered a 20% cut.

Maybe I'm being a bit harsh since I'll be watching the next episode that comes on.

Iron Door of the Wichitas

For years now people have asked me if the legend of the Iron Door is real. My answer is yes and no. There are a number of "iron" doors scattered throughout the Wichita Mountain range. Most of the are small and were used by the miners for dynamite storage. I know of another that held nothing more than a cave full of horse shoes. There's also the story of an iron door made from the iron rims of old wooden wagon wheels, but the one most people want to know about could hold Spanish treasure, Jesse James loot, or gold stolen by Belle Starr.

Oklahoma Treasures and Treasure Tales by Steve Wilson gives a good accounting of these legends, but the most probable is a story told by Jerry Eckhart of a wooden door with iron straps and a rusty chain and lock guarding the contents held securely inside.

I'm not going to go into anymore details about this story since the area is federally protected and treasure hunting is strictly prohibited, and if rumor is true someone has already found it and is seeking congressional approval to open it up.

If you want to learn more about the Iron Door legend you can read about it in the May 2012 issue of Lost Treasure or I highly recommend buying Steve Wilson's book.

Thoughts

I am putting the final format together for a treasure hunting show we are going to produce and I would like to hear from our readers what they want out of a show? I know what has disappointed me about what has been on tv so far, but I'm interested in what you have to say. This is just a one hour program, but if it's successful we hope to do a few more. This is going to be the real deal kind of show. Nothing fake or planting jars of money to be found on tv kind of stuff. Let's hear your feedback so that I can produce the kind of show you want to see.

Hidden Treasures of Osage County Oklahoma

It's been a long time since any new treasure book concerning Oklahoma has been published and it has been a great honor to read and review a book written by Bill Wade. Hidden Treasures of Osage County, Oklahoma is a collection of stories ranging from Spanish treasure to 1930's gangsters. A few of the stories I was familiar with, but even then Bill would add some additional information that I wasn't aware of. His insight into the treasure tales of Osage County can only come from a person who has spent years living in the area, researching, and talking with the old-timers that unfortunately are no longer around.

Though only vague directions and details are given for most of these stories a serious treasure hunter could in fact put themselves on the trail to hidden fortunes with some additional research. I can also relate to how hard it is to write about treasure and not give so many details away that some other hunter swoops in and makes the find themselves. It wouldn't be treasure hunting if all the information is gift wrapped and handed to the reader.

Another thing I really enjoy about this book is how Bill brings to the forefront an often overlooked part of the Sooner States history, "the Spanish".. These great explorers were traveling through and mining for mineral wealth in Oklahoma for centuries. I have documented a number of sites myself and look forward to a visit with Bill to take a look at his part of the state. I may even let him know about an area to the east of me in McClain County.

Bill is selling the book for $12 and $4 shipping. It's well worth the price. For those who would like to meet Bill and get an autographed copy he has a tentative date set for a book signing at the Osage County Historical Museum in Pawhuska on April 14th 2012 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. If I can get free I think I'll make a trip to see Bill myself on that day.

Bill Wade
1324 Canary Drive
Pawhuska, Ok. 74056

Cache of coins found while metal detecting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02fZZTtAHbk  This would make for a good day of metal detecting!

Nothing to do with treasure

I stole this from my facebook page (Thanks Chuck) This happens to be one of my favorite songs. I know it has nothing to do with treasure, but it will brighten your day and that has to be worth something.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO8CbfQJg1E&sns=fb