Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Edgar Allen Poe's Visit to Central Pennsylvania



Eutaw House
Near State College Pennsylvania, there is a former restaurant with a lot of history behind it called the Eutaw House. The Eutaw House has been in existence for over two centuries. General James Potter, who was notably an aide to George Washington during the American Revolution, originally owned the ground where the building sits today. After Gen. Potter’s death, his children built a log cabin on his property. Later the log cabin would become the Eutaw House and go through a few more renovations. During its early years, the house served as a major inn for early pioneers and travelers. The house was named after the local Eutaw Indian tribe.

            As anyone could imagine with the Eutaw House being around for a few centuries, it has gathered some ghost stories through the years. Ghostly shapes have been seen in mirrors throughout the building. In the kitchen and restaurant, trays and plates have been known to flip over or fall off tables. Patrons and employees have seen apparitions and shadows move in the hallways and rooms. One story tells of a prisoner being shot or hung in the attic during the 1800s and a different story says that it was a tree at the corner of the property. During one of the early Indian raids on the Eutaw house, one Indian is said to have been hung on the large old tree. Hearing a rope “thud” or creaking noise has been reported near the tree to this day.

            Even with all the ghostly happenings at the Eutaw House, its most interesting story is the speculation that Edgar Allen Poe had once stayed the night at the Inn. Some early folklorists have written that Edgar Allen Poe had once visited the Centre County area and was even inspired to write a few stories such as the Raven during his travels through Central Pennsylvania. The only evidence that leads some credibility is the initial “EAP” that are carved into one of the oldest tables in the Eutaw House. Historians today doubt the legend of Poe’s journey to Centre County, but it makes for a good story nonetheless.

As for now the Eutaw House remains vacant without any intention to remodel or reopen. This landmark sits in Potters Mills at the intersection of Route 322 and Route 144. The house is still privately owned so please do not trespass.


Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Baughman's Cemetery

Flag and Tree in the Cemetery Center

      I would first like to say, for such a small cemetery this place has acquired a huge reputation. From research I have heard this site even called one of the 'top haunted cemeteries in the United States'. I believe reputation and word of mouth has made this location more of a tall tale; however some truth may lie in the claims.

Driving into Baughman's Cemetery
      Heading north from Tyrone, Pennsylvania on Old Route 220, I made a left turn onto Van Scoyoc Road. Approximately a quarter-mile ahead I kept left onto Baughman Cemetery Rd. I was now driving down an old gravel lane leading up the hill to the cemetery. The site is laid out in a circular fashion with a huge evergreen tree in the center. A small grounds-keeper shed sits in one of the far corners of the old plots.


Old Maintenance Shed
      So why is this place supposedly one of the most haunted locations in the U.S? Frist, there is a story of a person who hung him self in the treeline left of the entrance. The person's spirit is said to be seen hanging when the moon is out to light the woods. A phantom horse is also seen running briskly through the grave yard. Another claim is of ghost children playing and placing their hand prints on curious people's dirty or snow covered vehicles. The childlike spirits have also been known to play a game of Hide and Seek with willing ghost hunters at night.


Trees where spirits play games
      Having been to this area dozens of times in daylight and moonlight, I have had very few and unexplained occurrences happen to me. At night the cemetery does give you an eerie feeling, more so than other cemeteries I have visited at night. Even with very little evidence of a haunting, the stories in the community and internet continue to feed the eager ears of believers who want to get a glimpse of this 'famous' location.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Unique PA Festivals - Harts Log Day

   
     In the small town of Alexandria, Pennsylvania, a festival takes place annually on the 2nd Saturday in October. The festival in many ways is similar to other autumn festivals in Pennsylvania. However, the history behind the town and the festival's name is unique.

      In the 1740's, an Indian trader named John Hart set up his trading post near present day Alexandria. Hart would use a hollowed-out log at his post to feed his horses while making trades. Through the years, the log he used became a landmark for early pioneers and was later referred to as Hartslog Settlement. In 1755, Hartslog Settlement and 400+ acres were bought by James Sterrat and in 1793, the town of present day Alexandria was laid out into blocks.

