TH&B - Tom Longboat - Cogwagee Traditional Cache
TH&B - Tom Longboat - Cogwagee
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(small)
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This geocache is part of the new "TH&B" series meant to draw attention to important local historical figures, as well as important historical events in and around the area along the old TH&B Railway (Toronto, Hamilton & Buffalo Railway).
Bring your own pencil and replace the cache exactly as you found it.
THOMAS CHARLES LONGBOAT (1887-1949) -
Tom, an Onondaga Native, was born on Six Nations Reserve near Brantford, Ontario on June 4, 1887 to George and Betsy Longboat.
The Ottawa Citizen called him "Canada's Greatest Runner Ever." He was also called "The Speedy Son of the Forest" and "The Indian Ironman." Unfortunately he was called many not-so-flattering names as well, due to the terrible amount of racism he had to endure.
From an early age Tom enjoyed running. He ran everywhere.
In 1906, at 19 years of age, Tom entered and won the "Around the Bay" marathon in Hamilton. This established him as one of the favourites for any long distance race he would enter.
In 1907 he entered and won the "Boston Marathon" making him the world's premier marathoner. He broke the record that year with a time of 2:24:25. This record stood for many years until the Boston Marathon was made easier. Tom won Toronto's "Ward Island Marathon" from 1906-1908.
During WWI, Tom served as a dispatch runner while fighting in France.
After his retirement Tom settled on the Six Nations Reserve, and on January 9, 1949 Tom died of pneumonia.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
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