- FOY has various interpretive signs that describe historical features, including the use of shells and limestone in early construction.
- Most importantly, though, there was a sign in 1981 that had the words "SILVER SALT" in the heading and described the discovery of a "casque" (with that spelling).
- "Silver, salt" in the verse appears to be a reference to the silver salt cellar that the park's founder and first owner, Dr. Luella Day McConnell, claimed to have unearthed around 1908. Dr. McConnell had bought the property by the Matanzas Inlet to establish the Fountain of Youth tourist attraction and was trying to establish some connection between her property and the voyages of Ponce de Leon. The Chicago Tribune describes the subsequent events with a certain amount of skepticism:
"[McConnell] told an amazing story: A tree on her property had fallen down, revealing a stone cross 14 by 10 feet. The local newspaper reported that 'Mrs. McConnell recently discovered a coquina cross, placed by Ponce de Leon to mark the spot where he found a spring of fresh water.' Buried nearby was a box containing a salt holder with an engraving of Christopher Columbus. McConnell said it had been given to Ponce de Leon by Columbus as a souvenir of a voyage they had made together.
She also announced that she had found a piece of parchment detailing De Leon's landing at St. Augustine and that it supported her claim that the mythical fountain was in her back yard. She had a local Spanish teacher translate the document, which was supposedly written by a member of the crew.
Others told a different story. They said she had the coquina cross built, buried the evidence, then chopped down the tree. McConnell began selling postcards featuring the well, and copies of the salt container. The salt holder mysteriously vanished before it could be examined, and the parchment became too faded to read."
The "Great Floridians" biography of McConnell suggests that she may not have been the most reliable source of information, given that she "fabricated stories to amuse and appall the city’s residents." In any case, regardless of the truth of McConnell's story, the supposed artifact became associated with the Fountain of Youth park and a replica of the silver salt cellar is still on display there.
- In the photo below, published by the Harris Post Card Co. in 1909, McConnell again specifically calls the salt cellar a "casque" and uses the same (uncommon) spelling used in The Secret. This is almost certainly where Preiss got the term for his own treasure containers, and it may even have been the inspiration for the entire puzzle.
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Comments (7)
spacemunkay said
at 2:08 pm on Dec 10, 2016
I think it's important to note that a "wind rose" is not the same as a compass rose. A wind rose shows the frequency that winds come from different directions for a given location. However, given the verse, "Near men With wind rose" I guess the effect is the same, as it indicates that those men are likely sailors. Although, wind rose would technically open up meteorologists too.
davef said
at 9:34 pm on Jan 24, 2018
has anybody checked around the conquistador at the exit it resembles the one on the horse and,he has some kinda pattern on his chest plate the palm in the picture seems to resemble a sago palm right around it and lastly the pattern on the horse sticks out
Lisa Forman said
at 2:17 pm on Jan 25, 2018
I see a large parrot or parakeet, the eye of which is formed by the star sapphire. I also see a large conch shell, the opening of which is described above as possibly a purple martin. The object next to the palm tree does appear to be an iceberg. Could this point to St. Petersburg, FL? The conquistador reminds me of drawings by Salvador Dali of Spanish conquistadors on horses.
MontyMan said
at 4:31 pm on Feb 16, 2018
For referance: Here's a vintage brochure for the park from the 70's I believe. It shows where the swan pool was.
https://m.ebay.com/itm/vintage-The-Fountain-Of-Youth-Memorial-park-St-Augstine-Florida-brochure/401461397719?hash=item5d78f6c8d7:g:9i8AAOSw~HBaKIC~
Jess said
at 5:42 am on Feb 19, 2018
I think "Shell, limestone, silver, salt" is referring to the makeup of the coquina stone that may important buildings in St Augustine are made from.
Jess said
at 5:44 am on Feb 19, 2018
In fact, the rock in the image itself, comprised of different components, could be representing coquina itself.
bro said
at 12:02 pm on Feb 20, 2018
The tall tree may be referring to Old Senator, a 600 year old live oak located just across magnolia from the park.
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