The Grand Encampment may be one of the Grizzly Relic and Treasure Episodes coming this 2011 season. 

I purchased this ephemera along with other items at a local estate sale in Princeton, MN.  It led me on one of the most exciting research projects of 2010.  I had never heard of the G.A.R. but after finding this 4 leaf clover pressed between its pages, I had to learn more!

The Challenge:

In this blog post, I am not going to lay out all the info, because I don't want to spoil your research into the G.A.R. and this pamphlet.  You see, I hope you uncover this great American Story along with me.  I am looking for Grizzly Relic & Treasure Researchers for the 2011 season and this is your first mission if you are willing to take it on and get Grizzly with it!

Clues:

• The Estate sale was of an old teacher here in Princeton.  I believe she died in her eighties or nineties.  I am not sure, but this ephemera is from Sept. 1-4, 1896, 114 years ago.  So this estate owner, could not of been present at this event.  Yet, her parents or even grand parents could of been.  

• This pamphlet is a song booklet to be sung at "The Grand Encampment of the G.A.R."  Sept. 1-4, 1896 in St. Paul, MN.

• This was a very special event and finding a 4 leaf clover and pressing it between the pages where the great patriotic songs were printed, "My Country Tis of Thee" and "Forth to the Battle".
• G.A.R.= Grand Army of the Republic
• G.A.R. consisted of veterans who fought in the Civil War.  They became a strong political voice advocating for Veterans and knitting back together this great nation after the devestation of the Civil War.  
• Detailed journals of each Grand Encampment are available online and in archives. 

Questions to Answer in your Research

1. Where was the exact location of the Grand Encampment of 1896 in St. Paul?
2. Who attended the event?
3. What school children performed these songs?
4. What was the G.A.R. and what is their importance in shaping this great nation?
5. Who was the last living member of the G.A.R. and Civil War Veteran?
6. Who is the G.A.R. today?
7. When will this episode air and will your research be apart of it?
8. What would motivate someone to keep this ephemera for over 114 years and press a 4 leaf clover between its pages?
9. Tell me about the significance of the 4 leaf clover found pressed between these pages of the ephemera Chad purchased for a quarter at a local estate sale?
10. Do the songs have significance?  Tell me more about these two songs!
11. How would you assist me in telling this story? 
    
    1. Record a Video of your findings
    2. Email TeddyBear@TheodoreMedia.com your answers to the above questions using the clues provided and your own Grizzly Research!
    3. Contact me via email above and if your local to St. Paul, MN you can help me metal detect the area if possible looking for Relics from this event! 
    4. Interview an expert and submit the video, and/or written interview to TeddyBear@TheodoreMedia.com
    5. Talk about this challenge and others in our Grizzly Relic and Grizzly Treasure Forum with other researchers and Relic & Treasure hunters!

Each Grizzly Relic and Treasure Researcher may be published in the upcoming episode, Temerity Magazine issue and on this site.  I may even invite you to join me on future episodes and challenges.