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Sunday, July 29, 2012

Wednesday, July 29, 2009


On this date in park history, Tricyclefetish.com identifies the make of Richard Hand's trike shown in a 1940s photo taken at the entrance of Rock Springs Park. It was a Colson chain drive tricycle.

The story from an earlier blog post:

In July of 2009, Tish Hand sent me a picture of her husband, Richard K. Hand, riding a tricycle near the entrance to Rock Springs Park in the 1940s. My immediate thought was that it must have been very cool to grow up in an amusement park and have the opportunity to ride all along the winding paths and roads of the 11-acre property, but as I studied the photograph I noticed that “Dickie’s” trike had a chain drive rather than the pedals attached to the front wheel like the one I rode as a kid. I began to wonder what kind of tricycle it was and looked on-line to see if I could find the name.
Dickie Hand (left) and Jim Wilson (right). This photograph is from Sherry Emery’s collection. It shows the same tricycle pictured in Images of America Rock Springs Park p. 74. (Courtesy of Sherry Emery)

I soon discovered a brand new website where people post pictures of themselves on their childhood trikes and inquire about the brand, the worth, etc. The website is a blog entitled “Tricycle Fetish”. According to Wikipedia,“fetishism” is the act of “attributing religious or mystical qualities to inanimate objects.” I mean, I liked my trike as a kid, but come on! But as I read over the blog, I soon realized that these guys knew their stuff, so…

I never thought I’d say it but, “Thank you Tricyclefetish.com!”

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Virginia Gardens Memorial Park Dedicated

This week in Rock Springs Park history, The Virginia Gardens Memorial Park in Chester was dedicated and the first annual Rock Springs Festival was held starting on July 25, 1983.

The East Liverpool Evening Review reported on Saturday, July 23, 1983, “Memories of a colorful bit of local history will be recalled anew this week, as Chester area residents prepare for the first Rock Springs Park festival. Dedication ceremonies are planned Monday evening for the Rock Springs Memorial Park, a small section of fenced land at Carolina Ave. and Sixth St. where the City Planning Commission hopes to locate a permanent museum for park memorabilia. The ceremonies which will feature the first ‘Miss Virginia Gardens,’ Lori Theiss, and her court, are to be part of a four-day celebration.”

There was also a plan to build a small cement block structure to serve as a museum in the park . “Planning Commission member Anne Ford said the commission may consider a 'buy a block' program to help with funding.” The city also applied for funds under the Governor’s Emergency Employment Program to build the structure, but it never came to fruition.

Planners intended the festival to become an annual event and it did continue for several years but ended in the late 80s.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Beaver and Geneva College Excursions

Wednesday, July 27, 1921

On this date, Masons And Families Enjoyed an Outing at Rock Springs Park. About 600 were present from Beaver Valley to attend the event.

About six hundred were present at the outing Wednesday at Rock Springs Park which was held by the Beaver Valley Caravan No. 6. The park, which affords various amusements, was heartily enjoyed. Twenty-two sporting events were planned and carried out with spevial prizes for the winners. A baseball game was played between the upper valley and lower valley teams, the upper valley winning the score 7 to 4. Dancing was continuous from 3 to 10:30 o'clock. The Famous Seven Orchestra furnished the music for the dancing. Zig Zag lolly pops [sic] and soft drinks were furnished for the kiddies. One hundred were present from Beaver Falls, the same number from New Brighton and 400 from Rochester, Beaver and Freedom. The affair was planned by the following committee: Chairman of arrangements, C. Merle Raisley; sports, George H. Hamilton and J. Alex Quay; baseball, Christian H. Lindsay and Harry Fairman; dancing, John P. Scofield; entertainment for children, J.A. Philips and Harvey W. Calhoon; transportation, J.J. Zimmerman. (The Daily Times, July 28, 1921.)

Sunday, July 27, 1930

On this date, friends, faculty and alumni of Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA, took the first of many annual excursion trips from Rochester to Rock Springs Park. The Beaver Daily Times gave a wonderful account of the trip the next day which included the myriad sights, sounds, and colors of an eight-hour trip on the Ohio River. Read it at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/07/for-geneva-college-getting-there-was.html.


Thursday, July 26, 2012

Miss Marlene Gibbs Crowned Queen of Chester's Golden Jubilee

Friday, July 26, 1957


Margaret Cline Comm (left) and Shirley McCauley featured in 
Chester's Jubilee celebration parade 1957, 

On this date in history, Miss Marlene Gibbs is crowned queen of Chester's Golden Jubilee celebration at the coronation ball held Friday night at Virginia Gardens, Rock Springs Park. See the full article at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/04/dancing-in-park.html.


