1990 Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt

Submitted by Joe Medallion (not verified) on Sun, 01/15/2012 - 2:16 PM

Found by Christine Nelson, Paulette Arneson and Gayle Kermode in front of the torpedo monument at Como Park near Lake Como. It was wrapped in clay and grass. The three women were on their lunch hour from work – one was wearing a mink coat, another a full-length leather jacket. "I had the cheap coat, so I put the dirty clump in my pocket," Kermode said. "I figured for $4,000, I could wash my hands and get my coat cleaned."

Hunt Information

Dates

Scheduled Dates

Sunday, January 28, 1990

Find Date

Thursday, February 1, 1990

Finders

Name

Christine Nelson

Name

Paulette Arneson

Name

Gayle Kermode

Prize

Maximum Prize

$4,000

Awarded Prize

$4,000

Location

General Location

Como Park

Pinpointed Location

Pointed at by the torpedo monument

Concealer

In a clump of clay and grass

44.9796, -93.1447

Clues

Clue 1

Published Date

Saturday, January 27, 1990, 6:00 PM

Think of a kingdom
With Boreas at the helm.
The treasure you seek
Is right in this realm.

The official meaning of the clue.

Boreas' kingdom refers to the city of St. Paul.

Clue Rating

Clue 2

Published Date

Sunday, January 28, 1990, 6:00 PM

There's many a place
For picnics or sport
And also a spot
For kids to cavort.

The official meaning of the clue.

Como Park has picnic spots and a number of recreational activities. It also features carnival rides.

Clue Rating

Clue 3

Published Date

Sunday, January 28, 1990, 6:00 PM

While the actual spot
we dare not reveal,
we can mention a place
For many a wheel.

The official meaning of the clue.

The "place for many a wheel" refers to the parking lot adjacent to the treasure site.

Clue Rating

Clue 4

Published Date

Monday, January 29, 1990, 6:00 PM

This is no time
To mow your grass;
But start looking for some
Whether you're laddie or lass.

The official meaning of the clue.

This clue refers to the fact that the medallion is wrapped in grass.

Clue Rating

Clue 5

Published Date

Monday, January 29, 1990, 6:00 PM

Not all fish
Are meant to be caught.
To solve this riddle,
Just give it some thought.

The official meaning of the clue.

The "fish" in this clue refers to the Navy's nickname for a torpedo. Such a weapon is displayed near the treasure's hiding place.

Clue Rating

Clue 6

Published Date

Tuesday, January 30, 1990, 6:00 PM

Consider a fairly decent amount
Of English legal tender.
The treasure you seek is not so far,
That's something to remember.

The official meaning of the clue.

"A fairly decent amount of English legal tender" is the British pound. The dog pound borders Como Park.

Clue Rating

Clue 7

Published Date

Tuesday, January 30, 1990, 6:00 PM

A lovely bloomin' sight
Every month of the year,
And while you can't see it
It's really quite near.

The official meaning of the clue.

The "lovely bloomin' sight" is the Como Park Conservatory.

Clue Rating

Clue 8

Published Date

Wednesday, January 31, 1990, 6:00 PM

An easy-goin' guy
Who used to cut hair;
Just think of his name,
It can help you get there.

The official meaning of the clue.

The "easy goin' guy who used to cut hair" is Perry Como, who was once a barber.

Clue Rating

Clue 9

Water, water everywhere,
In more than one direction.
That's how it was last summer.
Now make your site selection.

The official meaning of the clue.

"Water, water everywhere" refers to Lake Como, the Hamm's Waterfall, the large fountain, and a drinking fountain – all near the treasure site.

Clue Rating

Clue 10

Many a couple
Has stood near our site
While the camera clicked
To their heart's delight.

The official meaning of the clue.

"Many a couple" has stood next to the Gates Ajar floral display for wedding pictures.

Clue Rating

Clue 11

Number 10 Downing Street
Is really not the place.
But simply giving it some thought
Can help you win the race.

The official meaning of the clue.

"Number 10 Downing Street," the residence of Britain's Prime Minister, was home to Winston Churchill for many years. Churchill Street leads to the treasure site.

Clue Rating

Clue 12

A lethal torpedo
Points right to the spot.
Where the treasure is hidden
Near a Como parking lot.

It's all wrapped up
In grass and clay.
You'd better find it now,
'Cause today's your last day.

The official meaning of the clue.

The final clue confirms the location of the treasure and the materials used to hide it.

Clue Rating