Merriam Park

January 27th, 2002

Could there possibly be a better way to mourn the end of another hunt than rehashing the whole thing with others equally let down from a hunt—and a hunt that seemed way too short? I think not!

At least one hundred mourners gathered this afternoon at Merriam Park to share a fabulous potluck with other hunters of the St. Paul Winter Carnival Medallion Hunt. The meal included Rehash Goulash, Minnesota Wild Rice Casserole, Devil's Den Eggs, Medallion Candy, Ian's Sloppy Joe Medallions, and lots of chips—especially of the Pringle variety.

The medallion was found between two baseball fields by Mary Kay Hamilton of Woodbury and her son, Sean, 16. The fast find was tied for the second-quickest in hunt history. It may have been a lucky kick in the leaves this year, but it sounds like mom has paid her dues...even if she forgot to pay for a button this year. Read the clue explanations and some commentary on these explanations in our 2002 area.

Patrick McGovern's

January 19th, 2002

Amazement is the word that comes to mind about this year's predig party at McGovern's. There had to be by evening's end at least 100 people that had come and gone.

We took over an upstairs room at McGovern's. The room probably holds 50 people or so comfortably, but as usual, some folks came early and left, others came later, and some of us were there from beginning to end. We had the room packed.

As 2001 marked the 50th medallion hunt, special attention was given to last year's dig. One addition you may have seen on the plains of our public parks was a documentary film crew. Trent Tooley and Jackie Garry of Not Another Hollywood Film (NAHF) were shooting a documentary about the hunt called "No Time for Cold Feet." They promised to be back for 2002. You're encouraged to learn more about the project by visiting the NAHF site.

Como Park (West Picnic Grounds)

February 4th, 2001

I'm thinking close to 100 people were at the Rehash Bash; someone else thought more like 75. With folks coming and going, it's hard to tell...but this is definitely a growing phenonomen.

The Pioneer Press had a Coolerheads 2001 banner for the Torchlight Parade the night before, which we get to keep. We put it up in the shelter at the Rehash Bash. Thanks go out to "Mom and Dad" who brought propane heaters; we were able to stay reasonably warm in that kind of damp, Minnesota cold with a bit of a breeze and no sun.

Excellent Insight

(from Water Cooler post)

Dickaroo, Jan 26, 2001 CST

Not everyone understands the hunt. It definitely gets in your blood. You've studied the clues. You know exactly where it is. You grab a tool (shovel, hoe, we all have our preference) and you head to the site with the true belief that it is a matter of getting out of the car, and picking up the prize. You can taste it.

Patrick McGovern's

Thought I'd try to give the general flavor of the McGovern's gathering.

Thanks to everyone that is helping with the article archive project. We've accomplished a lot, but there's plenty more to do! A mailing address is the only thing needed to get on the archival bandwagon. Cooler Crew is always looking for folks to help bring our vast library of past medallion lore into the modern era. Basically, we need some good keyboard hands. If you're interested in doing something to help create a wonderful piece of Minnesota history, this is where we need you the most. Please inquire with Greg Sax.