Earl Giles Collection – The Packsaddle

Many of Earl’s slides are in groups of one or a few. The topic with the most slides was those of the Packsaddle. If you don’t know (I didn’t), the Packsaddle was a valley through the Chestnut Ridge cut by the Conemaugh River. It is located between Robinson / Bolivar to the east and Blairsville on the west.

Historical Topographic Map Collection

A post by Coke Oven Mike on his Old Industry of Southwestern Pennsylvania blog tells us that the Packsaddle Gap is very isolated and only accessible by walking the along the railroad or by boat. Compare some of his images to those of Earl. The website of the Pittsburgh to Harrisburg Main Line Canal Greenway tells us that it is possible to see the remains of Lock 5 and 2 miles of revetment wall.

Aside from that, I don’t know much about these. These were all taken between 1968 and 1972.

This is a postcard that Earl had copied.
Maybe he compared the postcard to this view?
This was from the shore. It says from the dam. If Lock 5 was a guard lock, then it would make sense that there would be some sort of dam nearby.
It is difficult to see, but there is a bit of wall in the bank. Earl notes that this is the site of the dam and outlet.
This says lock at Packsaddle. No date, but early 1970s.
Some cut stone from the lock.
This slides says that the men were excavating at the Lockhouse. The men are not identified.
More of the lock house foundation.
There are a few more like this showing various rocks and such.
This one is labeled canal in the Packsaddle and it is dated March 1968.
It is clear that Earl and his friends walked along the railroad rather then boating in.

If you have walked into the Packsaddle and have info to share, leave us a comment.

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