| TUMBLING RUN |
| While the dams and water treatment plant at Tumbling Run are not within the geographical borders of Schuylkill Haven, there is a direct link. In the early 1940's the borough purchased the dams for $100,000. These dams with the adjacent water treatment plant, supply our borough with water. A history and other information along with pictures of Tumbling Run will be presented here. |
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| Below are three articles from the Pottsville Republican surrounding a mysterious case that occurred at Tumbling Run in January 1907. Read all three and enjoy the sensationalism and style of the news reporting of the period. |
| TUMBLING RUN BLOOD TRAIL January 12, 1907 |
Complete mystery
surrounds the finding of a
trail of blood and a tuft of
woman's hair along the
Tumbling Run upper dam
and the authorities and
the public are unable to
determine whether the
suspicious circumstances
are the result of a tragedy
performed there late
Thursday night or whether
it is a practical joke or
perhaps some ordinary
circumstance which will
later be explained. The
rumor of a woman being
murdered and her head
found along the bank of
the lake came to Pottsville
late yesterday afternoon
and Chief of Police Davies
with Officers Graeff and
Spencer drove to the Run
where they made an
investigation.
They found a pool of blood
in the rear of the Newport
boat house and
bloodstains on the
doorknob. From there the
trail of blood led to near
the dancing pavilion
where a carriage had been
standing. The carriage
wheels were tracked out
the road, across the
bridge where the creek
enters the cove and then
down to Sandy Beach
where the carriage
stopped and turned
around. Blood stains
served to lead the officers
to a point along the dam
on the far side where,
between the Conrad and
Whalen boat houses there
was evidence of some
heavy body having been
placed on the ground.
Blood was found on the
dead leaves and pine
needles. A tuft of long
hair, auburn in color, was
found lying at the same
spot.
The circumstances gave
rise to the belief that a
woman had been
murdered, carried to the
far side of the dam and
then thrown in the water.
Henry Reichert made the
discovery and William Falls
who is acting as watchman
at a number of boathouses
at the Run, states that he
heard a carriage pass
along the road about
midnight Thursday.
The murder theory is
discounted by the fact that
the hair found had the
appearance of having
been combed from the
head and rolled into a ball.
The water at the point
where the supposed body
was thrown is not more
then three feet in depth
for a distance of 30 feet
from the shore.
There is no one reported
to be missing as far as the
"Republican" has been
able to ascertain and the
general sentiment is that
there has been no tragedy
but of course the real
facts are not known. The
case will bear full
investigation.
No New Developments
There were no new
developments in the case
today and late this
afternoon the case
remained as complete a
mystery as ever. Local
officers did not
investigate the case today
and no thorough search
was made for the body.
This is entirely outside the
jurisdiction of Pottsville
officers and no others
have taken up the case.
This is but another
example of the premium
placed on crime in this
county. There is no
standing reward for the
capture of murderers and
no incentive for ferreting
out suspicious cases. No
man feels like devoting a
day and perhaps many
days of his time for the
small amount of glory
which will be thereby
reaped.
surrounds the finding of a
trail of blood and a tuft of
woman's hair along the
Tumbling Run upper dam
and the authorities and
the public are unable to
determine whether the
suspicious circumstances
are the result of a tragedy
performed there late
Thursday night or whether
it is a practical joke or
perhaps some ordinary
circumstance which will
later be explained. The
rumor of a woman being
murdered and her head
found along the bank of
the lake came to Pottsville
late yesterday afternoon
and Chief of Police Davies
with Officers Graeff and
Spencer drove to the Run
where they made an
investigation.
They found a pool of blood
in the rear of the Newport
boat house and
bloodstains on the
doorknob. From there the
trail of blood led to near
the dancing pavilion
where a carriage had been
standing. The carriage
wheels were tracked out
the road, across the
bridge where the creek
enters the cove and then
down to Sandy Beach
where the carriage
stopped and turned
around. Blood stains
served to lead the officers
to a point along the dam
on the far side where,
between the Conrad and
Whalen boat houses there
was evidence of some
heavy body having been
placed on the ground.
Blood was found on the
dead leaves and pine
needles. A tuft of long
hair, auburn in color, was
found lying at the same
spot.
The circumstances gave
rise to the belief that a
woman had been
murdered, carried to the
far side of the dam and
then thrown in the water.
Henry Reichert made the
discovery and William Falls
who is acting as watchman
at a number of boathouses
at the Run, states that he
heard a carriage pass
along the road about
midnight Thursday.
The murder theory is
discounted by the fact that
the hair found had the
appearance of having
been combed from the
head and rolled into a ball.
The water at the point
where the supposed body
was thrown is not more
then three feet in depth
for a distance of 30 feet
from the shore.
There is no one reported
to be missing as far as the
"Republican" has been
able to ascertain and the
general sentiment is that
there has been no tragedy
but of course the real
facts are not known. The
case will bear full
investigation.
No New Developments
There were no new
developments in the case
today and late this
afternoon the case
remained as complete a
mystery as ever. Local
officers did not
investigate the case today
and no thorough search
was made for the body.
This is entirely outside the
jurisdiction of Pottsville
officers and no others
have taken up the case.
This is but another
example of the premium
placed on crime in this
county. There is no
standing reward for the
capture of murderers and
no incentive for ferreting
out suspicious cases. No
man feels like devoting a
day and perhaps many
days of his time for the
small amount of glory
which will be thereby
reaped.
| SAYS MURDERED WOMAN IS DOG January 14, 1907 |
The murdered woman is
just a poor unfortunate
injured dog according to
the story of Rural Mail
Carrier DeNapoli who is
convinced that the
Tumbling Run sensation is
more of a comedy then a
tragedy. According to
DeNapoli on Thursday he
heard a dog yelping on the
mountain side on the far
side of the dam and then
saw him go limping along
the edge of the dam to the
bridge and then down the
road stopping several
times to lick his wound and
to gather the strength
which appeared to be
ebbing away from the
great amount of lost blood.
The dog traveled the same
course that the murdered
woman is supposed to
have been dragged but he
went the opposite
direction from which
theory carried the woman
and there was no carriage
in waiting to help him
along.
Yesterday a large number
of people plodded through
the mud to the Run to take
a look at the scene of the
supposed crime and to
endeavor to see some of
the blood. They were able
to see the scenery all right
but sorry to relate the
blood had disappeared
under the influence of the
rain and snow.
The explanation of
DeNapoli is not accepted
by many who believe that
there was entirely too
much blood to have come
from a dog, even a large
dog. On the other hand
the murder story is scoffed
at by the majority of people
who, remembering that
Thursday night was cold
and particularly cold at the
Run, the ground too hard
frozen to have left the
imprints of carriage
wheels.
The members of the
Newport boat house club
do not relish the notoriety
they have gained by the
blood tracks leading to
near their house and the
stories that have been in
circulation that the body of
the dead woman was
found in their house with
her throat cut from ear to
ear. The members of the
club have always enjoyed
the utmost respect of the
community and no
suspicion is in the
slightest degree attached
to them by any one who
knows anything of the
case in question.
just a poor unfortunate
injured dog according to
the story of Rural Mail
Carrier DeNapoli who is
convinced that the
Tumbling Run sensation is
more of a comedy then a
tragedy. According to
DeNapoli on Thursday he
heard a dog yelping on the
mountain side on the far
side of the dam and then
saw him go limping along
the edge of the dam to the
bridge and then down the
road stopping several
times to lick his wound and
to gather the strength
which appeared to be
ebbing away from the
great amount of lost blood.
The dog traveled the same
course that the murdered
woman is supposed to
have been dragged but he
went the opposite
direction from which
theory carried the woman
and there was no carriage
in waiting to help him
along.
Yesterday a large number
of people plodded through
the mud to the Run to take
a look at the scene of the
supposed crime and to
endeavor to see some of
the blood. They were able
to see the scenery all right
but sorry to relate the
blood had disappeared
under the influence of the
rain and snow.
The explanation of
DeNapoli is not accepted
by many who believe that
there was entirely too
much blood to have come
from a dog, even a large
dog. On the other hand
the murder story is scoffed
at by the majority of people
who, remembering that
Thursday night was cold
and particularly cold at the
Run, the ground too hard
frozen to have left the
imprints of carriage
wheels.
The members of the
Newport boat house club
do not relish the notoriety
they have gained by the
blood tracks leading to
near their house and the
stories that have been in
circulation that the body of
the dead woman was
found in their house with
her throat cut from ear to
ear. The members of the
club have always enjoyed
the utmost respect of the
community and no
suspicion is in the
slightest degree attached
to them by any one who
knows anything of the
case in question.
| WAS NO MURDER THURSDAY NIGHT January 15, 1907 |
The police will be obliged
to abandon their inquiries
of the rumored murder at
Tumbling Run Thursday
night and instead bend
their efforts to ascertain of
suspicious characters or
circumstances on Monday
night of last week. It has
been learned that the
blood trail was seen on
Tuesday just as clear as it
was on the day that the
mysterious circumstance
was reported.
Rural Mail Carrier
DeNapoli states that he
saw the spots of blood on
Tuesday while passing
along the road to deliver
mail over his route. He
denies the story that he
saw a wounded dog
skirting the dam and the
dog story is now attributed
to another or perhaps was
simply one of the many
false stories in circulation
since the town became
excited over the
occurrence.
Rumors are flying around
thick and fast and rumor
has discovered the dead
body of a woman at a half
dozen places at the Run.
It has been fished up out
of the water so badly
swollen that it could not
be recognized; it has been
found in different boat
houses with throat cut
from ear to ear and with
skull crushed to a pulp
and it has also been found
along the mountain side, if
one is to believe the many
stories which are
constantly afloat.
Chief of Police Davies was
desirous of making an
exhaustive investigation
but on account of illness
he has been prevented by
his physician from working
in the mud, rain and water
to glean any further facts
which might be learned.
to abandon their inquiries
of the rumored murder at
Tumbling Run Thursday
night and instead bend
their efforts to ascertain of
suspicious characters or
circumstances on Monday
night of last week. It has
been learned that the
blood trail was seen on
Tuesday just as clear as it
was on the day that the
mysterious circumstance
was reported.
Rural Mail Carrier
DeNapoli states that he
saw the spots of blood on
Tuesday while passing
along the road to deliver
mail over his route. He
denies the story that he
saw a wounded dog
skirting the dam and the
dog story is now attributed
to another or perhaps was
simply one of the many
false stories in circulation
since the town became
excited over the
occurrence.
Rumors are flying around
thick and fast and rumor
has discovered the dead
body of a woman at a half
dozen places at the Run.
It has been fished up out
of the water so badly
swollen that it could not
be recognized; it has been
found in different boat
houses with throat cut
from ear to ear and with
skull crushed to a pulp
and it has also been found
along the mountain side, if
one is to believe the many
stories which are
constantly afloat.
Chief of Police Davies was
desirous of making an
exhaustive investigation
but on account of illness
he has been prevented by
his physician from working
in the mud, rain and water
to glean any further facts
which might be learned.
