Mason Mark McCullough finds all sorts of fun items while excavating foundations, repairing block walls, and other typical masonry projects. He shares some of his favorite items with host Kevin O’Connor back at our shop.
Mark Keeps an Open Eye Whenever He Digs
Part of digging safely is keeping your eyes open for buried hazards at all times. But, mason Mark McCullough also keeps his eyes open for treasures and other items that could be buried. Whenever he digs for a foundation, retaining wall, or other project, he’s hoping he’ll find something special buried many years ago.
He Has Found a Wide Range of Items Over the Years
Mark has collected a lot of different items over his years in masonry. He has a collection of kitchenware that includes pots, teapots, and other items. He also found a leg for a Benjamin Franklin stove, toys, hand-forged nails, newspapers, and old medicine and aftershave bottles. He even found an old love letter from the 1940s.
Why These Items Are Buried
It might seem strange to find items like these buried in the ground, but Mark explains that in the 1800s and 1900s, homeowners used to burn their garbage once a week in their yards. This can result in a large deposit of items that didn’t burn or melt, and he unearths them when he digs foundations and footings for new homes and other projects.
Mason’s Buried Treasure, Too
Mark’s not the only mason with an eye for fun finds. Traditionally, masons would bury a can of beer in the block cavity as they finished a block or brick wall. He has several cans, many of which are still in excellent shape despite spending decades buried in concrete.
Mark Finds a Personal Connection to Everything
Mark’s not sure why, but he finds a personal connection to the items he finds. He enjoys cleaning them off to see what they are and how old they are, and he’s always hoping to find more.
