The Money Pit 9-Levels of Questions Interview : Dave Blankenship

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The Oak Island Compendium wants to thank Dave for agreeing to talk to us about Oak Island. Dave first came to Oak Island to help his father, Dan, in 1972. For more than 30 years, Dave assisted his father and was searching for the “Spendables” that he has often mentioned on the show. In 2020, Dave decided to step away from “The Curse of Oak Island”. Dave appeared in the “Drilling Down” episode with Matty Blake during Season 8, in Episode 3. Dave has not completed a formal interview since that time. Dave appreciates all the support from his fans and without further ado, here’s Dave.

Dave Blankenship From The Curse of Oak Island History Channel

1. Tell us how retirement is going so far for you? Do you ever feel like getting back to doing some treasure hunting on the island or has that ship sailed?

A. When the movie (TV) crew went from the Restall’s to the Lagina’s and left my dad’s 50 years out, I quit but they wanted me to retire instead and we did a “Drilling Down” as my last show, so I have interest in doing the show again.

2. Are you actively engaged with the Lagina’s and other members of the fellowship, and do you currently watch the show? If so, what’s your opinion of the recent developments?

A. No, Rick has not talked to me in 2 years. If I don't stop and talk to him, he will not make an effort to speak to me. I never did watch the show and I don't know of anybody on the crew that watches it.

Dave Blankenship From The Curse of Oak Island History Channel

3. Based on all your years of experience on Oak Island, in your opinion, what percentage do you believe represents if treasure is still located on the island. 0-100%. And why do you feel this way?

A. I feel that there was something at one time that may not be here now.

4. Do you still feel that 10X has some unfinished business that should be seen through? Can you go over why you think the fellowship doesn’t seem interested in pursuing finishing the job at 10X? If they came to you today and said, “we want to finish 10X”, would you become involved with that endeavor?

A. 10X had the Blankenships (on it), not the Laginas. No, I left the show and will not go back, it is the Rick and Marty show. It’s about the brothers.

5. You stated upon leaving the show that you felt production slighted your Dad’s accomplishments and put other searchers ahead of him. Do you still feel that way, and why do you think that was done? Have they said anything about this to you and has it been worked out?

A. Yes, they did. They left dad’s 50 years out and if it wasn't for him (dad), David (Tobias) would have quit looking as dad became the man in the field for David (Tobias).

6. Up until his death, did your Dad still believe there was treasure on Oak Island and what were his thoughts after reflecting about all his years there? He was such an inspiration to so many, how did he inspire you in your life?

A. Yes, he did, (dad taught) you to tell the truth and don't steal or lie and your word is your bond.

Dave and Jane Blankenship From The Curse of Oak Island History Channel

7. You’ve mentioned how your mother motivated you to want to continue working on the island, tell us about her sacrifices during her long period on Oak Island?

A. Mom was old school, you follow your man and help when you can. Mom was tired of Oak Island and wanted dad to give up and quit.

8. Recently there was an auction of some of your Dad’s memorabilia and the house is now for sale. Can you tell us about that and what led to the decision? Did you keep some of his memorabilia or was it all sold?

A. The house was left to my sister, and she lives in Georgia and does not plan to live here, so it’s time to get rid of it. She has no use for Oak Island but the money she can get from it. Yes, I kept all the pictures and movies that dad had for me.

Dave and Garnette Blankenship From The Curse of Oak Island History Channel

9. Do you have plans of staying on Oak Island or are you entertaining selling your lot? If you were ever to relocate, where would you want to go? Do you see yourself in Florida again?

A. No, the wife (Garnette) does not like Florida, too hot. No, I plan to keep my house. It is paid for, I see no reason to sell it. I may buy a house on the mainland and rent this one out for the summers.

10. Going back in time, why did your dad and David Tobias start having problems and arguing? How close did your Dad come to selling his land and leaving Oak Island at that time?

A. Dad and David (Tobias) started having problems when David wanted to stay in the Money Pit and dad did not. David (Tobias) wanted to stay in the Money Pit and dad did not find anything in the Money Pit but did in 10x. Dad wanted to work in 10x and not the Money Pit and they had a fight over it. As far as I know dad never said anything about selling his land that I know about.

11. Of all your years on Oak Island, what is the one thing you and your dad found that still makes you go, "what the heck is that doing here?". Do you still feel that if it isn’t "spendables" you don’t care about it?

A. No, we are changing history, as it is earlier than anybody thought that people were here in North America. It would be nice to be spendables, but the treasure was the paycheck for doing the movie (TV show).

12. Tell us David, in your opinion, what do you think happened on Oak Island? Of all the evidence you’ve seen and all the theories you heard, what makes sense to you.

A. Somebody was here a long time ago and did a lot of work deep in the ground and left something here but is it still here? Nobody knows for sure.

13. What do you think of Templars on Oak Island?

A. It is possible, dad thought more Spanish than Templars.

We truly thank Dave for giving us the opportunity to let him reach out to his fans. Acorns have truly missed Dave on the show, and we hope that at some point things can be reconciled between all parties involved and we can see him in a guest appearance on “The Curse of Oak Island”. Thank you for viewing our interview and as Dave said at the end, it’s “Crown time now!”.

Good day from the Compendium!