      Today the people of Alexandria continue to celebrate their heritage and autumn with the Hartslog Day Festival. Many hand-made crafts and venders line the main street through the town. Parking is free and available at both east and west entrances if you arrival early enough to get a spot. Local churches, organizations, fire companies, and other venders have great food throughout the festival. One local church even offers breakfast if you get their early in the morning. The festival is usually over sometime around 5-o-clock in the afternoon and is only a one days event. Alexandria is located just a short distance west of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.


Thursday, September 17, 2015

The Old Torrance State Hospital

Graff Building
     A few of my favorite places to investigate are the old sanatoriums and state hospitals in Pennsylvania. My first ghost hunt actually took place at on of the hospitals known the Torrance State Hospital. The hospital was originally built-in the early 1900’s due to the increase need for care of the mentally ill. Torrance Hospital started with a few patients that were transferred from the Danville Hospital and patient census continued to grow to over 3000 by the 1960s. After understanding and treatment for mental illness improved, deinstitutionalization came into effect in the late 1960’s and early 1970s. The move was to provide quick stabilization of mental illness and offer community and outpatient care. Now only a few hundred patients are currently admitted to Torrance State Hospital. Over the years some of the older builds had been torn down or abandon and a new hospital was built. Some of the old buildings remained used but primarily for storage.

First Floor
     As for the hauntings associated with the Old Torrance Hospital, they mainly circulate around the Graff Building/Cottage. The Graff building provided a place for staff to reside, did some patient intake, and housed the print shop. The Graff building is often referred to as the staff quarters and is where many people go to get a glimpse of the afterlife. This site is directly across from the Army Reserves station in Torrance and a short distance down the road from the current Torrance Hospital campus. The Graff Building has been privately owned for years. Years ago the past owner allowed WW2 reenactments to take place on the property and was lenient with people who investigated the building. However, for the past several years the current owner has taken a stand against people trespassing. The grounds have been cleaned up and many of the tress have been removed that people used as cover to get into the building. The owner has now installed a waist-high fence and reportedly motion sensors.

Basement Hallway
     The Graff building has many claims of haunts. Some believe the souls of people are restless because of the primitive therapies used on them that included Electroshock therapy, Hydrotherapy, and even Lobotomies. Some reports that people were even placed in locked rooms without windows or lights, or restrained for long periods of time. Wittiness of the paranormal activity report seeing lights in windows, mist figures and shadow apparitions. Noises of disembodied voices, crying, and doors slammed have been heard. People have also reportedly been hit by gurneys, feeling cold and warm spots, getting grabbed at the ankle, and feeling suddenly weak and unable to move their arms or legs. The epicenter of the activity seems to take place in the basement in the boiler room. The first floor and basement are easily navigated. The 2nd floor of the Graff Building is falling apart with the ceiling caving in at areas.

Boiler
     Besides the Graff Building, other areas of the Hospital have claims of a haunting as well. Former residents have been seen roaming the halls and property. Elevators have been known to open and close by themselves. An old woman is said to haunt one of the private rooms. The old tunnels that once connected the buildings are also claimed to be haunted.

   
    The Old Torrance State Hospital is still in operation and cares for patients while the Graff building is on private property. Neither of these locations should be visited without proper authority and permission. To get to this location, from Blairsville, PA take 217 south and make a left hand turn at the abandon gas station onto Torrance Road. Approximately after one mile the old Graff building will be on the right-hand side and the Torrance Hospital Campus will be on the left-hand side a short distance up the road.
Boiler Room

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Lost Resting Places: Sheridan Cemetery



Sheridan School & Cemetery
View from Morgans Road
     In Huntingdon County, on the eastern side of Raystown Lake, there is a small cemetery that is overgrown with weeds and disheveled. Alongside the cemetery is a brick building that is also in need of some repairs. With a lot of research I could not find out much about this building or cemetery. The graveyard is known as Sheridan Cemetery but the building is called a school. I found it odd that a school would be next to a cemetery and believe it must have been a church at sometime and made into a school or vise versa.
 
