RETIRED: This box lasted over 10 years! But alas, all good things come to an end. Box is gone. It was great run!!!
Smithsonian Beginnings
It began as a simple idea in the moors of England. The idea spread across the Atlantic pond to a New World. The reason for the spread of this idea, after laying secret for a hundred years in Dartmoor, was partly because of a simple article. An article in April 1998, published in Smithsonian Magazine. An article that defined Letterboxing for the western hemisphere. The rest is history.
Travel to Rush Rhees Library on the River Campus of the University of Rochester. Here you will find the bound journal of Smithsonian Magazine, and be able to read for yourself the complete article on letterboxing, the article that started it all. In the stacks of this marvelous library you will also find a letterbox, carefully hidden nearby the famous journals. You will be able to sit, read, and be inspired, all in the warm comfort of the library.
The library staff has approved the letterbox, but they are not responsible for it, and the very large staff of this library will not of its whereabouts. You can check the library hours at:
http://www.library.rochester.edu/index.cfm?PAGE=481 Note on Parking:
If you want to get as close to the library as you can, I recommend Library Lot, off Intercampus Drive, a gated parking lot on the backside of the library. You can only get into this lot after 7 p.m. on weekdays, but it is open all the time on Saturday and Sunday. You can park anywhere on campus without a permit during these evening and weekend times. If you come during the day, there is a small booth at the entrance off Elmwood Ave., where you can purchase a parking pass for the day.
Clues:
From ancient moors, on distant shores
In misty morn, Letterboxing born.
The word was spread, an article read.
Smithsonian date, April 1998.
Rush Rhee’s books, is where you’ll look,
For a journal’s lore, from days of yore.
Doors to the west, will start your quest.
Don’t go too fast, see the future/present/past?
Computers on right, will shed some light.
With Voyager’s facts, you’ll find in the stacks,
A journal bound, on G100M it’s found.
A line of blue, will see you to,
Lift or stair, to you know where.
Before you go, you should know,
The number’s call, from reference hall.
When things look dark, don’t miss the mark,
Looking to and froe, at the end of the rows,
Light dials turned, is a lesson learned.
In journals old, as I have told,
Find the book, and have a look,
Our history’s here, though a bit queer,
Dartmoor’s spell, over field and dell,
Began this sport, of a sort,
That we all play, to this day.
Onto the Box! After the fox!
Let’s find the stamp, and end this tramp.
Return the book, from where you took.
Turn to your right, and begin your flight,
Down the isle, in single file.
Keep your gait, jog left for “28”
Stop at the wall, and if you’re tall,
Above your head, in beams of lead,
To your surprise, you’ll find the prize!
What’s that, too short? Ball out of your court?
Don’t stand and stare, close by is a chair,
And an empty shelf, that could help,
to enjoy the find. Please be so kind,
Return to its place, with a smile on your face.
Problems, comments, suggestions: jackbear (balloujay at gmail dot com)
Listed on www.letterboxing.org and www.atlasquest.com
Hike Length: 0.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 0 feet
