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SYLVANIA
MOUNTAIN
LODGE
LAST UPDATED JAN 5 2025
Sylvania Mountain Lodge History
DAVE BACHMAN
OWNER AND HOST
rom what can be determined, the lodge was built sometime between jjnn1929-1930. Sylvania Lodge was the name given to this structure at that time. It was part of a larger group of buildings of which Sylvania Lodge was the boys boarding lodge and is the only remaining structure. The camp was built along the banks of Kooser Run to take advantage of the dramatic location and cool summer temperatures among the Hemlocks and Laurels. A swimming pool was located slightly further upstream.
A mountain spring located on the on the opposing side of Kooser Run provided further reason for this specific location. It provided gravity fed running water through pipes down the hill to the lodge. The spring is tunneled into the mountain, and by crossing the bridge and hiking up the hillside following the pipe, one can still enjoy a refreshing drink of spring water.
In the early 1940’s, several factors started to bring visitors to this once isolated area. The nearby Pennsylvania Turnpike, America’s first “Super Highway”, was opened at this time. As a result, it allowed families for the first time in to engage in road trips to further locations. Neighboring Kooser State Park had been built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the late 30’s, and had made this area a popular destination.
At the same time, the area was also taking part of some of the earliest ski history in America. The Pittsburgh Ski Club was founded in 1937 surveyed the surrounding area for suitable skiing locations. They assisted Adolf Dupre to install the first rope tow in the area at “Seven Springs Farm” by obtaining an old Packard car which was used to drive the rope tow . This was the first ski lift in the US outside of Vermont, which preceded it by just 2 years. The lodge had become a favorite destination for visiting skiers to Seven Springs Farm, as well as several other now closed areas such as Plateau DeMont, Bear Rocks, and Laurel Mountain. Vintage ski gear and photos are on display throughout the lodge.
The Lodge was almost destroyed in 1998 when one of the surrounding old growth trees fell on it during a storm. Fortunately it landed on the stone chimney, thus taking the weight of the fall. Although the roof was destroyed, the rest of the structure was not affected. Due to current building regulations, it would be impossible today to build a structure at such a location directly along a pristine trout stream.
We are proud that Sylvania Lodge is part of America’s early vacation history. In 2008 Sylvania Lodge was added to the National Bungalow Registry, a listing of notable properties reflecting the Arts and Crafts Era. Sylvania Mountain Lodge is also certified as a nature preserve. We are committed to additional preservation measures to provide a unique vacation experience.
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