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.

Rock Springs by Boat

Saturday, June 2, 1910

The Daily Times reported on this date, "There is a fine bill at the Hippodrome, Rock Springs Park, this week, any of the acts being well worth the price of admission, including Carl Daman Family, Sensational Acrobats; the Orloff Troupe of Famous Russian Gymnasts and Roberti’s Bears, Dogs and Monkeys.”

Monday, June 2, 1913

The Ohio and Mississippi Navigation Company operated the beautiful Steamer Steel City on a specially conducted excursion Decoration Day (Memorial Day) to Rock Springs Park, the most popular summer park in this section. "Thousands of dollars have been spent in beautifying and adding new attractions. Tickets on sale at wharfboat, foot of Wood St. 75 cents round trip. Boat leaves 8 a.m., returning in evening." (The Pittsburg [sic] Press, May 28, 1913.)

Decoration Day originated after the American Civil War to commemorate the fallen Union soldiers of the Civil War. Southern ladies organizations and southern schoolchildren had decorated Confederate graves in Richmond and other cities during the Civil War, but each region had its own date. Most dates were in May. However, in 1913, it fell on the first Monday in June.

Prospects Encouraging for New East Liverpool Pirates

Sunday, April 2, 1905

On this day in 1905, the Pittsburgh Press reported on the upcoming baseball season, including a game to be played by the newly formed East Liverpool Pirates at Rock Springs Park.

“Prospects are more encouraging than ever for the formation of a first-class baseball team in this city.”

1905 also marked the first year of the Ohio and Pennsylvania (O&P) League which included teams from East Liverpool, Canton, Massillon, Mount Vernon, Newark, Akron, Lancaster, Mansfield, Youngstown, and Zanesville in Ohio, and Sharon, Erie, Homestead, New Castle and Braddock in Pennsylvania. Read more about the league and Rock Springs Park here.



(Above) O&P's 1910 Championship team. (Below) Poster advertising game between the East Liverpool Pirates and Steubenville on July 4, 1918.