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)

Let's Ride the Cyclone

This is a virtual ride on Rock Springs Park’s Cyclone, which I created for ACE (American Coaster Enthusiasts) Western PA's Coasterbash 2010 using 62 photographs taken of/on the roller coaster over the course of its 43 year history. If you rode the Cyclone, or always wanted to, this virtual ride is my Easter gift to you. Happy Easter!

(Images courtesy of Richard Bowker , Rich Brookes and Tish Hand; "Free Ride" is a song written by Dan Hartman and performed by The Edgar Winter Group, 1973)

Joel Comm

Last March I spoke at ACE's CoasterBash. It was a priviledge to share a slide show of Rock Springs Park and a virtual ride on the Cyclone to members of ACE's Western Pennsylvania group. I attended with Dick Bowker, ACE's 10th member, and the guy who gave me most of the pictures for my book. We enjoyed a nice dinner and presenations from Idlewild and Kennywood and other parks in our Western PA region.

I didn't realize until I came home that my nametag incorrectly identified me as "Joel." When I walked in the door my wife asked, "So, how did it go, Joel?" Talk about deflation!

Actaully, I wish I was Joel Comm. On a vanity search I discovered Joel Comm, inventor of something called AdSense Secrets. It sounds like he's a rich guy. Joel, if you're out there, I may be a poor relation. Any chance you want to unload some of that wealth?