Just The Other Day
A New Documentary
On Saturday, May 26th, 2012, the filming of an exciting new documentary based upon the popular book Legends & Lore Of Western Pennsylvania occurred throughout the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area. Celebrated author and folklore historian Thomas White was on hand to host this visual journey and search for the origins of the hollow's best known legends and ghost stories.
White and the professional film crew spent the better part of the day touring the iconic landmarks of Dead Man's Hollow and discussing the findings on camera. Some of the topics included a suspenseful gun battle which cost a local shopkeeper his life, a tragic tale of an elevator mishap at the Union Sewer Pipe Company, and even a brief analysis of the Giant Snake sightings.
White and the professional film crew spent the better part of the day touring the iconic landmarks of Dead Man's Hollow and discussing the findings on camera. Some of the topics included a suspenseful gun battle which cost a local shopkeeper his life, a tragic tale of an elevator mishap at the Union Sewer Pipe Company, and even a brief analysis of the Giant Snake sightings.
In addition to the segment on Dead Man's Hollow, the film's producer revealed that the new documentary will feature White's investigations of other 'haunted' locations in Western Pennsylvania. Two questionable destinations that made the list included North Park's mysterious 'Blue Mist Road' and the eerie site of a mass burial at 'The Black Cross' in Butler County. Since the film is still in production, a public release date has not yet been announced.
X Marks The Spot!
Long before consultants from the region's top archaeological firms suggested that Dead Man's Hollow was an exceptional place to find historical artifacts, local adolescents were spending their summer vacations searching for 'treasure' in the secluded valley. Many of those children, now in their golden years, love to reminisce about exploring the factory ruins while tracking down the 'Missing Loot' that was allegedly stashed there after a daring bank robbery. Unfortunately, no one has ever reported finding the stolen money or any other treasure in the hollow. That was until Thursday, April 5th, 2012. On that day, Dead Man's Hollow became the site of an exciting discovery for a young family from North Versailles.
On Monday, April 2nd, 2012, The Daily News launched their 15th annual Easter Egg Hunt contest. Each day, a single clue to the whereabouts of a hidden Easter Egg was printed in the newspaper. By Thursday, the location of the egg was no longer such a mystery. The clue, reworded from the main page of the DMH Website, had contestants racing to the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area. Members of the Snyder / Pasinski family were the first to arrive. There was great enthusiasm when the hidden egg was pulled from its hiding place just a short distance from the edge of the Youghiogheny River Trail. The treasure had been found! The following day, the Easter Egg was returned to The Daily News and exchanged for a prize package that was valued at over one thousand dollars. Some of the prizes included a golf outing at a local golf course, a one year membership to a fitness club, and multiple gift cards for local restaurants, grocery stores and other area businesses. In addition, a photograph of the winning family was featured in The Daily News the following Saturday. The contest closed with The Daily News thanking everyone who participated as well as an invitation to the 2013 Easter Egg Hunt.
On Monday, April 2nd, 2012, The Daily News launched their 15th annual Easter Egg Hunt contest. Each day, a single clue to the whereabouts of a hidden Easter Egg was printed in the newspaper. By Thursday, the location of the egg was no longer such a mystery. The clue, reworded from the main page of the DMH Website, had contestants racing to the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area. Members of the Snyder / Pasinski family were the first to arrive. There was great enthusiasm when the hidden egg was pulled from its hiding place just a short distance from the edge of the Youghiogheny River Trail. The treasure had been found! The following day, the Easter Egg was returned to The Daily News and exchanged for a prize package that was valued at over one thousand dollars. Some of the prizes included a golf outing at a local golf course, a one year membership to a fitness club, and multiple gift cards for local restaurants, grocery stores and other area businesses. In addition, a photograph of the winning family was featured in The Daily News the following Saturday. The contest closed with The Daily News thanking everyone who participated as well as an invitation to the 2013 Easter Egg Hunt.
The following gallery features the clues that The Daily News used during the 2012 contest.
