Editorial

Greetings Treasure Hunters,

Hurray…it’s May! Time to get serious about hunting all those great places you researched over the long, cold winter. We wish you success out there!

The Feature Club in this issue of the Lost Treasure Online Newsletter is Arizona Treasures Unlimited…be sure to check out the club’s info and see its members in action!

And be sure to check out the club members’ Favorite Finds.

Have pictures of some Favorite Finds of your own or someone you know? E-mail them to me! Nothing gets our readers more fired up more than seeing what goodies are being found out there by fellow treasure hunters!

The Tip From the Pros this issue is supplied by Craig Redick.

The 2010 Calendar has the latest on upcoming treasure-hunting-related events. If your club or organization has an event coming up, be sure to e-mail it to me.

In THers’ News you’ll read the about the following and more:

• Markings of Vikings Discovered in Lawrence?
• Gold Rush in South Carolina Could Mean Hundreds of New Jobs
• Civil War Era Safe En Route To North Texas
• Heritage World Coin Auction Realizes $5.2+ Million

Until next time, treasure is in the eye of the beholder,

TH'ers' News

Markings of Vikings Discovered in Lawrence?
LAWRENCE - Al and Joyce Sunskis think they have proof the Vikings passed through Tower Hill six centuries ago.
They believe a rock that sets in the backyard of their Maurice Avenue home next to an ancient wellspring bears markings that may have been carved or chiseled by Norsemen who sailed up and down the Merrimack River.
Representatives of the New England Antiquities Research Association are curious about the Sunskis' recent discovery and plan to visit them to inspect the rock.
The association is a non-profit organization which claims to be "dedicated to a better understanding of our historic and prehistoric past through the study and preservation of New England's stone sites in their cultural context."
If the association confirms the markings on the rock have historical significance, the Sunskis want to turn the rock over to the group.
"If the markings on the rock are authentic, they belong to those people who were here way before Columbus," Al Sunskis said.
"It could be absolute garbage. But I don't think so. I think the markings are some kind of Nordic sign," he said.
The Sunskis never gave much thought about the unusual markings on the stone until after watching a recent National Geographic television series that focused on exploration of North America and New England in the era before Christopher Columbus' voyages (1492-1504).
"For a long time, I felt like getting a bulldozer and clearing it off my property," Al Sunskis said of the stone behind his house.
"I always thought about getting rid of it. The holes were carved in there with precision. We always wondered why anyone would do that and just shrugged it off for years until we saw that series," he said.
But now Sunskis believes the three small rectangular holes and the cone-shaped carving may be the markings of the Vikings or some other pre-Columbian voyagers.
"In the 1390s, somebody did come up the Merrimack River," Sunskis said.
"Sometime before Columbus arrived in America, Leif Ericson's ancestors or somebody of Nordic ancestry was here in New England. And if they were, it's likely they would have left some of their markings up and down the Merrimack River," he said.
In addition to the unusual holes carved into the rock, the Sunskis see what they perceive to be a piece of Nordic art work.
"Joyce and I think it is a boat with a full sail. But again, we are not experts," he said.
Courtesy of http://www.eagletribune.com

Gold Rush in South Carolina Could Mean Hundreds of New Jobs
KERSHAW, SC - A mineral company in Lancaster County, SC, says they have discovered gold.
Romarco, Inc. released a statement recently, which stated that miners have found about 60 meters of gold at the Haile Gold Mine.
The gold mine has been in operation since the late 1800's, but ownership has changed hands several times over the last hundred years.
In the 90's miners thought they had dug the last of Kershaw's gold, but the new owners say the old 49'ers barely scratched the surface.
"It's big it's one of the more significant discoveries we've seen in our business in the last 10 years," said Diane Garrett, President and CEO of Romarco Minerals
Romarco Minerals owns Haile Gold Mine, they bought the property in 2007.
Officials say there are about 4 million ounces of gold and this could translate into much needed jobs for the local economy.
"The last two and a half years has really taken us by surprise," said Garrett.
Geologists estimate right now there are 4 million ounces of gold in the ground. With Gold prices more than 11 hundred dollars and this could translate into much needed jobs for the local economy.
Now before you start grabbing your shovels and pans to start panning for gold in Kershaw South Carolina what they're finding isn't large blocks of gold and a lot of the ore is more than 380 feet below ground.
"To the naked eye you really can't see it. It's finely disseminated it's finely spread out in the ground," said Garrett.
Sorry to disappoint you if you thought the gold here was going to be in big chunks, but the good news is, to get to those little tiny pieces Haile Gold Mine is going to need a lot of people to move a lot of dirt and rocks.
Garrett says it's a 300 million dollar project to dig and process the gold ore. Haile Gold Mine will need 500 people to build the facility and then 300 to man the mine full time. Plus, an additional 40 to 60 new contractors on site.
In 2007, the mine employed only five people. Today, they have 57 employees and 28 contractors on site.
"We buy everything locally, we hire locally from fuel to paper goods to a lot of Gus's pizzas, we love Gus's Pizzas," said Garrett.
"They're very, very loyal and they spend an awful amount of money in here," said Natasha Weeks, manager at Gus's Pizza in downtown Kershaw.
She says if Gus' Pizza could get another 500 loyal customers, "It'd be great!"
Construction on a new mill could start by late 2011.
Garrett says if everything stays on schedule the Haile Gold Mine operation would pour their first gold brick as soon as 2013
Courtesy of http://www.wistv.com

