Salt Block 56 LbNA #2431

‘SALT BLOCK 56’ LETTERBOX
LIVERPOOL, NY

“Please pass the salt.” Often as not when we make that request we give little thought to the white seasoning that has long been known to man and fills that saltshaker on our dinner table.

First mentioned in a 2700 B.C. Chinese treatise on pharmacology, salt has been the subject of poetry, fables and folklores; a medium of trade; the basis for tax revenue; a building material; a source of military significance; a description of character; a locator of place names; in religious use; a preservative; an essential of life, and on, and on, and on. In addition to seasoning our food, salt seasons our language: with a grain of salt; salt of the earth; pillar of salt; tears of salt, salty language; a salty character, a nickname for Syracuse, NY (Salt City). Without a doubt, salt is the spice of life!

Native Americans knew of the Onondaga County salt springs and avoided them because of their bitter taste, but it was not until 1654 that the Europeans became aware of the springs following an account rendered by Father Simon LeMoyne after visiting the Onondaga people. It was during the tenure of the Jesuit priests at the Sainte Marie mission that the Native Americans, under the tutelage of the Jesuits, learned how to produce and use salt.

During the late 1700s, Revolutionary War veterans settled in the area and, assisted by the people of the Onondaga, began commercial production of salt. In 1788 the Salt Springs Reservation, on land surrounding Onondaga Lake, was set aside by the state of New York for the people of New York. It is reported that in 1790 over 600 bushels of salt were produced, and in 1797, 1 ½ million pounds of salt had been produced. In 1856 Stephen Van Alstine built ‘Salt Block 56,’ later lost to Sampson Jaqueth via a default on the mortgage, and it is around the remaining chimney of Salt Block 56 that the Salt Museum has been constructed.

The Salt Museum is one of several Onondaga County Parks found in Central New York. For a map, directions, and hours, go to http://www.co.onondaga.ny.us/ Click on Park & Events; click on Salt Museum; click on map, directions, & hours. Admission is free.

“…addito salis grano…”
Pliny (A. D. 77)

Placed by: Marilyn J. Breakey
Clues: Analytical
Terrain: Easy
Hidden: 16 May 2001

CLUES

Hiding place : letterboxing = X : Salt Block 56

X = the end of your search

NOTES

Since this is a county park, letterboxers are asked to be discreet by not disturbing other visitors to the park or revealing the nature of their activity. It is also requested that when you have completed your quest you return the letterbox to its hidden site to the best of your ability. Prior to your search you must notify the attendant that you are a letterboxer, and to show your appreciation to the county park system it is suggested you stipulate ‘letterboxer’ after your name when you sign the guest book.

I wish to express my appreciation to Valerie Jackson Bell, Museum Curator, for her assistance.

This box will be in place from mid-May to October first.

Before you set out read the waiver of responsibility and disclaimer.

This letterbox is #5 placed by “St. George.”