MIHF Traditional Geocache
-
Difficulty:
-
-
Terrain:
-
Size: 
(regular)
Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions
in our disclaimer.
In 1924, a small disaster struck here that destroyed a building.
Access and Parking Permit
The White Pond area used to serve as a Maynard water supply, and permission was requested (and granted) to allow visitors to view the area for historic research purposes (which is what you will be doing on your visit). A No Trespassing Sign still exists. Please do not drive in any further than you need to; it is strongly recommended that you park just off the road at N42 23.217 W071 29.064 or N42°23.178 W071°29.036, leaving enough room for a second visitor. The rest of the entry roads are only suitable for 4 wheel drive with high clearance, and can become easily rutted with rain or snow. With snow on the ground, it is advised to park 300 meters down the road at N42°23.031 W071°29.015. Please limit your exploration to the foundation area. Please don’t bring any animals that can pollute the area. Unfortunately people are dumping trash there. You can use the attached diagram of the foundation to assist in your exploration. Hudson police were also contacted to note that persons will be parking in the area. Please print out this cache page with the information to act as your “permit”.
In 1924, a small disaster struck here that destroyed a building. The foundation remains for your exploration. Be cautious in that there is a 18” diameter well on the property, about 6 feet deep. It is readily visible. I once found someone had tried to cover it over with branches; this just made it more dangerous, so please leave it plainly visible. What is very interesting is what the disaster left behind. Fortunately, someone took a picture immediately afterward, which was made into a postcard. Instead of posting that picture here, or describing it further, I have created reproduction postcards (they came out quite good) and put them in the cache. When you find the cache, you can take a postcard and reach the inscription to learn the secret of what occurred here in 1924 and what the foundation used to house. I have measured the building footprint at 277 feet by 158 feet = 43,766 sq feet for a full acre.
A diagram of the remaining foundation structures is included to assist you in your exploration. Please a take copy with you. It should make sense when you arrive and start to explore.
The picture was taken standing approximately at N42 23.185 W071 29.005 looking north (there is a tree on the spot now). If you stand here, you can just make out some of the features of the foundation that are in the photograph. Feel free to line up your geocaching crew here, take pictures and post them. In your logs, please do not post any comments that reveal the actual event that took place.
Come visit and learn the secret of MIHF!
Children who visit the MIHF geocache site qualify for the Junior Historian and Archaeologist certificate. Email your child's name(s) to the cache owner and I will send back your certificate for printing.
Permission from Town of Maynard for Historical Exploration of White Pond Area:
Communication with Mr. Walter Sokolowski, Town of Maynard
Mr. Volk; there indeed is an old foundation located on the southern end of the pond and is accessible from White Pond Rd. in the vicinity of opposite apx. 100 White Pond Rd. The entrance is through a fielded area which eventually leads to the shore of the pond. There are signs posted as it is still classed as a public water supply. Please send me a letter requesting permission to enter the area with your group for the purpose intended (done), I will see that the Town Administrator is advised. A letter giving permission will follow. The Hudson Police Dept. should be advised on the day you wish to visit. A copy of the permission letter should be carried while on the property. History publications of Maynard reference many _________ and that is one of them that are referenced. Just south of the area is the former roadbed of the Mass. Central Div. of the Boston & Maine R.R. ___ was shipped by rail out of that _______ to points east. White Pond was also referred to at one time as Mirror Lake. Send the letter to me at 195 Main St. Maynard, 01754.
Sorry to get back to you so late but the answer is yes, you have permission as long as the Police know what is happening and the Town is held harmless for liability. Acknowledge this e-mail and you’re all set. Enjoy!
Walter Sokolowski
Communication with Chief Richard Braga; Hudson Chief of Police
It seems like you have done your homework and I see no problem on what you propose. I will forward your email to all my officers so that they are aware that cars may be parked there. Officers may still inquire as to a person's reasons to be in the area as much of the area around the pond is posted with "no trespassing" signs. Good luck with your project. Chief Richard Braga
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)