Sep 15, 2005 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

WHARTON TWP. – Thousands of visitors are converging at Nemacolin Woodlands & Spa in Farmington for the PGA 84 Lumber Classic this week, but it appears only a few will take the time to travel to the other area landmarks, according to their tour guides and marketing directors. Patricia Coyle, marketing director of Kentuck Knob, said that she expects a few wives of the PGA golf pros to visit the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home this week, but does not anticipate a surge in overall attendance, despite huge crowd numbers expected at Nemacolin.

“We advertise through Nemacolin. The concierge continues to urge those staying a Nemacolin to come and tour here, but we have not seen any noticeable increase in attendance,” said Coyle.

I.N. Hagan, the founder of Hagan Ice Cream, purchased the mountain property in 1953 and engaged the then-86-year-old Wright to design the home. The Hagans lived at Kentuck Knob for nearly three decades before selling the property to Lord Peter Palumbo of London, England. It has been open to the public since 1996.

Coyle said a Tea and Crumpets event will be held Saturday beginning at 4:30 p.m. Attendance is by reservation only. Regular tours will be conducted throughout the week. Clinton Piper, museum programs assistant for Fallingwater – another Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home open to the public, will also maintain its regular schedule during the week.

“We certainly expect some visitors (at the golf tournament) to come over, but we have not planned any special events,” he said.

Wright designed the home for the Edgar J. Kaufmann family of Pittsburgh in 1935. Tours are given from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fort Necessity National Battlefield and Friendship Hill, the former home of Albert Gallatin in Springhill Township will conduct tours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily throughout the week, said Brian Reedy, National Park Service ranger.

Reedy said it is unknown if attendance at the battlefield has increased during the golf tournament over the past two years, but hopes tournament visitors will return to the area at a later time to tour it and other historic landmarks.

“I’m sure after a long day on the golf course, most people just want to rest and that’s why they don’t make an effort to see the local attractions,” said Reedy. “We do hope, however, when they have time, they do come back to see what we have to offer.”

Wharton Township Supervisor Jack Lewis agrees that long days on the golf course and practice ranges prior to the tournament deter many from making a trip to the local attractions.

Those making a trek to watch the early morning to late afternoon golfing action are also too tired to make any side trips to tour the sites, added Lewis.

“Their focus is to see the tournament,” he said, adding that residents and businesses do not set up yard sales or add features to lure visitors.

Daily visitors are required to park their vehicles and utilize a shuttle service to Nemacolin, thereby deterring short trips to other locations. During the tournament, vehicles are also prohibited from stopping along Route 40 – the major artery to Nemacolin.

Lewis said while the tournament does boost the number of visitors during the week, he is hopeful that the mountain area sites and natural beauty entice them to return at a later time.

“Hopefully they say ‘let’s come back,'” said Lewis. “This is a nice place to bring families; to camp or enjoy our area.”