Click Here to Return to Milestones
At the Zion Church in Raccoon Township, on Thursday night, December 21, quite a phenomenon was observed.
After the close of services, when most of the congregation had emerged from the house and were on and about the steps waiting for their conveyances, there was seen rising in the northwest (which we will call, for the sake of a name) a flock of Jack o' Lanterns, probably about 50 in number. They came floating along in front of the church, seeming to rise as they approached until they passed the church, and gradually, yet almost instantly, disappeared. There were many of these fire balls considerably larger than a man's fist. One seemed to be the leader; all the others following in similar order. It was one of the most beautiful sights I ever witnessed in my life. Every one of these balls had a fiery streamer two or three feet in length, emitting sparks in all directions. They floated along with considerable velocity, yet with ease and gracefulness. This display of fireworks was witnessed by nearly a hundred people. Beautiful as they were they seemed to bring terror to many of the people, especially to the females, who seemed to think their mission was of a providential matter, many of them almost swooning away saying they could scarcely bear to look at them, hoping they might never have occasion to witness the like again.
D.A.W
Seventy Six, Beaver County, PA