PRINCETON – For many metal detectorists, the allure of literal buried treasure keeps shovels hitting the ground, but for Holden native Mason Burke, it’s not the monetary value that calls to him.
It’s the priceless history waiting to be unearthed.
He’s only 19, but Burke already has more than a decade of experience under his belt.
Starting out 12 years ago, he said he was inspired by his family to start detecting. One of his first finds was an 1870 Canadian dime, discovered in a relative’s backyard. He often detects with his grandfather and his good friend Rory Manier.
During a recent visit with a reporter to Stimpson Farm in Princeton, Burke was ready with his metal detector and shovel. First, though, he displayed some of his past findings in a case balanced on the hood of his car. They included an antique cigarette holder, spoons, a toy pistol and the item he is most proud of finding: a King James II coin from the 18th century.
“This even rings,” he said, holding up a small bell from his collection, before closing the case of treasures, grabbing his equipment and heading for the westerly field at the historic farm.
Burke, who is working toward a career in the automotive industry, was given permission to detect at the farm from the property owner. He said getting such permission is the hardest part of his hobby.
“If I had a nickel for every time someone said no,” he said with a sigh, adding he’s found success going door to door as well as posting on Facebook and Reddit.
Each “session” typically lasts two to four hours and he said he always finds something, even if it’s just a nail.
Stimpson Farm is new territory for him, offering up some 100 acres of land located in the foothills of Wachusett Mountain. The farm was founded in 1743 by Jedidiah Brigham and has been handed down within the family for 11 generations.
According to Freedom’s Way National Heritage Area, the farm is believed to be the earliest dairy farm established in Princeton and one of the oldest in Massachusetts.
Hidden within the fields are ancient stone walls decorating geographical landscapes of wetlands, meadows and glacial drumlins.
Several steps onto the property, the metal detector began singing. Burke immediately isolated the sound, effortlessly slid a shovel into the ground and unearthed a small coin.
“This is from the 1800s,” he said without hesitation.
The coin will need to be cleaned for confirmation, but it’s clear Burke knows his history. He said it’s all about research, both of the historical events that took place in the area, the history of specific properties and even detector settings.
“When I started, I think I had a detector that cost maybe $50,” he said as the beeping underneath the equipment began to spike. “This is maybe my sixth one; I think it was maybe $800.”
Twenty minutes later, Burke had already swept through the farthest edge of the field and found a small opening in the stone wall. Stepping through the passage, the manicured field transformed into tall grass, thick with burrs and growth.
With each step through the brush, he explained how his detector works, adding that he has the most success shortly after it rains. Another loud sound emerged and he unearthed a small metal circle, explaining it was used as a wax seal for letters, possibly from the 19th century.
“I plan on donating what I find, some of it to the Rutland Historical Society,” he said, adding he has detected on a handful of properties where the owner then asks to keep what was discovered. “I have no problem with that. I just want pictures. It’s history and that’s what is important.”
When asked about his dream detecting site, Gettysburg makes the top of the list.
But it isn’t just history Burke has unearthed. He’s helped find missing items like jewelry and hopes he can be of assistance to those in need of his skills. He recently found a ring belonging to a family friend that had been missing for seven years.
“I dug through 5 inches of compost to find a ring. She was so grateful, she was crying and hugged me,” he said with pride. “I’d love to be able to help.”
While Burke isn’t exactly sure what the ring represented to its owner, he said he knew it was priceless based on her reaction. He also recently reunited a long-lost camera with its owner.
The camera had been missing for about five years when Burke unearthed it within a pine tree field in Princeton. The SD card revealed photos of family gathered around a Christmas tree and friends making memories during a night out.
“The camera was not working at all, so I just took the SD card out, which had no water or dirty damage. I put it into the computer and voila,” Burke said, adding the card contained several photos of family gathered around a Christmas tree and friends during a night out.
He posted his findings on social media and someone who knew the family reached out. Burke then reunited the card with a very emotional and very grateful family.
Just last week, he said he was named the official metal detectorist of Rutland and a member of the Rutland Historical Commission.
“I presented some artifacts to them and was complimented a lot for being a younger member who is interested in history,” he added. “I am the youngest by at least 40 years.”
For anyone interested in offering up property for a detecting session or in need of assistance, Burke can be reached at (774) 633-5252 or at Masonbrk1112@gmail.com.