Always a scenic spot, Tumbling Run's twin dams were built as a water supply for the
Schuylkill Canal. The lower dam broke during the flood of 1850, carrying away homes in
Mount Carbon and destroying roads and railroad tracks south to Schuylkill Haven. The park
itself was generally in operation between 1890 and 1914. Tumbling Run's amusement park
centered in the area of the upper dam and consisted of a hotel, theater, dance pavilion,
amusement hall, roller coaster and a skating rink. President Ulysses S. Grant was often a
guest of the hotel. On the hill behind the hotel, a baseball park hosted teams from the
Atlantic League. About sixty boat houses lined the eastern and northern shore of the upper
dam. A steam boat provided nickel rides around the lake.
Trolley cars were kept busy in the late 1890's and early 1900's transporting residents to
Tumbling Run with an in season schedule of every ten minutes. Construction of the trolley
line in 1891 marked the beginning of Tumbling Run's golden era. By 1908, more then 750,000
people visited the park during the three month summer season.
In 1912 the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, which used the dams to supply
collieries during droughts banned swimming. In 1913 it ordered the boat houses closed and
by 1914 the resort was near abandonment. The decaying hotel and the skeleton of the roller
coaster remained for years afterward but were eventually erased during a reforestation
program. In 1919 the carousel was taken to Willow Lake in Schuylkill Haven and by then all
other buildings had been razed.
While rather short lived, Tumbling Run as a resort had experienced a successful time.
Remnants of building foundations are all that remain of the once impressive park. The dams
now serve as a domestic water supply for our town.
Schuylkill Canal. The lower dam broke during the flood of 1850, carrying away homes in
Mount Carbon and destroying roads and railroad tracks south to Schuylkill Haven. The park
itself was generally in operation between 1890 and 1914. Tumbling Run's amusement park
centered in the area of the upper dam and consisted of a hotel, theater, dance pavilion,
amusement hall, roller coaster and a skating rink. President Ulysses S. Grant was often a
guest of the hotel. On the hill behind the hotel, a baseball park hosted teams from the
Atlantic League. About sixty boat houses lined the eastern and northern shore of the upper
dam. A steam boat provided nickel rides around the lake.
Trolley cars were kept busy in the late 1890's and early 1900's transporting residents to
Tumbling Run with an in season schedule of every ten minutes. Construction of the trolley
line in 1891 marked the beginning of Tumbling Run's golden era. By 1908, more then 750,000
people visited the park during the three month summer season.
In 1912 the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company, which used the dams to supply
collieries during droughts banned swimming. In 1913 it ordered the boat houses closed and
by 1914 the resort was near abandonment. The decaying hotel and the skeleton of the roller
coaster remained for years afterward but were eventually erased during a reforestation
program. In 1919 the carousel was taken to Willow Lake in Schuylkill Haven and by then all
other buildings had been razed.
While rather short lived, Tumbling Run as a resort had experienced a successful time.
Remnants of building foundations are all that remain of the once impressive park. The dams
now serve as a domestic water supply for our town.
| Images on left and right show trolley transportation as it went to Tumbling Run. Below is a picture of the trolley landing where visitors arrived and departed. |
| These four postcards are representative of the buildings at the Tumbling Run resort and lake. |
| Perhaps the night resembled this setting when a woman was murdered, a dog spent it's waning hours or absolutely nothing occurred at Tumbling Run in January 1907. |
... more images and historical information
will be added to this section regularly...
will be added to this section regularly...
| LAST UPDATED: JULY 2 |
| BOAT HOUSES |
| As stated above, as many as sixty boat houses lined the shoreline of the upper dam at Tumbling Run. Postcards depicting these boat houses are seen below. First, read the Pottsville Republican newspaper accounts of May 15 and May 16 of 1890 celebrating the apparent important occasion of the opening of a new boat house. |
| The Nellie Bly Club's Day May 15, 1890 |
Between 1 and 2 o'clock this
afternoon the Nellie Bly Boat Club
and a large number of guests,
headed by the Third Brigade Band,
loosed their moorings at their
headquarters, "Stixey" Michael's
restaurant, and marched to
Tumbling Run, where they spent
the afternoon in aquatic sports
and dedicating their handsome
new boat house. The members of
the club wore light caps of many
colors, linen dusters - the latter to
keep off the mud - and each blue
badges inscribed with the name of
the club, while each guest was
supplied with a white souvenir
badge.
afternoon the Nellie Bly Boat Club
and a large number of guests,
headed by the Third Brigade Band,
loosed their moorings at their
headquarters, "Stixey" Michael's
restaurant, and marched to
Tumbling Run, where they spent
the afternoon in aquatic sports
and dedicating their handsome
new boat house. The members of
the club wore light caps of many
colors, linen dusters - the latter to
keep off the mud - and each blue
badges inscribed with the name of
the club, while each guest was
supplied with a white souvenir
badge.
| Tumbling Run Navy May 16, 1890 |
The Third Brigade Band dispensed sweet music yesterday
afternoon at the Nellie Bly boat house, while the Tumbling
Run navy disported itself over the smooth surface of the
dam. It being the dedication day of the handsome new
boat house of the club, all the neighboring clubs threw
open their houses and placed their craft at the disposal of
the "Nellie Bly" and their guests. The new house was gaily
decorated with flags and bunting and the hospitality of its
larder was unstinted during all the afternoon and evening.
Steward Schneider furnished the locker with an
abundance of knockwurst and cured meats of various
kinds, in addition to which was everything usually found
on a well regulated collation table, and Bench Miller did
the graceful as waiter. All the officers and members of the
club did their best to amuse their guests and succeeded
while enjoying themselves at the same time. The "Nellie
Bly" is now in full commission for the season.
afternoon at the Nellie Bly boat house, while the Tumbling
Run navy disported itself over the smooth surface of the
dam. It being the dedication day of the handsome new
boat house of the club, all the neighboring clubs threw
open their houses and placed their craft at the disposal of
the "Nellie Bly" and their guests. The new house was gaily
decorated with flags and bunting and the hospitality of its
larder was unstinted during all the afternoon and evening.
Steward Schneider furnished the locker with an
abundance of knockwurst and cured meats of various
kinds, in addition to which was everything usually found
on a well regulated collation table, and Bench Miller did
the graceful as waiter. All the officers and members of the
club did their best to amuse their guests and succeeded
while enjoying themselves at the same time. The "Nellie
Bly" is now in full commission for the season.
| OTHER ACTIVITIES |
| There were a multitude of activities available at Tumbling Run Park. Above are two scenes from the campground and below are pictures of the bath house with sliding board for swimmers and a place called the Pleasure Pavilion. |
| Above left is the Midway at the park and on the right is the carousel. Both images are much clearer if clicked on and zoomed. Below is the dancing pavilion which was very popular in its day. |
| A NEW THEATRE AT TUMBLING RUN |
From the Pottsville Republican of March 16, 1907
Work has now been started on the new theatre at Tumbling Run, as a force of men are
tearing out the interior and remodeling it extensively. The position of the stage will be
changed to it's location when the theatre was first built. This will give a much larger
seating capacity. Additional chairs will be placed in the pavilion and the stage enlarged.
The entire interior will be changed and greatly improved in appearance.
It is also intended to in the course of the next few weeks build an addition of sixty feet in
length of the pavilion for dancing and roller skating. This will make it an ideal place,
especially for the skating, which has grown in such favor that the present size is not
adequate to accommodate the crowds.
Manager De Cato, of the Tumbling Run Park, has a number of improvements in store for
the patrons and these will be on an extensive scale. Amusements of all kinds found at
the leading resorts and parks will be installed at the Run, while high class vaudeville will
be secured. Mr. De Cato is manager of the Woodland park in New Jersey, the Tumbling
Run and Manila Grove parks, so that with this circuit of three we will have a great
advantage in securing the very best for all three.
The Traction Co. intends to next month erect a large rustic pavilion on the hill near the
site of the one used as a grandstand. This will be for the accommodation of picnic
parties who are without boat houses. Special efforts will be made to have excursions
run to this place from various sections of the state and a most thriving season is
expected for the park.
tearing out the interior and remodeling it extensively. The position of the stage will be
changed to it's location when the theatre was first built. This will give a much larger
seating capacity. Additional chairs will be placed in the pavilion and the stage enlarged.
The entire interior will be changed and greatly improved in appearance.
It is also intended to in the course of the next few weeks build an addition of sixty feet in
length of the pavilion for dancing and roller skating. This will make it an ideal place,
especially for the skating, which has grown in such favor that the present size is not
adequate to accommodate the crowds.
Manager De Cato, of the Tumbling Run Park, has a number of improvements in store for
the patrons and these will be on an extensive scale. Amusements of all kinds found at
the leading resorts and parks will be installed at the Run, while high class vaudeville will
be secured. Mr. De Cato is manager of the Woodland park in New Jersey, the Tumbling
Run and Manila Grove parks, so that with this circuit of three we will have a great
advantage in securing the very best for all three.
The Traction Co. intends to next month erect a large rustic pavilion on the hill near the
site of the one used as a grandstand. This will be for the accommodation of picnic
parties who are without boat houses. Special efforts will be made to have excursions
run to this place from various sections of the state and a most thriving season is
expected for the park.
| Further up the valley in the watershed of Tumbling Run, the creek that fills the dams is crossed by a small bridge. These views show the bridge one hundred years ago. |
| Steam powered boats such as those seen here plied the waters of the upper dam filled with tourists. These views are better seen by zooming in on the pictures. |
| Those so inclined could travel the dam in canoes as seen here. These pictures are better seen by zooming as above. |
| While most activity occurred at the upper dam, views of the lower dam exist. Note the hillside farm on the left image. |
Tumbling Run Wavelets
The Sunday schools of town are taking up the question of whether it would not be more satisfactory
to hold their picnics at this place during the summer owing to the fact that no intoxicants are sold at
the hotel and also that the Pottsville Union Traction Company are offering inducements to parties of
this kind by placing many new conveniences for the use of patrons. It is pleasing to town that
anxious parents will be glad to allow their children to go as the former grounds at Adamsdale was
considered too long a ride after a strenuous day in the woods.
Boat house owners are considering employing a permanent patrol to protect their properties.
During the winter previously inclined persons have shot hundreds of holes into valuable property
and also smashed fine glassware and dishes inside the houses. Many other vandalous acts have
been perpetrated and a permanent patrol all the year round is expected to be the outcome.
The Sunday schools of town are taking up the question of whether it would not be more satisfactory
to hold their picnics at this place during the summer owing to the fact that no intoxicants are sold at
the hotel and also that the Pottsville Union Traction Company are offering inducements to parties of
this kind by placing many new conveniences for the use of patrons. It is pleasing to town that
anxious parents will be glad to allow their children to go as the former grounds at Adamsdale was
considered too long a ride after a strenuous day in the woods.
Boat house owners are considering employing a permanent patrol to protect their properties.
During the winter previously inclined persons have shot hundreds of holes into valuable property
and also smashed fine glassware and dishes inside the houses. Many other vandalous acts have
been perpetrated and a permanent patrol all the year round is expected to be the outcome.
| As the Pottsville Republican of April 27, 1907 reports, parental concern for children and problems with vandals is nothing new. |
| LIFE GUARDS TO BE RECRUITED |
The Pottsville Republican of May 15, 1907
H. C. Reichart, who for the past two years has been making efforts to have a U. S. life saving
station located at Tumbling Run, has received word from the U. S. Volunteer Life saving Corps,
with headquarters at New York, enclosing blank enrollment forms for him to fill in the names of
those swimmers who desire to become a branch of the volunteer corps at this resort. G. A.
