The 2013 Clue Explanations
For a number of years, I longed to use the Pavilion as a hiding location. Its high visibility, less than abundant hiding spots, and clearly seen items near it, made the use of it fun but also very challenging. The only place I could put the medallion was under ground-level gaps in the lattice skirting around the Pavilion's deck. There are two obvious openings. But, last fall I spied another on the northwest corner of the building. To insure that the hunt would not be a short one, I knew that I would have to choose a hiding place slightly beneath the decking. That still might make it too visible. Therefore, I chose to attach the medallion to a small piece of wood with nearly invisible fishing line. My hider could then slide the medallion back slightly to avoid quick detection. It would only be that piece of wood that could be easily seen.
More than anything, it was the calendar that led to the Pavilion being selected. It turned 108 years old on July 3rd. Given the popularity of Pekin School District 108, this would provide an opportunity to easily disguise early clues. Sneaky, I admit, but it is what it is. So here are my explanations. Just remember, this is all in good fun.
Clue #1
The first clue has typically been a "set-up" clue whereby I provide some background for things to come. But sometimes there are direct references. "Many ways to decipher"; "so much available to work with", "add" point to the multiple hints and meanings that the hunter will have to work with. The other references were specific to the location. "Pull you in" referred to the fact that the medallion was attached to a 14-inch fishing line that you had to pull to retrieve the prize. "Share" and "memories" applied to two things. One of the plaques on a Lagoon light nearby dedicated to Virgil Vogel recalls "memories" and a bench in the Pergola, which lies in the shadow of the Pavilion, says "memories shared" with a plaque indicating that it was donated by Gary and Becky Gillis.
Clue #2
My eventual reference to 108 referred to the Pavilion being 108 years old this year. That info can be found in the rentals area on the Park District's website. Admittedly, to find it would require "some homework" and perusing the Internet was "technology...useful in your study." "Winning titles" referred to the dedications on two lights in close proximity dedicated to past Park District Commissioners, Tim Soldwedel and Edward Oberle. They were both elected to that office and it was by "winning (those) titles" that they earned the opportunity to serve. In the second verse "oddities" referred to the portico on the east side. I've always found it odd that it provides no direct entrance to the Pavilion Porch. You're covered when beneath it but have to walk out from under its protection to get anywhere. Also the dormers are all made to look bigger by a wide facade that hides that fact that they're smaller than they look. Finally, I wanted hunters to know that I would not use ample themes but use more direct references.
Clue #3
This is where I introduced the key number 108. "Five score" equals 100, "lucky" refers to 7, "plus one" total 108. "Compilation of numbers" and "use of colors" relates to later use of number totals and sign colors. The Pavilion is illuminated at night so the darkness of "evenings do not encumber." "Walk diligently" let the hunter know that to find the next reference requires walking slowly and observing the many plaques on the decorative lights. "Twelve" and "thirty-four" are the number of years that Mr. Soldwedel and Mr. Oberle served on the Park Board as introduced in Clue 2. "Dash" was the "-" denoting the range of years they served. "Assistance" relates to the offer of such on one of the park signs nearby.
Clue #4
The fourth verse all related to information on park signs near the Lagoon deck and patio on the west side. There is a sign close by that says the distance around the Lagoon is 2440 feet. Those numbers individually total "Ten." "Seventeen point five" are the number of total hours referred to as the park being open--6 am to 11:30 pm. My hints to that were "watch" and "times." I begin the second verse pointing out the subtleties in these references as "subtle changes." "Colors of the environment and a rider in France" describe the colors of some of those signs. "Environment" is Green and the "rider in France refers to the Tour de France whose leader proudly wears a yellow jersey. "Lines that run in constant alignment" are the colored bricks that highlight the Pavilion patio. As such they are there "for no other purpose except to enhance."
Clue #5
The first verse was a continued tutorial of what the hunter needed to consider. "Mathematics" and "geometry" defined the type of work the hunt would require. "Signs" again referred to the many instruction signs and some of the park rules were "points denied." "Exercise" relates to the many walkers regularly seen walking around the Lagoon and near the Pavilion.
In the second verse, "go on" and "seems to last forever" refers to the age of the Pavilion and its role as a long standing, revered community fixture. "Pull" is in reference to the medallion being attached to the fishing line that had to be pulled in.
Clue #6
As always, this clue is the toughest since it might need to last the weekend. The intent behind the first verse was to draw the hunter to the name "Pauley." The "pugilistic movie classic" was Rocky. Burt Young played "Paulie" in that movie and the sequels that followed. "Tarzan's...pal" was Jane and the "studious" research of that name could lead to the name Jane Pauley, the former television news anchor. If you "research" Pauley, you'll quickly discover the famous Pauley "Pavilion" in Los Angeles.
The second verse was basically instructional. The key word was "commodities." If you "observe everything in all directions" you would look up and see that the Pavilion turrets have a "silver" roof capped by a "gold" finial. (I labored over the use of the word "finial" but felt that doing so might give it away.)