CSM Mining Team Brings Home Bronze
For the first time in three years, the Colorado School of Mines attended the International Intercollegiate Mining Competition, regarded as the measuring stick for worldwide mining universities. Consisting of seven events based on historical mining methods, the games were established to commemorate the 91 Idaho miners lost in the 1972 Sunshine Mine Disaster. At this year’s competition, held in Kalgoorlie, Australia on April 8 and 9, the Oredigger team placed second in four events, solidifying an overall bronze medal in the games.
In conjunction with the competition, the Australian Institute for Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM) held the New Leaders Conference in the days prior. This event targets college students as they reach the beginning of their careers to facilitate their development into industry leaders of tomorrow. The CSM team members attended, giving students an opportunity to make international connections, build career skills and get a glimpse of the current state of Australian mining activities and technologies. Colorado School of Mines was one of only two U.S. schools represented at the conference, giving team members time to make friends among the Australian students and acclimate to cultural differences.
Practice was scheduled the next day for all teams, giving competitors time to fine-tune their preparations and adjust to any differences in competition tools. In attendance were schools from across the United States - including South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, Missouri University of Science & Technology, Arizona State, Virginia Tech and University of Nevada at Reno, a team from Britain, and many Australian universities, including University of Queensland, University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, and the host institution, Western Australia School of Mines.
Having learned a great deal and making some great friends during the conference and practice days, the Oredigger team turned their attentions to competition performance, with many new friends rooting them on. Third, Fourth and Fifth place standings in track stand, surveying and jacklegging events kept CSM in the running among top tier teams. Turning in many team and personal best performances vaulted the Orediggers to silver medal finishes in swede sawing, hand mucking, hand steeling, and gold panning events, netting the 2010 Colorado School of Mines Co-ed Team a Bronze Medal overall.
Next year’s competition will be held in Reno, Nevada. The Colorado School of Mines Team is open to all CSM students, and is actively seeking additional members to complete rosters for Men’s, Women’s, and Co-Ed divisions which will begin practice in the fall. For an opportunity to meet students from other mining universities around the world, learn about the history of this exciting industry, and represent Colorado School of Mines on an international stage, the Mining Team provides a unique experience. For questions regarding the International Intercollegiate Mining Competition or joining the Oredigger Team, please contact team spokesperson Logan Ronhovde at lronhovd@mines.edu
Courtesy of http://www.oredigger.net

Civil War Era Safe En Route To North Texas
North Texas Civil War enthusiasts are in for a treat.
A safe about 150 years old is on its way to Fort Worth from Richmond, Virginia.
"It's very significant and it's a one of a kind artifact and we are anxious to have it on display," said Ray Richey Curator of the Texas Civil War Museum in Fort Worth.
Richey can talk in detail about every piece at the museum: From a sword that came from the Grant family in the late 1960s to the Victorian dresses on display. He knows the story behind everyone of them.
Richey says he's a history buff and right now he just can't wait for this latest addition at the museum.
"To my knowledge there was only one of them," explains Richey.
Documents and secret papers during the Civil War are believed to have been kept deep within the vaults of the safe.
Richey said the safe was used by Texan John Reagan who served in the Cabinet of the Confederacy as Post Master General during the war.
"It was very important that the Confederate Government had a safe place to keep their documents," Richey said. "It's something that if it could tell the story it would have quite a story to tell."
The Texas Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy raised $19,000 to get the safe to North Texas.
They think it will cost about $12,000 to get it here.
"It's one of a kind. It lived through the war. It lived through the fire after the war," said Esther Sims with the group. "I wish it could talk because I'm sure we would find out a lot."
The project has been in the works for years. The group says it couldn't think of a better place then the museum in Fort Worth.
Before the safe is moved to the museum it will have to be opened. At this time, no one here knows if it's ever been unlocked or what's inside.
"We are hoping there will be lots of treasure inside but we don't really know," says Richey.
For Richey, he's anxious to preserve a piece of history and said the museum's latest treasure could blow away all his expectations.
The safe is expected to arrive in Carrollton Monday morning.
It will be cleaned and then moved to the museum in about a month.
Courtesy of http://cbs11tv.com

