Locked and Loaded puzzle cache :)
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Difficulty:
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Terrain:
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Size: 
(large)
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This cache is not to be a " tough to figure out puzzle ", but one that requires discipline as if not paying attention ,or to much in a hurry a mistake will mean back to the drawing board. Goodies for all even threw in a few for pets.
Although the cache is child friendly, the hiding place may not be safe for all children. PLEASE be careful do to elevation and false footing maybe tricky for smaller children.
History of Oak Hall
The stately building which dominates the cliff above the Dufferin Islands Nature Area is today the administrative headquarters of The Niagara Parks Commission.
The history of Oak Hall dates back to the days of the pioneers. Three of the most famous families of original settlers in the area once resided on this property.
The story of the building can be divided into several periods that are separated and distinct. From 1798 when the land was granted by the crown to James Skinner, U.E.L. until 1898, one hundred years later, it was the home of the Clarks, Streets and Macklems, the families that controlled the mills of Bridgewater. This was the pioneer industrial village on the present site of Dufferin Islands. It was then known as Clark Hill.
First Occupants
The earliest known occupant of the home on the hill was Colonel Thomas Clark. Clark was commander of the Second Lincoln Militia in the War of 1812-1814. Although details are sketchy, it seems the British government granted this land to Clark in 1816. A home on this site was built soon after. No reference to the date that this first home was built can be found.
The Oakes Years
Harry Oakes, a mining millionaire, bought the estate from Schoellkopf on July 15, 1924. He hired the architectural firm of Findlay and Foulis, the same architects who designed the then new Table Rock House, to design the 37 room Tudor style baronial edifice that is present day Oak Hall. The reconstruction took four years and in 1928 the Oakes family moved in.
The Oakes family lived there for six years, until Harry Oakes, annoyed by the inroads that taxes were making on his income, wound up his affairs in Canada and moved his family to England. He left his properties in the Niagara area in the care of a holding company, Welland Securities.
Sir Harry Oakes *
The name Oakes is perpetuated in Niagara Falls in many ways. Familiar to tourist and local citizens alike are the names Oakes Garden Theatre, Oakes Park Athletic Field, Oakes Drive and Oak Hall, all reminders of this noted family, and particularly of Sir Harry Oakes, its most prominent member.
Harry Oakes, an American by birth, came to Canada in 1911 as a prospector and mining engineer. In 1912 he struck it rich, his discovery of gold resulting in the Lakeshore Mine near Kirkland Lake.
Sir Harry, or Mr. Oakes as he then was, deliberately created jobs. No man, regardless of age or capability, was turned away - each was given a shovel and put to work under supervision of Ed McClement. Each man was paid two dollars for a half day's work and on Mr. Oakes' insistence the pay was in two-dollar bills. Often Ed McClement had to search all over town for these bills.
Sir Harry Oakes was a keen supporter of athletics and gave many awards to young people for sports competitions. In September 1930, he deeded sixteen acres of farm land at the corner of Morrison Street and Stanley Avenue to the City of Niagara Falls for an athletic field. At a cost of $20,000, this land was made by the City into a football field, baseball field and other athletic areas and was formally named Oakes Park in Sir Harry's honour. It was opened to public use in the summer of 1931.
During World War II in 1943, Lady Eunice Oakes, Sir Harry's widow, deeded Oak Hall to the Government of Canada to be used as a convalescent hospital for the Royal Canadian Air Force. When there was no longer a need for convalescent facilities, the Federal Government deeded it back to Lady Oakes in 1952.he golf rentals shop and ticket office for the Par Three Golf Course were relocated to the gate house at the entrance to the grounds and the former three car garage used by the shop was converted into offices.
On Oct. 24, 1982, the Administrative Offices were moved from the Administration building in Queen Victoria Park to Oak Hall. The Niagara Parks Police now occupy the former administration building.Magnificent hand carved teakwood chairs are located in the "Great Hall" area. The chairs were used by the signatories to the Boxer Rebellion Treaty in August 1901, when the documents bringing peace in China were officially signed.
The Niagara Parks collection of "Niagara Falls" art is also on display at Oak Hall.
This attractive building will be preserved and it will continue to be a familiar landmark in Niagara Falls for many years to come.
Open to the Public
WARNING AGAIN:
Although the cache is child friendly, the hiding place may not be safe for all children. PLEASE be careful do to elevation and false footing maybe tricky for smaller children.
Cache is a locked tool box, puzzle comes in as you will have to figure out the combination. To do this follow the instructions EXACTLY as the information is written on the box.
Puzzle Translator is also on the box : >5=L <5=U 5=D 1=R
Read carefully all instructions, failure to do so will not let you in ....HAHAHAHHAAHHAHAH :)
Difficult = 3
Terrrain = 3
Luck needed = 5
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Nyy pyhrf ner jevggra naq nggnpurq gb gur pnpur
sbyybj vafgehpgvba gb bcra gur ybpx...