Main Gated Entrance |
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
West Mountain Sanatorium
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Grandview Cemetery of Johnstown
Cemeteries have always seemed to attract me. Mainly due to the history of the people who reside in them and the architecture of the stones, statues, and mausoleums. The presence of spirits and paranormal activity also intrigues me. However for this road trip to the Grandview Cemetery in
Johnstown PA, I went to witness the lives cut short by the Johnstown Flood of 1889. The flood itself I will save for another time to talk about.
Due to an increasing population in the early years of Johnstown, a new cemetery was needed. In 1884 negotiations started to form a committee and find a suitable place to have the cemetery. In 1886, the committee finally found and purchased a piece of land on Yoder hill. The land was bought from the Cambria Iron Company which used it as a pasture ground for the mules and horses they needed for the mines in the area. In an unfortunate turn of events, it seemed that the cemetery was founded just
in time. In 1989 the new cemetery would put to rest the 2000+ flood victims. A plot was designated to them with a monument that was dedicated in 1982.
Grandview Cemetery today is one of the largest in Pennsylvania with about 235 acres of land. The cemetery sits just west of Johnstown and has a beautiful view. Be prepared if you visit this cemetery, more than 10 miles of paved roads connect the 47 burial sections. A few friends and me decided to visit the cemetery in the summer and could not have asked for a better day. The weather was just warm enough and partly cloudy to accommodate a comfortable walk. The cemetery entrance is at
801 Millcreek Rd. in Johnstown, PA. When you do choose to visit please be respectful and take in the artistic beauty of the monuments and markers.
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Tytoona Cave
Tytoona Cave Pennsylvania is home to countless caves and sinkholes. Many are due to the large amounts of limestone leftover from prehistoric bodies of water. Many small caves are found by simply walking through the wooded areas of Central Pennsylvania. One of the larger cavern lies in
Entrance to Tytoona |
Tytoona cave is about 1 mile beginning-to-end, but has never been traveled through completely due to an underwater blockage of rock. The cave has been confirmed by dye-testing to come out at another landmark known as Arch Spring, but that is for another blog. The cave can be accessed about 900 feet by a novice and than permission and more experience in cave diving is needed. The entrance to the cave is a beautiful wooded sinkhole and is more easily accessible in the dryer seasons
A view inside |
Alternate route inside the cave |
The cave is now available to the public and is also used by local schools and universities for training and education about caving and conservation. A set of rules to follow are at the entrance and visiting hours are from 6am-9pm. The cave can be found by traveling on Kettle Rd. and then turning onto Morrow Rd. There is a pull off with multiple signs explaining the times permitted to be at the cave. If you wish to visit the cave bring a flashlight and please be respectful.
Pull off area for Parking |
Monday, December 2, 2013
Klu Klux Klan Riot in Lilly
The Memorial Plaque |
Along my journeys on the back roads of
Pennsylvania I came across the little town of Lilly. The town has
only a population around 900 now but in its prime was a bustling
mining town in the early 1900s. Over the years I have found that
every town has a story. Even the smallest of towns has
some unique or memorable history. Even the small town of Lilly has a story. In fact, historians have claimed the
town played a pivotal role in American history. Not to bad for a little mining
town in central PA.
In the 1900s there was a huge
influence of the Ku Klux Klan in America and in Pennsylvania. At one
time almost every county in Pennsylvania housed a chapter of the
Klan. While most of the southern members of the Klan were outspokenly
against African-americans, the northern part were mainly against
immigrants. The Italian and Irish Catholic immigrants were usually
targeted more than others. In the 1920s the town of Lilly was a
majority of Catholic with about 10% of Protestant faith. The Klansmen
had been active in the area for some time, but the town made it a
constant effort to remove crosses they had placed and keep their
activity to a minimum.
On the evening of April 5th
1924 the towns courage and strength would be put to the test. Two trains
carrying over 400 armed Klansmen came to Lilly. A few of the towns
people who were either klan members or sympathizers and helped them
to cut all the power to the town and cut timber for 2 crosses to burn
right outside of the towns limits. The Klansmen marched through the
town and into the field and had their ceremony of cross burning and
exploding dynamite to intimidate the townspeople While the ceremony
was taking place the towns people were starting to collect in the
streets. They were not intimidated and began to form a riot against
the Klan.