Heritage World Coin Auction Realizes $5.2+ Million
DALLAS, TX — There can be no doubt as to the continuing strength and ever-growing interest in the World Coin market after Heritage Auction Galleries April 21-22 Signature® World Coin Auction at the Chicago International Coin Fair (CICF) brought almost 3350 bidders to the table and realized a stunning total of more than $5.2 million.
"Heritage couldn’t be happier with the move of our spring auction to the CICF," said Cristiano Bierrenbach, Director of International Sales at Heritage. "Anytime we can reach so many high-end world buyers in one place, and subsequently realize more than 94% by value and 97% by lot on an auction, we know we’re in the right spot."
The auction also marked the beginning of a new CICF partnership between Heritage and Krause Publications, the producers of World Coin News, Numismatic News and Bank Note Reporter, among its many publications. By all accounts, the new union was an unqualified success.
“The addition of Heritage as official CICF auctioneer gave the show a big lift,” said convention chairman and Krause Group Publisher Scott Tappa. “The depth and breadth of the four-session sale attracted a great array of attendees and added to our growing bourse floor. We look forward to Heritage’s continued partnership with CICF and Krause Publications for years to come.”
"Scott Tappa and his crew put together a world class event and we matched it with more than 4700 lots for the Heritage collecting community worldwide," said Bierrenbach. "When I think the world coin market can’t surprise us anymore, we have an auction like this with results much stronger than we could’ve predicted. It’s a wonderful thing to be a part of."
Of all the international numismatic treasure up for grabs at the Heritage CICF event, a Brazilian rarity was to be the most coveted, with a Pedro II 100 Reis 1844, KM452, Russo 525, VF35 NGC breaking its own World Price Record of $84,000, set in May of 2008, when it finished at $138,000, more than doubling its base estimate of $60,000. The coin came to auction via the Paulistana Collection.
"This is the finest specimen of only three known," said Bierrenbach. "In 1834, Brazil, now an independent empire, attempted a new monetary system nicknamed the Cruzado. While it ultimately failed by 1848, the 1844 100 Reis is without a doubt the jewel of the series."
Of equal demand, and certainly showing that collectors are paying attention to the sleeping giant of the East, was Chinese numismatic treasure, and a spectacular People’s Republic of China Lunar Series Kilo gold 10,000 Yuan Year of the Horse 2002, KM1427, which realized $138,000 amidst fierce bidding. This coin, numbered 10, is one of only 15 minted at the Shanghai Mint, all of which were initially intended for export. In truth, many of these large issue coins have been melted, so the actual numbers in existence may be considerably lower than listed mintages.
Chinese coin highlights continued to dominate the top lots of the auction with a People’s Republic of China 20 Ounce gold 1,500 Yuan Phoenix and Dragon 1990, KM321, bringing twice its base estimate at $80,500 and a stunner when a People’s Republic of China five-piece platinum 1/4 oz., 25 Yuan set 1993, Ancient Scientific and Technical Inventions and Discoveries, Second Set, all Gem Proof with COA, APW 1.2500 oz., realized a hefty $54,625 against a base estimate of only $2,000.
"In so many areas right now, and especially in numismatics, China is very hot," said Warren Tucker, Director of World Coins at Heritage Auctions. "When a coin that is estimated at only $2,000 ends up at almost $55,000, that tells us clearly that the eyes of collectors are on, or in, China."
Besides the top lot of the auction, extra strength continued to be seen in Brazilian coins, with the Paulistana Collection bringing more than 25% over Heritage’s most optimistic pre-auction estimates. Besides the 1844 100 Reis, which brought $138,000, a key Pedro II 960 Reis 1834-R, KM385, Russo 519, VF35 NGC showed considerable spirit at $37,375, while a spectacular Pedro II 500 Reis 1848, KM458, Russo 561, XF40 NGC — a controversial issue, with only two or three original specimens in existence and a large number of counterfeits — realized $32,200.
One of the auction’s anchor consignments, the Silver Around the World Collection, drew rave reviews from collectors and saw prices realized that were 60% higher than pre-auction estimates. Highlights include a Stanislaus August Talar 1793, Davenport 1622, KM214, MS62 NGC, which brought $12,650 against a base estimate of $4,500; a Felipe V 8 Reales 1728-S P, KM336.3, Cayon-9311, MS66 NGC, which more than doubled its base $4,000 estimate to realize $10,925, and a German Colonial 2 Rupien 1893, KM5, Proof Cameo 64 NGC that saw $9,200, also against a base estimate of $4,000.
One of the great surprises of the auction was the incredible strong prices seen for Iranian coins, as evidenced by a gorgeous reddish-orange Nasir al-Din copper Pattern 50 Dinars AH1281 (1864), which realized $8,625 against a $1,000-$1,500 estimate, and a Nasir al-Din 2000 Dinars AH1313 (1895), KM913, MS63 PCGS, that soared well-above pre-auction estimates to finish at $7,475.
"The next Heritage World Coin auction is at the Boston ANA on Aug. 12 and 13," said Bierrenbach. "Considering how well this auction did, and considering that we already have millions in consignments, it promises to be another very exciting event to top off a record-breaking year for Heritage’s world coin venue."
About Heritage Auctions
Heritage Auctions, headed by Steve Ivy, Jim Halperin and Greg Rohan, is the world’s third largest auction house, with annual sales more than $600 million, and 500,000+ registered online bidder members.
For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com
Courtesy of http://www.coinnews.net

