The Hotel Shikellimy - 1891-1898

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The Hotel Shikellimy, Built in 1891, was located at the site of what is today Shikellamy State Park

"Then came the brief but glamorous area of the Hotel Shikellamy, destroyed by fire in 1898, only seven years after it was constructed.  The ornate three-story resort hotel with some 80 bedrooms, plus numerous parlors, billiard rooms, and even a bowling alley, was surrounded by a terraced lawn, tennis and croquet courts, and an outdoor dance pavilion. "

 On May 4, 1898, as the hotel was being prepared to open for the summer, a tragic fire erupted on the first floor. The resort was completely leveled before firefighters made their way to the site. Hundreds of spectators watched the disastrous blaze from rooftops and the river bank in Sunbury. 

"On Wednesday afternoon about half past two o'clock the attention of our people was directed to a small blaze seemingly creeping from the porch of Hotel Shikellimy on Blue Hill directly opposite our town.

 It took but a few moments for the blaze, to increase soon becoming brighter and brighter and very soon convincing all that the beautiful hotel was doomed. The sight was a grand one although filling the hearts of everyone who witnessed the conflagration with regret that one of the principal points of interest for the locality was to be a thing of the past. The falling of timbers, sizzling of the fire and the snapping of the flames was distinctly heard in our town as the work of destruction went on.

 The hotel was furnished containing among other valuables a handsome Grand piano. Nothing was saved. The only persons near at the time the fire broke out were Mrs. Edward Drumheller, Gardener Richards and C. M. Slear. The hotel was to have been opened this season and arrangements had been perfected with several  large associations to hold their conventions at Shikellimy this summer. 

Dwight L. Moody, the great evangelist was to have been a guest and speaker at one of these meetings. The hotel was a handsome structure and cost its owners, Messrs Drumheller, of Sunbury about thirty thousand dollars. The entire loss furniture and all is estimated at fifty thousand. The insurance being but nineteen thousand. 

The venture never proved a success financially for the manner of getting to the hotel was too slow for these days of rapid transit and for several years the proprietors had not been opening it except for the accommodation of conventions.

Brochure advertising the Hotel

 The origin of the fire is a mystery. When discovered it was found to be burning in a corner back of the safe

The Covered Bridge Caught on Fire and Burnt in 1923

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2019/10/when-northumberland-covered-bridge.html

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the fire had been arson.  "as some cotton saturated cloth with oil was found in the cellar, in to which it had been thrown through a broken window."

All of the hotel’s outbuildings, including the ice house and the woods which surrounded the structure, caught fire as well. The structure was insured for just $19,000 and was never rebuilt. The ruins remained for decades.   In August of 1956, the Daily Item reported "destroyed by fire May 4 1898, the ruins of the hotel remained until several years ago."

Some of the ruins remained into the early 1970's.

Norman Sprenkle of Selinsgrove, in 1971,  with the bell from the old hotel.  Sprenkle had dug the bell up at the site of the hotel.  When Norman's son Terry purchased the Sunny Hill Golf course in Sunbury, he placed the bell at the first hole.

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The Hotel Shikellimy

Riding on the coattails of the fame and glory the City Hotel gained after Thomas Edison’s successful electrical experiment in 1883, the owners, the enterprising Drumheller brothers, decided to build another hotel a few years later. They designed their next venture to serve a more pleasure-oriented clientele than the business travelers who stayed at their hotel in the heart of Sunbury.

The brothers purchased 40 acres on top the hill and the impressive three-story frame building was begun during the summer of 1890. The construction attracted many visitors to the site as the building progressed. By December, the shell of the building was completed and the well had been dug.

"The impressive three-story frame structure, with its gabled roofs from which flew three American flags, stood on a 40 acre plot within a few yards of the precipice."

. The hotel commanded a fine view from the bluff at the junction of the North and West branches of our beautiful Susquehanna river and the scenery from this point was grand and picturesque. The building was built and completed by the present owners in 1891."