Once the Klan finished their ceremony,
they began their way back to the train station and were met by the
angry townspeople of Lilly. Armed with few firearms and fire hoses
the townspeople rioted against the Klansmen being in their home and
successfully drove them out. A few casualties happened on both sides
with many wounded. The story made national headlines about how
the small town stood up and took action against them. Later that year
after the Klansmen's march in Washington D.C., their numbers started
to decline.
For many years the people of Lilly
didn't talk about the night of April 5th 1924.Slowly as
the residents of Lilly became older they started to tell their
stories to future generations and these are well documented in many
local history books. A little over 80 years had passed and in 2008 a
memorial was erected, dedicated to the riot against the Klansmen by
the people of Lilly. The memorial sits next to the Railroad that runs
through Lilly on the corner of Railroad St. and Cleveland St. Every
town has a story and Lilly's residents have one to be proud of.
Inscription Below the Memorial Plaque |
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Egg Hill Church
The most well-known story about Egg Hill is of the supposed mass murder that took place their. The story is ever evolving and is not very consistent. That being said, the story I have gathered goes like this. At the turn of the century in the 1800's, the pastor at that time killed his whole congregation and disposed of the bodies in the near by woods. Other stories say that the pastor only killed the children of the parish. He reportedly would kill them one by one under mysterious circumstances and got away with the murders. Then one day fretting that he would be discovered, he hung himself in the church. These are the largest circulated tales but many other versions exist. I could not find any records of any mass deaths in the area at the time when the church was regularly used. Again this little church just seems unfortunately in the right place for urban legends. Stories include: a murder, phantom bell ringing, apparitions hovering in the near by grave yard, and spirits following your car home as you leave. Normally I am an avid believer in paranormal happenings; however, in this instance very little factual evidence could be found to credit the claims made about Egg Hill. If Egg Hill has any supernatural happenings at all, I believe they reside in the cemetery beside the old one-story church.
My many experiences at Egg Hill have been pretty fruitless. I have been to this location in the day time to get a better idea of the surroundings and at night. I do admit that it does give off a weird vibe even in daylight. Many of the old grave markers are worn and unreadable. The church is locked from the outside and "No Trespassing" signs mark the outside of the building. During my nighttime experiences, there have been eerie noises coming from the church. They could be easily dismissed as the building settling. However, some unexplainable voices have come from the cemetery while taking pictures that I can not explain. Overall if there is any paranormal activity at this location I believe it minor and in no way related to the folklore about Egg Hill.
The easiest way to get to Egg hill is to take Rt. 144 north from State College and make a Left on Upper Georges Valley Rd. Approximately after 1 mile you take a right on Egg Hill Rd. The church is about a mile up the hill. A warning that he property is Privately owned and Permission is needed to be on the grounds. Although, most of the church and graveyard is visible from the road.
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Gravity Hill - Bedford County
Starting Point |
Why go to the moon to defy gravity when you can do it in Bedford county? A short drive west from the town of Bedford there is a curious phenomenon known as Gravity Hill. True there are many of theses so-called optical illusions, however, none are as well-known or traveled to as this one. On a summer day while taking a mini tour of Bedford county me and a few friends decided to stop and put the claims of Gravity Hill to the test. Finally after traveling back a heavily wooded country road we came across the huge "X" in the road marking the starting place. We then put our car in neutral and watched as it slowly rolled "up hill". I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to see Gravity Hill, but if you're in the area its a free amusement.
Looks like an incline but actually a decline. |
The End |
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Children's Cemetery - Mt. Etna PA
After paying our respects we left the
old cemetery. I began to wonder on our way back to the car how many
those graves were unmarked and how long had it been since the last
people had been to that old cemetery. It is a shame that so many of
these old resting places have fallen out of the community's
knowledge. I can only hope that my writings will keep these bits of
our history alive for future generations.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Bedford's Old Log Church
Front View of Church |
2nd Floor Seating |
View Looking Towards the Entrance |
Entrance |
your mark and a place for donations. The next time you travel Rt.
30, take a stop at this quaint church; you won't be disappointed.
Grave Yard |
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Candlelight Vigil in Saxton PA
There is a legend in Saxton PA of a young girl that killed in
October of 1986. Different versions of the legend exist. One version
states the girl was murdered. The girl's family being poor, they had
to bury her on the outlying tree line. Another version states she was
sacrificed by an occult organization and buried along the outside of
the cemetery. This legend provoked a better investigation for myself.
