Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink 1404 Millport Road, Lancaster, PA. Postcard Source: Several including Flickr, Piccard, etc.
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink 1404 Millport Road, Lancaster, PA. Postcard Source: Several including Flickr, Piccard, etc.
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink 1404 Millport Road, Lancaster, PA. The original entrance to the park. Now to the B&B Inn you can stay overnight. The skating rink was to the left of the road beyond the sign. It was roughly around where that red roof building stands today. Source: Google.
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink 1404 Millport Road, Lancaster, PA. The original entrance to the park. Now to the B&B Inn you can stay overnight. The skating rink was to the left of the road beyond the sign. It was roughly around where that red roof building stands today. See the red circle where the location of the old rink was. Source: Google.
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink 1404 Millport Road, Lancaster, PA. This appeared to be advertised for 1979 or 1980. Source: Theme Park Forum member.
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink 1404 Millport Road, Lancaster, PA. (Renamed)
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink 1404 Millport Road, Lancaster, PA. (Rebooted)
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink 1404 Millport Road, Lancaster, PA. (Rebooted)
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink Lancaster, Pennsylvania was a rink at one time at this amusement park. It's history goes further back to 1855 when Michael Trissler, who was a butcher in Lancaster City, Pennsylvania purchased land in West Lampeter township right by the Conestoga River which he called Rocky Springs. Michael built a brick 2 and 1/2 story hotel. Later, Michael Trissler sold it in 1860 to another innkeeper. Then the hotel was later operated by several other innkeepers ranging from 1860 to 1875.
The park was also purchased and leased many times in the final two decades of 19th Century.
It was primarily as a picnic grounds with the hotel. Then they added music and dancing on the grounds. This is how they began slowly into an amusement park.
Then In 1899, Rocky Springs name was brought back after it was sold to Thomas Rees. For the next 36 years the brick house was occupied by Herman Griffiths who was the manager of the park. Many amusements were planned throughout the summer months by adding shows including water shows on the river, rough riding, and horse training shows, dancing in the pavilions and bathing in the resort area by the Conestoga River during this period. A 2,000 seat auditorium was built and hosted vaudeville, music, and variety shows. The Auditorium later became the current site of the Bowling Lanes.
This resort became a competing park cross from a bathing park and the owner of the steamboat company had transported people to and from both parks including Rocky Springs and the competing park, Conestoga Park. On 10 May 1903, the Conestoga Traction Company began service to Rocky Springs with the only double track line on the system. During the summer months, as many as 20 Birney cars would be assigned to the line at one time, to handle the large crowds. They abandoned for good on 21 Sept. 1947, when Rocky Springs closed for the season. The trolley station still stands in the park.
In 1935 Mr. Figari became the new owner of the park. During that time in late 1930s and on that Mr. Figari owned Rocky Springs, adding rides such as the the Wildcat, the Whip, Cuddle-up, fun house, Ferris Wheel, miniature train, Auto Skooter, and Airplane swings. Shows were held both on the stage area and in the amphitheater.
The park also had a baseball field and a swimming pool. Also they had a Penny Arcade and the shooting gallery. As normally parks do, they had refreshment stands.
One thing though that several sources did not include this other park that was a new name. Rocky Springs Park became Demuth's Park Lancaster, PA in 1882. You see, the 27-acre Rocky Springs was sold to Samuel J. Demuth. The name Rocky Springs Park was brought back in 1899 and lasted until 1966...
The park closed in 1966 and was abandoned for several years until it was purchased in the late 70's. Ben Brookmyer, Mary Corthouts, and Michael Ranck all purchased the park in attempt to revivize the amusement park. They invested in repairing Rocky Springs and reopened the park for two years including 1979 and 1980. Nevertheless, attendance was quite small so they closed the park once again for the final time. There was an auction in 1984 selling the rides and assets. Finally, the east side of the park was sold to built condominiums.
It was both entertainment and recreational park.
The Rocky Springs Roller Rink and History.
In 1907, Herman B. Griffiths negotiated with E.M. Cooper, of Coney Island, for construction of a roller-skating rink 300 to 400 feet long with a floor of white maple and a single roof covering it.
Right by the entrance to the park stood the Rocky Springs Roller Rink which had an organ and organist supplying the skating music. The roller rink closed in the 70's and burned down in the 1980's. It was a pattern that rinks were right by the main entrance to the park.
There are no website that specifically dated when they first built and opened the rink.
The fire destruction was unknown why.
The park had a 1924 Dentzel Carrousel that was last operated at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
The only entertainment left is the bowling center with laser tag, Rocky Springs Entertainment Center.