Thorman, the general organizer, writes that no funds can be provided at the present, but this
need be no detriment to the establishment of a branch of the work at once. Should enough good
swimmers be secured to form a division, the local corps would become actual members and
become entitled to all the privileges of active members-literature, membership buttons, and
commissions of membership.
Mr. Reichart has given a great deal of his time to establish a life saving station at the Run, and
now that he has it well under way and has succeeded in getting official recognition, it is up to the
people to help the move along as much as they can possibly do. Almost every year one or more
persons are drowned at this popular resort who might be saved if an organization of this kind is
established.
Mr. Reichart, who is one of the most expert swimmers in this section, says that he will give
exhibitions of swimming, diving and life saving and military drills at the Run during the summer if
the local station is established. A comparatively small amount is needed.
H. C. Reichart, who for the past two years has been making efforts to have a U. S. life saving
station located at Tumbling Run, has received word from the U. S. Volunteer Life saving Corps,
with headquarters at New York, enclosing blank enrollment forms for him to fill in the names of
those swimmers who desire to become a branch of the volunteer corps at this resort. G. A.
Thorman, the general organizer, writes that no funds can be provided at the present, but this
need be no detriment to the establishment of a branch of the work at once. Should enough good
swimmers be secured to form a division, the local corps would become actual members and
become entitled to all the privileges of active members-literature, membership buttons, and
commissions of membership.
Mr. Reichart has given a great deal of his time to establish a life saving station at the Run, and
now that he has it well under way and has succeeded in getting official recognition, it is up to the
people to help the move along as much as they can possibly do. Almost every year one or more
persons are drowned at this popular resort who might be saved if an organization of this kind is
established.
Mr. Reichart, who is one of the most expert swimmers in this section, says that he will give
exhibitions of swimming, diving and life saving and military drills at the Run during the summer if
the local station is established. A comparatively small amount is needed.
| The following newspaper articles represent the constant danger at Tumbling Run as related to numerous drownings. |
| TUMBLING RUN SIGHT OF DOUBLE DROWNING |
The Pottsville Republican of June 26, 1909
Tumbling Run was the scene of the first drowning accident of the season on Saturday afternoon,
when Clarence Schuster gave his life in vain to save Clarence Penn, a colored boy, from
drowning, both boys going down. The two boys in company with Robert Keller, Herman
Schoenfelder, George Lord and George Delong, all members of a baseball team left town shortly
after 2 o'clock to go to the Run for a swim, arriving there shortly before 3 o'clock. Young Penn
who could not swim was one of the first to go in. While he was wading around close to shore the
other boys, all good swimmers, got undressed and went in. They had only been in the water
several minutes, when Penn called for help. Schuster, being the nearest went to his assistance
and was caught around the ankles by Penn and pulled down. According to the statement of one
of the boys, Penn did not come to the surface the second time, but Schuster's head did, and
when it did an attempt was made to grab hold of his hair, but the weight of the colored boy
evidently pulled him down again. Delong remained on the scene for a short time while Keller and
Schoenfelder ran towards the boat houses and sounded an alarm, Lord coming to Pottsville and
giving the alarm here. Two boats were soon taken to the scene of the accident, one boat
containing John Joyce, Richard Scott and John Graney, the other boat containing George
Garrett, Thomas Phillips and John Cowhley.
Grappling hooks were brought into service, and at 4:32 the boat manned by Joyce brought up the
body of Schuster, the hooks catching him under the knee. Exactly at five o'clock the same crew
pulled up the body of Penn, the hooks catching him around the foot. Both bodies were laid along
the bank near the scene of the accident, where they were viewed by Deputy Coroner O. J. Carlin,
who directed their removal. The bodies were taken in charge by J. C. Heiken and Son, rowed
across the dam and brought to Pottsville, arriving here at six o'clock. The scene of the accident
was on the opposite side of the lower Tumbling Run Dam, from the trolley tracks, and midway
between the two breasts. At this point the bank takes a sudden pitch and it is thought that Penn
missed his footing and went down. Both bodies were recovered about 20 feet from shore and in
exactly the same location, showing that they both went down together and rolled some distance
after being down.
The Victims of the Accident
Clarence Schuster was the son of Peter and Alice Schuster and was born in St. Clair sixteen
years ago moving to Pottsville fifteen years ago. The young hero was a bright lad, being a
scholar at St. Patrick's Parochial School. The mother is on the verge of nervous prostration and
is under the doctor's care.
Clarence Penn, son of John and Bertha Penn, was born in Washington D. C. 17 years ago moving
to Pottsville fifteen years ago. He was industrious and well liked taught in the school at Bunker
Hill.
Tumbling Run was the scene of the first drowning accident of the season on Saturday afternoon,
when Clarence Schuster gave his life in vain to save Clarence Penn, a colored boy, from
drowning, both boys going down. The two boys in company with Robert Keller, Herman
Schoenfelder, George Lord and George Delong, all members of a baseball team left town shortly
after 2 o'clock to go to the Run for a swim, arriving there shortly before 3 o'clock. Young Penn
who could not swim was one of the first to go in. While he was wading around close to shore the
other boys, all good swimmers, got undressed and went in. They had only been in the water
several minutes, when Penn called for help. Schuster, being the nearest went to his assistance
and was caught around the ankles by Penn and pulled down. According to the statement of one
of the boys, Penn did not come to the surface the second time, but Schuster's head did, and
when it did an attempt was made to grab hold of his hair, but the weight of the colored boy
evidently pulled him down again. Delong remained on the scene for a short time while Keller and
Schoenfelder ran towards the boat houses and sounded an alarm, Lord coming to Pottsville and
giving the alarm here. Two boats were soon taken to the scene of the accident, one boat
containing John Joyce, Richard Scott and John Graney, the other boat containing George
Garrett, Thomas Phillips and John Cowhley.
Grappling hooks were brought into service, and at 4:32 the boat manned by Joyce brought up the
body of Schuster, the hooks catching him under the knee. Exactly at five o'clock the same crew
pulled up the body of Penn, the hooks catching him around the foot. Both bodies were laid along
the bank near the scene of the accident, where they were viewed by Deputy Coroner O. J. Carlin,
who directed their removal. The bodies were taken in charge by J. C. Heiken and Son, rowed
across the dam and brought to Pottsville, arriving here at six o'clock. The scene of the accident
was on the opposite side of the lower Tumbling Run Dam, from the trolley tracks, and midway
between the two breasts. At this point the bank takes a sudden pitch and it is thought that Penn
missed his footing and went down. Both bodies were recovered about 20 feet from shore and in
exactly the same location, showing that they both went down together and rolled some distance
after being down.
The Victims of the Accident
Clarence Schuster was the son of Peter and Alice Schuster and was born in St. Clair sixteen
years ago moving to Pottsville fifteen years ago. The young hero was a bright lad, being a
scholar at St. Patrick's Parochial School. The mother is on the verge of nervous prostration and
is under the doctor's care.
Clarence Penn, son of John and Bertha Penn, was born in Washington D. C. 17 years ago moving
to Pottsville fifteen years ago. He was industrious and well liked taught in the school at Bunker
Hill.
| The advertisement at left appeared in the Pottsville Republican on May 28, 1907 to announce the beginning of the summer season. The article below also appeared in that day's paper touting the event. |
FORMAL OPENING
OF TUMBLING RUN
Tumbling Run was formally opened
yesterday for the season of 1907 when
several hundred invited guests of the
management assembled there as the
guests of the Association where they
heard the concert of the Philharmonic
Band of Reading, enjoyed a fine supper
by Landlord Schappell and applauded
the splendid entertainment which will
be given every evening this week in the
amusement pavilion.
The weather was decidedly against a
popular outpouring of pleasure seekers
and that so many braved the pneumonia
breeding weather must have been a
source of much encouragement to the
Association, which is going to so much
expense to make this resort far more
popular then it has ever been.
After an inspection of the grounds the
visitors were shown into the hotel
where many additional improvements
were found to have been made since
last summer. This pretty place is now
most inviting to all and promises to
become popular as a place for holding
banquets and special gatherings of
various kinds during the summer.
In the evening the entertainment was
further continued by the guests being
ushered into the amusement pavilion
where a high class vaudeville
performance was given.
OF TUMBLING RUN
Tumbling Run was formally opened
yesterday for the season of 1907 when
several hundred invited guests of the
management assembled there as the
guests of the Association where they
heard the concert of the Philharmonic
Band of Reading, enjoyed a fine supper
by Landlord Schappell and applauded
the splendid entertainment which will
be given every evening this week in the
amusement pavilion.
The weather was decidedly against a
popular outpouring of pleasure seekers
and that so many braved the pneumonia
breeding weather must have been a
source of much encouragement to the
Association, which is going to so much
expense to make this resort far more
popular then it has ever been.
After an inspection of the grounds the
visitors were shown into the hotel
where many additional improvements
were found to have been made since
last summer. This pretty place is now
most inviting to all and promises to
become popular as a place for holding
banquets and special gatherings of
various kinds during the summer.
In the evening the entertainment was
further continued by the guests being
ushered into the amusement pavilion
where a high class vaudeville
performance was given.
| These two views show the road along the Tumbling Run dams. The dress of the visitors reveals the fact that these images are one hundred years old. |
Pottsville Republican of May 14, 1917
Frank Meister
Tumbling Run Dam
Murder Suspected
The lifeless body of Frank Meister, 26 years old, of town was found floating on the water at the
upper dam at Tumbling Run, near the Defender boathouse on Monday morning shortly before
eight o'clock by Anthony Blum and James Buckley, the latter watchman at the park. They pulled
the body to shore and notified the state police and coroner's office. Sergeant Smith, Coroner
Moore and Deputy Coroner Heller made an investigation and decided that an autopsy be held, the
death being a suspicious one, according to the views of all three.
Blum was walking along the road above the boathouses and saw the body of a man floating on the
water. Sergeant Smith arrived in a half hour and upon searching the man found books showing
that he was a member of the American Hose Company, the O. of I. A. and the Odd Fellows. His
name was written in the books. He joined the Odd Fellows on March 12 and there was a watch
found on his person together with a receipt of April 12.
Meister has been missing from home since April 14th. He was employed at the Eastern Steel Mill
and on that date got his pay and when he left home said he was going to work. That was the last
seen of him alive. Later he was thought to have gone to Reading and the folks were daily
awaiting a letter from him.
When found Meister who was five feet five inches in height, wore a dark suit with a striped shirt,
the way he was dressed when he left home. His money that he drew as pay is gone and this fact
together with the fact that he has a deep hole in the back of his head, his face was badly marked
and there are several marks about his body lead the authorities to believe that he may have met
with foul play. At any rate the case is a mystery and the police are trying to strengthen their belief
that he was dealt a blow then thrown in the water to hide the crime.
When taken from the water the usual test as given a man supposed to have drowned was given
him but very little water turned up and this led to a closer investigation, the marks being then
discovered on his head and face.
Meister is a son of Frank Meister of town and is well known here. He was a man of mild
temperament and his habits were as such as to assure the police that he was not intoxicated.
