Issue #413 www.gsth.org October, 2014 A Publication of the Gopher State Treasure Hunters [GSTH] Club, Find, a Inside this issue: September Minutes 2-4 September Bring-N-Brag 5-6 John Buck on Lead Toys 7 Fall Mini-Hunt Pics 8 October Meeting 9 Christmas Party 10 Gopher Giggles 11 Club Officers 12 Next GSTH Gathering: October 21, 2014 7:00pm New Brighton Eagles Club 563 Old Hwy 8 NW New Brighton, MN 55112 651-636-9525 VISITORS WELCOMED! The Fall Mini-Hunt was held Saturday October 11th at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. It was a beautiful day and attracted 27 hunters this year the most ever for this hunt! This year s category winners are: Category Winner Winning Item Prize Most Unusual Dave Impola Most Nickels Toy Gun Dwayne Hatzenbeller 7 Nickels Most Coins Hank Drews 90 Coins Best Jewelry Best Coin Jerry Loose Pair of Silver Earrings Dwayne Hatzenbeller 1921 Mercury Dime 1879 Morgan Silver Dollar 1888 Morgan Silver Dollar 1889 Morgan Silver Dollar 1882-O Morgan Silver Dollar 1888-O Morgan Silver Dollar Many thanks to our huntmasters Mike James and Dwayne Hatzenbeller for organizing a very fun and successful hunt! Thanks also to Tom Myhre of Minneapolis Metal Detectors. Tom is a strong supporter and member of the club and donated many of the prizes! Treats list for the next meeting: Matt Drake, Hank Drews and Gavin Burton. Please bring tasty treats for all to enjoy!
Gopher State Treasure Hunters Club Minutes September 16th, 2014 President Hank Drews called to order the September 16th meeting of the Gopher State Treasure Hunters club at 7:30 P.M. There were 31 members and 2 guests in attendance. All club officers were present with the exception of Scott Ferrian (Main Co-Huntmaster). Treasurer Kathy Casey presented the club s finances: Entering Augusts meeting we had $1140.18. Entering September s meeting we have $1199.68. The specifics: Income 50/50 jackpot ($46.00), coin raffle ($24.00), 1 individual membership @ $12.50 each (prorate). Expenses 50/50 jackpot ($23.00), coin raffle (N/A) and silver dime category prizes (N/A), total expenses $23.00. Thank you, Kathy. Vice President Dwayne Hatzenbeller addressed the club regarding rampant park destruction and abuse. Dwayne had visited a St. Paul park that had been inundated with large holes, overturned divots and the consequent garbage that was ferreted out by some rather unscrupulous metal detectorists. It made him angry as it should all of us. This type of behavior reflects poorly on our great hobby. Dwayne covered up the holes as best as he could. I also have encountered this type of behavior in some of the Minneapolis parks that I frequent and also filled holes and threw garbage away. A lot of times the guilty party (or parties) are not present when this is discovered. When you do see this type of errant behavior and they are still there, always exercise caution. One club member s suggestion was to very nicely educate these people if you encounter them. Perhaps invite them to attend one of our club meetings. Caution should be used when approaching these people. While some may not understand what they are doing to the park, others DEFINITELY KNOW what they are doing and may not care to engage anyone. Use your best discretion when sizing up the situation. If it is really blatant behavior and you feel uncomfortable, call the police. Personal safety should always be your first concern. Do not put yourself in a compromised position. Let the police handle it. Thank you for the heads-up, Dwayne. Huntmaster Mike James passed on details regarding the club s Fall Mini-hunt. The following is from our newsletter: Hunt Masters Mike James and Dwayne Hatzenbeller are happy to announce that the 2014 Fall Mini-Hunt will be held on Saturday, October 11th, 2014 at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. The entry fee is $5.00 and is open to all GSTH club members. You can sign up at the September meeting, sign up at the hunt, or call Mike James if you wish to register by telephone. Naturally, we prefer that you sign-up prior to the morning of the hunt so we can use your entry fee to purchase prizes. On the day of the hunt, registration begins at 8:30 AM (or maybe a little earlier.) The hunt starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 12:00 noon. Registration and the following pot luck lunch will be held