University of Brattleboro

Hello Dear Readers, The cryptogram set before you for the pleasure of solving, either along with your child, or, on your own, is based on a sculpture found in the basement of a college, somewhere in Vermont. This particular treasure hunt cryptogram is different in several respects from the other ones in this series. First, the treasure consists of $100 in dollar coins. They are hidden somewhere in Southern Vermont. Secondly, while most of our treasure hunts are taken directly from the notebooks of T. P. James, this week's treasure hunt is one of my own making. As always you MUST bring a treasure to replace the one you are looking for. Get something beautiful, something that you would want to have, made of wood, glass, stone or other all natural material. Fortunately, you can always find delightfully lovely items at Experienced Goods, the thrift store, in Brattleboro, or, More Than A Thrift Store, in Keene. Both of these stores donate 100 percent of net proceeds to non-profit organizations in our local communities. If you decode the cryptogram and figure out the directions, get to the treasure hunt spot and you don't find anything … that probably means someone else chose to take the money, and leave nothing for the next searcher. That happens sometimes in life. But that can be ok. In my experience in seven years of making treasure hunts, people RARELY act this way. But, if that is what you experience, not all is lost. If you find yourself disappointed that you don't get the cash prize, I hope that you get the pleasure of leaving your beautiful present for the next person. Seen from this angle, there is no way to lose. I think that is my favorite reason for making these treasure hunts, for both children and their parents. What I ask is, if you find the treasure, please let me know by sending an e-mail to, booksfromvermont@yahoo.com. Be sure to include "Treasure Hunt" in the subject line, or else I will never find your email. And, please, send me a photo of any treasure you find, so that I can publish it on the university's website. Here is your cryptogram. For readers new to cryptograms, the easiest way to learn how to solve them, is to read this short story featuring Sherlock Holmes, "The Adventures of the Dancing Men." You can easily find online, or at many local bookstores. Rolf Parker is the Dean of The University of Brattleboro, the oldest, non-existent university in the world. He funds all the treasure hunts, poetry readings and community events offered by the University by selling t-shirts. These T-shirts are available at the Harmony Collective, in Brattleboro Vermont, and online at www.UniversityofBrattleboro.com.