The location of this cache atop the hill above what is commonly referred to by the locals as the GIANTS CHAIR. The land the giants chair is located on was part of the James Foundation and was donated to the city of St James in 2013. The city and many great things surrounding it, including Meramec Springs was a result of contributions of the James family. The story of the James family is as follows. Thomas James from Chillicothe Ohio let Indians camp overnight on his property on their way to Washington. Thomas noticed a paint on their face that resembled a red hew color better known as hematite. After inquiring the Indians agreed to show him where they obtained this mineral. On their way back from Washington, Thomas was led to a location with a large spring known to the Indians as Miaramigoua (word for catfish). The Indian name was later corrupted to what is now known as Meramec. Thomas James was associated with Scioto Iron Works located in Chillicothe.
The lake at this park is respectively named after the Scioto Valley region in Chillicothe. The James Foundation was established in 1946 as a result of a donation from Lucy Wortham James of two million dollars to the New York Trust. Lucy was born in the St James area to the union of Thomas and Octiva James the son of William and Lucy Ann Dun James. She grew up in a cottage until her mother’s passing of Tuberculosis in 1894; Lucy was only fourteen years old. Lucy’s father ran the Meramec Iron works until it went bankrupt in 1878. The iron work was known as the first industry west of the Mississippi. Lucy was invited and lived mostly in New York City with her uncle R G Dun. R G Dun was the founder of what is now known as Dun & Bradstreet Inc. Lucy’s fortune was acquired from her father’s share of the R G Dun estate.
Lucy had three houses and an apartment. But she spent most of her springs at Mini Wakon (Indian name for mysterious waters) home located at Meramec Springs. She had a home in St James located where the library stands now. Her third home was located in Rhode Island and was known as Cherry Neck. Her apartment that she later sold to make ends meet during the Great Depression was located in New York City. Although Lucy was known by many people (presidents included) as a beautiful, vibrant, and resourceful young lady was plagued by many illnesses. Lucy was married once for ten years but passed at the early age of 58 single women. She passed in California in 1938 shortly after Christmas. This park and many things around St James (also known as the Forest City of the Ozarks) are in large thanks to her contributions. It is said “ALL ROADS LEAD TO St JAMES”.
The Giants Chair Phenomenon is located at N 37 59.417 W 091 37.281 due to a cache location placed near by the actual cache location has been moved.
Please note this cache is only availabe diuring the day park closed between dusk and 6am