Baby Show and Beauty Contest

Thursday, August 31, 1911

The Tribune Baby Show was held on this date in Rock Springs Park history. 64 prizes were given valued at $300 and over one thousand babies were shown.

Wednesday, August 31, 1927

Tri-State Beauty Contest was held at Rock Springs Park. Contestants from Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania vied for the chance to win the title and $500 in prizes and gifts as well as a free trip to view the National Beauty pageant at Atlantic City. (Beaver Falls Tribune, August 23, 1927)

Children's Day

Tuesday, August 30, 1910

On this date, the first annual "Children's Day" was held at Rock Springs Park.

The Daily Times, August 19, 1910 - Children’s Day AT Rock Springs

Management Plans Great Future for Favorite Resort

The Rock Springs Park Management in the course of its busy season entertains a great number of grown people as well as children, but it is intended to devote two days to the juveniles exclusively. With this in mind, Tuesday, August 30th, has been dedicated to the younger generation and will be known as "Children's Day," to be followed on Wednesday, August 31st, with a day set aside for babies.

On August 30th, the management has arranged for a children's white dress parade, at which prizes will be distributed for the most becoming white dress, the most ridiculous costume, the oddest costume and the most patriotic costume, for all of which 20 prizes have been purchased. Additional prizes will be awarded to boys in kite flying competition, each boy being requested to make his own kite.

A cut card matching contest has also been arranged with a distribution of silver watches and bicycles to the winning boys and girls. For a complete list of prizes see the advertising announcements. Entries for various contests will be received at the Park on the day of entertainment.

The grown folks are to have their inning in the evening at the Dancing Pavilion. A prize waltz will be conducted and Ninety Dollars in gold will be awarded the winners in the shape of Fifty Dollars to the first winning couple, Twenty-five Dollars to the second winning couple, and Fifteen Dollars to the third.

For full particulars address, Children's Day Manager, Rock Springs Park, Chester, W. Va.

Cadet Drum Corps and Merchants' Outing

Wednesday, August 29, 1906

On this date, the Cadet Drum Corps and Merchants' Outing was held at Rock Springs Park, according to The Beaver Times, August 24, 1906). The notice featured special train arrival and departure times and fares for children and adults.

Take the Yellow Car

Sunday, August 28, 1910

On this date in Rock Springs Park history, an advertisement for C.A. Smith's Ohio Valley Scenic Railway proclaimed that readers should “TAKE THE YELLOW CAR” for a 15-minute trip to Smith’s Ferry, PA, and the site of Native American stone carvings along the banks of the Beaver River. Read more at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/08/take-yellow-car-to-indian-rocks.html.

Turn of the Century Soap Opera

Monday, August 27, 1900

On this date, a jilted lover threw herself at the feet of her man following a dance at Rock Springs Park. Read about the century-old soap opera at http://rockspringspark.blogspot.com/2011/07/dog-days-of-summer-spurred-soap-opera.html.

Hancock County Day

Saturday, August 26, 1911

On this day in Rock Spring Park history, Hancock County Day was held. An advertisement for the event read, “And that means everybody for miles around. One of the big days.”

Only Amusement Park Between Philadelphia and Chicago

Thursday, August 25, 1983

On this date, a feature article appeared in the Weirton Daily Times entitled “The Enchantment of Rock Springs Echoes in Memories.” The article incorrectly stated that the park officially opened on May 30, 1887*, and that the scenic railroad was built in 1921**. However, it did add an interesting historical note. “At the time Rock Springs Park opened, it was the only amusement park between Philadelphia and Chicago.”

*Rock Springs Park had its official opening on Memorial Day, May 30, 1897.
**The World’s Greatest Scenic Railway, a gravity operated ride, opened on May 24, 1907.