Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1879-10-09

PENN CAVE.-According to announce
ment the Odd Fellows or Millheim
Lodge held their annual picnic at the
celebrated Penn CaYe, Saturday last.
The picnic proper was pretty much as
all picnics are-splendid cakes and
plenty of them. Rev. s. G. Shannon,
of Milroy, was present by invitation,
and delivered a well prepared, interest
ing and instructive address on Odd Eel
lowship. OF Mr.. Shannon it is true
generally, but when he speaks on this
subject it is especially so, that he knows
what he is talking about.
The grounds, in Stover's woods, were
very neatly prepared. Seats and tables
were erected for the convenience of
those attending. The speakers stand
was very taStefully decorated with cv-
ergreens ard flowers. All this was the
work o. Mr.. Benjamin Slower and Mr..
Daniel Long. All honor to them for
being so considerate in giving their
brethren rs well as others, courteous
and proper reception. We feel sure
their kindness is appreciated.
Penn Cave is the head of Pcnns
Creek. In it springs the creek, and
the water flows through its entire
length. The general direction of the
cave is east and west, the entrance be-
ing at the west end. The caves length.
is variOusly estimated. We heard men
say right there, who for years have liv-
ed close by, that 1t is three fourthS of q
mile long, We didn't know whether
most to pity their judgment or admire
their capacity for stretching. Our own
opinion is that the distance travelled on
water underground, is about fourth
of mile. Any person that has any
objections, criticisms or amendments
to offer. can have the floor.
The cave is approached from the
north west. You go down rather
steep descent for about thirty feet,
which brings you to the head of long
flight of steps at the bottom of which
commodiouS boat, capable of seating Is
30 persons, awaits you. The south
and east sides of the caves mouth are
enclosed by an overhanging limestone
rock, creScent-shaped, sixty feet or
more above water level ut the opening
of the cave.
When you get the first full sight of
the entrance an involuntary shudder
creepS over you. You stand on terra
frna1, and away down, perhaps hund
red feet below you, old earth opens her
jaws fearfully large to swallow you up,
for while. But fear not, go down, 90
in. Hundreds have been IN before you
and returned safely. Your sturdy oars
men, Ike ank Sam, are tried and trust
ed, rely on them.
After you are in tthe boat and get
started, all fear, if you had any, soon
leaves you. You glide along so slowly
ana gently that the transition from the
outer to the inner world is very gradual
unlike that of running through
tunnel on a train. On-on, you go.
The captain of the boat holds up his re-
flector aud lights up the one side of the
cave as you pass Ieisurely by. And
what do you behold? Wonderful, beau
tiful things on every hand. Curious
and elaborate stalactites AMI stalac-
mites all around.
1t would indeed be q dull fancy who
could not sec images, thrones, water
falls, crouching animals, AMI number
less other forms flnciful and grotesque.
You come to places where seemingly
they have just cut their tobacco and
hung it up to dry; and again bunches
of sweet potatoes and other vegetables
hang around you mocking your appe-
tite. Sometimes you feel disposed TO
take along some of these truly beauti-
ful stalactiteS anyhow, but you at once
remember the "Notice" at the entrance
forbidding such vandalism. If this
were allowed the cave would soon be
depleted of its beauties.
At one place, about two thirds of the
way inward, our officers landed to give
us an opportunity to examine a minia-
ture cave-sort of a side shOw-tO the
big one Most of our party got out,
and the steep, rugged ascent commenc-
ed. This little cave has about the area
of an ordinary house, but is of course,
like all caves, very irregular in shape.
Here there is much that IS wonderful
and beautiful crowded into very
small space. Again you see images,
collonades, terraces, repoSing animals,
and other curious formations. Our ac-
coEmodating guide, Captain Ike, is
careful to take you everywhere and to
show you all that is to be seen. At
last, though moi at all satiated, and
leaving much yet to be seen and admir-
ed we get ready to go. Before we be-
gin the descent we want to know how
such a grand old tune as "Sweet
Home" sounds in such subterranean
dome. Forming semi-circle on q
pl lojecting rock we sing. The echo
and re-echo are very fine, indescriDably
beautiful.
We get into the boat to return to the
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