This topic contains 3 replies, has 4 voices, and was last updated by 
labrat_wr 15 years, 9 months ago.
-
Posts
-
GC78D9: Spirit Quest – A KING among Men.. — You can make this a quick cache and dash, but it is interesting to note the history of Wisconsin’s first WSQ, especially since WSQs are so popular now.
I finally got a chance to visit this virtual cache this past weekend, and thought it interesting that this, from what I can tell, is the oldest “Spirit Quest” cache in existance. The Lil Otter placed this virt in July 2002, and named it Spirit Quest before any other Spirit Quest that I can find a record of. This virtual cache is one of 6 “Spirit Quest” caches that the Lil Otter placed prior to the idea migrating to other places. I am sure there were other cemetery caches prior to this cache, but this is the first cache to use the term “Spirit Quest.”
By comparison, SixDogTeam placed his first Spirit Quest cache, Indiana Spirit Quest #1: No Greek Rubber Plants, in 2004 and his oldest adopted ISQ is Indiana Spirit Quest #76: 13 Graves and A Ghost, placed in March of 2003. Marc placed his first WSQ, WSQ 451 Pine Grove, in May of 2004, almost 2 years after The Lil Otter first used the phrase.
Anyway, the cemetery is not as scenic as many as I have visited, but it was probably chosen for the first Spirit Quest because of Lil Otter’s family connections there. And the bonus is the extra history.
The cemetery is also kind of interesting because it is the site of Wisconsin’s most infamous grave digging incident. Ed Gein dug up corpses from this cemetery and took them home. The people that Gein murdered are also buried in this cemetery, and ironically, Ed Gein himself is buried at this cemetery. Gein is buried next to his mother, but his tombstone has been removed after pieces were stolen by vandals.
More on Ed Gein can be found here: http://midnightgraffiti.net/edgein.html
Anyway, all those who enjoy visiting the many great WSQs we have in Wisconsin might want to at some point make the trip to Plainfield and visit the cache that started the “Spirit Quest” idea. Thanks to the SadowskiFamily for keeping this historic Lil Otter cache active.
zuma
I found this one long ago but never realized how old it was or that it potentially is the oldest spirit quest designated cache.
Thanks for pointing that out zuma!
In years past, I’ve made numerous attempts driving through and around Plainfield looking for that cemetery. I never did find it.
To me, it seems as if it’s a part of Plainfield’s history that local residents are ashamed of, and they’d keep it a secret if only they could. I think the last thing they want is a tourist attraction there.
Anyways, I’m adding this cache to me “Must-Find” list. Thanks for the link, Zuma.
It shouldn’t be difficult to find the cemetery.
off of 39/51 at Plainfield, head east on 73.
5th Ave is just a short way from the interstate but a little tricky to see as it curves back to parallel the highway. There should be a frontage road sign but I am not 100% on that.
The Cemetery itself can be seen from the Highway if you know where to look as it is on the east side of the road.
It may be a better late spring virtual to visit as the reqested info can and most likely will be snowcovered until then.Disclaimer : Always answering to a higher power.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.