New Film Details Upstate Lake's 'Sunken Fleet'
LAKE GEORGE — An upstate New York-based filmmaker and a shipwreck expert have released a new documentary on the fleet of vessels purposely sunk in an Adirondack lake during the French and Indian War.
The 58-minute film, titled "Wooden Bones: The Sunken Fleet of 1758," tells the story of the more than 250 boats and warships scuttled in the southern end of Lake George by the British. The redcoats wanted to keep them out of French hands and intended to raise the vessels the following spring. Many were never recovered. Several were rediscovered in the 20th century and are now part of an underwater state park.
The film was directed by Glens Falls-based filmmaker Peter Pepe and written by Joseph Zarzynski of Wilton, director of an underwater archaeology preservation group.
Courtesy of http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com

Try Your Luck at Gold Panning
FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Though the thought of striking it rich is not what brings flocks of people to Fairbanks anymore, visitors still can share in the fun of panning for gold. Fairbanks remains one of the few places in Alaska where visitors can try their luck with a gold pan.
Visitors who want to scour backcountry areas for gold should get the right equipment and a good map before heading out.
Jim Madonna of Alaskan Prospectors said the four main things every panner needs are a sizing screen, a pan, a vile and a sniffer bottle.
“The sizing screen is used to separate out the big rocks so you are only panning the fine material. This will speed up the panning process by 50 percent,” Madonna said.
After panning the fine material, gold flecks can be removed from the pan with the sniffer bottle, which is used like an oversized eye dropper.
Some of the other suggested equipment for gold panning are a magnifying lens, a small magnet for separating out magnetic black sands, and rubber gloves and boots to keep your hands and feet dry and warm.
There are several areas open to the general public for both gold panning and sluicing. Recreational gold panners should keep in mind that they can only pan in these areas and where they have permission from the property’s owner.
Bachelor Creek, located 80 miles north of Fairbanks on the Steese Highway, is a remote mining area. A four-mile hike off the main road, the mining area offers no camping facilities.
Nome Creek is located north of the Steese Highway in the White Mountains National Recreation Area. Gold was first discovered here in the 1990s and has since had a rich history of gold finds. There are three camping areas at Nome Creek including facilities such as outhouses and drinking water. Visitors are charged a small recreation fee.
Pedro Dome, located 25 miles north of Fairbanks, is a relatively small, 1-acre mining area. Felix Pedro first discovered gold here in 1902. No restrooms are available, and you will need to bring your own food and drinking water.
“Gold panning is truly an adventure to remember,” Madonna said. “It is one of the most rewarding adventures in Alaska, being able to pan for gold like our pioneers.”
Courtesy of http://newsminer.com

Tip From The Pros

By Craig Redick, The Old Prospector

Get out and about in your community. Make new acquaintances. Reach out to your local senior citizens. You’ll be amazed at the history and stories they can share that will translate into future treasure hunting opportunities for you. Plus it helps to put a good face on treasure hunting and gold prospecting in general, and increases the awareness of our hobby. Share your finds with the local landowners. Set up a show-and-tell in the local school or scout troop meeting. You might just be the spark that gets a young person to lay down his video game and get some fresh air and exercise.

2010 Calendar of Events

MAY
7th – 9th – Pawnee, Oklahoma. Oklahoma Steam and Gas Engine Show at the Steam Park Grounds. Gates Open at 8 a.m. Adults: $7 per day or $10 for 3-day pass, children 12 and under free. Friday is School Day - (school groups accompanied by teacher admitted free). Demonstrations, vendors, displays. Log onto http://www.oklahomathreshers.org/ for more information or contact the Pawnee Chamber of Commerce, (918) 762-2108, pawneeok@att.net

15th – Virginia Beach, Virginia. Save the date. This is the hunt all your friends told you about. The one and only 23rd annual open hunt sponsored by Tidewater Coin and Relic Club at the beautiful Virginia Beach oceanfront. Rain or shine. Detectors, gold, silver and prizes galore. Contact Ina Finn at sanddigger@charter.net or (757) 679-0467.

