This cache memorializes a stray dog who’s tragic death
almost 50 years ago is still a part of local folklore…it is
a spooky tale which will require the seeker to overcome their fear
of darkness and the knowledge of a ghostly presence in the
woods.
Here is his story, as recounted by the Manitou Messenger, the
student newspaper at St. Olaf College…
Ytterboe the dog was a part-chow, part-cocker stray and was an
adopted member of the St. Olaf College community for 15 years.
During this time, Ytterboe was present at “more
groundbreaking events than any professor,” according to the
building contractors. Due to the enthusiastic grooming efforts of
certain students, Ytterboe acquired a shaggy “poodle
cut” that made him look like a lion with a thick, black mane.
He also ate regularly in the cafeteria, chaperoned the
women’s tennis team and was interviewed by the Manitou
Messenger.
Tragedy struck on May 22, 1957, when Ytterboe was wandering
around and reportedly “nipped” the seven-year-old child
of a policeman. The officer, forever after vilified in song and
story, gathered up two fellow policemen and chased Ytterboe onto
the St. Olaf campus and up the hill, where some 50 students were
relaxing and studying for finals. As Ytterboe reached the stairs
leading to the library from St. Olaf Ave., the officer shot the
dog, killing him. He and his two companions then put the body in
the trunk of their car and drove to the dump, where they disposed
of it.
Reactions at St. Olaf were immediate. Students were furious and,
joining with Carleton College students, marched to Bridge Square to
protest the killing, eventually numbering over 1,000 strong. The
Police Chief issued an official apology for the dog’s death
and after reading an elegy to Ytterboe, the students returned
home.
Two students climbed the fence into the city dump to rescue the
body of Ytterboe. On May 24, St. Olaf held a funeral for Ytterboe,
complete with hymns sung by the Viking Choir, condolences from
then-governor Orville Freeman, and a memorial from the Carleton
student body. The ceremony was broadcast live on radio station WDGY
in Minneapolis and on television. "They could have killed one of
the professors and there wouldn't have been this many people out
for a funeral,” said one student of the gathering, which drew
over 2,500 people.
The story of Ytterboe was picked up by national and even
international news. Papers in London covered the story, which also
ran in Life Magazine. Students were interviewed on national talk
shows and radio.
Ytterboe was buried where he fell, on the side of the hill
behind the library. His grave is unmarked to this day, but he is
not forgotten. Nor, according to legend, has his unsettled spirit
left the campus either.
To this day, some people say that Ytterboe still haunts the
campus and barks in the middle of the night, greeting students and
passersby.
To find the cache:
Go to the posted coordinates, which is the start of a path that
enters a heavily wooded ravine known as Norway Valley and use a
flashlight to spot reflective dots on trees. (Please
note…there are also reflective pins in a few
trees…IGNORE THEM! Look for round dots.) Follow the
dots along the path until you find 2 horizontal dots. This means
you are close! Three dots in a triangle mark the spot…Three
vertical dots mean you have gone too far.
While you walk through the woods and the darkened campus, listen
closely for the ghostly howl of Ytterboe.
Don’t be afraid… he only wants to
play…
For extra credit (and rewards!)…Look for a laminated
yellow card in the cache with an additional challenge!