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Burnt Cork Players

Hey, is that the famous vaudeville cowboy Will Rogers, the world's best-known celebrity in the 1920s? Nope, sorry. The “real” Will Rogers was, according to his papers, vacationing with his family in Atlantic City, New Jersey in June 1909.

Bun Granville and Will Rogers who give their address as Rock Springs Park, East Liverpool, in the Variety ad were black face or “burnt cork” minstrel comics who appeared on vaudeville stages at the same time Will Rogers was becoming well known as a trick roper.


White blackface performers in the past
used burnt cork and later greasepaint
or shoe polish to blacken their skin.
It is not inconceivable that cowboy Will Rogers might have appeared at Rock Springs Park as he was in the area on several occasions and is known to have performed at East Liverpool’s Ceramic Theater, according to the ELO Historical Society.

“Although the American Theatre continued to sponsor vaudeville shows and the Ceramic sponsored spectacular stage shows and appearances by performers like Will Rogers, both theatres also showed movies.”

Blackface Minstrel shows ended in the United States with the U.S. Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. But those of us too young to remember them might remember the American country music television show Hee Haw (1969–1993). According to one account, its format resembled the content of a minstrel show, musical numbers interspersed with rapid-fire comedy bits.



Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Beaver People Paddle to Park

Tuesday, July 24, 1906

Merchants Picnic held at Rock Springs Park.

Wednesday, July 24, 1907

Over twenty-one hundred people attended The Beaver County General Hospital Benefit and Merchants' picnic at Rock Springs Park. The front page headline in the Daily Times boasted, "It took Four Trains to Carry Crowd." Read more at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/08/1907-merchants-picnic-made-front-page.html.

Wednesday, July 24, 1907

Beaver People paddle in canoes downstream to Rock Springs Park. The canoes were shipped back by freight train. Read more at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2010/08/beaver-people-in-canoes.html.

Wednesday, July 24, 1918

“The Two Generals,” a vaudeville show featuring Adams and Guhl’s Musical Comedy Company begins twice daily shows at Rock Springs Park. The New York Clipper Vaudeville News and Reviews said of Adams and Guhl, “They scored a laughing hit. Their talk is funny and well put over. The bits of business are well handled and got many laughs.”

Sad News

I just received some sad news. Richard “Dick” Bowker passed away last night. Without him, Images of America: Rock Springs Park would not have been published. In fact, every image in the book without a courtesy line belonged to Dick, as it is common practice to give such a contributor a line of gratitude in the acknowledgements. Dick was a collector of all things related to amusement parks and trolleys and his home was both a personal library and museum. Fortunately for us all, our beloved Rock Springs Park was his favorite. In 2009, Dick and I took a road trip from his home in Forest Hills, Pittsburgh to East Liverpool to see and hear the Wurlitzer Band Organ from Rock Springs which is currently on display in the Lou Holtz Upper Ohio Valley Hall of Fame Museum. The Review did a wonderful full page story about our visit which included Dick’s account of recording the organ playing his favorite roll in 1969 and of his riding the Cyclone on Labor Day 1970, as the lights of Rock Springs Park were being turned off forever. Dick and I became friends while working on my book. I have visited him many times these past few years, always taking him to lunch at his favorite Drew’s Restaurant on Ardmore Boulevard. We typically ended each visit watching amusement park videos or listening to polka music. I will miss him, but I am also extremely grateful, as I’m sure you are, that Dick so generously shared his collection with us all.




Monday, July 23, 2012

Splish Splash

Many amusement parks today include a water park on their grounds to attract pleasure seekers looking for a fun way to cool off. At nearby Idlewild Park, in Ligonier, PA, the western lake-end along Route 30 is known as “SoakZone” and features a new wave pool called the “Wowabunga.” While Rock Springs Park never had a specific area exclusively set up and advertised as a “water park”, it did have a number of water-related attractions including the Crystal Pool, the Lake, the Shoot-the-Chutes ride with Splash Lagoon, and several cooling fountains and lily ponds.

Mirrored Rotating Fountain



Lily Pond

 
Shoot-the-Chutes


The Crystal Pool and Lake

Sunday, July 22, 2012

One Bad and One Good

Two notable events occurred on this date in Rock Springs Park history – one bad and one good.

