1987 Pioneer Press Treasure Hunt

Submitted by Joe Medallion (not verified) on Sun, 01/15/2012 - 1:11 PM

Found in Indian Mounds Park wrapped in clay and grass by George L'Heureux, his two boys Danny and Joey, and his buddy Scott Horrigan. They used a metal detector. George was the main man behind the find. He was a service technician at Stillwater Ford-Lincoln-Mercury and he intended to spend his share of the money on a transmission for a truck that couldn't go in reverse. He'd been looking for the treasure for 22 years, so at least a true hunter found it – even if he "cheated" with a metal detector.

Hunt Information

Dates

Scheduled Dates

Sunday, January 25, 1987

Find Date

Friday, January 30, 1987

Finders

Name

George L'Heureux

Name

Danny L'Heureux

Name

Joey L'Heureux

Name

Scott Horrigan

Prize

Maximum Prize

$3,000

Awarded Prize

$3,000

Location

General Location

Indian Mounds Park

Pinpointed Location

In the block bordered by Mounds Blvd., Mounds St., and Clemont St.

Concealer

Hidden in a clump of clay and grass

44.9469, -93.0602

Clues

Clue 1

Published Date

Saturday, January 24, 1987, 6:00 PM

We won't keep you
In the dark.
Confine your search
To a public park.

The official meaning of the clue.

This clue merely establishes that the medallion is hidden in a public park.

Our Thoughts

The usual, but given in stunningly short detail.

Clue Rating

Clue 2

Published Date

Sunday, January 25, 1987, 6:00 PM

Fun stuff for the young 'uns,
Picnic places too,
And if you like nature,
This is for you.

The official meaning of the clue.

This clue indicates that there are swings and picnic benches in a natural setting.

Clue Rating

Clue 3

Published Date

Sunday, January 25, 1987, 6:00 PM

There's lots of water
Not far away.
Thinking about this
Can really pay.

The official meaning of the clue.

"Lots of water" refers to the Mississippi River, which is nearby.

Clue Rating

Clue 4

Published Date

Monday, January 26, 1987, 6:00 PM

Paths to bike
And paths to walk,
Watch for signs
That do all but talk.

The official meaning of the clue.

"Signs that do all but talk" refers to the illustrated signs directing bikers and walkers on the park's paths.

Clue Rating

Clue 5

Published Date

Monday, January 26, 1987, 6:00 PM

Whatever the season,
This dome's a proud sight,
And through many a wedding,
It's been a delight.

The official meaning of the clue.

The dome mentioned is that of the St. Paul Cathedral, clearly visible from the treasure site.

Clue Rating

Clue 6

Published Date

Tuesday, January 27, 1987, 6:00 PM

Flying objects
In the air,
Solving this clue
Can get you there.

The official meaning of the clue.

The "flying objects" are the many aircraft taking off and landing at nearby Holman Field.

Clue Rating

Clue 7

Published Date

Tuesday, January 27, 1987, 6:00 PM

Don't give up,
Be a stubborn sort.
Take your case
To a higher court.

The official meaning of the clue.

The "higher court" mentioned here refers to a tennis court located on higher ground overlooking the treasure site.

Clue Rating

Clue 8

Published Date

Wednesday, January 28, 1987, 6:00 PM

Standing tall
Against the sky,
High above joggers
Passing by.

The official meaning of the clue.

The object which is "standing tall" near the treasure site is a steel signal tower.

Clue Rating

Clue 9

Published Date

Wednesday, January 28, 1987, 6:00 PM

If the treasure
Is to be found,
Don't put your feet
On sacred ground.

The official meaning of the clue.

This clue, with its warning, narrows the search to Mounds Park, and makes it clear that hunters should avoid the burial mounds.

Clue Rating

Clue 10

Published Date

Thursday, January 29, 1987, 6:00 PM

There's a sweet candy bar,
Whose name you know well,
And a strange movie sicko
who ran a motel.

The official meaning of the clue.

The "sweet candy bar" refers to a Mounds bar, which confirms Mounds Park. The "movie sicko" is Norman Bates, leading character in Alfred Hitchcock's "Psycho." Bates Avenue intersects Mounds Blvd., just a short distance from the treasure site.

Clue Rating

Clue 11

Published Date

Thursday, January 29, 1987, 6:00 PM

Picture in your mind
A long line of trees,
And think of the word
Isosceles.

The official meaning of the clue.

The "long line of trees" borders the treasure site on one side. "Isosceles" tells treasure hunters that the site is triangular in shape.

Our Thoughts

Another finely written clue in a year of tight rhymes – you have to like the use of the word "Isosceles."

Clue Rating

Clue 12

Mounds Park is the place
You're looking for,
In a triangular spot
Near a yellow door.

Since nobody's found it,
Alack and alas,
Look for the treasure
Wrapped in clay and grass.

The official meaning of the clue.

This final clue tells exactly what to look for. The "yellow door" is found on a house that borders the west side of the triangular area. The final line tells hunters the medallion is hidden in a coating of clay and grass.

Clue Rating