It should be no surprise, but The Monroe Oak has out lived the tribute cache I placed there in 2010. Now at 340+ years old, "The Monroe Oak" is still going strong. This is a simple off-set cache. First stage is at the posted coordinates and is a very interested virtual. The second stage is a small sized camo-ed lock-n-lock container.
Use the circa date on the front of the monument for ABCD and use the establish date from the back of the monument for EFGH
The cache is located at: N 40° 19.A E+F D W 074° 27.H H B
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Warning, history lesson below ... you might learn something!
The Monroe Oak is a historic white oak tree that stands at the intersection of Applegarth and Prospect Plains Roads. Known as a tree-friendly town, Monroe NJ is home to the 340 year old white oak, a mammoth specimen of Quercus Alba that was here when the town was founded in 1838. There is no doubt that this tree has seen a lot of history. So significant is this tree, that it was included in the town's official seal as a symbol of endurance.
The Monroe Oak stands on the property that was once The Railroad Hotel at Prospect Plains. The Prospect Plains post office and corner store where across the street as was the Prospect Plains train station. In 1972 the hotel was sold to a company who wanted to take down the building and cut down the tree. Some fast acting of the Monroe Historical Association save the tree but the hotel was razed. A bank was eventually build in it's place. The bank has changed names a dozen times, but the Monroe Oak is still standing.
As it has been for the last 334+ years, the Monroe Oak is there for you to enjoy.
To find the cache, proceed to the posted coordinates. There you will find a dedication plaque on a large stone use the CIRCA date as ABCD ((The check sum of those digits = 15) However, this is more then just a large stone. Look at the back to learn more about the stone and read the second plaque. There you will see two dates. the first date listed is in reference to an established date. This is the date we need. Let the number by position be EFGH. (The check sum of those digits = 12)
The final is about 1 mile away. Parking should be obvious and the cache is about 350ft from there. Beware of some stickers and poison ivy near by.
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The Prospect Plains Railroad Hotel circa 1930.
This cache is certified Central Jersey!
