On a crisp autumn day, local history enthusiast Chris Pagan and his friend Justin Greninger decided to explore the grounds of the historic Amos Gould House in Owosso, Michigan. Armed with metal detectors and a shared passion for uncovering the past, the duo set out to see what hidden treasures might be lurking beneath the soil of this storied property.
Their day of metal detecting proved to be more fruitful than they had imagined. Among their findings was a diverse collection of coins spanning over a century. The oldest discovery was an 1835 Liberty Head Large Cent, a copper coin that predates the Civil War. They also unearthed several Indian Head Pennies from 1901, 1902, and 1905, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century currency.
But the coins were just the beginning. The pair were delighted to find an ornate suspender clasp, a handful of antique Boy Scout pins, tangible reminders of the youth who once roamed these grounds. A particularly interesting find was a Bank of Upper Canada coin from 1857, featuring an intricate depiction of St. George slaying the dragon, a piece that speaks to the region’s historical ties with Canada.
Local history was represented in their findings as well, with the discovery of a Montrose Blueberry Festival pin, highlighting the area’s agricultural heritage and community celebrations. The grounds also yielded a few vintage Matchbox cars, perhaps lost by children playing on the property decades ago.
Intriguingly, some small architectural items were also uncovered, hinting at the many renovations and changes the Gould House has undergone over the years.
This successful day of exploration has opened up new possibilities for history lovers in the area. The current stewards of the Amos Gould House are extending an invitation to fellow history enthusiasts who might want to conduct their own investigations of the property. Whether you’re interested in metal detecting, searching for rumored hidden tunnels, or exploring the home’s rich history in other ways, the Gould House welcomes your curiosity.
As long as proposed activities do not damage the property, history buffs are encouraged to reach out and request permission to explore. Who knows what other pieces of the past are waiting to be discovered on these historic grounds? Your findings could contribute to a fuller understanding of the Gould House’s place in Owosso’s history.
For those interested in planning their own historical adventure at the Gould House, please contact us using the contact page form to discuss your ideas and obtain the necessary permissions. Let’s work together to uncover and preserve the fascinating history of this Owosso landmark.
Photos provided by Chris Pagan and Justin Greninger
