Discover Mt. Gretna's Charming Past

Early Beginnings

Mt. Gretna, nestled within a forest of chestnut trees, played a crucial role in providing charcoal for the Cornwall Furnace, which supplied cannons for George Washington's army over a century ago. The area gained popularity in 1883 when it was discovered as an idyllic spot for a summer day out, accessible via the Cornwall and Lebanon Railroad. Notably, even President Benjamin Harrison paid a visit. Visitors would disembark at a small station, stroll down a tree-lined path past a still-standing stone fountain, and spend the day in a growing woodland park. Over time, the park expanded to include attractions like an elaborate carousel, a "switch-back" roller coaster, and a dancing pavilion, akin to an early amusement park.

Growth and Expansion

In 1885, the Pennsylvania National Guard established a 50-year annual encampment at Mt. Gretna. This year also witnessed the damming of Conewago Creek to create Lake Conewago, more accurately described as a pond, but well-suited for swimming and canoeing. Robert Coleman, the heir to an iron foundry and generous owner of much of Mt. Gretna's original land, built a narrow gauge railroad in 1889. This railroad transported visitors around the lake and up to the summit of Governor Dick Hill, providing panoramic views of Lancaster and Harrisburg.

The Emergence of Chautauqua

In 1892, a group of Evangelical United Brethren members recognized the potential of Mt. Gretna as an ideal location for a Chautauqua, inspired by the original institution established in New York in 1874. They laid out plans for lots and began constructing essential facilities, including a distinctive outdoor auditorium for lectures, religious services, and concerts. The first Chautauquans built summer cottages around this central hub. A Hall of Philosophy for meetings and a small wooden Greek temple for the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle were also constructed and remain in use to this day. The same year, the United Brethren erected a Tabernacle for religious services and Bible meetings. The Tabernacle, a scaled-down version of the Playhouse, still stands in the Campmeeting area. While tents were initially planned around the Tabernacle, they gave way to the construction of over 100 cottages by the first summer's Bible Conference.

The Golden Era

The early 20th century witnessed Mt. Gretna thriving as a summer retreat, attracting crowds to concerts, lectures, trade shows, and Bible meetings. The Conewago Hotel, completed in 1909, boasted modern amenities such as private baths, telephones in the rooms, an elevator, and uniformed staff. Terraced tennis courts overlooking the lake provided daytime entertainment, while evenings were enlivened by a "ladies orchestra" in the dining room. Unfortunately, the Conewago Hotel's success was relatively short-lived, succumbing to the changing landscape of mobility facilitated by automobiles. The Great Depression further hastened its demise, leading to its dismantling in 1940.

Changing Times

The mid-20th century witnessed a decline in Mt. Gretna's popularity, exacerbated by the departure of the National Guard in 1933 and the impact of World War II. The amusement park closed, hotels stood vacant, and the narrow gauge railroad was abandoned. The iconic chestnut trees fell victim to a nationwide blight, replaced by oaks and evergreens. Nevertheless, certain institutions endured, including the Playhouse theater, the Campmeeting Bible Conference, and Chautauqua programs in the Hall of Philosophy. The Jigger Shop, the lake for swimming and boating, and a roller rink (formerly the Farmers Exhibition Hall) also remained popular attractions.

Modern Revival

Mt. Gretna's resurgence can be traced back to 1976 with the inaugural Outdoor Art Show, a brainchild of local artists. This event quickly became one of the most successful in the state. In the ensuing years, Gretna Theatre and Music at Gretna thrived, garnering support from various sources. Mt. Gretna earned recognition as a hub for arts and culture, as well as a sought-after residential community. The activities centered around the Playhouse and the Art Show breathed new life into the community, providing it with a distinct identity and solidifying its appeal as a place to call home. Today, residents actively contribute to the community's success, volunteering and participating in various boards, ensuring Mt. Gretna's continued vibrancy.