            The cemetery has about twenty head stones dating from the mid 1800’s to the early 1900’s. Most of the stones are overgrown with plants and flowers that had been left there long ago. The cemetery and building sit alongside Morgans Road north of the intersection of Chilcote’s and Morgan’s Road. Please be respectful of the site if you wish to visit.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Dick Schoolhouse




     South of the borough of Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania sits a nearly two century year-old building known as the Dick Schoolhouse. The schoolhouse was built in the 1830’s by early pioneers of the area. The name of the school came from it being located on land owned by Daniel Dick. It continued to be a house of education for locals until the 1860s. After that, it served as a house of worship for a short time until becoming a private residence and then later abandoned. In 1920 the schoolhouse and property was bought by the Blair County Historical Society and is still owned by them today. In recent years community members and the historical society have provided the building with new roof. Talk has also been made to restore the inside of the school as well. The Dick Schoolhouse sites on the corner of Route 867 and Dick Schoolhouse Road. 

Inside View

Friday, August 21, 2015

Benjamin Franklin Jones Cottage

Street View

     The small town of Cresson, Pennsylvania was once the rural escape for the tycoons of the railroad and iron industries in the early Twentieth-century. Originally Cresson was named Cresson Springs and known for the Mountainhouse resort. The appeal of the fresh county air and the resort attracted many wealthy individuals for a few years until the Mountainhouse resort was demolished. Some of the visitors of the resort loved the location so much they built summer homes in the area including Charles Schwab, Andrew Carnegie, and Benjamin F. Jones.

     The Benjamin F. Jones cottage was built in 1888 in the Queen Anne style. The Carnegie cottage at one time sat beside the Jones cottage and the two cottages had become confused with each other over the years in history and references. Currently the Jones cottage is trying to be saved by private and community efforts ever since the township marked it as unsafe and an eye sore. The Benjamin Franklin Jones cottage sits on 3rd street in Cresson. From the intersection of Route 53 and the Admiral Perry Highway head East on Admiral Perry Highway and make a right on 3rd street.


Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Scotia Barrens & The Black Ghost


Remnants of The ghost town Scotia
In Centre County, North-west of State College, there is an area known to the locals as the Scotia Barrens. The barrens are now included in State Game Land 176. Many trails are open to hikers, biking, and hunters. A public shooting range is also located right in the middle of the game lands. The Scotia Barrens is unique to the rest of Central Pennsylvania. Due to its location and geographical constructions, The Barrens has it’s own “micro-climate” where it is generally cooler than its surrounding areas by as much as 10-30 degrees. 

At one time the Soctia Barrens was not so barren and just known as the town of Scotia. The town was named after Angrew Carnegie’s homeland of Scotland and he saw promise with the mineral rich area and set up mining. In the 1800s Scotia was a booming mining town and had all the infrastructure many towns today have including a school, store and even a baseball team. Unfortunately the iron in the area depleted fast and the town met a pretty quick demise. The old road that leads through the Scotia Barrens was once the Railroad. Only a few foundations remain and a few remnants of the Iron Industry.

Besides the Barrens unique climate, it is also home to an equally fascinating ghost story. When Scotia was still a mining town, an African-American by the name of Bert Delige was walking home drunk one October night. Bert had been upset about wages he was owed by his recently deceased boss John Baudis for some time and was seen drunk many nights and had found himself frequently having run-ins with the law. That October night however, he ran into the widow Hulda Baudis. Bert argued with the 51-year-old woman about the back wages and the situation escalated. Bert assaulted Mrs. Baudis and then murdered her by cutting her throat with a razor. Bert Delige would later confess to the murder and was the last man hanged in the Bellefonte Jail yard on April 25th of 1918. The body of Bert was later laid to rest outside of the Negro cemetery near present-day Marysville in non-hallowed ground.

Multiple sightings of a “black” ghost have been seen in the Scotia Barrens and along the road at night. In the 1980’s a local hunter had spotted the apparition near nightfall on April 25th. Unknowingly the hunter told some of the locals and was told the story of Bert and how he was hung on April 25th. Since that times other hikers, hunters, and motorists have witness the dark black figure lurking in the Barrens. The resting place of Bert Delige is lost to only those who know where to look. The stone marking his grave has been gone for some time.

Friday, May 22, 2015

Memorial Day Originates in Central PA!


On an October Sunday in 1864, three women unknowingly started a tradition that continues each year. Emma Hunter and her friend Sophie Keller gathered wild flowers and set out to place them on the grave of Emma’s Father, Dr. Reuben Hunter, at Boalsburg Cemetery. Dr. Hunter was a Union Surgeon during the civil war and died in service. Once the two young women had gathered enough flowers they set out to the cemetery to pay their respects.