15th – Brownwood, Texas. Texas Council of Treasure Clubs Open Satellite Hunt & Free Kids’ Hunt at Allcorn Park. For registration information, log onto http://www.texascouncil.net and click on Special Event or Member Events.

16th – Lathrop, Missouri. The Three Trails Historical Search Team of Independence, Missouri, will sponsor their 26th Annual Treasure Hunt at the Antique Show Grounds. For more information, contact Gregg Arnold at (913) 831-1011 or e-mail gastudio@kc.rr.com

22nd – 23rd – Lisbon, North Dakota. NEW LOCATION! Minnkota Artifact Recovery Group’s 11th annual treasure hunt at Dead Colt Creek Park. Coins, Food, Raffles. For more info, contact Jeff Kehl at jkehl1963@yahoo.com or (320) 845-7814.

22nd – Onset, Massachusetts. The 18th Annual Open Treasure Hunt sponsored by the Gateway Treasure Hunters Club at the Onset Public Beach, rain or shine. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Easy access from I-95, I-495 and Mass. Routes 3, 6, 25 and 28. For more info, call Roy Gouge at (508) 759-9779, e-mail phylroy@verizon.net or visit the club’s website at http://mysite.verizon.net/gthclub22

29th – 30th – Casper, Wyoming. The Natrona County Rockhounds Club will host its Gem, Rock and Mineral Show 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 29 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 30 at the Natrona County Fairgrounds Industrial Building, 1700 Fairgrounds Road. Vendors, demonstrations, displays, silent auction, door prizes, raffles and more. Admission: $3, children 12 and younger free with an adult. For more information, contact Randy Sternberg at 307-234-6156.

JUNE
5th – Shawsville, Virginia. 19th Annual Open Hunt by the Roanoke Valley Coin & Relic Club at Camp Alta Mons. More info, Marilyn Epperly, 2136 Maiden Lane, SW, Roanoke, VA 24015, (540)342-0153 or e-mail grammaepp1@juno.com or Anna Feazell (540) 563-4118 or e-mail at shortbelle@aol.com

5th – Stanwood, Washington. Pilchuck Treasure Hunting Club’s 28th Annual Hunt, Junefest 2010, at the Stanwood Fair Grounds, 6431 Pioneer Hwy. Raffles: Main, 50/50, Silver Dollar and Treasure Wheel. Potluck lunch at noon, bring a dish. Kids’ Hunt (12 years or under). Check www.pilchucktreasurehunts.org for updated information. For more, e-mail pilchucktreasurehunts@yahoo.com

5th – Riverside, California. Route 66 Gold Miners’ 1st Annual Treasure Hunt, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Rancho Jurupa Regional Park on Crestmore Road off Mission Blvd. Metal detecting hunt, special key hunt and 50/50 raffle. Some prizes include a metal detector, gold coins and silver rounds. For more information, contact Larry Eleftheriou, Hunt Master, at Larrywaters1@aol.com or send pre-registration to Route 66 Gold Miners, Inc.,8251 La Palma Ave., Box 393, Buena Park, CA 90620.

6th – Topeka, Kansas. Topeka Treasure Hunters’ Open National Treasure Hunt at Reynolds Lodge at Lake Shawnee. Five hunts rain or shine, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. For more info, contact Russell Broxterman, 1210 School, Box 162, Auburn, KS 66402, (785) 256-2925.

12th – 13th – Hampton, Illinois. Cedar Valley Research and Recovery will hold their Fifth Annual Treasure Hunt at the Illiniwek Forest Preserve, Route 84. For more, contact Joseph Evans, 3427 Circle Dr., Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, Phone (319) 265-4418 or e-mail joeevans@imonmail.com

18th – 20th – Athol, Idaho. Northwest Treasure Hunters Club’s 38th annual hunt at the Farragut State Park. Contact Eric Payne at (208) 772-4794 or by e-mail at payneea@hotmail.com

18th – 20th –New Staunton, Pennsylvania. Treasurefest 2010 at the Fox Den Acres campground. There will be 10 hunts with a variety of themes. You can enter for one day or all three. The fee is $30 per hunt and registrations can be sent to Ed Burke, 84 S. Atherton Ave., Kingston, PA 18704, call (570) 331-0600, or e-mail potogold1@verizon.net, or Duane Biller (724) 439-1380, snakemandb@earthlink.net

19th – 20th – Hastings, Nebraska. The Nebraskaland Treasure Hunters Club’s Annual Hunt at the ghost town of Leroy, south of Hastings on Hwy. 281. For info, contact Dale or Marilyn Ratzlaff at (402) 736-4455 or dalyn@mainstaycomm.net

19th – 20th – Powell, Wyoming. The Wyoming State Mineral & Gem Show hosted by the Shoshone Rock Club and assisted by the Cody 59'ers at the Park County Fairgrounds, 655 5th Street. Admittance - Adults: $2 each, Ages 12-18: $1 each. For information, contact Jane R. Neale, (307) 754-3285 or Mary Ann Northrup, (307) 754-4472.