Monday, July 22, 1907

One hundred African Americans were denied access to Rock Springs Park when their steamboat took them from Rochester, PA, to East Liverpool "stopped for only 5 minutes, turned around and came right back again," according to The Daily Times, July 23, 1907. Read more at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/07/ugly-side-of-amusement-park-history.html.

Wednesday, July 22, 1908

Ladies Auxiliary Hospital Benefit Picnic held. A Special train departed morning and afternoon from Beaver, PA. Business men were respectfully asked to close their places of business. Reported in The Daily Times, July 17, 1908.

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Rock Springs Park Wikipedia Page Created

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

On this date two years ago, a Rock Springs Park Wikipedia page is created by Comic Book Runner. It references "Images of America: Rock Springs Park." Read more at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2010/08/rock-springs-park-is-now-on-wikipedia.html.


Friday, July 20, 2012

Airship Demonstration

Wednesday, July 20, 1910

On this date, Captain Jack Dallas flies his Strobel Air Ship from Rock Springs Park to the Diamond in East Liverpool, Ohio and back again in an afternoon and evening exhibition. Read more at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2010/08/captain-jack-dallas.html.


Thursday, July 19, 2012

Fate of the Famed Carousel

Friday, July, 19, 1912

Dever-Reed Reunion at Rock Springs Park.

On this date in Rock Springs Park history, the eighth annual reunion of the Dever and Reed families was held at Rock Springs Park, Chester, W. Va.

Representatives of the two families were present from Harding County, Cleveland, New Philadelphia, Steubenville, Wellsville, East Liverpool, Lisbon, Beaver Falls, Washington, Pa., and Hookstown.

The party enjoyed a basket picnic and a special program of music and speech making. A family group picture was taken of the party by a special artist.

Friday, July 19, 1985

Also on this date, An Evening Review article by Susan M. Weaver updated readers on the whereabouts of Rock Springs’ Carousel. “THE PRESENT OWNER is the Freels Foundation, which is a non-profit organization for the preservation of carousels. Foundation President Larry Freels had stated that this particular Dentzel model is one of the finest carousels in the nation. The Foundation was located in San Francisco and its plans called for the establishment of a museum there, where the carousel of Rock Springs Park was supposed to be exhibited. At the time of the story, the machine was still stored in the same two trailers in which it left Chester (1985).” The museum eventually auctioned off Rock Springs’ Dentzel and at present it is available for purchase from Brass Ring Entertainment and is still in those original crates. See it at http://carousel.com/antique/AntiqueDentzelCarousel.html.


Wednesday, July 18, 2012

The Steamship "Rock Springs Park"

According to the Montreal Gazette, August 30, 1946, there was a steamship, Rock Springs Park, which carried 794 horses to Poland at the conclusion of WWII. I wonder if there is any connection.  

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Healing Miracle Performed

Sunday, July 17, 1927

On this date in Rock Springs Park history, a healing miracle is performed by aerialists during a highwire free act. Find out how Bob Fisher's Five Fearless Flyers cured Mrs. Mary Lyons of her affliction at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/07/healing-miracle-in-rock-springs-park.html.


Monday, July 16, 2012

Evening Splash Party

Monday, July 16, 1928

On this day in Rock Springs Park history, a "Special Attraction" at Virginia Gardens played for one week. Visitors enjoyed Joe Graf and his Penn Personality Players and an evening "Splash Party" with special lighting system. (The Daily Times, July 14, 1928.)


Sunday, July 15, 2012

Western PA Lutherans Hold Picnic at Rock Springs Park

Tuesday, July 15, 1930

Western Pennsylvania Lutherans Hold Picnic at Rock Springs Park.
 
The sixth Annual Picnic of the Lutheran Outing Association is to be held July 15 at Rock Springs Park, Chester, W.Va. This outing usually is largely attended by Lutherans of Western Pennsylvania and is estimated 5,000 will be present.
 
Many churches and Sunday schools have signified their intention to attend as a group, and eliminate their individual outings. A silver cup will be awarded the church and school having the largest percentage of attendees.
 
St. John's Lutheran Church, Fortieth Street, last year was awarded a silver plaque for having the largest attendance for three consecutive years.
 
On the executive committee for the outing association are W.K. Hodkinson, Edna K. Schwer, Esther A. Anton, Henry W. Mertens, D. R. Pfeiffer, C. L. Reith, George B. Turnbaugh, Robert Lentz, Harry Dreher and A.M. Hartzell. (The Pittsburgh Press, July 5, 1930.)


