While touring Canterbury England recently, I solved a mystery cache that took me to several locations that highlighted the history of that city. While Monroe might not go back that far in time, I thought I would put out a cache that told the tale of our little community. All clues to the puzzle can be found as you walk (or jog, or bike) around the two Mill ponds in the center of the village. The entire paved path is 1.5 miles long. There will be one side trip down a connecting street. All clues can be found on historical markers and other landmarks that you will pass by. You can not see all of the markers from the road, so please do not attempt this from your car. This one is meant to stretch your legs as well as your mind! Please use caution crossing any streets. Have fun!
N41.AB.CDE W074.FG.HIJ
The origins of the Monroe area began when the Cheesecock patent was granted by Queen Anne of Britain in 1707. The first settler to the area, David Smith (1701-1787) purchased lots 43 and 34 (426 acres) from the patent and constructed a mill and dam on the Ramapo River in 174(A). Look for a stone tablet to the left of the dam as you face the dam.
The Monroe area was generally known as Smiths Clove until 1799, when the town was incorporated under the name Cheesecock. This was re-named Southfield in 1801, and re-named once more to Munroe in 1808. In 1818, the name was popularized to Monroe, to honor President James Monroe. The village of Monroe was incorporated from the rest of the town in 18(B)4.
At the northwest corner of the ponds is a Korean War era F86L Saberjet fighter, which was the first fighter jet to break the sound barrier. This jet was leased from the Air Force by Monroe in 1963 for display. After 50 years on display the jet had fallen into into disrepair, but fortunately in 2014 a group of local citizens raised the money to have the jet restored to its original look. The five numbers on the tail fin add up to C.
To the right of the dam and across Stage Road is McGarrh's Stagecoach Inn Museum, one of the village's original buildings that still stands today. The inn served as a meeting location for the local chapter of the Freemasons from 1817 to 182D.
Following a devastating fire that consumed much of the village in 189(E), the Mombasha Fire Company was established three years later. The memorial to the fire department can be found next to a large red iron circle, which was used as a fire alarm by striking it with a mallet or stick.
Surrounding the Mill ponds is Crane Park. The area was once much more industrial, but the area was cleared and the park was created in 192(F) to honor A.J. Crane, who was able to manage the lands around the ponds as a public park.
Next to the Monroe cinema building (currently closed) stands the original Monroe cheese factory. Cheese was first made in this building in 1873 by Julius Wettstein. In 1892, Emil Frey first developed Liederkranz cheese, and later in 19(G)7 developed Velveeta cheese. All cheese production would eventually move to Ohio, but Monroe celebrates this heritage with a cheese festival every September.
The Erie railroad arrived in Monroe in 1841, turning a farming and iron producing community into a popular country destination. Trains still ran on the tracks until the early 1980s. The site of the tracks is now the popular Heritage rail-trail. The historic Erie station was destroyed by fire in 1977. All that remains on the site is a pedestrian tunnel under the tracks, with 19(H)0 stamped on the entrance. You will find this tunnel by walking down Lake St. between the ponds. Passing through the downtown area, Lake St. becomes Carpenter Place. The tunnel is on your left.
Continuing on Carpenter until it meets Maple Ave, you will find the marker for the former Monroe race track. Harness racing was a popular community event from 1908 to 1927, as it was in many communities at the time. The track record was set in 19(I)3. The grandstands were razed in 1964, however you can still see the track outlines in the satellite view. Turning right onto Maple will return you to the Mill ponds.
Across the pond from the Monroe cinema is a gazebo that was once the steeple of a local church. This gazebo is dedicated to the six Monroe residents who lost their lives on Sept 11, 2001. Across the road and to the left from the gazebo is the Veterans Memorial Park to honor Monroe's war heroes, which was dedicated in 192(J). You do not need to cross this busy road to see the answer.