Since 1901.....and Going Strong....

It's just a step from the turmoil of urban business life to the serenity of ancient woods, streamside glens and the charming tranquility of yesteryear's life-style. Nestled in its 4,500 acres of northeastern Pennsylvania, Buck Hill Falls is only a two-hour drive from Philadelphia or New York City. But it is a world away from either city. Here neighbors know each other and stop to chat on their evening strolls, children can play outside without danger, and the songs of birds and the hum of cicadas replace the noise of traffic. Buck Hill Falls is, in fact, a haven of family privacy, which offers a low-key life-style of culture and sophistication within its magnificent natural setting.

Whether they are among the first houses constructed during the earliest development of Buck Hill Falls in 1901 or are more recent, all the family homes - large and rambling or more modest - are called "cottages." And all the cottages are built with family comfort in mind; most with cozy fireplaces, screened porches and open decks, with well-planned grounds, and (often) with towering trees and special views. Many of the cottages have four or more bedrooms so that several generations may comfortably share summer vacations and special holidays. A family sort of place with the dream of the founders and the early inhabitants and - happily - a family s ort of place Buck Hill Falls still remains.

“Buck Hill Falls is considered a diamond in the rough and is one of the best kept secrets of northeastern Pennsylvania,” according to President and C.O.O. Michael R. O'Shea. He adds, “Buck Hill Falls is a community made of past, present and future generations rich in tradition and history who enjoy the ambiance and natural beauty of Buck Hill Falls.”

It took less than a year from the time Philadelphia Quaker Samuel Griscom inspected the wild land he had just inherited to the development and sale, in 1901, of the first forth-three lots Buck Hill Falls. Griscom had sold the land to his friend Howard M. Jenkins, editor of a Philadelphia newspaper and a group of prosperous Philadelphians, all members of the city for their families and others. It was an opportunity enthusiastically seized and enlarged upon. And it was not long before the families of well-to-do New Yorkers joined the community. Almost in the twinkling of an eye, the energetic Buck Hillers also sought to improve their recreational options.

These early Buck Hillers were a sophisticated, educated and nature-loving group. They were devoted hikers and eager picnickers who relished the splendid forests and sparkling streams. But it was soon apparent that something must be available for those rainy or chilly days that may even plague a paradise such as Buck Hill. So a library was established almost at once. (In the days before television, reading aloud in a group was a popular diversion). This was immediately followed by the creation of an adult nature club, and another one for children where canoeing, hiking and nature lessons were given. Then, in short order, other facilities were built: a golf course (1907), a swimming pool (1908), and tennis courts (six by 1913). Also, in 1913, Buck Hill Falls was one of the first resorts in the area to offer winter sports, such as skiing and tobogganing. By 1922, horseback riding was offered and, nine years later, lawn bowling - now a well-established tradition - was introduced to Buck Hill Falls.

Today, of course, all those early facilities have been upgraded, expanded and improved, so that Buck Hill Falls is a true year-round resort home community. It boasts a 27-hole golf course with a clubhouse, a tennis center with ten Har-Tru courts, an Olympic-sized outdoor pool, and championship lawn bowling greens. And many of the special and cultural activities begun by the early residents are also still popular. These include an Art Association that sponsors painting and crafts classes and exhibitions; a nature group that plans early morning walks among other activities; and the Foxhowe Association which, since 1925, has sponsored a fascinating series of weekly concerts, informative talks and other culturally enriching presentations. Traditional celebrations, such as the Fourth of July parade, are celebrated every year, as well.

Perhaps the most unique offering of the Buck Hill Falls community is the Camp Club and other youth activities programs. For over 70 years this program has offered music, art, crafts, theater, camping, dance and sports to all the Buck Hill children from 3 to 15. Grouped according to age, the young people are closely supervised by a warm and “friendly trained” staff that encourages them to take part in all the activities and experiment with all the art media. Residents who were once campers themselves now have their children or grandchildren attending this creative summer program. And many of the older campers become junior counselors and counselors themselves as they reach high school and college age.

Summer-stock theater, restaurants, and
shopping are all nearby, but most Buck Hillers are happy to spend most of their time enjoying the glorious woods, the plunging streams and falls, and the superior sports facilities of their own community. Today, just as they did over a century ago, the Buck Hill Falls residents pride themselves on fostering family traditions and cl oseness. Whether they are full-time residents or use their homes for weekend and vacation getaways, the owners still enjoy and value the simple life first envisioned by Buck Hill Falls' founders over a century ago.