Upon entering the cemetery, the two girls came across another woman by the name of Mrs. Elizabeth Meyer who was also placing flowers. She was there to pay respect to her son Amos. Amos had died while in service to the Union during the battle of Gettysburg. The three women talked for some time and then proceeded to lay flowers on the other loved ones graves. Little did they know that at that time they were participating in the nation’s first Memorial Day service. Before leaving the cemetery, the three women made a promise to meet and pay memorial the next year as well.

By the next year, word spread about Ms. Hunter, Ms. Keller, and Mrs. Meyer’s intentions to pay memorial. Soon more people from the Boalsburg community wished to participate. On July 4th of 1856, the community gathered and Clergyman Dr. George Hall gave a sermon proceeded by flowers and flags being placed on the graves of soldiers. This tradition continued each year until May 5th of 1868 when General John Logan issued that may 30th 1898 would be the date of memorial. Later the date would become the last Monday of May as it is today.

As a little side note, there are over 24 communities nationwide the “claim” to be the originators of Memorial Day. However, only Waterloo, New York and Boalsburg, Pennsylvania have strong historical documentation and political backing. Also Memorial Day only paid homage to Union soldiers. The date would later grow to honor Confederate soldiers and then all military that died in service.

Today, Boalsburg holds its claim to Memorial Day very seriously. A Memorial Service is held each year in the Boalsburg Cemetery sometime around 6 o-clock in the morning. After the service many food, music, and craft venders line the streets of Boalsburg. Many of the shops in Boalsburg are also open including the historic Duffy’s Tavern that was once an Inn and stop between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Besides the venders, civil war reenactments and car shows are normally part of the event as well. Also the Pennsylvania Military Museum and the Boalsburg Mansion Museum are open to the public. Event goers can also visit the Columbus Chapel that dates back to 16th century Spain. The chapel was shipped to Boalsburg in 1909 when a descendent of Christopher Columbus married a member of the local Bowl family, Col. Theodore Davis Boal.

After attending the Memorial Day event at Boalsburg, I received a newfound respect for our military and also Pennsylvania’s rich history. Boalsburg is right off of Route 322 just a little West of State College in Centre County.

           

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Lost Resting Places : Benner Cemetery



Benner Cemetery
My next installment of Lost Resting Places is not as “lost” as ones before that I've  visited. Benner Cemetery however has only just recently been accessible to the public.  For many years, Benner Cemetery was on land owned by the Rockview Penitentiary near State College. In 2010 a new land agreement was drawn up and ownership was transferred over to The Pennsylvania State University. That being the case, it was just asking for me to explore.

The cemetery gets its name from one of it’s most notable interment, General Phillip Benner, and his family. General Benner is noted as the first Iron Master of what is now Centre County. Besides being an accomplished Iron Master, he went on to build multiple homes in Bellefonte, a few stores, gristmill, and other structures. He later  became a civic leader in the community and founded the Centre Democrat newspaper in 1827. General Phillip Benner wound then pass away in July of 1832. The cemetery today stands in an open field with huge trees surrounding its perimeter. A stone fence encompasses the graveyard’s entirety. The only way in is a stone staircase that goes over the wall. Some graves have fallen over and some are illegible, but people still visit and leave flowers.

          To get to Benner Cemetery, take the Shiloh Exit off of I-99 and head north. A short distance a State Game Lands(SGL) sign welcomes you and a pull off stands to the right. Just after the pull off, there is a small area to park on the left hand side next to a foundation of an old structure, which is about 200 feet from the SGL sign. Follow the path into the woods and eventually it will lead to an open field. Benner Cemetery will be on the left located along the path. It is very hard to miss with the huge trees surrounding it. As always, please be respectful.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

MayFest : Huntingdon's Spring Festival



   Pennsylvania sure has its share of unique festivals each year. While most of these festivals take place in autumn during the harvest season, one very unique festival in Huntingdon county helps to usher in the beginning of spring. In the borough of Huntingdon, this year will mark the 10th Annual MayFest. This uncommon festival usually takes place in the last weekend of April from 9am to 5pm. For the festival celebration, 5 blocks of  downtown Huntingdon are blocked off for venders, crafters, and some very special entertainment. What makes MayFest truly unique is how each block of downtown captures a different time era including Renaissance, 50's, Woodstock, Colonial, and Victorian. Activities, music, and entertainment center around each blocks time period.  Meanwhile, volunteers and re-enactors dress accordingly to the period. Most of the small business, cafes, and shops in downtown Huntingdon are also open. Some of the shops even offer specials during the festival. All the funds raised during MayFest go to help community non-profit groups.       