19th – 20th –Georgetown, Indiana. The Hoosier Hills Treasure Hunters Club and the Down n’ Dirty Diggers Metal Detecting Club will each host one day of this weekend hunt – the Diggers’ 9th Annual Open Hunt on Sat., and the Hoosier Hills’ “Second Day” Hunt on Sun. For more info on the Diggers, contact Mike Byrn by e-mail at byrn@hughes.net or call (812) 366-3558. For more on the Hoosiers, contact Chad Beesley at c.beesley@insightbb.com or call (812) 966-2137 or (812) 498-0336.

26th – 27th – Palmer, Alaska. Alaska Treasure Seekers’ 34th Annual Metal Detecting Hunt at the Alaska State Fairgrounds – France Equestrian Center – 2075 Glenn Highway. For more info, contact Cathy Lundine, (907) 696-1910 or e-mail lundine5@aol.com

JULY
10th – 17th –New Staunton, Pennsylvania. Treasure Week at the Fox Den Acres Campground. Three hunts a day with many other hunts and activities. For more info, contact Jill & Carl McFeeders, jcseeker@core.com or phone (330) 364-1608.

17th – 18th – North Conway, New Hampshire. The Saco Valley Gem and Mineral Club Show at the North Conway Community Center. Gem and mineral dealers, micromounters, silent auction and raffle. Free admission.

24th – 25th –Nekoosa, Wisconsin. MidState Metal Detector Club’s 14th Annual Open Hunt and State Championship at the Deer Trails Park Campground (please note the hunt location has changed). Contact Steven Miller, N3091 CTY RD B, Hancock, WI 54943, or e-mail stmill@uniontel.net

26th – August 1st – Vallonia, Indiana. Southern Indiana Treasure Fest 2010 sponsored by Pepsi-Cola at the Starve Hollow State Recreation Area south of Brownstown on HW 135. Jackson County Fair all week. Events for all ages every day! Free Kids Hunts ages 3-12, and Jr. Hunts ages 13-15 for $10. The week’s events sponsored and/or provided by Bounty Hunter, Fisher Labs, Garrett Metal Detectors, The Lincoln Hills Treasure Hunters Club, White’s Electronics, The Hoosier Hills Treasure Hunter’s Club, Real Treasure Hunters, Teknetics, Cannonball Express Metal Detectors, Wick’s Pies, Wray & Co. Treasure Shop, Tesoro, and The Down n’ Dirty Diggers. For more info, contact Chad Beesley at (812) 966-2137 or Terry Rittenhouse at (765) 857-2400.

AUGUST
7th – Orting, Washington. The Puget Sound Treasure Hunters Club, Tacoma, Washington, is sponsoring their annual Lenny Phay Memorial Hunt, “Silver Bonanza,” rain or shine. Two major silver hunts, one a silver dime hunt and the other a big silver hunt, plus a detector and a treasure chest raffle. Fun for the entire family, to include youth hunts. For more info, contact Jim Ratcliff, Sr. at (360) 556-3914 or Jim Ratcliff, Jr. at (360) 556-4009, e-mail scouthobby@comcast.net or visit http://sites.google.com/site/pugetsoundtreasurehunters/home

7th –8th – Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. 28th Annual Black Diamond Treasure Weekend sponsored by the Black Diamond Treasure Hunters Club at the Plymouth TWP. Recreation Field on Route 11. For information, send self-addressed stamped envelope to B.D.T.H.C., P.O. Box 1523, Kingston, PA 18704, or go to www.bdthc.org to download the flier. Send e-mail requests to treasure1@aol.com or phone Byard Derr (215) 536-0796, George Walko (570) 287-3602 or Ron Denman (570) 288-7787.

