Historic Stone Chimneys

The Turner Inn was built in 1925 by Bill Turner, owned by Dr. Leroy C. Waggoner, and leased to "Corky" Ruse. In 1937, Turner commissioned Frank Durigon, an immigrant from Italy known to friends and family as "Poppa Durigon," to build the chimneys. A stone mason throughout his life, he was remembered as a small man in stature but large in heart and talent. After Ruse leased it, the Turner Inn became a favorite night spot for locals and young people, and its miniature zoo with black bears, monkeys, and birds drew crowds. Early on January 12, 1952, a fire began near the bar in the center of the inn and quickly spread to both wings. "Corky" Ruse, his wife Helen, their six-year-old son Ricky, and Helen's brother Paul Kokikn escaped with only the clothes they were wearing. Firefighters reached the scene but could not stop the destruction because the nearest fire hydrant was a mile and a half away, and repeated trips for water were not enough to save the building, which burned down in an hour and a half. Flames crossed Route 40, delayed traffic for more than an hour, and ignited dry brush and a utility pole. Firemen did save the miniature zoo and 25 cases of whiskey from a nearby storage shed. Only the two stone chimneys remain, recalling Frank Durigon's work.

Pennsylvania · United States