Welcome to "SQ: Crooks Road Cemetery"
The SQ in the cache name above signifies Spirit Quest, a series of Geocaches to distinguish those areas or caches that are set in cemeteries or memorial gardens or places. Many of us feel this is a good distinction to put on this type of cache and we like to find these types of caches due to the subject matter.
Please be respectful of the area, and observe any posted rules or hours of visitation.
Most cemeteries in Michigan should only be visited during Daylight Hours, unless other hours are posted, but we have yet to locate any legal rules on this subject.
This puzzle will bring you to this small, interesting cemetery that has been here longer than most of the surrounding area and its "urban sprawl".
Some of the puzzle information is below. Some you will need to locate on-site. You will need to sign the log in order to claim this cache.
Most cemeteries in Michigan should only be visited during Daylight Hours, unless other hours are posted.
As always, please be respectful if anyone is visiting family-members here.
Thank You.
>> Crooks Road Cemetery <<
3701 Crooks Road.
Crooks Road Cemetery now sits on the eastern edge of what is a City Park, Boulan Park. It is located in the east central part of the City of Troy, Section 20, on the west side of Crooks Road between Big Beaver and Wattles Roads.
It was originally planned to be the private family cemetery of the Sprague family for their own personal use. In 1850, Orrin Sprague sold this acre of land for $40.00 to be used as a public cemetery instead. Many of the "first settlers" of the area now known as Troy, are buried here and remain watchful over the changes to the surrounding area.
Most of the markers are in excellent condition, with a few that do need some attention / restoration due to the elements and wear over time.
Parking and pedestrian access are available nearby along the western edge of the cemetery next to the Boulan Park fenceline.
Your Puzzle:
Start with Posted Puzzle Coords at the Cemetery Sign:
N 042° 34.358' W 083° 10.072'
Walk approx 30-50' west/southwest to locate a marker with two first-names on it:
Silas and Helen.
A): Take the First digit of Silas' age at his passing,
- Add the last two digits of Silas's passing year (together, double-digit)
- Add the third digit of Silas' birth year.
- Add this total sum to Posted West coordinates.
B): Take Helen's age at her passing.
- Add to the third digit from the Cemetery start year.
C): Take the last two digits from Cemetery start year.
- Subtract from "B".
D): Start with Posted North Coordinates.
- Subtract "C" from this number,
- then Add the last two digits (together, double-digit) of Silas passing year to that number.
n42° 34.__D__ / w083° 10.__A__
May 22 2022 update : The puzzle had to be reworked due to the original final spot being compromised
July 25 2011 Update: Amazingly enough... this has been found 10+ times to date (7/25/2011). I say "amazing" because there was an additional "twist" that was not originally intended with the puzzle. I appreciate everyone's feedback on this as apparently i goofed. I have now made the corrections and it should be correct. :) A GREAT BIG Thanks (and an extra-large Smiley) to all those that found it even though it was a little "off". ;-)
Have fun and enjoy the hunt! :)