at the picnic tables near the park recreation center near the southeast corner of the park. This hunt is unique in that we plant no items, and, with some limitations, (see hunt rules) the en-tire park is available for hunting. I will be accepting prize donations at the September meeting, and you may also bring prize do-nations to the hunt. There will be a pot luck lunch following the hunt, so bring something to share. There won't be access to electricity, so don't bring anything requiring electrical outlets. If you have questions and can't make it to the September meeting, you can call Mike James at 651-983-3816. The subject of the annual club Christmas party is brought forward for discussion. President Hank Drews called out for volunteers for the event. Last year Patty and Larry Rust organized Page 2
the party and it was once again, a great success. Thank you Patty and Larry! Nobody stepped forward so Hank suggested that we table it until later. Dr. John Buck gave the club a presentation about toys, namely lead soldiers. He explained how they were manufactured largely in part to kits that were sold to youngsters back in the day. John and his childhood friends poured molten lead into many different molds that represented soldiers of different armies. They would then separate the molds to liberate the lead soldier forms. The next step was filing the seams, filling air pocket pits and generally cleaning up these figures. Paint could then be applied if so desired. John went on to explain the rarity of certain lead soldiers. He had many, many examples that he shared with the club. It was very interesting and educational. Thank you, Dr. Buck, for another great presentation! President Hank Drews calls for a break at 7:55 and the meeting is resumed at 8:15. Officer positions for next year (2015) are discussed. All officers will reprise their officer duties with the exception of Club Secretary, Joel Nease, who will step down after five years in the position. Jill Weimer has graciously stepped up to fill that spot. Thank you, Jill. The club officers for next year are as follows: President Hank Drews, Vice President Dwayne Hatzenbeller, Treasurer Kathy Casey, Secretary - Jill Weimer, Huntmasters Scott Ferrian & Fred Thompson and Newsletter Editor Steve Olson (we would like to find someone to assist Steve). Thanks to all of you for dedicating your time to these worthwhile club endeavors! The subject of the club website is introduced. The club consensus is that we were happier with the functionality of the old Gopher State website. Would this be possible is the question. The man with the answer and available options would be Webmaster Mike Wolf. Mike has been entertaining a very busy schedule, but he has agreed to try to make October s club meeting to discuss the direction of our current website. Thank you Mike! The topic of the club Christmas party is further discussed. Hank Drews, Dana Houghton and Steve Olson volunteered to organize our annual Christmas party. Thanks so much for enabling us to enjoy another holiday party this year. Vice President Dwayne Hatzenbeller conducted the September Bring and Brag. Entries included finds discovered since our last meeting in August. The winners as well as the other entries for September were as follows: Most Coins: 746 coins ($89.57) found by Fred Thompson. Also found were: 289 coins ($22.08) & 105 coins ($N/A). Most Unusual: 1800 s Maggie Wheeler brothel token (good for $1.00) found by Sky Divya. Other entries included: A pewter guardian angel coin, piece of copper, Scottie dog key fob, Illinois retail tax token, antique brass buckle (1879 patent date), old lumberjack pocket knife, 1939 Golden Gate International Expo token (Union Pacific RR souvenir) & a brass screw-back R.O.T.C. WWII button. Best Jewelry: A Hartford Insurance Junior Fire Marshall ring found by Mike Lobejko. Also submitted were: An eagle pendant, small bug earring, small monogrammed child s bracelet, Ritani palladium ring (PD 950), Canadian nickel pendant, dolphin earring & silver tone ring. Page 3