Dead Man's Hollow
Half-Marathon & 5K Race
Half-Marathon & 5K Race
In the Spring of 2011, Dead Man's Hollow loaned its frightening name to a fundraising event that was taking place along the Youghiogheny River Trail. The event was the Dead Man's Hollow Half-Marathon and 5k Race. Developed by the Mon-Yough Trail Council and sponsored by Jefferson Regional Medical Center, the Half-Marathon and 5K was to be the first of its kind held on the YRT. To make sure that the event was conducted properly, event planners enlisted the help of professional race coordinators and timers as well as employees from a regional fitness shop. In addition, the organizers turned to the DMH Website and its DMH destination decal for inspiration when creating a memorable race logo. After months of tedious preparation, the day of the race finally arrived on Saturday, April 16th. Race officials anticipated that the event would attract 500 to 700 participants. By the start of the event, though, only half of the expected number had turned out. Many blamed the cold 'winter-like' weather for keeping the attendance down. Of course, those who did show up were ready to compete no matter what. Shortly after 9 am, both races began. The 5K sent participants north on the trail from the town of Boston to the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area and then back. Individuals running in the Half-Marathon followed the winding trail south to the Historic Dravo Cemetery before returning along the same route. All throughout the morning, scattered showers and a bone chilling wind added to the challenge. It was noon before the sky over the finish line started to clear. Eventually, a few rays of sunlight did manage to break through the cloud cover as the awards ceremony and post race activities concluded. In the end, many of the participants found the race to be enjoyable and well organized.
The Spring of 2012 brought the return of the event as well as one major change. According to volunteers from the Mon-Yough Trail Council, the race organizers opted to rename the fundraiser. It was now to be called the Boston Trail Half-Marathon and 5K. The reason behind the change was simply to better promote the area and to clarify that the event was benefiting Youghiogheny River Trail maintenance and not the Allegheny Land Trust property.
The Spring of 2012 brought the return of the event as well as one major change. According to volunteers from the Mon-Yough Trail Council, the race organizers opted to rename the fundraiser. It was now to be called the Boston Trail Half-Marathon and 5K. The reason behind the change was simply to better promote the area and to clarify that the event was benefiting Youghiogheny River Trail maintenance and not the Allegheny Land Trust property.
Human Remains?
The 'buzzing' sound of chainsaws filled the crisp autumn air during the 2010 Dead Man's Hollow Restoration Project and 'Clean Up' day. On Saturday morning, October 16th, over thirty volunteers assembled along the Youghiogheny River Trail to assist Allegheny Land Trust and the DMH Fellowship volunteer network with the work that needed to be done. For a few short hours, volunteers roamed throughout the woods removing litter and cleaning the graffiti from the park benches. Some of the men and women formed small work groups and separated along the Witch Hazel Trail and Black Oak Trail. They set out to tackle the job of clearing downed trees from the hiking paths. The plan was to have two volunteers operate chainsaws while the rest of the party carefully moved the cut debris to the sides of the trail. When the group working on the Black Oak Trail crossed the ridge leading to Liberty Borough, one of the volunteers spotted something that startled her. On the ground, nestled in a blanket of dried leaves, was an object that resembled a human skull! The volunteer, who was familiar with some of the hollow's lore, immediately called her discovery to the attention of the others working beside her. All eyes focused on the round object that was bone white in color and appeared to have thin fractures and cavities across its top. For a brief moment, the work group believed that they had stumbled upon the remains of a human being. A closer inspection allowed the volunteers to breathe a sigh of relief. The unusual find was quickly identified as a wild mushroom. The group laughed to themselves and continued their clean up efforts. The story of the skull-shaped mushroom eventually made its way down to the other volunteers that were working along the Youghiogheny River Trail. The story added some amusement to the day and prompted a few jokes about how even the plant life in Dead Man's Hollow gave the area a 'haunted' feeling.
