DIAMOND ACRES (aka HASTINGS FARM), FONDA, NY
The famous "Herkimer Diamond" doubly terminated quartz crystal deposits of upper New York State are World Class collecting locations. “Hastings” property, a.k.a. “Diamond Acres”, in Fonda, New York, has been a renowned rockhound collecting site since the 1950s. There is more digging activity there now in 2010 then ever before. Unlike most digging sites, an area can be reserved, called a "claim," that is solely ours to return to time after time for serious, multi-day digging. Your daily efforts are cumulative, thus not wasted. Because of this, there has formed a strong community of long-timers (some there for decades). They actually care what goes on around them. Pictures of some specimens can be seen at www.mindat.org/loc-6474.html
2011 Herkimer Diamond Mining Season
**NOTE** - At the September 2011 meeting, club members visiting the claims noted that some members are apparently not removing their debris from the claims. Please take your soil/waste rock to the dumping area!! That's why we purchased the wheelbarrows. The next members have to do it for you and they are not happy about it!! Also, if you undercut an area, PLEASE collapse the overlying soil or rock when you are done, otherwise it leaves a dangerous situation for the next, unsuspecting members who might step there, or have to collapse it and make it safe for them. Simple but important stuff, people, please remember this is not exclusively your claim. Thanks!!
Both Bristol and Meriden clubs have renewed the claims at Hastings’s “Diamond Acres” in Fonda, New York. See map for directions to Stone Arabia Road from Fonda, and to the two claims. If you are a member in good standing of either club, you may mine at either claim. There’s the potential to find some really great Herkimer diamonds. You can go up there any time you wish (even camp all summer if so inclined). You may collect anywhere on the property, not just our claims, so long as you do not enter anyone else’s claim, even “just to look.” No non-member guests are allowed in our claims – they can collect in any non-claimed area though. It’ll take some effort on everyone’s part to remove overburden and keep debris cleared, but you will find crystals even as this necessary work is being done. Just keep your eyes open and you’ll find them. The primary goals are to have fun, find good crystals, and leave the site clean of debris for your next trip and for your fellow members. Wheelbarrows are now at each claim to help haul rock and siftings away. This will become very important as we get down deeper into the layers.
Margaret Hastings and her daughter, Linda, have a set of rules we must all follow. You will receive a copy of these when you go there. Sign in with Linda each day; cost is $2 per person over 13 ($1 for 13 and under). Tell her which club you belong to. We are required to have a minimum number of visits to each claim each season. If you do not tell her you’re with either of our clubs, we won’t get credit for your visit. To facilitate the process, get a club ID card if you do not already have one the club’s Membership Chairperson (Barb K. of Bristol or Eva K. of Meriden).
Here are a few things to remember:
¨ Always follow the Rockhounds’ Code (available on many web sites, including the AFMLS web site).
¨ Each site can accommodate 4-6 people a day, more if teamwork is used – some dig/sift/bust up rock while others haul away the tailings, then switch off. Or split up between the two claims.
¨ There is a pit toilet, but no clean water on the property.
¨ Take plenty of water and food for the day. Also, safety goggles, bug spray, hat, and sun screen.
¨ Tools – standard rockhounding tools, especially for digging and sifting (sifter, hoe, trowel, 3-prong cultivator, etc). “Hard-rock mining” is sometimes necessary, so sledges, chisels, and wedges, etc., can be useful.
¨ Claim # 28 is hand tools only ! Power equipment such as a electric drill can be used in Claim # 82.
¨ Keep Bob Schuster updated on your visits by emailing him (see below) - this is to gauge how much interest there is and how good the sites are.
¨ Each claim is on a well used trail, but all trails are uneven, rocky, and narrow. A wheelbarrow-type vehicle for hauling equipment will probably work better than a 4-wheel wagon. Improvise – look around at how inventive many of the “old timers” are.
¨ If you wish to leave equipment or tools at the claim, secure and cover with a tarp or similar. Losses can happen and neither the Hastings nor our club can be responsible.
¨ Making friends with neighboring claim holders helps you learn more about the best ways to locate crystals. Long-time claim holders are a close community and a great resource of information.
See maps for directions to Stone Arabia Road from Fonda, and to the two claims. Need more info? Email or call Bob Schuster at ctgmclub@gmail.com (203) 457-1674 (leave message).
¨ Tips for successful Herkimer hunting can be found here.
A list of area hotels is below. There is a campground not too far away called Royal Mountain Campsite. http://www.royalmountaincampsite.com/ They rent cabins or just tent for $20.00 for the night for 2 people $3.00 for extra person each. Their address is 4948 State Hwy 29, Johnstown, NY 12095, 518-762-1946.
Motels / Restaurants in Fonda Area:
This list is for your convenience; no endorsement is made by either club. There are numerous others in the area; these all list rates as less than $110 double occupancy; some are considerably less.
* Indicates motels club members have reported as satisfactory.
Holiday Inn 518-762-4686
Microtel 800-771-7171
*Super 8 518-736-1800
Several restaurants in area, including:
Traver's Family (Gloversville)
Romana's Italian Kitchen
Ponderosa
Super 8 518-843-5888
Quality Inn 518-355-1111
Super 8 518-355-2190
Days Inn 518-370-3297
Best Western 518-458-1000
Cocca's Inn 518-459-2240
Comfort Inn 518-869-5327
Hampton Inn 518-438-2822
Quality Inn 518-456-8811
*Red Roof Inn 518-459-1971
Wolf Road has many restaurants
*Herkimer Motel 515-866-0490
(Denny's across parking lot)