Tap Kline, the hermit of Bracken Brae
Dr. Tapus Kline, affectionately known as “Tap” Kline throughout the mountain, lived in his place which he called “Spuyten Duyvil” and which was located across the bridge on the opposite side of Big Basin Road. In 1903, Tap cleaned the old logging roads and made nine miles of hiking trails throughout Bracken Brae.
Built in 1902 and still standing, the Spuyten Duyvil was built almost entirely on the bank of the creek on stilts. The only part of the house that sits on firm ground is the entrance.
The house is not located on the Bracken Brae grounds. Apparently this was not unusual as there were several other properties that used to be part of the club. It is the closest house to the Bracken Brae bridge and its address is 125 Brook Lane.
“Spuyten Duyvil” is a Dutch name meaning “Devil’s Spout” or “Spitting Devil” and may refer to the torrent of water coming from Peavine Creek just feet from the house during the winter.
Tap Kline, under the supervision of William Todd, originally cleared the old lumber roads in Bracken Brae. The roads were named “Wooded Way”, “Burnside Bend”, “Hazel Brake”, “Fernside Place”, and “Hillside Drive”
