Joe Carrier hopes to conjure Native American spirits Sunday as he leads a ceremony to rededicate a storied natural spring in Ross' Evergreen Community Park.
Carrier, who studied Native American traditions and customs, said the spring is a powerful reminder of the four elements -- earth, air, fire and water -- sacred to the culture.
"Without those things, we wouldn't be here. We wouldn't be able to survive," said Carrier, 67, of Ross. "As we get more attention the sacred nature of water, we realize this spring is a really important asset for our community to have."
The discovery that the spring fell into disrepair led to a cleanup effort by local Boy Scouts, said Ross Commissioner Lana Mazur. The Scouts cleaned a bowl that collects the water, cleared the paths leading to the spring and installed a bench nearby.
Sunday's festivities will feature Native American food, a drum circle, activities for children and a bonfire. The rededication begins at dusk.
A Native American legend passed down among generations gave officials more reason to restore the spring, said John Schalcosky, an amateur historian and member of the Ross Township Historical Society.
According to legend, the spring formed when the daughter of a chieftain -- after being promised to a chief from another tribe -- ran into the woods to escape him. Her lover, a poor tribesman, killed the chief and as they lay dying, she of thirst and he from battle wounds, they prayed to a spirit who formed the spring. Legend says the couple drank from the spring and lived happily ever after.
"People have been talking about it since the beginning of Ross Township," Schalcosky said. "It became so popular that people would drive from Long Island, from Philadelphia, to see it. (The spring) was like the fountain of youth."
Additional Information:If you go
What: Rededication of the Indian Springs, with Native American food, a drum circle, activities for children and bonfire
When: 1 to 6:45 p.m. Sunday. The rededication ceremony begins at 4:30 p.m.
Where: Evergreen Community Park, 3430 Evergreen Road, Ross