28th – 29th – Concord, New Hampshire. The Capital Mineral Club’s Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Festival at the Everett Arena, 15 Loudon Road (1,500 feet east of Exit 14, I-93). Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $5, children under 12 free with an adult. Dealers, displays, raffles and hourly and grand show prizes. For more info, log onto www.capitalmineralclub.org

SEPTEMBER
4th –5th – Foresthill, California. Annual Foresthill Heritage Celebration, California State Gold Panning and Lumberjack Championships, and U.S. National Gold Panning Championships at the Old Foresthill Memorial Park. American Legion Post 587 Annual Pig Roast, music, family events, gold panning, food and craft vendors. Heritage 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, Championships Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, call (530) 367-2891 or log onto www.goldhounds.com

10th – 12th – Derby, New York. The 25th Annual International Treasure Hunt at Wendt Beach Park on Old Lake Shore Road, 5 miles off Exit 57A on New York I-90. Rain or shine, silver and gold hunts. Registration both days from 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Free camping available, no hook-ups or dump station. For information, call Joe, (716) 632-6129 or Louie, (716) 434-3712, write 5327 Ernest Road, Lockport, NY 14094, or log onto NFRHA.com

11th – Milan, Michigan. Michigan Treasure Hunters’ 37th Annual Open Hunt at the KC Campground. For more information, contact Vincent Tremain, 15552 Stonehouse Circle, Livonia, MI 48154, or visit www.michigantreasurehunters.com

11th – 12th – Boonville, Indiana. Lincoln Hills Treasure Club’s 4th Annual Treasure Hunt at Scales Lake Park on the sandy beach, sponsored by Robert Jackson. Entry fees put in the hunt as silver dimes. Prize donations welcome. Free Kids’ Hunt, Teens’ Hunt $10. For more info, contact Robert Jackson at (812) 925-3280 or (812) 305-0295.

18th – Knox, New York. 40th Annual Club Hunt with over $5,000 in prizes, sponsored by the Empire State Metal Detector Association, at the Knox Firemen’s Park. For info and registration form, go to www.esmda.org. For more info, contact Bob Lavoy at metal@nycap.rr.com or call (518) 356-0564.

19th – Lathrop, Missouri. 34th Annual Open Hunt sponsored by Mo-Kan Search and Recovery Club at the Lathrop Antique Show Grounds. For more info e-mail Terry Theiss at outboundace@hotmail.com, call Chuck Clevenger at (816) 436-0697, or visit the
club website at www.mokansr.com

25th – 26th – Mt. Vernon, Illinois. The Tri-State Metal Detecting Club will host its Annual two-day hunt loaded with silver coins, unique hunts, prizes, raffles, and lots of fun! For more info, contact Justin Stevens at (618) 201-1853 or by e-mail at tds62864@hotmail.com

26th – 27th – Java Center, New York. Genesee Valley Treasure Seekers, Inc.’s 10th Annual Hunt at the Beaver Meadows Campgrounds. Prizes include detectors, and gold and silver coins. Events benefit the American Cancer Society. For more information, call John Howard at (585) 663-7368.

OCTOBER
30th – 31st – Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Open Hunt 2010 sponsored by the Lancaster Research & Recovery Club, in partnership with the Susquehanna Valley Metal Detecting Club, at the Lancaster County Central Park’s Environmental Center. Registration starts at 8 a.m. each day. All silver hunts - one each morning and afternoon, rain or shine. There will be a Kids Hunt (up to age 12), a Free Fun Hunt, and an Optional Gold Hunt. Questions? Call Mike or Sue Race at (717) 355-0691, or e-mail msrace@hydrosoft.net

E-mail upcoming events to managingeditor@losttreasure.com

 

Feature Club

Club officers (left to right): Bob Wierzal (Treasurer), Scott Kane (President) and Vic Mathis (Secretary).

Arizona Treasures Unlimited, Inc.
Arizona Treasures Unlimited (ATU), Inc. has been serving the Phoenix area since 1970 and is a nonprofit corporation registered in the state of Arizona to promote the safe and lawful recovery of lost and abandoned objects through the processes of research, education, and the distribution of information.

Meetings: The ATU meets on the third Monday of the month (holidays included) at the Arizona Mining and Mineral Museum, 1502 West Washington Street, Phoenix, Arizona. Parking and entrance for the meeting are at the rear of the building. The action begins promptly at 7 p.m. and lasts about two hours. Family and visitors are welcome.

Officers:
Scott Kane (President)
Bob Wierzal (Treasurer)
Vic Mathis (Secretary)

Read more about the club following these photos.

Programs: Meetings are a great place to learn about metal detecting, dump digging, and treasure hunting. You will also develop an appreciation for the history of Arizona and the difficulties of life in the early days. Members enjoy presentations on topics like railroading and mining, as well as practical topics like cleaning coins.

Finds of the Month Contest: The “Finds of the Month” contest at each meeting allows members to show off their latest finds. You will be surprised at the amount of coins, jewelry and other wonders found in local parks, playgrounds and vacant lots. Prizes are awarded for the oldest U.S. coin, best coin, best club trip find, best jewelry, and miscellaneous.

