Folk lore
The Ghost Of
Dead Man's Hollow
Dead Man's Hollow
Throughout the years, many people claim to have had strange experiences while visiting the Dead Man's Hollow area. Some of the most common occurrences involve unusual noises and unexplained movement. Visitors often find themselves baffled by tree branches that begin to shake when there is no wind or wildlife to cause the disturbance. Others have felt as if they were being watched by an unseen presence while hiking on the trails. Despite all of the claims, it may come as a surprise that there has only been one documented incident of an actual encounter with what could be the Ghost of Dead Man's Hollow. The event took place during the later months of 1934. One of the descendants of the Bendzuch family recounted the story for a local author working on a book about Dead Man's Hollow. During an interview with the Buena Vista man, the author learned that many of the families living in the isolated hollow owned or had access to rowboats or homemade skiffs. These boats provided residents with an easier way to get to Versailles and an alternative to the mile long walk to the Boston Bridge. Of course, crossing the river presented more dangers, especially at night and during inclement weather.
It was on one such evening that Mike Bendzuch Junior had a run in with what he believed to be the Ghost of Dead Man's Hollow. In the very witching hour of night, Mike was returning to his home in the hollow from Versailles. The moonlight shimmered over the smooth waters of the Youghiogheny. As the tiny boat neared the middle of the river, something on the shoreline caught Mike's attention. It was a glowing mist that appeared to be moving along the river's edge in the still night air. Mike focused on the unusual sight as the shape of a man began to emerge from the thin cloud. Gradually, the silhouette's features were revealed underneath the bright Hunter's Moon. It was a Native American Indian! Without removing his eyes from the spectacle, the young man lifted the oars out of the water and balanced them on the walls of the boat. The gentle current slowly eased the small craft down the river while Mike continued to stare at the mysterious stranger walking on the riverbank. Oddly enough, the individual on the shore actually appeared to be watching Mike too. Suddenly without warning, the Native American Indian vanished in the a blinding flash of light and the mist dissipated into the darkness. Needless to say, Mike was astounded by what he had just observed. Quickly, he dropped both oars back into the water and began to row as fast as he could. He managed to navigated the boat toward shore. Occasionally, he found himself looking over his shoulder hoping to catch another glimpse of the being. When the young Bendzuch reached the landing at Dead Man's Hollow, he tied up the boat to an old tree stump, removed the oars and raced for home with his incredible tale.
By late morning, Mike had shared the details of the amazing incident with his entire family. The younger Bendzuch children were fascinated by the story of the apparition. The eldest members of the family weren't as easily convinced, though. Mike remained adamant that it was in fact a ghost. After giving it some thought, Mike began to imply that it was the ghost of the man who had been murdered in the hollow in 1874. His explanation also suggested that the hanged man was obviously a Native American Indian. Once the word of the supernatural sighting reached Mike's friends and neighbors, jokes about the incident began to circulate. Some acquaintances would later repeat the story and finish by adding a few words about how Mike must have stopped by the tavern before heading home. Of course, Mike never swayed from his belief that it truly was the Ghost of Dead Man's Hollow that he encountered that night.
It was on one such evening that Mike Bendzuch Junior had a run in with what he believed to be the Ghost of Dead Man's Hollow. In the very witching hour of night, Mike was returning to his home in the hollow from Versailles. The moonlight shimmered over the smooth waters of the Youghiogheny. As the tiny boat neared the middle of the river, something on the shoreline caught Mike's attention. It was a glowing mist that appeared to be moving along the river's edge in the still night air. Mike focused on the unusual sight as the shape of a man began to emerge from the thin cloud. Gradually, the silhouette's features were revealed underneath the bright Hunter's Moon. It was a Native American Indian! Without removing his eyes from the spectacle, the young man lifted the oars out of the water and balanced them on the walls of the boat. The gentle current slowly eased the small craft down the river while Mike continued to stare at the mysterious stranger walking on the riverbank. Oddly enough, the individual on the shore actually appeared to be watching Mike too. Suddenly without warning, the Native American Indian vanished in the a blinding flash of light and the mist dissipated into the darkness. Needless to say, Mike was astounded by what he had just observed. Quickly, he dropped both oars back into the water and began to row as fast as he could. He managed to navigated the boat toward shore. Occasionally, he found himself looking over his shoulder hoping to catch another glimpse of the being. When the young Bendzuch reached the landing at Dead Man's Hollow, he tied up the boat to an old tree stump, removed the oars and raced for home with his incredible tale.
