giwoggle
albatwitch
Our next Greenway legend is another Clinton County na- tive, and even holds the title as the “Official Monster of Clinton County.”
Travel all the way down the Greenway to the Lancaster County town of Columbia and you’ll hear all about the legend of the Albatwich, a mini apple-munching Sasquatch. Described as a 4-foot-tall hairy ape-man fond of apples, the Albatwitch is thought to live around the Susquehanna River, most notably in the Chickies Rock area. The name “Albatwitch” is thought to derive from a Pennsylvania Dutch-English com- pound word meaning “apple-snitch” after the creature’s habit of stealing apples from picnic baskets or throwing the fruit at people while sitting in trees. Evidence of these mischievous beings has even been found in local Native American culture. Susquehannock Indians report- edly painted images that match the description of these crea- tures on their war shields, and the Algonquin also told of small hairy hominid creatures, which they called Megumoowesoos.
Most simply described as a mishmash of animals, the Gi- woggle was called upon by local witches to wreak hav- oc and mayhem on farmers who offended them. It was about six feet tall, shaped like a wolf, and stood on its back legs. Instead of front paws, it had bird claws, and instead of back feet, it had horse hooves, which confused trackers try- ing to follow it. The local hero “Loop Hill Ike” also reappears with this legend, tasked with hunting down witches, ghosts, and monsters. To- day you can visit his grave inscribed with his real name “Isaac Gaines” at Furst-McGonigal Cemetery in Clearfield County. This being said, keep your eyes open for the Giwoggle as you explore the trails and communities of the Greenway in Clinton County. “Loop Hill Ike” isn’t around to be the hero these days!
Image: Giwoggle drawing from PA Wilds
water witch
A mythical being known to frequent European folklore, a Water Witch was said to have power over the wind and weather, often appearing to sailors and others in the seafaring trade. Penn- sylvania’s Water Witch is a lesser known entity with her own unique history and abilities. According to Henry Shoemaker’s Susquehanna Legends, “They say, that is the old mountaineers, that the Water Witch was an Indian girl who suddenly changed her mind towards her lov- er. Having influence with the Gods, the deserted one had her made into unchanging water; and in her helpless state, she mocks the petty aspirations of mankind.” Rather than controlling the elements, this Water Witch, “be- ing the symbol of something ever flowing” knows a person’s destiny. She emerges as if dreamlike to reveal that destiny, but beware; her prophecies are often mocking or even withheld completely, leaving the witness wanting and dispirited. She is said to have appeared near Rattlesnake Run in the re- mote wilderness of the Nature Conservancy West Branch For- est Preserve. If you journey to this section of the Greenway in search of the Water Witch, think twice. You may not get the fortune you hoped for!
Image: A depiction of an albatwitch created by York County artist and author Timothy Renner
Thought to live mostly in the trees, Albatwitches prefer to keep to the shadows, and are said to make their presence known by a sound like a cracking whip (perhaps branch-breaking). If you set out on a picnic in the Greenway reaches of York or Lancaster Counties, hold on to your apples… or maybe opt for a banana!
Know of any other Greenway ghouls and legends? Send us an email with your story: info@susquehannagreenway.org
About the Author: Alana Jajko is the Director of Communications and Outreach for the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership. Her work is focused on promoting trails and communities within our vibrant and connected Susquehanna Greenway, so that people like you can enjoy opportunities to engage with the outdoors. Alana can be reached at ajajko@susquehannagreenway.org.
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