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From: Jan Waite <>
Subject: [WVHANCOC] Rock Springs Park
Date: Thu, 13 Jan 2000 20:27:56 -0500


The Merry-Go-Round and Rock Springs Park -

The Merry-Go-Round and the Cyclone were the two most popular rides at the
old historic Rock Springs Park which had it beginning as an amusement park
in 1898 under the late Jim McDonald. Prior to that, the park had two
different owners and was just used for picnics or family outings. The
bridge construction moved the park forward swiftly.

In 1900, C.A. Smith purchased the park and added many new rides. Mr. Smith
purchased the horses for the Merry-Go-Round from a well-known company in
Philadelphia. The carvings of these horses made them very valuable to
antique dealers. Many people living here today can remember when as small
children they tried to grab the brass ring to get a free ride. In addition
to the large number of rides, the park had beautiful grounds, a swimming
pool, a lake, a small zoo, and even live shows on the midway.

Rock Springs Park may be gone from the area but the memories of those happy
visits to it will never be gone. There were often crowds of over 20,000
people at some of the larger picnics. People would come by excursion
boats, trains, or automobiles. On special picnic days or important
holidays, the park had giant fireworks displays. The Golden Star picnic
was especially popular because ice cream was given away.

Courtesy of Roy C. Cashdollar, with permission

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