In the heart of Pennsylvania’s Raystown Lake Region, where the line between history and legend blurs, eerie tales have passed through generations, growing more spine-chilling with each retelling. From the ghostly apparitions haunting the old Clifton 5 Theatre to the serpentine sightings of the elusive Broad Top Snake, the region’s folklore is as rich as its landscape. Whether you're a seasoned ghost hunter or a curious traveler, prepare to uncover the region's spine-tingling secrets and explore the spooky side of Raystown this season.
Huntingdon Cinema’s Haunted Clifton 5
Originally the home of the Huntingdon Opera House, Huntingdon Cinema’s Clifton 5 has a long and storied history. Built in 1883, this structure contained several other businesses within, including a pharmacist and a grocer. While the opera house closed in 1895, the building continued to house other businesses and organizations until destroyed by fire in 1901.
The structure would suffer two more fires over the next 22 years, after which it was sold and renamed to the Clifton Theater. The theater changed hands three more times until it was acquired by its current owner, renovated, and renamed Clinton 5.
Many ghost stories surround the historic theater. One spirit said to reside there is the “Lady in Red”. It’s unclear if this scarlet-clad woman was once an actress at the theater or an affluent guest, but several witnesses have seen her walking up the staircase on the right of the lobby. Theater 1 is home to an unsettling entity that is said to torment the female guests by grabbing at them and pulling their hair. A little boy’s spirit also wanders the Clifton 5 and has been heard calling out for his mother.
Those brave enough can join Clifton Paranormal for an after-hours ghost hunt to try to catch a glimpse of the spirits that linger in the historic building.
Captain Phillips' Rangers Memorial
On July 15, 1780, Capt. Phillips and 11 militiamen sought shelter in a deserted homestead to escape heavy rainfall. The next morning, they awoke to discover the home surrounded by a party of 50 Seneca Indians. A brutal battle ensued, resulting in the surrender and capture of the militia. Captain Phillips and his son were taken prisoner up to Canada. The remaining men were taken a short distance from the homestead, where they were tied to trees, tortured and killed. Captain Phillips' Rangers Memorial, located just across the Huntingdon/Bedford County line outside of Saxton, marks the location where this vicious event took place.
Many say that the spirits of these men continue to linger around the spot of their horrific deaths. Several paranormal groups have investigated the area, reporting chilling phenomena. Cold spots are frequently encountered, even on warm summer nights. Strange, flickering lights are commonly reported by visitors to the site. Even more eerie are reports of apparitions seen among the trees, with some even claiming to hear voices warning them of danger. Activity at the memorial is said to increase on the anniversary of the men’s deaths.
Broad Top Snake
Many stories surround the origin of the Broad Top Snake, with some sightings reported as early as the 1830s. Early folklore claims the serpent was discovered when a lumberjack sat on a fallen log, only for the “log” to shift beneath him.
Another commonly distributed version tells of a traveling circus visiting Hopewell in the 1920’s. The only way into the village was an old wooden bridge, and the circus was instructed to cross it one wagon at a time. Recognizing that this would slow the process down, they disregarded and sent multiple wagons across the bridge. The bridge collapsed, sending many carts into the river below. As a result of the collapse, many circus animals were freed, and at least one serpent was never recaptured.
There have been numerous sightings reported throughout the years. According to these stories, the Broad Top Snake is 40 feet long and bigger around than a utility pole. It has been attributed to several vehicle accidents in the Broad Top area. In the winter, the snake is said to retreat to the nearby caves and abandoned coal mines, surviving off of whatever unlucky creatures it comes across.
Captain Jack Armstrong
John Armstrong, more commonly remembered as Captain Jack Armstrong, was a pioneer trader and settler. After the murder of his family sometime in the 1730s, Jack assembled a militia to seek revenge against the native people of the region. His personal vendetta led him to become a fierce frontiersman, feared and respected by both white settlers and Native Americans.
In February 1744, Armstrong and two other men traveled to Mount Union to collect a debt from a local Delaware Indian named Musemeelin. When he could not pay, the men took his horse and rifle. Sometime later, the men were traveling a route that took them past Musemeelin’s home. After learning that Captain Jack had sold his horse, Musemeelin shot and killed the three men.
The rocky gap in the mountains where they met their end is known as Jack’s Narrows. There have been decades of reports of three strange lights hovering over a remote spot above the narrows, always the brightest in February. They would appear frequently, rising from the ground and remaining a few feet in the air. After a few minutes, they would disappear in order. While many theories have been proposed, such as phosphorus gas or ball lightning, none of these seem to explain the phenomenon, leading some to believe the lights are the restless spirits of Captain Jack Armstrong and his two companions.
Raystown Ray
Raystown Lake’s very own Loch Ness Monster, dubbed Raystown Ray, is perhaps the most widespread legend of the Raystown Lake Region. For decades, locals and visitors alike have reported seeing a strange, unidentifiable creature within Raystown Lake. These reports describe Raystown Ray as a large, serpent-like figure, that often causes mysterious ripples and unexplained movements on the water's surface. Sightings tend to peak during the warmer months, fueling speculation that Ray makes its presence known when the lake is bustling with activity. Some believe the creature could be an undiscovered species, while others suspect it's merely a combination of shadows, waves, and wishful thinking.
Regardless of the explanations, the legend adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to the region, making Raystown Lake a destination for thrill-seekers and cryptid enthusiasts alike. In fact, Raystown Ray has his own line of merchandise and a song! Learn more about Ray at https://raystownray.com