What? The little old ladies at the Teahouse tricked me? Cripes you can't trust anybody anymore! Come to think of it, I was wondering why there was shiny rake and hoe behind the counter in a Teahouse. :smile:
Just posting them here for histories sake. I know they'll be saved for future reference. I'm not sure who the soldier ~ every time I stop to ask him his name, he goes all quiet on me.
Here are the White Bear clues and explanations is case anyone is interested. I now agree with me2 ~ the clue writer is goofy!
Clue #1:
The day has arrived for an event cleverly contrived
As with any place of charm, there are ways to harm
Worry not, weÂ’ll lead you to the gold.
Yourself or the beautiful surroundings.
Material for posey emerged from a moesy
With a head not dense, exercise common sense
We took while the earth was still cold.
Please heed these gentle soundings.
Not long after thawin' we broke the lawin'
So wonder the town and look around
By marchinÂ’ park-ward after dark.
Reckon things you've never reckoned before.
It's not merely lore; we have been caught before
It's for your fun, and now it's begun
Red-handed, wide-eyed at Lion's Park.
We now, officially, open the door.
So we tried it once more, at a quarter of four
On a night where the April moon slept.
Still sowed in its humble abode
Five ole Franklins are yours to be kept.
Explanation:
We disposed of the special coin on a cold night in April, long before anyone would suspect us to be hiding a medallion. We have been caught hiding the medallion twice: once at Lion’s Park and once at West Park. We also wanted to plant the medallion before the grass started to grow as to avoid creating footprints/indentations. The medallion was wrapped in grass and surrounded with a clay/water “muck” that resembled a loose, but muddy, piece of ground. “Lawin” referred to Lawin Enterprise, a business located in a building adjacent to the park. We warned you to use common sense because of I-35E running to the west of the park and railroad tracks to the south. “Town,” well this year anyways, referred to White Bear Township.
Clue #2:
A joyful foreteller with accuracy stellar
A hotel, large screen or former science magazine
Is truly a being of mettle.
Insert a track not made for motion.
The field is vast: print and broadcast
Restorative slicing hardly seems enticing
It easily permeates and settles.
But anotherÂ’s winter hunt has quite a devotion.
Explanation:
The first stanza referred to the HPM (Herold Precision Metals) company on Hammond Avenue. The “joyful foreteller” is a herald, “accuracy” is precision, and “being of mettle” is a pun on metal. The first verse also hints at Porous Media, another business on Hammond Avenue. “Print and broadcast” point to media while “easily permeates” to porous. The second stanza referenced another center of business, this time to the south/southwest of the medallion. The building houses Omni Track Surgical and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “Omni” is the name of a hotel, a large screen (Omni Theater), and former science magazine. “Track” refers to the businesses’ middle name, and “restorative slicing” to the company’s surgical focus. “Another’s winter hunt” references the St. Paul Pioneer Press and its Winter Carnival hunt.
Clue #3:
Flora and Fauna in the middle is a perplexing riddle
Wandering to and fro you just may be set aglow
When named for one of the woods.
A lot becomes popular with you.
The vastness breathtaking, but too backbreaking
We also hold reliance on the world of science
For hunters reconnoitering the goods.
And the building block from which all life grew.
You hunters roar, "Give us more!"
OK, we'll honor your concession.
Another hint is a ghostly print
Could it be a Blair Witch obsession?
Explanation:
“Flora and fauna” is “nature” and “middle” is “center” – giving us “Nature Center.” The medallion was hidden in a park very near Tamarack (“named for one of the woods”) Nature Center. The first stanza, however, also warns treasure hunters NOT to search there, as it is too big. The second stanza refers to a place where you may have parked. The two large parking lots in Polar Lakes Park are labeled. One of them is the “Poplar” lot. If you add a ‘u’ – or ‘you’ – to Poplar you get “popular.” Finally, the last stanza hinted at the concession stand found between Field 2 & 3. On the southeast corner of the concession stand is a white (“ghostly”) handprint. A key scene of The Blair Witch Project takes place in a building whose walls are decorated with a series of handprints.
