Adventures in Alvira, Pennsylvania

Both arms shoot up as I attempt to level myself out! I steadily balance myself as I inch across the log strewn about the wet marshy area I'm attempting to cross. My foot slips, my shoe is covered in mud. I wipe off the excess and continue over my crude bridge. Upon crossing the water soaked log, I encounter the thorns of a thistle bush. As I gently release the prickly briers from my arm and shirt, another sense of excitement rushes over me! From here I can see a crack between the doors and realize I should be able to enter. As I encounter the concrete bunker I'm happy to see it's not littered with graffiti. I poke my head inside, blackness is all I can see. I work to pry open the heavy unlocked steel door. I take a loud stomp into the concrete igloo, hoping the ground vibrations will scare off any unwanted critters. I give out a shout! The enclosed cavern echoes quite loudly for a brief time. Inside the bunker is surprisingly clean, only a few leaves are found lying on the ground. Sadly these hidden concrete bunkers and a couple historic cemeteries are all that remain in this lost town.


Shortly after the strike on Pearl Harbor, the United States government came in and seized all the townspeople's land. They were informed that a repurchase of their properties would be made available at a later date. Directly after acquiring the land through purchases and eminent domain, all the homes were burned and then bulldozed. Almost instantaneously construction began on a T-N-T factory. This explosives factory was very short lived. In less than a year after opening the United States government stopped production and closed the plant for good. Apparently the supply for explosives wasn't nearly as high as originally thought.

The only remnants of a former town are crumbled foundations, lost roads, and forgotten gravestones. This small village was ravaged by the effects of war, yet never witnessed a single battle. The poor citizens of Alvira had their town destroyed by the works of their own government who was supposed to protect them.

Katy's Church Millvale, Pennsylvania

Nestled on a desolate hillside in the small community of Millville, lies a small church with enough legends to make your blood curdle. For decades locals have been daring each other just to pass by this holy house.

Katy’s church is named for Katy Vandine, a woman whose legend would live on for many years after her passing. Yet it’s her death that seems to be causing the most mystery. All the small town urban legends are attributed to this woman. The most popular belief was that Katy was an unmarried pregnant woman who was run out of the local community and ostracized. Being unable to deal with the shunning, Katy took her own life when she slid a noose around her neck. Others say she was to marry a soldier who was off at war and never returned. Having lost the love or her life, Katy mourned by hanging herself from a tree in her wedding dress. An even darker tale tells of witchcraft and sorcery.

Some had claimed that Katy was actually a witch, mainly the married man who was apparently having an affair with Katy while she was carrying his unborn child. As the gossip spread about witchery, the local church members grew anxious. On a late night they gathered together and decided to take care of Katy. They stormed to her home and drug her out of bed and proceeded to the church. There they strapped a rope around the neck of Katy Vandine and ended her adulterous life. All of these are just tales passed around by the locals. Some current church members recall Katy Vandine as a kind women who lived well into her 80’s and donated the land where the church sits today. But besides all of these legends that have been passed from generation to generation, some odd occurrences have taken place at this church. Those who have dared to visit the grounds at night have spotted a spirit in a white dress and have heard cries from inside the church. Others tell even more disturbing stories of seeing blood drip from the church windows.

How did all of these legends begin? Some believe they were started by a local drunk who spent a little too much time at the tavern. Staggering home one late evening, he told his wife spirits had attacked him near the church, blaming them for his tardiness. So is thereany truth to any of these tales, or were they all just the imagination of a local drunk looking for an excuse? On our visit to Katy’s Church we found nothing out of the ordinary. What we did find were some extraordinary neighbors, who enjoy the fellowship the church provides them. The congregation has dealt with many issues in the past including vandalism. They are a very close knit community that appreciate their church’s history and isn’t fond of those who depreciate its value.

Hunter S. Thompson & The Jersey Shore

Long before Snooki, JWoww, and the Situation were corrupting the Jersey Shore. There was another aspiring, volatile youngster reveling in the same debauchery. But he ended up at the wrong Jersey Shore. Long before "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", Hunter S. Thompson was cold and miserable in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania.

