This cache memorializes a stray dog who’s tragic death almost 50 years ago is still a part of local folklore…it is a spooky tale which will require the seeker to overcome their fear of darkness and the knowledge of a ghostly presence in the woods.
Here is his story, as recounted by the Manitou Messenger, the student newspaper at St. Olaf College…
Ytterboe the dog was a part-chow, part-cocker stray and was an adopted member of the St. Olaf College community for 15 years. During this time, Ytterboe was present at “more groundbreaking events than any professor,” according to the building contractors. Due to the enthusiastic grooming efforts of certain students, Ytterboe acquired a shaggy “poodle cut” that made him look like a lion with a thick, black mane. He also ate regularly in the cafeteria, chaperoned the women’s tennis team and was interviewed by the Manitou Messenger.
Tragedy struck on May 22, 1957, when Ytterboe was wandering around and reportedly “nipped” the seven-year-old child of a policeman. The officer, forever after vilified in song and story, gathered up two fellow policemen and chased Ytterboe onto the St. Olaf campus and up the hill, where some 50 students were relaxing and studying for finals. As Ytterboe reached the stairs leading to the library from St. Olaf Ave., the officer shot the dog, killing him. He and his two companions then put the body in the trunk of their car and drove to the dump, where they disposed of it.
Reactions at St. Olaf were immediate. Students were furious and, joining with Carleton College students, marched to Bridge Square to protest the killing, eventually numbering over 1,000 strong. The Police Chief issued an official apology for the dog’s death and after reading an elegy to Ytterboe, the students returned home.
Two students climbed the fence into the city dump to rescue the body of Ytterboe. On May 24, St. Olaf held a funeral for Ytterboe, complete with hymns sung by the Viking Choir, condolences from then-governor Orville Freeman, and a memorial from the Carleton student body. The ceremony was broadcast live on radio station WDGY in Minneapolis and on television. "They could have killed one of the professors and there wouldn't have been this many people out for a funeral,” said one student of the gathering, which drew over 2,500 people.
The story of Ytterboe was picked up by national and even international news. Papers in London covered the story, which also ran in Life Magazine. Students were interviewed on national talk shows and radio.
Ytterboe was buried where he fell, on the side of the hill behind the library. His grave is unmarked to this day, but he is not forgotten. Nor, according to legend, has his unsettled spirit left the campus either.
To this day, some people say that Ytterboe still haunts the campus and barks in the middle of the night, greeting students and passersby.
To find the cache:
Go to the posted coordinates, which is the start of a path that enters a heavily wooded ravine known as Norway Valley and use a flashlight to spot reflective dots on trees. (Please note…there are also reflective pins in a few trees…IGNORE THEM! Look for round dots.) Follow the dots along the path until you find a couple of trees with 2 horizontal dots. This means you are close! Three dots in a triangle mark the spot…Three vertical dots mean you have gone too far.
While you walk through the woods and the darkened campus, listen closely for the ghostly howl of Ytterboe.
Don’t be afraid… he only wants to play…