In 2002 Franklin and Bette Lee wrote clues to direct hunters to Cherry Park. They used the first letter of each clue to spell out CHERRY. However, on day 2, it was found my mistake, taped under the jungle-gym by a young girl, who was playing at the park. Her parents claimed the prize of $200. My clues this year honor Franklin, my friend and former Clue-Master that taught me how this event works. Franklin passed away June 12th 2017. That obituary is here. I went through hunts from past years and drew out words and phrases that they frequently used like “Threw a show” and “beloved ground”. These clues were written in the style of their writing.
The Shoe was found in the middle of the field side (west side) of the brand new “Wheeler Park” which is alongside Jefferson Parkway and Prairie. Last years winners, Jamin and Melissa Taylor found it again (2 consecutive years), this year with their new team members, Paul and Melissa Bernhard. These 4 are a powerhouse, with their tenacity, smarts and years of hunting experience, not to mention many kids to help in the searching. They are out every year, every day, all day long. Melissa Bernhard’s button was used to claim the prize and was registered. They will be splitting up the $1400 grand prize. Please read more to learn how they did it and what the clues meant.
So what do they mean?
How do you point people to Wheeler park without saying anything close to the word Wheeler? Well, each clue started with a letter that spelled this out. And yes, the last clue on day 6 would start with “ER” (see below). But, as people asked me for a hint all year prior, I promised I’d be using history and facts related to the robbery and the James-Youngers experience in Northfield and beyond. In fact, my favorite book on the raid is by Mark Lee Gardner. It’s a newer (2013) book called “Shot all to Hell”. And, coincidentally, after I started writing the clues around facts in this book, I learned that Mark will be in town for Defeat Days promoting his new book, which is a graphic novel based on his book. Really, that wasn’t planned.