Local legends in the area of Columbia, Pennsylvania speak of a creature called an “albatwitch.” The albatwitch is a small (about 4 feet tall), manlike creature, which supposedly lived in wooded areas.
Their main area of residence seemed to be near an area called “Chickie’s Rock,” a heavily wooded area along the banks of the Susquehanna River about a mile or two north of town. Albatwitches were also reported from wooded areas all along the river’s shore.
The creatures are named for a habit, which they possess. Their bizarre common name is short for “apple-snitch”, as they are reputed to have a taste for apples. Legends speak of how the Albatwitches would often steal apples from picnickers, occasionally even throwing them at the startled people.
Legends also record that the creatures often sat in trees, coming down only to find food. Legend also says that the Albatwitches either became extinct or were driven nearly into extinction in the later years of the nineteenth century.
Chickie’s Rock, where the creatures supposedly lived, does have a tradition of strange sights and sounds — in the 1950s and 1970s, a manlike figure was seen several times, and local legends also speak of sounds like the crack of a whip heard in the woods at night.
One can only wonder if these could be connected with the albatwitch. Whether these stories are connected or not, several sightings of Bigfoot-types have been recorded from this area.
A vague report concerning the sighting of a hairy humanoid came from Lancaster in 1973.
Lancaster is a scant 10 miles east of Columbia. Another came from the town of North Annville (about 20 miles to the north) in the same year. In addition, a number of reports have surfaced out of neighboring York County.
Also, some sources say that the Susquehannocks, like many Indian tribes, had a belief in an apelike monster, and sometimes depicted it on their war-shields.
The Susquehannocks were a local tribe; coincidentally, major evidences of their civilization (ruins of a village and burial grounds) were found at the base of Chickie’s Rock.
Story Source: http://www.bigfootencounters.com/sbs/albatwitches.htm
Curly N.S.
My feelings towards good ole pa is a changing, large part of my grams (deceased) family’s from there. Yes i’m originally from cleveland&a browns fan, so i had disdain for it :3 but learing about stan gordon&his work, especially over the last several years. So my outlook has changed, i must say i didn’t hear much of these little #*%#’s until here.
Donna A
Well written Wes! As a long time resident of Lancaster County PA, I can say this knowledge is well known locally. There is even a festival for the Albatwitch coming up soon…here is the info:
******Albatwitch Festival….October 8, 2016…9am – 3pm…200 Block of Locust Street, Columbia, PA*******
*Columbia Market House Dungeon Tours 9 AM- 11 AM $3 per person *Albatwitch Trolley Rides 11 AM – 2 PM $5 per person*
Enjoy the scenic views of Chiques Mountain and learn of this mystical creature, the Albatwitch. Help find “ALBIE” and feed him apples and a chance to see this creature. 35-45 minute tour.
*Live music by Albatwitch/ Stonebreath-Stone Breath has just released an album called “CRYPTIDS” which is full of songs about cryptid creatures, ghosts, and legends – most of them from Pennsylvania. One song called “Apples for the Albatwitch” is featured on the album.
*Apple Pie Contest 12 PM (pies must be present by 11 AM) Trophies Awarded
*Lectures by “Last of the Albatwitch” Author Brian Keene, “Encounter with the Aberdeen Wildman” Author Frank J Bennett, H.A.P.S. (Harrisburg Area Paranormal Society) Don Frank, Co-Founder, A Walk Through “Weird” South Central Pennsylvania with Local Author Tim Renner.
Timothy R
Hey that’s me – I’ll be at the Albatwitch Festival … givings a talk about my book, Beyond the Seventh Gate (Wes was the first to talk to me about it, right here on Sasquatch Chronicles). And Stone Breath is my folk band – we play Albatwitch Fest every year.
Timothy R
I wouldn’t call Chickies Rock “heavily wooded” though. It’s a weird place – tons of ghost stories, shadow people, etc associated with the area – even a recent bigfoot encounter. It’s been called the most haunted area in the state (I think Gettysburg would beg to differ though). I think Chickies Rock became known as the home of the albatwitches sometime in the past though and it has stuck. It’s not “heavily wooded” – you couldn’t get lost there and there are always tons of people around. In the 1800s I’m sure it was different – but nowadays I’d go elsewhere along the Susquehanna River if you’re seeking albatwitch.
Then again, all the recent sightings I’ve found but one have been from vehicles and in areas which are not terribly remote … so maybe they are still hanging out at Chickies Rock, unfazed by the almost constant stream of joggers and bicyclers coming through the park.
Jeffrey H
Timothy R.: such a perfect place for the crypto creatures to hangout! Can’t go this year but will try to check you out in the future at the festival. All the best to you & your band in Oct..I’m going to have to check your book out too.
Timothy R
Thanks Jeffrey!
Jeffrey H
For some that might not know: Lancaster County, PA is a very beautiful area in southeastern PA. It’s a tourist destination for a long time. One of the most popular attractions is the Amish (AKA the Pennsylvania Dutch). This area also has good game lands for hunting thus there is a lot of wooden areas for crypto creatures. There are a couple areas known as the barrens. Reminds you of the popular Pine barren in NJ. In Lancaster County, one such barren is privately own and one is open to the public, this reserve has hiking trails and owned by a conervancy. I thought that this info might be of help.