This geocache could also be called a puzzle geocache, but I have chosen to call it a multi-cache since you must visit 3 cemeteries in the Brunswick area to visit the grave sites of some of the early settlers. The cemeteries are several miles apart, so plan accordingly. In order to locate this geocache you must solve a field puzzle.
Cemetery hours are from dawn to dusk. Absolutely NO night caching!
It would be a good idea to have a pen and paper with you. In some instances there is a bit of simple math involved too, so be sure to read the instructions carefully.
OK. Let's begin.
In solving this puzzle, use the following formula:
N 41 AB.CDE
W 081 FG.HJK
Our first stop is at Westview Cemetery.
The posted coordinates will take you to the grave site of John Stearns and his wife Lucy. (To help you correctly identify this grave, a photo has been provided in the gallery.) John Stearns was one of the first settlers of the community, and in 1830 it was he who donated this land to use as a burial ground.
Since the Stearns grave stone is very weathered and difficult to read, look at the three grave stones that are directly to the north of the Stearns grave marker.
To solve for AB: Count how many times the letter "A" appears on all three of these stones. MULTIPLY your answer by 2.
At waypoint #1 (N 41 14.353 W 081 50.564) you will see the Pitkin/Berdan monument.
Abram and Sarah Berdan, and their daughter Rachel Pitkin and her husband William, were the first to inhabit the farmland that is now the site of Heritage Farm.
To solve for C: How many letters are in the name of the month of Sarah's birth?
To solve for D: Abram Berdan was born in March of 1807. What is the second digit of the day of the month of Abram Berdan's birth?
Let's proceed to Town Line Cemetery...
At waypoint #2 (N 41 12.751 W 081 47.105) you will find the monument for Norman Chidsey. Mr. Chidsey was among the first settlers of the area, and many of his decendants still live here.
To solve for E: What is the symbol that is at the top of each side of the monument?
Fleur-de-lis = 1
Cross = 4
Star = 7
The letter C = 0
To solve for F: How many letters are in the first name of Norman Chidsey's wife?
Approximately 5 paces west of the Norman Chidsey monument is the grave site of Hiram Miller. Mr. Miller was an active member of the Underground Railroad and assisted more than 1,000 runaway slaves to freedom.
To solve for G: What is the last digit in the year of Hiram Miller's birth?
To solve for H: Mariah Deming (wife of Hiram Miller) is buried next to him. What is the first digit of the day of the month of her death?
Onward to Bennett's Corners Cemetery...
At waypoint #3 (N 41 16.473 W 081 47.131) you will see the Benjamin grave site.
In 1835, Daniel Benjamin purchased 160 acres of land from the Connecticut Land Company and built his farm. The Benjamin Farm was located just south of here on what is now known as West 130th Street between Grafton and Center Roads.
To solve for J: What is the number of the month of Daniel and Eliza Benjamin's marriage?
To solve for K: The Benjamins had a son who died at a young age. Count the letters in his first name and SUBTRACT 2.
Want to check your answers before going in search of the geocache?: A + B + C + D + E + F + G + H + J + K = 36
You are looking for a small container covered with camouflage duct tape. It is not hidden around any grave sites. Please bring a pen with you to sign the log and be sure to cover the container with natural material before you leave.