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1976 Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt

Submitted by Joe Medallion (not verified) on

Found by longtime friends Tom Wecker, Jack Londino, and Mike Moncrief on Friday morning after 10 clues.

Hunt Information
Dates
Scheduled Dates
Sunday, January 25, 1976
Find Date
Friday, January 30, 1976
Finders
Name
Tom Wecker
Hometown
Saint Paul
Name
Jack Londino
Hometown
Saint Paul
Name
Mike Moncrief
Hometown
Saint Paul
Prize
Maximum Prize
$2,500
Awarded Prize
$2,500
Location
General Location
Keller Park
Pinpointed Location
Underneath the roots of the first tree south of the bridge to the island
Concealer
In a "Y" shaped tree branch

45.0075, -93.0586

Clues
Clue 1
Published Date
Saturday, January 24, 1976, 6:00 PM

Here's wishing you luck
In your quest for the treasure
A public spot's the place
It's a seasonal pleasure.

The official meaning of the clue.

Indicates medallion is hidden on a public spot ... seasonal pleasure means the spot is a picnic grounds used during summer.

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Clue 2
Published Date
Sunday, January 25, 1976, 6:00 PM

A well traveled road
Is right near the spot
We can't tell you more
But this means a lot.

The official meaning of the clue.

"A well traveled road" refers to Highway 61.

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Clue 3
Published Date
Sunday, January 25, 1976, 6:00 PM

Use your dome as you search
For the hidden treasure's spot
Trees abound around the loot
Find it and win a lot.

The official meaning of the clue.

"Dome" refers to a dome shaped picnic shelter in the area; also "trees abound" means there are many trees in the area.

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Clue 4
Published Date
Monday, January 26, 1976, 6:00 PM

All bridgework isn't dental
As you can plainly see.
This clue is in the area
Where the treasure's sure to be.

The official meaning of the clue.

"Bridgework" is the clue word and refers to the fact that there's a footbridge in the area.

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Clue 5
Published Date
Monday, January 26, 1976, 6:00 PM

When Indians gathered together
They called it a special name.
Lots of people gather here
And call it exactly the same.

The official meaning of the clue.

"When Indians gathered together they called it a special name" ...The name would be a Pow Wow, Keller picnic grounds is one of the most popular pow wow spots in the St. Paul area.

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Clue 6
Published Date
Tuesday, January 27, 1976, 6:00 PM

Some trees bark, like the dogwood
While others merely cry.
You'll find a lot of the latter
If only you will try.

The official meaning of the clue.

"While others merely cry" refers to many weeping willow trees at the site.

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Clue 7
Published Date
Tuesday, January 27, 1976, 6:00 PM

Water, water everywhere
But not a drop to drink.
It's frozen hard right now, you see,
But it still can help you think.

The official meaning of the clue.

"Water, water everywhere" indicates area surrounded by water. Although frozen now, it's an island during the summer.

Our Thoughts

"Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink" is oft-made misquote of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798) by poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1772-1834). In the poem, the line is "Water, water everywhere, nor any drop to drink". Its interesting to note that the first two lines of this clue have been used in many a hunt in other cities.

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Clue 8
Published Date
Wednesday, January 28, 1976, 6:00 PM

A building like those of World War II
Stands not far away.
It's fairly close to the treasure site
And being close by can pay.

The official meaning of the clue.

"A building like those of World War II" refers to the quonset building across Highway 61 by the lower part of the Keller golf course.

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Clue 9
Published Date
Wednesday, January 28, 1976, 6:00 PM

A block or so from where you'll stand
At the site of the valued treasure,
People aim for holes and flags
In search of summer pleasure.

The official meaning of the clue.

"People aim for holes and flags" pinpoints Keller Golf Course directly across the highway from site.

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Clue 10
Published Date
Thursday, January 29, 1976, 6:00 PM

Snowmobiles aren't welcome here,
But fun-lovin' people are.
That's why it's crowded during the summer
When they cross over by foot, not car.

The official meaning of the clue.

"Snowmobilers aren't welcome here" refers to no snowmobiling signs in the area. Also another clue "When they cross over by foot, not car" refers to footbridge.

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Clue 11

Off to your right is 36,
To your back is 61.
As you bend to dig the prize,
You'll be the lucky one.

The official meaning of the clue.

"As you bend to dig the prize" If you're in the exact spot, you must bend to dig out the medallion and off to the right is Highway 36 and at your back is Highway 61.

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Clue 12

Get to the root of the problem,
And the treasure will be found.
Look for a crotch of dried out wood;
It holds the medallion round.

The official meaning of the clue.

"Root" and "crotch" are the clue words. The medallion is hidden among tree roots and contained in a crotch-like cut of wood.

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Clue 13

About three paces south of the footbridge
At the Keller picnic grounds.
Past a stump to a tree with roots galore
Under which the treasure's found.

The official meaning of the clue.

This pinpoints the exact location of the medallion.

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