I could not find any old park map online to see the old layout before Google took all photos of the current landscape. However, using USGS map, I could not get a better picture but found the main entrance and found the roller rink. To find the location, you go on to 1404 Millport Road, get to the Rocky Springs Bed & Breakfast Inn entrance, it was right to the left of the entrance (see photo) although ti is private property, only see it on the grounds IF YOU ARE GOING TO STAY AT THE HOTEL. Please read disclaimer. Thank you.
The Interior.
The floor was Hardwood White Maple material for the rink floor. The length said to be between 200 and 300 Feet long.
The Exterior.
The exterior showed it was a Gabled Roof Stick Build roller rink designed for roller skating which was located by the main entrance to the park from the trolleys and street.
I do not know what the materials they build with for trusses but likely steel. Free-Span Steel Trusses Wood Walled building.
It sat on a 27 acres property including the recreational and amousement park before trolleys came. It was not a Trolley Park per se.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A x 200 to 300' Floor: Non-painted Hardwood White Maple. Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A. Built: N/A. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: 1980s Destroyed by fire.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Gabled.
Acres: 27.0000 AC. (Entire park)
Organ: N/A.
Operated: (Overall)-- 1907 to 1966, reopened and closed in 1979.
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink: 1907 to 1966 (Renamed)
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink: 1979 to 1979. (Rebooted)
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink: (Renamed) Losing money, attendance.
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink: (Rebooted) Failure to relaunch due to low attendance.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos/articles. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you. You can also use this form.
Sources:
Landcaster Online - About both parks including Rocky Springs.
York Blog - History about the park.
Flickr - Picture.
Ride Zone - Defunct park
Rocky Spring Park - History.
PICCLICK - Postcard
eBay - Postcard taken from Picclick.
Theme Park Forum - Rocky Spring Park.
Rocky Springs Entertainment Center - Bowling and Laser Tag and bar.
Worth to visit:
Maybe because it is a Condos there but also a Rocky Springs Bed & Breakfast Inn that you should spend time connecting to the former park. It is history so I recommend a go visit there although the rink is completely gone and may have condos build over the exact spot. Since I do not have street address, I have no idea where exactly this was.
You should also check out Rocky Springs Entertainment Center - Bowling and Laser Tag and bar to see the only entertainment venue survived from the original park.
Rocky Springs B&B. Beautiful B&B as well as you can see the oldest surviving amusement building, the carousel which is still standing.
DISCLAIMER:
Dead-Rinks and Mark Falso are not responsible for your physical and legal injuries you may have caused. Please always obey laws and regulations and property owner's signs. Some states allow purple paint on fence which means they even have guns on their property and have rights to shoot you. Please DO NOT attempt to enter property without permission!
For abandoned rinks, after you receive permission, do WEAR safety OSHA equipment including a safety glasses, pair of safety gloves, an orange vest or a jacket, and a construction helmet.
Thank you for understanding.
Date of issue: 17 April 2022.
For office use only: 5.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 and 16.
The park was also purchased and leased many times in the final two decades of 19th Century.
It was primarily as a picnic grounds with the hotel. Then they added music and dancing on the grounds. This is how they began slowly into an amusement park.
Then In 1899, Rocky Springs name was brought back after it was sold to Thomas Rees. For the next 36 years the brick house was occupied by Herman Griffiths who was the manager of the park. Many amusements were planned throughout the summer months by adding shows including water shows on the river, rough riding, and horse training shows, dancing in the pavilions and bathing in the resort area by the Conestoga River during this period. A 2,000 seat auditorium was built and hosted vaudeville, music, and variety shows. The Auditorium later became the current site of the Bowling Lanes.
This resort became a competing park cross from a bathing park and the owner of the steamboat company had transported people to and from both parks including Rocky Springs and the competing park, Conestoga Park. On 10 May 1903, the Conestoga Traction Company began service to Rocky Springs with the only double track line on the system. During the summer months, as many as 20 Birney cars would be assigned to the line at one time, to handle the large crowds. They abandoned for good on 21 Sept. 1947, when Rocky Springs closed for the season. The trolley station still stands in the park.
In 1935 Mr. Figari became the new owner of the park. During that time in late 1930s and on that Mr. Figari owned Rocky Springs, adding rides such as the the Wildcat, the Whip, Cuddle-up, fun house, Ferris Wheel, miniature train, Auto Skooter, and Airplane swings. Shows were held both on the stage area and in the amphitheater.
The park also had a baseball field and a swimming pool. Also they had a Penny Arcade and the shooting gallery. As normally parks do, they had refreshment stands.
