A Homeowner’s Unexpected Discovery: Shed Secrets Unearthed

When most homeowners see an old shed in their backyard, they typically prioritize tearing it down. However, in my case, the decision to keep this late 1800s-early 1900s’ wooden shed turned out to be one of the most intriguing and fortuitous choices of my life. Here is a detailed account of what I found during the excavation.

Excavation and Initial Discoveries

One day, after purchasing my property in the 1950s’ development, I decided to explore the forgotten wooden shed in my backyard. After personally digging it out, I stumbled upon several artifacts from different time periods. One of the first items I found was a mid-1800s’ shears, 1800s’ rose-head nails, and a half of a “hay pick.” Later, I discovered a 1908 leather license plate, which was still in decent condition (good - above fair). The license plate was from Michigan, and along with these historical items, I excavated a steel wagon wheel, missing the center hub, inscribed with Hollenback Wheelwright. Estimated to be from the 1940s-1950s’, this wheel held great significance.

Additional Artifacts and Excavation

Driven by curiosity, I continued my excavation and unearthed coins from the years 1889 to 1953, and on the side, an old 1970 FL license plate. Additionally, I used a metal detector to scan the area multiple times, which prompted me to collect dirt samples. This was done for a specific reason - in the past, it was not uncommon for people to discard chemicals, oil, and other toxic substances in their backyards, leading to environmental hazards.

Environmental Hazards and Chemicals Found

During my soil testing, a small amount of arsenic was found, most likely from a can. Fortunately, this specific contaminated soil was removed and taken away to prevent potential environmental hazards. Thankfully, no trace of other hazardous chemicals such as lead was detected, which would have been a significant concern.

Sale and Stolen Wheel

Among the items found, I kept the shears, the coins, and the 1970 FL license plate. Everything else, including the steel wagon wheel, was sold. Unfortunately, the wagon wheel was stolen while it was on my driveway. I had completed some sanding, treating, and applying a protective coating to the metal, and was planning to use it as a ceiling light fixture after adding the black Hollenback Wheelwright stamp (estimated to be from the 1940s-1950s').

Historical Significance and Further Research

According to the Hollenback family, this wagon wheel was one of four wheels used in a medium-sized cart. People often buy just one wheel for display or decor, making it valuable for collectors. I contacted the family of Lester Hollenback, and they confirmed that the wheel was indeed his work.

Conclusion

The discovery in my backyard shed was not only fascinating but also educational. It offered a glimpse into the history of the area and the past residents. The excavation process taught me the importance of environmental responsibility and the preservation of historical artifacts. This unexpected find reminded me that a little curiosity can lead to significant discoveries, both personally and historically.