Mauch Chunk a.k.a. Jim Thorpe

Mauch Chunk is the original name of the cute mountain town that I love and that is now called Jim Thorpe. Mauch Chunk was established in 1818 and was once known as the "Swizterland of America" when it was a bustling coal town and the center for distribution of coal to the cities between the railroad and river. But this small mountain town just like the others around it was hit hard by the depression. When petroleum replaced coal it became a town of yesteryear. In effort to revitalize it in the 1950's the town was named after the 1912 Olympic athlete/hero Jim Thorpe.

There remains some controversy today over the name since Jim Thorpe never lived in Mauch Chunk; however he did live in Pennsylvania. His wife (3rd wife) buried him in Mauch Chunk. For more history of Jim Thorpe, the athlete,: http://www.biography.com/people/jim-thorpe-9507017#synopsis  Jim was a Native American and his son and rest of his family fought in the court system for many years and won in 2010 to have his body moved to Oklahoma where he was born but that decision was overturned in 2014 and he is to remain in the city that is now named after him.

It took decades to turn around the old mining town. It is one of my favorite places to visit as there is much to do and its super cute. There is  nearby waterfalls, lakes, and hiking/biking trails. Jim Thorpe is home to museums, an opera house, haunted jail/ghost tour, old mansions, shopping, restaurants and much more! Anytime of year is a fun time to visit but October is extra special as the leaves are painted an array of colors and the town hosts a Fall Festival each weekend. You'll have to "pack your patience" because you'll sit in about an hour of traffic to get down the mountain. So if you're coming from the turnpike you'll want to stop at the dunkin donuts or one of the places next to it (these places are not far from the turnpike and on the way to Jim Thorpe) to run to the bathroom or grab a snack because soon after that you'll be in the traffic. Parking is usually only $5 (but don't quote me as prices may rise). Another tip for bathrooms at Jim Thorpe--the train station has a mini museum, a welcome station, and public restrooms.

Stained glass windows...

St. Mark's & St. John's Episcopal Church in Jim Thorpe originally started in 1829 with lay people teaching/leading as clergy were not readily available in the area. St. Marks church was officially recognized in 1836 by the Diocese of Pennsylvania's Protestant Episcopal Church, St. Mark's was the "mother" church for with other parishes and ministries including St. John established in 1867. (In 1980 St. John's closed and consolidated joining St. Mark's.)

After it was officially recognized plans were made and a church was built in 1848 but by 1867 they had outgrown the church building and decided to demolish the first building with a new larger one. And two years later it was complete.

Jim Thorpe and the surrounding towns are remnants of the past. For many the Industrial Revolution meant hard labor in the factories and mines but for others it meant economic growth, prosperity, and great wealth. St. Mark benefited from several of theses families as items were donated over time. One of the biggest contributors to the church was  Mary Packer Cummings. She donated the below stained glass windows created by  Mr. Tiffany (of Tiffany Jewelers). I learned today that his stained glass is both unique and priceless as his designs and colors have not been recreated by anyone since. If you look closely you can see through portions of the clothing to see arms and legs. His people in the glass had coloring of skin and his hues and shades of color are unlike any other. He meant to train others and pass on what he had learned to do but both he and the person he was training died before his secrets could be shared with the world. My pictures don't do his handiwork justice, its truly remarkable and beautiful.

In 1912 Ms. Cummings donated enough for the church to be renovated and redecorated. This church is built into the side of the mountain and some of the utility closets walls are the actual side of the mountain. From the street to the main chapel is several flights of stone stairs. She had the foresight to see the need for all to get to church and donated an elevator to be built in the church. Today its the second oldest elevator in the United States (we rode on it and it was really neat!) Sadly she passed away before it was finished but her casket was carried in the elevator.

For more history and to truly see the beauty of this church, I recommend going on the $5 tour!

Below is the original small chapel with hand painted tiles on walls and floor:

Below is the larger and currently used chapel:

(this is part of the ceiling in the back of the church over the baptismal area)

(baptism area)

(back of the church)

(this came from England with permission/help from the Queen of England)

(painting on canvas in their fellowship hall)

An Irish Prayer

An Irish Prayer

May God give you... For every storm, a rainbow, For every tear, a smile, For every care, a promise, And a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, A faithful friend to share, For every sigh, a sweet song, And an answer for each prayer.

Notice the bumble bee....

Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.  ~Ashley Smith

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.   ~Gilbert K. Chesterton

One of the remarkable characteristics of young wild sunflowers, in addition to growing in soil that is not hospitable, is how the young flower bud follows the sun across the sky. In doing so, it receives life-sustaining energy before bursting forth in its glorious yellow color.   Like the young sunflower, when we follow the Savior of the world, the Son of God, we flourish and become glorious despite the many terrible circumstances that surround us. He truly is our light and life. 

 ~Quentin L. Cook

Atalaya Castle

Nestled in Huntington Beach State Park is the beautiful old home/castle. The land (9,000 acres!) was bought in the 1930's by Archer M. Huntington and his wife Anna to be their winter home. His wife was diagnosed in the late 1920's with TB and he felt winter in SC would be better than in NY. It took 3 yrs to build. He was a Spanish historian and they built a Mediterranean Coastline Moorish Styled home and called it Atalaya, which means Spanish Watchtower. The Watchtower was built to house bats because bats eat mosquitoes --isn't that so interesting?!! She was a sculpture and her works of art can be seen across the street at Brookgreen Gardens. I didn't go there this trip but it is a wonderful MUST SEE place!!  Here are some pics from the castle. If in the area definitely check out the State Park and this home. I did not see this home last time and I'm so glad I was encouraged to see it this visit.