Monte: in the northern part of Iowa it's not uncommon to see 36 inches of snow from mid November to the first part of April. We metal detectorist refer to this as White Death. We are blessed however because the state library system has ask each local library to digitize the copies of their local newspapers. Most have them on their website free to access. The local genealogy society has compiled a impressive collection of family and local history. This is kept at our local library. Our local historical society has a even larger collection at its museum but limited time access as a member we only get access from May thru October. I have become one of the local authorities on local history. So much for trying to keep a low profile. Even more so on the local parks, the old now defunct college, and the fairgrounds.
I have written several articles on our history of football. This date back to1895 when the college team played a high school team and admission was a dime. Yes I know where it was played still have to get permission to hunt there. Interesting enough the 1930 Klein football field is still in use and still gives up the occasional silver dime and very few wheat pennies.
This would not have been possible without the cold snowy weather as it has given me time to research and sharpen my writing skills. Karl von Muller stated that a good treasure hunter spends 75% of his time in research and 25% of his time in field work. I find that to be a good ratio. The winter affords me that. I do the field work in the warm weather the research in the rest of time when the ground is frozen solid.
Senior Deacon