The Fountain of Youth has enticed people since 500BC when it was mentioned in early writings and Conquistador Ponce De Leon scoured Florida for the fabled waters in the 16th Century. But they were all apparently looking in the wrong location because in 1938 in North Park near Wexford, Pa the Fountain of Youth was found. They were so sure they had the correct location that a large stone header was placed over the opening with the name right on it (that or it was quite possibly a draw for tourism).
Either way, the Fountain of Youth located in Wexford remained in operation until the pump handle was abruptly removed in May of 1955. The former spring house is still standing and is a unique structure worth the drive and the exploration. Although it is quite dark and musty smelling inside, it is not unpleasant and the lure of the famed waters was obviously worth the grand stone opening into the hillside. The sounds of running water gives tribute to it’s glorious past as you step inside.
The kids will love exploring the springhouse and the creek with a little waterfall that runs directly in front of the Fountain of Youth. The adults will no doubt be curious at its origins as they watch the kids or grandkids play with a seemingly endless amount of energy. Possibly even wondering or hoping that the waters still hold their claimed powers.
Time is unforgiving to the human body as it approaches middle age (the time the age starts to show around the middle). As the years fly by at an alarming rate, we are often wondering if our warranty has run out as joints ache and doctor visits become increasingly more frequent. I could not resist the temptation to dip my toes in the creek on the off chance there maybe something to the old tales.
The Fountain of Youth is located at 10100-10170 Kummer Rd in Wexford, Pa. There is a pull off on the left side of the road for parking and the spring house is visible from the roadway. Once you have visited, take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area of North Park with over 3,000 square acres of trails, picnic areas, a 65 acre lake, swimming pool, and all around family oriented fun. More information can be found at www.alleghenycounty.us in the visitors section.
The legend of healing waters is often a draw for people to gather. Even in Meadville back in the late 1800s, when the once fabulous Oakwood Park was in its glory. For 5 cents visitors could ride the trolley to West Mead Township for a dance hall and lake. The trolley would drop you off at the Ponce De Leon Spring where, you guessed it, people would claim medicinal values of this mysterious water. Once the trolley line made its way to Exposition Park in Conneaut Lake however, Oakwood Park could not compete with the excitement of an amusement park and this began its demise.
Nothing much is left of the grand old park, and in 1950 the sons of John J Shyrock erected a brick memorial which bears a plaque "Ponce de Leon Spring This building erected in Memory of John J. Shryock 1950”. The memorial is located on Spring Rd just outside the city limits near the area of Tamarack Lake. While in the area, be sure to check out the progress on the lake as it starts to refill. Now that the repairs are complete on the dam, this area will once again be a great location for visiting with the kids.
So you see, the Fountain of Youth and the man who once searched for it have long withstood the test of time. From the writings of ancient philosophers to the stories of the Native Americans and from the coast of Florida to the rural areas of Pennsylvania. Fascination with youth has given many a reason for a journey, and now the history of these locations calls to the modern traveler. Remember as you take your trip that life is short, so it is best lived to the fullest and not all who wander are lost.