He was quite presidential, albeit less influential
Nature congregates, beauty assimilates
Some may call him a comedic czar.
Lake, tree and bird surround.
In a cast but not broken; for longevity takes the token
The audio may vex but that's what one expects
Follow an epic and one-night star.
When the grooved elastomer pounds.
Siberian thinking is one way of linking
Consider how a local may house his throne.
Heck, Catherine most great even chose to create
A much larger winter palace of her own.
Explanation:
The first stanza is about Darrell Hammond, the longest appearing member of the Saturday Night Live cast (“one night star”) and a star in the movie “Epic.” One of Darrell’s signature acts on Saturday Night Live was his impersonation of former president Bill Clinton (“quite presidential”). Hammond Road runs into the park. A local living in Siberia, well way up at the top of Siberia, might live in an igloo. Catherine the Great, czarina of Russia (1762-1796), added on to St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace during her reign, but our “winter palace” would be the igloo found in the playground area of Polar Lakes Park. The last verse makes note of some of the characteristics of Polar Lakes Park: Lakes (well, the ballfields named after lakes), trees and birds. But, more importantly, it points out the noise of traffic: tires (grooved elastomer) pounding the pavement on nearby I-35E.
Clue #6:
Norman, Ethel and their summer bethel
‘Tis important to keep order for the poor recorder
Will provide the knavish hunter a fond handle.
When a deliberate assembly does crowd.
Our own landmark in curve fills your optic nerve
Seek a potential forum for motion and quorum
That place for meetin' simply can't hold a candle.
Old Major Robby would be proud.
Explanation:
Here you are introduced to Norman and Ethel, who are main characters in the 1981 film “On Golden Pond.” Golden Pond is a special oasis for the couple (a “bethel”) and a road by that name can be found southwest of the medallion’s hiding place (it becomes Township Parkway at its intersection with White Bear Parkway). As you entered the park you surely saw the large arch near the Public Works building, which is used to cover material used for road conditioning in the winter. A bit reminiscent of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis (hinted at with “place for meetin’,” as in the 1944 film “Meet Me In St. Louis”), but it was perhaps a bit over the top to suggest that ours was better. Finally, you are given a clue pointing at the Township Center, located within view of the medallion’s hiding place. The hint refers to Robert’s Rules of Order, created by U.S. Army Major Henry Martyn Robert, to aid in facilitating conversations/decision-making within a deliberate assembly.
The regulars were humbled and a whole system crumbled
But gateway to our hallowed land.
When the maleficent canaries planted nest.
Follow the predator on high with a body spry
Only with their vacuoles destroyed and the original reemployed
Arrive at the waters of sand.
Could their world be saved from this invasive arrest.
As you search for our stash of hidden cash
Consider a renoite who pointlessly dies.
The trespasser does wait, locked in a golden state
Hears this, hangs his head, and cries.
Explanation:
Most hunters likely approached Polar Lakes Park on Hammond Road. The house on the corner of Otter Lake Road and Hammond Avenue is a very distinct color of yellow. As one travels west on Hammond Avenue, one sees the large polar bear on the township water tower (“predator on high”). Following it will lead you to the park and its ballfields (sand) named after lakes (water). The second stanza refers to Johnny Cash’s 1955 famous hit “Folsom Prison Blues.” The sound that makes the song’s character “hang his head and cry” is that of a train whistle. The medallion was hidden not far from train tracks. Finally, one educational characteristic of the park is its signs about wetland restoration. The park was replanted after all native vegetation was destroyed by invasive Canary Weed. To help bring you to the idea of plant life, “vacuoles” were mentioned, as you will only find them in plant cells. The sign telling the story of the “maleficent canaries” is near ballfield #3 (White Bear) when walking toward the billboard.
Clue #8:
Disoriented and spinning, yet dreams of winning
Grassy is classy and even somewhat sassy
Hunters, you’ll want to ride the ‘ship.
We wrapped that coin like pros.
Searching in the city will end unpretty
You stand to win a lot at a weedy spot
A northern venture is a good tip.
Where a lone sapling grows.