Frank Meister
Tumbling Run Dam
Murder Suspected
The lifeless body of Frank Meister, 26 years old, of town was found floating on the water at the
upper dam at Tumbling Run, near the Defender boathouse on Monday morning shortly before
eight o'clock by Anthony Blum and James Buckley, the latter watchman at the park. They pulled
the body to shore and notified the state police and coroner's office. Sergeant Smith, Coroner
Moore and Deputy Coroner Heller made an investigation and decided that an autopsy be held, the
death being a suspicious one, according to the views of all three.
Blum was walking along the road above the boathouses and saw the body of a man floating on the
water. Sergeant Smith arrived in a half hour and upon searching the man found books showing
that he was a member of the American Hose Company, the O. of I. A. and the Odd Fellows. His
name was written in the books. He joined the Odd Fellows on March 12 and there was a watch
found on his person together with a receipt of April 12.
Meister has been missing from home since April 14th. He was employed at the Eastern Steel Mill
and on that date got his pay and when he left home said he was going to work. That was the last
seen of him alive. Later he was thought to have gone to Reading and the folks were daily
awaiting a letter from him.
When found Meister who was five feet five inches in height, wore a dark suit with a striped shirt,
the way he was dressed when he left home. His money that he drew as pay is gone and this fact
together with the fact that he has a deep hole in the back of his head, his face was badly marked
and there are several marks about his body lead the authorities to believe that he may have met
with foul play. At any rate the case is a mystery and the police are trying to strengthen their belief
that he was dealt a blow then thrown in the water to hide the crime.
When taken from the water the usual test as given a man supposed to have drowned was given
him but very little water turned up and this led to a closer investigation, the marks being then
discovered on his head and face.
Meister is a son of Frank Meister of town and is well known here. He was a man of mild
temperament and his habits were as such as to assure the police that he was not intoxicated.
| Next is an article noting the demise of Tumbling Run as a recreation area September 4, 1913. After that is an editorial in the Pottsville Republican three years later on May 14, 1917 lamenting the loss. |
| ALL BOAT HOUSES ORDERED CLOSED |
Consternation seized boathouse owners, Thursday morning, when they received notices from the
Land department of the P and R C and I Company directing them to close their boathouses
immediately and what is more to the point, it was said that a police patrol is seeing to it that
orders are carried out to the letter.
Of course, there will be little inconvenience suffered, as the Traction Company will not run any
cars to or from the Run regularly every half hour after next Sunday and with no cars running the
beautiful nook in the valley will lose its charm.
It is rumored too that fishing is to be stopped - in fact, our informant went so far as to state that
the police have orders to prevent fishing and the rumor went further then that, too, that the
order to shut up the boathouses merely is the fist in a series of orders that will "bottle up" the
run against all boathouses, without exception, but that idea is opposed stoutly in some official
circles.
Tumbling Run Lake water was condemned for drinking purposes by the State Department of
Health a year ago and if it is to be restored to its purity, something must be done.
In reference to the closing of the boathouses, there is one consolation for the harassed owners,
and that is, "everybody's doing it", as a witty person remarked when the order was under
discussion.
Land department of the P and R C and I Company directing them to close their boathouses
immediately and what is more to the point, it was said that a police patrol is seeing to it that
orders are carried out to the letter.
Of course, there will be little inconvenience suffered, as the Traction Company will not run any
cars to or from the Run regularly every half hour after next Sunday and with no cars running the
beautiful nook in the valley will lose its charm.
It is rumored too that fishing is to be stopped - in fact, our informant went so far as to state that
the police have orders to prevent fishing and the rumor went further then that, too, that the
order to shut up the boathouses merely is the fist in a series of orders that will "bottle up" the
run against all boathouses, without exception, but that idea is opposed stoutly in some official
circles.
Tumbling Run Lake water was condemned for drinking purposes by the State Department of
Health a year ago and if it is to be restored to its purity, something must be done.
In reference to the closing of the boathouses, there is one consolation for the harassed owners,
and that is, "everybody's doing it", as a witty person remarked when the order was under
discussion.
| TUMBLING RUN SHOULD BE RESTORED |
Those movements so suspiciously begun to have Tumbling Run restored to Pottsville and vicinity
as a public park have all strangely and unexplainable been forgotten. Men who emphatically
endorsed the movements and were placed in the needs of various committees to take steps to
bring about the return of this summer resort have rather easily given up the task set before
them, with little more explanation than that the place was owned by the Reading Company and the
Reading Company officials were unwilling to have it restored to the status of a summer resort.
All these things were known long before any movements were suggested so that as far as the
public is informed no new reasons have ever been presented by any of these committees as to
why this fine body of water should be kept useless at Tumbling Run, resulting in the effectual
confiscation of the property of individuals there and robbing the people of this section of one of
the finest summer resorts to be found in inland Pennsylvania.
At the present time it is doubly desirable that Pottsville should have Tumbling Run restored and
we trust that some of our organizations will speedily take up the matter, investigate thoroughly,
engage the services of an able attorney, who cannot be overawed by corporation power and set
to work to have Tumbling Run restored to the people of Pottsville as a place for boating, a place
for bathing, a place for fishing and a place for general recreation.
It is a crime upon the people to be deprived of this wonderful place when it serves no good
purpose whatever to drive them off. It is a wastefulness which is criminal and evinces the old
time corporation demonstration of autocratic power which years ago was periodically manifested
to keep the public in subjection. Times have changed. The modern corporations have come to
realize that they are merely the children of the people, not the czar or kaiser of them and as a
result there has been a vast improvement in relations between them and the public.
The spirit of the times is for the corporations to desist in the policy of hogging it, particularly
when such policy does not return dividends. In olden times corporations held communities in
subjection because they comprised the greatest employing agencies of such communities and
used the influence they were able to create. Theses conditions are disappearing almost
everywhere. The policy of the modern corporation is to work in harmony with the community and
for the benefit of such and we hop that the Reading Company will see that it is detrimental to its
own well being as well as detrimental to the interests of the people to continue to play the dog in
the manger act with reference to Tumbling Run.
Let us have a demonstration of patriotism on the part of the company which will result in
restoring the old conditions at Tumbling Run this summer.
as a public park have all strangely and unexplainable been forgotten. Men who emphatically
endorsed the movements and were placed in the needs of various committees to take steps to
bring about the return of this summer resort have rather easily given up the task set before
them, with little more explanation than that the place was owned by the Reading Company and the
Reading Company officials were unwilling to have it restored to the status of a summer resort.
All these things were known long before any movements were suggested so that as far as the
public is informed no new reasons have ever been presented by any of these committees as to
why this fine body of water should be kept useless at Tumbling Run, resulting in the effectual
confiscation of the property of individuals there and robbing the people of this section of one of
the finest summer resorts to be found in inland Pennsylvania.
At the present time it is doubly desirable that Pottsville should have Tumbling Run restored and
we trust that some of our organizations will speedily take up the matter, investigate thoroughly,
engage the services of an able attorney, who cannot be overawed by corporation power and set
to work to have Tumbling Run restored to the people of Pottsville as a place for boating, a place
for bathing, a place for fishing and a place for general recreation.
It is a crime upon the people to be deprived of this wonderful place when it serves no good
purpose whatever to drive them off. It is a wastefulness which is criminal and evinces the old
time corporation demonstration of autocratic power which years ago was periodically manifested
to keep the public in subjection. Times have changed. The modern corporations have come to
realize that they are merely the children of the people, not the czar or kaiser of them and as a
result there has been a vast improvement in relations between them and the public.
The spirit of the times is for the corporations to desist in the policy of hogging it, particularly
when such policy does not return dividends. In olden times corporations held communities in
subjection because they comprised the greatest employing agencies of such communities and
used the influence they were able to create. Theses conditions are disappearing almost
everywhere. The policy of the modern corporation is to work in harmony with the community and
for the benefit of such and we hop that the Reading Company will see that it is detrimental to its
own well being as well as detrimental to the interests of the people to continue to play the dog in
the manger act with reference to Tumbling Run.
Let us have a demonstration of patriotism on the part of the company which will result in
restoring the old conditions at Tumbling Run this summer.
| All rights reserved. |
Pottsville Republican of November 29, 1909
TUMBLING RUN WATER TO KEEP COLLIERIES AT WORK
A few more weeks of the present dry spell will turn Schuylkill County upside down as the time is
now approaching when we will appreciate the value of water as we have never before done and the
entire hope of this section of the county rests on the Tumbling Run dams, which are the only
reservoirs which today are filled to the brim. Not only will the collieries soon be obliged to depend
almost entirely upon these dams but the Pottsville consumers may also fall back upon them as their
sole water source.
Almost every day a colliery here or there is obliged to close down on account of no water and as the
days pass on those which are still at work see the time for such work gradually growing shorter. But
as stated Tumbling Run gives a ray of hope in this section as arrangements are now being made to
connect these two big dams with the P & R Collieries of the Pottsville District. For weeks work has
been in progress on the construction of an eight mile water main from Wadesville, out through the
Heckschersville Valley and to the collieries at Newtown, Branchdale and Phoenix Park. The task is a
big one and a few years ago would have been considered nonsensical, but with the experiences of
last summer and this summer and fall it is conceded to be the very wisest move which is possible
under existing conditions.
With the completion of the line it will be possible to draw upon Tumbling Run to supply the collieries
at Wade, the Heckschersville Valley and the West End and two or three weeks will find a necessity
for drawing upon the water at this famous summer resort.
About two years ago, a pipeline was laid from Silver Creek to Wadesville, that the colliery at the
latter point, which had very poor water facilities, might be able to work without interruption when
water was scarce. The Palo Alto reservoir which supplies the engines at that point with water is also
maintained through pipe line connections with Silver Creek and by this means, Wadesville and Palo
Alto are connected. Work is now in progress to connect Palo Alto with Tumbling Run. A twelve inch
main is now being laid for this purpose and will shortly be completed. This will allow the supply to
the Palo Alto dam from Silver Creek being cut off and Palo Alto being supplied entirely for the time
being with Tumbling Run water. This will necessitate the installation of a small pumping station.
But the water system is to be extended much further than this. West from Pottsville and also from
the Wadesville end gangs of workmen are working seven days a week to complete the eight miles
of pipe which is being laid and which when completed will connect the West End and
Heckschersville Valley collieries with Silver Creek.
At present the Silver Creek dam is in good shape, considering the small water shed and the great
demands which have been made upon it, but when the pipeline is completed and the demand upon
it many times greater it will not be able to hold up long under the pressure. The Rohrsville dam at
the head of the Heckschersville Valley which has been supplying the collieries in the
Heckschersville Valley, has not been exhausted, and in order to give the people of that valley a
supply for domestic purposes the company has shut off the use of the water of this reservoir for
colliery purposes and instead water is being hauled.
But this haulage system is both expensive and unsatisfactory and it has been found impossible to
keep some of the collieries working full time. Even the mine water is giving out and where it is
usually one of the expenses of mining to keep the inside workings pumped free of water, no
pumping is now being done and the breakers are without this supply of mine water which was used
for washing purposes. Never before has the situation been so troublesome to the colliery officials.
The new pipe line in course of construction, it is estimated, will cost close onto $100,000 before it is
finally finished. It seems like a prohibitive figure but when it is taken into consideration that
thousands of dollars are being spent each week in this section for hauling water to the collieries,
the expense is justified and when it is completed will soon pay for itself.