Surprisingly, I did witness some truth to this legend. However, I'll
leave you to make your own conclusions about the legend.
Upon hearing the rumors and gathering information about this legend, true to the date, a few friends and myself arrived at the cemetery around 9pm. We walked the loop around the cemetery a few times to get our bearings, then found a place to observe the cemetery in its entirety. Around 10:30, we saw a few flickers of light in the opposite end of the cemetery. We carefully walked closer to where we saw the lights, walked around a mound of dirt, likely left from the remains of graves. Around the mound, astonished, we watched eight individuals in dark clothing conversing. Being at a safe distance, we could not make out what they were speaking about. They seemed to be fiddling with something and using their flashlights. Thirty minutes had passed, and then they started to move. They lined up in a straight line, lighting candles and progressed towards a part of the wood line. We watched in amazement as the legend was being revealed before our eyes. After another thirty minutes, their candles were blown out and then they dispersed into the woods. We stayed back for some time talking about what we had just seen. We sat and watched to make sure that they had left. We then proceeded to investigate the scene. Red candle wax lay in a circle around a lone stone. The stone looked to be carved, but without any writing. Only a lone candle half used stood upon the stone. With closer investigation, all around the area, older and dirty wax was found. This lead to a belief the event or vigil had happened before.
To this day no new information was able to be found about this strange occurrence. Obituary records do show that a woman had died in the fall of 1986. But no other information as to the death or exact date was able to be obtained. I tried to interview locals with out any luck. Some people didn't have a clue as to what I was talking about. Although, others seemed to be aware of the mysterious happenings of Grandview Cemetery but had nothing to comment.
Upon hearing the rumors and gathering information about this legend, true to the date, a few friends and myself arrived at the cemetery around 9pm. We walked the loop around the cemetery a few times to get our bearings, then found a place to observe the cemetery in its entirety. Around 10:30, we saw a few flickers of light in the opposite end of the cemetery. We carefully walked closer to where we saw the lights, walked around a mound of dirt, likely left from the remains of graves. Around the mound, astonished, we watched eight individuals in dark clothing conversing. Being at a safe distance, we could not make out what they were speaking about. They seemed to be fiddling with something and using their flashlights. Thirty minutes had passed, and then they started to move. They lined up in a straight line, lighting candles and progressed towards a part of the wood line. We watched in amazement as the legend was being revealed before our eyes. After another thirty minutes, their candles were blown out and then they dispersed into the woods. We stayed back for some time talking about what we had just seen. We sat and watched to make sure that they had left. We then proceeded to investigate the scene. Red candle wax lay in a circle around a lone stone. The stone looked to be carved, but without any writing. Only a lone candle half used stood upon the stone. With closer investigation, all around the area, older and dirty wax was found. This lead to a belief the event or vigil had happened before.
To this day no new information was able to be found about this strange occurrence. Obituary records do show that a woman had died in the fall of 1986. But no other information as to the death or exact date was able to be obtained. I tried to interview locals with out any luck. Some people didn't have a clue as to what I was talking about. Although, others seemed to be aware of the mysterious happenings of Grandview Cemetery but had nothing to comment.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
A Forgotten Orchard
Stone Plaque at the Entrance |
Lynn Brua was most notably known for his involvement in Hollidaysburg PA. In 1873, he moved his family to Hollidaysburg from his orchard. He was then employed by John H. Law. In 1881, he opened his own general store and continued to prosper, building some twenty houses as well as his own on Wayne Street. Brua was also a founding organizer for the Citizen’s National Bank, where he served as president from its organization until 1903. He then sold his business in 1908, and continued to manage his farm. He never sold his farm in Frankstown Township, and it was inherited to his grandson, the last known owner, John Brua.
The Lynn A. Brua estate was burnt down in the mid-1900’s without any published explanation. The old estate is now blocked by a huge mound of dirt between the pillars of what must have been an elegant entrance at its time. Walking down the old stone driveway you first notice a long row of pine trees and the ground littered with pine needles. Approximately 500 feet further from
One building's foundation |
Rumors and stories circulate the area of what actually happened to the prospering farm. Tales of hauntings and gypsy curses are to name a couple. However, many believe the fire was only an accident. Locals also speak of a family cemetery plot, a common thing in those times, somewhere buried in the overgrowth. The cemetery has yet to be found.
