Plan to spend a day in the hamlet of Jim Thorpe, previously Mauch Chunk, at the gateway to the Pocono Mountains. Jim Thorpe is an interesting, educational and fun place for us to visit. It’s contribution to American history is legendary. The end (hanging) of the Molly Maguires, the burial site of Jim Thorpe and probably the most influential but least recognized, is Asa Packer. Mr. Packer founded the Lehigh Railroad, Lehigh University and Packer Hospital among other accomplishments. You can’t help but get caught in the town’s history as you walk through it with your “Beamer” smile.

We will stage as a group outside of town at the home of Bruce Quarles. We’ll then caravan into town as a group no later than 11:30AM, stopping by the Jim Thrope memorial for group photos, then on to special parking arranged for Sunbeam’s at the train station. We’ll be the center of attention in the town for the day. Red cars in back row, Green and others in front. We’ll have a very hearty buffet lunch at 1:00 PM and a short meeting at the Molly Maguires pub. No hangings, please. We’ll then assemble in small groups and begin a walking tour to a variety of historical sites and participate in the town’s annual celebration of the famous Olympian Jim Thorpe’s birthday with a parade, bands, a variety of activities. Or just hang around the Beams and the train station. For those who want, we will meet again for dinner (your own $). Overnight lodging is available for those desiring to stay overnight. There will be a party and swimming at Quarles’ for those who desire to stay for the evening.

The walking tour includes visits to the Asa Packer mansion, The Old Jail were Molly Maguires were incarcerated before being hung, the Mauch Chunk Museum and model train and a tranquil walk along Stone row. There is an additional charge per person of $3.00 for children up to $5.00 for adults at the museums and $7.00 at the Mansion. This town sees $ signs, but it’s worth it.

Buffet includes your choice of Beef Teriyaki, Chicken Marsalla, Baked Stuffed Shells, Salad, Rice, Veggies, Rolls, Dessert, Coffee, Tea, Soda and Water.

The BASH cost of $16.00 per person (11 and under, free) includes the buffet and refreshments throughout the day and evening. There is a $3.00 parking fee for each Sunbeam.

Preregistration requested to assure adequate food at buffet. Please send checks payable to,
Allan Bruce Quarles, 116 Panther Run Road, Jim Thorpe, PA 18229.
Include amount of $16.00 per person and $3.00 for each Sunbeam.

For additional information
Call: Bruce Quarles at 570-677-2780
        or
E-mail: tigertoms@aol.com.

BASH SCHEDULE
11:30 AM caravan departs from Quarles on Panther Run Road)
12:30 PM Meeting and Lunch at the Molly Maguires Emerald restaurant
2:00 PM Begin walking tour and showing off cars to tourists
5:00 to 6:00PM Meet at parking lot/train station for farewells and beginning of the evening shindig.

MapQuest DIRECTIONS to BASH
Meet at Quarles home to caravan to Jim Thorpe. Click here for map from EXIT 74 of Interstate 476, NE Extension of PA Turnpike.

NOTE: If you cannot make the 11:30 departure time from Quarles, proceed directly to Jim Thorpe parking behind the train station. It may be necessary to remind the attendant that the first 20 Beams park free. Last we checked, parking for non-Sunbeam cars is $5.00 for the day. It may be possible to find a side street in town to park without charge.

DIRECTIONS to Quarles:
After toll booth @ exit 74 of I-476
Left at stop sign, East on Rt 209
1/8 Mi LEFT on HARRITY ROAD (Before going under Turnpike Bridge)
North on HARRITY ROAD to “T”
Right on FAIRYLAND ROAD
Left on OVERLOOK ROAD
NORTH ON OVERLOOK ROAD TO “T”
Right on INDIAN HILL ROAD
INDIAN HILL ROAD becomes MAURY ROAD
Right onto PA-903
Proceed approximately 3 ¾ mile
Right on FAWN
Right on PANTHER RUN ROAD
Look for TEAE Banners on right, 116 Panther Road

LODGING RECOMMENDATIONS:
This is a special event weekend for the village of Jim Thorpe because of the Birthday celebration. Lodging is at a premium. Don’t delay.

The Parsonage B&B
61 West Broadway
Jim Thorpe, PA 18229
(570) 325-4462

Country Inn & Suites (exit 74 I-476)
1619 Interchange Road
Lehighton, PA 18235
610-379-5066
800 456-4000

Click on the sites below for more INFORMATION ABOUT the HAMLET OF JIM THORPE

Jim Thorpe, the village
Molly Maguires
Asa Packer
Mauch Chunk Museum
Scenic Rail