On the south side of the building was a veranda ranging in width from six to fifteen feet, overlooking a terraced lawn ornaments with shrubs and flowers. There were tennis courts, croquet grounds, and a 65 by 35 foot outdoor dancing pavilion located in a native grove.

The main outlook on top of the building, which was in the shape of an octagon, was a popular spot for tourists.  From here guests, which included the fashionable from all over the country, could enjoy the panoramic view afforded from the top of the hill.

 From that spot five hundred feet above the river, they could view Sunbury, Northumberland, Selinsgrove, Danville, Lewisburg, and Milton.  They could walk along the three wide rotundas or sit in the elegantly furnished parlors with gave and unbroken view.

Within the 145 by 125 foot building were gentleman's sitting, smoking, and writing rooms, a ladies reception room, billiard room, bowling alley, and a huge dining room.

The rooms were neatly furnished and the cuisine was especially outstanding.  The brothers hired a skilled and experienced chef to prepare fine cuisine for guests and the many parties and banquets held at the resort. 

From the hotel, mail could be dispatched at midnight and reach Philadelphia or New York early the next day, a convenience extended by few mountain summer resorts in that day. The Reading railroad operated a line to the base of Blue Hill, which was then known as Susquehanna Heights.    As many as 40 passenger trains a day passed through this area.

"Here arrived the fashionable mustachioed gentleman, and delicate ladies with long sweeping skirts and parasols, to spend relaxing summers in the rustic beauty of the Susquehanna Valley."

 The resort cost about $50,000 to build and furnish. Guest rooms flanked wide hallways and, interestingly, gas lights rather than electric, lighted the entire structure.

"Marketed as a summer resort by the Drumheller brothers, the hotel, which was located about 500 feet above the Susquehanna’s waters, opened in 1891. Guests came by steamboat and railroad to relax and enjoy the splendid view. It quickly became a popular spot attracting tourists from outside the area. At the time, summer vacationers usually visited water attractions or the mountains, and the Hotel Shikellimy offered both. The view lured many fashionably attired gentlemen and their ladies with Gibson girl hairstyles and long, sweeping skirts to the hotel. It also served as the site of many reunions, business functions and annual meetings for various local organizations."

A photograph of the men of the State Millers' Association on the steps of Hotel Shikellimy in 1893.

Another photo from the 1893 Milllers Convention

On September 15th 1893, the Miltonian reported: "Hotel Shikellamy closed its doors after a very successful season on Thursday of this week.  The encampment of the 12th Regt. on the hill made known it's beauties and comforts to many hitherto strangers."

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Silverware From The Hotel Shikellimy

"Snyder County Formed March 2, 1855, named for Hon. Simon Snyder, Governor of Pennsylvania, 1808-17; three terms; noted as the first governor to urge legislation for free public schools; he was the great war governor of 1812; served in the Assembly from 1789-1808, and was speaker of the House from 1802-08; he lived at Selinsgrove. From end of Northumberland Bridge, built by Theodore Burr in 1814, on West Branch of the Susquehanna; the road leading south to Selinsgrove passes Blue Hill, noted for beautiful scenery. On top was formerly Hotel Shikellimy, burned in 1895; on one of the rocks overhanging is a natural profile named for Shikellimy, who sauntered about here. Farther on is a single arch stone bridge; for half a mile, beginning at this bridge, is a state road built by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Governor Pennypacker handled the first shovel of dirt in 1904; it was laid out first by James F. Linn in 1829, has since been extended."

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HOTEL SHIKELLIMY,

On Susquehanna Heights, or What is Known as Blue Hill, near Sunbury.

At the junction of the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River, at Northumberland, rises a bold rocky promontory to an altitude of 400 feet, which, on account of its cerulean appearance when clothed in its summer dress, is called Blue Hill. Its escarpment on the eastern side, overlooking the West Branch, is perpendicular for some distance, whilst the rocks are jagged and broken, showing the effects at one time of some terrible convulsion of nature. On the south side the face of the hill is not so steep, and about one-fourth of a mile below the point or angle a great ravine sets in, through which runs a fine broad road to the summit and the country beyond. A little stream comes trickling down this ravine and falls into the river. In early times an Indian path ran through this deep glen, and continued up the river and over the mountains beyond. It was a great thoroughfare, and in some places traces of it may still be pointed out.

