Beautiful Jim Thorpe, PA.

   

It was a beautiful day to go exploring Jim Thorpe. What a picturesque town, from the history of the town (formerly known as Mauch Chunk) to its architecture. There really is only one parking lot for anyone visiting for the day. Also alot of these museums take cash only. So I started out at the Asa Packer Mansion. There is at least 150 steps from the street to the house. Well they definitely overlooked the town. (and not in a bad way) Asa was the founder of Lehigh University (Bet Uncle Leonard knew that) and he also was the founder of the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Also a little trivia the house next door that became his son's home was the inspiration for Walt Disney's haunted Mansion. Now the house is a hotel and even more fun it has Murder Mystery weekends.

                                      

Then I walked the 1 mile (uphill even though you didn't notice it) to the Old Jail House Museum. I was impressed by the hand cut stone that this structure was built and yes I went looking for ghosts because what jail doesn't have ghost. I think I captured one. You tell me. A little history on this jail was that the Molly Maguires* in the 1870's were hung there. The last one (I believe) put his hand print on the wall of the jail and said as long as my hand print is there I am innocent. Well hundred + years later it is still there, and it has been tried to be removed over those years.
* I also found out that Sean Connery filmed the movie THE MOLLY MAGUIRES here. So guess will need to find it and watch it.

 

       

             

             


On the way up and back down the hill I must have taken pictures of the different doors, plants, and other unique things along the way.

I also stopped by the Mauch Chunk Cultural center and museum. It was interesting but this was a once only museum.

The museum I really thought would be interesting and there were plenty of signs to advertise it, was the Stabin Museum. Sadly its open only on weekends or by appointment (if you have a large group). Guess I need to go back for a repeat visit to the town. Also Tuesday seems to be a day that alot of the shops are closed. Of course Tuesday was the day I could go. Oh well. Next time

Before leaving I had to go to the FREE 100 mile view. It says they have a winery, sorry didn't see that but the view is beautiful. It is up a gravel road and through the woods before it opens up to a very impressive view.

On the way out of town its a must to stop by the memorial for the man the town was named for, Jim Thorpe. I understand that they are in the process of adding another statue of him playing baseball. That was a man who could do any sport and did try them all. (bowling, football, baseball, pentathlon, decathlon to name a few)