Where it All Began
HISTORY OF CRYSTAL CAVE
A DARK NARROW HOLE leading into the side of a steep hill was accidentally discovered by William Merkel and John Gehret while they were blasting for limestone on a Sunday morning, November 12, 1871.
AFTER THE SMOKE CLEARED and the surrounding dirt was removed, they realized that the opening was large enough to enter.
CURIOSITY LED THEM INSIDE, but total darkness and fear of the unknown kept them from going any further…
Discover What Happened Next
FOLLOW THE HISTORY OF ONE OF THE OLDEST CONTINUALLY OPERATING SHOW CAVESOur Story
Over the Years
1872
ORIGINAL CAVE DOOR
After purchasing Crystal Cave property for $5000, Samuel D. F. Kohler quickly built a rustic wooden door to stop unwanted trespassers from vandalizing and stealing specimens from the cave. From that pont on, no one was allowed to enter the cave without him accompanying them.
1872
Grand Illumination
After purchasing Crystal Cave property for $5000, Samuel D. F. Kohler quickly built a rustic wooden door to stop unwanted trespassers from vandalizing and stealing specimens from the cave. From that pont on, no one was allowed to enter the cave without him accompanying them.
1873
First Guide Books
The first guide books were printed and sold as souvenirs in 1873. There were no photos in these books, so the text had to be very descriptive. The formations in the cave were described with grandious embellishments and profound terms.
1874
Stagecoach Transportation
Since traveling all the way to Crystal Cave by coach was time consuming, Samuel Kohler purchased a new horse-drawn stagecoach and met tourists at the local train stations to transport them the few miles to the cave. His son, David Kohler, would also assist with the stagecoach duties as well as drivers from livery stables in Kutztown.
1874
Inn Construction
By the spring of 1874, Samuel Kohler had also completed the construction of a hotel on the property to service the ever-growing number of tourists coming to see Crystal Cave. This two and a half story addition to the already existing farmhouse was referred to as the “Kohler Hotel” or the “Cave House” and provided overnight accomodations and meals to travelers.
1886
David Kohler
Samuel Kohler sold the cave to his son on November 2, 1886 for $4300, and David Kohler and his wife became the new owners. David purchased a liquor license that same year and held dances and hoe-downs in the Crystal Cave “Ballroom” where live bands entertained the guests staying overnight in the “Cave Hotel”.
1919
First Cave Marriage
On October 15, 1919, Marion I. Kurtz and Francis J. Finley became the very first couple to be married inside Historic Crystal Cave in Pennsylvania. Standing beside a beautifully decorated natural rock “altar”, the ceremony was performed by Reverend A. L. Brumbach.
To make the occasion even more memorable, Professor Preston A. Metzger played the “Bridal Chorus” on a piano that had been carried into the cave for the wedding.
This historic event marked Crystal Cave as not only a natural wonder but also a place of unique and lasting memories.
1922
Crystal Cave, Inc. is Formed
On October 25, 1922, David Kohler sold the cave to J. Douglas Kaufman and Edwin L. DeLong, who incorporated it as Crystal Cave Company, Inc. Attendance quickly grew, reaching 93,000 visitors by 1929, with bustling parking lots and strong merchandise sales.
1927
Hotel and Cave Renovations
In 1927, Crystal Cave underwent a transformative revitalization both inside and outside. Crews hauled tons of concrete to rebuild walkways and steps, while metal railings and sturdy bridges improved visitor safety. Underground, the old Delco battery-powered lights were replaced with a massive lead cable system connected to dome lamps, casting a dramatic glow on the cave’s crystal formations. These upgrades modernized the visitor experience and set a new standard for show caves in the United States.
1935
Stone Entrance Constructed
Samuel Kohler sold the cave to his son on November 2, 1886 for $4300, and David Kohler and his wife became the new owners. David purchased a liquor license that same year and held dances and hoe-downs in the Crystal Cave “Ballroom” where live bands entertained the guests staying overnight in the “Cave Hotel”.
1949
First Baptism
On December 4, 1949, Crystal Cave hosted Pennsylvania’s first cave baptism. A baby was christened using water from a natural pool, with four generations present, including a grandfather who had been a tour guide since 1907.
1952
Tour Buses Arrive
By the early 1950s, Crystal Cave had become one of the region’s premier group travel destinations. Charter bus trips brought visitors from New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and across Pennsylvania. Records from 1952 show that on a single day, 32 buses arrived at the cave, packed with school groups, tourists, and sightseeing clubs. This surge of group travel cemented Crystal Cave’s reputation as a top attraction for both local families and out-of-state visitors.
1970
1970 to Present Day
Since the 1970s, Crystal Cave has added a restaurant, café, ice cream parlor, theater, nature trail, miniature golf, and gemstone panning. These additions keep it a family-friendly, historic attraction while preserving its natural wonder.
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