Robin Stevens, owner of the Gatesville Country Store. photo by Cindy Steele
Majoring in geology at Indiana University, Robin is the ready expert to identify fossils and rocks that are presented to her. A section of the store is devoted to the sale of gold prospecting: specialty tools, supplies, and books.
The Southern Indiana Chapter of The Gold Prospectors Association of America meets on the second Saturday of each month at 1 o’ clock at the shelter house. Local history has fingered it as the ideal location. A gold mine was once in operation on Gold Point Road, less than a mile north of the store. Glacial gold, the tiny glittery specks, was deposited during the ice age, along with bits of gems and minerals amidst monstrous rock mounds. Robin has samples of findings in Salt Creek: copper nuggets, silver, platinum, and even diamond.
The prospectors are having a special outing on June 15 and 16. Registration will begin at 9 a. m. on Saturday and 10 a. m. on Sunday. There will be a raffle at 5 p. m. Organizers expect an
attendance of 60 – 75, with folks coming and going throughout the day. There will be ample seasoned prospectors to demonstrate and talk individually to prospecting newbies and the curious. Loaner panning supplies will be available and“ high bank” equipment will be set up.
The group is versed in current state laws governing prospecting. Rules include: times of day allowed for prospecting; use of non-motorized equipment, such as pan, sluice box, or pick and shovel; no mercury or other chemicals used to assist with the recovery of hard mineral resources; no mussels are taken; and no endangered species are taken.
Rich Luellen, a Hoosier who was investigating metal detecting after retiring, was bitten by the gold bug when he ran across a magazine on gold prospecting. He
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Gold Prospectors Association of America members at the creek in Gatesville. courtesy photo
May / June 2019 • Our Brown County 45