With it completed there will be three sources of supply – Rohrsville with its big shed but small
reservoir, Silver Creek with its big reservoir but small shed and Tumbling Run with its big shed and
big reservoirs. By combining the supply of the three it is believed that al future danger of water
famine will be averted.
Tumbling Run will not be drawn upon however, except in case of distress, as it is lower then
Wadesville and will require a good size pumping station to force the water up to the Wadesville
level.
But there is danger that the Water Company will find itself obliged to shut off its supply to the
various industries of town, the electric roads, the factories, etc and in such an emergency it will be
necessary for them to either provide for hauling their own or else make arrangements to get a
supply from Tumbling Run. In the event of more serious trouble it may be necessary for the town to
become dependent upon Tumbling Run and with this great drain, even these overflowing dams may
be unable to stand the strain, especially in view of the fact that the Tumbling Run stream has dried
up to a mere small stream.
If conditions should arise demanding it, it is possible to have all industries closed in order that the
water may be given for domestic use, but as plenty of water without any work will be a worse
condition than work and little water, it is not likely that such a contingency will arise.
TUMBLING RUN WATER TO KEEP COLLIERIES AT WORK
A few more weeks of the present dry spell will turn Schuylkill County upside down as the time is
now approaching when we will appreciate the value of water as we have never before done and the
entire hope of this section of the county rests on the Tumbling Run dams, which are the only
reservoirs which today are filled to the brim. Not only will the collieries soon be obliged to depend
almost entirely upon these dams but the Pottsville consumers may also fall back upon them as their
sole water source.
Almost every day a colliery here or there is obliged to close down on account of no water and as the
days pass on those which are still at work see the time for such work gradually growing shorter. But
as stated Tumbling Run gives a ray of hope in this section as arrangements are now being made to
connect these two big dams with the P & R Collieries of the Pottsville District. For weeks work has
been in progress on the construction of an eight mile water main from Wadesville, out through the
Heckschersville Valley and to the collieries at Newtown, Branchdale and Phoenix Park. The task is a
big one and a few years ago would have been considered nonsensical, but with the experiences of
last summer and this summer and fall it is conceded to be the very wisest move which is possible
under existing conditions.
With the completion of the line it will be possible to draw upon Tumbling Run to supply the collieries
at Wade, the Heckschersville Valley and the West End and two or three weeks will find a necessity
for drawing upon the water at this famous summer resort.
About two years ago, a pipeline was laid from Silver Creek to Wadesville, that the colliery at the
latter point, which had very poor water facilities, might be able to work without interruption when
water was scarce. The Palo Alto reservoir which supplies the engines at that point with water is also
maintained through pipe line connections with Silver Creek and by this means, Wadesville and Palo
Alto are connected. Work is now in progress to connect Palo Alto with Tumbling Run. A twelve inch
main is now being laid for this purpose and will shortly be completed. This will allow the supply to
the Palo Alto dam from Silver Creek being cut off and Palo Alto being supplied entirely for the time
being with Tumbling Run water. This will necessitate the installation of a small pumping station.
But the water system is to be extended much further than this. West from Pottsville and also from
the Wadesville end gangs of workmen are working seven days a week to complete the eight miles
of pipe which is being laid and which when completed will connect the West End and
Heckschersville Valley collieries with Silver Creek.
At present the Silver Creek dam is in good shape, considering the small water shed and the great
demands which have been made upon it, but when the pipeline is completed and the demand upon
it many times greater it will not be able to hold up long under the pressure. The Rohrsville dam at
the head of the Heckschersville Valley which has been supplying the collieries in the
Heckschersville Valley, has not been exhausted, and in order to give the people of that valley a
supply for domestic purposes the company has shut off the use of the water of this reservoir for
colliery purposes and instead water is being hauled.
But this haulage system is both expensive and unsatisfactory and it has been found impossible to
keep some of the collieries working full time. Even the mine water is giving out and where it is
usually one of the expenses of mining to keep the inside workings pumped free of water, no
pumping is now being done and the breakers are without this supply of mine water which was used
for washing purposes. Never before has the situation been so troublesome to the colliery officials.
The new pipe line in course of construction, it is estimated, will cost close onto $100,000 before it is
finally finished. It seems like a prohibitive figure but when it is taken into consideration that
thousands of dollars are being spent each week in this section for hauling water to the collieries,
the expense is justified and when it is completed will soon pay for itself.
With it completed there will be three sources of supply – Rohrsville with its big shed but small
reservoir, Silver Creek with its big reservoir but small shed and Tumbling Run with its big shed and
big reservoirs. By combining the supply of the three it is believed that al future danger of water
famine will be averted.
Tumbling Run will not be drawn upon however, except in case of distress, as it is lower then
Wadesville and will require a good size pumping station to force the water up to the Wadesville
level.
But there is danger that the Water Company will find itself obliged to shut off its supply to the
various industries of town, the electric roads, the factories, etc and in such an emergency it will be
necessary for them to either provide for hauling their own or else make arrangements to get a
supply from Tumbling Run. In the event of more serious trouble it may be necessary for the town to
become dependent upon Tumbling Run and with this great drain, even these overflowing dams may
be unable to stand the strain, especially in view of the fact that the Tumbling Run stream has dried
up to a mere small stream.
If conditions should arise demanding it, it is possible to have all industries closed in order that the
water may be given for domestic use, but as plenty of water without any work will be a worse
condition than work and little water, it is not likely that such a contingency will arise.
| The Pottsville Republican listed this news item on February 9, 1945 which announced the beginning of Schuylkill Haven's acquisition of Tumbling Run as a water source. |
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN MAY BUY TUMBLING RUN
Negotiations are said to be in the final stages for the purchase of Tumbling Run water
rights by the borough of Schuylkill Haven. The borough reservoir is inadequate and
large purchases of water are necessary from the Pottsville water Company. Schuylkill
Haven now owns its own electric light plant.
Negotiations are said to be in the final stages for the purchase of Tumbling Run water
rights by the borough of Schuylkill Haven. The borough reservoir is inadequate and
large purchases of water are necessary from the Pottsville water Company. Schuylkill
Haven now owns its own electric light plant.
Pottsville Republican of February 17, 1902
TUMBLING RUN CHANGES HANDS
The Tumbling Run property, land and all the buildings located on it has passed from the hands of
L. W. Weissinger and is now the property of R. E. Lee, junior member of the firm of Lee brothers,
the Market Street grocers. It is not known what figure was paid, but as the owner recently
refused an offer of $40,000, it must have been close onto the half hundred mark. With the change
of the ownership of the property will also come a change in the manner of conducting it.
Extensive improvements will be made in the hotel and surrounding buildings and grounds. It will
be made an entirely different place and the change will be a welcome one as it will be in the way
of a decided improvement. The property purchased consists of about twelve acres of land
embracing the buildings now used for amusements.
The new owner has had this purchase in view for some time and has already mapped out
extensive improvements to make Tumbling Run the pleasure resort that it should be. The hotel
will be remodeled. Another story will be added, large verandas will encircle each story and a first
class summer hotel conducted. The bar will be removed entirely from the building and the first
floor remodeled as to make a large up to date and handsomely furnished dining room and parlor.
A caterer will be secured from the city to take charge of this department and Mr. Lee promises to
serve dinners second to none at large hotels at summer resorts and in the large cities. When
these improvements are made there should be no more popular summer resort in the state. The
dancing pavilion will also be remodeled and the bar probably located where the pool rooms and
bowling allies now are.
Another feature of Tumbling Run which for long has been neglected is the picnic grounds. The
groves have been left uncared for and no effort was made to accommodate picnic parties, but
now, however, special attention will be paid to this.
Special attractions will be found at the Run nightly in the shape of bands, orchestras and other
concerts. In winter when there is ice on the dam there will be skating, skating carnivals and
music and no end of amusement.
It is understood that the Traction Company have under consideration the advisability of building a
baseball ground at the Run.
These improvements are not mythical but are they simply conjectures of what may be done in the
future but will be found to be established facts before the summer season is opened at the
popular resort. Mr. Lee will organize a Tumbling Run Improvement Association and the place will
soon gain a reputation as one of the leading summer resorts in the state.
TUMBLING RUN CHANGES HANDS
The Tumbling Run property, land and all the buildings located on it has passed from the hands of
L. W. Weissinger and is now the property of R. E. Lee, junior member of the firm of Lee brothers,
the Market Street grocers. It is not known what figure was paid, but as the owner recently
refused an offer of $40,000, it must have been close onto the half hundred mark. With the change
of the ownership of the property will also come a change in the manner of conducting it.
Extensive improvements will be made in the hotel and surrounding buildings and grounds. It will
be made an entirely different place and the change will be a welcome one as it will be in the way
of a decided improvement. The property purchased consists of about twelve acres of land
embracing the buildings now used for amusements.
The new owner has had this purchase in view for some time and has already mapped out
extensive improvements to make Tumbling Run the pleasure resort that it should be. The hotel
will be remodeled. Another story will be added, large verandas will encircle each story and a first
class summer hotel conducted. The bar will be removed entirely from the building and the first
floor remodeled as to make a large up to date and handsomely furnished dining room and parlor.
A caterer will be secured from the city to take charge of this department and Mr. Lee promises to
serve dinners second to none at large hotels at summer resorts and in the large cities. When
these improvements are made there should be no more popular summer resort in the state. The
dancing pavilion will also be remodeled and the bar probably located where the pool rooms and
bowling allies now are.
Another feature of Tumbling Run which for long has been neglected is the picnic grounds. The
groves have been left uncared for and no effort was made to accommodate picnic parties, but
now, however, special attention will be paid to this.
Special attractions will be found at the Run nightly in the shape of bands, orchestras and other
concerts. In winter when there is ice on the dam there will be skating, skating carnivals and
music and no end of amusement.
It is understood that the Traction Company have under consideration the advisability of building a
baseball ground at the Run.
These improvements are not mythical but are they simply conjectures of what may be done in the
future but will be found to be established facts before the summer season is opened at the
popular resort. Mr. Lee will organize a Tumbling Run Improvement Association and the place will
soon gain a reputation as one of the leading summer resorts in the state.
Pottsville Republican of September 13, 1907
P & R PURCHASE AT TUMBLING RUN
In order to own all the land surrounding the Tumbling Run dam, the P & R Company has
purchased the large field, formerly owned by C. H. Woltjen, and which was sold to the Eastern
Railways Company in the early part of this year. This includes all of the 100 acre purchase with
the exception of the ground on which is located the Tumbling Run Hotel and the baseball park,
which will continue in the ownership of the trolley company on account of the interests in these
two important features of the Tumbling Run Park. This is what comes to the "Republican" from
a seemingly responsible source, but it is not corroborated by the trolley officials here.
The purchase price of this big tract of land was $12,000 and was made originally for the purpose
of building a baseball park. The remaining portion of the field could not be used to any
advantage which would justify holding it, so that the rumor is quite within reason in this
respect. The P & R now owns the land on which is built the boat houses at the upper dam,
while all the other surrounding is in its possession. With these interest it is but natural that
they should desire to secure control of the entire watershed and exercise a supervision which
would prevent the use of the ground for any purpose which they might deem detrimental to
their property or interests.
