Downtown / Main Street USA: Flemington, NJ Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

Team Ecnarf: Alas, as the last searcher stated, this cache is gone. Sorry to see it gone but it had a good and busy life in the Boro since its placement in the summer of 2007. Thanks to all who sought and/or found it!

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Hidden : 6/9/2007
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: micro (micro)

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Geocache Description:

A micro just off historic Main Street in beautiful downtown Flemington. Stealth is a must, as is a writing utensil.

Flemington is probably best known as the location of the “Trial of the Century” in which Bruno Hauptmann was convicted of the kidnapping and murder of the young son of aviator Charles Lindbergh. Flemington’s Main Street has something for everyone: interesting historical sites; eye-catching “painted ladies” (mostly of the architectural variety); plenty of places to shop, eat, or just sit. And now, it has another cache--one of three in the area that you can quickly find on a lunch break.

Park along Main Street or in one of the public lots just off the street. Find this cache first, taking note of the historic establishment nearby. (It shouldn’t take you long.) Then turn right onto Main Street and head towards Ken Shaggy's “April Fool?” (GC11W5E) (visit link)

On the way, you will pass the Union Hotel, the first incarnation of which was constructed at this site in 1814. According to Clayton & Whitley’s interesting GUIDE TO FLEMINGTON, NJ (1987), “in 1935, the famous ‘Trial of the Century’ brought fame and fortune to both Flemington and the Union Hotel. Here on the upper floors, during the six week Lindbergh trial, the jurors were sequestered. The open porches gave them an opportunity to breathe fresh air away from the crowds below. The hotel itself was jammed to overflowing with visitors from all over the world. The bar and restaurant were packed day and night, trying desperately to serve the mingling throngs. A back room, used as a bar, was affectionately named ‘Nellie’s Taproom’ in honor of a stray dog befriended by a reporter. Such well known guests as Jack Benny…and Damon Runyon signed the guest register, had a meal in the dining room, or engaged in conversation over a drink at the crowded bar.”

After you grab “April Fool?” (at another site of interest), walk back down Main Street along the other side. You will come to the Hunterdon County Courthouse where the Lindbergh trial took place. Notice the interesting water trough installed in front of it in 1902—suitable for people, horses, and/or animals, it was the ultimate in multitasking watering spots.

From here it is a short, pleasant stroll to Jan and the Man’s cache “Tiny Often Empty Park: Flemington” (GC132ZD) (visit link) , which is in yet another lovely old location. If you've brought a picnic along, eat it here.

We recommend spending a leisurely hour or two on Main Street grabbing these three caches and a nice lunch while seeing some of our town’s historic highlights. If you are going for the numbers, skip the lunch and you may be able to grab all three in half an hour. If you have a little more time and energy, there are several caches (including our own "Child's Play") in Morales Park, which is not far away.

To learn more about the “Trial of the Century,” go to nj.com's Lindbergh Trial page (visit link) …or visit your local library. Families note: Written for kids but interesting for all ages, THE TRIAL by Jen Bryant is a good fictionalized account of the event as experienced by a Flemington schoolgirl.

This cache is part of the “Downtown / Main Street USA" series by TwoCat. Please visit the cache that started it all - "Downtown / Main Street USA: Edison, NJ" (GC11H9K) (visit link) Here you will find the latest count of caches in the series and find out how you can add your own.

** FTF HONORS (with special commendation for extraordinary persistence) to Jan and the Man! **

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ovfba ghor

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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