A BECHTLER HERITAGE CENTER CHRISTMAS

December 4th was no doubt going to be a warm sunny day but some of the towns folk and out-of-town visitors were pondering about how a cold, frosty Christmassy day would be perfectly matched to the charm of the Bechtler home with rooms all aglow, blended into a German celebration….Western North Carolina style of course. All of the ingredients for a delightful and nostalgic afternoon were thoroughly mixed and enjoyed by all who entered.

One by one, guests moved from room to room, amidst simple but elegantly decorated trees, wreaths and fireplace mantels, totally engrossed in the history behind the exhibits, and the story of the North Carolina Gold Rush. Exhibits included the original Coin Press designed and used by Bechtler to mint over $2 million dollars in gold coins, one coin at a time. The press is on loan from the American Numismatic Society in New York. One of two known Bechtler Rifles in existence is prominently on display and music lovers admired Bechtler's 1840s square grand piano.

Children were immersed in learning about the gold history of the area alongside their parents and grandparents as they watched the Bechtler Gold documentary. On display was the largest collection of Bechtler coins — The Norman Jenkins Collection. Betty Jenkins graciously exhibited the collection for this event.

Christopher Bechtler minted America's first one-dollar gold coin, 17 years before the U.S. Mint. The Bechtlers minted more than $2.24 million dollars in gold coins, stimulating commerce in the Southeast leaving a permanent legacy to both Rutherford County and American history.

To read the complete article, see:
Bechtler Heritage Center celebrates Christmas with open house (https://www.thedigitalcourier.com/news/bechtler-heritage-center-celebrates-christmas-with-open-house/article_54d2e236-5081-5f5f-892d-7b01b08ffa32.html)

For more information on the Bechtler Heritage Center, see:
NORTH CAROLINA GOLD TRAIL & BECHTLER HERITAGE CENTER (https://www.visitncgold.com/)
Bechtler House Heritage Center (https://www.visitncgold.com/rutherford.html)

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web