Editor's note: Here are the clues and their explanations for the fourth annual Nevada Day Treasure Hunt sponsored by the Nevada Appeal.
The clues and answers come from the hunt's creator, Jesse Olson.
Robert Presswood and his family found the treasure - a 3-by-3-inch medallion - Wednesday night on the grounds of the Nevada State Museum, 600 N. Carson St.
Though many have been stumped by the clues, we know of more than a dozen people who hunted for the treasure on the museum grounds.
The Presswood family collected the $1,000 prize on Friday. Their story can be found in Saturday's edition or online at nevadaappeal.com.
CLUE NO. 1
The curtain rises
The grand stage is set
Follow the clues
And hope for the best.
Explanation: This is simply an introduction to the event.
CLUE NO. 2
East toward the barrens
It flows along a windy path.
Four out of six?
You do the math.
Explanation: The Carson River flows east through four of the six possible counties in which the treasure can be hidden. The treasure lies in one of those four counties.
CLUE NO. 3
Utopian, Pleasant, and Heavenly
Form the field
Search it well
The prize it does yield.
Explanation: On a map, Utopian Mine in Douglas County, Pleasant Valley and Heavenly Ski Resort form a triangle, which encompasses the hidden medallion.
CLUE NO. 4
Number five
Was a two-six-oh
This name helps
Direct you where to go.
Explanation: Engine No. 5 of the V&T Railroad was nicknamed "Ormsby." The medallion is hidden in Carson City, once named Ormsby County.
CLUE NO. 5
A link that lacks connection;
A spur without a boot Ð
Find this oxymoron
And you'll be near the loot.
Explanation: The Carson City freeway's official number is 580. Connecting highways designated with an odd first digit do not reconnect to the parent highway, in this case, I-80. These connecting highways are called spurs.
CLUE NO. 6
Education and doctors
This major money buys
If you can nab this clue
Your chance to win will rise.
Explanation: Major Max C. Fleischmann donated money to UNR (i.e. the Fleischmann Planetarium), Carson-Tahoe Hospital - for which Fleischmann Way is named - and the Nevada State Museum. "Nab" and "rise" are hints to the source of the major's money. He was head of Nabisco, and his father was in the yeast industry.
CLUE NO. 7
From the mountain
To the valley
Press on treasure hunters
Don't dilly-dally.
Explanation: Mountain and Valley streets form the east and west boundaries of the playing field.
CLUE NO. 8
He was a father
One could say
For because of him
Was born a day.
Explanation: Judge Clark Guild lobbied Congress to form the first official Nevada Day. He also was instrumental in purchasing the old Carson Mint for use as a state museum.
CLUE NO. 9
Fifth is seventh
Of all fifteen.
Long is short
Search in between.
Explanation: There are 15 stoplights in Carson City. From south to north, Fifth Street is the seventh signal. Long Street narrows the search area to between Fifth and Long streets. Note, that at the time of this clue was printed, the signal at Medical Parkway had not been activated.
CLUE NO. 10
It's a duke, a saint
And a wrinkle in time.
It bypasses 60
And answers this rhyme.
Explanation: The Blue Line Tour winds past 60 homes in west Carson, including the house used in the filming of 'The Shootist,' St. Teresa's, the St. Charles and the Rinkel Mansion. The Nevada State Museum is also on the tour.
CLUE NO. 11
Hunters paid
To mine this place
Tripled their money
At a meager pace.
Explanation: Once, placer miners paid $600 to placer mine the grounds of the Carson Mint. After six months, they made a profit of $1,800.
CLUE NO. 12
Five names converge
Near the spot
Where the treasure lies
You're getting hot.
Explanation: A plaque on the corner stone of the Museum commemorates Gov. Carville, Judge Clark Guild, Max C. Fleischmann, Donavan and Pike for helping the create the museum.
CLUE NO. 13
Change is inevitable
So it's nice to have known
That some things are
Set in stone.
Explanation: The medallion was hidden under a stone on the grounds of the museum. "Change" was a reference to the Mint.
CLUE NO. 14
Feeling bushed?
Feeling beat?
Weary hunters
Have a seat.
Explanation: The grounds near the hidden medallion include a depiction of the state and its county 'seats.' The treasure was also hidden near the 'bushes.'
