Historic Crystal Cave near Kutztown celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Grand Illumination of the cave on Saturday, July 16.
“The significance of this anniversary is called The Grand Illumination which happened on May 25, 1872, when the cave was first opened to the public. It was also proclaimed that day as Pennsylvania’s Greatest Natural Wonder,” said Jim DeLong, president of Crystal Cave. “We are unique because of our ornate formations and diamond-like crystals. We are also the first show cave in Pennsylvania and fifth oldest to be open in the country. I would like to think that visitors have an educating and memorable experience of the beauty of nature underground.”
The historic site celebrates this milestone July 16 with tours of the cave, a guest appearance by Sen. Judy Schwank, music by up and coming local band Condor, and performances by the Brandywine Heights Area High School juggling club, the Cascade Brigade Jugglers. There will also be free giveaways and anniversary cake to celebrate the 150th anniversary.
Crystal Cave’s History
The cave was discovered in November 1871.
According to the history posted on Crystal Cave’s website, On Nov. 12, 1871, William Merkel and his assistant, John Gehret, were blasting for limestone on a farm owned by Merkel’s parents when they discovered a dark, narrow hole in the side of the steep hill, 80 feet from Gideon Merkel’s farmhouse. They pulled away the surrounding dirt to reveal an opening large enough to enter.
“The news of the potential cave discovery created much excitement in the small rural Kutztown community.”
The discovery of crystals on the cavern walls is the origin of the name Crystal Cave.
Curious local people entered the open cave over the next couple of months. Fearful of vandalism and broken formations, Merkel leased the cave in February 1872 to Samuel D. F. Kohler, who immediately erected a rudimentary wooden door to protect the cave from trespassers. The next month, Kohler purchased the 47-acre farm, including Crystal Cave, for $5,000, according to history posted on the website.
Kohler installed wooden steps in the cave and created stone steps and a pathway leading 80 feet up the hill to the cave.
Kohler based the tour on guiding tourists to the different formations, looking for formations that looked like idols, food, animals, naming them and talking about them on the tour. He charged 25 cents and had a band come the day of the Grand Illumination.
Since then, the cave has not changed as it takes a long time for formations to grow.
Above ground, things have changed, including the addition of the Inn in 1874 that served as a hotel and restaurant for Crystal Cave’s earliest visitors who came by train and stage coach.
The hotel was closed in the 1970s and they started selling souvenirs and added a refreshment stand. A souvenir shop was built in 1969 and a food building in 1972. The theater was built in 1976, as well as a miniature golf course. The Trading Post and Museum building was added in 1981.
The three-generation business has been owned by the DeLong and Kaufman families, Crystal Cave Company Inc., since 1923. Now on 125 acres and called Crystal Cave Park, it continues to be family-run.
Fore more history, visit http://www.crystalcavepa.com/history.html.
Visit Crystal Cave
After your tour of Crystal Cave, pan for gemstones, visit the souvenir and rock shops, play miniature golf, walk the nature trail, visit the ice cream parlor and explore the museum.
Crystal Cave is open March 1 through Nov. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., 7 days a week.
For more information, call 610-683-6765 or visit crystalcavepa.com.
