Page 8-A
Tar Heel Spotlight
As of the first of 1975,
Americans are again permitted
to own gold.
Since 1984, American citizens
have been prohibited from
owning gold except for that in
jewelry and coins of
numismatic value.
However, a century-and-a
half ago, North Carolina
minted gold coins
were the favorite means
in Tar Heel transactions.
In the early days of gold
usage in North Carolina, the
state could boast the first
discovery of gold and the
minting of the first gold dollar.
Also for 50 years, North
Carolina was the principal gold
producing area of the United
States, and for a few years, the
source of all the gold produced in
the country.
Many of these “firsts” are
due to a German emigrant,
Christopher Bechtler, and his
son, Augustus, “minters,
miners, and jewelers.”
Christopher Bechtler came to
Rutherfordton, N. C. from
Germany in 1830. He and his son
had arrived in New York two
years earlier and then made
their way to Rutherfordton by
way of Philadelphia, where
they’d stopped to begin the
process of naturalization.
Immediately placing an
advertisement in the
newspapers, the father and son
began their jewelry business in
a shop attached to their home
four miles north of
Rutherfordton.
At that time, a “gold rush”
was on in the area. (In fact,
between 1804 and 1827, North
Carolina mines had been the
source of all the gold produced
in the United States.)
However, thenearestmint was
at Philadelphia, many
hazardous miles away. To
facilitate trading, area panners
began to have Bechtler assay
and coin their gold. With the
sanction of the government he
began making $5, $2.50 and $1
gold pieces, which became
more widely accepted than the
very scarce United States
currency.
Some of the coins were of
different colors and weights, but
each contained the precise
amount of gold. The
discrepancy was explained: the
metal workers used the exact
quantity of gold to bring their
coins up to the gold standard,
and some gold was inferior to
that of other localities. It is said
that Georgia gold was of a
superior quality to some of that
mined in North Carolina.
Likewise, the color of the gold
differed from locality to locality
with that from Georgia and some
parts of central North Carolina,
a bright yellow color. That of
the North Carolina mountain
range and some South Carolina
was a dull color.
Scrupulously honest and
conscientious, Betchler gained
a reputation for quality work
and his coins were
unhesitatingly accepted at face
value anywhere. Settlers and
traders took them out of the
state-many who heeded the
1849 call of gold California
took along their Betchler coins.
At the outbreak of the Civil
War, and the issuance of
Confederate paper money,
Betchler coins were carefully
hoarded, and readily accepted,
since the government had
issued no specie. Even
contracts specified “Betchler
coins.” - I
Each coin bore the stamped
Betchler name and its value.
During his years of minting,
more than s3‘/2 million worth of
gold coins and dust for assay
passed through Betchler’s ]
more than two- ;
) mirds of the total minted into
coins.
DON’T YOU LIVE IN AN
INTERESTING AREA!
<J>
THE MUSEUM OF THE ALBEMARLE
is telling thct story.
During the week of January 12-18,
the first all-out membership drive will
be conducted. You will see compli
mentary tickets and flyers at numerous
places in the area.
The purpose of all this is to invite
you to visit—end then support activi
ties by joining the Museum of the
Albemarle.
So much can be done with your help
and interest. , v,
Y'ALL COME!
The Norfolk :& Carolina
Telephone & Telegraph Co.
The “only ‘private mint’ in
Eastern United States,” “and
more gold coinage than
any other mint except the
United States mint” are among
the Betchler claims to fame.
The Betchlers also coined the
first gold dollar minted in the
United States, since the first
. regular series of United States
t dollars was not released until
1849.
The dies for coining were
made by the Betchlers
themselves, one of which is now
in the Museum of History at
Raleigh, and the press is on
display by the American
Numisamatic Society of New
York. The rest of the machinery
is owned by relatives and
scattered in several states.
Betchler’s minting and the
need for it led to the opening of
the government mint in
Charlotte in 1837. However,
Betchler continued his coin and
jewelry business until his death
in 1842, when his son Augustus
took over.
