Old Dutch Church Sleepy Hollow, New York

The Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow has undergone many changes through the centuries. Fires wreaked havoc on the site, renovations were done, and than stripped away. But through resilience and neighborly pride the church has stood for over 300 years. It's believed to be the oldest church in New York state, it's certainly one of it's most famous.

When Frederick Philipse a very wealthy and prominent man relocated himself and his family to the area the parcel of land was a just few dozen gravestones. With his massive estate nearby he decided to build a church for his new neighbors. Following the passing of his wife a few years later. Frederick quickly remarried and was urged by his newlywed bride to build a more permanent structure for the community. Massive natural limestone rocks were used to strengthen the integrity of the building. In 1697 the first congregation and Pastor christened the church.

In 1961 the church was deemed a National landmark. It's not just the history or gothic construction that attracts so many visitors. It's the same hallowed grounds the Headless Horseman haunted Ichabod Crane in the legendary tale. In fact several of the deceased located within the grounds are believed to have been models for the characters in the book. Eleanor and Katerina Van Tassel are both believed to have been the inspiration for Katrina Van Tassel. A likeness to antagonist Brom Bones is also resting peacefully here. So are Joseph and Samuel Youngs, both or one of these men were believed to have been the basis for the Ichabod Crane character. According to the legendary short story by Washington Irving. This same cemetery is the final resting place of the headless Hessian who haunted poor Ichabod.

The sequestered situation of this church seems always to have made it a favorite haunt of troubled spirits. It stands on a knoll, surrounded by locust-trees and lofty elms, from among which its decent, whitewashed walls shine modestly forth, like Christian purity beaming through the shades of retirement. A gentle slope descends from it to a silver sheet of water, bordered by high trees, between which, peeps may be caught at the blue hills of the Hudson. To look upon its grass-grown yard, where the sunbeams seem to sleep so quietly, one would think that there at least the dead might rest in peace.

Good Shepherd Memorial Gardens

Cruising along the rural bypass on a Sunday morning. Feeling the breeze and coolness of a fresh Summer day. The sun beaming in the sky caught a reflection of beauty, hidden in neglect. Swerving into the overgrown driveway, behind towers of weeds and grass. Nestled inside of a dilapidated building, next to freshly manicured graves, was a beautiful hand painted stained glass, nearing it's final days. The roof of the building was quite in shambles and seemed destined for collapse at any time. Vaults lined the wall of the neglected memorial garden, sadly they too seemed forgotten.

The Good Shepherd Memorial Garden is just a small plot of graves that someone still cares for. Sadly the rest of the property has certainly seen better times. Not being familiar with the area I asked several locals if they knew any more about this lost structure. Unfortunately most knew very little. I had heard a few intriguing stories about crimes being committed with in the grounds. Though no evidence to support anything.
Maybe you know more about this mysterious property?  Maybe there's nothing to know?

The Gardens are located off route 315 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Do you know any more information?

Mark Twain & "The Remarkable Dream"

While in the city of Williamsport giving lectures. Famed writer Mark Twain found himself on a set of church steps staring in disgust. He found the deplorable conditions of the nearby cemeteries inadequate for housing the dead. As the author gazes off in disbelief he's approached by a skeleton who's gathering up his remains. Soon other residents of the cemetery join in. Together they scour the streets searching for a new final resting place.

Twain shares his conservation with the skeleton in his short story "The Remarkable Dream." The short story first appeared in the "Buffalo Express" in 1870. The author's story eventually raised awareness in the city. The tombs which had become too desecrated were eventually moved to a more fitting resting place.

Columbia County, Pennsylvania

In the 20th zine of Outta the Way we take a hike into the mountains of Columbia county, Pennsylvania. First we'll stroll back up a hill and defy the laws of gravity in a sleepy rural town with an ancient name. Next we'll pay a visit to a remote church with enough urban legends to send a tingle up your spine, and keep it in your mind forever. Then it's off to a creepy cemetery to find a set of graves hidden beneath iron cages. Lastly we take a quiet peaceful stroll along a tiny riverbed to discover an historical and architectural landmark.

So get outta the way, we're going Outta the Way!

The Grave of Satan

Looking for the grave of Satan? Well look no further, Satan is buried right here in the Keystone state. In fact, he's been buried here since 1979. Lying nearby in the cemetery is also Muffin, Sparky, and Corky. There's even a horse buried nearby. So are these the hounds of Hell and one of the 4 horses of the apocalypse? Well considering they are buried in a pet cemetery, I guess it's plausible. Giving the good Samaritan deeds that take place in the nearby animal rescue mission, it's doubtful.

The St. Francisvale was opened in 1909. The founders, Dr. and Mrs. George McClellan had a soft spot in their hearts for pets. While driving home one day in a blustery snowstorm the couple spotted a puppy freezing along the cold streets. The family brought the dog in and named him Francis. Shortly thereafter they started the Vale and Rescue Mission.

They mainly do rescuing of dogs and cats, though occasionally they get horses and other animals. What separates this place from the other missions is their no-kill policy: they will take care of the creatures until they find a home. In this day and age of puppy mils and dog fighting, it's nice to know there is still some compassion for these unwanted animals, even ones named Satan!

More on Satan's Grave and nearby Outta the Way spots

Hans Graf Cemetery and the Haunted Dogs

It’s not only human spirits that haunt the little borough of Marietta. Just a short drive away in the neighboring small town of Rowenna, lies an old family grave plot thought to be haunted by dogs. The Hans Graf Cemetery is the plot of the Graf family, one of the first families to occupy Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The graveyard is very old and mysterious. The graves are encompassed inside a crumbling stone wall. Local legend states if you circle the perimeter seven times by the light of a full moon you will perish. Most of the tales stemming from the cemetery involve phantom canines. A ghostly apparition of a dog has been spotted by numerous visitors near the grave of Hans Graf. Several paranormal investigators have experienced odd phenomenon as well. Several EVPs of dogs barking have been caught on audio, and during numerous visits dogs were often heard when encountering the cemetery.It’s not known why dogs would haunt this cemetery. Perhaps they’re protecting the Graf family from unwanted intruders