Explanations for the 2015 Nevada Day Treasure Hunt Clues

Clue  No.1
As we celebrate this State’s cultures
We are grateful for the opportunity
To carry on this tradition
For our community Annual Nevada Day Treasure Hunt

Explanation: This is an introductory clue recognizing that there is a new group putting on the Nevada Day Treasure Hunt this year and recognizing that the Nevada Day Parade ‘s Theme for 2015 is “Nevada: One State, Many Cultures.”

Clue No. 2
At Captain Jim’s petition
These palisades were allotted
Now it is their mission
To watch over where treasure is spotted.

Explanation: Captain Jim was a Washoe Chief who petitioned the government for compensation of the Tribe ‘s lost resources and tribal lands within the Pine Nut Mountains. As a result of that petition in 1887 the Dawes Act created allotments for the Washoe Tribe. The Pine Nut Mountains run from Storey County through Lyon County to Douglas County. This clue signals that the medallion is hidden in one of the valleys bordering the Pine Nut Mountains.

Clue No. 3
The once great Brigadier General
Earned respect while on the rise
But once again
He won’t Claim the prize

Explanation: This clue references brevet Brigadier General Sylvester Churchill, for whom Churchill County, Nevada was named.This clue tells hunters that the medallion once again will not be hidden in Churchill County.

Clue No. 4
Long before Grable and Bacall
Steamed away
Ore and lumber
Won the day.

Explanation: This clue references the V&T Railroad, which had a line that extended to Minden (H.F. Dangberg planned Minden around the line). This clue specifically references locomotive 25, which was purchased to help handle the demand created by adding the Minden line, by referencing Betty Grable and Lauren Bacall. Locomotive 25 was used in The Beautiful Blondfrom Bashful Bend, 1949, starring Betty Grable and Bright Leaf, 1950, starring Lauren Bacall.

Clue No. 5 
A combination
Of six, seven and nineteen
Will be the incarnation
Of the treasure hunt scene

Explanation: This clue refers to July, 1906 (07/1906) when Minden was accepted as a town by the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. This clue points hunters to Minden.

Clue No. 6
The icon of the valley
Resides in another state
Upon it stood its namesake
But don’t take the bait.

Explanation: This clue signals that the medallion is hidden in Carson Valley. Jobs Peak towers over Carson Valley, but its summit is in California not Nevada. Moses Job hiked to the top and named it for himself.

Clue No. 7
It was an uber mistake
To use the tree
To exact vengeance
Upon me.

Explanation: This clue points to Douglas County by referencing the “Hanging Tree ” on the outskirts of Genoa. The Carson Valley Historical Society ‘s historical marker on this tree tells the story of Adam Uber who was lynched from the tree in 1857 for murdering a popular teamster. As legend goes a curse followed those individuals responsible for the lynching.

Clue No. 8
Look for Henry’s twins within a twin
When seeking some clarity
But don’t be discouraged
By their lack of similarity

Explanation: This clue references the twin cities of Minden and Gardnerville and specifically the twin houses built by Henry Bassman in Minden, in 1907. They were the fourth oldest homes in Minden at the time and when they were built they were identical but have since been remodeled to look nothing like each Other.

Clue No. 9
Don’t follow Don Quixote’s lead
To butter your bread
Because no tilting is required
To keep you out of the red.

Explanation: The Minden Butter Manufacturing Company, also known as the Minden Creamery, was once the largest creamery in Nevada and sold its products under the Windmill brand name. The literary character Don Quixote famously tilted at windmills. This clue points hunters to Minden.)

Clue No. 10
Stand out of bounds
You’re not quite there
Proceed for six
Before asking where

Explanation: This clue tells hunters that the medallion is hidden close to a state border. The turn for the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park is six miles from the state line on State Route 88.

Clue  No.11
Good morning Nevada
We are broadcasting with wishes
Of luck for all you hunters
With love and kisses

Explanation: In amateur radio, 88 is a shorthand for “love and kisses” when signing off This clue signals that the medallion is hidden off of State Route 88.

Clue No. 12
They reached an agreement
At least as to one-third
Giving away eighty
Or so everyone’s heard

Explanation: This clue refers to the 1902 Carson Valley One-Third Agreement. Pursuant to the agreement H.F. Dangberg traded 80% of the low-flow water rights on the East Fork of the Carson River in exchange for one-third of the guaranteed water rights. The agreement was supported by custom and was unwritten. This clue points hunters to the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park where the medallion is hidden.

Clue No.13
Nevada has had more than
One high roller
But without Margaret’s brother
This one wouldn’t be a record holder

Explanation: The High Roller in Las Vegas, Nevada is currently the world’s largest Ferris wheel. The original Ferris wheel was designed and constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., brother to Margaret Ferris who married H.F. Dangberg. This clue also points hunters to the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park

Clue No. 14 
In a time of need
Hunde were solicited
She agreed to the deed
Four being elicited

Explanation: This clue refers to Fritzi Dangberg ‘s donation off our German Shepherds to the Dogs for Defense program during World War 11. Hunde is German for dogs. Once again, this clue points to the Dangberg Home Ranch Historic Park)