Border Town Traditional Cache

This cache has been archived.

K-Ddid: I am 91 years old and can't see anymore and live in Virginia with my wife, near my daughter. I can no longer maintain any of my caches. If anyone wishes to adopt these caches, feel free.

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Hidden : 7/14/2005
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
2 out of 5

Size: Size: regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

In Old Molson

It is a 35 minute drive, give or take, from Oroville. Molson, Washington and Old Molson were founded in 1900. It is a delightful place to visit in the warm months. At an elevation of 3708 feet it is an old mining town rich in history. Pack your picnic box and visit Old Molson and then drive a quarter of a mile a visit Molson. A mile or so further are some pleasant high country lakes to picnic, pitch a tent or whatever.

Continue the drive on excellent country road that was previously the old railroad bed. Drive slow and read the historical signs. At one point a sign tells you that the Canadian border is only 150 feet away. A short way across the valley you will see busy Canadian Highway 3. Too soon you will have made the circuit and be back on the paved road to Oroville.

Old Molson is fun for young and old. There are hundred year old buildings that represent various businesses. A Post Office on the corner with an older printers Intertype typesetting machine catches your eye. Scattered about the grounds are old hay binders, tractors and other farm equipment. The two farmers visiting with me remember using some of the equipment in their area years ago.

The town was fought over — an old homesteader said all of the property was his and while litigation continued it began to fade away. In the meantime business men set up the new town of Molson just a quarter of a mile down the road.

As you come in to the area there are a few occupied homes and one large brick building of three floors and a basement that was once a school. It has been turned into a magnificent museum with much of the local history recounted including saving some original school rooms.

The Molsons came from British Columbia (perhaps you are familiar with Canadian Molson Beer) and started mining in the nearby hills. A railroad was soon brought in. Businesses flourished - a car dealer sold 165 cars one sign tells. A railroad ticket to nearby Oroville cost 99¢. Eventually the railroad was taken over by Great Northern and was the highest railroad in the state. As was the case in many areas of the country in was shut down for good after the Great Depression hit the world.

The closeness to the Canadian border meant nothing to the people then and they crossed the border freely conducting business as they wished. Molson at one time had a population of 700 but now very few weather it out year around.

Don’t be surprised to see a Border Patrol and Immigration vehicle patrolling the area. We talked to one officer. He said it is impossible to catch all of those seeking refuge in the United States or those bringing drugs across. In too many areas the fences are almost non-existent or else knocked down.

You will enjoy you visit.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Ynetr pnzzbrq ahg wne.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)


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