Valley Girl Views: Sights To See - Keithan's Gardens in Sunbury PA

Keithan's Blue Bird Gardens, 1043 S Front St, Sunbury, PA

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Keithan's Bakery and Luncheonette, at 340 Market Street in Sunbury was founded by John A Keithan in 1882. John's son Charles Keithan joined the family business, but in later interviews, Charles confessed that he "never became deeply involved in baking". Instead, Charles was much more interested in the ice cream and candy making end of he business.

This beautiful park is open to the public, with walking paths, benches, and swings.

In 1936, Charles Keithan, son of Keithan's Baker founder John Keithan, acquired two acres fronting both front and second streets, at the south end of Sunbury, extending from Garinger Alley on the North and Smith Alley to the South. The land had formerly been owned by Dr. H. Savage, a dentist shop had offices nearby. Dr. Savage had filled the field with flowers - mostly roses.

The 1936 flood left the area a swampy mess, covered with six feet of water. Keithan said "I had an idea back then of how I wanted the land to eventually look. So each year, I planted a different section and added more trees."

Keithan filled the area with azaleas, rhododendron, and flowering trees. An acre and a half was devoted to flowers and shrubs, and the remaining half acre was a vegetable garden.

By 1975, there were 25 species of trees, Norway Spruce, and magnificent Chinese Dogwoods in addition to shrubbery and flowers."

Keithan said "I concentrate mainly on azaleas and rhododendrons because they are permanent flowers that result in a profusion of color. They both also require an acidic soil, so they are complimentary toward each other."

In 1940, Keithan erected a cottage in the garden. It was for some years occupied by Frank DePhilips, a retired railroader, who assisted with the gardening. When DePhillips moved to Northumberland, George Shipe moved in.

Today the cottage is used by brides using the gardens for their wedding ceremony. It was "spruced up" in 2005, with new plumbing, a new electrical system, windows and lighting.

The gazebo at the park is frequently used for weddings, and prom photos

In 1945 The Daily item reported that the Azaleas were in full bloom in mid April - "at least a month early this year." Visitors were welcome.

Until about 1960, Keithan raised and bred cocker spaniels in the garden.

In May 1966, a newspaper article described the garden:

"The gardens are separated by walks for those who wish to linger amid the paths and vistas. Here thrive rare azaleas and rhododendrons, their reg, scarlet, orange, lavender and wine shades relieved by masses of white in spirea and Deutzia and dogwood.

Some of this years blooming varieties are the Knapp Hill azaleas Mr. Keithan imported from England, and The Exbury hybrids originating in England that he got from Oregon this year and that are not yet of blooming size. The stately oaks and some red maples that form a boundary-line setting add great beauty to the overall vista."

In 1970, it was suggested that Keithans' garden would make an ideal public park if acquired by the city, but Mr. Keithan replied that the city didn't have enough money to buy it He rejected various offers, and according to an article in the Daily Item in August of 1970, he "looks upon the garden as a source of retirement income."

In the same 1970 article, Charles Keithan said he "sleeps every night in the same bed in which he was born 72 years ago. "

A sign in the park displays this photo of Charles Keithan, with his azaleas

In an interview in 1975, Keithan would not say how many hours a week he worked in the garden, but he did say it was hard work. "Sometimes I just sit on my tractor after I cut the grass and and more the place. When I finish working, I am sometimes too tired to walk, but I'm never too tired to appreciate the beauty."