Abandoned Places and Urban Exploration

Once upon a time, when things were much more laid back and life was simpler, communities enjoyed gathering at popular outdoor spots on a regular basis to eat food in the great outdoors, and enjoy each other’s company.   As a result, some simplistic structures were erected to help make these get-togethers a little more civilized.   The concept of “the picnic grove” was quite popular in the northeastern part of Pennsylvania.  So popular, that many sites later added more sophisticated “amusements”.

The Lehigh Valley Picnic Grounds were opened in the late 1800s, at Harvey’s Lake, and they later morphed into a full blown amusement park know as Hanson’s.

A roller coaster skeleton remnant at Hanson’s Abandoned Amusement Park

When Croop’s Glen first opened on Route 11 near Nanticoke, its main attraction was the waterfall and picnic area.

Abandoned Picnic Grove Tables at Croop’s Glen

Angela Park , in Mountain Top,  was first used by the land owners as a site for picnics and family gatherings.

Abandoned Pool Area Control Room at Angela Park

Even the amusement park with the longest run of any of the parks in the region, Rocky Glen, first opened as a picnic facility.

One picnic grove that I was familiar with as a child was the one perched above St Mary’s Cemetery in Plymouth, Pennsylvania.  I don’t recall ever attending an actual event at the picnic grove, but I do remember going there when I was little to pick pinecones and to ride the swings.  I went back there recently, out of curiosity, and found that those swings were long gone…..

The Abandoned Picnic Grove Of The Soul

People would follow the stone staircase….

……..near the stone alter

…..up to the picnic area

The swings are long gone…and the frame has rusted apart

Abandoned Outhouse

St Mary’s Cemetery Angels

Back To

GUERRILLA HISTORY Table of Contents

Cheri Sundra © 2013
All Rights Reserved