Tap your Terpsichore, clap – jive to that ‘ol rap
Take a stroll around the lakes.
JanuaryÂ’s climate is cruel, but try to keep cool
For the tropical hunter our heart aches.
Explanation:
Some anagram action is occurring in the first verse. “’Ol rap” can be rearranged to spell “Polar.” “Take a stroll around the lakes” again refers to the ballfields, which are named after local lakes. The final two lines point at the chilly nature of the park’s name. This clue also distinctly states that hunters should focus their search to parks in the northern region of White Bear Township. The last stanza pointed hunters toward a weedy area of the park and to a medallion wrapped in grass.
Clue #9:
When they get to gaggling, try finagling
Oh little gumshoe, if you only knew
To a place where you can see it all.
Just what course to take.
With so much action, it's quite the attraction
With your vision silty, we're feeling guilty
You're bound to have a ball.
So, venture forth to the shores of Goose Lake.
Explanation:
This clue points explicitly tells hunters to search near Goose Lake, well the ballfield labeled “Goose Lake,” at Polar Lakes Park. “Place where you can see it all” points to the large, grassy knoll overlooking the outfield. “Have a ball” further hints at the ballfield.
Clue #10:
Polar hunters unite at an appropriate site
Between numbered sign and tree, well it looks like three
Akin to township hall and fields.
Rests your precious treasure trove.
Search the land, but cold-shoulder the sand
Sift through the grass, but we careful not to pass
From wet land the wise hunter yields.
You're warmer up closer to the grove.
Explanation:
These were the final hints to the 2010 Manitou Days medallion. The coin was hidden between a stand of oak trees and a sign saying “297 feet.” It was not thrown into the grass but carefully placed at the base of a small sapling.
 Explanations
Pretty far out clues...wizard of Oz, Harper Valley PTA?
Clue #1:
The day has arrived for an event cleverly contrived. Worry not, weÂ’ll lead you to the gold.
Material for posey emerged from a moesy. We took while the earth was still cold.
Not long after thawin' we broke the lawin'. By marchinÂ’ park-ward after dark.
It's not merely lore; we have been caught before. Red-handed, wide-eyed at Lion's Park.
So we tried it once more, at a quarter of four. On a night where the April moon slept.
Still stowed in its humble abode. Five ole Franklins are yours to be kept.
As with any place of charm, there are ways to harm. Yourself or the beautiful surroundings.
With a head not dense, exercise common sense. Please heed these gentle soundings.
So wander the town and look around. Reckon things you've never reckoned before.
It's for your fun, and now it's begun. We now, officially, open the door.
the writer is goofy
new park?
material for posey? cold ashes? fire ring around the roseys, pocket full of poseys, ashes ashes, all fall down?
A joyful foreteller with accuracy stellar. Is truly a being of mettle.
The field is vast: print and broadcast. It easily permeates and settles.
A hotel, large screen or former science magazine. Insert a track not made for motion.
Restorative slicing hardly seems enticing. But anotherÂ’s winter hunt has quite a devotion.
Flora and Fauna in the middle is a perplexing riddle
When named for one of the woods.
The vastness breathtaking, but too backbreaking
For hunters reconnoitering the goods.
Wandering to and fro you just may be set aglow
A lot becomes popular with you.
We also hold reliance on the world of science
And the building block from which all life grew.
You hunters roar, "Give us more!"
OK, we'll get your concession.
Another hint is a ghostly print
Could it be a Blair Witch obsession?
Recreational frolicking, circles for rollicking
Though some will violate regulation.
Throw a tie on Ann, but donÂ’t forget Dan
Let a door of stone be your inspiration.
Kicking cow and flame quickly became
The stuff of Chicago lore.
A symbol of it all still stands tall
But ours sports far less design and décor.
Ponder slickly a sewer that stitches quickly
To the teenager it all stands clear.
The other is rappinÂ’, a regular cheer captain
Meanwhile she sits here.
He was quite presidential, albeit less influential
Some may call him a comedic czar.
In a cast but not broken; for longevity takes the token
Follow an epic and one-night star.