By late morning, Mike had shared the details of the amazing incident with his entire family. The younger Bendzuch children were fascinated by the story of the apparition. The eldest members of the family weren't as easily convinced, though. Mike remained adamant that it was in fact a ghost. After giving it some thought, Mike began to imply that it was the ghost of the man who had been murdered in the hollow in 1874. His explanation also suggested that the hanged man was obviously a Native American Indian. Once the word of the supernatural sighting reached Mike's friends and neighbors, jokes about the incident began to circulate. Some acquaintances would later repeat the story and finish by adding a few words about how Mike must have stopped by the tavern before heading home. Of course, Mike never swayed from his belief that it truly was the Ghost of Dead Man's Hollow that he encountered that night.
Giant Snake Sightings
When the hour is late and the warm glow of a campfire cuts through the darkness, there is a tale that is often told just before settling in for the night. Unlike most of the legends told of Dead Man's Hollow, this account does not involve a supernatural presence. Instead, the story concentrates on a fearsome creature that was seen in the area on multiple occasions over one hundred years ago. It's an unnerving tale of a nightmarish predator that allegedly stalked its prey around the floodplains of the Youghiogheny River. It's the story of the Giant Snake of Dead Man's Hollow.
At the beginning of August in 1893, one local resident braved the possibility of ridicule and shared his unusual encounter with the local newspaper. It was an extremely warm summer day when an elderly man by the name of Charles Brown picked up his weather-beaten walking stick and went for a stroll. On that particular day, it was no surprise that he opted for a route that had plenty of shade trees to protect him from the midday heat. Brown's path led him to edge of the Youghiogheny River across from Dead Man's Hollow. Every so often, he would pause to rest and listen to the songs of wild birds in the tree branches overhead. It was the gentle breeze drifting in from the river that gave Brown the nudge to continue down the dusty path. As he moved along, Brown neared a clearing in the woods. He began to watch the wave-like indentations in the tall grass caused by the wind blowing across the field. At that moment, an uncanny stillness fell over the walking path. The aging gentleman paused once more. His brow instantly began to sweat as the unfiltered sunlight beat down upon him. Brown was quick to notice that the birds had suddenly stopped 'chirping'. The only sound was that of the blades of grass brushing together. Then, he saw it!
Charles Brown was immediately overcome by fear. Right before his very eyes was the largest snake that he had ever seen. The scales of the creature's sleek body reflected hints of sunlight as it slithered toward the riverbank. Terror spread quickly through the elderly man's body, thus causing his strength to weaken and his legs to buckle. A moment later, Brown fainted and collapsed to the ground below him.
The sun had sunk low in the afternoon sky by the time Charles Brown regained his senses. He then hurried to reclaim his walking stick and pull himself back to his feet. His frightened eyes quickly scanned the field where he spotted the serpent prior to fainting. He was momentarily relieved when the monstrous creature was nowhere to be found. Then, the thought of the snake still lurking in the area forced Brown to hobble away as fast as his weary legs would allow.
When Brown exited the woods near Walnut Street, he frantically summoned help from a passing horse-drawn carriage. After recounting his strange tale to the occupants of the vehicle, the driver beckoned Brown to climb aboard. With one quick snap of the reins, the horse and carriage raced off in the direction of McKeesport to find a constable.
