Name/Title
The WissahickonEntry/Object ID
2013.34.7.57Description
The Edwin C. Jellett Series of Scrapbooks, Volume 7 -The Wissahickon
Page 57 contains Jellett's notes which will not be transcribed verbatim, but summarized as follows:
George Locke tore down several buildings along the Wissahickon and built a small hotel on Wissahickon Avenue and named it the Viola Lake Hotel. He dammed the nearby stream creating "Viola Lake". When Locke purchased the "Old Log Cabin", he also purchased a bear associated with the place. In attempting to remove the bear from the premises and load him into a wagon, the bear broke loose and evaded all attempts to capture him. The bear was finally captured and transported to the Viola Lake Hotel where he became an attraction until he mauled his drunken keeper. That caused Locke to finally rid himself of the bear. Thus passed into memory one of the most popular attractions of the Wissahickon.
Fee to E.C.J. 6.4.1905
Locke also tore down the Megarge Paper MIll and with part of the material built the original Lotus Inn. He also built a dance pavilion on the hill east of Shur's Lane. This venture proved a failure and the pavilion was put up for Sheriff's sale. Locke originally bought the ground on whch the pavilion was built by paying a small amount and obtaining a mortgage. After securing a clear title to the land, he cleared the land of wood and sold the wood making a profit.
Fee to E.C.J. 6.4.1905
"This pavilion and clearing I distinctly remember".
E.C.J.Collection
GHS Scrapbook CollectionMade/Created
Date made
1890 - 1910Notes
Creation Date: 6.4.1905