Siberian thinking is one way of linking
Consider how a local may house his throne.
Heck, Catherine most great even chose to create
A much larger winter palace of her own.
Nature congregates, beauty assimilates
Lake, tree and bird surround.
The audio may vex but that's what one expects
When the grooved elastomer pounds.
Sounds Elizabethean...
Norman, Ethel and their summer bethel
Will provide the knavish hunter a fond handle.
Our own landmark in curve fills your optic nerve
That place for meetin' simply can't hold a candle.
'Tis important to keep order for the poor recorder
When a deliberate assembly does crowd.
Seek a potential forum for motion and quorum
Old Major Robby would be proud.
Who is the soldier right in town near the library?
On Golden Pond
It's, well, mustard dijon - just a little pon
But gateway to our hallowed land.
Follow the predator on high with a body spry
Arrive at the waters of sand.
As you search for our stash of hidden cash
Consider a renoite who pointlessly dies.
The trespasser does wait, locked in a golden state
Hears this, hangs his head, and cries.
The regulars were humbled and a whole system crumbled
When the maleficent canaries planted nest.
Only with their vacuoles destroyed and the original reemployed
Could their world be saved from this invasive arrest.
Clue #1:
The day has arrived for an event cleverly contrived
As with any place of charm, there are ways to harm
Worry not, weÂ’ll lead you to the gold.
Yourself or the beautiful surroundings.
Material for posey emerged from a moesy
With a head not dense, exercise common sense
We took while the earth was still cold.
Please heed these gentle soundings.
Not long after thawin' we broke the lawin'
So wonder the town and look around
By marchinÂ’ park-ward after dark.
Reckon things you've never reckoned before.
It's not merely lore; we have been caught before
It's for your fun, and now it's begun
Red-handed, wide-eyed at Lion's Park.
We now, officially, open the door.
So we tried it once more, at a quarter of four
On a night where the April moon slept.
Still sowed in its humble abode
Five ole Franklins are yours to be kept.
Explanation:
We disposed of the special coin on a cold night in April, long before anyone would suspect us to be hiding a medallion. We have been caught hiding the medallion twice: once at Lion’s Park and once at West Park. We also wanted to plant the medallion before the grass started to grow as to avoid creating footprints/indentations. The medallion was wrapped in grass and surrounded with a clay/water “muck” that resembled a loose, but muddy, piece of ground. “Lawin” referred to Lawin Enterprise, a business located in a building adjacent to the park. We warned you to use common sense because of I-35E running to the west of the park and railroad tracks to the south. “Town,” well this year anyways, referred to White Bear Township.
Clue #2:
A joyful foreteller with accuracy stellar
A hotel, large screen or former science magazine
Is truly a being of mettle.
Insert a track not made for motion.
The field is vast: print and broadcast
Restorative slicing hardly seems enticing
It easily permeates and settles.
But anotherÂ’s winter hunt has quite a devotion.
Explanation:
The first stanza referred to the HPM (Herold Precision Metals) company on Hammond Avenue. The “joyful foreteller” is a herald, “accuracy” is precision, and “being of mettle” is a pun on metal. The first verse also hints at Porous Media, another business on Hammond Avenue. “Print and broadcast” point to media while “easily permeates” to porous. The second stanza referenced another center of business, this time to the south/southwest of the medallion. The building houses Omni Track Surgical and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. “Omni” is the name of a hotel, a large screen (Omni Theater), and former science magazine. “Track” refers to the businesses’ middle name, and “restorative slicing” to the company’s surgical focus. “Another’s winter hunt” references the St. Paul Pioneer Press and its Winter Carnival hunt.
Clue #3:
Flora and Fauna in the middle is a perplexing riddle
Wandering to and fro you just may be set aglow
When named for one of the woods.
A lot becomes popular with you.
The vastness breathtaking, but too backbreaking
We also hold reliance on the world of science
For hunters reconnoitering the goods.
And the building block from which all life grew.
You hunters roar, "Give us more!"
OK, we'll honor your concession.
Another hint is a ghostly print
Could it be a Blair Witch obsession?