It may be possible that at some future time the water may be used for drinking purposes and in
this event the company would again need control of the adjoining watersheds.
P & R PURCHASE AT TUMBLING RUN
In order to own all the land surrounding the Tumbling Run dam, the P & R Company has
purchased the large field, formerly owned by C. H. Woltjen, and which was sold to the Eastern
Railways Company in the early part of this year. This includes all of the 100 acre purchase with
the exception of the ground on which is located the Tumbling Run Hotel and the baseball park,
which will continue in the ownership of the trolley company on account of the interests in these
two important features of the Tumbling Run Park. This is what comes to the "Republican" from
a seemingly responsible source, but it is not corroborated by the trolley officials here.
The purchase price of this big tract of land was $12,000 and was made originally for the purpose
of building a baseball park. The remaining portion of the field could not be used to any
advantage which would justify holding it, so that the rumor is quite within reason in this
respect. The P & R now owns the land on which is built the boat houses at the upper dam,
while all the other surrounding is in its possession. With these interest it is but natural that
they should desire to secure control of the entire watershed and exercise a supervision which
would prevent the use of the ground for any purpose which they might deem detrimental to
their property or interests.
It may be possible that at some future time the water may be used for drinking purposes and in
this event the company would again need control of the adjoining watersheds.
| This aerial view displays the Water Treatment Plant at Tumbling Run which today provides our water supply. |
Pottsville Republican of July 6, 1903
The first fatality which has occurred in the lake at Tumbling Run in several years occurred
Saturday afternoon when Harry Moyer, a young man from Shenandoah, was drowned as a result of
rocking a boat while rowing about in the middle of the dam. Two companions, James Needs of
Tamaqua and John Wirt of Shenandoah, were in the boat with him at the time, but they succeeded
in catching hold of the sides of the upturned boat and clung on until they were rescued by a party
from the Myrtle boat house. The unfortunate young man was but nineteen years of age and was
the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Moyer. He was employed by D. and J. Siegel, furniture dealers of
Shenandoah. His parents were visiting friends in Mount Carmel yesterday, but his brother and
sister were notified at Shenandoah and the former came to Pottsville and took the remains home
on the 7:05 Pennsy train.
The three young men came to Pottsville Saturday morning to spend the day and soon after
arriving here they went to the Run. After dinner it was proposed that they take a boat ride and
they hired a boat at the pier, laughingly making the remark to some friends on shore that they
were going to be drowned. They had not been rowing long when Moyer it is said, commenced to
rock the boat. This occurred about half way down toward the breast and near the far shore. The
water is about forty feet deep at this point, but like many other visitors they imagined that the
water was shallow. With numerous boats in sight and the shore not far away, the rocking was
continued until finally the boat was upset and the three were precipitated in the water.
Several different parties saw them from the boat house porches, but all thought it was a party of
bathers in the water who were having some fun with the boat. But it was not long before the
seriousness of the affair dawned upon all and several boats were put out to their rescue.
Wirt was the only member of the party who could swim although Moyer had told his companions
that he was an experienced swimmer. When the boat upset, they all made a scramble to catch the
sides but it slipped from their grasp. Wirt with a few strokes again reached the side of the boat
and then turning around saw Needs near him going down for the second time. He reached out
and caught him by the collar and drew him towards the boat until both had a secure hold. He then
looked around for Moyer, but that unfortunate young man was nowhere in sight as he had gone
down for the last time.
In the meantime boats had been put out from several of the boat houses, but the Myrtle Club was
first to the rescue. William Bray, David Thomas and William Frizzle were in the boat and they lifted
the two almost exhausted young men from the water into their boat. They were then taken to the
Myrtle boat house where they were attired in dry clothing. Grappling hooks were secured and for
four hours they grappled for the body before Robert Schoener and Jacob Scheafer finally
succeeded in getting the grappling iron fastened in the unfortunate young man's coat sleeve and
pulled him to the surface.
Coroner Gillars empanelled the following jury: F. C. Reese, frank Fessler, Frank Sterling, Robert
Schoener, Frank Frizzle and Jacob Scheafer. They returned a verdict of accidental drowning.
The remains were taken in charge by J. C. Heiken, who shipped the body to Shenandoah.
Besides his parents he is survived by his sister, Mrs. Thomas Evans, Mount Carmel, and brother
George and sisters Maud and Nattie at home.
The first fatality which has occurred in the lake at Tumbling Run in several years occurred
Saturday afternoon when Harry Moyer, a young man from Shenandoah, was drowned as a result of
rocking a boat while rowing about in the middle of the dam. Two companions, James Needs of
Tamaqua and John Wirt of Shenandoah, were in the boat with him at the time, but they succeeded
in catching hold of the sides of the upturned boat and clung on until they were rescued by a party
from the Myrtle boat house. The unfortunate young man was but nineteen years of age and was
the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Moyer. He was employed by D. and J. Siegel, furniture dealers of
Shenandoah. His parents were visiting friends in Mount Carmel yesterday, but his brother and
sister were notified at Shenandoah and the former came to Pottsville and took the remains home
on the 7:05 Pennsy train.
The three young men came to Pottsville Saturday morning to spend the day and soon after
arriving here they went to the Run. After dinner it was proposed that they take a boat ride and
they hired a boat at the pier, laughingly making the remark to some friends on shore that they
were going to be drowned. They had not been rowing long when Moyer it is said, commenced to
rock the boat. This occurred about half way down toward the breast and near the far shore. The
water is about forty feet deep at this point, but like many other visitors they imagined that the
water was shallow. With numerous boats in sight and the shore not far away, the rocking was
continued until finally the boat was upset and the three were precipitated in the water.
Several different parties saw them from the boat house porches, but all thought it was a party of
bathers in the water who were having some fun with the boat. But it was not long before the
seriousness of the affair dawned upon all and several boats were put out to their rescue.
Wirt was the only member of the party who could swim although Moyer had told his companions
that he was an experienced swimmer. When the boat upset, they all made a scramble to catch the
sides but it slipped from their grasp. Wirt with a few strokes again reached the side of the boat
and then turning around saw Needs near him going down for the second time. He reached out
and caught him by the collar and drew him towards the boat until both had a secure hold. He then
looked around for Moyer, but that unfortunate young man was nowhere in sight as he had gone
down for the last time.
In the meantime boats had been put out from several of the boat houses, but the Myrtle Club was
first to the rescue. William Bray, David Thomas and William Frizzle were in the boat and they lifted
the two almost exhausted young men from the water into their boat. They were then taken to the
Myrtle boat house where they were attired in dry clothing. Grappling hooks were secured and for
four hours they grappled for the body before Robert Schoener and Jacob Scheafer finally
succeeded in getting the grappling iron fastened in the unfortunate young man's coat sleeve and
pulled him to the surface.
Coroner Gillars empanelled the following jury: F. C. Reese, frank Fessler, Frank Sterling, Robert
Schoener, Frank Frizzle and Jacob Scheafer. They returned a verdict of accidental drowning.
The remains were taken in charge by J. C. Heiken, who shipped the body to Shenandoah.
Besides his parents he is survived by his sister, Mrs. Thomas Evans, Mount Carmel, and brother
George and sisters Maud and Nattie at home.
| This story of an unusual man appeared in the Pottsville Republican on January 7, 1918. |
| HEX CAT MAN IS FROZEN TO DEATH |
W. S. Thomas of the Tumbling Run valley, widely known throughout the state as the originator of
the famous "Hex Cat" episode of several years ago and since that time a self imposed hermit in a
little shack in that valley, was found dead from exposure in the building on Saturday evening, by a
farmer. He had evidently been dead for some time. Deputy Coroner Dirschel investigated the
cases and decided an inquest would not be necessary. Thomas was of a peculiar disposition and
he obtained state wide fame following his making of a silver bullet to kill the black "Hex Cat"
which he claimed was responsible for his troubles. His place of residence was quickly populated
with dogs and cats and his peculiar manner of living brought him brought him before the
authorities on several occasions.
the famous "Hex Cat" episode of several years ago and since that time a self imposed hermit in a
little shack in that valley, was found dead from exposure in the building on Saturday evening, by a
farmer. He had evidently been dead for some time. Deputy Coroner Dirschel investigated the
cases and decided an inquest would not be necessary. Thomas was of a peculiar disposition and
he obtained state wide fame following his making of a silver bullet to kill the black "Hex Cat"
which he claimed was responsible for his troubles. His place of residence was quickly populated
with dogs and cats and his peculiar manner of living brought him brought him before the
authorities on several occasions.
Tumbling Run threatened by forest fires......
Pottsville Republican of April 24, 1899
BOAT HOUSES IN DANGER - Those on the Far Side of the Dam Narrowly Escaped
The forest fires that have been raging at Tumbling Run during the past week almost proved more
destructive this morning than might have been expected. On the far side of the second dam the
flames spread toward the boat houses at the "Cove" and for a time it appeared as if the houses would
be consumed. Having burned to the water's edge the flames spread up the mountainside, and this
afternoon were confined to the top of the mountain, a safe distance from the boat houses. The
mountains are on fire on all sides and the houses are still threatened by flying sparks and there is still
cause for apprehension. If one house takes fire there are slim chances for the rest as all are built of
frame and form a contiguous line half around this side of the dam.
BOAT HOUSES IN DANGER - Those on the Far Side of the Dam Narrowly Escaped
The forest fires that have been raging at Tumbling Run during the past week almost proved more
destructive this morning than might have been expected. On the far side of the second dam the
flames spread toward the boat houses at the "Cove" and for a time it appeared as if the houses would
be consumed. Having burned to the water's edge the flames spread up the mountainside, and this
afternoon were confined to the top of the mountain, a safe distance from the boat houses. The
mountains are on fire on all sides and the houses are still threatened by flying sparks and there is still
cause for apprehension. If one house takes fire there are slim chances for the rest as all are built of
frame and form a contiguous line half around this side of the dam.
Pottsville Republican of August 5, 1899
Yesterday afternoon about 4:30 o'clock, in the deep still waters of Tumbling Run, without warning
and within a stone's throw of merry bathers, sporting in the water at Sandy Beach, Walter
Galbraith, a young man twenty years old, was drowned. He disappeared beneath the surface of
the water without a cry of alarm and the bathers but a short distance away, were not aware that he
had gone down until too late to be of assistance.
Walter Galbraith, in company with Frank Schnerring, went to Tumbling Run to enjoy the half
holiday, Mr. Galbraith having been a clerk in one of our stores. During the afternoon both men
donned bathing suits at Gorman's launch and after swimming a while in the vicinity of the launch,
they agreed to join the bathers at Sandy Beach. They raced to a point opposite the beach, on the
west side of the dam, near the new bath house of the Y> M. C. A., which is a distance of fully 300
yards. The run was a severe tax on their hearts, and when they reached the spot, Galbraith was
much exhausted. Both jumped in without much ceremony and attempted to swim across to Sandy
Beach. When about thirty five feet out Galbraith said to his companion, "I can't make it. I'm played
out now." He turned to go back to shore and as he did, he suddenly threw up his hands and
disappeared. Schnerring, who was a short distance away, attempted to rescue him and grabbed
his bathing shirt but the weight was too much and Galbraith sunk to the bottom. When the alarm
was given that a man had gone down, the bathers at Sandy Beach and other parts of the dam
hastened to the spot to try and aid in the rescue. A. W. Swartz, who was bathing at the new Y. M.