Winter Storm Damage
It's not likely that the residents of Western Pennsylvania will forget the severe snow storm the occurred in February of 2010. The winter storm dumped a blanket of heavy wet snow on the region for nearly thirty-six hours. It didn't take long for the weight of snow to topple trees against houses, across roadways and onto power lines. All throughout the region, there were reports of mass power outages and extensive property damage. When the storm had finally passed, over two feet of snow had accumulated. Once it was safe to do so, a lengthy clean up effort began in the surrounding communities. By the time the snow finally melted, the volunteer clean-up crews were able to focus their attention on the recreational areas and the Youghiogheny River Trail. For well over a month, fallen trees and other debris created an obstacle course for those who were using the trail. The photograph above was taken on the trail between the Boston Bridge and the entrance to Dead Man's Hollow. This was just one of the trees that could not withstand the weight of the precipitation. Thankfully, the volunteers were quick to restore the YRT to a passable condition.
Lights! Camera! Action!
As the region began the process of digging itself out from underneath the heavy blanket of snow that fell in February of 2010, a group of young filmmakers from the Elizabeth Forward school district ventured out to work on a class project. The students' goal was to create a short film reminiscent of Hollywood's silent era for their history class. The group, led by cameraman Mike Keenist worked to depict the story of backwoods moonshiners during the Prohibition Era.
Aptly titled 'White Lightning Rundown', the film was set against the wintry backdrop of the Youghiogheny River Trail and the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area. As the film opens, the audience joins a conversation between two dim-witted moonshiners. Much like it was in the early days when bootleggers operated in Dead Man's Hollow, it didn't take long before law enforcement appeared. Once the film's bootleggers realize that their activities had been discovered, a comical chase through the woods ensued. The addition of a lighthearted musical score and a single snowball attack enhanced the humor of the pursuit. In the end, the students completed a film that captured an entertaining look at the rural life during the Roaring Twenties.
Aptly titled 'White Lightning Rundown', the film was set against the wintry backdrop of the Youghiogheny River Trail and the Dead Man's Hollow conservation area. As the film opens, the audience joins a conversation between two dim-witted moonshiners. Much like it was in the early days when bootleggers operated in Dead Man's Hollow, it didn't take long before law enforcement appeared. Once the film's bootleggers realize that their activities had been discovered, a comical chase through the woods ensued. The addition of a lighthearted musical score and a single snowball attack enhanced the humor of the pursuit. In the end, the students completed a film that captured an entertaining look at the rural life during the Roaring Twenties.
An Extreme Rescue
On August 26th, 2009, Dead Man's Hollow made its way back into the spotlight for nearly placing another name to the list of those who have lost their lives within its boundaries.
Shortly after nightfall, police and EMS crews were dispatched to Calhoun Road after receiving a report that a man had fallen into a ravine while hiking in the hollow earlier. According to the Elizabeth Township Area EMS Director, rescuers had difficulties traversing almost two miles of rugged terrain before reaching the trapped hiker. The Lincoln Borough Volunteer Fire Company, along with several neighboring fire stations, were called to the scene to provide lighting and to assist in clearing a path through the heavily wooded area. While operating a chainsaw to remove some of the undergrowth, a firefighter from Central fire station sustained an injury to his leg. The injured rescuer was rushed to a Pittsburgh hospital, where he received medical treatment and was released. After an estimated four hours of combined effort, rescue teams were finally able to extract the shaken hiker. Because of the diligence of all involved with the operation, the unidentified man was able to 'walk away' from his brush with death in Dead Man's Hollow.
Shortly after nightfall, police and EMS crews were dispatched to Calhoun Road after receiving a report that a man had fallen into a ravine while hiking in the hollow earlier. According to the Elizabeth Township Area EMS Director, rescuers had difficulties traversing almost two miles of rugged terrain before reaching the trapped hiker. The Lincoln Borough Volunteer Fire Company, along with several neighboring fire stations, were called to the scene to provide lighting and to assist in clearing a path through the heavily wooded area. While operating a chainsaw to remove some of the undergrowth, a firefighter from Central fire station sustained an injury to his leg. The injured rescuer was rushed to a Pittsburgh hospital, where he received medical treatment and was released. After an estimated four hours of combined effort, rescue teams were finally able to extract the shaken hiker. Because of the diligence of all involved with the operation, the unidentified man was able to 'walk away' from his brush with death in Dead Man's Hollow.
