The Snyder County Post
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Yesteryear in Snyder County...
Snyder County's Family Amusement Park:
Rolling Green Park
Rolling Green Park
Many county residents may not know the name, "The People's Park", but most longtime Snyder county residents will recall the name "Rolling Green Park". Many of those persons over 40 have been there at one time.
There is a long history to the park beginning in 1907, when a trolley line was constructed to run from Selinsgrove to Sunbury, via Hummel's Wharf and Shamokin Dam. Guy Webster, president of the York Bridge Company, realized that potential trolley-riders needed a reason to travel on the trolley.
He purchased approximately 46 acres of land (for $9,841.66) with the intention of the park being the trolley's last stop. For the first quarter of the 20th century, the park grew rapidly and incited the need for a new name. Mrs. Charles Kissinger, of Lewistown, dubbed the park "Rolling Green Park", and received a $25 cash reward.
There is a long history to the park beginning in 1907, when a trolley line was constructed to run from Selinsgrove to Sunbury, via Hummel's Wharf and Shamokin Dam. Guy Webster, president of the York Bridge Company, realized that potential trolley-riders needed a reason to travel on the trolley.
He purchased approximately 46 acres of land (for $9,841.66) with the intention of the park being the trolley's last stop. For the first quarter of the 20th century, the park grew rapidly and incited the need for a new name. Mrs. Charles Kissinger, of Lewistown, dubbed the park "Rolling Green Park", and received a $25 cash reward.
This photo shows The Crystal Pool, at Rolling Green Park. Photo taken in the '40's.
Aerial photo of Rolling Green Park. Picture taken in the 40's.
From 1908 to 1944, many famous entertainment acts appeared at Rolling Green Park. Bands such as Tommy Dorsey, Buddy Rogers and Fletcher Henderson thrilled visitors with their Big Band sound. Edgar Bergen and Charlie McCarthy, Jeanette McDonald and Nelson Eddy also made appearances.
A gradual decline in attendance led to the sale of the Park in 1935 to Roman Spangler, of Red Lion. Mr. Spangler managed the park until his death in 1966. The park continued operations until 1972, when Hurricane Agnes swept through the east coast of the United States and did serious damage to the park. Owners decided that it would not regain the former patronage it enjoyed.
Luke Bogar, Jr. purchased the land from the Spangler estate and developed it into Rolling Green Acres, a large housing development.
The Snyder County Historical Society has a wealth of information on Rolling Green Park, including the original "Crystal Ball" which hung above the floor of the dancing pavilion. The society also houses a detailed replica of the park in a seven foot glass case. This replica was produced by Robert Troutman, of Selinsgrove, and donated by the family in 1989.
The model of the park and crystal ball can be viewed by visitors during museum hours which are on Sundays May through September from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The SCHS Library also has for sale “Snyder County: Postcard History Series” by Jim Campbell in which he devotes an entire chapter to Rolling Green Park. The price is $19.95.
The Historical Society is housed at 30 E. Market St. in Middleburg. The phone number is 837-6191 and can be accessed on the internet at www.snydercounty.org/schs.
Luke Bogar, Jr. purchased the land from the Spangler estate and developed it into Rolling Green Acres, a large housing development.
The Snyder County Historical Society has a wealth of information on Rolling Green Park, including the original "Crystal Ball" which hung above the floor of the dancing pavilion. The society also houses a detailed replica of the park in a seven foot glass case. This replica was produced by Robert Troutman, of Selinsgrove, and donated by the family in 1989.
The model of the park and crystal ball can be viewed by visitors during museum hours which are on Sundays May through September from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. The SCHS Library also has for sale “Snyder County: Postcard History Series” by Jim Campbell in which he devotes an entire chapter to Rolling Green Park. The price is $19.95.
The Historical Society is housed at 30 E. Market St. in Middleburg. The phone number is 837-6191 and can be accessed on the internet at www.snydercounty.org/schs.
Photo of Rolling Green Park display at Snyder County Historical Society, Middleburg.
75 Years Ago - 1935
Someone should build a movement to build a monument to the average tax payer. He is tht man who keeps the home fires burning and makes the wheels of governament go arond. He has gotten himself into the position of a taxpayer by thrift, by spending less than he makes, by investing in the home town.
Sheriff Carl E. Runkle was summoned to Paxtonville early on Saturday night at 7 pm during the heavy downpour of rain when a car upset on the Main Street of that town. The three occupants of the car were unhurt and they righted the machine and left the scene before the Sheriff arrived.
Specials for Friday: Pork Chops 12 cents/lb.; Corn Flakes (per box) 06 cents; Chuck Roast 15 cents/lb.
50 Years Ago - 1960
Dedication ceremonies at the West Beaver Township community pool were completed Tuesday when Joe Howard and His Boys, former members of the Horace Heidt program, presented a special program in Cold Springs Grove. The highlight of the evening was the initial plunge into the pool by Boyd Dippery and Roy Swanger, who were clad in 1908 swimming suit styles.
10 Years Ago - 2000
In what was a shocking announcement to the public on June 21st, management of Walnut Acres Organic Farms disclosed its intentions to close the 56 year old company doors within the next two months. Operations at the Snyder County plant will cease by the end of August and the focus of operations will shift closer to the majority shareholders base in Arlington, Virginia.
Someone should build a movement to build a monument to the average tax payer. He is tht man who keeps the home fires burning and makes the wheels of governament go arond. He has gotten himself into the position of a taxpayer by thrift, by spending less than he makes, by investing in the home town.
Sheriff Carl E. Runkle was summoned to Paxtonville early on Saturday night at 7 pm during the heavy downpour of rain when a car upset on the Main Street of that town. The three occupants of the car were unhurt and they righted the machine and left the scene before the Sheriff arrived.
Specials for Friday: Pork Chops 12 cents/lb.; Corn Flakes (per box) 06 cents; Chuck Roast 15 cents/lb.
50 Years Ago - 1960
Dedication ceremonies at the West Beaver Township community pool were completed Tuesday when Joe Howard and His Boys, former members of the Horace Heidt program, presented a special program in Cold Springs Grove. The highlight of the evening was the initial plunge into the pool by Boyd Dippery and Roy Swanger, who were clad in 1908 swimming suit styles.
10 Years Ago - 2000
In what was a shocking announcement to the public on June 21st, management of Walnut Acres Organic Farms disclosed its intentions to close the 56 year old company doors within the next two months. Operations at the Snyder County plant will cease by the end of August and the focus of operations will shift closer to the majority shareholders base in Arlington, Virginia.