In the Dark of Night (Solved)

[forgottenhistoryhunt]

Yes, there are a lot of twists and turns in this hunt - and rabbit holes, some of which I did not intend!

But flash911 is correct: eventually, everything will fall into place and make sense!

I received two questions, but I can only answer one of them:

I was asked if the train schedule had significance. I have to say that everything you see is significant, either as a direct clue or as something to verify you're on the right track (no pun intended!).

Good luck, and I'll post a clue on Saturday if this has not been solved by then.

-FHH

PS: I did not hide any clues in this message, just to save you the effort of analyzing and over-thinking it!

As I will be answering questions here, I will let you know when what I write is a clue!

[susb8383]

Any chance you could share what the second question was that you can't answer? Not being able to answer might in itself be a hint to the person who asked it.

[forgottenhistoryhunt]

Jan 25, 2022 20:48:56 GMT -5 susb8383 said:

Any chance you could share what the second question was that you can't answer? Not being able to answer might in itself be a hint to the person who asked it.

It was a question about the code/ cipher on the paper.  I felt it is too soon to clarify anything about that.

But feel free to ask questions and I will answer them as best I can without giving away too much too soon!

-FHH

[forgottenhistoryhunt]

If the hunt has not been solved by Saturday, a hint will be posted.  But what would you like the hint to be?

Something about the books?

The code?

The train schedule?

Simon and Garfunkel?

Something else?

 

Let me know what you want to know more about - one topic, please! The topic that gets the most votes is the topic I will give a hint for. You can post your request on this thread, or message me here on MW.

There is always that one thing that is driving you crazy, the one thing you keep returning to, the one thing you feel you've almost cracked...

So, time to vote - Let me know!

-FHH

[susb8383]

Hard to know what to vote for without knowing the solution.

My vague impression is that we're looking for a historical event where there was an incorrect phrase of some sort and then later the discovered correction. Maybe some kind of fake news like the way Garfunkel's death was recently publicized, hence the skulls over his picture? Did it involve a mass death like a train wreck? A movie?

I've gotten nowhere trying to google a match. I've tried using the train info and various combos as dates. I've tried using what seems like the obvious connection between the books and the fish. I've tried to identify both pictures of men among the skulls.

I'm assuming the code is a Beale cipher that is only solvable with the correct source material which is external to the puzzle.

So my vague vote is whatever points me in the right direction.

[Firefly]

Train schedule, please!

[flash911]

That's a tough one...but I'm going to go with the code.

[Firefly]

Jan 27, 2022 7:29:43 GMT -5 susb8383 said:

Hard to know what to vote for without knowing the solution.

My vague impression is that we're looking for a historical event where there was an incorrect phrase of some sort and then later the discovered correction. Maybe some kind of fake news like the way Garfunkel's death was recently publicized, hence the skulls over his picture? Did it involve a mass death like a train wreck? A movie?

I've gotten nowhere trying to google a match. I've tried using the train info and various combos as dates. I've tried using what seems like the obvious connection between the books and the fish. I've tried to identify both pictures of men among the skulls.

I'm assuming the code is a Beale cipher that is only solvable with the correct source material which is external to the puzzle.

So my vague vote is whatever points me in the right direction.

The Cipher has me stumped, too. It looks like Beale, but the numbers seem strange. The center numbers are 1-5, and the third numbers are frequently 10 or more. That doesn't seem to match a Beale, given that the last number of the three typically identifies a letter of a word.

I had a neat idea last night that I haven't had a chance to check yet. I haven't seen it used as a Cipher before, so it's unlikely, but interesting.

I've got almost zero thoughts on the Train Schedule. The date has taught me lots of fun history though.

I think I found a hint in the poem, but it hasn't led to anything, so it may be a coincidence.

I've identified connections among the books and one of the images. I now know more about S&G than anyone ever needed to know. 😂 There's also a connection to "The Offspring," you may find interesting, but not necessarily that significant. I'm happy to send some things I've found, if you're curious about any of these things. (except the Cipher idea b/c it may make a neat puzzle later)

[stercox]

Trains are derailing my progress.....something about the trains to get on the right track, please!

[jon]

I have been trying to somehow connect the story about Art's roommate in college who went blind and Art helped his friend in a dark time to become independent. The skull below the train sign has eyes and is looking at Art. The skull overlaid on the picture of Art on the album does not have eyes. I have been going in circles with that thought. If anyone else is thinking that way and wants to partner up I am all for it.

[susb8383]

Jan 27, 2022 8:21:39 GMT -5 Firefly said:

The Cipher has me stumped, too. It looks like Beale, but the numbers seem strange. The center numbers are 1-5, and the third numbers are frequently 10 or more. That doesn't seem to match a Beale, given that the last number of the three typically identifies a letter of a word.



I've identified connections among the books and one of the images. I now know more about S&G than anyone ever needed to know. 😂 There's also a connection to "The Offspring," you may find interesting, but not necessarily that significant. I'm happy to send some things I've found, if you're curious about any of these things. (except the Cipher idea b/c it may make a neat puzzle later)

I agree, it is a weird cipher. And...if it really is a Beale cipher it doesn't make sense to me that FHH would ask if we want a hint about the cipher. There wouldn't be any hint to give without knowing the source material. So you're right; the cipher is probably solvable as is.

Hmm...

Has anyone been able to identify the man at the left?

[njarchhunter]

I have identified both men. Interesting. I would like the train bulletin overall.

[flash911]

I know the man on the left but not the right. And I thought that figuring out the man on the right might be a big break but I guess it is not as much as a revelation as I'd hoped since njarchhunter knows both and still hasn't solved it!

[njarchhunter]

Knowing both men may very well crack this hunt, but I have yet to figure out how. Let's keep on keeping on!

[Firefly]

I've got an idea about the second man, but it's very much based on the man on the left. So, it may be incorrect.

If it is like a Beale, maybe the hint would point us toward source material. I've tried using what's on the page, but to no avail, yet.