Since the advent of the first white men in 1728, Blue Hill has been regarded as one of the most attractive spots in the romantic valley of the Susquehanna, and the view from its summit is acknowledged by travelers and tourists to be unrivaled in point of variety of scenery and natural grandeur. With the broad river in front, formed by the union of its two great branches-one flowing from the east and the other from the north--the wooded hills in the foreground, cultivated fields, bustling towns, and the receding mountains in the distance, which seem to blend with the sky, the landscape is indeed one of superlative grandeur upon which the eye never tires of gazing. Standing upon the point of the hill hundreds of feet above the water, which shimmers far beneath your feet like molten silver, you cast your eye to the left and behold Montour's Ridge sweeping away towards the east with a broad silver ribbon at its base; to the front, and far in the distance, are descried the majestic peaks of the Mahanoy range, while in the rear and looking to the north can be seen Jack and Shade mountains clothed from base to summit in their lovely garments of perennial green. A more enchanting or enrapturing scene is hard to find.

What Can be Seen.

And whilst the picture is enlivened by the beauty of the rolling hills, the receding mountains and the flashing waters of the rivers, the towns of Sunbury and Northumberland nestle at your feet in quiet repose, while the distant hum of commerce falls gently on your ear. Puffing engines on the railroads below you, drawing long trains, are in view every few minutes, for you overlook no less than seven railroads from your lofty elevation. Numerous steamboats are constantly moving on the broad river between Sunbury and Northumberland, and landing passengers at the base of the mighty hill on which you are standing. The magnificent iron bridge of the Reading Railroad spans the river at its broadest point, whilst a lovely island on which there is a finely cultivated farm with attractive buildings, sparkles like a gem in the bosom of the stream. It is connected with the main land by the bridges of the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad, and the public bridge across which dash the electric cars running between the two towns, and the curling smoke from many tall chimneys tells you of the existence of busy manufactories in the surrounding towns.

A Bit of History.

While contemplating the beauty and magnificence of the landscape, which passes before your vision like the unrolling of a mighty panorama, it is well to pause a moment and look into the history of Blue Hill and its surroundings, for it has a history that tells of trials, tribulations and sufferings, of wondrously strange events and thrilling incidents.

On the level ground before you and now occupied by Sunbury, which was laid out in 1772, once stood the ancient Shamokin of the aborigines. Their wigwams dotted the plain for a mile or more up and down the river. There that grand old Oneida Chief, Shikellimy (pronounced Shik-el- lee-my) lived, reigned and died. If the testimony of the Moravians is to be believed, he was, in every respect, "a good Indian," and as the Vice-King of the Six Nations, he wielded a powerful influence for good over the savage and uncultivated of his people there is little doubt, for on the 17th of October, 1747, John Hagen, another zealous Moravian, entered in his journal: "Shikellimy, at this date, is emperor over all the kings and governors of the Indian nations on the Susquehanna."

His Death and Burial.

The old King fell violently ill on the 7th of December, 1748, and on the night of the 17th he died. Bishop Zeisberger was present at the closing scene and administered the last sad rites. The Moravians made him a coffin and he received Christian burial at their hands in the Indian Cemetery, through which the Philadelphia and Erie Railroad now runs, near the southern end of the bridge which spans the river. Over a hundred years afterwards his grave was opened by an antiquarian, and many fine beads, some of which were given to the Indians by Penn in payment for the first lands purchased in Pennsylvania, and war implements which had been buried with him, together with a piece of the coffin, were secured, and may now be seen in his collection at Sunbury.

