Members of the Wood County Metal Detecting Club searched Jim Hogg City Park in Quitman on the first two Saturday mornings of October. The city council had approved an ordinance change allowing the search on Oct. 3 and Oct. 10 only, after metal detecting had been prohibited. City Administrator Alan Gilbert told the council the activity would be regulated to prevent damage to the grounds. The club worked with the city to obtain a special-use permit for the two days.
Members said they replaced grass and soil after digging, particularly near the Honeymoon Cottage and museum. The search turned up rusty nails, coins including a 2007 dime, and a square nail the members believed dated to the 1800s. Members also collected sharp metal and other debris they said could pose a danger to children. They found buried bricks that they said may have come from the demolition of the old Wood County courthouse.
Club member Don Mayborn said the group hopes to work with other cities on searching historic sites and removing metal debris from public areas. He said the club also wants to work with Quitman ISD to share historical items with students studying Texas history. Several longtime metal detectorists said they expected to find more trash and credited city employees for maintaining the grounds. The club has about 25 to 30 members and meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at the Quitman library.