C. A. bath house, secured a boat and tried to locate the body with a long pole. Dr. W. G. Hoeffer,
Lamar Pritchard, J. G. Smith and Fred Hause dove after Galbraith but couldn't find him. The Nellie
Bly boat, with grappling irons, was quickly brought into service and in a short time the grappling
hooks caught the body and it was hauled to the surface, about fifteen minutes after the accident.
In attempting to recover the dead man the boat was upset but the body was gotten into shore and
carried to the Y. M. C. A. boat house where Drs. Cristman, Boone, Kramer, Albright and Hoeffer
worked hard to bring back life but their efforts were in vain. One of the physicians stated that he
thought Galbraith became exhausted due to the run along shore and when he plunged into the
water the strain was too much and he collapsed.
The Pottsville Hospital ambulance was there shortly after the accident with Dr. Fegley and two
attendants. The body was taken to the home of Galbraith's grandfather, George Pfeifer of 809
Minersville Street about seven o'clock. Where Galbraith went down, the water is about twenty
feet deep.
Galbraith's parents reside at Plymouth but were formerly residents of Pottsville. The family were
notified last night. It is thought that young Galbraith's father is en route to Mexico. On the fifth of
last August Frank Gordon sunk near Gorman's launch. Both Gordon and Galbraith could swim,
but their drowning was attributed to exhaustion. An inquest will be held tomorrow afternoon by
Deputy Coroner Veith. Young Galbraith was of a quiet disposition and well liked among his
friends and acquaintances.
Yesterday afternoon about 4:30 o'clock, in the deep still waters of Tumbling Run, without warning
and within a stone's throw of merry bathers, sporting in the water at Sandy Beach, Walter
Galbraith, a young man twenty years old, was drowned. He disappeared beneath the surface of
the water without a cry of alarm and the bathers but a short distance away, were not aware that he
had gone down until too late to be of assistance.
Walter Galbraith, in company with Frank Schnerring, went to Tumbling Run to enjoy the half
holiday, Mr. Galbraith having been a clerk in one of our stores. During the afternoon both men
donned bathing suits at Gorman's launch and after swimming a while in the vicinity of the launch,
they agreed to join the bathers at Sandy Beach. They raced to a point opposite the beach, on the
west side of the dam, near the new bath house of the Y> M. C. A., which is a distance of fully 300
yards. The run was a severe tax on their hearts, and when they reached the spot, Galbraith was
much exhausted. Both jumped in without much ceremony and attempted to swim across to Sandy
Beach. When about thirty five feet out Galbraith said to his companion, "I can't make it. I'm played
out now." He turned to go back to shore and as he did, he suddenly threw up his hands and
disappeared. Schnerring, who was a short distance away, attempted to rescue him and grabbed
his bathing shirt but the weight was too much and Galbraith sunk to the bottom. When the alarm
was given that a man had gone down, the bathers at Sandy Beach and other parts of the dam
hastened to the spot to try and aid in the rescue. A. W. Swartz, who was bathing at the new Y. M.
C. A. bath house, secured a boat and tried to locate the body with a long pole. Dr. W. G. Hoeffer,
Lamar Pritchard, J. G. Smith and Fred Hause dove after Galbraith but couldn't find him. The Nellie
Bly boat, with grappling irons, was quickly brought into service and in a short time the grappling
hooks caught the body and it was hauled to the surface, about fifteen minutes after the accident.
In attempting to recover the dead man the boat was upset but the body was gotten into shore and
carried to the Y. M. C. A. boat house where Drs. Cristman, Boone, Kramer, Albright and Hoeffer
worked hard to bring back life but their efforts were in vain. One of the physicians stated that he
thought Galbraith became exhausted due to the run along shore and when he plunged into the
water the strain was too much and he collapsed.
The Pottsville Hospital ambulance was there shortly after the accident with Dr. Fegley and two
attendants. The body was taken to the home of Galbraith's grandfather, George Pfeifer of 809
Minersville Street about seven o'clock. Where Galbraith went down, the water is about twenty
feet deep.
Galbraith's parents reside at Plymouth but were formerly residents of Pottsville. The family were
notified last night. It is thought that young Galbraith's father is en route to Mexico. On the fifth of
last August Frank Gordon sunk near Gorman's launch. Both Gordon and Galbraith could swim,
but their drowning was attributed to exhaustion. An inquest will be held tomorrow afternoon by
Deputy Coroner Veith. Young Galbraith was of a quiet disposition and well liked among his
friends and acquaintances.
Pottsville Republican of December 30, 1910
TURTLE BOAT HOUSE BURNED
The Turtle and Mount Carbon boat houses on the upper Tumbling Run dam were destroyed by fire
shortly after eleven o'clock last night, burning completely to the ground. A number of the boat
houses in the vicinity were saved from destruction by the timely rain of last night which started about
nine o'clock. No one was near the place when the fire broke out and the boat houses had been
closed for the winter. It is supposed that boat house thieves made a visit and in order to cover up
their tracks, set fire to the buildings. They were among the finest appearing houses situated along
the dam and were owned by a number of Pottsville people.
TURTLE BOAT HOUSE BURNED
The Turtle and Mount Carbon boat houses on the upper Tumbling Run dam were destroyed by fire
shortly after eleven o'clock last night, burning completely to the ground. A number of the boat
houses in the vicinity were saved from destruction by the timely rain of last night which started about
nine o'clock. No one was near the place when the fire broke out and the boat houses had been
closed for the winter. It is supposed that boat house thieves made a visit and in order to cover up
their tracks, set fire to the buildings. They were among the finest appearing houses situated along
the dam and were owned by a number of Pottsville people.
Besides it's use as a recreational area for Schuylkill County and vicinity, Tumbling Run
served a purpose for the local mining industry also as seen in the article below....
served a purpose for the local mining industry also as seen in the article below....
| Pottsville Republican of June 24, 1888 DROWNED AT TUMBLING RUN Matthew Ryan was drowned in the lower Tumbling Run dam yesterday afternoon about three o'clock. He and William Schrader of Palo Alto had been engaged in a swimming contest and Ryan becoming fatigued was taken into a boat. After a short rest, he again took to the water, and a few minutes later was observed by some young men on shore to turn his face skyward, make an effort to cry out and then sink to rise no more. The place where the drowning occurred was about fifty feet from the breast of the dam and thirty feet from the northern shore and the Pottsville road. Grappling irons were secured and with the aid of the Greenleaf Club boat, every effort was made to recover the body but without effect. The water is very deep at the point where Ryan disappeared and as the wickets were open it is probable the body found its way to the lowest point. Ryan was a widower and resided with his mother on the lower road to Port Carbon opposite the shops. A young son is in charge of the P and R telegraph station at Spring Mill station just below Conshohocken. Ryan was a former well known Schuylkill Canal boat owner and boatman and was an expert swimmer. Of late he was employed at the Atkin's furnace. He was about forty five years of age. Deputy Coroner Clemens was on hand early and directed operations for the recovery of the body. Large crowds visited the scene last evening and today. At nine o'clock this morning, John Kane and Jesse Garrett of Mount Carbon and James Kirk of the orchard, resumed the search and succeeded in grappling the body between ten and eleven o'clock, near the spot where he went down. The hook caught him by the neck. Deputy Coroner Clemens' jury consisted of B. U. Kirk, C. D. Elliott, Edward Fisher, F. W. Fey, Thomas Waldron and John Kane rendering a verdict of accidental death by drowning. |
This is the earliest story found in the Pottsville
Republican newspapers on a drowning at Tumbling Run.
Republican newspapers on a drowning at Tumbling Run.
Three drownings occurred in less then two months in 1895...
| Pottsville Republican of July 3, 1895 BOY DROWNED AT TUMBLING RUN Walter Gross Sinks the Last Time Before His Companions A very sad drowning case took place yesterday afternoon at Tumbling Run. Walter Gross, aged eight years and son of William Gross, residing up near Bare Field was drowned at the first dam at a place commonly called "Red Rock" on the opposite shore and above the tool house of the Knickerbocker Ice Company. Young Gross was accompanied by three companions, but he was the only one who went in to bathe. The place is very treacherous as the incline runs almost perpendicular for twelve feet and the boy in his struggles was unable to return to shore, his companions being powerless to help him. Deputy Coroner J. J. Clemens was notified at about 4:45 p.m. through a telephone message from the P.S.V. roundhouse. The father of the boy in the meantime was notified of the drowning of his son and had preceded the coroner on the grounds. A. E. Saul, an employee of the P. S. V. and R. W. Skelly procured a boat and grappling iron and succeeded in bringing the boy to the surface about 3:30 pm. It took over half an hour to find the body. Mr. Saul dressed the young lad in his clothes and procured a sheet from the residents nearby and tenderly placed him upon the bank. Eddie Kane, Willie Bachman and John McAtee attempted to recover the body by diving in the water but were unsuccessful. The companions of Gross wee afraid to report the circumstance to his father which accounts for the late hour in which the news reached Pottsville. William Gross, the father of the boy, was almost heartbroken when the sheet was removed from the face of the dead boy and his sobs could be heard at quite a distance. Two friends carried the body to a shady place near Bowen;s ice house while the father came to Pottsville for an undertaker. I. L. Meyers of Wilkes barre, visiting at Mount Carbon, kindly assisted in getting the boy out of the water. The coroner's jury convened this morning at 9:30 and rendered a verdict in accordance with the facts. |
| Pottsville Republican of July 23, 1895 ONE MORE DROWNING! WENDEL GRAF FINDS A WATERY GRAVE IN THE UPPER TUMBLING RUN DAM Wendel Graf, the North Centre Street baker, hired a boat from J. H. Gorman to row on the dam about 5:15 p. m. yesterday, and at none o'clock he was drowned. Graf was accompanied by another baker named John Schott. Both men had been drinking at the hotel and were told frequently to go home. In coming down to play ten pins, Schott jumped over the high wall in front of the hotel, but Graf refused. After this they came down to hire the boats, each taking one. They were seen on the upper dam rowing around, when Schott moved to the opposite shore, undressed and went in bathing. His comrade drew up close to him with his boat and followed suit. This was about six o'clock. They had been fooling in the water for some time neither of the men being swimmers of any account. One of their practices was to catch hold of the boat from the stern and go under the water. As soon as Graf was drowned a messenger was sent in to notify Deputy Coroner J. J. Clemens who made his appearance after eight o'clock and summoned the following jury: John Boland, William Stevenson, William J. Kennedy, Robert Howell, Moses Rothstone and Charles Clouser. Mr. Gorman tendered the use of several boats to bring the remains of Graf over from the opposite shore where it had been taken out of the water. Three of the jury went with the coroner and brought the dead body of Graf to the landing at the level near the Gorman boat houses, where the inquest was commenced. J. H. Gorman testified to the time the boats were hired:5:15, when he returned from supper the men were not back yet, he took one of his boats to go in search of them at seven o'clock, he saw Schott when he returned. Arthur Strong saw the men about seven o'clock from the opposite shore jumping in and out of the water. He was under the impression they were under the influence of liquor, the men were not able to swim, the water is about four feet deep at that point. William Stevenson thought they were under the influence of liquor when they were going down to the dam. Al Nimmocks, an attachee of the hotel, was next sworn when he stated he went into a boat, went over to the opposite shore, procured a grappling iron and pulled Graf to the shore. He notified the Coroner at seven o'clock. Anthony Lloyd brought the body up. George Mager was the next witness sworn. He was told by Schott that his buddy was drowned. This witness corroborated the others. J. D. Lowrey tried to pump the water from Graf but it was too late as the man was dead, but he got some water from the man's stomach after rolling him on a keg for a short time. The inquest then adjourned until 12:30 o'clock today to take the testimony of John Schott, the man who was with Graf when he drowned. The remains were given over to Heiken Brothers to prepare for burial. John Schott, who had been with Graf all afternoon of yesterday, was sworn today at 12:30 o'clock and from the testimony given by the witness he had very little remembrance of what took place until his friend was drowned. The jury after hearing all the testimony rendered the following verdict: That Wendel Graf came to his death by being accidentally drowned while bathing in the upper Tumbling Run dam between six and seven o'clock, July 22, 1895. An administrator was appointed by the coroner this morning in the person of Charles Striegel and the proper bond filed. The coroner found $18.32 in cash on Graf's person last night and $72.00 at his late home and also a gold watch. The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon at three o'clock with interment at German Catholic Cemetery. |