In the days that followed the sighting, the Daily News reported the details of Brown's near death experience with what he described as forty-foot snake. The article raised concerns from residents, especially from those living in the area where the sighting supposedly happened. Others living in the region dismissed the incredible story altogether and said that it was a hoax. A few of these individuals would later accuse the elderly man of being intoxicated or having been affected by the heat. It wasn't long before talk of Charles Brown and his giant snake had subsided and the newspaper article slipped out of memory. However, it would not be the only time that this incredible story found its way to the printed page.
At the beginning of August in 1893, one local resident braved the possibility of ridicule and shared his unusual encounter with the local newspaper. It was an extremely warm summer day when an elderly man by the name of Charles Brown picked up his weather-beaten walking stick and went for a stroll. On that particular day, it was no surprise that he opted for a route that had plenty of shade trees to protect him from the midday heat. Brown's path led him to edge of the Youghiogheny River across from Dead Man's Hollow. Every so often, he would pause to rest and listen to the songs of wild birds in the tree branches overhead. It was the gentle breeze drifting in from the river that gave Brown the nudge to continue down the dusty path. As he moved along, Brown neared a clearing in the woods. He began to watch the wave-like indentations in the tall grass caused by the wind blowing across the field. At that moment, an uncanny stillness fell over the walking path. The aging gentleman paused once more. His brow instantly began to sweat as the unfiltered sunlight beat down upon him. Brown was quick to notice that the birds had suddenly stopped 'chirping'. The only sound was that of the blades of grass brushing together. Then, he saw it!
Charles Brown was immediately overcome by fear. Right before his very eyes was the largest snake that he had ever seen. The scales of the creature's sleek body reflected hints of sunlight as it slithered toward the riverbank. Terror spread quickly through the elderly man's body, thus causing his strength to weaken and his legs to buckle. A moment later, Brown fainted and collapsed to the ground below him.
The sun had sunk low in the afternoon sky by the time Charles Brown regained his senses. He then hurried to reclaim his walking stick and pull himself back to his feet. His frightened eyes quickly scanned the field where he spotted the serpent prior to fainting. He was momentarily relieved when the monstrous creature was nowhere to be found. Then, the thought of the snake still lurking in the area forced Brown to hobble away as fast as his weary legs would allow.
When Brown exited the woods near Walnut Street, he frantically summoned help from a passing horse-drawn carriage. After recounting his strange tale to the occupants of the vehicle, the driver beckoned Brown to climb aboard. With one quick snap of the reins, the horse and carriage raced off in the direction of McKeesport to find a constable.
In the days that followed the sighting, the Daily News reported the details of Brown's near death experience with what he described as forty-foot snake. The article raised concerns from residents, especially from those living in the area where the sighting supposedly happened. Others living in the region dismissed the incredible story altogether and said that it was a hoax. A few of these individuals would later accuse the elderly man of being intoxicated or having been affected by the heat. It wasn't long before talk of Charles Brown and his giant snake had subsided and the newspaper article slipped out of memory. However, it would not be the only time that this incredible story found its way to the printed page.
Giant Snake Sightings
( Part 2 )
( Part 2 )
During the summer of 1960, a publication commemorating McKeesport's Old Home Week celebration included a reference to a medical professional and his account of a large serpent that had been spotted in the area thirty years prior to the Brown incident. The words regarding this event were found in the pages of a journal written by Doctor George Huey on July 18th, 1860. The journal entry read:
"The big snake was again seen at McKeesport. Bill Atwater was out gathering berries, and was sitting on a rail resting, when he heard sticks cracking behind him. When he turned around expecting to see some person, he saw the snake. He dropped his bucket and ran. The big snake is said to have been first seen by Colonel Sill and James Penney fifty-one years ago. It was next seen by Tom Carroll in 1851 or 1852, it was seen by several persons at that time. There are parties hunting for it every day. Some say that it is forty feet long and as thick as a man's body."
In addition to the July 18th journal entry, a second entry dated August 1st, 1860 also referred to the creature. It read:
"There is great excitement about the big snake. The men go out to hunt for it every day. It has been seen several times and they all say that it is forty feet long."