One thing though that several sources did not include this other park that was a new name. Rocky Springs Park became Demuth's Park Lancaster, PA in 1882. You see, the 27-acre Rocky Springs was sold to Samuel J. Demuth. The name Rocky Springs Park was brought back in 1899 and lasted until 1966...
The park closed in 1966 and was abandoned for several years until it was purchased in the late 70's. Ben Brookmyer, Mary Corthouts, and Michael Ranck all purchased the park in attempt to revivize the amusement park. They invested in repairing Rocky Springs and reopened the park for two years including 1979 and 1980. Nevertheless, attendance was quite small so they closed the park once again for the final time. There was an auction in 1984 selling the rides and assets. Finally, the east side of the park was sold to built condominiums.
It was both entertainment and recreational park.
The Rocky Springs Roller Rink and History.
In 1907, Herman B. Griffiths negotiated with E.M. Cooper, of Coney Island, for construction of a roller-skating rink 300 to 400 feet long with a floor of white maple and a single roof covering it.
Right by the entrance to the park stood the Rocky Springs Roller Rink which had an organ and organist supplying the skating music. The roller rink closed in the 70's and burned down in the 1980's. It was a pattern that rinks were right by the main entrance to the park.
There are no website that specifically dated when they first built and opened the rink.
The fire destruction was unknown why.
The park had a 1924 Dentzel Carrousel that was last operated at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
The only entertainment left is the bowling center with laser tag, Rocky Springs Entertainment Center.
I could not find any old park map online to see the old layout before Google took all photos of the current landscape. However, using USGS map, I could not get a better picture but found the main entrance and found the roller rink. To find the location, you go on to 1404 Millport Road, get to the Rocky Springs Bed & Breakfast Inn entrance, it was right to the left of the entrance (see photo) although ti is private property, only see it on the grounds IF YOU ARE GOING TO STAY AT THE HOTEL. Please read disclaimer. Thank you.
The Interior.
The floor was Hardwood White Maple material for the rink floor. The length said to be between 200 and 300 Feet long.
The Exterior.
The exterior showed it was a Gabled Roof Stick Build roller rink designed for roller skating which was located by the main entrance to the park from the trolleys and street.
I do not know what the materials they build with for trusses but likely steel. Free-Span Steel Trusses Wood Walled building.
It sat on a 27 acres property including the recreational and amousement park before trolleys came. It was not a Trolley Park per se.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A x 200 to 300' Floor: Non-painted Hardwood White Maple. Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A. Built: N/A. Renovations: N/A. Demolished: 1980s Destroyed by fire.
Type of Building: Free-Span Steel Trusses Steel - Walled Warehouse - like Building.
Roof: Gabled.
Acres: 27.0000 AC. (Entire park)
Organ: N/A.
Operated: (Overall)-- 1907 to 1966, reopened and closed in 1979.
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink: 1907 to 1966 (Renamed)
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink: 1979 to 1979. (Rebooted)
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink: (Renamed) Losing money, attendance.
Rocky Springs Park Roller Rink: (Rebooted) Failure to relaunch due to low attendance.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos/articles. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you. You can also use this form.
Sources:
Landcaster Online - About both parks including Rocky Springs.
York Blog - History about the park.
Flickr - Picture.
Ride Zone - Defunct park
Rocky Spring Park - History.
PICCLICK - Postcard
eBay - Postcard taken from Picclick.
Theme Park Forum - Rocky Spring Park.
Rocky Springs Entertainment Center - Bowling and Laser Tag and bar.
Worth to visit:
Maybe because it is a Condos there but also a Rocky Springs Bed & Breakfast Inn that you should spend time connecting to the former park. It is history so I recommend a go visit there although the rink is completely gone and may have condos build over the exact spot. Since I do not have street address, I have no idea where exactly this was.
You should also check out Rocky Springs Entertainment Center - Bowling and Laser Tag and bar to see the only entertainment venue survived from the original park.
Rocky Springs B&B. Beautiful B&B as well as you can see the oldest surviving amusement building, the carousel which is still standing.
DISCLAIMER:
Dead-Rinks and Mark Falso are not responsible for your physical and legal injuries you may have caused. Please always obey laws and regulations and property owner's signs. Some states allow purple paint on fence which means they even have guns on their property and have rights to shoot you. Please DO NOT attempt to enter property without permission!
For abandoned rinks, after you receive permission, do WEAR safety OSHA equipment including a safety glasses, pair of safety gloves, an orange vest or a jacket, and a construction helmet.
Thank you for understanding.
Date of issue: 17 April 2022.
For office use only: 5.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:3 and 16.