The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1880-11-10
The Ringing Rocks.

These celebrated rocks are found
on the farm of Abraham Mench, in
Pottsgrove township. three miles
northeast of Pottstown, Pennsylva-
MIA. They cover a square space OF
three-quarters Of an acre. In this
tract bowlders are piled upon bowl
ders Of all shapes and forms, and so
promiscuously arranged that consid-
cradle agility Is required 10 walk
over them without falling. As one
steps from to rock TO rock ringing
sound. produced by the nails in the
boot heels, is plainly heard. On
rapping the stones with hammer,
quite remarkable acoustics proper
ties are revealed. Some Of them
give forth a rich-full tone, which
would probable vie with the best
bell metal if the stones were fashion
ed into bells. One of them parucu-
larlv, from its depth of tone, is
known as the State house bell. This
was at one time among the largest
of the rocks. 1t has been broken
of. however, but still 1t has preserv-
ed its strong full tone. The gener-
al sound produced by striking the
smaller stones resembles that OF a
blacksmith's anvil, some having a
little clearer ring than others, no two
sounding Just alike. In passing
from one to another OF the large
rocks one is reminded of the tapping
of car wheels by the ear inspectors.
Thousands of people visit this natu-
raj phenomenon every summer.
The rocks themselves bear evidence
of this. the edges being battered of
bv hammer strokes. and the sides OF
many hayingnames carved on them,
some parties who were unwilling 10
take the time or trouble to chlsel
their names upon the rocks have re-
sorted to paint, and considerable
daubing has been done in various
colorS. The advertising fiend has
not failed to put in appearance;
and we are now made aware OF the
merits of patent medicines, of the
place to buy carpets and the like, on
every hand. We have no. heard
any satisfactory explanation of the
cause of the ringin" or bell-llke
sounds of these rocks. Some say
i is owing to there being a cavern
under them. This, however can
have nothing TO do with it, as when
the rocks are removed they still have
the same sound. One large and 80
norous boWlder was taken to the
Centennial. and drew a great deal
Of attention there. ARGther was
sent 10 England afterwards. Thee
is probably q metallic substance in
this group Of bogldeFs 20 which the
ringing sound may be attributed,
We have not heard, however of any
geological analysis being made.
Half Il mile east of the Ringing
Rocks. and ia the same range of
hills. there is another group of bowl
ders which are much visited. Here a
lofty pile Of rocks surmounts 4 cayi=
tv of considerable depht, the whole
Being known as the State House
Near by the stone house is 4 large
bowlder, some fifteen or twenty feet
high. which, from its peculiar con-
tour. Is called the Hay Stack" Be-
sides their acoustic qualities there is
another singular circumstance about
the Ringing Rocks which visitors
rarely fail to notice. Many OF them
have very strange marks, or indenta-
tions. 1t some points these resem-
BILE the tracks of 4 hoEse's hoof.
Others are like the track of a wagon.
Some of the larger indentations are
said to. resemble an elephant foot,
and fac similies Of the human foot
are claimed TO be fopnd among the
smaller ones.