Explanation:
“Flora and fauna” is “nature” and “middle” is “center” – giving us “Nature Center.” The medallion was hidden in a park very near Tamarack (“named for one of the woods”) Nature Center. The first stanza, however, also warns treasure hunters NOT to search there, as it is too big. The second stanza refers to a place where you may have parked. The two large parking lots in Polar Lakes Park are labeled. One of them is the “Poplar” lot. If you add a ‘u’ – or ‘you’ – to Poplar you get “popular.” Finally, the last stanza hinted at the concession stand found between Field 2 & 3. On the southeast corner of the concession stand is a white (“ghostly”) handprint. A key scene of The Blair Witch Project takes place in a building whose walls are decorated with a series of handprints.
Recreational frolicking, circles for rollicking
Ponder slickly a sewer that stitches quickly
Though some will violate regulation.
To the teenager it all stands clear.
Throw a tie on Ann, but donÂ’t forget Dan
The other is rappinÂ’, a regular cheer captain
Let a door of stone be your inspiration.
Meanwhile she sits here.
Kicking cow and flame quickly became
The stuff of Chicago lore.
A symbol of it all still stands tall
But ours sports far less design and décor.
Explanation:
“Recreational frolicking” refers to the many sports fields at Polar Lakes Park. The “circles for rollicking” point at the balls used to play them. “Some will violate regulation” warns of the ‘No Golfing’ signs located in the park. Other signs in the park warn visitors to put their dogs on a leash. Ann and Dan are the names of the two coonhounds in Wilson Rawl’s Where The Red Fern Grows. The second verse speaks of The Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which is said to have been started by a cow kicking over a lantern. One of the few surviving monuments of that event is the city’s beautiful water tower, found along Michigan Avenue. “Ours sport far less design and décor” makes mention of the very large, but simple water tower near Township Hall. The last stanza refers to Taylor Swift and her song “You Belong With Me.” A “sewer” is a tailor and another word for “quick” is swift. In the song there is a line stating that while the other woman is a cheerleader on the field, she sits in the bleachers. Several sets of bleachers can be found in the park as a huge component of Polar Lakes’ charm is its ballfields.
Clue #5:
He was quite presidential, albeit less influential
Nature congregates, beauty assimilates
Some may call him a comedic czar.
Lake, tree and bird surround.
In a cast but not broken; for longevity takes the token
The audio may vex but that's what one expects
Follow an epic and one-night star.
When the grooved elastomer pounds.
Siberian thinking is one way of linking
Consider how a local may house his throne.
Heck, Catherine most great even chose to create
A much larger winter palace of her own.
Explanation:
The first stanza is about Darrell Hammond, the longest appearing member of the Saturday Night Live cast (“one night star”) and a star in the movie “Epic.” One of Darrell’s signature acts on Saturday Night Live was his impersonation of former president Bill Clinton (“quite presidential”). Hammond Road runs into the park. A local living in Siberia, well way up at the top of Siberia, might live in an igloo. Catherine the Great, czarina of Russia (1762-1796), added on to St. Petersburg’s Winter Palace during her reign, but our “winter palace” would be the igloo found in the playground area of Polar Lakes Park. The last verse makes note of some of the characteristics of Polar Lakes Park: Lakes (well, the ballfields named after lakes), trees and birds. But, more importantly, it points out the noise of traffic: tires (grooved elastomer) pounding the pavement on nearby I-35E.
Clue #6:
Norman, Ethel and their summer bethel
‘Tis important to keep order for the poor recorder
Will provide the knavish hunter a fond handle.
When a deliberate assembly does crowd.
Our own landmark in curve fills your optic nerve
Seek a potential forum for motion and quorum
That place for meetin' simply can't hold a candle.
Old Major Robby would be proud.
