In the 1980’s, readers became obsessed with a picture book, Masquerade, in which the text and illustrations concealed clues to the location of a golden treasure that the author had hidden somewhere in Great Britain. Masquerade spawned a whole genre of book-based treasure hunts, with clues based in various locales, including Boston and the Rocky Mountains.
And now, an Andover-based author has created a treasure hunt book that includes clues in Acton.
In a press release and phone interview with the Acton Exchange, Michael Cloherty O’Connell described his self-published children’s book Riley’s Treasure Chase. The story is centered around historical sites and artifacts from the American Revolution, spanning eastern Massachusetts. Combining recollections about his family’s visits to historic sites with guidance on where to go and what to look for and think about, the book seeks to entice children and their adults to explore local history.
And just in case the friendly text, photographs, and the companionship of dog Riley are not enough to lure families to get out and explore local history, O’Connell says that he has hidden a treasure worth many thousands of dollars somewhere along the exploration route described in the book. If someone finds the treasure, they can keep both the treasure and a finder’s fee.
The Acton-based artifacts featured in the book include Captain Isaac Davis’ plow in Acton Town Hall and John Hayward’s powder horn in the Acton Memorial Library. Readers are encouraged to ask the librarians about Captain Isaac Davis and view the painting of him leaving his farm at 39 Hayward Rd.–a house that still stands–as he leads the Acton Minutemen on the Isaac Davis trail to Strawberry Hill and the North Bridge, where he fell at the Battle of Concord. O’Connell also suggests that people walk the route to the Fiske Farm in Lexington where Acton’s Minuteman Soldier John Hayward fell for Liberty’s call.
O’Connell explained that he wants to teach history in a fun way and get children and their adults off their computers and devices and into the outdoors, on memorable and adventurous treasure hunts. He said he can’t promise searchers will find the treasure but he can guarantee they will have great adventures with their family and friends on their quests.
The book is available at Wilson Farm in Lexington and on O’Connell’s website, rileystreasurechase.com. An interview with the author can be viewed athttps://www.youtube.com/live/1F3v4IFaI5kon a YouTube channel that specializes in “all things treasure hunt.”
Kim Kastens is an Associate Editor and member of the Board of Directors of the Acton Exchange.