Highly regarded in the state
and elsewhere, Betchler had the
confidence of all who dealt with
him. His maxim, “honesty is
the best policy,” was known to
all, and prompted one man to
write, “Mr. Betchler is
unquestionably a man of
competent science and skill to
assay and bring the gold of the
mines to a standard value, in
the form of coin; and we
believe he has the entire
confidence of all who have any
acquaintance with him.”
In all his work, Christopher
Betchler was assisted by his son
Augustus who carried on much
of his father’s work.
However, Augustus
apparently found more profit in
the jewelry business than
coinage, and the coinage
declined after Christopher’s
death.
The gold finds in California in
1849 caused a further decline in
the gold industry of North
Carolina and in the Bechler
businesses.
Although Bechtler coined
more than s2Vfe million worth of
coins, they are extremely rare
today. The few exisiting ones
are held by families as
keepsakes and heirlooms. The
Mint Museum of Charlotte has a
collection, and the Museum of
History, a few of thecoins. At the
1837 establishment of the mint
at Charlotte, many owners had
their Bechtler coins melted and
recoined.
Other coins passed out of the
country in the course of trade,
and in 1870 s large quantities
were brought by speculators
who had them recoined.
In 1847 Augustus followed his
father to the grave,' and
Bechtler’s nephew Christopher
took over the business of coining
and operating the jewelry shop.
However, the younger
Christopher lacked the honesty,
integrity and industry of his
talented uncle. He “did not
adhere to the highest standards,
according to one observer.
Christopher moved to
Spartanburg. In the 1850’s
and thus died the Betch
ler business.
Today nothing remains.in
Rutherfordton of the Bechtler
gold coining operation. The
house on the knoll and the shop
adjacent long ago burned. At
their deaths, Christopher and
his son were buried on the
Bechtler property.
Later, however, relatives had
the remains reinterred
“somewhere up North,” so
today nothing remains of the
Bechtler’s business. A historic
marker beside US 221 reminds
passersby of the first private
mint in the United States
and the Bechtlers who “died
poor but honest.”
|H f ft ■Hm
SECTION COMPLETED—Bobby W. Kenny, left, and Adam Cofield are shown
displaying some of the items used in a section of African studies in a social studies
class at D. F. Walker Junior High School. Vivian Trent is the teacher for the class.
High-efficiency air conditioner
cools more, helps save energy
High-efflciency air condi
tioning is something almost
everybody has heard of, yet
few really understand. Bas
ically, it is a term applied
to air conditioners which
produce more cooling per
watt of electricity consumed
than standard air condi
tioners of the same capacity.
Cooling is measured in
BTU’s (British Thermal
Units). The ratio of BTU’s
per watt is called the En
ergy Efficiency Ratio, or
E. E. R. Air conditioners
which produce eight or
more BTU’s of cooling per
watt (hence an E. E. R. of
8 or higher) are considered
by G.E. to be high-efficiency.
High-efflciency units by
G.E. cost less to operate
than other G.E. models of
comparable cooling capaci
ties, and help conserve
power. However, they are
generally heavier and more
expensive to build and buy
than other models of equal
cooling capacity.
General Electric calls its
high-efflciency air condi
tioners Watt-Wise Hi-
Economy models and offers
11 different models to meet
all practical installations
and applications in capaci
ties ranging from 5,500-to
27,000-BTUH, including one
model—a 6,000-BTUH Slide-
Aire built especially for
sliding windows.
Within its line of high
efficiency units, G.E. offers
seven models which can be
mounted in a window or
through the wall.
These models have solid
sided metal cases which
make them particularly
suited for through-the-wall
installations: models in this
category range from 6,000
to 19,000-BTUH capacities.
Two of the Watt-Wise Hi-
Economy models, a 5,500-
"There’s
- nothingl
can do. I’m just
one person?’
Do you really think God is going to
let you get away with that?
v ,l .>
91
If you feel one person is too insignificant to help
make the world a better place, then work together
with others at your local church or synagogue.