A young naive writer, fresh out of the Air Force he mistakenly thought this place would be filled with beaches and bikinis. To his dismay he got quite the opposite. The small borough sits 15 miles outside of Williamsport, along the banks of the Susquehanna river. The town is quite rural and didn't leave many lasting memories for the "gonzo" writer. A young Thompson wrote a personal letter to a friend envying him for being stationed in Iceland. Hunter writes.
"Dear Larry,
So you think Iceland is bad: ha! Let me tell you about north-central Pennsylvania.
There were three red lights in metropolitan Fort Walton: there are two in Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania. There were four laundry and dry cleaning establishments in Fort Walton: there are NONE in Jersey Shore. There were innumerable bars in Fort Walton: there are two in Jersey Shore. There were at least four good eating establishments in Fort Walton: there are but three small grills in Jersey Shore. There were women (whores, lesbians, and divorcees, if you must) in Fort Walton: the only women under forty in Jersey Shore go to high school. There were beaches and water and sand dunes and sea gulls and boats and bays in Fort Walton: there are mountains of coal dust, dirty old people, ancient wrecks of houses, and "True Confessions" magazines in Jersey Shore.
And now you're going to ask just what in the hell I'm doing in Jersey Shore, Pa. I know... and I'm ready with a quick answer I'm having a nightmare."

Obviously this was not the type of environment he envisioned. After a short stint as a sports writer at the Jersey Shore Herald, the eccentric writer left the rural town for New York City. Of course Hunter left as only he can. He had taken out a colleagues daughter, the father was kind enough to allow the young couple access to his '49 Chevy. Sure enough Hunter got the man's prized possession stuck in the riverbed. The next day, the angry co-worker drove the car into work and Thompson said, “I knew heavy trouble was coming …I just got up, took my coat off the rack and went out the front door. Didn’t even collect my pay. Went straight to the apartment, loaded the car and drove to New York.”

"Blob"Fest 2011

Having never been to "Blob"fest, I was unsure of what to expect. I had these ideas and expectations in my head of what I was hoping to see. I'll be the first to admit my tastes can be slightly eccentric. Amazingly so are the tastes of the great folks at the Colonial Theatre. Their annual festivities exceeded my expectations! This is one of the few shows I've attended where the hosts specifically knew their core audience.

Various artists of horror and macabre art lined the streets. Motorheads gathered around the classic and antique muscle cars that were displayed. Vintage enthusiasts were able to purchase small pieces of American and cinema history. While movie buffs gazed in amazement at set pieces from the actual film, including the real "Blob"!

The entertainment was top notch as well. The Buzzards kept their pompadours tight, and the poodle skirts dancing in the streets! Their "rockabilly" style made sure all the hep cats kept on grooving in between stage shows. The funky monsters from Ghoul a Go-Go judged the annual costume contest. This brought out all the horror kings and scream queens donning their best homemade outfits. Afterwords the side show troupe of Olde City Sideshow kept the audience in awe as well as disgust. Onlookers watched the crew insert power drills into their nostrils, munch on worms, and swallow swords as well as fire.

Even with all these unique forms of entertainment, the highlight of the day was the fire extinguisher parade, and of course the film screening. Considering myself to be a film geek I got us seats directly under the projectionist booth.

If the blob was to re-enact the famous scene from this landmark theatre we would have been the first to perish. AHHH!!

Somehow I made it out alive!!

"Blob"fest was a truly unique experience and one of the best times I've had. If you're a fan of this classic film this is a must visit destination. If you consider yourself a cinephile or just a family looking for a unique way to enjoy an entertaining day, "Blob"fest will surely not disappoint. So run don't walk to next years "Blob"fest!

"Blob" Tour-High School

Taking the advice of Jane's father, Steve and his gang of delinquents headed to the local high school. After shattering the windows, the gang rounds up all the fire extinguishers they can muster. In a show of heroism the misfits and the authorities banded together. Collectively the brave citizens fight back against the gelatinous mass from outer space.

After paralyzing the mutant blob, the town had the Air Force transfer the monster to a cold demise in the Arctic. Thanks to Steve and his quick wittedness this small town and the rest of humanity were saved from "The Blob."