Due to continued decline in congregation membership and inadequate financial support, the St. John's Lutheran Church, Fortieth Street, Pittsburgh, PA, was absorbed by Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Shadyside, and the edifice (shown) was sold to a private developer for use as condominiums.


Saturday, July 14, 2012

This Day in Rock Springs Park History

Sunday, July 14, 1878

George Gardner etched his name on a lichen-covered rock near the spring at Rock Springs Park. See it at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/07/leaving-your-mark.html.

Wednesday, July 14, 1907

Tuesday, July 14, 1936

George Williams, noted WTAM orchestra leader, will bring his aggregation of musical stars to Rock Springs Park at Chester this Tuesday night, July 14th. Williams is well known in the valley, as he holds the all time crowd attendance at Rock Springs Park and several other valley ballrooms.

Williams features lovely Miss Thelma Walters, Guy McComas, and Hal Lippincott. Guy McComas has been heard on coast to coast radio network commercial programs. (The Daily Times, July 11, 19436.)

Read more at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2010/08/according-to-july-11-1936-edition-of.html.


Friday, July 13, 2012

Mail Pouch Picnic

Wednesday, July 13, 1927

On this date in Rock Springs Park history, the Bloch Brothers Tobacco Company opened the picnic season at Rock Springs Park. Taking a mail pouch as their characteristic symbol, they made their first sale of West Virginia Mail Pouch on October 15, 1879. Read more at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/02/mail-pouch-barns-in-rock-springs-park.html.


Thursday, July 12, 2012

Enjoy!

This is a video I created in a workshop. I chose images of my favorite subject, set to the tune of "I Only Want to Be with You" by Mike Hawker and Ivor Raymonde and sung by British singer Dusty Springfield. Enjoy!

Book and Blog by the Numbers

It’s been over a year since I posted one of these, so I thought I would give fans of the Rock Springs Park book and blog some behind-the-scenes data. You could probably guess that the majority of my blog “Page Views by Country” would place the United States well in the lead, and you would be correct, but can you guess which country comes in second? You might be surprised.
Blog Data:

1. Page views by browser - Internet Explorer wins big at 56%.

2. Page views by operating system – Windows wins out at 78% and Mac is a far, far distant second with 7%.

3. The number one referring site is Google with Facebook a distant second.


4. The keywords which most often bring people to the blog, as you might expect, are “rock springs park, chester, wv.”

5. Page views all time history - 24,361


6. Today’s post is post #246.

Book Data:

1. Closing out second printing and getting ready for a third.


2. Those who bought Images of America: Rock Springs Park on Amazon also most frequently purchased George Hines’ Hancock County Images book and Bob Barnett’s memoir, Last Small Town.


3. Rock Springs Park book is currently ranked #1,029,694 out of over 8,000,000 books on Amazon.


4. Number of revisions for the back cover summary and author biography = 31

5. Number of revisions for the book text = 59


6. Number of images scanned or processed electronically from the collection of Richard Bowker = 521


7. Number of images provided by Tish Hand = 78


8. Number of images used in book = 220


9. Maximum number of words allowed = 18,000


10. Number of words in final text = 17,995


11. Number of times the name “Rock Springs Park” appears in the text = 122


12. Number of email correspondences with editor = 188

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Coaster Enthusiasts Support and Rate Rock Springs Park Book

If it wasn’t for coaster enthusiasts, Images of America: Rock Springs Park might not have been published.





While in the proposal process, I contacted a member of ACE (American Coaster Enthusiasts) to get some feedback on the groups’ interest in a book about our beloved Rock Springs. ACE president, Bill Linkenheimer, told me he and many other coaster enthusiasts devour books about amusement parks, specifically those containing information on and images of classic coasters. In fact, one of the main goals of ACE is to raise money to restore and revitalize classic coasters and historic parks. ACE’s mission statement includes “fostering and promoting the conservation, appreciation, knowledge, and enjoyment of the classic wooden roller coaster.” The best advice I received from my inquiry with Bill, besides his suggestion to seek support back home from Chester-area residents, was a lead he gave me from another member and friend, Jim Futrell. Jim suggested I contact ACE Member #10, Richard Bowker, who was described as a huge fan of Rock Springs Park, a suggestion which literally made the book possible. I soon discovered that Member #10 had 7-8 photograph albums containing, what turned out to be, the largest private collection of Rock Springs pictures and postcards out there. Thanks ACE!


