Through Woodloch’s 63 years in business, we have established many life-long friendships. In getting to know our guests, we’ve found that many, while not on vacation, choose lives of service and helping others. The resort finds qualities like these particularly admirable. “We’ve had many close personal friends, including some that are no longer with us, that chose to put their lives on the line for the greater good,” says Joey Ranner, Social Director. “This is just one way we can express our eternal gratitude and share it with others.” In the past, Woodloch saluted both fire and police personnel with games inspired by their causes. This new room allows us to keep the tribute alive 24/7, 365. 

One of the resort’s personal inspirations for this room comes from a man by the name of Tom Brick. As a boy, Woodloch was a favorite vacation spot for him and his family. After graduation, he joined the Woodloch family, and we had the pleasure of working with him for several years. Ultimately, he realized his dream of becoming a New York City fireman, graduating in the first fire academy class after 9/11. Brick dutifully marched to the lines of battle, putting the lives of others over his own. Sadly, during a search and rescue mission in December of 2003, Tom was killed in the line of duty. Though Tom’s life was all too brief, his heroism and selflessness will continue to inspire for ages.

Tom’s story is just one of many that Woodloch has heard. That is why we are giving all civilian heroes (police, fire, and EMTs) the opportunity to share their stories. The new Heroes Room will be renovated and redesigned to include service badges, medals, flags and more that loyal guests have so kindly donated.  Woodloch invites service men and women to share their stories and memorabilia to be added to the Heroes Room, and we are more than happy to accept any donations. Why let articles of valor sit hidden away when they could be proudly displayed before 40,000 guests per year?

While we mourn the loss of great people like Tom, we can stand tall with pride that courage and selfless servitude still exist in the world. We are truly in the company of thousands of heroes, and we thank you all for making the world a better place in which to live.

• Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct: What the locals call “The Roebling Bridge,” the Delaware Aqueduct is the oldest existing wire cable suspension bridge in the United States, right here in the Poconos! It was designed and built by John A. Roebling, who would later design the Brooklyn Bridge.

Zane Grey Museum: Renowned 19th Century author, Zane Grey lived fifteen minutes east of Woodloch on the banks of the Upper Delaware River. His home has been preserved by the National Park Service and displays Grey’s memorabilia, books, and photographs.

The Settler’s Inn:  Built in 1927, The Settler’s Inn is one of the most popular bed and breakfasts in Pennsylvania. Situated 15 minutes west of Woodloch, guests experience a hands-on approach to hospitality much like that of Woodloch. The Settler’s Inn boasts a variety of international wines and has been using local ingredients to maintain a “farm to table” dining experience.

• The Hawley Silk Mill: Known as the largest bluestone building in the world, the Belmont Silk Mill (now known as The Hawley Silk Mill) was one of nearly 50 silk mills built in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Women and children were inexpensive labor, and the Mill thrived until laws began to change in the 1920s. The local silk mill industry started to decline, and the building became a textile factory. It remained vacant during the late 1980s until it was an antique and wholesale operation.  Recently, the Hawley Silk Mill has become a satellite campus of Lackawanna College as well as home to a popular fitness center, art galleries, and local businesses. Below the Hawley Silk Mill rests Ledges Hotel, a boutique hotel complete with a wine and tapas bar, that was once the O’Connor Glass Factory. The hotel’s backdrop consists of roaring waterfalls known as Paupack Falls that stem from Lake Wallenpaupack.
• The Columns Museum:  This beautiful building is located in the heart of Milford, just 20 minutes from Woodloch. The Museum is a treasure chest of history and folklore both locally and non-locally. The famous “Lincoln Flag,” the American flag used to cradle the President’s head after he was assassinated, is on display and is one of the most popular exhibits. The Columns is the museum of the Pike County Historical Society.
• Grey Towers:  Grey Towers, also known locally as “The Pinchot House,” was the former home of Gifford Pinchot. Pinchot was the first director of the U.S. Forest Service and was a two-term serving Pennsylvania Governor. The “castle” styled home is located in the hills above Milford with views of the Delaware River. Pinchot spent his summers in this house and later donated it along with the surrounding land to the Forest Service, making it the only U.S. Historic Site that is managed by the Forest Service. It is a National Landmark offering public tours and great hiking trails.

So next time you’re in the Poconos be sure to check out these fascinating historic landmarks. Plan a trip to Woodloch today!