| Pottsville Republican of August 30, 1895 ANOTHER DROWNING! Angelo Varallo, of the Italian Orchestra the Victim FRANTIC GRIEF OF HIS RELATIVES Angelo Varallo, aged twenty three years, first violinist of the Italian Orchestra, was drowned in the upper Tumbling Run dam near the Orwigsburg road bridge this morning at 10:30 o'clock, while his brother in law, Tony Viti, unable to swim, stood nearby powerless to lend a helping hand to his kindred. Frederick J. Greiner, a waiter at the Tumbling Run Hotel, nobly went to the drowning man's assistance twice and tried to push him into shallow water, but Varallo turning, clutched him in the death grip and then trampled him under foot in his frantic efforts, Greiner with the utmost difficulty escaping. Edward Koch, of the hotel, and James Graeff with several others went to the scene and after a half hour's diving and grappling, Mr. Koch discovered the body in eight feet of water and holding onto a boat clasped his feet about the corpse, thus raising it to the surface. The body was allowed to lie on the bank until the arrival of the Deputy Coroner. Michael Varallo, father of Angelo, and his brother Frank were in Pottsville at the time and hurried to the hotel where they sought their room. They were inconsolable. The father bit his fingers and tore at his hair and face, while his son and son-in-law and the Swedish cornetist tried in vain to calm him. It was indeed a sad scene to witness. Frederick J. Greiner said that Varallo, Tony Viti, James Coyle, a boy and James McCormick, another boy and himself went along the near shore of the upper dam to a point below the Orwigsburg road bridge where the water is shallow at both banks but deep in the center, the running stream having cut a channel when the dam was drawn off. They had been swimming some time and the boys swam across the dam several times. Greiner was resting on the far side. The Italian musicians, both of whom could not swim, then waded out with the two boys, Coyle and McCormick, the latter slightly in front of Angelo. Greiner shouted to look out for the hole or channel but was not heeded or understood and Angelo went too far and was at once struggling for life. Greiner at once plunged to Angelo's assistance, Coyle and McCormick being too young to be of any help. He got behind the drowning man and endeavored to push him towards shallow water. As he is but seventeen years old and slightly built, he was at a disadvantage with Varallo, who weighed at least one hundred and eighty pounds. The latter grabbed his would be rescuer to stand upon him. Greiner broke away and made a second attempt to shove the excited man from the deep water but was again seized and trampled under foot. This time he almost lost consciousness and with difficulty made his way to shore, where he lay for some time panting for breath. James Coyle, a boy almost twelve years old, told practically the same story. He said Varallo's struggles were terrible to see, that he beat the water frantically and seemed maddened with fear. Had it not been for this fact it is probable Greiner would have effected his rescue. Coyle speaks of some stranger who followed and sat on the bank watching them swim. This man made no effort to help. Heiken Brothers took charge of the body and prepared it for shipment to Philadelphia on the 4:35 train, Reading Railroad, the brother-in-law, Tony Viti accompanying it. The father and brother and cornetist took the 2:50 Pennsy train. It was not possible to get the corpse ready for this train, consequently Mr. Viti was obliged to wait. The funeral will be held from the family residence, Washington Avenue, that city, where his mother and married sister, Mrs. Viti await him. Deceased was a fine looking man. His hair was brown and wavy and he wore a small light mustache with side whiskers. He was very neat in his attire generally sat next to his father, the harpist. Only four months ago he came to the United States from Naples Italy after serving two years in the Italian Army. He was unmarried. Deputy Coroner Clemens being out of town, his deputy, John J. Murphy, empaneled a jury who were adjourned to meet at the call of Mr. Clemens. The performance will be held this evening the same as usual weather permitting. |
Frequent drownings at Tumbling Run may
have prompted the following story...
have prompted the following story...
Still tragedies continued...
Tumbling Run was also the scene for odd rumors,
murder and the tale of a strange resident of the valley...
murder and the tale of a strange resident of the valley...
| Tumbling Run was sold to different owners, including the Reading Railroad and eventually the Borough of Schuylkill Haven. By 1917, it's days as a resort were ending. |
| New story on the "Republican's" efforts to renew interest in Tumbling Run as a resort. Please note: Articles on this page have now been grouped by type and in chronological order. Newest articles are highlighted in yellow background. |
These lucky boys escaped
drowning at the dam...
drowning at the dam...
| Pottsville Republican of March 17, 1927 BOYS HAD RIDE ON CAKE ICE Three lads from Mount Carbon, ranging in age from twelve to fifteen, had quite an experience on Wednesday afternoon from two to four o'clock when they had their first swim of the season without being prepared for it. The boys had gone out to Tumbling Run and when they came to the first dam decided to test the thickness of the ice. The three of them were walking along the edge of the ice, which had been unusually thick this winter, when, without warning the part on which they were standing broke away from the rest of the piece and floated toward the middle of the dam before they could jump ashore. Their predicament was discovered by the residents along the road and lines were thrown out to them but they were too far away to catch them. All this took time and the piece of ice on which they were afloat was honeycombed from the sun these last few warm days and it broke under the strain of the boys perched on it, plunging them into the dam's icy waters. Fortunately they were all good swimmers and made good time to the shore. The boys, Joseph Shaw, Thomas Moore and young Folino are none the worse for their experience. |
Several months later the end of an era...
| Pottsville Republican of September 4, 1917 BOAT HOUSES ARE TORN DOWN Tumbling Run is surely a thing off the past now and this once popular summer resort will never again be the scene of picnics and outings if the plans of the P and R C and I are carried out. The boat houses are all torn down and the lumber is being bought up by various contractors for small sums. Some individuals have purchased some of there lumber to erect garages and there is still some lumber lying around unused. On Saturday the last of the boat houses was "tilted" and the general appearance of the lakes has so changed that one would never know the place. The tracks of the trolley company are covered with dirt and will be torn up as it is practically assured that Tumbling Run as a summer resort has passed into the "has beens". There will be no permits granted for the use of the ground and notices are to be put up around the lakes and all the company ground, to the effect that anyone even found walking thereon will be arrested for trespassing. Thus passeth one of the finest summer resorts in the state. |
Revival becomes a possibility...
| Pottsville Republican of August 13, 1920 CITY TO TAKE TUMBLING RUN AS PUBLIC PARK The condemnation of Tumbling Run for the benefit of the people of Pottsville is provided in a resolution that has been prepared by City Councilman Dengler and signed by Councilman Bearster and has been placed in the hands of the city solicitor. Steps of this kind were under consideration for some time but have now been brought to a head through the announcement by the "Republican" that the Reading Company has commenced work on cutting the timber away from the beautiful drive through the Tumbling Run Valley and also because of the activity of the company in cutting other timber in that valley and protecting slopes. Because the Silver Creek Water Company enjoyed certain rights at Tumbling Run this section has been held up but now it is figured that it can be shown that a reservoir further up the valley can be built at comparatively small cost which will render the water free of all danger of contamination and at the same time make it possible to lawfully use it for domestic purposes while the public will be able to enjoy the advantages of the resort made famous in past years. It is feared that unless prompt action is taken in this matter, the entire Tumbling Run valley will be desolated and made as a desert thus also destroying the value of the water shed, which it has been claimed it is now desired to protect. The closing of the road up the Tumbling Run valley has also created a serious condition as it was this road that was depended upon as the detour with the closing of the Tamaqua road and now long and almost impossible detours are being made necessary by this sudden, unexpected and peculiar decision of the company. |
| Pottsville Republican of July 11, 1895 AT TUMBLING RUN - The Largest Number of People Ever Assembled at the Resort The largest crowd that ever assembled at Tumbling Run was present last evening to witness the attractions provided for the amusement of the patrons of the Schuylkill Electric Railway. People of Pottsville and vicinity commenced to rush to the groves surrounding the upper dams and the boat houses lining the shore and all that could find seating room around the hotel fixed themselves to take in the sight of the many people passing to and fro. It was a good natured crowd and every person seemed pleased with what they saw. In the afternoon the regular performance took place which was greatly admired and gave general satisfaction to all who witnessed it. |
| Pottsville Republican of August 5, 1895 DEATH AT THE RUN - Tobias Potsdamer Found Floating on the Lower Dam, Lifeless At 7:30 o'clock Sunday morning two ladies walking along the shore of the lower Tumbling Run Dam saw the body of a man floating in the water fifty feet from the dam breast, and screamed out an alarm. James Graeff and William Reinhart secured a boat and brought the body to shore, when it proved to be that of Tobias Potsdamer, in his fifty ninth year, a resident of 421 Minersville Street. Deputy Coroner James J. Clemens was notified and empanelled Benjamin Cake, John S. Murphy, Theodore F. Heilner, William Burns, William Reinhart and James Graeff jurors, who elicited the following story from witnesses and after viewing the body gave it into the care of Schoener Brothers, then adjourning until today at two o'clock. Potsdamer, who had been in ill health and unable to work at his occupation of spectacle selling for the past year, left home about five o'clock in the morning to bathe at the Run in accordance with the advice of his physician. He was seen passing the P and R station, Mount Carbon, at 4:50 o'clock by Thomas Keene. About one hundred feet from the breast of the dam his clothing was found and the marks of his stockinged feet were plainly visible on the muddy beach. When found he had on a full set of underclothing and stockings. His body was black and floated and his lungs contained little or no water. The supposition is that Potsdamer, who recently suffered a stroke of paralysis received another stroke shortly after entering the water. His body was in such a condition that the funeral was held this afternoon at three o'clock. He was a member of Beth Israel congregation and interment was made in the Hebrew cemetery, Reverend A. D. Chadowski officiating. He leaves besides his widow, one daughter. On Saturday morning he took his usual daily bath but Sunday morning his wife did not hear him arise. His power of speech was very much affected by the first attack of paralysis and he could eat only soft victuals. The family of deceased will receive one thousand and seventy five dollars from the Hebrew benevolent fund, provided for such cases. The verdict of the jury was that the deceased came to his death by drowning. |