Crumbling chimney |
Front gate visible from the road |
Friday, October 18, 2013
Peace Chapel
While searching Huntingdon county for a
few small attractions, a place called Peace Chapel caught my
attention. Peace chapel is a small site in the hills outside of
Juniata College. The landscape was designed in 1988 by Maya Lin, who
is better known to have designed the Vietnam Veterans
Trail Leading to Main Site |
Peace chapel was remarkably easy to
access, considering how it eluded my attention for years. A simple
entry into my GPS brought me to a little gravel parking lot with a
sign welcoming me. After a short walk up the lone trail, I arrived to
my destination. A wonderful view of the countryside could be seen in
this 360 degree vista. Besides a few hikers and dog walkers, as you
may have guessed the site was rather peaceful. I hope to return in
the autumn to take in all of the promising beauty Peace Chapel has to
offer.
Stone at the Beginning of the Trail |
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
The House on the Hill
The House before the fire |
Outside of the small town of
Williamsburg Pennsylvania there sits a farm and the remains of the
former house. Mystery about the original owners has surrounded the
property for decades along with unexplainable events. Local residents
have handed down stories for generations, but shed little light on
its dark history. At first sight, the property does not look any
different from any other small farm in rural Pennsylvania. However,
the property's docile exterior does little to harbor its restless
past.
On a summer's day in the mid to late
1800's, a family of immigrants moved to the rural area outside of
Williamsburg, PA. They built a house, farm, and a few outlying
buildings. A few years had passed, then one day a neighbor had
noticed the property being neglected. The neighbor soon found out
that the family had not been to church the following week either. The
neighbor along with a few others went to check on the family and
noticed the door unlocked. With no response to the knocking, they
began to shout into the house. Finally they decided to walk into the
house. Turning the corner from the kitchen into the living room, they
came across a gruesome sight and foul smell. The Husband and wife
along with their children had all been murdered. They described the
family as being ripped and torn. The local people gathered up the
remains and buried what was left of the bodies in a plot not far from
the house. No evidence was found to solve the horrible crime. With no
signs of forced entry or even foot prints, the murder remains a
mystery to this day.
One of the Murals |
Since the incident, many reports of paranormal activity have
circulated. The property has had many owners and families through the
years; often only living there for a few months. The property usually
remains vacant until an unsuspecting family from out of the area
moves in. Reports range from windows and doors being opened and
closed to furniture being rearranged. Two murals of Jesus mark the
walls of the living room, which some believe to ward off the evil the
lingers in the house. One room in the second floor tends to make a
person feel squeezed from all directions. Even with all the activity
inside the house, some believe the true evil lies outside. A red
demon has been seen running out front of the house along the
cornfields that border the property. Grim faces have appeared in the
windows. Whispers and the sounds of foot steps from behind in gravel
have also been witnessed On occasion dark shadows can also be seen
running up and down the lane.
Front Entrance |
The farm and outlying buildings still
remain on the property. The house was burned down as a "test"
fire for new firefighters to practice on in 2011. Some people believe
the claim of a test was just used to get rid of the horrible
building. However, even with the building gone, the property is still
claimed to be just as restless.
Inside the house bathroom |
Thursday, October 10, 2013
The Haunt at the Paper Mill Bridge
I would like to start with a little handed down history of this place. The town of Roaring Spring has had tales of "witch craft" and the occasional haunting for years told by residents. One tale tells of a witch coven that used to meet in the woods off the railroad tracks leading out-of-town. Another tells of a "Devil worshiping pastor" that killed a young woman and buried her body in the yard outside his home near the paper mill. The most well-known story is that of the old paper mill bridge that lies under the railroad tracks and is near the site where the young women was supposedly buried.
I could not find any hard evidence for theses claims. However, real or not, every town deserves to have it's mysteries or urban legends.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Lincoln Highway : Story Land
Story Land was a great attraction between the 1950's-1970's and was sadly closed in the 1980's. Now Piper's Place Country Store sits on the property and is owned by the daughter of the original owner. This road side attraction is located on the Lincoln Hwy just west of Shellsburg, PA on the right side of the road if heading from Bedford PA, but missing the enormous Pied Piper is almost impossible.
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