The Tale of the Hibiscus LbNA #26718 (ARCHIVED)

The story begins many moons ago when the trees stood tall and proud, when the rivers were full; before the colonizations of America took place. Thirteen miles south of what is now Rhode Island in the vast Atlantic stands an island rich with pirate and indian tales. Some say the stories you hear are false, others swear they can still hear the screams of the native americans drifting through the breeze in the night air. The island was a proud spot for pirates as well. It's shores were perfect for ships to come and hide kingdoms worth of riches deep within it's dense forests. A few years before the trade ships from England began to heavily invade the waters, the native americans came to what is now "Block Island" looking to escape and hide from the "New World" settlers that had already arrived. When the native americans setteled on Block Island they came across some of the pirate's treasures. Being cautious they didn't touch it, but always kept watch over it, waiting for it's owners to claim it. A winter goes by and life for the native americans was bleek. The waters along the shore were too cold to catch fish and shellfish offered little substance. The land was too rocky and sandy to grow sufficent crops and many didn't make it. Spring came with hope when the pirates returned for their treasure. This was the moment the native americans were waiting for. They hid very carefully around the island waiting for the right moment to approach the pirates. When the pirates approached the island they were weary. They could sense that there was something different with the island. Nevertheless they landed their ship and started their hike to where they left their treasure. At this time there are no roads or houses like we are blessed with today, so thier hike was not just from the ferry station down the street, they first had to scale the wall over the Mohegan Bluffs, trek right making sure not to be decieved by the sound of the ocean all around them. Once they arrived at the treasure they were greeted by the chief of the Mannesses Tribe, Chief Abram Running-Lama who explained the situation. "My friends" he began, "We have abandoned our brothers for the same reason you have hidden your riches here." The captain of the ship was shocked and intrigued to see all of his treasure in place and more protected then he had left it. "We have kept watch over your treasure in hopes that you will in turn, aid us in our survival. We will continue to watch over your riches if, each time you return, you bring enough supplies to help keep my tribe alive over the winter." Captain Finnamore was impressed by this proposal. "How will I know that you will not kill us and keep my treasure for yourself?" The chief explained, "For two reasons, we need this island just as much as you. We need it to escape the white man who is stealing our land and our people from thier born rights as human beings and we need you to help keep my tribe alive." As a symbol of the agreement made on that day, they moved the treasure to a beautiful garden that was overflowing with hibiscus flowers. They used a hibiscus as the icon that represents a union between two people against the same enemy. Years have passed and now the treasure, the pirates, and the native americans have all been swept away by time. But if you follow the directions below, you can find that beautiful garden and a letterbox with a symbol of it's own hibiscus inside and now you will always be part of this pirates tale.

Directions to the letterbox:
When leaving the ferry station, take a left onto Water Street. Continue until you arrive at the statue of Rebecca. Once there, you will have 3 options:
1) Left towards Ballards
2) Right up High Street
3) Through the Center up Spring Street
Take option 3 and pass the Manasees Hotel, then continue past the Spring House. On your left you will see a sign "The Episcapul Church welcomes you". Take the driveway to St. Ann's Church. Behind the church is a memorial garden. Inside the garden behind one of the benches, under a heart shaped rock, you will find the letterbox. Sit for awhile and enjoy the view. Take your time and don't worry as the property is open to the public. We hope you enjoyed searching and finding this letterbox.