Clue #7
This one started with an intentional curveball. "This special fall event" referred to Winter Wonderland's popular Opening Ceremony--not the Marigold Festival. It occurs the Sunday after Thanksgiving which is still the fall season. The central gathering place for it is the Pavilion. "Focus on the trees" refers to the many Christmas Trees that adorn Mineral Springs Park during that wonderful event. If you "examine (the Pavilion) closely" you see three main entrances with the lesser known door on the north side creating "more than three."
"Noah had his method" and "orderly system" relates to his responsibility to gather animals two by two. The pillars on the pavilion stand predominately in groups of two. And of course, unlike Noah's creatures, the pillars are "inanimate" objects.
Clue #8
By Wednesday I wanted to work more directly toward a fitting conclusion. The first verse exclusively attempts to draw attention to the Pavilion itself. "One-o-eight" is the Pavilion's age. Not having anything to do with our local school district I was "not talking about what you think it is." "Public website" was the park's and "date" was the year 1905--108 years ago.
"Criss-cross" described the lattice skirting to the Pavilion's deck. You had to reach slightly beneath an opening in it, hence, "with some effort it's within your reach." "The land down under" was the area below the deck. "Endemic" is defined as something peculiar to an area. Mineral Springs Park is primarily about green space and natural areas. The Pavilion stands out as a beautiful contrast and compliment to it.
Clue #9
I rewrote this one in the wee hours of the morning to try to wrap things up. It was time to divert attention to the festival itself. The whole first verse makes it pretty obvious. It was written to basically yell, "It's at the Pavilion!" However, the first line let the hunter know that the Medallion was hidden "down-low," and to retrieve it, you had to "pull this thing out." The second verse was subjected to numerous rewrites. A "small piece of wood" to which "fishing line is connected." "Reach in" relates to the Medallion's position through an "opening" beneath the lattice were it was found.
More than likely, it will be a long time before the Pavilion is a hiding place again. I exhausted most of my references having held back a few for a possible tenth clue. In discussing the hunt afterwards with the finders, they were spot-on with many of the interpretations. I call that "validation" and that represents my own reward.
I am extremely happy for John and Sarah Hessling for their discovery. They worked hard and they earned it. You can't ask for a better outcome. As always, I thank those nameless few who helped me in this effort. They alone know who they are but will never know how much I appreciate their help and their treasured friendship. I also thank Pepsi for their long-standing and faithful support. It would difficult to do this without them. But more than anything, I thank everyone who hunted--all you amateur sleuths and enthusiasts. If not for your passionate participation this event would simply cease to be. The Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt is not my event--it is yours.
Thank you.
Gary Gillis
Cluemeister
More than anything, it was the calendar that led to the Pavilion being selected. It turned 108 years old on July 3rd. Given the popularity of Pekin School District 108, this would provide an opportunity to easily disguise early clues. Sneaky, I admit, but it is what it is. So here are my explanations. Just remember, this is all in good fun.
Clue #1
The first clue has typically been a "set-up" clue whereby I provide some background for things to come. But sometimes there are direct references. "Many ways to decipher"; "so much available to work with", "add" point to the multiple hints and meanings that the hunter will have to work with. The other references were specific to the location. "Pull you in" referred to the fact that the medallion was attached to a 14-inch fishing line that you had to pull to retrieve the prize. "Share" and "memories" applied to two things. One of the plaques on a Lagoon light nearby dedicated to Virgil Vogel recalls "memories" and a bench in the Pergola, which lies in the shadow of the Pavilion, says "memories shared" with a plaque indicating that it was donated by Gary and Becky Gillis.
Clue #2
My eventual reference to 108 referred to the Pavilion being 108 years old this year. That info can be found in the rentals area on the Park District's website. Admittedly, to find it would require "some homework" and perusing the Internet was "technology...useful in your study." "Winning titles" referred to the dedications on two lights in close proximity dedicated to past Park District Commissioners, Tim Soldwedel and Edward Oberle. They were both elected to that office and it was by "winning (those) titles" that they earned the opportunity to serve. In the second verse "oddities" referred to the portico on the east side. I've always found it odd that it provides no direct entrance to the Pavilion Porch. You're covered when beneath it but have to walk out from under its protection to get anywhere. Also the dormers are all made to look bigger by a wide facade that hides that fact that they're smaller than they look. Finally, I wanted hunters to know that I would not use ample themes but use more direct references.
Clue #3
This is where I introduced the key number 108. "Five score" equals 100, "lucky" refers to 7, "plus one" total 108. "Compilation of numbers" and "use of colors" relates to later use of number totals and sign colors. The Pavilion is illuminated at night so the darkness of "evenings do not encumber." "Walk diligently" let the hunter know that to find the next reference requires walking slowly and observing the many plaques on the decorative lights. "Twelve" and "thirty-four" are the number of years that Mr. Soldwedel and Mr. Oberle served on the Park Board as introduced in Clue 2. "Dash" was the "-" denoting the range of years they served. "Assistance" relates to the offer of such on one of the park signs nearby.