In many respects Shikellimy was one of the most remarkable aborigines of whom we have any account in this valley. He was an Oneida by birth, and Shikellimy was the name given him by the Shawanese. The Five Nations called him Swa-ta-ne, and he belonged to the tribe of the Bear. He is supposed to have been born in or near the borders of Canada, and was probably sixty-five years old at the time of his death. It is appropriate, therefore, that his name should be perpetuated by the Hotel which, from this lofty elevation, overlooks his grave, the spot where his wigwam stood, and his dust, which now mingles with the soil by the side of the winding river.

His Profile in the Rocks.

In addition to his good deeds and noble character, there is a halo of romance surrounding the history of this remarkable chieftain which is exceedingly beautiful and impressive. At a given point on the river and the railroad, under certain atmospheric conditions, the profile of the face of the old King can be seen outlined by the rocks on the eastern side of the hill. He appears to be serenely gazing over the borough of Northumberland and the majestic hills beyond. The outlines of his calm and thoughtful face are sharply defined, and it requires no stretch of the imagination to realize that the picture is strangely beautiful and impressive. That his rugged features should thus be outlined in this way by nature is remarkable; and whilst it can only be regarded as the accidental production, through a peculiar combination of the rocks, with the aid of light and shade, it must be accepted as a singular coincident which is as strange as it is beautiful and suggestive. Some years ago Hon. T. H. Purdy, of Sunbury, in his Legends of the Susquehanna, referred to it in these beautiful and appropriate lines:-

The calm of peace and blessedness and grace, Still lingered on his cold but kindly face. Where he was wedded, there his grave was made, And wild-wood flow'rs upon his tomb were laid. Then every bee that humm'd, or dove that sigh'd, Or wind that moan'd o'er Susquehanna's, tide, And every cloud that wept along the sky, Seemed full of sadness as it drifted by. And all the pines, on every hill around, Have never ceas'd to send their wailing sound, To fill the forests and the valleys wide With lamentations since this chieftain died. And to this day a pensive shadow falls. Down on the river from whose tow'ring walls, Where Blue Hill, with its shale and rocks of red, Rise up to memorize the noble dead! Half up those rocks, conspicuous in place, Time's hand has chisel'd Shikellimy's face, Which, looking eastward o'er the rippling wave, Beholds the place where chieftains made his grave. And yet along that beach, still whisp'ring there, One hears low murmurs floating on the air- 'Loved Shikellimy!" say the waves that rise, "Fair Nenaoma!" back the wind replies, And so forever, and for evermore, Their names shall live on Susquehanna's shore.

Old Fort Augusta.

After the destruction of Shamokin by the Indians, in 1756, Governor Morris ordered a Provincial force there to erect a fort for the protection of the frontier. It was constructed under the direction of Col. Clapham, an English officer, and it was named Fort Augusta, in honor of the mother of George III. It was finely constructed and became one of the most important fortifications of the line which stretched from its angles, but not a trace now remains to mark where it stood, except the magazine, which can still be entered. It lies deep in the ground to the right of the brick house spoken of, is arched with English brick, and can be entered by a flight of stone steps.

This great fort once served as the gateway to the North and West branches of the Susquehanna, and around its walls many stirring and bloody scenes were enacted. It was the haven of rest and protection for the settlers up the river when they were forced to fly before the savages, and often times it was crowded with the refugees. The wary Indians used to stealthily approach it in the thickets to pick off sentinels and small working parties, and the records show that in the course of a few years nearly two hundred men fell victims to the prowling foe.

Visit of the French.

Almost on the spot where the reader is now standing to contemplate the glory and magnificence of the enchanting scene spread before him, a corps of French military engineers quietly encamped in the autumn of 1756, to reconnoiter the fort and determine whether it could be captured, They came from Fort Duquesne, and descended the river on floats to a point below Williamsport, where they debarked, and leaving a strong military force behind, made their way over the Indian path to the hill. After a careful study of its location and strength, and noting the fact that a wide river had to be crossed, they returned and reported that its reduction was impossible without heavy cannon, and as they could not be gotten there, the project was abandoned.

A Cannon Shot.

