Groundhog Day- Capitol Style!
A look at the history of Groundhog Day in Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Punxsutawney Area Groundhog Polka Club Event by Representative Samuel H. SmithPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Groundhog Day is a popular cultural event in Pennsylvania that happens every February 2nd. If the groundhog sees its shadow that means six more weeks of winter. If there is no shadow that means an early spring.
Stuffed animal:Punxsutawney Phil 2005 (2005) by Ty Inc.The Strong National Museum of Play
History of Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day, originally known as Candlemas Day, has roots in Europe as it’s the midpoint between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. Germans used a hedgehog to determine the status of an upcoming spring. A groundhog was used later.
Gobbler's Knob by Representative Samuel H. SmithPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
The Start of Punxsutawney Phil
In 1886, the Punxsutawney newspapers printed about the upcoming event. This is when people started to make the annual trek to Gobbler’s Knob to see whether there would be six more weeks of winter or an early spring. Punxsutawney Phil soon became an iconic figure in Pennsylvania!
Speech (20th Century) by Representative Samuel H. SmithPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
A speech given on the House floor by Rep. Sam Smith on the 100th anniversary of Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day Poem (21st Century) by Representative Samuel H. SmithPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
A poem that was read before Punxsutawney Phil predicted the weather.
Groundhog Celebration House Floor Groundhog Celebration House Floor by Representative Samuel H. SmithPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Other towns soon adopted their own “groundhog” and started their own traditions each year. Other famous groundhogs are Octoraro Orphie (Lancaster), Mount Joy Minnie (Lancaster), Dover Doug (York), and Poor Richard (York).
Pictured: Representatives with Phil
Samuel H. Smith, former Member from Indiana and Jefferson Counties (1987-2014), was from Punxsutawney. John E. Barley, former Member from Lancaster County (1985-2002), represented the area where Octorara Orphie resides. William Orlando Smith, former Member from Jefferson County (1889- 1898), was a well-known newspaper owner and editor. One of his newspapers, the Punxsutawney Spirit, is credited with first reporting Groundhog Day in 1886.
Groundhog Day Book (20th Century) by Representative Samuel H. SmithPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
A memorabilia program from Groundhog Day highlighting celebrations from 1886 to 1992.
Punxsutawney Event by Representative Samuel H. SmithPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Rep. Sam Smith with locals at the Punxsutawney celebration.
Presentation of Punsutawney Phil Flag by Representative Samuel H. SmithPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
An early photo of a celebration of Groundhog Day on the House Floor.
Phil comes to Harrisburg. Here is a parade welcoming him to the Pennsylvania Capitol.
Groundhog Celebration House Floor Groundhog Celebration House Floor by Representative Samuel H. SmithPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Representatives Paul Costa and Michael Diven posing for a picture with Phil.
Groundhog Cookie List (21st Century) by Representative Samuel H. SmithPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Representative Sam Smith was well known for his “Spicy Groundhog Cookies” he handed to Members and staff every February. Here is his list of how many dozen he made every year.
Groundhog Mascot (20th Century) by Representative Samuel H. SmithPennsylvania House of Representatives Archives
Groundhog Day is a Pennsylvania tradition, and the House is no exception! The House has embraced it's famous mammal for annual celebrations!
