Verges Cave
John F. Flynn came to Norfolk in April 1880 to start a brick factory at this site, known as the Clay Pit (GC849PR). Flynn, Dr. Ferdinand Verges, August Pilger, and Herman Gerecke formed the Norfolk Brick and Tile Company, which operated from 1888 until 1907.
When the quality of the clay in the pit declined, the Norfolk Brick and Tile Company ceased operations. In 1907, Dr. Carl J. Verges, son of Ferdinand, bought the 4 1/2 acre property. In 1916, he tore down the buildings and converted the clay pit into what we know today as Verges Park. Initial landscaping included a pond, a foot bridge, and a gazebo. A cave was later dug into the 90-foot west bank.
In 1933, Verges Cave was lined with concrete and decorated with drawings of cartoon characters from the 1920s. Additionally, a fireplace, kitchen, coat room, and other features were added. During the winter, people ice-skating on the pond would come in and warm up by the fireplace in the cave.
The exact purpose of the cave has been the subject of speculation over the years. It is believed that the cave was originally dug to serve as a "speakeasy" at the end of the Prohibition Era. The Masons, Lions, and others have used the cave for meetings and gatherings. Some people say that the cave was created for unethical purposes and that Dr. Verges would conduct evil medical experiments in the cave's rooms. However, there is no proof of these experiments. Historians believe the cave was mostly used for parties.
Even though there are no indications that anything more sinister than club meetings ever took place here, that doesn't stop the ghost stories from living on. Many people who have ventured into Verges Cave have felt the presence of something not quite human in those subterranean rooms. People who live nearby have reported hearing all sorts of unexplained voices and other sounds coming from the cave, even though it's always locked up tight behind a metal door and an interior gate.
The cave is now usually off limits to anyone other than the supposed ghosts who may have taken up residence there. However, the Elkhorn Valley Museum (GC849NN), which now owns the property, gives regular tours and opens up the cave for special events. During these events, the general public is invited into the cave to look around. It’s a fascinating place to explore because it lets the mind wander to all sorts of possibilities - including the enduring legends that it’s haunted. So come and check it out - IF YOU DARE!
Virtual Cache Requirements
Since this is a Virtual Cache with no container to find, you must perform ONE of the photo options below to prove that you visited Verges Cave:
Option 1 - If you are visiting at a time when the cave is sealed off, take a photo in front of the closed gate. The "cardinal" must be visible in your photo.
Option 2 - If you are visiting at a time when the cave is open, take a photo from INSIDE the cave. At least one of the drawings on the cave walls must be visble in your photo.
You may be in the photo if you like, but it is not required. If your face is not visible in your photo, you MUST include a hand-written sign of your choosing displaying your caching name and the date of your visit. Post your photo with your log. Logs that do not have the required photo will be deleted.
Virtual Rewards 3.0 - 2022-2023
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between March 1, 2022 and March 1, 2023. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 3.0 on the Geocaching Blog.