1992 Clues
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Clue 1
Published on Jan. 22, 1992
The first treasure clue
Is for one and for all.
You've got to believe
It's here in St. Paul.
Our Thoughts: Right away, "first" refers to the First National Bank Building, visible from the hiding place. As usual, the clue limits the hunt to the city limits.
Clue 2
Published on Jan. 23, 1992
The object that holds the treasure you seek
Once gave a nice warm feeling.
And there are some trees; that's all we can say.
We can't be too revealing.
Our Thoughts: A mitten gives a nice warm feeling, and trees were abundant nearby.
Clue 3
Published on Jan. 24, 1992
Not all landmarks
Are old and stately.
These few words
Can help you greatly.
Our Thoughts: This clue refers to the new Landmark beer being brewed at the old Schmidt brewery, visible from Cherokee Park.
Clue 4
Published on Jan. 25, 1992
If you're to be led to the treasure scene,
Think of something ever green.
There are objects round and objects square,
Finding them can lead you there.
Our Thoughts: The Cathedral's dome is "ever green." The round and square objects refer to storage tanks and buildings visible from the medallion site.
Clue 5
Published on Jan. 26, 1992
A water source in front of you,
A couple more in back.
Ponder this as you look around
It'll keep you right on track.
Our Thoughts: The Mississippi River is the "water source in front," and two nearby fire hydrants are the "couple more in back."
Clue 6
Published on Jan. 27, 1992
If you're to find
The right St. Paul park,
Look for something
That's large and dark.
Our Thoughts: A "large and dark" mound of coal for the NSP power plant is visible from the park.
Clue 7
Published on Jan. 28, 1992
You'll see things that reach for the sky,
And others that reach for the land.
This can help you in your search,
So keep this clue on hand.
Our Thoughts: NSP's stacks "reach for the sky" and bridges "reach for the land." This is an obscure clue for the late stage in the game. Clues such as this are often thrown in so as not to give away too much too fast.
Clue 8
Published on Jan. 29, 1992
What's more precious
Than the treasure of a king?
You'll be a rich hunter
When you find the real thing.
Our Thoughts: The word "king" calls up King Street which was located very close to the treasure location.
Clue 9
Published on Jan. 30, 1992
Just beyond the treasure site,
There's a slope that's very steep.
All you have to think of now,
Is a certain kind of Jeep.
Our Thoughts: The medallion was found at this clue which gave away Cherokee as "a certain kind of Jeep."
Clue 10
With instincts of a hunter
And care near a gorge
You'll use all your skills
To find it, by George!
Our Thoughts: The "gorge" is the steep incline behind the site, and nearby George Street is given away at this point.
Clue 11
We won't keep you
In the dark.
The treasure is hidden
In Cherokee Park.
Between two streets
Named George and King,
You're sure to find
That elusive thing.
Our Thoughts: Pinpoints the exact location of the medallion.
Back to the 1990's
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During the 1990’s, the St Paul Pioneer Press opened online discussion forums. These forums were called Water Coolers. The forums had discussion topics related to sports, politics, news, and current events. Each year, the Pioneer Planet – the online section of the Pioneer Press – opened a discussion forum as a media for hunters to discuss the clues for the Winter Carnival Medallion Hunt.
During the earlier years, one might find a few hundred posts during the hunt. As more hunters had computers, those numbers jumped. From 1997 to 1998, the number of posts increased from the hundreds to the 5-digit thousands. It was during the 1998 hunt the Cooler Crew was born.
The community spirit and teamwork displayed in the Pioneer Press Medallion Hunt thread was inspiring. The group of hunters found themselves at the end of a hunt not wanting to let go of new friendships and the camaraderie found on the Water Cooler board. The idea emerged to do what anyone would do in the middle of winter in Minnesota. A picnic in Cherokee was planned - the first Rehash Bash!
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