Now a coaster website hosted by Andy Shine and described as a “Roller Coaster Media Library”, has added and rated Images of America: Rock Springs Park. Shines rating scale is based on a book’s coverage of coasters. Books specifically about coasters are often rated as “recommended” or “excellent”. Rock Springs Park received a rating of “good’, as it has a limited number of coaster images and information.






So, how many coasters did Rock Springs Park have over the years? 5.

1. Figure Eight (1897 – 1905)
2. World’s Greatest Scenic Railway (1906 – 1920)
3. Leap the Dips (1906 – 1921)
4. Scenic Railway converted into a more modern coaster (1921 – 1926)
5. Cyclone (1927 – 1970)


Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Thoughts of Rock Springs Park Spark Facebook Reunion

According to an article by Stephen Huba, which ran in the East Liverpool Review on Saturday, July 7, 2012, it was memories of Rock Springs Park which led to the creation of a Facebook Group and reunion. The group, dedicated to memories of Chester and Lawrenceville in West Virginia, held their first annual get-together at the old Chester High School gym and cafeteria on the same day the article appeared. Group founder, Vicki Robinson Jordan, of Chester, was quoted as saying “It started with a memory of going to Rock Springs Park every chance I got." The event dubbed "Take Me Home Country Roads 1st Annual Community Reunion" included a meet-and-greet, cover dish dinner, a sock hop in the gym, a 50/50 drawing and a Chinese auction, in which one lucky fellow walked home with an Images of America: Rock Springs Park basket.


Photograph courtesy of Jackson Edward Wilson

Read the entire article at http://www.reviewonline.com/page/content.detail/id/557464/Event-set-for-Facebook-group.html and join the group on Facebook by searching “You Grew Up in Chester or Lawrenceville If You Remember.” The group page includes hundreds of stories and images of the Chester/Lawrenceville area and dozens of glowing reports about last Saturday's event sparked by memories of our beloved Rock Springs.

Monday, July 9, 2012

The Louisiana Kings Play One-Night Performance

Thursday, July 9, 1936


The largest swing band in the United States, at the time, the Louisiana Kings, played a one-night performance at Rock Springs Park on this night in park history. Read more at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/07/louisiana-kings.html.


Saturday, July 7, 2012

Monaca Closes Stores for Picnic to Park

Monday, July 7, 1930


On this date in Rock Springs Park history, the town of Monaca, Pennsylvania closed store and business houses for its annual outing and boat ride to Rock Springs Park. Read more at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2010/08/whole-town-excursions-to-rock-springs.html.


Friday, July 6, 2012

The Lincoln Highway Turns 30

Wednesday, July 6, 1927

On this date in Rock Springs Park History, The Lincoln Highway became Route 30. Read more about RSP and the LH at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/07/governor-of-wv-attends-celebratory.html.

In my youth it was a rite of passage to be tall enough to leapfrog this concrete LH marker with a blue arrow pointing west toward Virginia Avenue. It, along with two others, remain in a three block stretch in my old neighborhood.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Original Paint or Not?



In 2009, while researching the carousel in Rock Springs Park, I came across an article which gave me pause. In it, the author suggested that the horses when sold at auction were not in original factory paint as advertised, but had, in fact, been repainted in 1937. The restoration work was done by a former Gustav Dentzel employee, Frances D. Schatt of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, who apparently kept to the original colors of the Daniel Muller-designed horses. This made me wonder whether the restorative work would have had any effect on the value of the horses or the sellers claim that they were in original park paint”. It is not as if, the horses were repainted, as many still-operating carousels have been, in the bright and often garish colors experts refer to as “park paint.” Schatt was an expert.

To seek an answer, I wrote to Lise Liepman, a carousel horse restorer who worked with Tobin Fraley at the Freels Foundation.

Dear Mrs. Liepman,

I am writing to inquire about the carousel horses that were once housed in Rock Springs Park in Chester, WV. I am currently working on a picture history book about the park and was hoping you might be able to answer a couple of questions I have.

Your friend, Tobin Fraley, used some of the Daniel Muller-carved horses from Rock Springs in his book The Carousel Animal. In fact, the horse on the frontispiece is from Rock Springs Park. Were you involved in restoring or preparing any of the Rock Springs Park horses? If so, could you share any information you have about them.


