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1965 Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt

Submitted by Joe Medallion (not verified) on

Found by Mrs. Gene Swenson, Mrs. Jack Martinson, and Mrs. John Thurber in Como Park, after 12 clues.

Hunt Information
Dates
Scheduled Dates
Saturday, January 23, 1965
Find Date
Saturday, January 30, 1965
Finders
Name
Mrs. Gene Swensen
Name
Mrs. Jack Martinson
Name
Mrs. John Thurber
Prize
Maximum Prize
$2,000
Awarded Prize
$1,000
Location
General Location
Como Park
Pinpointed Location
100 paces east of the Larry Ho plaque
Concealer
A block of printer's lead

44.9791, -93.1508

Clues
Clue 1
Published Date
Saturday, January 23, 1965, 6:00 PM

Come join a winter jubilee,
All who seek treasure admitted free.
The medallion is hidden, of this news be glad.
In St. Paul our city a prize to be had.

The official meaning of the clue.

Indicates the medallion was hidden within the city limits.

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Clue 2
Published Date
Sunday, January 24, 1965, 6:00 PM

"Fun & Frolics" is our Carnival theme
Your job is to search and not to dream.
There are circling roads that bend and wind,
A clue to bring action, the prize to find.

The official meaning of the clue.

Described the parkway roads in Como park at the treasure location.

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Clue 3
Published Date
Sunday, January 24, 1965, 6:00 PM

The Vulcan and his men utter many whoops and yips,
As they smooch the lovely girls and smudge them with their lips.
Some distance from the hiding place and high up in the air,
Are stacks, that pour forth sooty smoke by more than just a pair.

The official meaning of the clue.

Described the smoke stacks of the Northern Pacific Railway and Koppers Coke Co. south of the treasure site.

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Clue 4
Published Date
Monday, January 25, 1965, 6:00 PM

Signal lights may be seen from the treasure site,
Giving flashing directions by day and by night.
Should this hunt seem too tricky don't loudly complain,
But just use your head and your temper restrain.

The official meaning of the clue.

Described the traffic signals on the corner of Lexington Parkway and Horton Avenue, which were visible from the hiding place.

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Clue 5
Published Date
Monday, January 25, 1965, 6:00 PM

In an area made for activities of play,
Away from private property we direct all to stay.
Of scenic beauty we surely can boast,
Slopes with tall trees are seen most.

The official meaning of the clue.

Described the ball field at Como, the treasure was not on private property, and the tall trees and scenic beauty of the treasure site.

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Clue 6
Published Date
Tuesday, January 26, 1965, 6:00 PM

For good habits, traffic and direction there are signs,
Aids to safety and cleanliness each one reminds.
Follow the commands of Great Boreas our king,
Family fun and reward he has promised to bring.

The official meaning of the clue.

Referred to a number of signs in the treasure area - "Do not litter," "Yield," and "Como Park Swimming Pool".

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Clue 7
Published Date
Tuesday, January 26, 1965, 6:00 PM

Suppose old man winter continued to blow.
Covering letters and numerals with snow;
Leotards, snuggles or red flannels or wool,
May ease the effort for that long last pull.

The official meaning of the clue.

Referred to the Larry Hodgson plaque containing letters and numerals.

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Clue 8
Published Date
Wednesday, January 27, 1965, 6:00 PM

In days of old when pirates roamed the shore,
Searching for chests for loot galore,
Many clues were used to mark the spot,
But never a place where police work a lot.

The official meaning of the clue.

Describes Park Police Headquarters building at Horton Avenue and Lexington Parkway which are visible from the treasure site.

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Clue 9
Published Date
Wednesday, January 27, 1965, 6:00 PM

Music and lakes, golf courses and pools,
Give pleasure to students on vacation from schools.
Buttons, balloons and gay Ice Capades,
Lend laughter and fun to winter parades.

The official meaning of the clue.

Indicated Como Park, the band pavilion, the only city park that has the combination of a golf course, lake, and swimming pool.

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Clue 10
Published Date
Thursday, January 28, 1965, 6:00 PM

North from the place where the secret is buried,
Many pictures are taken of couples just married.
A bridge can be seen in an easterly direction.
There for your safety, convenience and protection.

The official meaning of the clue.

Referred to the Como Park Conservatory where many wedding parties are photographed and the Lexington Parkway bridge going over the old street car track bed.

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Clue 11
Published Date
Thursday, January 28, 1965, 6:00 PM

Surrounding the goal in wide spaces around
Recreational facilities in number abound.
There is a structure for refreshment and rest,
Where players and spectators can feel at their best.

The official meaning of the clue.

Referred to the two ball fields, tennis courts, the blue canopy-type structure used for picnics, and the stands for baseball spectators.

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Clue 12
Published Date
Friday, January 29, 1965, 6:00 PM

Find the name of a poet, a statesman and friend,
Come locate a plaque and the quest will end.
One hundred paces due east from the mark,
Mary will rhyme with the name in the park.

The official meaning of the clue.

Described the plaque in memory of Lawrence Hodgson (Larry Ho), former mayor of St. Paul, and indicated that the medallion was 100 paces east of the plaque.

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Clue 13

The medallion is fastened secure in a base
That's heavy as lead and will help solve this case.
At Como walk east from the Larry Ho plaque,
One hundred paces, the booty to track.

The official meaning of the clue.

Explained the medallion was embedded in a heavy lead base used in printing and specifically pointed out that the treasure was in Como Park, 100 paces east of the Lawrence Hodgson plaque.

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