In 2024, Bruce Bostion, who runs the Sunbury Pa facebook group, brought to my attention the names carved into the old observation deck at the dam in Sunbury.
I know I spent a good deal of time researching some of the names, attempting to find the connection, and why they were all carved there.. but at the moment, I cannot find my research. This is why I need to put everything right here on the blog or facebook right away...
The Observation Deck
This old photo shows the dam [prior to 1904] with people seated on the observation deck.
The dam was destroyed in the 1904 ice flood. See more about it here:
This is extremely easy to access. Above is a screenshot from google maps
Right across from Garringer Alley is a parking area. Walk out the path from the parking area.
Another view of the deck, and stairs.
Looking across the dam
Looking at an angle, across to the Shamokin Dam side
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THE NAMES
Here are some of the photos of the carvings and names. My best theory, and it is ONLY a theory, so far is that this is a group of men who were headed off to war and wanted their names memorialized before they left. But truly, I have no idea why these names are here. It may have just been bored kids with really good pocket knives.
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Bruce did some chalking over the names, which made them a lot easier to read.
This one is my favorite It's a Sun, with the word Sunbury PA
LJR
1912
C. Beasey maybe?
Howard B. Gingrich, Born Feb 12 1894
Son of John & Emma [Gates] Gingrich. Died 1/18/1938. Occupation at death was plumber.
Several Slough names, including Glen and Bob
Bob Slough 1969?
Harris Rogers maybe
W A Fahnestock - maybe
J? Bartha
W.H.G
S.G.
A.Y.
W.H. Neitz
JEH
G.C. Miller
J. Ray
E.W.
G.F
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ALSO CARVED IN SUNBURY
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In a stone in the old wall of the Northumberland County Prison is this carving:
There is a star of David on the left, and the date across the top reads
10-26-13.
A.B.H
There is an other date on the bottom right - possibly 1816?
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And also - I have this note saved from a facebook comment:
"The mcclay house on front Street has graffiti carved on it that dates back to the revolution. It was used as a store house and bored soldiers carved on it while on guard duty. Look on front south west corner."
More about the Maclay House
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NOT IN SUNBURY
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While we are talking about rock carvings, there's an entire park dedicated to the carvings of one man. His story could make a good movie..
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