The school still has the same entrance as was used during filming. The only real difference is a name change. During the time of filming the school was Memorial Jr. High School, today it's the Samuel Barkley Elementary School. Located at 320 2nd avenue in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania.

Lucky for us not all these places have succumbed to suburban sprawl and we still have pieces of movie history to admire...even if it's a cheesy drive-in classic!

"Blob" Tour-Downingtown Diner

After narrowly escaping death at the Colonial Theatre, the movie goers cower for cover in the nearby diner. Our protagonists follow suit after witnessing Jane's little brother innocently attempt to shoot the blob with his toy gun.
While hiding out in the eatery the massive ooze outside begins to devour the entire diner. Steve and the crowd gathered inside take refuge in the basement. Outside the local police attempted a plan to electrocute the blob. Unfortunately the officers plan backfired and the diner caught fire. Quick witted Steve briskly grabbed the nearest CO2 fire extinguisher and began to suppress the flames. During the chaos a strange phenomenon was witnessed. The massive blob seemed to be affected by the blistering cold of the extinguishers. The local juveniles had found a weak spot. Now where would they find more extinguishers?

The original Downingtown Diner is long gone. After filming the diner was relocated to Hollywood. Not to be discouraged another retro style diner took it's place and is actually located over the original basement. The current Chef's diner was used in the low budget horror film "Killer Instinct".

In the film the movie patrons run directly across the street to the diner. It's actually 18 miles away in Downingtown. 81 W. Lancaster, Avenue Downingtown, Pennsylvania.

"Blob" Tour-Colonial Theatre

Meanwhile in the healthfully air conditioned Colonial Theatre a crowd of patrons are gathered to view the new Bela Lugosi film as well as "Daughter of Horror." The midnight showing had attracted a large audience. The unsuspecting crowd was unaware all mayhem was about to break loose. A jelly-like mutant was maneuvering it's way through a heating vent, ready to strike on a naive projectionist. After devouring the theatre projectionist, the "Blob" began to consume members of the audience. In a panic the uproarious crowd rushed to the streets for safety.

This infamous scene was actually filmed twice, initially people were tripping over each other.
Colonial Theatre is located at 227 Bridge St. Phoenixville, Pa.

"Blob" Tour-Jerry's Market

Searching around Jerry's Market, Steve and Jane make a startling discovery. At first they spot the old man's dog near the market, but something is out of sorts on the inside. The doors to the market are locked tight, while the lights shine bright, even after midnight. Steve's father owns the grocery store so the duo decide to take an inside look. Shortly thereafter they notice a gelatinous mutant mass coming for them. Steve and Jane quickly retreat into the sub-zero meat locker, where they seem to be safe...at least for now!
Jerry's Market was located at Lewis Road Plaza, it is now the Sly Fox Restaurant and Brewery.

"Blob" Tour-Doc Hallen's House

(Then)

(Today) Note: this is a private residence

"Beware of the Blob! It creeps and leaps and glides and slides across the floor." Keep this tagline in your mind as you tour the Downingtown and Phoenixville area. It could appear anywhere. Lucky for us some brave teenagers in 1958 destroyed it before it took over the world. This all occurred in these 2 small towns during a Summer of simpler times.

Steve Andrews and Jane Martin were at a local lookout point when they spotted a meteor flying across the sky. The young adults noticed the meteor crash into a local field, they decided to investigate, what they encountered was a site neither Steve or Jane would soon forget. The couple confronted an elderly gentleman whose body was covered in strange blisters, fortunately Doc Hallen's house wasn't too far away.

The two lovebirds escorted their older friend to the good doctor's home, where things quickly turned dire. While the youngsters went to acquire more information about the man and his mysterious blisters, something strange occurred. The mutant blisters began to take over the man. Quickly Doctor Hallen and his nurse became the first victims of "The Blob."

Home is located corner of S. Main street & Third Ave. Phoenixville, Pa.

"Hometown Glory" Lititz, Pennsylvania

Most often the gratification of traveling Outta the Way is the discovery of a new town. Through our adventures we have traveled through small charming villages, sprawling metropolitan cities, as well as rural impoverished towns. All too often we forget about the small treasures buried in our own backyard!

