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Treasure hunters bring bounty to Culpeper County
By Anita L. Sherman
Culpeper Times Staff Writer
Ted Smith, Vice-President of Donated Goods at Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, is a newbie to the relic hunter circuit. He joined up with Diggin In Virginia last year for one of their invitational hunts. It was a fortuitous beginning as his registration fee was free thanks to being the holder of the winning raffle ticket. As another hunt came around, Smith was eager to go along but he had an idea to make it even better. With the Culpeper Food Closet in need of donations, Smith approached organizer Rose Kendrick with a plan. What if raffle tickets were given for each can or box of food donated ?the more food brought, the more tickets you would receive and the better your chances at winning the raffle. Kendrick was thrilled from the beginning as all proceeds from previous raffles have gone to various charities in the county where that particular hunt is held. Word quickly spread to the near 500 participants and the response was enthusiastic.
Traditionally, the hunts begin on a Thursday evening and end on a Sunday with a huge BBQ prepared by several chefs behind the grill pulling pork and fixing baked beans along with all the trimmings. The location of the hunt is not revealed until that Thursday.
Coming from all parts of the country, participants converged in the parking lot at Germanna Community College in Culpeper last Thursday lining up with their donations. In the end, 7,435 cans or boxed food items were put in boxes and loaded onto the Goodwill van headed for the food closet at St. Stephens Episcopal Church. In addition, there was over $1,000 in cash donations as well.
"We are so pleased with our guys," said a delighted Rose Kendrick. "They really stepped up to the plate."
Rose and her husband John Kendrick formed Diggin In Virginia six years ago. They had a vision of putting together a group of relic hunters from all over the United States to dig Civil War relics on properties that previously hadn't always welcomed hunters. The Kendricks felt that they could provide a good quality service for those wanting to come and hunt as well as to the land owner.
"Everybody can benefit," said Kendrick who said that they hold hunts twice a year ? one in the fall and one in the spring. Over 270 rooms were booked at four Culpeper hotels including Best Western, Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn and Microtel not to mention the restaurants.
As far as hot spots for relic hunters, Virginia is one of the best sites in the country with its rich Civil War history. Armed with metal detectors, hunters have unearthed a vast array of items from buttons and bullets to belt buckles.
"One year, we had one man who found a buckle valued at $14,000," said Kendrick. Every historical artifact that is recovered is properly marked and identified.
While the main focus of Diggin In Virginia is to offer a three-day event for relic hunters which offers friendship, fun and the opportunity of a unique find, Kendrick is keen on giving back to the community. Since the inception, over $50,000 has been given to local charities.
Diggin in Virginia held its first hunt in March of 2004 on a five-acre parcel in Stafford County with 60 relic hunters. Last Thursday's hunt marked their seventh event with 480 participants scouring over 1,00 0 acres of land at a site in Brandy Station.
Kendrick said that they are always on the hunt for farmers or land owners who are willing to lease their property for the 3-day event. Not every property offered is accepted. John Kendrick conducts extensive research on proposed properties to make sure that there is historical evidence that Civil War battles or other events happened there. But, for those who choose to offer their land, there are benefits.
"We had one owner several years ago who was behind in their taxes," said Kendrick. "By having the hunt on their property, they received enough to take care of that amount and they were very grateful."
Pastor Brad Hales from Reformation Lutheran Church was on hand to bless the donations before they left Germanna. On the way, Ted Smith phoned Dick Rosica who heads up the group of volunteers that runs the Culpeper Food Closet at St. Stephens, that they were on their way.
On the receiving end, Rosica had known that they would be coming and was expecting them. But he wasn't prepared for just what they were bringing. He was overwhelmed. "When they called and said that they would be bringing donations, I said, 'fine, no problem,' I'll have someone there to receive them," said Rosica who was expecting a pickup truck or two. "I almost fainted," said Rosica when the Goodwill van drove up. It was filled to the brim with boxes of food. Rosica and several others worked late into the evening unpacking, sorting and shelving the abundance they received.
The weekend was a wet one but it in no way dampened the spirits of the relic hunters. "It was wonderful," said Kendrick. "They are die hard relic hunters. We sloshed around, got wet but found some rare artifacts."
And the food drive. Everyone was so enthusiastic that they plan to do it again and in a bigger way.
"We have an insurance agent that comes from Baltimore," said Kendrick. "He brought over 500 items himself because he got his office behind it. He's challenged others to do the same."
If you'd like to see what the hunters found, check out their website at www.mytreasurespot.com and go to Diggin In Virginia.
Their next hunt is scheduled in March 2010. It's in Culpeper County and chances are they will be bringing food again.
Diggin in Virginia Info
Diggin In Virginia
John and Rose Kendrick
11215 Cardinal Drive
Remington, Virginia 22734
(540) 439-4111
www.mytreasurespot.com
Next hunt: March 19-21, 2010
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