Indians frequently visited the hill, and imagining themselves safe, indulged in all manner of insulting demonstrations towards the garrison. On one occasion, when engaged in their antics, a cannon was trained upon them and a round shot fired, which cut off the branches of a tree over their heads, frightening them so badly that they scampered away in great haste. When the railroad was being built around the base of the hill a few years ago, several cannon balls were found, which had no doubt been fired from the fort.

Mason's Tower.

That the view from the hill was looked upon years ago as exceedingly beautiful, is shown by the action of John Mason in building his famous leaning tower. It was about 16 x 18 feet, two stories in height, and its foundations were clamped to the rock by strong irons. It stood a few yards above the hotel, and leaned over the precipice at an angle about of about twenty-two degrees. The roof was flat, and a railing extended around it for protection. From the top you looked straight down to the water. It was built about 1839 and thrown down by vandals in 1864. Mason, who was somewhat eccentric, died in 1849, in the rear of his leaning tower. His grave is still pointed out.

Hotel Shikellimy.

Blue Hill has commanded the admiration of travelers for a hundred years, and lovers of the sublime in nature have never tired of gazing upon the lovely landscape seen from its summit, nor ceased to extol its beauties. And the remark has often been made that the location of a summer hotel on its highest point would be an admirable project. But the idea never was carried into practical effect until about a year ago, when the Drumheller Brothers, of Sunbury, proprietors of the City Hotel in that place, purchased a tract of forty acres on the hill, and at once went to work to clear the ground and erect a splendid and costly hotel on the highest point. It is now completed and ready for summer visitors. The building, which is beautiful and imposing in its architectural design, and furnished without regard to cost, cannot fail to please the most fastidious. It stands within a few yards of the edge of the precipice, and is 145 x 125 feet in size, three stories in height, and ornamented with gables, observatories and domes, which add greatly to its external appearance. In its arrangement due regard has been paid to the comfort of the guests. There are three wide rotundas-one on each floor-and in the first the office is located on the side of the house looking to the east. The ladies' reception room is to the left, and the elegant parlors to the right, from which an unbroken view is had of the office. In the rear of the office to the right are the gentlemen's sitting, smoking and writing rooms, and further back the billiard room. Near the office is the dining room. It is 85 x 32 feet, and is one of the largest, most cheerful and attractive to be found in any public house. The first story is finished in oak, and the others in white, which imparts a cool and pleasant appearance.

The second story is reached by a broad and easy flight. There are about eighty rooms on this The second story is reached by a broad and easy flight. There are about eighty rooms on this and the upper floor. Nearly all open on the beautiful scenic views of the surrounding country. Many of the rooms are large; those in the corners or angles are delightful and cheerful, and all open on the wide halls and corridors. On all the floors are toilet and bath rooms and electric bells, and the sewerage system is perfect. Gas is used for illuminating purposes. On the south side is a veranda ranging in width from six to fifteen feet, overlooking a terraced lawn ornamented with shrubs and flowers, which makes it a very pleasant place for lounging, promenading, chatting and reading. There are tennis courts and croquet grounds on the lawn for the use of those who indulge in this amusement, and near by, in a native grove of twenty acres, a dancing pavilion 65 x 35 feet has been erected.

On the declivity of the hill near by are three living springs of pure water, whilst an artesian well 502 feet in depth supplies the house with abundance of pure water for all purposes. In a shady glen but a few yards away is pointed out the spot where Charles Albright, a disappointed lover, once hid himself from the world, built an humble cabin and passed his days as a hermit. It is known as "Charley's Hollow," and is a quiet, romantic retreat.

From the Outlook.