Also, I have one technical question about carousel horse restoration: In an article from the East Liverpool Review, date July 19, 1985, the writer made the following claim about the horses from the Rock Springs Park carousel:

"ANOTHER MISCONCEPTION, held by carousel experts as well as local residents, is the belief the horses had never been repainted. However, on October 7, 1937, The Evening Review reported that 'Frances D. Schatt of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company is repainting the ponies of the Merry-Go-Round at Rock Springs Park' The Philadelphia Toboggan Co. was also a manufacturer of carousels and other amusement rides. Schatt had previously been employed in Gustav Dentzel's factory and had accumulated 40 years' experience in the craft. It is understandable therefore that the work of such an experienced painter could be mistaken for original factory paint."

Would this affect the claim that the carousel was in "original factory paint"?

Would such a claim, if it were proved, affect the selling price of the carousel or its horses, or their value to current owners? A lot of people paid large sums of money in the Freels auction in 1998 for these horses. Would they be upset to hear that they were not in original factory paint?

I am trying to explain this concept in my book.

Would an expert such as youself still describe the Rock Springs Park carousel as being in "original factory paint" under these circumstances?


Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

Joe Comm

Unfortunately, I did not receive a response, and so, am still left with the same question: “Were Rock Springs carousel horses in original factory paint or not?” Perhaps, someone reading this blog has an answer.

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Fourth of July a Big Day at the Park

The Fourth of July was the biggest day of the year at Rock Springs Park for many decades. Some of the more notable July 4 events are featured in today’s patriotic installment of “This Day in Rock Springs Park History.”


Monday, July 4, 1927

Former owner C.A. Smith commented that the crowd attending the Fourth at Rock Springs Park in the new Macdonald Era was “the largest he had ever seen within the gates of the park at the noon hour.” But was Macdonald the new owner or just the lessee? Read more at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/03/70000-buys-park-in-1950.html.

Friday, July 4, 1930

"Rock Springs Fete"

"Doc" Perkins and his Iowans will play for dancing at Rock Springs Park tomorrow, and the Conley Trio will put on its high pole act, with fireworks display to close the Independence Day celebration. Bob Fisher and his Five Fearless Flyers will open an engagement at the park next week. (The Pittsburgh Press, July 3, 1930.)

Saturday, July 4, 1936

Excursion to Rock Springs Park on Steamer Washington. Leave Pittsburgh 9:00 a.m. Return 11:00 p.m. Arrive at Park 2:00 p.m. and Leave 5:00 p.m. Daylight Savings Time. Adult $1.00 Round Trip Fare, Children 50 cents. Celebrate the 4th on the Ohio. Dancing, entertainment, cafeterias serving lunch and refreshments. (The Pittsburgh Press, June 26, 1936.)


Sunday, July 4, 1954

Safe crackers make off with $8000 in Fourth of July receipts after breaking into the Rock Springs Park office and old fashioned double-door safe. Read the article at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2010/08/safe-crackers-enjoy-picnic-in-rock.html.



Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Benefit Excursion to Rock Springs Park

Thursday, July 3, 1902

On this day in history, the Coshocton Public Library sponsored a benefit excursion to Rock Springs Park. Read more at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/06/where-heck-is-coshocton.html.

Monday, July 2, 2012

5-year Old Hudson Girl Injured in Fall Through Baseball Grandstand

Thursday, July 2, 1914

Also on this date in Rock Springs Park history, The Hudson Independent of Hudson, Ohio, reported that a girl accidentally dropped 15 feet through a hole in the Rock Springs Park baseball grandstand. “Hazel, five, daughter of Thomas Martin, suffered two broken ribs, face lacerations and probably internal injuries.” All I can say is, “Ouch!”

Panhandle Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad Picnic Held

Sunday, July 02, 1922

On this day in history, the annual picnic of the Panhandle Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad was held at Rock Springs Park. The Panhandle Division of the Pennsylvania Railroad was originally The Pittsburgh and Steubenville Railroad line and, today, sections of it have been converted to walking and biking trails.


Sunday, July 1, 2012

Set Your Calendar


In a year and one day from today on July 2, 2013, I will be giving a slide show book talk on Rock Springs Park as part of the West Virginia State Archives & History Lecture Series. The program, held in the Culture Center in Charleston, WV, will begin at 6:00 p.m. and is free and open to the public. More details to come. 

Information about the series can be found at http://www.wvculture.org/history/workshops.html. The link includes images and videos of past lectures. I would recommend viewing Bob Barnett's talk as he also wrote about West Virginia's northern panhandle in his memoir, Growing Up in the Last Small Town: A West Virginia Memoir.