Rick (my outhouse digging expert) got an email from a lady in Philadelphia, She found him from finding his web site (19thcenturybottlediggers). She said she had a sinking spot on her 12 x 10 foot bricked in back yard. A sinking spot is a good indication that an Outhouse or old cistern may have been present in that location. Rick and 3 of his buddies decided to take a trip to Philly and check it out. Here is what happened….
It got too deep to hit bottom. You know you have hit bottom when the bottles and other things stop appearing. They had a 30 foot chain ladder but they needed a 40 footer. They gave most of the bottles to the home owners but Took a few cool ones home. It was quite an experience.
You may wonder if it is dangerous to be way down 30 feet in a hole. I asked Rick if the hold collapsed and what safety precautions they take.
As to the collapsing, brick lined prvies are safe. Those bricks are in that clay tight! I have never had a “brick liner” cave in. I have dug 30 footers 25 footers 10 footers now a 40 footer. Not one brick came loose.
Here are more pictures of the dig.