The 'DMH' Destination Decal
On Tuesday, October 27th, 2009, the front page of The Daily News featured a story that added another chapter to the unusual history of Dead Man's Hollow. The article in the newspaper promoted the official release of the 'DMH' travel destination decal. The white oval bumper stickers were professionally printed by the Jamar Park group as a tribute to the late John Bendzuch of Liberty Borough. Just a short time after the evening edition hit the newsstands, area residents began to flock to the McKeesport Regional History and Heritage Center to purchase this unique item. Within two days, the museum's gift shop reported that all of the destination decals had 'sold out'. Fortunately, additional supplies were quick to arrive.
To date, the DMH decal has become a highly recognizable image in the region and a favorite among local residents as well as tourists.
To date, the DMH decal has become a highly recognizable image in the region and a favorite among local residents as well as tourists.
A Dead Man's Hollow Book
One particular piece of Dead Man's Hollow memorabilia that has become hard to find is a soft cover book titled Dead Man's Hollow : An Oral History and More.
This publication was written by a former resident of Lincoln Borough named Karen Frank. As the story goes, Ms. Frank just happened to stumble upon the Boiler House Ruins while hiking in the woods behind her home. After mentioning the strange old building to a neighbor, Ms. Frank soon learned that she had been to a place know as Dead Man's Hollow. With her interest sparked, the young woman began researching the hollow's history and lore through old newspaper articles. In addition to that, Ms. Frank spent many hours interviewing local residents who wanted to share their personal accounts and photographs of the hollow.
By 2003, Karen Frank had finally compiled enough information on the hollow to fill a book. In a matter of months, a simple idea became a reality and the very first book on Dead Man's Hollow made its debut. Since the entire project was self-financed by the author, quantities of the book were extremely limited. Eventually, area residents purchased every available copy.
Ten years after its release, Dead Man's Hollow : An Oral History and More has become one of the most sought after books in the Mon / Yough region. Individuals who have been fortunate enough to obtain even a used copy of this book have often stated that it carried a rather large price tag.
This publication was written by a former resident of Lincoln Borough named Karen Frank. As the story goes, Ms. Frank just happened to stumble upon the Boiler House Ruins while hiking in the woods behind her home. After mentioning the strange old building to a neighbor, Ms. Frank soon learned that she had been to a place know as Dead Man's Hollow. With her interest sparked, the young woman began researching the hollow's history and lore through old newspaper articles. In addition to that, Ms. Frank spent many hours interviewing local residents who wanted to share their personal accounts and photographs of the hollow.
By 2003, Karen Frank had finally compiled enough information on the hollow to fill a book. In a matter of months, a simple idea became a reality and the very first book on Dead Man's Hollow made its debut. Since the entire project was self-financed by the author, quantities of the book were extremely limited. Eventually, area residents purchased every available copy.
Ten years after its release, Dead Man's Hollow : An Oral History and More has become one of the most sought after books in the Mon / Yough region. Individuals who have been fortunate enough to obtain even a used copy of this book have often stated that it carried a rather large price tag.
A Halloween Treat
On October 31st, 2008, The Daily News treated its readers to a Halloween story that pertained to Dead Man's Hollow. However, this time the story wasn't about any of the mishaps that occurred in the hollow nor of the ghost that allegedly resides there. Instead, the front page of the newspaper featured an enjoyable story about a Lincoln Borough resident who incorporated a Dead Man's Hollow theme into his Halloween decorations. As costumed children and their parents made their along the driveway, a weather beaten sign welcomed them to Dead Man's Hollow. Along with the sign, the weary bones of a comical 'Dead Man' sat resting against a tree stump in the thicket. Surprisingly, the adults that were supervising the children's outing seemed to be enjoying the display the most. Some parents even lingered for a few extra minutes to share their memories of the hollow with the homeowner. As for the reasoning behind the 'themed' decor, the resident stated that he wanted to spark interests and perhaps introduce Dead Man's Hollow to a whole new generation.