From the main outlook on the top of the building, which is octagon in form, you stand 500 feet above the river and about 1000 above sea level. From this point the scope of your vision takes in a range of one thousand square miles, in which are seen seven river bridges, rolling hills, stately mountain peaks, velvety fields and the church spires of many towns and boroughs. At your feet lie the boroughs of Sunbury and Northumberland having an aggregate population of fully twelve thousand people, which lends life and animation to the scene. The towns of Selinsgrove, Danville, Lewisburg and Milton are also plainly visible, and the winding course of the broad river and its branches can be traced for many miles. The scene is indeed magnificent, and must be seen to be appreciated, for no pen can describe or pencil depict the sublime panoramic view which is unfolded to the eye. Looking down upon Northumberland from this lofty elevation, the grave of the illustrious Dr. Priestly, discoverer of oxygen gas, can almost be pointed out in its pretty cemetery on the hillside. It was in this quiet town that the great chemist, metaphysician and theologian took refuge when he fled from England, in 1794, to escape persecution, and here he died in 1804.

Comfort for the Guests.

As the proprietors have had long experience in hotel keeping, they flatter themselves that they know what guests expect, and they will leave nothing undone that will contribute to their comfort and pleasure during their stay. Everything is first-class. The rooms are neatly furnished, and the beds and mattresses are of the best. Especial attention will be given to the cuisine, as the proprietors are well aware that success largely depends upon this essential branch. The choicest provisions and delicacies will be provided, and with the best service possible the proprietors feel that they will be able to please and satisfy all who may favor them with their patronage.

Mail Conveniences.

When the heat of summer prevails, the atmosphere is delightfully cool and invigorating at Hotel Shikellimy, and no pleasanter place can be found in the State for rest and recreation, without being shut off from the world. The New York and Philadelphia daily papers, and all letters, are quickly received at the hotel and distributed. Mails can be dispatched at midnight and reach Philadelphia and New York early next day. This is a convenience enjoyed by few mountain summer resorts. Telephonic communications to all parts of the State.

Boating and Fishing.

Steamboats from Sunbury land passengers at all hours at the base of the hill, where carriages will carry them up a broad, winding road, through a romantic glen, to the hotel; or they can alight at the station at Northumberland, cross the river bridge and meet the carriages. The Reading Railroad also has a station at the base of the hill where passengers coming by that route can leave the cars. The erection of an elevator some 300 feet in height is contemplated, which will lift visitors to within a few yards of the hotel door. This will be a great convenience as well as novelty, and it will resemble the elevator at Niagara Falls.

The Susquehanna at this point is nearly a mile wide, and always calm and beautiful. For boating purposes it is unexcelled, and the club in Sunbury owns the finest shells and boats that money can procure. One of the finest iron bridges-that of the Reading Railroad-is thrown across the river at its broadest point, and the telegraph wire of the Standard Oil Company, which stretches across the river, is said to be the longest span in the world.

Bass fishing in season is one of the chief amusements on the river, and fine ones ranging in weight from one to nine pounds, are often caught.

How to Reach the Hotel.

Visitors to this new resort can reach it by seven superbly equipped railroads, viz: The Northern Central, Philadelphia and Erie, Philadelphia and Reading, Delaware, Lackawanna and Western, the Shamokin and Wilkes-Barre branches of the Northern Central, and the Lewistown branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Such a concentration of railroads from all points North, East, West and South, is seldom found, and the advantages for travel to and from Hotel Shikellimy are unsurpassed. Fully forty passenger trains arrive and depart from Sunbury and Northumberland every twenty-four hours, and the majority of them can be seen from the piazza of the hotel.

Charming Drives.

There are fine drives for long distances through the country in the rear of the hotel, and as the roads are good, bicycle riders, too, can have all the exercise they want. On these roads many objects of interest can be seen. The pretty borough of Lewisburg, on the edge of the rich and lovely valley of Buffalo, is but a few miles distant, where Bucknell University, a richly endowed and flourishing institution of learning, is located.

Sunbury, one of the oldest towns in the interior of Pennsylvania, is 54 miles north of Harris- burg, 138 from Baltimore, 158 from Philadelphia, 40 south of Williamsport, and 64 south west of Wilkes-Barre. From Philadelphia via Reading Railroad it is 150, and from Scranton via Delaware, Lackawanna and Western, 80. Elmira is only 116 miles away, Washington 181, and New York 248 miles.

For further information and rates, address

DRUMHELLER BROTHERS,

SUNBURY, PENN'A.