Best Silver Jewelry: A vintage silver brooch with semi-precious carnelian stone found by Sky Divya. Also found: A spoon ring (vintage 1900 s), men s sterling ring, turn of the century sterling ring, class ring with two diamonds and an oval rose zircon stone, old sterling ring and a silver ring. Best Gold Jewelry: A 14K ring with 3 diamonds found by Mike Lobejko. Also submitted were: A 10K 2014 class ring, someone s first gold (N/A) & 10K ring with a yellow stone. Best Coin: 1866 Shield Nickel (with rays) found by Sky Divya. Other entries included: 1940 Washington quarter, 1944-D Washington quarter and a 1901 Indian Head cent. Best Toy: A lead dog found by Reese Burnett. Also found: Toy badge, Tootsie toy dragster, pewter whistle, toy gun, 1940 s style car, 1988 Mattel rat car and 1997 Mattel Hot Wheels 57 Chevy convertible. Outside 5-state area: A Silver ring (Chicago) found by Reese Burnett. Others found: A copper nugget (Michigan Upper Peninsula). Raffles were conducted. President Hank Drews concluded the meeting at 9:15. Joel Nease GSTH Secretary AUGUST 2014 - TREASURY REPORT SEPTEMBER 2014 - TREASURY REPORT STARTING BALANCE $1,140.18 STARTING BALANCE $1,199.68 INCOME INCOME Jackpot (50/50) $46.00 Jackpot (50/50) $38.00 Coin Raffle $24.00 Coin Raffle $24.00 Individual Dues (1@Pro-rated) $12.50 Individual Dues (0@$25) $0.00 Family Dues (0@$30) $0.00 Family Dues (1@Pro-rated) $15.00 EXPENSES EXPENSES Jackpot (50/50) ($23.00) Jackpot (50/50) ($19.00) ENDING BALANCE $1,199.68 ENDING BALANCE $1,257.68 Page 4
BEST COIN Sky Divya 1866 Shield Nickel (with Rays) BEST GOLD JEWELRY Mike Lobejko 14k Ring with 3 Diamonds BEST JEWELRY Mike Lobejko Hartford Insurance Junior Fire Marshall Ring BEST OUT-OF-STATE Reese Burnett Silver Ring (Chicago) MOST COINS Fred Thompson 746 coins ($89.57) BEST SILVER JEWELRY Sky Divya Vintage Silver Brooch with Semi -precious Carnelian Stone MOST UNUSUAL Sky Divya 1800 s Maggie Wheeler Brothel Token BEST TOY Reese Burnett Lead Dog Page 5
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Dr. John Buck gave the club a presentation about toys, namely lead soldiers. He explained how they were manufactured largely in part to kits that were sold to youngsters back in the day. John and his childhood friends poured molten lead into many different molds that represented soldiers of different armies. They would then separate the molds to liberate the lead soldier forms. The next step was filing the seams, filling air pocket pits and generally cleaning up these figures. Paint could then be applied if so desired. John went on to explain the rarity of certain lead soldiers. He had many, many examples that he shared with the club. It was very interesting and educational. Thank you, Dr. Buck, for another great presentation! Page 7
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The Christmas/Holiday Party is just around the Corner. Mark your calendars and be sure to sign-up! Date: Tuesday December 9th, 2014 Location: Time: Price: Menu: New Brighton Eagles Club 563 Old Hwy 8 NW New Brighton, MN 55112 651-363-9525 6:30-7:00 Greet 7:00-8:00 Dinner 8:00 -? Fun, Games and Prizes $13.50 per person (Payments due by Nov. 26th) Chicken Breast in Alfredo Sauce or Roast Pork Oven Roasted Potatoes Cauliflower, Broccoli, Carrots Please bring an appetizer and/or dessert to share and a $5 gift for the gift exchange. Questions contact Dana ( danahmail@gmail.com ) Or Hank ( hankdrews@hotmail.com ) Hank will bring his Karaoke machine, So also bring your singing voices! This is always a fun time. Don t miss it! Page 10
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2014 CLUB OFFICERS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER HUNTMASTERS Hank Drews Dwayne Hatzenbeller Joel Nease Kathy Casey Scott Ferrian Fred Thompson NEWSLETTER EDITOR Steve Olson GSTH Membership Terms The annual dues for the GSTH are $30 for a family membership; $25 for single members. GSTH memberships are effective for the calendar year. Members are entitled to one newsletter per single/family membership. Members may opt to receive a paper newsletter, or the E-newsletter. The newsletter is printed monthly except for January and July. Monthly meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. GSTH Club holds no regular meetings in January, July or December. The next GSTH gathering is on October 21, 2014. Members gather at 7:00pm for visiting & meeting begins at 7:30pm It is held at the New Brighton Eagles Club 563 Old Hwy 8 NW New Brighton, MN 55112 651-363-9525 Gopher Hole News Editor is: Steve Olson 414 Hidden Oaks Ct. Mahtomedi, MN 55115 steve_olson@comcast.net 651-762-8666 Page 12