My family and myself recently moved to the small town of Lititz, Pennsylvania. A town I've come to embrace as my own in less than a years time. Much more quaint than the industrious hub city of York where I grew up, and a little more peaceful and care free than Lancaster where I resided the previous 8 years. This serene hamlet is bursting with history and Rockwell'esque charm.

From the first girls preparatory school in the country, to the notable Moravian church who founded the town, the history is still alive and kept. Many of the homes on Main street are original to the town and are recognized for their historical significance. Lititz is much more than just history though. The small community is often bustling with tourists, visiting the small independent businesses that line the quiet streets. Often indulging their tastebuds with sweet Wilbur chocolates or salty Sturgis pretzels. Both staples of the Lititz community.

Another staple of the community I've witnessed is ...the ducks! Families of ducks and ducklings make their home in the nearby Lititz Springs Park, and they seem to really run this town. I've witnessed ducks walking right down Main street, as well as hold up traffic on Route 501 while a mother duck leads the younger ones through the busy intersection.

With all of it's history and unique small town charm it's not difficult to see why Lititz was named one of the best time warp towns in America.

International Zine Month

July is International Zine Month. The month long celebration helps to attract attention to self-publishers, small press, and zinesters. Many around the globe hold events, zine readings, and even 24 hour zine projects. During the month zinesters are challenged to create a 24 page zine from conception to a finished product within a 24 hour time frame.

You can help to celebrate International Zine month also. Pay a visit to your local library, most carry books on how you can self-publish your own zine, or you can browse through zines that may have been donated to the institution. Larger metropolitan areas feature distros, which are stores that specialize in distributing zines and other self-published materials. You can always pay a visit to our Etsy store as well.

Helping to support indie publishers encourages everyone to act on their first amendment rights. More support means more independent voices in the mainstream media. This month we're encouraging your support, and we'll show some gratitude back. The first person to comment on any blog this month will receive a free color PDF zine!
Find a Distro near you!!
Learn more about zines

The Cup

While traveling to the Ringing Rocks park and roller rink you're likely to pass a wondrous roadside oddity. A cup shaped building with a straw protruding out of the top.

These unique stores were originally built in the early 1940's for Levengood Dairies. The local dairy had the buildings constructed to help sell their dairy products. Originally there were four "cups" throughout the area. Boyertown, Pennsburg, and Reading were home to the other three.
Though they don't seem to hold the same vintage charm as the one in Pottstown. Though that's all quite likely to change, as this location is now currently for sale. Maybe we could make it our home office!

Ringing Rocks Park & Rink

There's a mystical park near the small town of Pottstown where you're gonna wanna visit with a hammer in hand. The Ringing Rocks Park has been baffling curious visitors for centuries. When you smack one of the rocks in the boulder field you're likely to get two results, a deadening sound you'd expect, or a ringing bell sound you wouldn't expect. The various rocks each emit a different vibrant tone. Similar parks have been used to hold music festivities. Musicians will actually play the rocks while accompanied with other instruments.

On Outta the Way's visit we brought along several different size hammers. We noticed each hammer rang out a different chime on the same rock. The locals in the area have been generous enough to tag the rocks which make the best sounds. I must admit they're very good at pointing you to the prime rocks, though their art skills could use some work!

After ringing some rocks be sure to visit the retro style roller skating rink nearby. The old time rink has been entertaining the locals for decades. Ringing rocks and retro roller rinks sounds like a perfect day going Outta the Way!

For more on Ringing Rocks and other nearby Outta the Way places.

Elkins Estate

Situated in the same neighborhood as the dilapidated Lynnewood Hall, rests another hidden gem. The Elkins Estate was the Summer home of transportation tycoon William Elkins. The estate consisted of 5 buildings, with 2 homes. The 45 room Elstowe Manor was used primarily by the family, while the smaller Chelton house was built specifically for William's son, George. Both homes were designed by famed architect Horace Trumbauer.

