“We awoke to a very cold early October rainy morning after trying to sleep through high winds whistling through the broken out windows and creaking old door.”

Always nice to hear from my friend James Campiglia and the Outhouse Patrol as he represents the very essence of our hobby in our northern region of the FOHBC. He reminds me of the Baltimore star, Chris Rowell. These guys are always thinking bottles, history, digging and furthering our hobby 24/7/365. I sit here in my warm abode and have to smile when I see the lengths that these guys go to looking for privies.

Hello Ferd,

Really was a pleasure to talk the other day as I was on way to Butte to do a little digging. My friend found three nice older plain bottles but I found nothing but that’s fine, he’s a beginner. Looks like we found an old dump and hope to get permission soon.

If you can get the name of the persons (lady with changing looks, etc) and find if they are in Auburn we can watch them. I had an idea that might really shock them. Print up a want list of about ten misc. bottles but include all of those stolen in Reno, and a few misc. Hand out wanted posters but to not be suspicious pass to other dealers but mainly target the suspects. Have a few collectors present to read their actions when they realize its the stolen bottles we are showing them on the want lists. Maybe print some extras for the front door table too. And have these dealers, the suspected ones, set up at other shows does anyone really know them? Did you reach Mike McKillop regarding Auburn?

[PRG: I have been consulting with James on the theft issue plaguing some of our western shows]

I booked a flight tonight and will be in the area a couple of days prior and after the show. Maybe do some digging or go see some collections.

Just saw the Bertrand infomation and the Kintzing bottle shards I had sent in. Thanks for posting some of my notes. Here’s a picture of our latest dig. Way up in the hills. As you can see a ghost town. We awoke to a very cold early October rainy morning after trying to sleep through high winds whistling through the broken out windows and creaking old door. The slapping of the tin on the roof was quite nerve-wracking as well but after a good breakfast at about noon the sun was out and we we digging away. When we find some good bottles will send pictures. 1880’s to 20’s era town with outhouses still standing! And we have full permission to dig away.

And a week later the snow was falling (mid October) It was time to pack up but I hope to return maybe this weekend as hear the snow has melted but a sudden snow storm could come on quick up in these beautiful hills.

See you in Auburn!

Thanks,
James
www.jameschips.com
www.outhousepatrol.com