The History of Point Township

Lithia Springs

Snuggled in a valley a mile and a half northeast of the borough of Northumberland, there are seventeen acres of very beautiful rolling pine woods. Here are found springs of Lithia, sulfur, magnesia and iron waters. In 1909 "The Tuckahoe Mineral Springs Company" was formed for the purpose of bottling and selling these mineral waters. For many years huge barrels were used to send the spring water to many sections of the country.

In 1920, the Lee H. Mertz family purchased Lithia Springs, and two years later Mr. Mertz had a swimming pool built on the grounds. This was one of the earliest pools in the state and the "Springs" soon became one of the most popular gathering spots in the area.

The Mertz family also featured Wednesday and Sunday dinners in the restaurant for many years and there was often as many as 800 people served. A variety of amusement rides and live entertainment were a feature in the early days, and the shady picnic area was the happy scene of many a school, Church, grange and family outing.

In 1938, Mr. Mertz converted the old restaurant and began operation of the bottled soft drink works using the delicious Lithia water.

At the present time the Springs has thirty-five cottages, all individually owned, and some of these are leased for the summer vacation months. Many have been converted into permanent homes.

Since the death of Mr. Mertz in 1965, use of the picnic area and pool has been discontinued, but the Lithia water, which was once sold, is still flowing and available for the asking. [Back to Top]

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The Tuckahoe Legend | Lithia Springs