1993 Clues
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Clue 1
Published on Jan. 31, 1993
This is the start of something big,
It's a really fun beginning.
Our treasure hunt is under way,
And it's cash that you'll be winning.
Our Thoughts: A useful first clue, "the start of something big" refers to Itasca Avenue which overlooks Hidden Falls Park. Lake Itasca is the starting point for the Mississippi River.
Clue 2
Published on Feb. 1, 1993
The treasure is hiding
In our capital city.
Get out there and find it,
And you'll be sitting pretty.
Our Thoughts: Rules out the suburbs.
Clue 3
Published on Feb. 2, 1993
With clues that are truly poetic
And rhythm that really swings,
We bring this hint that will help you
Get right to the bottom of things.
The medallion you seek
Is surrounded by white.
We hope these few words
Will shed some light.
Our Thoughts: This is a rare early two-verse clue. Generally, they are reserved for the double-digit clues, 10 through 12. This is just an interesting aside that may be the link to why there are now 12 clues instead of 11. Getting to the point of this big clue, diapers serve the "bottom" and they're "white." You might also get something vaguely baby-oriented from the word "swings." Another interpretation, given by Marcia Brass, equates "poetic" with Longfellow, a poet and a street near the park; further, she believed "rhythm that really swings" meant a song, which related to the fact that Longfellow wrote "Song of Hiawatha." A stretch? Somebody still needs to answer for 1996's "can-do affair."
Clue 4
Published on Feb. 3, 1993
Wheels by the millions
Have turned near our spot.
But it's pretty and placid
'Cause a freeway it's not.
Our Thoughts: Lots of trucks are built at the nearby Ford plant.
Clue 5
Published on Feb. 4, 1993
Not far from the place
Where the treasure does sit,
Walkers and joggers
Try to stay fit.
Our Thoughts: "Walkers and joggers" calls up a bike path which borders the park.
Clue 6
Published on Feb. 5, 1993
You can see them
If you look up high.
Some perfect circles
Are in the sky.
Our Thoughts: This controversially difficult clue refers to the orange aviation warning balls noticeable on power lines over the Mississippi River.
Clue 7
Published on Feb. 6, 1993
Lots of places to picnic
When the weather's finally warm.
And even when it's raining,
You'll be protected from the storm.
Our Thoughts: As is the case in most parks, there are tables and shelters in the park.
Clue 8
Published on Feb. 7, 1993
H20 can be found
And to be quite precise,
Sometimes it's water
And sometimes it's ice.
Our Thoughts: It's late in the game for the inevitable water clue (a staple of many hunts). It refers to the Mississippi.
Clue 9
Published on Feb. 8, 1993
Lots of gates spell trouble
On the tricky political scene.
But some of them can be helpful,
If only you use your bean.
Our Thoughts: The "gates" refer to the North and South Gates that serve as entrances to Hidden Falls Park.
Clue 10
Published on Feb. 9, 1993
Think of fast rushing water
That's not in your view,
And the lucky treasure finder
Might well be you.
If our treasure
Is what you're after,
You can have fun
And a little laughter.
Our Thoughts: The water not in view refers to Hidden Falls; "a little laughter" is a mini-ha-ha or Minnehaha Park, directly across the river.
Clue 11
Published on Feb. 10, 1993
Hidden Falls Park
Is where it resides.
It's east of two arrows,
Not too many strides.
Our Thoughts: This marks the medallion's spot east of two obvious traffic signs indicating turns with arrows.
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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