Solvay's Gem Traditional Cache
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This cache is located where Solvay's "castle" used to stand.
The cache is located at what was formerly the site of Solvay Process,where the manufacture of soda ash reigned as the foundation of the local economy for many years. Before 1880, demand for alkali in the United States was largely filled by imports from Europe or from potash leached from wood ash. It wasn’t until 1876, at a meeting of the American Institute of Mining Engineers in Philadelphia, that Missouri lead-mine managing engineer William Cogswell learned of the new Solvay ammonia–soda process discovered by Ernest Solvay of Belgium. Cogswell was impressed by the process and convinced the mine's owner, Rowland Hazard, to send him to Belgium in 1878 to learn more about the procedure from Solvay and his brother. Initially reluctant to commit to an agreement, the Solvays finally licensed Hazard and Cogswell to produce soda ash in the United States.
Following the agreement, the two formed Solvay Process Company and built a plant in Solvay, NY, where there were ample underground salt deposits and nearby limestone quarries. By 1884, the plant was operating with a capacity of thirty tons per day, and within twelve years, capacity was expanded tenfold.
Solvay Process closed its doors several years ago, striking an economic blow to the local economy, but despite that setback the village continues to thrive. This little park was build in recognition of Solvay Process, its many employees, and the asset to the community this company was.
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Lbh'er va gur evtug fcbg vs lbh fvg qbja, erynk, naq ner snpvat 210.
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