Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 3, 1990                   TAG: 9005030382
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: STATE 
SOURCE: By Shenandoah bureau
DATELINE: HOT SPRINGS                                LENGTH: Short

REWARD OFFERED IN JEWEL HEIST AT HOMESTEAD

But when the Danville woman went to put some jewelry away in her room at the posh resort hotel last month, she found her jewelry box had disappeared.

The box and all its contents - necklaces, earrings and other items studded with precious gems - were stolen, Williams is convinced.

"It's hard to believe it happened at The Homestead. It's a fantastic place," said Williams of the alleged theft, which hotel officials say involved some $13,000 worth of jewelry.

In an advertisement the Williamses took out in the Roanoke Times & World-News on Tuesday, they offer $1,000 reward for the jewelry's return. Some of the jewelry, Williams said, has sentimental value.

The jewelry theft is only the second reported at the hotel in 25 years, said John Gazzola, spokesman for The Homestead.

"It's so unique we don't know how to size it up. It's just something that doesn't happen at The Homestead very often," Gazzola said.