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1973 Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt

Submitted by Joe Medallion (not verified) on

Found by a quartet of college students, three of whom hailed from Mankato on Saturday morning after the 13th clue had been published.

Hunt Information
Dates
Scheduled Dates
Sunday, January 28, 1973
Find Date
Saturday, February 3, 1973
Finders
Name
Michael Hurley
Name
Chris Bunde
Name
Todd Bunde
Name
Jim Zielinski
Prize
Maximum Prize
$2,500
Awarded Prize
$2,500
Location
General Location
Phalen Park
Pinpointed Location
Near Light Pole # 13 on the Pavilion Parking Lot
Concealer
Cemented into a closet rod bracket

44.9893, -93.0591

Clues
Clue 1
Published Date
Sunday, January 28, 1973, 12:00 AM

On public property with easy access,
Warnings against damage we strongly express.
All areas involved in treasure seeking,
Leave unharmed and in good keeping.

The official meaning of the clue.

Merely confirms that the medallion was on public property.

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Clue 2
Published Date
Monday, January 29, 1973, 12:00 AM

While saluting western horizons as carnival theme,
A superstition of numbers keeps us on the beam.
Parking lots, oak trees, and no entrance sign
Mark spaces surrounding the prize we define.

The official meaning of the clue.

Referred to the light pole number 13, the parking lot next to the bandstand, oak trees nearby, and a "no entrance" sign on a service road at the site.

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Clue 3
Published Date
Monday, January 29, 1973, 4:00 PM

A dark tower in the distant east,
Of important clues is not the least.
Also a wave conductor up high,
Among homes and apartments near by.

The official meaning of the clue.

The dark Whirlpool water tower and large aerial on a nearby house, both visible to the east.

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Clue 4
Published Date
Tuesday, January 30, 1973, 12:00 AM

Interesting area protected and low,
Ideal for taking the family in tow.
Structures of wood and cement that span,
Solve this puzzle according to plan.

The official meaning of the clue.

The picnic island formed by lagoon below site, two wooden bridges and three concrete bridges, all near the site.

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Clue 5
Published Date
Tuesday, January 30, 1973, 4:00 PM

Edward, a name we relate to kings,
Land claims of old to our mind brings.
Surname with various ways to spell.
Reveals a clue that serves us well.

The official meaning of the clue.

Edward was the first name of Mr. Phalen who had land near the lake. His name was spelled many different ways on official records.

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Clue 6
Published Date
Wednesday, January 31, 1973, 12:00 AM

The direction moves and curves to the west,
Where land meets water does the rest.
All is covered by ice and snow,
The treasure waits as you drive and go.

The official meaning of the clue.

West Shore Drive runs along the site and curves east to west and the lagoon and the covered treasure.

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Clue 7
Published Date
Wednesday, January 31, 1973, 4:00 PM

North, South, East and West
The rising sun directs us best.
In scenic spot the treasure hides,
Sharing a landscape that nature prides.

The official meaning of the clue.

Placed it on the East side of St. Paul by the lagoon.

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Clue 8
Published Date
Thursday, February 1, 1973, 12:00 AM

A broad drive with strip dividing,
Trees and grass and beauty providing.
An old type gunlock sparks this clue,
Entrance at an angle is open to you.

The official meaning of the clue.

Refers to Wheelock Parkway, closest to the diagonal entry to the park. An old type gunlock was known as a "wheelock".

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Clue 9
Published Date
Thursday, February 1, 1973, 4:00 PM

Think summer, picnics, and parking places,
Sporting supplies and playground spaces.
Tasty refreshments of food and drink,
All these clues form a perfect link.

The official meaning of the clue.

Puts it in Phalen Park, near the picnic grounds on lagoon island, by pavilion with food service and the golf course pro shop.

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Clue 10
Published Date
Friday, February 2, 1973, 12:00 AM

The sixteenth alphabet letter it tops,
Giving information that never stops.
Use this letter in clues that count,
Your winning chances will surely mount.

The official meaning of the clue.

The letter "P" as in Phalen, parking, park, parkway, picnic area, and pavilion

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Clue 11
Published Date
Friday, February 2, 1973, 4:00 PM

A band of water meets the land,
Bridging the distance where we stand.
Communicating with a larger body,
Makes our solution a bit more knotty.

The official meaning of the clue.

The lagoon, the lake, and the bridge again.

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Clue 12
Published Date
Saturday, February 3, 1973, 12:00 AM

The prize medallion is buried in the snow
Secured in a bracket that winds cannot blow.
At Como or Highland your efforts are failin'
North of pavilion your hopes are sailin'.

The official meaning of the clue.

The medallion was cemented in a bracket for a closet rod on a spot north of the main pavilion.

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Clue 13
Published Date
Saturday, February 3, 1973, 4:00 PM

Number thirteen attached to a light pole,
In solving this case plays a lucky role.
Walk southeast thirteen paces from here,
Making final directions of treasure hunt clear.

The official meaning of the clue.

Light pole No. 13 with medallion 13 paces southeast from pole.

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