Devils Cave, Lovers Lane, Williamsport
Unfortunately, Devils Cave , the popular picnic location from 1910-1918, is no longer accessible. Located near Wildwood Cemetery, the entrance to the cave is now just a pile of rubble, blocking the entrance to prevent trespassers from going inside. What is left of the save is located on property that is no longer open to the public.
In 1891, The Botany Class from Lycoming Seminary Visited.
The class of 1913, commercial department, held a corn roast there on September 19 1913.
The are where Devils Cave existed is no longer accessible - it is part of the Williamsport Municipal Water Company property, and posted with No Trespassing signs.
For reference only (Please do not attempt to go here!) the location was: From High St go past the old Lycoming Engine Factory. After High St turns right, you will come to the bridge, the cave was on the right . The land has slid away there and the only way one might get to the former cave location is to take a trail from high st just before the turn and hike up over the hill and come down. An alternate hike would be from Wildwood cemetery . Please note that it is city water supply and there is no trespassing tolerated there now."
In September of 1889 the Williamsport Grit announced that gigantic skeletons and historic relics were discovered in Devil's Cave. The gigantic announcement was later revealed to be nothing more than a gigantic hoax.
In 1914 and 1915, the area was often named in newspaper accounts as a spot for picnics and church group outings.
"Few persons think of Sunday hiking and such spots as the French Settlement, Sulphur Spring, and the Devil's Cave are all but forgotten." The Sun Gazette, July 1956
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Corn Roast At Devils Cave
The Williamsport Sun Gazette
September 1914
Accidental Shooting near Devils Cave, 1910
I explored some of that area when I was younger but never wanted to go into that cave.
ReplyDeleteI have seen Devil's Cave (and Lovers Lane) in vintage postcards, but only now know (approximately) where it was after reading your article. Thanks.
ReplyDelete