Centertown - Che Sera Sera

Centertown - Che Sera Sera

Bedford County, formed in 1754, got its name from the fourth Duke of Bedford, then Secretary of State for Great Britain. The Duke’s family motto was “Che sera, sera” . Doris Day’s signature hit song by that name taught us that “Che sera sera” means “Whatever will be, will be.” Residents of Bedford County suspect that the Duke was a laid-back guy who could relax and, like residents, enjoy life in beautiful Bedford County.

Bedford is best known for its Peaks of Otter mountains, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest home, Smith Mountain Lake, the National D-Day Memorial, and the purported buried Beale Treasure. Less known is another priceless gem: Centertown.

Here is the heart of the Midweek Vacation Capital of Virginia. Here is the government center of City and County , the City/County Museum, good eateries, art and craft galleries, and fascinating shops, such as peterv.com - Hamilton’s -- “the little brick house” at 155 West Main Street.

Motoring tourists who happen by are captivated by Centertown. Now the rest of the world is discovering it via the internet. For example, the Hamilton’s web site, www.peterv.com, is visited more than 500 times a day, by browsers clicking from as far away as Moscow, Russia. Other sites are leading to Centertown organizations, businesses and activities.

Hamilton’s - peterv.com specializes in Bedford history about and by Bedford people. Favorites include books like Peaks of Otter -- Life and Times, The Beale Treasure -- NEW History of a Mystery, Confederate Treasure Coverup, From Slavery to Satellites, and Country Auctioneer. Make your first visit to Bedford by internet. Sit in the comfort of your own home and read book excerpts by clicking on www.peterv.com.

Or better yet, come to Centertown. See the sights. Walk the historical district. Come to 155 West Main St. peterv.com - Hamilton’s, next to the Historic Meeting House. Hold the books in your hand . There are also 2,000 different used books on a range of topics -- mostly hardcover -- priced at a fraction of new ones. There are old toys for sale there, too.

While in historic Centertown, see the classic Court House, look in on the galleries, antique and specialty shops -- and have a cup of coffee or refreshing meal at one of the eateries. Lots to see, with parking close in and less walking than a mall.

Folks charmed by Centertown are also fascinated by a perplexing century-old question: is there now -- or was there ever -- a Beale Treasure buried in Bedford County in 1819 or 1821? Is there really a treasure of gold and silver somewhere in Bedford?

This enigma has consumed treasure hunters and captivated millions of viewers of History Channel, Travel Channel, Fox, BBC, and even a Korean network.

Now, Peter Viemeister, the author-historian described by the Cryptologia Journal as “ likely the most knowledgeable expert on the history and mystery surrounding the Beale treasure” now offers an answer in his newest book, a historical “docudrama”: Confederate Treasure Coverup -- Duty, Honor and Deceit.

The story is a fast moving adventure with carefully researched historical details. Jim Morrison, author of Bedford Goes to War and President of Virginia Writers Club, says the new book is “well-conceived, real feel of authenticity ... suspenseful...”

Audiences, who are tired of movies with gratuitous explosive violence, can identify with the believable and honorable characters who secretly race from besieged Richmond in April 1865, survive attacks, and escape to the mountains where they hide the hoard. They ultimately resolve issues of integrity and charity versus greed and deceit with a surprising conclusion at the turn of the century.

Reporter Elizabeth Overstreet thinks it “would play out well in a movie.” Weyman B. “Sandy” Jones, award-winning New York author, calls it a “Cracking good story.” Ron Gervais, editor of the Beale Ciphers Analyses Newsletter says “ I like it. I recommend it.” Cryptologia says “ fast moving, well written story that will hold your attention.”

Author Barbara Carmer says the story is “compelling”, and wonders “where does the fact end and the fiction begin?” Che sera sera. Come discover and browse Centertown and Bedford County and decide for yourself. News of upcoming events can be found at www.centertownbedford.com.