"The big snake was again seen at McKeesport. Bill Atwater was out gathering berries, and was sitting on a rail resting, when he heard sticks cracking behind him. When he turned around expecting to see some person, he saw the snake. He dropped his bucket and ran. The big snake is said to have been first seen by Colonel Sill and James Penney fifty-one years ago. It was next seen by Tom Carroll in 1851 or 1852, it was seen by several persons at that time. There are parties hunting for it every day. Some say that it is forty feet long and as thick as a man's body."
In addition to the July 18th journal entry, a second entry dated August 1st, 1860 also referred to the creature. It read:
"There is great excitement about the big snake. The men go out to hunt for it every day. It has been seen several times and they all say that it is forty feet long."
At the time when the two journal entries were recorded, Doctor George Huey was a prominent member of the community. Therefore, it was most likely his reputation that helped to give this story credibility. Even after it was learned that the doctor never actually saw the creature that he wrote about, many people still believed his words to be true. His account may have gained more notoriety had it not been for the accident that cost the doctor his life. A few months after the August entry was recorded, Doctor Huey braved a snowstorm to tend to one of his patients. To save time, the doctor attempted to cross the frozen Youghiogheny River. As he neared the middle of the river, the ice began to groan. Doctor Huey immediately recognized the danger and turned back. Before he could get to safety, the frozen surface collapsed beneath the physician's feet. After a desperate struggle in the water, the doctor managed to break a path through the thin ice and pull himself to shore. Unfortunately, the respected doctor's bout in the frigid water resulted in hypothermia and he died a short time later.
In the years that followed the retelling of Doctor Huey's account, there were many theories about the origin of the mythical beast. One suggestion was that the giant snake was an exotic pet that had somehow escaped captivity. Had the snake sightings in Dead Man's Hollow coincided with the recent increase in exotic pet ownership, this theory may have been easier to accept. However, since the stories of the giant serpent date back to the late 1800s, it was very unlikely for the average person to own a snake as a pet.
On that note, another theory started to take shape. It was now being speculated that the giant snake was live cargo that had fallen from a circus train passing through the region. Around the time of the Brown incident, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and other traveling shows were breaking away from horse drawn wagons in favor of railroads. Flat rail cars purchased from the Pennsylvania Railroad proved to be a more efficient way to move the circus troupe, tents, equipment and livestock from one venue to the next. However, the rail cars were not without the occasional mishap. Most of these unreported incidents almost always involved accidental deaths and lost cargo. With that, the theory of the giant snake 'slithering away' from a traveling circus seems to be a reasonable one.
Local residents, on the other hand, have their own theory about the giant snake. Many of these individuals living along the outskirts of the conservation area believe that the snake never existed. It was said that moonshiners working in the Dead Man's Hollow area fabricated the story in order to scare people away. The idea was that a well placed rumor about a giant snake was bound to keep any sane person from wandering into the hollow and finding the bootleg operation. This theory seemed to make the most sense since the moonshiners would naturally want to keep their illicit activities a secret. As for the accounts of Charles Brown and Doctor George Huey, some residents simply smile and say, "Well, they were in on it."
Of course, they are still a few people who believe that there really was a giant snake that stalked Dead Man's Hollow at one point in time. Who knows? Maybe it's still out there... Waiting.
In the years that followed the retelling of Doctor Huey's account, there were many theories about the origin of the mythical beast. One suggestion was that the giant snake was an exotic pet that had somehow escaped captivity. Had the snake sightings in Dead Man's Hollow coincided with the recent increase in exotic pet ownership, this theory may have been easier to accept. However, since the stories of the giant serpent date back to the late 1800s, it was very unlikely for the average person to own a snake as a pet.
On that note, another theory started to take shape. It was now being speculated that the giant snake was live cargo that had fallen from a circus train passing through the region. Around the time of the Brown incident, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and other traveling shows were breaking away from horse drawn wagons in favor of railroads. Flat rail cars purchased from the Pennsylvania Railroad proved to be a more efficient way to move the circus troupe, tents, equipment and livestock from one venue to the next. However, the rail cars were not without the occasional mishap. Most of these unreported incidents almost always involved accidental deaths and lost cargo. With that, the theory of the giant snake 'slithering away' from a traveling circus seems to be a reasonable one.
