Near Ligonier in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Idlewild Park

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, October 6, 2012

1. Idlewild Park Marker

Inscription. The longest-operating amusement park in Pennsylvania and among the oldest in the nation. In 1878, Thomas Mellon leased land along his Ligonier Valley Railroad hoping to increase passenger traffic by opening a picnic ground. Amusement rides began to be added in the 1890s; several rides from the 1930s continue to operate today. Surviving the the railroad closure, two World Wars and the Great Depression, Idlewild provides nationally recognized family recreation.

Erected 2012 by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1878.

Location. 40° 15.829′ N, 79° 16.795′ W. Marker is near Ligonier, Pennsylvania, in Westmoreland County. It is at the intersection of Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30) and Idlewild Road, on the right when traveling east on Lincoln Highway. Located at the exit of Idlewild Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ligonier PA 15658, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Laurel Highlands

and in Greater Pittsburgh.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Picture Yourself on the Lincoln Highway (approx. 0.2 miles away); Idlewild In 1938 - The Rollo Coaster Opens

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(approx. ¼ mile away); Philadelphia Tobaggan Company Carousel Number 83 (approx. ¼ mile away); Idlewild Park Depot / Smallest Train Station (approx. ¼ mile away); Railroad Signs (approx. ¼ mile away); In Memory of Richard Beatty Mellon (approx. 2.2 miles away); Road Versus Rail (approx. 2.3 miles away); Ligonier Depot (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ligonier.

Also see . . . Idlewild and SoakZone website. (Submitted on October 6, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Additional commentary.
1. Dedicated on October 6, 2012
My wife and I attended the dedication ceremony, and despite the slight drizzle and early fall weather, it was a nice event. Stories and remarks were made by; Jeffrey S. Croushore (Sales & Public Relations Manager, Idlewild & SoakZone), David Hahner, Nominator (Historian, American Coaster Enthusiasts), and Jean Craige Pepper (Commissioner, PA Historical & Museum Commission) followed by the unveiling by Brandon Leonatti, General Manager.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, October 6, 2012

2. Idlewild Park Marker
— Submitted October 6, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, October 6, 2012

3. Idlewild Park Marker

Directly after its unveiling.
Standing l to r: Jeffrey S. Croushore, Sales & Public Relations Manager; Jean Craige Pepper, Commissioner, PA Historical & Museum Commission; David Hahner, Historian, American Coaster Enthusiasts (and the Nominator), Brandon Leonatti, General Manager

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, October 6, 2012

4. Idlewild Park Marker

Before its unveiling

The Unveiling image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, October 6, 2012

5. The Unveiling

Idlewild Park Entrance sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, October 6, 2012

6. Idlewild Park Entrance sign

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,386 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on October 6, 2012, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.