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.

Safe Crackers Enjoy Picnic In Rock Springs Park

(left) Rock Springs Park Director Robert L. Hand in front of the office. (Courtesy of Tish Hand)

The following article about a robbery in Rock Springs Park appeared in The Pittsburgh Press on July 7, 1954:

Tired After Fourth of July Rush, Official Neglects to Bank Day's Take

The director of Rock Springs amusement park was so tired after the holiday rush that he went to bed instead of the bank.

While he was sleeping, safe crackers entered the park office and made off with $8000 in Fourth of July receipts.

Chester Police Chief Lloyd H. Lyons said the yeggs broke into the office sometime early yesterday.

They opened the old-fashioned, six-foot double-door safe by knocking off the combination and tapping a drift pin into the spindle.

“It was a professional job,” the chief said. Deputy Sheriff Bert Byers, of New Cumberland, said there are some suspects under surveillance.

The park office is near the dance hall and about two blocks from where Director Robert Hand resides.

Mr. Hand, who normally would have banked the money at the holidays end said about $1000 was in small bills.

Note: a "yegg" is a safe cracker or burglar