Example: in Montana, one congregation was dis
turbed by the lack of adequate leasing for senior
citizens in the area. Through in perseverance, a
non-profit building with 111 homes is now a re
ality. There are lots of things you can do, too. The
God we worship expects more from us than sym
pathy and good intentions.
Start treating your brothers and sisters
EM Mne brothers and sisters.
BONI A Pubic Service of ■
“21 Ttw Newspaper 4
The Adverfsing Council \jQ|j)c9
TftE CHOWAN HERALD
IT
v \i •• wBkI
HIGH-EFFICIENCY AIR CONDITIONERS, such us this 6000-
BTI'H Slidc-Aire model hy General Electric, are available even
for sliding windows.
BTUH Slumberline bedroom
unit and 7,600-BTUH Fash
ionairp, are equipped with
durable outdoor i weather
side) cases molded of
Lexan 11 resin which can’t
rust and catry a tenTyear
parts and service labor
replacement warranty
against failure due to a
manufacturing defect.
GE’s largest Watt-Wise
Hi-Economy model is the
giant capacity 27,000-BTUH
Dual Thrust model for large
residential or light commer
cial areas.
Like all General Electric
room air conditioners, the
Watt-Wise Hi-Economy
models are covered by a
one-year parts and service
labor repair warranty on
the entire unit, with an
additional four-year parts
and service labor repair on
the sealed refrigerating
system.
A pretty girl makes a lot of
men feel younger.
f w
CHINCHILLAS?
Opportunity to earn
$5,000.00 to $20,000.00
per year if you qualify
For mon detail information,
writ* giving name, age, occu
potion and phone to:
SOUTHERN FUR MART
P. O. Box 873 &
Roswell, Georgia 30075
Phone 404-993-1837
.Car
msurance:
Paying too much for too ittle?
Our complete coverage may cost less than
you're now paying. Call a Nationwide agent today
for details.
||f| m
W" J1 J JOE THORUD
j| . 407 South Bread Street
EDENTON, N. C.
Phone 482-2121
■^[■NATIONWIDE
INSURANCE
N>ti his y | | Comp*ty
Horn* OMce: CofumDu*. OMt
saags?
PROPERTY
PROTECTION
Prepared by The Society of
Chartered Property t Caeualty
Underwriter!, the national pro
fessional society wtioee mem
ber* have earned the CPCU
dMlanatton bv iwtlno hfoh
•ducatkmal, tthical and axpa
riftfica requirements.
icpcu
1 1 »«■ ■Klin H cartac. ....t.YY
U . CASUALTY UNACAMfAITIAA
Q. My Dad’s always paid for
my car insurance and I guess
I’ve always taken things like
that for granted. Now that I’m
paying for my own, my interest
in auto insurance knows no
bounds. Just what I’m paying
for and how am I protected?
A. A good question. Actual
ly, there are five types of
coverage to protect you from
financial loss.
Liability Insurance: Protects
you against loss caused by
damage to others or their
property. If ybu have caused
an accident and are judged to
be at fault, your liability insur
ance covers this.
Collision Insurance: Protects
you against loss when your car
hits another car or object. It
covers only the car, and losses
are subject to the deductible
amount which is stated in your
policy.
Comprehensive Insurance:
Protects you against loss
caused by damage to your car
from most sources other than
collision, depreciation and
normal wear and tear. It covers
fire, theft, hail, storm, vanda
lism and glass breakage.
Medical Payments: Medical
coverage will take care of
medical expenses for all per
sons injured in your automobile
without regard to fault, up to
the limits specified in the
policy.
Uninsured Motorist: Protects
, you and your passengers in the
event of bodily injury caused
by an uninsured, financially
irresponsible or hit-and-run
driver. It does not pay for
damage to your car. Your
collision coverage takes care of
that.
Some people believe that to
look down a well on May
Day will reveal your future
spouse’s face.
Legal Notices
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed proposals will be received
by the Shepard-Pruden Memorial
Library in the Library Building, 104
W. Water-Street, Edenton, N.C. up to
3:30 P.M. Thursday, February 4,
1975, and immediately thereafter
publicly opened and read for the
furnishing of labor, material, and
equipment entering into the
construction of certain alterations
and improvements to the Library
Building.