Explanation:
Here you are introduced to Norman and Ethel, who are main characters in the 1981 film “On Golden Pond.” Golden Pond is a special oasis for the couple (a “bethel”) and a road by that name can be found southwest of the medallion’s hiding place (it becomes Township Parkway at its intersection with White Bear Parkway). As you entered the park you surely saw the large arch near the Public Works building, which is used to cover material used for road conditioning in the winter. A bit reminiscent of the Gateway Arch in St. Louis (hinted at with “place for meetin’,” as in the 1944 film “Meet Me In St. Louis”), but it was perhaps a bit over the top to suggest that ours was better. Finally, you are given a clue pointing at the Township Center, located within view of the medallion’s hiding place. The hint refers to Robert’s Rules of Order, created by U.S. Army Major Henry Martyn Robert, to aid in facilitating conversations/decision-making within a deliberate assembly.
It's, well, mustard dijon - just a little pon
The regulars were humbled and a whole system crumbled
But gateway to our hallowed land.
When the maleficent canaries planted nest.
Follow the predator on high with a body spry
Only with their vacuoles destroyed and the original reemployed
Arrive at the waters of sand.
Could their world be saved from this invasive arrest.
As you search for our stash of hidden cash
Consider a renoite who pointlessly dies.
The trespasser does wait, locked in a golden state
Hears this, hangs his head, and cries.
Explanation:
Most hunters likely approached Polar Lakes Park on Hammond Road. The house on the corner of Otter Lake Road and Hammond Avenue is a very distinct color of yellow. As one travels west on Hammond Avenue, one sees the large polar bear on the township water tower (“predator on high”). Following it will lead you to the park and its ballfields (sand) named after lakes (water). The second stanza refers to Johnny Cash’s 1955 famous hit “Folsom Prison Blues.” The sound that makes the song’s character “hang his head and cry” is that of a train whistle. The medallion was hidden not far from train tracks. Finally, one educational characteristic of the park is its signs about wetland restoration. The park was replanted after all native vegetation was destroyed by invasive Canary Weed. To help bring you to the idea of plant life, “vacuoles” were mentioned, as you will only find them in plant cells. The sign telling the story of the “maleficent canaries” is near ballfield #3 (White Bear) when walking toward the billboard.
Clue #8:
Disoriented and spinning, yet dreams of winning
Grassy is classy and even somewhat sassy
Hunters, you’ll want to ride the ‘ship.
We wrapped that coin like pros.
Searching in the city will end unpretty
You stand to win a lot at a weedy spot
A northern venture is a good tip.
Where a lone sapling grows.
Tap your Terpsichore, clap – jive to that ‘ol rap
Take a stroll around the lakes.
JanuaryÂ’s climate is cruel, but try to keep cool
For the tropical hunter our heart aches.
Explanation:
Some anagram action is occurring in the first verse. “’Ol rap” can be rearranged to spell “Polar.” “Take a stroll around the lakes” again refers to the ballfields, which are named after local lakes. The final two lines point at the chilly nature of the park’s name. This clue also distinctly states that hunters should focus their search to parks in the northern region of White Bear Township. The last stanza pointed hunters toward a weedy area of the park and to a medallion wrapped in grass.
Clue #9:
When they get to gaggling, try finagling
Oh little gumshoe, if you only knew
To a place where you can see it all.
Just what course to take.
With so much action, it's quite the attraction
With your vision silty, we're feeling guilty
You're bound to have a ball.
So, venture forth to the shores of Goose Lake.
Explanation:
This clue points explicitly tells hunters to search near Goose Lake, well the ballfield labeled “Goose Lake,” at Polar Lakes Park. “Place where you can see it all” points to the large, grassy knoll overlooking the outfield. “Have a ball” further hints at the ballfield.
Clue #10:
Polar hunters unite at an appropriate site
Between numbered sign and tree, well it looks like three
Akin to township hall and fields.
Rests your precious treasure trove.
Search the land, but cold-shoulder the sand
Sift through the grass, but we careful not to pass
From wet land the wise hunter yields.
You're warmer up closer to the grove.
Explanation:
These were the final hints to the 2010 Manitou Days medallion. The coin was hidden between a stand of oak trees and a sign saying “297 feet.” It was not thrown into the grass but carefully placed at the base of a small sapling.
wonder if that Mark guy from 13 Alice is writing the clues. He reminds me of that anal alien type guy on the Big Bang Theory.