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| Rocky Springs Park around 1900. |
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The fascinating history of Rocky Springs reaches back to 1855 when Michael Trissler purchased land containing a natural spring along the Conestoga River. He named it Rocky Springs. By 1860, with its two-and-a-half story brick mansion house, it was functioning as an inn and picnicking ground.
In 1899 major changes began when the property was sold to Thomas Rees of Pittsburgh. Herman Griffiths came to live in the mansion house as the Manager. Under Griffiths' guidance Rocky Springs grew into what would became Lancaster's landmark amusement and entertainment park.
Church organizations, businesses, private families, and individuals flocked here to enjoy the summer months holding camp meetings, picnics, dances in the pavillions, and to enjoy the bathing area by the river. Amusement rides, concessions, a
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| Labor Day, 1921. |
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ballroom, and a theatre drew as many as 10,000 people on a weekend.
In the mid 1920s, young Joseph Figari moved to Lancaster and began selling concessions at Rocky Springs Park. By 1935 he had purchased the park, retaining ownership until its closing in 1966. During those years, Rocky Springs Park continued to expand. While it is not yet known exactly when each attraction appeared, the park came to include ball fields, bowling lanes, a rollerskating rink, a public pool, the Wild Cat rollercoaster, and more. For over one hundred years, Rocky Springs Park was an important hub of social activity in Lancaster County.
For a more extensive history of Rocky Springs Park, visit rockyspringspark.org.
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