The Estowe Manor was extravagantly designed, no expense was spared. The Italian Renaissance home was constructed of exquisite woods and fine marble. Unfortunately for William he only got to enjoy his Summer retreat for a brief time. Mr. Elkins passed in the home in 1903 at the age of 71. During William Elkins life he played a very key role in Philadelphia transportation. After his death all traffic in Philadelphia came to a halt, in order to pay respects. This is the first and only time this has ever occurred in the city.

Fortunately this family's home fared better than the lost palaces of Lynnewood and Whitemarsh Hall. For many decades the home was owned by the Dominican Sisters of St. Catherine de' Ricci. The sisters took tremendous care of the luxurious estate. They eventually sold off the property after 75 years of maintaining it's tedious upkeep.

Today the home is owned by the non-profit group Food for Life. The group helps to feed the less fortunate in the Philadelphia area. Sadly they are beginning to feel the burdens of retaining such a luxurious property. In order to sustain the hindrances they have recently begun to use the home for wedding photography sessions. The good people at Food for Life are not only hoping to preserve history but also humanity.

Donate to Food for Life
Other local Outta the Way places

Lynnewood Hall

Hidden away in the suburbs far from the Liberty Bell and the tourists, sits a luxurious palace left as a shell of it's former self. The articulate limestone walls of the Lynnewood Hall lie at rest behind the overgrown yard, protected by a rusty fence.

This former elegant home was once deemed the "house that art built." Industrialist Peter Widener was an avid art collector and needed a larger home to house his valuable collection as well as entertain his esteemed colleagues. In 1900 he and his family moved into their 70,000 square foot dream home. The home was full of luxurious design. Marble lined the walls, while gold plated the doorknobs.

The Wiedener family was extremely wealthy, but also dealt with their share of hardships.
One of the family's sons and grandson perished in the maiden voyage of the RMS Titanic. Peter Widener himself only got to enjoy his dream home for a modest 15 years. He was found deceased in the home after a lengthy illness at the age of 80. Shortly after Peter's passing the home became open for public viewings. Visits eventually ceased in 1940, shortly after most of the artwork was donated.

The legacy of the Lynnewood Hall and Widener family slowly began to fade away. The home was used briefly by the U.S. government during World War 2. The grounds were used for canine training, while the home was used to store valuable documents and works of art.

Since then the home has switched hands a few times and is slowly falling into decay. No major work has been done on the home since the 1950's. Most of the valuable materials used for building have been stripped away and sold by previous owners. Many preservation groups are trying to help preserve the legacy of this lost palace, before it's history and beauty are lost forever.
Lynnewood Hall Video

Whitemarsh Hall in Pennsylvania

Be careful what you wish for!

The Stotesbury family like most Americans' loved to live the dream life. They enjoyed hosting lavish parties, with movie star guests and noble statesmen from all over the world. After all when your home is larger than the White House you certainly have the room for such luxurious affairs.

The Stotesbury's moved into their dream palace in 1921. The home consisted of 147 rooms and 45 bathrooms and cost a modest 3 million dollars. The home was deemed the "American Versailles."

As quickly as their dreams came to fruition, they also vanished just as fast. At costs of over 1 million dollars a year to sustain the home and surrounding acreage, the family fortune quickly began to dwindle. By World War 2 the home had been left abandoned and was being used by the United States government to store valuable pieces of artwork.



After the government moved out, the vandals moved in. Anything of value had been stolen and the locals began to vandalize the home. Eventually the home had fallen into such disarray the community had no choice but to destroy the lost palace. Today all that remains are a few monuments from the gardens and the lost dreams of an American family.

Video look at Whitemarsh Hall
More info. on Whitemarsh Hall

Harrisburg State Hospital "City on the Hill"

If only walls could talk, what kind of stories would they tell us? If I went looking for any walls to talk to in the Keystone State, I’d want to start at the Harrisburg State Hospital.

Social Reformer Dorothea Dix helped lobby to get help for the mentally handicapped in the state. In 1845 the Pennsylvania State Lunatic Hospital and Union Asylum for the Insane was founded. In 1848 the name was changed to the less controversial Pennsylvania State Lunatic Hospital, after $50,000.00 was allotted to build. The hospital was completed in in1851, admitting its first patient on October 6^th, becoming the first Mental Hospital in the state.

