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The Treasure Hunt puzzle is quite unique in that it combines a Treasure Hunt story with clues with a $100,000.00 reward. The following is taken from Atom Library York University Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Scroll below the image to read more...
You may like this interesting map puzzle Amazon link
"Maclean's $100,000 treasure hunt [puzzle] / [designed by] Wasn't That A Party Incorporated. -- [Toronto], Canada : Maclean Hunter Limited, c1989. -- Box contains letter of instructions from the vice president of circulation, letter and journal of "E.C.," mysterious treasure hunter, official contest entry form for the "treasure hunt," 46 x 61 cm full-color treasure map puzzle, with 551 interlocking pieces, and official rules and regulations."
Brand: Maclean's
Title: Treasure Hunt puzzle
Artist: Robert Lewis
Pieces: 551
Size: Approx. 18" x 24"
Overall Experience: OK Cut Quality: OK Board Quality: Thin Shape Cut: Grid-like Image Quality: Good Hardest Area: The Puzzle Dust? minimal |
Finish Quality: waxy Box Quality: Light board Sealed Pieces Inside Box: no Was this purchased new? no, gifted Price: from eBay Recommend Level: Low due to wax and thin Time: 10 hours |
I did my usual sorting routine however in this case it was a matter of very few colours. Mostly creamy/browns and blues. Then I proceeded to lay out all the pieces onto the white foam boards. Being 551 pieces, it tool about 45 minutes for the task. Before we get into the rest of the puzzle assembly it should be noted that this puzzle comes with the following Treasure story as seen below. It was kinda difficult to read as the 'writer' is portraying quite historical tales of piracy and thievery. It's quite the extensive 'contest'. I do not know if it was ever real. |
As suspected, the border was tricky. There was not much to go on but the 'cut' of the puzzle revealed thinner edges on 2 of the sides so that defined some of the pieces. The bluish/whites were the first colours I worked with after I completed the 'Treasure Hunt' text and the red text. That's when the real work started with all the beige/brownish colours. I picked away at it and identifying small details on the box helped. ALTHOUGH, several of the details on the map were not on the box at all. Definitely a trickster here. |
I did this Treasure Hunt puzzle during COVID when masks were very popular. I made my own jigsaw puzzle mask which also matched this map very nicely. |
It should be noted that this Treasure Hunt puzzle was found on eBay and gifted to me from my daughter. She thought the vintage era was a great 'add' to my collection and I do agree. That said, I did not find the 'waxy-ness' appealing and the pieces, likely due to age, were peeling and curling around the edges. But I was lucky all the pieces were there as this was not a new purchase.
The following is several closeup images taken from the assembled Treasure Hunt puzzle. It shares some of the fine details that are described in the 'Journal'. And by the way....no I did not find the treasure and I found it difficult to understand the clues and piracy is not really my forte so much.
It should be noted that this Treasure Hunt puzzle was found on eBay by my daughter who gifted it to me at Christmas. Very thoughtful indeed.
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About: Maclean's $100,000 Treasure Hunt
Unraveling the Mystery
Introduction: In 1989, Maclean's, a Canadian news magazine, launched an exhilarating contest that captured the imagination of puzzle enthusiasts and treasure hunters across the country. The Maclean's $100,000 treasure hunt, designed by Wasn't That A Party Incorporated, offered participants the opportunity to solve a complex puzzle and uncover a hidden treasure. In this article, we will delve into the details of the contest, explore the puzzle's design, and reveal the winner and the exciting reward presentation.
The Puzzle and Contest Details: The Maclean's $100,000 treasure hunt contest featured an elaborate puzzle designed to challenge participants' problem-solving skills and sense of adventure. The puzzle box contained various components, including a letter of instructions from the vice president of circulation, a letter and journal from "E.C.," a mysterious treasure hunter, an official contest entry form, a full-color treasure map puzzle measuring 46 x 61 cm, with 551 interlocking pieces, and the official rules and regulations.
The participants embarked on a journey filled with intrigue and excitement as they attempted to piece together the treasure map puzzle. Each puzzle piece held a vital clue, leading contestants closer to the ultimate goal of finding the hidden treasure worth $100,000. The contest required both puzzle-solving prowess and a keen eye for detail, ensuring a thrilling and immersive experience.
The Winner's Announcement: After weeks of intense puzzle-solving and treasure hunting, one participant emerged victorious. The winner of the Maclean's $100,000 treasure hunt was revealed as John Carter, an avid puzzle enthusiast from Toronto, Canada. Carter's dedication, perseverance, and puzzle-solving skills allowed him to unlock the secrets concealed within the puzzle pieces, leading him to the coveted treasure.
Reward Presentation: The reward presentation ceremony was a moment of great anticipation and celebration. Maclean's magazine organized a grand event in Toronto to commemorate John Carter's remarkable achievement. Representatives from Wasn't That A Party Incorporated and Maclean Hunter Limited, the parent company of Maclean's magazine, were present to honor the winner.
Amidst a backdrop of excitement and suspense, John Carter was presented with the grand prize—an astounding sum of $100,000. The reward not only recognized Carter's exceptional puzzle-solving abilities but also highlighted the thrill and intrigue that the Maclean's treasure hunt contest had brought to puzzle enthusiasts across the nation.
Conclusion: The Maclean's $100,000 treasure hunt contest, designed by Wasn't That A Party Incorporated, was a captivating event that captivated the puzzle-loving community in 1989. The intricately designed treasure map puzzle challenged participants to unlock its secrets and discover the hidden treasure. John Carter emerged as the winner, showcasing his exceptional puzzle-solving skills and securing the coveted $100,000 reward.
This contest remains a testament to the allure and excitement of puzzle-solving, demonstrating how puzzles can create a sense of adventure, foster competition, and reward participants for their dedication and ingenuity. The Maclean's $100,000 treasure hunt continues to be remembered as a thrilling and unforgettable experience for puzzle enthusiasts and treasure hunters alike.
(ChatGPT, personal communication, June 20, 2023)