***A reminder everyone, you do need to get all the answers correct if claiming a find. So please wait until I respond and let you know what's what. I'm usually pretty quick about it. Thank you***
For mutual convenience, I've added a checker for the questions that people find the most challenging, so you can see if you're correct/not prior to submitting your responses. Please note that using the checker DOES NOT replace submitting the correct answers for all questions to the CO & posting the required photo.
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It took me a very long time to figure out how I wanted to share my Virtual Reward, and it was only in September that I discovered this gem in the heart of downtown Hamilton. After exploring and learning a bit more about this area, I realised that many aspects "spoke" to me. I enjoyed my visit here, and I hope you do, too!
"Meet Me Under the Clock"
This virtual will allow you a chance to discover some of the unique historical and cultural elements and design features of this area. Think of it as a scavenger hunt of sorts!
Please note that there are a number of logging tasks, so please read everything carefully BEFORE starting this virtual to avoid the disappointment of a deleted log.
This publically-accessible virtual is available on Wednesday - Friday from 9 am - 5 pm and Saturday from 8 am - 5 pm.
Enjoy!
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Let's begin at the beginning...
This area is a heritage institution founded in 1837, at the corner of York & James Streets. Andrew and Mary Miller transferred a small parcel of land to the President and Board of Police of the Town of Hamilton, to be utilized specifically for a market.
The details of the land transfer are murky. Michael Quigley's On the Market published by the Head of the Lake Historical Society in 1987 says, "The origins of the market lie in a tangled swamp of land speculation deals, political rivalries, sharp practices and legal chicanery among the principals, many of them revered founding fathers of Hamilton."
The market has been in its current location next to the Hamilton Public Library since August 1980.
In 2011, the market area was completely renovated by the City of Hamilton, and now has, among other things, the fully restored Birks Clock Of The Charging Horsemen hanging proudly in the centre of the market.
The Clock of the Charging Horsemen
The 1930 Birks clock takes pride of place, playing 200 tunes throughout the day. Watch the jousters in their infinite challenge and notice the clock’s intricate details.
In 1882, the Canada Life Assurance Company moved from James Street South (the Pigott Building) into a new building at the southeast corner of King and James streets. The Birks Building was known as the twisty tower because of the top tower's unique design. Oscar Wilde (my favourite author!), who lectured in Hamilton May 30 and 31, 1882, stated it was one of the most beautiful buildings he had seen in Canada.
The Canada Life Assurance building was sold in 1929 to Henry Birks and Sons. A fire in November 1929 forced Birks to rebuild the damaged sections, including the twisty tower. A copper roof, a canopy and show windows were added, and the interior was completely remodeled. Birks also ordered a copy of the charging horsemen clock at Wells Cathedral in Somerset England. The 18-foot-tall clock was set going at 10am on October 11, 1930.
More than 50 years later, in August 1972, Birks vacated the building and moved into Jackson Square. Despite protests, the Birks building was torn down and replaced with a 15-storey $3.5 million office building where First Ontario Credit Union operated. Fortunately, the charging Horsemen clock was reinstalled on a pillar outside Jackson Square but ceased working shortly afterward. Later, it was removed and completely restored and installed in the renovated space.
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LOGGING TASKS - in order to claim a find, each person must complete all logging tasks and submit their own, unique, photo. Please read the tasks, carefully.
If you're going to be delayed in sending a response, please post a "write note" in the meantime.
Let's get started!
Explore the Outdoors (posted) - send me the responses to the following questions using the in-game system (IM preferred).
1. What's the name of the sculpture near the entrance and what year was it created? Hint: for part of this answer you will have to explore this cache page.
2. What object is depicted at the apex of the sculpture?
Moving Indoors (WP1) - send me the responses to the following questions using the in-game system (IM preferred).
3. Find the permanent display of historical photos of the Hamilton Farmers' Market. Once found, look at the various photos and find the ones that give the answers to the following:
Photo a) What W.R. Budge sells. Write the full description.
Photo b) The number of blue trucks in (207).
Photo c) The name of the hotel.
Photo d) The type of pastries sold. Write the full description.
4. Find the colourful mural of the Farmer's Market. What is the total monetary value listed on the stamp?
5. Find the informationational / historical plaque and read the captions. What other famous Ontario building - that still exists and isn't in the local area - is mentioned in the description and where is it located?
Back to Where we Started (nearly) WP2
6. Who is in this image? (full name & title)
FINALLY! It's photo time.
7. Each person must log their own, unique, photo with a sign that says "Meeting Under the Clock", the geocacher's name AND the date clearly written out, standing underneath the clock such that ALL items are visible in your photo. You are to be UNDER the clock, and not at any other level. You may also choose to be in the photo but all the other required elements must still be present. POST this with your LOG. NO GROUP PHOTOS are allowed. You may take a photo alone or with one other person; however, both individuals must be clearly identifiable (e.g. each person holds a side of the sign if taking a selfie). See the examples provided to avoid disappointment.
Thanks for visiting the Charging Horsemen Clock. I will read and respond to all answers. Online finds without the correct answers and photo attached (as outlined in Q6) will be deleted. Responses should be sent at the time of logging; if you are going to be delayed, please post a "write note" instead.
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Virtual Rewards 4.0 - 2024-2025
This Virtual Cache is part of a limited release of Virtuals created between January 17, 2024 and January 17, 2025. Only 4,000 cache owners were given the opportunity to hide a Virtual Cache. Learn more about Virtual Rewards 4.0 on the Geocaching Blog.
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Courtesy checkers (these DO NOT replace sending the correct answers to the CO):
Q1 - if using the checker, enter the name of the piece and the year without spaces or capitalisation (e.g. nameofthepieceyear)
You can validate your puzzle solution with
certitude.
Q5 - if using the checker, leave no spaces; no need to capitalise; double check that you read the question correctly...
You can validate your puzzle solution with
certitude.
Q6 - if using the checker, leave no spaces; no need to capitalise
You can validate your puzzle solution with
certitude.