Along with an interest in history, geocaching takes us to countless cemeteries and graveyards. We spend hours strolling, reading inscriptions, imagining those memorialized, sometimes lifting prayers, and occasionally shedding tears.
But there's excitement, too, particularly when we spot a zinkie! These monuments were popular in the eastern U.S., but we've seen zinkies across the country. Created by the Monumental Bronze Company in Bridgeport, CT, and subsidiaries in the U.S. and Canada, these unique markers were typically placed between 1870-1930s. Marketed as cheaper and more durable than stone, the "white bronze" description was a misnomer, as these memorials were made from pure zinc.
Look for bluish-gray headstones, obelisks, and sometimes effigies of the deceased ranging from simple to ornate, small to very tall. The century old inscriptions are remarkably legible. Lettering and ornamentation were made in casts, and assembled in panels. For a fun surprise, knock on the zinkies!
As you complete this multi, please respect the surroundings and those in eternal rest.
This cache will take you to 3 zinc monuments in Rose Hill Cemetery.
Find the information on these monuments to get the coordinates to the final cache:
N 39 37.ABC W 77 43.DEF
At GZ:
A - What is the last digit of father John's birth year?
B - What is the last digit of his wife's death year?
At Stage 2:
C - What is the third digit of Israel's birth year?
D - What is the first (or last) digit in the number of days in his age?
At Stage 3:
E - What is the last digit in the year John died?
F - What is the number of letters in his last name?