The work consists of constructing
new steel stair to the present
unfinished second floor space; to
finish partial are of second floor with
floor of vlnyl-asbesto tile and walls
and ceilings of gypsum wallboard
and to provide lighting and heating
and air conditioning of this area.
Proposals will be received for a
single contract to inlcude general
construction, and air
conditioning and electrical work.
Bidders are requested to state in
their proposals the principal
subcontractors they will employ in
the event that their proposal is
accepted.
Proposed forms of contract
documents, including plans and
specifications are on file at the
Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library,
104 W. Water Street and Carr,
Harrison, Pruden & DePasquale,
Architects, 111 Corcoran Street,
Durham, N. C.
Copies of the documents may be
obtained by those qualified to and!
who will submit proposals upon
deposit of SIO,OO with *h# Shepard
PrvMn Memorial Library, tot W.
Water Street, Edenton. N. C.
Deposits shell be in cash, or
certified checks. Thefull deposit will
be returned to those submitting a
bone fide proposal provided plans
and specifications are returned to
the OWner in good condition within
five days attar the date set for
receiving bids.
All Contractors are hereby
notified that they must have proper
license under the State laws
governing their respective trades.
Genreal Contractors are notified
that Chapter $7, Article 1, General
Statutes of North Carolina, will be
observed In receiving and awarding
general contracts.
Each proposal shall ba
accompanied by a cash deposit or a
certified check drawn on some bank
or trust company Insured by the
Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, of an amount oqual to
not less than 5 per capt of the
proposal or in lieu thereof e bidder
may otter a bid bond of S per cent of
the bid executed by a surety
company licensed under the laws of
North Carolina to execute the
contract in accordance with the bid
bond, and upon failure to torth-wlth
make payment, the surety shall pay
to the obligee an amount equal to
double the amount of said bond. Said
deposit shall be retained by the
Owner as liquidated damages
in event of failure of the successful
bidder to execute the contract within
ten days after the award or to give
satisfactory surety as required by
law. Performance and Payment
Bond will be required tor one
hundred per cent of the contract
price..
Payment wilt be made on the basis
of ninety five per cent of monthly
estimates end final payment made
30 days after completion and
acceptance of work. No bid may be
withdrawn after the scheduled
closing time for the receipt of bids
tor a period of 30 days.
Tha Owner reserves the right to
reject all bids and to waive
informalities.
Thomas H. Shepard,
Chairman Shepard-Pruden
Memorial Library
Carr, Harrison, Pruden &
DePasquale, Architects .
11l Corcoran Street
Durham, North Carolina 27702
Jan.9,l4c.
AOMINSTRATOR CTA NOTICE
Having qualified as Administrator
CTAot the estate of Willie H. Bunch,
late of Chowan County, North
Carolina, this is to notify all persons
holding claims against the estate of
said deceased to present them to the
undersigned on or before the 17th
day of July, 1975, or this notice will
be pleaded In bar of any recovery
thereon. All persons indebted to said
estate will please make immediate
payment.
This 3rd day of January, 1975.
William* C. Bunch
Executor of The Estate
of Willie H. Bunch Deceased.
Jan. 14,23,30, Feb.4c.
IN THE GENERAL
COURT OF JUSTICE
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
BEFORE THE CLERK
ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTICE
Having qualified as Administrator
of the estate of Betty Pierce Garrett,
late of Chowan County, North
Carolina, this is to notify all persons
holding claims against the estate of
said deceased to present them to the
undersigned on or before the 17th
day of July, 1975, or this notice will
bo pleaded In bar of,tat recovery
theraon. All parsons indabtod to said
• DAILY SPECIAL! e
Freshly Roasted Salted
PEANUTS
TRY SOME TODAY!
UMBO’S JUMBOS
INDUSTRIAL PARK
EDENTON, N. C. PHONE 482-2193
***********************
* *
I KARATE 3 !