     I first heard about the festival a few years ago from a friend that lives in Huntingdon. For the past 2 years I have attended MayFest and plan on going this year on April 25th.  For anyone who loves small town festivals, this one is a must to attend and I strongly encourage it. For a festival goer like me, it is nice to have this festival “bridge the gap” between the autumn festivals. The easiest way to reach Huntingdon is by Route 22. Parking is available in a few different parts around town.

Monday, March 2, 2015

The Abandon Sideling Hill Railroad Tunnel


Southern Portal
     One thing Central Pennsylvania has is an abundance of railroads. That being said there is a lot of history to be explored along those old iron rails. I had recently started to research an abandon stretch of track known as the East Broad Top (EBT) Railroad that is near where I live. I had grown up hearing about the track but never really investigated it until recently. One subject that appealed to me was an abandon railroad tunnel along the EBT named Sideling Hill Tunnel. I recognized the name immediately and thought it had to do with the abandon stretch of Pennsylvania Turnpike, but was mistaken.

     The Sideling Hill Railroad Tunnel got its name from passing through Sideling Hill, which is more like a mountain, and stretches a good part of Pennsylvania. In 1873, it was decided that going through Sideling Hill would be the easiest route for the EBT railroad and boring began at both ends. About 1 year later, the little over 800-foot tunnel was completed. The tunnel had a “horseshoe” curve to it, and would later become a design flaw. In 1911 a locomotive wrecked due to wind freezing water on the tracks. Shortly after the accident, large wooden doors were made to close the tunnel and prevent
freezing. In 1919 a concrete portal was made at the north portal with new metal roll up doors. Men would operate the doors all year around. Then in 1948 the doors became automated to save money. Today you can find the rusted remains of the roll up metal door at the northern portal.

     Currently the tunnel still remains but is slowly fading away. Water is pooled in the tunnel floor, and rocks have fallen throughout the tunnel making it very hazardous. The southern portal is almost caved in completely. We parked in the SGL and walked a good distance with GPS coordinates in hand. Finally, we came upon an old stretch of the EBT railroad. Trees and bushes had reclaimed most of the old rails. We came across the southern portal and didn’t want to chance walking through the tunnel. Our visit was cut short due to the evening creeping up on us and we didn’t get to visit the northern portal. Hopefully we will get a chance to visit it soon.

      The easiest way to reach the tunnel is by Route 944 (old plank Road) between Broad Top City and Three Springs. When driving, look for overgrown railroad tracks and follow them a few hundred years. A parking lot for SGL 121 is a short distance from the tracks. I do not advise anyone to go inside the tunnel due to the very dangerous condition it is in.

Monday, January 26, 2015

The Abandon Pennsylvania Turnpike & Tunnels

Sideling Hill Western Portal

Abandon Stretch of Turnpike
The Pennsylvania Turnpike has evolved a lot over the past several decades since it opened in the 1940’s. At first much of the turnpike was originally used as a railroad then later turned into highway. The Turnpike now travels over mountains but when it first opened it went through them. With seven tunnels along the stretch, the turnpike would bottleneck from a 4-lane to a 2-lane highway through the tunnels. Due to congestion, primarily at the Breezewood interchange, the tunnels were bypassed. This left about 13 miles of abandon highway and tunnels in South-Central Pennsylvania. The remaining tunnels were enlarged to allow better flow of traffic and remain part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike today.

Access to Turbine Room
The Abandon Turnpike is still currently accessible to pedestrians and bicyclists; were as, motor vehicles have been prohibited. Non-profit conservation groups manage parts of the Abandon Turnpike. The groups have tried to make it a rail-to-trail recreation area. Two tunnels, Rays Hill and Sideling Hill, are open to the public and are the most well known. The tunnel further west, Laurel Hill, is privately owned and being used as a test site. The abandon turnpike is easily accessible from 3 different points. Pump station road off of Rt. 30 takes you to the Eastern part of Sideling Hill Tunnel. Oregon Road off of Rt. 30 takes you in-between Sideling Hill and Rays Hill Tunnels. Lastly, the intersection of Rt. 30 and Tannery road near Breezewood takes you to the western part of the turnpike near Rays Hill Tunnel.

