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Keystone #1 LbNA #26226

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Oct 8, 2006
Location:
City:Lebanon
County:Lebanon
State:Pennsylvania
Boxes:1
Planted by:jbzfarm
Found by: superdognfamily
Last found:Aug 9, 2009
Status:FFFFFFFFFFFFFa
Last edited:Oct 8, 2006
This is the first of the Keystone letterbox series that uses the images of Pennsylvania's State Symbols as stamps. This box is hidden near the Union Canal Tunnel as this area was once of critical importance to the growth of our state and country. The coal and iron ore that was hauled through these waters was of vital importance to feed the growing hunger of our increasing population. This canal was first proposed by William Penn in the year 1690 but construction didn't begin until 1792. Ultimately, the canal was completed in 1828 and had 93 locks! A branch canal was completed in 1832 that was constructed from the Water Works along the Swatara Creek to Pine Grove and served as a feeder for the summit level area here that was challenged by seepage and low water resources.

The park entrance is located off of 25th Street and Union Canal Drive in Lebanon. Park in the provided parking area and walk up the tow path (the path on the side of the canal nearest the parking lot). If you should visit on a Sunday you can get a boat ride through the tunnel (June to October 2nd and 4th Sunday from noon to 4, I believe, for a small fee).

Union Canal Tunnel

Find the plaque erected by the Lebanon County Historical Society in 1988.

1. Note the year in which the tunnel was designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.


2. Note the original length of the tunnel.


3. Note how deep the veins of Argillaceous Slate rock with veins of flinty limestone are found.


4. Note the last letter printed on the plaque.


5. Note the total cost of the work done on the tunnel from 1825-1827.


6. Note the last letter of the first paragraph printed on the plaque.


Add the digits of the answers to #1 and #2, this is A. (If the answer is 1856, the sum of those digits would be 1+8+5+6). The answer to #3 is B. Add the sum of the digits of the answer to #5 is C.

Find where the Hawks Flight Trail starts at the corner of the meadow at the top of the hill. Count B-A+3 steps to a tree that is the same shape as the last letter of the plaque. From this point follow the trail and count C steps to a tree that is the same shape as the answer to number 6. At the base of this tree you will find your quarry.

**This trail is at times less maintained than others in the park. Poison ivy can be found as well. We recommend long pants during the height of the ivy season. Lots of poison is in the area and along the trail, but you can get to the box without touching it. Four of us managed without getting any ivy. As always, be careful and use your best judgement.**


Do you recognize the Pennsyvania state fish on the stamp? Thanks for any feedback on the condition of the box - byoi.