Sign Up  /  Login

Springfield History Series LbNA #38747

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Aug 17, 2007
Location:
City:Springfield
County:Clark
State:Ohio
Boxes:7
Planted by:history buff
Found by: Pioneer Spirit (3)
Last found:Jun 8, 2008
Status:Fa
Last edited:Aug 17, 2007
Clues to the
Springfield History Series Letterboxes

These boxes are currently being checked and replaced for school use. New clues will be avaliable when all boxes have been placed.

This letterbox series began as a school project for 3rd graders in a local school district. I have had so much positive feedback from this project, I decided to post the clues online. This series is a little different from the typical letterboxing. When you find the hidden boxes, there will be a letter on the top of the inside of the box. Write down the letter. When you have found all 7 boxes in the series, those letters will create a "mystery" word. You may choose to find the boxes in any order. Remember be discrete. Don’t let anyone see you find or hide the boxes.

Clue #1: George Rogers Clark Park and Monument
930 South Tecumseh Road
This park is a 248 acre park and historic site of the largest Revolutionary War Battle site west of the Alleghenies. The monument was erected in 1924 and portrays Clark overlooking the valley which was the scene of the Battle of Picawey in 1780.

Once you enter the park follow the road until you come to a sign that says “one-way”. Head toward the right and park your car. There is a sign dedicated to Tecumseh. Read about his life. Beyond the sign, to the left, you will see the entrance to a walking trail. Enter the trail. Walk down to the fork in the trail. Take the trail to the left. Go to the bottom of the hill and turn right. You will notice a small trail off to the right, which overlooks a lake. This is Hosterman Lake. Go down to the lake and enjoy this beautiful landmark. Do you notice the trail to your left? Walk up that trail. The treasure you are seeking is in a large, rotten, fallen log on the left of the trail. It sits at the base of a large standing tree. You’ll need to peek under the tree to see what you want to see.

Clue #2: Hertzler House
(Located at George Rogers Clark Park)
This house was constructed in 1854 on a rise which overlooks the site of the Piqua Indian Village destroyed in the Battle of Picawey.

Once you enter the park, find a place to park at the Hertzler House. You will find a small garden to the side of this historic home. Beyond the garden is a large rock with an inscription on it. Read the inscription. Next, walk to your right. You will find a large statue of George Rogers Clark himself. Enjoy the view overlooking the former battle site in the valley below. As you are looking out toward the battle site, you will notice a clump of trees to the left of the statue. The treasure you seek is hidden in the trees closest to the statue. The treasure is also facing the battle site.


Clue #3: Cliff Park Amphitheater
250 Cliff Park Road; Located off Plum Street on Cliff Park Road.
(Site where James DeMint’s son, Jesse, killed a 9 ft. panther).

Park your car across from the amphitheater near the water. A large green electric box marks the spot where you should park. From your car, look down the road to the left. Directly behind the brick building you will see a tree with a small slit down the side. That tree will hold your treasure! Be discrete! Lots of college students from Wittenberg walk these trails day and night!


Clue #4: Springfield Museum of Art
107 Cliff Park Rd

Park in the parking lot of the museum. Walk down the road back toward the amphitheater. On the left, you will see a statue of Tecumseh. Read the plaque at the foot of the statue. On the right side of Tecumseh, you will find a large rock formation. A flat, light colored rock sits on the ground beside the formation. This is a perfect spot to have a seat. Once you are seated, turn around. A loose stone will wiggle out to reveal your treasure. Don’t forget to replace the stone when you leave. This is very important!

Clue #5: Ferncliff Cemetery
501 West McCreight Ave

Asa Bushnell was the fortieth governor of the state of Ohio. He served as governor from 1896-1900. His former home still stands at 838 E. High Street (current home of Richards, Raff and Dunbar Memorial Home). The Bushnell Mausoleum is the site where you will find your treasure!

Once you enter the cemetery off McCreight, go straight ahead past the office/chapel. Look for a large, white mausoleum with white pillars on the right side of the lane. A bronze plaque marks his final resting place. Read the inscription about the life of Mr. Bushnell. Across the street is a monument dedicated in 1869. This is the final resting place of over 200 Civil War soldiers! Take a moment to respect our fallen hero’s from past to present before looking for your treasure…

In the cannon facing the Bushnell Mausoleum, you will find your treasure! When you replace the box, make sure to put the box in far enough that it is not visible from the road but not in the cannon too far so that it is out of reach. Please use the utmost respect while visiting this site.


Clue #6: Pennsylvania House
1311 West Main Street

This former inn was built in 1822 as a rest stop for travelers. When the National Road came into town it became the main trail of westbound pioneers during the early 1800’s. The Pennsylvania House is one of only a few inns that are still standing from that time period.

Park your car in the side lot of the home. As you walk up the sidewalk, take a moment to read the National Road sign in front of this historic inn. Walk up to the front steps. Notice the road marker to the right of the handrail? How many miles is it to Columbus? How about Cumberland? Behind you is a flag pole with landscaped shrubs. In the first bush on the left side of the brick path (leading to the pole) is the treasure you desire. Reach deep….it is hidden very well. Don’t forget to replace it as well as you found it. Auto traffic is quite heavy in this area but not a lot of foot traffic will be around.


Clue #7: Snyder Park
Snyder Park Bridge in Springfield, Ohio, was built in the early 20th century. Springfield’s oldest park encompasses 212 acres. World-famous artist P. Buckley Moss based her 1989 print, “The Old Stone Bridge,” on a Snyder Park scene.

Find your way to this historic bridge. It is nearest the entrance at Bechtle Avenue by the fishing pond. Park your car under the trees, next to the water, by the bridge. Ahead of you, you should see a large section of tree, cut and placed behind glass under a shelter. Check out the “Timeline in Wood” on the trees rings. Now get back into your car and continue to follow the road to the other side of the park. Notice the boat house on your right after you cross under Bechtle Avenue. Continue until the road turns to the left. Park in the pull off with the large rocks outlining the lot. Notice the large boulders in front of you. This is in dedication to W.M. Snyder from his brothers in 1899. Begin climbing the staircase beyond the boulders. Near the top of the steps…stop! Look to your right. Do you see the cut off tree stump? It is a very small tree so look closely. Just behind the tree stump is a rock ledge with a rock wedged below the ledge. Remove the rock to display your next letter. Remember to hide the box well behind the rock when you replace it.

I hope you enjoy your history experience as much as my students have. Please let me know if a box has been distroyed or is missing. I would love to hear about your letterboxing experience!

Happy Hunting,
History Buff!