2014
| Planning | Program of Events | Promotion | Fundraisers | Supporters |
RESEARCH
If you look closely at the image above (behind, beyond, or through the "Geocache" letters), you may recognize that this is an aerial photo of Darrtown. Looking closely, at things around us, in order to find a treasure, is the spirit of geocaching. That, also, is the spirit of Darrtown; seeing the treasure that it is.
A "geocache" is a treasure hidden outdoors, with the intention that the person(s) who hid the geocache will share the coordinates of its location - so that other geocachers may attempt to find the geocache by using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or mobile device.
By definition, "geocaching" is an electronic scavenger hunt, with the clues being limited to geographical coordinates. The treasures are usually trickets or tokens that geocachers collect as indicators of successful hunts.
In an attempt to provide an activity at the Bicentennial for people that have an interest in electronic devices, the organizers of the Darrtown Bicentennial arranged for a Darrtown-based geocache hunt.
Frank Page of Miami University, an experienced geocacher, agreed to create a geocaching experience at the Bicentennial. Coordinates were developed for sites in and around Darrtown that had historical significance.
BELOW: This is an image of a poster that Frank Page used to help beginners get started with their first geocaching experience.
BELOW: These images show the front and back sides of a token that served as the geocache to be found during the Darrtown Bicentennial geocaching experience.
FUNDAMENTAL PLACEMENT GUIDELINES THAT WERE IN EFFECT IN 2014
1. All local laws and documented land management policies apply.
3. Geocaches are never buried, neither partially nor completely.
4. Geocache placements do not damage, deface or destroy public or private property.
5. Wildlife and the natural environment are not harmed in the pursuit of geocaching.
6. Geocaches are not placed in restricted, prohibited or otherwise inappropriate locations.
7. Physical elements of different geocaches should be at least 0.10 miles (528 ft or 161 m) apart.
8. Geocaches are allowed in space, on other planets and in spacecraft.
Listing Guidelines for All Geocaches
1. Technical Requirements
o Listings must contain accurate GPS coordinates.
2. Geocache Maintenance
o Owner is responsible for geocache listing maintenance.
o Owner is responsible for visits to the physical location.
3. Geocache Contents
o Geocache containers include a logsheet or logbook.
o Contents are family-friendly.
o Contents are appropriate for outdoor life.
4. Solicitation and Commercial Content
o Geocaches do not solicit for any purpose.
o Commercial geocaches are disallowed.
5. Geocache Permanence
o Geocaches are placed for the long term.
6. Submitting a Geocache Listing
o g a large number of geocaches to be published on the same date requires advanced planning.
o Geocache must be in place before you enable the listing.
1. Hitching Post
2. Glardon's Grocery
3. Lutheran church
4. Methodist church
5. Baptist church (also the site of the former Darrtown high school)
6. Old school house at corner of Walnut and Schollenbarger
7. Cemetery (use one of the Darr grave sites?)
8. Decker farm
9. Lanes Mill
10. Log cabin at corner of Schollenbarger and Main
11. Bufler Jewelry store
12. Duncan McVicker's home (just north & east of Rt. 177 and Nichol's Road)
13. Former Ernie Miller residence (site of Darrtown Telephone Co.)
14. McVicker's garage (items 13 and 14 are not 528' apart)
15. The former Milford Inn (items 14 and 13 are not 528' apart)
16. Walter Alston residence
17. Site of John Darr's marsh / willow patch (east of former Teckman house)
18. Linn Place (the former Col. Mee residence)
19. Davis Corner
20. Jerico Corner (the site of the original Lutheran church)
RIGHT:
This is the list of possible Geocache locations in and around Darrtown that was given to Frank Page, prior to his placement of Bicentennial geocaches.
Note: Each placement must be at least 528' apart.
Items 1 and 2 on the list are not 528' apart.
Kim Johnson, husband of Sally (Rinal) Johnson - who is the granddaugher of Luther McVicker - donated these items, which he produced in his Team Powder Coating plant, located in HInckley, Minnesota. The artwork was done by FAL Services. The token measured approximately one-inch in diameter.
From: Frank Page
Date: Sunday, July 6, 2014 11:48 PM
To: Fred Lindley
Subject: News related to the historic Darrtown Bicentennial
Hello Fred,
We think the event was a smashing success. 30 geocaching teams came to the park representing about 65 people and had a great time exploring and learning about Darrtown. About 40 newbies found a geocache hidden in the park for their first time and were able to bust in to our large treasure chest and win a keyfob, a 5% off coupon for a GPS and sample logs for people to sign. Many others stopped to learn a little bit about the game as well. I truly enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the Bicentennial and to learned so much about Darrtown's interesting history. Thanks Fred.
Frank Page
Email from Frank Page summarizes the success of Bicentennial geocaching event
30 teams, about 65 people participated
Other info related to the Bicentennial geocaching event
