From the archive: Punxsutawney Phil’s famous prognostications had humble beginnings in 1880s
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Pennsylvania’s famed weather prognosticator has been at it for more than a century.
With that fame, Punxsutawney Phil and his namesake hometown have become a sort of ground zero on Groundhog Day. The limelight has turned every Feb. 2 into an early morning festival at Gobbler’s Knob that ends with Phil’s long-awaited prediction — will he see his shadow and predict more winter? Or will he not see his shadow and predict an early spring?
These archive photos from over the years show groundhog and Punxsutawney memorabilia, as well as a special celebration on Feb. 2, 2002 — 02/02/02.
Punxsutawney Phil was first recognized in 1886, according to the celebration’s website. On his first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob the following year, Phil saw his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter.
Between 1898 and 2024, he’s seen his shadow 105 times.
Phil’s prediction is relayed to members of his Inner Circle after he emerges from his stump at Gobbler’s Knob at sunrise. Members of the Inner Circle plan the events surrounding Groundhog Day, which this year include a formal Groundhog Ball, fundraisers, a talent show, musical performances and of course, the annual prognostication.
A movie centered on the activities of Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray as a television weatherman who covers the annual Feb. 2 celebration repeatedly after becoming stuck in a time loop. “Groundhog Day” the movie debuted in 1993 and record crowds visited Punxsutawney in the years after, according to the Groundhog Club.
If you are planning to watch this year’s event in person, prepare to walk two miles up hill or ride a shuttle bus to Gobbler’s Knob. Buses begin at 3 a.m. and contine until 9 a.m. Complete details can be found at www.groundhog.org.
Phil facts
2023: Thousands of Eagles Super Bowl LVII fans help celebrate Phil’s big day at the Knob.
2021: Coronavirus fear prohibits crowds on Gobbler’s Knob.
2017: “A Groundhog Day Story: The Tale of a Marmot, His Shadow, and the People Who Protect Him” special aired on the Animal Planet network.
2009: Inner Circle President Bill Cooper completed his final interpretation and retired at Gobbler’s Knob.
2006: Phil saw his shadow while wearing his Pittsburgh Steelers “Terrible Towel.”
2002: Phil saw his shadow at the largest event in 116 year history with estimated 30,000 people celebrating 02/02/02.
2001: Phil’s prediction was shown live on the JumboTron at Times Square in New York City. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell attended the ceremonies, making him the first sitting governor ever to do so.
1998: Groundhog Day was first broadcast live worldwide via the internet.
1995: Guested on the Oprah Winfrey television show.
1993: “Groundhog Day” the movie with Bill Murray was released.
1986: Visited President Reagan at the White House in March.
1981: Phil wore a yellow ribbon in honor of the American hostages in Iran.
1960: Appearance on NBC’s “Today” television show.
1959: Phil announces that he has returned from a successful trip to the moon.
1958: Prepared for blast-off in his “Chucknik” spacecraft.
1953: First year with Sam Light as Groundhog Club president.
1952: First appearance of Frau Groundhog, Groundhog procession and shadow. Casting was on Dave Garroway’s television show on NBC on Feb. 4.
1947: First newspaper photo of Groundhog Club members at Gobbler’s Knob.
1942: “War clouds have blacked out parts of the shadow” headline in local newspaper.
1940: Pictured with first Groundhog Day Queen, Miss Margaret Hunam.
1937: Unfortunate meeting with a skunk.
1928: Program with Punxsutawney’s Rotary Club was on KDKA Radio.
1924: First appearance of logo with groundhog with umbrella and newspaper.
1916: First films of the event.
1914: Groundhog demonstrated “The Groundhog Flop.”
1913: First newspaper photo appears. A new dance, “The Groundhog Roll,” was demonstrated.
1911: 55 couples at Groundhog Day Dance.
1908: First front page newspaper coverage.
1899: Groundhog Club founded.
1887: Phil’s first Official trek to Gobbler’s Knob. Saw Shadow.
1886: Groundhog Day first recognized in Punxsutawney by Weathers Wags.
Source: Punxsutawney Groundhog Club