Raffle: The club raises money through a raffle at each meeting with several prizes, usually collectible coins. The prizes are on display at the front of the meeting room for inspection. From each raffle, the club spends half of the proceeds on prizes for the next month’s raffle. The more tickets bought, the better the prizes for the next meeting. Visitors are allowed, even encouraged, to buy raffle tickets.

Monthly Outings: The club has monthly outings that take place the weekend following the regular club meeting. Trip details are given out to members only at the meeting. Members and family are welcome at all club functions; high-clearance vehicles and/or 4x4 may be needed to attend the monthly outing.

Community Support: The club supports the community through contributions to selected charities and through volunteer efforts in support of government agencies. The club is available to assist with the recovery of evidence and individuals also assist in the recovery of lost personal items such as wedding and class rings.

Membership: Membership is limited to adults 18 or older, although children are welcome at club functions under the direction of their parents. Dues are $30/year for and individual, or $40/year for a family payable in January and are prorated for half year in July. All adults in a family membership have voting rights in all club matters

Arizona Treasures Unlimited, Inc.
P.O. Box 25773
Tempe, AZ 85285-5773
E-mail editor@aztreasures.org

For more log onto www.aztreasures.org

Favorite Finds

Some Favorite Finds made by members of Arizona Treasures Unlimited are shown below.

Betty Deming - Copper Bracelet

Bill Venable - Tivoli Token - Front

Bill Vidrine - Beatles Medallion

Hank Allen - 1957 Dog Tax Tag

Ed Mabie - Pearl Harbor Souvenier - Rolled Penny

Bill Vidrine - 1900’s Dime

Bill Vidrine - 1905 Nickel

Bill Vidrine - 1928 Dog Tax Tag

Hank Allen - 1917 Nickel

Ed Mabie – Miner’s Lamp

Hank Allen - America First Fob

Hank Allen - Watch

Ed Mabie - German Track Medal

John Amato - 1908 British Half Penny

John Amato - 1928 Gilbert Dog Tax Tag

John Kerr - Baby Ring

John Kerr - Silver Ring

John Kerr - Isaac Jr. High Gold Honor Roll - 1991-92 - Medallion

John Kerr - Silver Spoon

John Kerr - Mickey Mouse Charm

Russ Page - Dr - Pepper Fob - Front

Russ Page - Dr - Pepper Fob - Back

Pearl Oliver - Silver Heart Pendant chain

John Kerr - Silver Dog Charm

Pearl Oliver - Gold Ring

Pearl Oliver - Silver Ring

Pearl Oliver - Silver Ring with large stone

Vic - Mathis - Suspender Clip

Industry Press

A New Book Title From Graphic Image Publications
The Back Roads To Treasure

By the Authors of Treasure Seekers Magazine

Over the years, as the former publisher of several treasure related magazines, hundreds of treasure stories were sent to the magazines for publication. Many were formally published and others of value were placed in the company archives for future release. As the editor/publisher of Treasure, Treasure Search, Treasure Found, Treasure Diver and Treasure Seekers magazines we discovered several of the stories were of limited vertical interest. Many were no more than locating bottle caps on the beach. However, others were outstanding and of great general value and certainly well worth retelling.

We, therefore, turned our attention to producing books choosing to bring our audience the best of these untold archived manuscripts. After publishing the first book, Sea Search, the reader response was rather overwhelming. In the ensuing years, reader interest continued and we thank you for your continued patronage.

Much to our delight, our books have continued to follow the path of success.

With all of the above in mind, within pages of The Back Roads to Treasure, we have assembled another compendium of treasure chronicles. Many of our former magazine writers provided the 22 chapters found in the book (208 pages in total). These are stories of not only treasure, but also many historical references that led to actual cache troves and the sites that hoard their secrets. Within the pages there is an incredible variety of useful information. We trust you will find the anecdotal yarns provided offer the armchair treasure hunter hours of reading enjoyment. The writers have included the macabre, often associated ghost-like apparitions and interesting twisted tales of lost treasure. It’s all fun reading and the start of another treasure hunt.

Richard (Rick) C. Schnepf, Editor/Publisher

The Back Roads To Treasure is 6” x 9” soft cover format, perfect bound, 208 black and white pages with photos and illustrations. Cover price: $19.95 U.S./ $23.95 Canada plus $3.95 shipping & handling. ISBN 978-0-9749971-4-8
This work is available from Graphic Image Publications • 2363 Teller Road • Suite 118 • Newbury Park, CA 91320, Tele: 1-805-375-7777 • Fax 1-805-375-7778, e-mail graphicimage454@verizon.net