The Wandering Disciple

Fans of the Haunted Mansion at Walt Disney World may see some resemblance with this historic mansion in Jim Thorpe and the popular Florida theme park attraction. The exterior Harry Packer Mansion was the inspiration for the Haunted Mansion ride. But unlike the Florida attraction, you don’t need to become the thousandth haunt to spend a night in the mansion, the Harry Packer Mansion is now a popular bed and breakfast.  Built in 1874 by renowned architect Addison Hutton, the mansion features Victorian-age furnishings throughout the home. It was gifted to Harry Packer by his dad, Asa Packer who was a railroad magnate and eventually a political in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.   Taken: July 13, 2023 (Jim Thorpe, PA) 

The Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway sits in the station in downtown Jim Thorpe awaiting its next excursion into the wood. Operated by the Reading and Northern Railroad, the scenic train ride takes visitors along into the Lehigh Gorge State Park for a journey along the Lehigh River.  The train operates on the historic rails of the Central Railroad of New Jersey. The Central was one of two railroads that serviced Jim Thorpe in late 1800’s and early 1900’s. While the Central and its competitor Lehigh Valley Railroad have given way to modern railroads, the tracks still remain in operation connecting Jim Thorpe with the east coast via rails.  Taken: July 13, 2023 at Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (Jim Thorpe, PA) 

In the tribal language of the Sac and Fox, Wa-Tho-Huck translates to “path lit up at night by a bolt of lightning”. This was the name given to a gifted athlete who would later be known as Jim Thorpe. Born in Oklahoma, Thorpe would become a three-sport athlete and an Olympian.  Following his death, his wife at the time made an agreement with Mauch Chunk to have Thorpe buried there and the town name was changed to Jim Thorpe. As part of this agreement, a memorial park was dedicated to Thorpe where is body was laid to rest. Today the park is filled with monuments dedicated to him including this once called “The Spirit of Thunder and Lighting” which pays tribute to his Indian heritage.  Taken: July 13, 2023 at Jim Thorpe Memorial Park (Jim Thorpe, PA)