The Grand Prize
The Lafayette Historical Society would like to thank all those who participated in our recent treasure hunt. We are in touch with those who won. The questions and answers that were used in the treasure hunt have been included below. We hope everyone had a good time, regardless of whether they won or not. Please leave any feedback you have on the event in the comments section.
1. For many years a teacher lived upon this very site
Under the tall redwood tree she helped to plant you’ll find a plaque to cite.
How many years did this person live in the house that was here?
Answer: 85 years
2. Nails and tools were hammered out upon this blacksmith’s tool.
Today it is in the window of a place where Lafayette History is cool.
What war was mentioned on the plaque when explaining the crack in the anvil?
Answer: Civil War
3. Elam and Margaret gave this land to the city for a park
In the summer there are movies here especially after dark.
What was the name of the land grant purchased by the town founder Elam Brown?
Answer: Rancho Acalanes
4. Colonel Garrett built this place entirely out of bricks
It’s not a former post office but a place for a foodie fix.
What is one of the businesses that has been housed in this building?
Answer (we accepted multiple ones): Postino, Tourelle, Garrett Real Estate Office, Beauty Salon
5. This was part of the first business that was located downtown
It’s in the park that was donated by Elam and Margaret Brown.
What year did Elam Brown establish this settlement?
Answer: 1848 or 1847 since it is quoted in “Lafayette – A Pictorial History”
6. This building was the third schoolhouse in Jennie Bickerstaff’s day
Today it is a local church where people come to pray.
What year was this building constructed?
Answer: 1893
7. This marker shows the very place where horse and rider came
On the way to San Francisco, mail delivery was their fame.
How many times was the route mentioned on the marker used between 1860 and 1861?
Answer: 20 or 19 times, depending on which marker you viewed.
8. This building housed a post office and also first food store
Smaller than Diablo Foods it sold a great deal more
What was Benjamin Shreve’s first job in Lafayette before he opened the general merchandise store?
Answer: First Lafayette school teacher
9. To build a house nearer his mill became Elam’s request
Margaret said no unless she got the wooden floors she liked the best.
Name one of the accomplishments of Elam Brown during his lifetime.
Answer (multiple answers): State Assemblyman in California’s first two legislatures, Lafayette founder, Alcade
10. On Plaza Park it stands today where you can shop for cheap
In pioneer times it was a place to eat a meal and sleep.
What year was this building constructed?
Answer: 1894
11. To meet or dance on bouncy floors, this building was renowned
100 years old next year ‘twill be, a landmark in our town
What is the name of the group responsible for the construction of this building?
Answer: Lafayette Improvement Club
12. A shoe repair, a butcher shop, a place to buy a dress
Near the Plaza this building has had many uses…what is it today, can you guess?
What is the name of the current business in this building?
Answer (multiple answers): Vino and Aman’s Choice Barber Shop
13. It started as the second school but the building was outgrown
It was moved to Mt. Diablo Blvd. and has been a library, a post office and an exchange for the phone.
What was one of the businesses in this building in past times?
Answer (multiple answers): Red Wagon, Tulip, Kilarney House, Lesley Evers
14. Standing tall near Plaza Park is a hero we can view
A man who came from far away to help our country too.
What country did this man come from and which famous American did he help during the Revolutionary War?
Answer: France and George Washington
Another answer for question #9. First Grist Mill in Contra Costa County.