1991 Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt

Submitted by Joe Medallion (not verified) on Sun, 01/15/2012 - 2:48 PM

Found by David and Doug Taylor at Langford Park. The medallion was hidden in a Hostess Sno-Ball. This was a one-shot deal for Langford, a small park tucked in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood more known for its summertime 4th of July celebration and volleyball tournament. This was the first year there wasn't an afternoon edition. Notice how long the first two clues are and the absence of a 12th clue.

Hunt Information

Dates

Scheduled Dates

Wednesday, January 23, 1991

Find Date

Thursday, January 31, 1991

Finders

Name

David Taylor

Name

Doug Taylor

Prize

Maximum Prize

$4,000

Awarded Prize

$4,000

Location

General Location

Langford Park

Pinpointed Location

Near the intersection of Knapp Pl. and Knapp St.

Concealer

Inside a Hostess Sno-Ball

44.9781, -93.1938

Clues

Clue 1

Published Date

Tuesday, January 22, 1991, 6:00 PM

The treasure will be found
In a saintly city,
Just find our medallion
You'll be sitting pretty.

There are places to rest
Or to sit for a bite,
And they're not far away
From the treasure site.

The official meaning of the clue.

"In a saintly city" tells hunters that the medallion is hidden within the city limits of St. Paul. "Places to rest or sit for a bite" refers to park benches and picnic tables near the hiding location.

Clue Rating

Clue 2

Published Date

Wednesday, January 23, 1991, 6:00 PM

Crystal clear clues
Make it child's play to win.
So don't put it off,
Now's the time to begin.

Kids make 'em and throw 'em
For wintertime fun.
There's a sweet reward waiting
If you find the right one!

The official meaning of the clue.

"Child's play" is a reference to the park's playground equipment. "Kids make 'em and throw 'em" and "sweet reward" describe the Hostess brand Sno-Ball in which the medallion was hidden.

Clue Rating

Clue 3

Published Date

Thursday, January 24, 1991, 6:00 PM

Lights of the '90s
and lights of the past,
'Til the next clue comes along
Make this one last.

The official meaning of the clue.

Today's floodlights and old-fashioned lamp posts are described as "lights of the 1990s and lights of the past."

Clue Rating

Clue 4

Published Date

Friday, January 25, 1991, 6:00 PM

There is a game you can win
With an accurate pitch.
This little clue
Can help you get rich.

The official meaning of the clue.

The "game you can win with an accurate pitch" refers to either the horseshoe court or softball field, both of which can be found in the park.

Clue Rating

Clue 5

Published Date

Saturday, January 26, 1991, 6:00 PM

It's the gospel truth
If on the hunt you embark,
You could find the treasure
in a St. Paul park.

The official meaning of the clue.

"The gospel truth" is reference to St. Anthony Park United Methodist Church, which overlooks the park.

Clue Rating

Clue 6

Published Date

Sunday, January 27, 1991, 6:00 PM

Searching eyes will surely behold
A structure that appears to be square.
Just look around carefully, as you are told,
The medallion is not far from there.

The official meaning of the clue.

The "structure that appears to be square" is a four-sided shell near the treasure site.

Clue Rating

Clue 7

Published Date

Monday, January 28, 1991, 6:00 PM

A driving force of ol' St. Paul
Can help you win our game.
So keep on truckin' as you try
To come up with the name.

The official meaning of the clue.

The "driving force of ol' St. Paul" and "truckin'" refer to the city's Ford Motor Co. truck plant – and "ford" is the last half of the park's name.

Our Thoughts

A bit of a reach.

Clue Rating

Clue 8

Published Date

Tuesday, January 29, 1991, 6:00 PM

Think if you will
Of ground at an angle.
And there you have it,
A clue to untangle.

The official meaning of the clue.

The "ground at an angle" is Hillside Avenue, which overlooks the park.

Clue Rating

Clue 9

Published Date

Wednesday, January 30, 1991, 6:00 PM

"Elementary, my dear Watson."
As Sherlock would say.
Just follow this clue
For the Pioneer Press pay.

The official meaning of the clue.

"Elementary" refers to St. Anthony Park Elementary School, which borders the park.

Clue Rating

Clue 10

Phonetically speaking,
You might think of a snooze.
And when you find the treasure,
You'll really make the news.

One is a Perkins,
One is a Quinn.
Think of a first name,
It could help you to win.

The official meaning of the clue.

"Phonetically speaking, you might think of a snooze" tells hunters to think of a nap, which is the phonetic spelling for Knapp Street, a street leading to the park. The first name of both "Perkins" and "Quinn" is Anthony, as in St. Anthony Park.

Clue Rating

Clue 11

Toward the northwest corner of Langford Park
Our treasure will be found.
Search the place, but do not harm
The truly precious ground.

The official meaning of the clue.

This clue pinpoints the exact location of the medallion in Langford Park

Our Thoughts

Also tells diggers to be careful. Unfortunately, diggers are sometimes, shall we say, overzealous. Clumps of sod are not exactly a rarity at late-stage dig sites.

Clue Rating