This was my first visit to Hope Cemetery. It is the smallest of the cemeteries I have done a tour for so far. That being said, there are many interesting things I found. Lots of great views from all over the cemetery as well.
All of the stops on the tour are things that I found to be the most interesting. While you are here, pay your respects to those who have left us and as always absolutely no night caching.
There are 12 waypoints you will be visiting. The coordinates for the waypoints are listed in the waypoint section. At each stop, you will collect information which will be used to calculate the coordinates to the final cache.
Enjoy the tour!
Letter A: Hope Memorial:
This cemetery only has one mausoleum, but it is an impressive one! Sitting at the top of the hill looking over the cemetery, it certainly catches your eye. The views from here are spectacular.
After doing some research, I found that when the official dedication service was done in May 1932, the Hope Memorial was the first mausoleum in Eastern Berks, the first mausoleum between Reading and Allentown, and one of the only few in Berks County.
Standing at the front, you will see columns and stone planters.
A=Number of columns plus number of stone planters
Letter B: A Sign of Hope
The official cemetery entrance sign. On the back there is a special dedication stone in memory of a woman.
B=Total number of letters in her first and last name. (Do not include her middle initial)
Letter C: Toward The Heavens
This is definitely the tallest headstone in the cemetery. Find Albert S.
C=Second digit in has day of birth.
Letter D: Ultimate Sacrifice
Here is a headstone for a man who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. On the bottom, there is an inscription that lists his infantry number.
D=Last digit in the infantry number
Letter E: Flowers And Crosses
An ornately decorated headstone. Find the side with Issac and Madora. You will see three plants with flowers next to their names.
E=How many flowers are on the plants? It will be a two digit number. E is the second digit. For clarity, the middle flower of the middle plant only counts as one.
Letter F: The Labyrinth
These labyrinth mazes are always a lot of fun. Lots of twists and turns just like life, but also a nice place to reflect and collect your thoughts as you make your journey to the center.
My definition of a turn in the labyrinth is an abrupt and total reversal in direction. This means the left after you enter and the right to get to the center do not count.
F=How many turns do you encounter in the labyrinth from the entrance to the center?
Letter G: Have Fun Storming The Castle!
This headstone looks like it belongs as part of a castle. Find the year of birth for Benjamin.
G=Third digit in his year of birth MINUS 2
Letter H: Diamonds Are Forever
Some abstract art decorates this headstone. Look at the ground in front and find the small headstone for Calvin.
H=Last digit in his year of death
Letter I: Man Of Many Talents
This man had quite the life. He was a school founder, a pastor, and he served in Gettysburg!
I=Number of churches he was pastor for PLUS first digit of the U.S. Emergency Infantry he served in at Gettysburg MINUS number of schools he founded.
Letter J: Be Good
There is a lot going on in this headstone. A picture carving for Harry and Michelle, life advice, and an impressive image of the Tree of Life.
J=Number of birds flying above the Tree of Life
Letter K: A Storied Bench
A good resting place that has a book with an inscription.
K="Hold for a moment some _________. K is the number of letters in the missing word.
Letter L: All American Grandmaster
Standing at the coordinates, you will see two interesting headstones. This will be a two part question.
Look left to find George A. He was an All American in what sport? Count the number of letters in the word.
Now look right to find the Bieber headstone. The picture on it is impressive. Find Carl R. He was the Grandmaster of what? Count the numbers of letters in the word.
L=All American+Grandmaster
Final Coordinates: N 40 31.(A-H)(E+C)(I+J) W 075 46.(B-G)(F-K)(L-D)
Checksums:
North: A+H+E+C+I+J=19
West: B+G+F+K+L+D=65
Please be extra stealthy when retrieving and returning the final cache. This cemetery is surrounded by houses on every side and muggle eyes are everywhere!!