Special Walk: Hermit’s Cave
The “Thursday Walk” is on Wednesday!
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 10 AM
Barnes St. at Henry Ave. – you will receive directions when you register.
A special walk on a special day! Tony Galzarano (not in the Village but his wife knows several Villagers) will lead us on a walk to Hermit’s Cave in Wissahickon Park. Tony has lived next to the park many years and his walks in the park have taken him past Hermit’s Cave hundreds of times.
We’ll meet in front of Tony’s house on Barnes Street, and set off on a walk of a mile or so round-trip. We’ll be on an official park path that is not too challenging, although it requires at least a minimal degree of fitness. There are many roots and rocks and the path is partly uphill. We’ll stop and rest at Hermit’s Cave and learn a bit about its history.
About Hermit’s Cave. The ‘cave’ is a modest structure but its history runs deep. Johannes Kelpius was a Transylvanian scholar who led his followers to Wissahickon – a wilderness in 1694 - to await the apocalypse. In the area, perhaps near the present-day Hermitage Mansion, they built a priory of which no trace remains.
But did Kelpius live in Hermit’s Cave? He is believed to have lived in a cabin or cave below the priory, but the present structure appears to have been a springhouse or root cellar, which was ‘enhanced’ in 1920. Click here to read more about Kelpius and his continuing influence on our history.
Please register in advance, online or 267-444-4507 (voice or text; M-F, 9-6), so we send you directions, and so we can let you know if plans change.
Accessibilty: The trail is uneven with many rocks and roots. Part of it is uphill and may require some exertion.
Members and their guests. Free. Registration required.