Local residents, on the other hand, have their own theory about the giant snake. Many of these individuals living along the outskirts of the conservation area believe that the snake never existed. It was said that moonshiners working in the Dead Man's Hollow area fabricated the story in order to scare people away. The idea was that a well placed rumor about a giant snake was bound to keep any sane person from wandering into the hollow and finding the bootleg operation. This theory seemed to make the most sense since the moonshiners would naturally want to keep their illicit activities a secret. As for the accounts of Charles Brown and Doctor George Huey, some residents simply smile and say, "Well, they were in on it."
Of course, they are still a few people who believe that there really was a giant snake that stalked Dead Man's Hollow at one point in time. Who knows? Maybe it's still out there... Waiting.
The illustration above was featured in an exhibition focusing on large exotic snakes at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham, Alabama. The image also provides an excellent size comparison of Dead Man's Hollow's alleged giant snake to an average man and a modern transit bus.
The 'Missing Loot' Legend
There is one story of Dead Man's Hollow that has been passed down from generation to generation. It is a legend that involves two men, a heist, and the ultimate betrayal. It has been said that sometime during the turn of the century, two armed men burst into a bank in Clairton just before it was about to close for the day. One of men ordered the bank tellers to fill an old leather satchel with the day's profits while the other man acted as a lookout. In less than five minutes, the two men had slipped away with an undisclosed amount of money. After fleeing the scene on horseback, the bank robbers rode feverishly until they found a safe place to hide out. That place was the seclusion of Dead Man's Hollow. While one of the bank robbers sat on the ground dividing the loot, the other quietly drew his gun. Before his unsuspecting cohort could take action, the devious gunman squeezed the trigger and murdered his partner in cold blood. The conniving robber then proceeded to gathered both cuts of the money. A short time later, it was believed that the robber stashed the leather saddle bag full of stolen cash into the hollowed out trunk of a old tree before making his way out of the woods. As he neared the edge of the hollow where the two horses were tied, a single gunshot rang out. The bullet grazed through the trees and struck the robber dead. Almost immediately, a small group of lawmen armed with rifles appeared on the ridge. Evidently, they had been hot on the thieves' trail shortly after the incident occurred. It wasn't long before the hollow was alive with activity. An extensive search of the area turned up the body of the second suspect but not the stolen cash. When the daylight began to fade, the recovery efforts were postponed until the next morning. When the search continued at dawn, those involved seemed to have a difficult time remembering where to look. Eventually, the endless hours of searching would fail to produce a satisfying result. The money would remain missing. According to the local legend, the leather saddle bag full of stolen money is still hidden somewhere deep within the shadows of Dead Man's Hollow.
Over the years, many people have challenged the validity of this legend simply because there was an absence of newspaper documentation. However, according to one local author and historian, this was a common practice during the time of the alleged event. Thomas White, of Duquesne University, stated that news publications often avoided printing detrimental stories to remain 'business friendly'. In this particular case, it was quite possible that news of a robbery would have had an adverse effect of the bank's business. The fear of losing money could have easily swayed customers to patronize other banks. White also believed that such stories were repeatedly 'bumped' for ones that were deemed more important. This frequently occurred in newspapers because print space was limited. In addition, it was rare for a newspaper of that period to offer a section devoted to local happenings. Therefore, the majority of this information was passed by word of mouth at taverns, churches, and from neighbor to neighbor.
Whether it is true or not, the tale of the 'Missing Loot' continues to stimulate the imagination. For decades, this campfire story has been persuading local children to venture into Dead Man's Hollow with the hopes of recovering the fortune. Even without documentation, there are still those who remain convinced that the money is out there waiting to be found.
