Tanners Falls

Tanners Falls is a small, historically rich village located in Dyberry Township, Wayne County, Pennsylvania. Though modest in size today, it played a significant role in the region’s 19th-century industrial development and remains a scenic and culturally meaningful spot in the Pocono Mountains.

🏘️ Village Overview

• Founded: Circa 1830 by Jason Torrey
• Township: Dyberry Township
• County: Wayne County, PA
• ZIP Code: 18431 (served by Honesdale)
• Elevation: Approximately 1,043 feet (318 meters)
• School District: Wayne Highlands School District
• Congressional District: PA-8

🏞️ Geography & Setting

• Waterways: Located near the confluence of the East and West Branches of Dyberry Creek
• Nearby Features: Tanners Falls waterfall, State Game Lands 159, Lake Cayuga, Long Pond
• Road Access: Tanners Falls Road, with proximity to Honesdale (about 6 miles south)

🏛️ Historical Significance

• Tannery Industry: In the 1850s, Lewis B. Richtmyer established a tannery that processed over 50,000 hides annually using more than 170 vats
• Post Office: Opened in 1856 with Henry Richtmyer as the first postmaster
• Catholic Church: Hilltop Church built in 1865 to serve the local faithful
• Bridge Construction: A historic bridge was built in 1885 over Dyberry Creek, now closed but still visible
• Decline: The tannery ceased operations in 1887 due to depletion of hemlock bark, which was essential for tanning

🧱 Ruins & Remnants

• Stone Foundations: Moss-covered ruins of the old tannery complex still surround the waterfall
• Cultural Echoes: The village retains traces of its industrial past, blending natural beauty with historical mystery