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Once described as a place where God and man went fifty-fifty to produce perfection, Rock Springs Park remained a landmark along the Lincoln Highway in Chester until 1970. In its heyday, this panhandle playground captivated 20,000 visitors daily with attractions including the World's Greatest Scenic Railway, the Cyclone Roller Coaster, and a hand-carved 1927 Dentzel Carousel. Images of America: Rock Springs Park features over 200 rarely seen images and portrays the lifespan of the park from its history as Native American hunting grounds to its development as a local trolley park and full-fledged amusement park. The park hosted business and community picnic excursions and countless celebrity entertainers. Performer Bobby Vinton remembers the era of dances at the park as a very romantic time . . . almost like something in the movies. There was the carousel, the guys in white shoes and girls that were all dressed up with their crinoline skirts.
About the author
Joseph A. Comm is an elementary gifted support teacher with an interest in local history. He studied theater arts and elementary education at the University of Pittsburgh, receiving both a bachelor's degree and master's degree. He grew up in Chester at a time when the sun-bleached skeleton of the Cyclone bordered his school's ball field and remembers well the many tales of the magic of Rock Springs Park.