Over the years, many people have challenged the validity of this legend simply because there was an absence of newspaper documentation. However, according to one local author and historian, this was a common practice during the time of the alleged event. Thomas White, of Duquesne University, stated that news publications often avoided printing detrimental stories to remain 'business friendly'. In this particular case, it was quite possible that news of a robbery would have had an adverse effect of the bank's business. The fear of losing money could have easily swayed customers to patronize other banks. White also believed that such stories were repeatedly 'bumped' for ones that were deemed more important. This frequently occurred in newspapers because print space was limited. In addition, it was rare for a newspaper of that period to offer a section devoted to local happenings. Therefore, the majority of this information was passed by word of mouth at taverns, churches, and from neighbor to neighbor.
Whether it is true or not, the tale of the 'Missing Loot' continues to stimulate the imagination. For decades, this campfire story has been persuading local children to venture into Dead Man's Hollow with the hopes of recovering the fortune. Even without documentation, there are still those who remain convinced that the money is out there waiting to be found.
Please note that this website certainly does not advocate 'digging up' Dead Man's Hollow to blindly search for the alleged money.
The Return Of
The Giant Snake
The Giant Snake
Occasionally, history repeats itself. At least it appeared that way in the summer of 2007 when another giant snake sighting near Dead Man's Hollow caught the attention of the national media. On July 27th, of that year, The Associated Press shared an unusual story that had unfolded on the banks of the Monongahela River just outside of McKeesport. According to the official report, a family from Glassport was enjoying a leisurely walk along the river's edge when they stumbled upon a disturbing sight. What they had found was the carcass of a very large Asiatic Reticulated Python.
The family immediately alerted the authorities, who then contacted a wildlife control officer.
In a statement given by David Collura, a board member of the Allegheny County Conservation District, the 14 foot reptile appeared to have washed ashore after being struck and killed by a river boat. Collura also stated that the snake's head and tail were crushed by a boat propeller, though its fangs were still intact. "It was big enough to eat a dog or a small child," he said. "This snake was one of the biggest I had seen in awhile. This was a monster."
A short time later, the wildlife control officer who was called to the scene removed the carcass from the river bank and disposed of it at a local dump.
Despite being unclear on the details, experts agree that this particular snake was most likely an exotic pet that escaped captivity or was intentionally set free because it became too expensive or too dangerous to care for. The latter of the two suggestions (releasing an invasive species into the wild) has actually become a growing problem in the southern United States.
Reticulated pythons are native to Southeast Asia. The species is consider to be the world's longest nonvenomous constrictor, growing up to 22 feet in length. Although it is not common for this breed of snake to attack humans, there have been documented cases throughout the years where human fatalities have occurred when dealing with this species.
Studies have also shown that reticulated pythons are excellent swimmers. This presents a valid explanation as to why the snake was in the water when it met its demise beneath a passing boat.
The family immediately alerted the authorities, who then contacted a wildlife control officer.
In a statement given by David Collura, a board member of the Allegheny County Conservation District, the 14 foot reptile appeared to have washed ashore after being struck and killed by a river boat. Collura also stated that the snake's head and tail were crushed by a boat propeller, though its fangs were still intact. "It was big enough to eat a dog or a small child," he said. "This snake was one of the biggest I had seen in awhile. This was a monster."
A short time later, the wildlife control officer who was called to the scene removed the carcass from the river bank and disposed of it at a local dump.
Despite being unclear on the details, experts agree that this particular snake was most likely an exotic pet that escaped captivity or was intentionally set free because it became too expensive or too dangerous to care for. The latter of the two suggestions (releasing an invasive species into the wild) has actually become a growing problem in the southern United States.
Reticulated pythons are native to Southeast Asia. The species is consider to be the world's longest nonvenomous constrictor, growing up to 22 feet in length. Although it is not common for this breed of snake to attack humans, there have been documented cases throughout the years where human fatalities have occurred when dealing with this species.
Studies have also shown that reticulated pythons are excellent swimmers. This presents a valid explanation as to why the snake was in the water when it met its demise beneath a passing boat.