Inside the Tunnel
            I have been to the abandon turnpike tunnels numerous times, and they have yet to get old. Even before reaching the tunnels, there is something amazing about walking down the abandon interstate highway. Trees are growing in the median. Grass and weeds creep up from the cracked concrete. My favorite time to go is at night. The highway gives off an eerie post-apocalyptic vibe that you would see in movies. At night the tunnels can be seen by the moonlight, but the inside is so dark you can’t see your hand in front of your face.

Turbines
Visiting during a sunny day however, you can just barely see through the tunnel to the other side. This is also the best time to explore the inner structures of the tunnels at your own risk of course. I have explored Sidling hill tunnel the most over the years. The massive turbines that pushed air in and out of the tunnel are still intact in the upper floor of the tunnel entrance. The tunnel walls are always changing with new graffiti on both sides. Along the tunnel way where the old lights were, numbers are painted to help you judge how far you are along the tunnel. The tunnels are primarily intact with some concrete falling from the ceiling. Water does come down from the ceiling at both portals but the inside is usually dry. 

Air Shaft above Tunnel
  If you plan on visiting the tunnels, it is at your own risk. I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes and taking a flashlight regardless of time of day and only staying on the road and not exploring the other parts of the structure.

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Centralia : A Ghost Town Burning for over 50 Years


   
Abandon part of Route 61
     Centralia is one of the best-known ghost towns of Pennsylvania. It was even inspiration for the Silent Hill motion picture. At its peak over 2500 residents once lived in the old coal-mining town; now less than 5 people occupy the town. Incorporated as a borough in 1866, it was inhabited primarily by coal miners. The borough grew to have a few hotels, over 20 salons and 14 general stores. Anthracite coal mining continued in the town form the late 1860's until 1962. Anthracite coal was highly valued in the steel industry since it would burn hotter and longer than other types of coal. Unfortunately the towns lively hood would be its downfall. Anthracite coal is also hard to ignite, and harder to extinguish.

Overgrown Intersection in Town
     In 1962, firefighters were burning local trash near a cemetery on the outside of town. They had been doing this for years, however, this time where they choose to burn the trash had a vein of coal near the surface and it caught fire. The ground fire was put out easily, but little did they know the fire had spread underground. For a few years attempts to research and put out the fire had made things worse, providing air to the fire. In the 1980's it was estimated to cost nearly 600 million dollars to
contain the fire that was burning in the 3000-acre coalfield. The US government could not justify the cost and eminent domain was evicted in the early 1990s. Some residents had left when the fire started and the town slowly started to fade away. It is estimated that the coal will burn for another 250 years and no plans have been made to extinguish it.

    Centralia has now become a frequented place for visitors and urban explorers. The town remains very unsafe with fractures in the earth, sinkholes, toxic gases, and temperatures reaching over 500 degrees only a foot underground. Even with all the dangers, on almost any day a handful of people can be seen walking through the grass covered roads. Three cemeteries and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Greek-Catholic church still remain but not much else. A stretch of
Route 61 has been made detoured due to the earth twisting the pavement. Now graffiti litters the black top that used to be a 4-lane highway.

     I chose to brave the dangers in the summer of 2009 with a few friends. We arrived in the ghost town which is just a short drive east from Ashland PA. No homes remained when we visited. A few sidewalks and remains of stairs remained along the unkempt roads. We visited the 3 cemeteries on the south side of town. From almost any point in the town the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church overlooks the ghost town from the hill above. Our last stop was the
abandon part of Rt. 61. Gases could be seen coming from the cracked pavement and the road was warped and twisted. We walked about a mile along the road and took time to read the graffiti and then made our way back home.

      Please use extreme caution if you chose to visit this location. Multiple warning signs are posted around the area.

Blocked portion of Route 61

Steam was rising from the cracked pavement

Lost Resting Places : McGarvey Cemetery


     


     This cemetery is not as lost in memory as others in the area; however, it still remains unkempt. The cemetery is in a wooded area at the corner of 48th street and Broad Avenue in Altoona. Many of the tombstones have fallen over or are overgrown with vegetation. I was not able to find much history about the cemetery, and most the names on the stones were unreadable.