The Kirkbride building was one of the first insane asylums in the United States using the Kirkbride Plan. Kirkbride was a Philadelphia Psychiatrist in the mid-1800’s, who advocated a system of mental asylum design. The asylums tended to be large with Victorian design.

The Kirkbride building seemed to suffer from poor construction as it only lasted approximately 50 years. Between 1893 and 1912 the hospital was rebuilt, going for the more popular cottage plan. This would consist of several small buildings connected with long partially submerged tunnels, as opposed to one large building.

In 1921 the hospital again changed names, this time more appropriately just the Harrisburg State Hospital. At the hospital’s peak, it consumed more than 1,000 acres and over 70 buildings, and held as many as 2,441 patients. During its lowest levels of employment, it was scary how disproportioned it was, with 1 nurse to 166 patients. The state hospital earned the nickname “City on the Hill” for its self-sufficient ways, including having its own farm, stores and even a power plant. In 1986, the hospital was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1999 the site was used for the setting of the movie “Girl, Interrupted.” In fact, the administration sign that still hangs is a leftover from the film. On January 27, 2006 after 150 years of helping the mentally disabled, the doors were closed, though not completely. The state still uses the buildings as administrative offices.

Movie Trailer from "Girl, Interrupted"

Pottstown Pig Tree

(Photo from Creepy Places)
The Skull tree along Devil's road isn't the only tree in Pennsylvania with folklore surrounding it. With roots shaped like a pigs snout, and a set of holes where eyes would set, it's easy to see how the pig tree got its name. What's not so simple to figure out is why its become so mysterious.

The legend of the pig tree states to take a personal item from someone you wish to cause harm to, you then place the item into the eye hole of the tree. It's thought that if the sun pierces through the object, the curse has worked. It should also be known that if the sun doesn't shine through, the curse is than reversed onto you. I'm not too sure there's anyone I despise that much to take that risk!

Guest Blog: ForgottenPA-Concrete City, Pennsylvania

All the way back in 2007, when ForgottenPA was just a little personal
blog about my group's visit to Centralia, we caught wind of a ghost
town with actual empty houses still in it. Not only were there
buildings, but they were made of concrete! We couldn't get there fast
enough.

That ghost town, of course, was Concrete City, in Nanticoke.
Construction began in 1911 and was  completed in 1913 by the coal
division of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company to
provide homes for colliery workers. The two-story double homes were
literally made of poured concrete, efficiently using the same floor
plan for both the first and second floors – the second floors all had
staircases that ran into the ceilings, without providing any access to
the roof.

Rented out for $8 a month, the houses served as homes for some of the
company's top staff, but problems cropped up. Paint blistered and
peeled. Water condensed on the inside walls, in spite of using
moisture-repellent construction materials and plaster. One former
resident even said that, in winter, her father's shirts would freeze,
and her mother had to iron them before he could even put them on.

Above all, the houses lacked indoor plumbing, and when it became
standard for residential housing, the company was not interested in
making the improvements. Concrete city was abandoned in 1924, only
eleven years after its construction. Attempts to demolish the town
were also unsuccessful – it was said that a hundred sticks of dynamite
did little to bring down one of the houses.

The trip to Concrete City was a turning point for us – obviously we
weren't poking around the houses in Centralia, but here, we had the
freedom to enter the buildings, to see what time and Mother Nature can
do to man-made structures, to really explore. After being so excited
to get to Concrete City, we felt a real dread, standing at the gaping
black entryway of the first house: What was in there? Would we make it
out alive? When we came out, would we ever be the same?

Of course there was interesting and unique things to see in all the
buildings; clearly, we survived; but we never were the same after our
visit to Concrete City. More than ever, we wanted to explore, to
learn, to see what other wonderful secrets Pennsylvania had been
keeping tucked out of the way. And even though the necessities of work
and life may keep us busy, like the houses at that old ghost town, our
love of exploration will survive anything.
Written by Steve Skipp c/o ForgottenPA

Follow ForgottenPA Blog
Like them on Facebook