A Treasure's Trove

[Jenny]

Who remembers A Treasure's Trove?

Here is a summary of the 2004 treasure hunt:

mysteriouswritings.com/a-treasures-trove-armchair-treasure-hunt-of-2004/

[astree]

I think Michael Stadther was very generous with this hunt. The method, once found, was simply employed.

I also say that the method was close to self confirming, since one got a legible message that could be placed on a map.

What do you think?

LIKEWISE, there are other hunts ongoing in which the phrase “nobody knows the solution until they have the treasure in hand” are popular. I disagree, and to the same degree, that i see A Treasures Trove solutions as self-confirming.

A Treasures Trove has some great personal memories,

[GeneticBlend]

"A Treasures Trove" was my introduction to treasure hunts.

I was sick, and in bed, and was reading People Magazine to keep from getting bored. There was an article about "A Treasure's Trove" in the magazine, and I was immediately intrigued! I begged my husband to go to the bookstore to get it for me, so I could have something to do while I was stuck in bed!

The one thing I didn't like about the book, was that all of the puzzles were solved by the same method. Once the first one was solved, it was like the domino effect...all the rest were solved one by one afterwards.

You did know that you had solved a puzzle, or were on your way to a solution. It is always nice to have confirmation.

Sadly, the next book by the author was much different. The puzzles were much more difficult. Plus the author went bankrupt, and couldn't back-up his prizes.

Even for authors with their own publishing companies, it just goes to show how expensive it is to create, publish, and provide prizes for the winners. It makes me appreciate those who are out there, providing these hunts for all of us.

When the topic of armchair treasure hunts comes up, "Masquerade" is always mentioned as THE first. But "A Treasures Trove" was MY first.

At the top of its popularity, there was even a meet-up of "Trovers" and "Twelevers" at North Park, just outside of Pittsburgh. People gathered to share their
search stories and the finder (Was it Jake?) of the first token attended with the jewel, and many photographs! There were games and prizes. Group photos were posted on tweleve.org, but I don't know if they are still there. It was a fun time. Quite exciting.

I wonder if anyone here, was at that meet-up?

[rarbowen]

Loved ATT! We were two hours late in finding one of the jewels in North Carolina. Such a huge heart breaker for me, but also a since of satisfaction that I actually solved the puzzle and knew where to go to find it, as I had been there before in years past. I remember the get-together being talked about on Tweleve. It sounded like a lot of fun, but too far to make the trip at the time. I wish another great puzzle would hit the market.

[astree]

Sad news. I hust found out that the author, Michael Stadther?, passed away in 2018.

This puzzle was my second, Genetic Blend, and found it quite amazing. And Michael very gracious, generous, and creative (and obviously smart)

www.coronadonewsca.com/obituaries/michael-jon-stadther/article_f934b532-1e7d-11e8-9ab6-5fca16e17005.html

I resd a post where someone claimed that Michael said he had solved "Treasure In Search of the Golden Horse" and that it was too difficult. (this is therefore 3rd hand info, with me be the 3rd)