Clue #4
The fourth verse all related to information on park signs near the Lagoon deck and patio on the west side. There is a sign close by that says the distance around the Lagoon is 2440 feet. Those numbers individually total "Ten." "Seventeen point five" are the number of total hours referred to as the park being open--6 am to 11:30 pm. My hints to that were "watch" and "times." I begin the second verse pointing out the subtleties in these references as "subtle changes." "Colors of the environment and a rider in France" describe the colors of some of those signs. "Environment" is Green and the "rider in France refers to the Tour de France whose leader proudly wears a yellow jersey. "Lines that run in constant alignment" are the colored bricks that highlight the Pavilion patio. As such they are there "for no other purpose except to enhance."
Clue #5
The first verse was a continued tutorial of what the hunter needed to consider. "Mathematics" and "geometry" defined the type of work the hunt would require. "Signs" again referred to the many instruction signs and some of the park rules were "points denied." "Exercise" relates to the many walkers regularly seen walking around the Lagoon and near the Pavilion.
In the second verse, "go on" and "seems to last forever" refers to the age of the Pavilion and its role as a long standing, revered community fixture. "Pull" is in reference to the medallion being attached to the fishing line that had to be pulled in.
Clue #6
As always, this clue is the toughest since it might need to last the weekend. The intent behind the first verse was to draw the hunter to the name "Pauley." The "pugilistic movie classic" was Rocky. Burt Young played "Paulie" in that movie and the sequels that followed. "Tarzan's...pal" was Jane and the "studious" research of that name could lead to the name Jane Pauley, the former television news anchor. If you "research" Pauley, you'll quickly discover the famous Pauley "Pavilion" in Los Angeles.
The second verse was basically instructional. The key word was "commodities." If you "observe everything in all directions" you would look up and see that the Pavilion turrets have a "silver" roof capped by a "gold" finial. (I labored over the use of the word "finial" but felt that doing so might give it away.)
Clue #7
This one started with an intentional curveball. "This special fall event" referred to Winter Wonderland's popular Opening Ceremony--not the Marigold Festival. It occurs the Sunday after Thanksgiving which is still the fall season. The central gathering place for it is the Pavilion. "Focus on the trees" refers to the many Christmas Trees that adorn Mineral Springs Park during that wonderful event. If you "examine (the Pavilion) closely" you see three main entrances with the lesser known door on the north side creating "more than three."
"Noah had his method" and "orderly system" relates to his responsibility to gather animals two by two. The pillars on the pavilion stand predominately in groups of two. And of course, unlike Noah's creatures, the pillars are "inanimate" objects.
Clue #8
By Wednesday I wanted to work more directly toward a fitting conclusion. The first verse exclusively attempts to draw attention to the Pavilion itself. "One-o-eight" is the Pavilion's age. Not having anything to do with our local school district I was "not talking about what you think it is." "Public website" was the park's and "date" was the year 1905--108 years ago.
"Criss-cross" described the lattice skirting to the Pavilion's deck. You had to reach slightly beneath an opening in it, hence, "with some effort it's within your reach." "The land down under" was the area below the deck. "Endemic" is defined as something peculiar to an area. Mineral Springs Park is primarily about green space and natural areas. The Pavilion stands out as a beautiful contrast and compliment to it.
Clue #9
I rewrote this one in the wee hours of the morning to try to wrap things up. It was time to divert attention to the festival itself. The whole first verse makes it pretty obvious. It was written to basically yell, "It's at the Pavilion!" However, the first line let the hunter know that the Medallion was hidden "down-low," and to retrieve it, you had to "pull this thing out." The second verse was subjected to numerous rewrites. A "small piece of wood" to which "fishing line is connected." "Reach in" relates to the Medallion's position through an "opening" beneath the lattice were it was found.
More than likely, it will be a long time before the Pavilion is a hiding place again. I exhausted most of my references having held back a few for a possible tenth clue. In discussing the hunt afterwards with the finders, they were spot-on with many of the interpretations. I call that "validation" and that represents my own reward.
I am extremely happy for John and Sarah Hessling for their discovery. They worked hard and they earned it. You can't ask for a better outcome. As always, I thank those nameless few who helped me in this effort. They alone know who they are but will never know how much I appreciate their help and their treasured friendship. I also thank Pepsi for their long-standing and faithful support. It would difficult to do this without them. But more than anything, I thank everyone who hunted--all you amateur sleuths and enthusiasts. If not for your passionate participation this event would simply cease to be. The Pepsi Marigold Medallion Hunt is not my event--it is yours.
Thank you.
Gary Gillis
Cluemeister
