Dorney Park is celebrating it's 125th Anniversary, as noted by The Morning Call. A landmark that old, has provided memories for five generations. As a teenager in the 1960's, friday nights at Castle Rock, a dance hall from the twenties, were literally a Freddy Cannon moment. Park admission was free, and there were many attractions which no longer exist, most victim to fire. In addition to the dance hall, there was also a roller skating ring and a stock car race track. The picture above was part of a large neon sign on Hamilton Blvd., on the northwest corner with Cedar Crest Blvd.
In 2007 John Travolta,dressed in drag, portrayed Hollywood's version of Hairspray, initially made by campy underground film maker John Waters, and shot at Dorney Park in 1988. Travolta's part was originally played by a less wholesome, real life female impersonator named Devine, who died shortly after the movie was released.
In my father's time, you could get the trolley at 7th and Hamilton and take it to Dorney Park. Through the 1980's, you could still drive on the road which went right through the middle of the park. Now, combined with a water park, Dorney has become a regional attraction. Busloads of children and families come from New York and elsewhere, but it will always remain a rite of passage for local youngsters.
reprinted from May of 2009.
UPDATE: The large Dorney Park sign stood on the northwest corner of Hamilton and Cedar Crest. Historic stone homes, including the former King George Inn, stood on the other three corners. The intersection was called Dorneyville. At the Dorney Sign there was a diagonal road which also entered the intersection, and the sign pointed to follow that road to the amusement park.
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ReplyDeleteSome years ago while working as a teenager in a shop in the Solomon Dorney Mansion someone pointed out that the Coal Mine was still in place. Going through a small door, you could see all the Dwarves and other horrors still in the walls. A sort of rite of passage was to get a "eyeball" (painted ping pong ball) from the haunted miner.
ReplyDeleteIt is wistful to think of how low-tech that park was, but still fun for so many. I for one am glad that Dorney still brings enjoyment, even without a race track!