! f •
if NOW IN EDENTON FOR THE FIRST TIME, if
Ts Professional Black Bell Instruction is avail- jf
able for everyone of 8 ysars and above. )f
J Master Soman Koyasu sth Degree Black f
J Belt—Zen—Nippon Karate-Do Fed. and 'all f
* Japan Karate. Do Fed. also teaching Na f
Pua Lima Lama Kung-Fu. J
* LEARN
J • Self Defense If
* • Zen Meditation 5
J t Weight Control J
J • Physical Conditioning J
Classes to bo held at the National Guard J
>f Armory on Broad Street beginning Sunday +
j January 19th from 5.-00 to 7:00 P. M. and
f Friday, January 24th 7:00 to MO P. M. J
* COST: J
▼ $25.00 a Month For Twico a Week if
if $12.50 a Month For One* a Week ji
J TWICE A WEEK STUDENTS MAY ALSO jt
J TRAIN IN WILLIAMSTON, PLYMOUTH *
AND AHOSKIE *
I Uniforms Not Mandatory But Available J
J at $15.00 ' K
I FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION J
1 Call 3334567 Ahoskia I
l WOMEN WELCOME M
*** + A eeeewwxwAxjM.
rnwradty, January 16,1975
estate will ptoaoe make immediate
payment.
This 9th day of January, 1975
Oilbart Garrett
Administrator of The Estate
of Jetty Pierce Garrett
Deceased.
Jan, 14,23 Jo,Fab.4c.
IN THE GENERAL
COURT OP JUSTICE -
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
BEFORE THE CLERK
ADMINISTRATOR'S NOTICE
Having qualified as
Administratrix of the estate of
Jessie Fleming, late of Chowan
County, North Carolina, this is to
notify all parsons holding claims
against the estate of said deceased
to present them to the undersigned
on or before the 3rd day of July, 1975,
or this notice will be pleaded In bar
of recovery theraon. All parsons
Indebted to said estate will please
make immediate payment.
This 23 day of December, 1974.
Martha Lee Flaming
Administratrix of
The Estate of Jessie Fleming
Deceased.
Jpn.2,9,14,23pd.
IN THE GENERAL
COURT OP JUSTICE
SUPERIOR COURT DIVISION
BEFORE THE CLERK
EXECUTOR'S NOTICE
Having qualified as Executor of
thebstateof Goldie L. Nlblett, late of
Chowan County, North Carolina, this
is to notify all persons holding
claims against the estate of said
deceased to present them to the
undersigned on or before the 3 day of
July, 1975, or this notice will be
pleaded In bar of any recovery
thereon. All persons indebted to said
estate will please make immediate
payment.
This IS day of December, 1974.
Kermit L. Layton, Sr.
Executor of The Estate of
Goldie L. Niblett Deceased.
Dec.24,Jan.2,9,14c.
ADMINISTRATOR CTA
Having qualified as
administratrix of the estate of
Joseph Elmer Rogers on, late of
Chowan County, North Carolina, this
Is to notify all persons holding
claims against the estate of said
deceased to present them to the
undersigned on or before the 14th
day of July, 1975, or this notice will
be pleaded in bar of any recovery
thereon. All persons indebted to said
estate will please make immediate
payment.
This 3rd day of January, 1975.
Violet H Rogerson
Administratrix of The Estate
of J. Elmer Rogerson
Deceased.
Jan. 14,23,30, Feb.4pd.
NOTICE
January 14, 1975
The Chowan County Sheriff's
Department will offer for sale to the
highest bidder on sealed bids a 1972
4door Chevrolet, Serial Number
1L49H2Y137532. All bids should be
mailed -to Mrs. Bertha Bunch,
Register of Deeds, Chowan County
Courthouse. Bids will be opened at
2:00 P.M. on Friday, January 31,
1975. All bids should be marked "Car
Bids".
This car may be Inspected at the
Chowan County Sheriff's
Department at any time.
NOTE: Chowan County reserves
the right to reject any and all bids.
Troy Toppin, Sheriff
Chowan County
Jan. 14,23 c.