Ligonier in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Picture Yourself on the Lincoln Highway
Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor
For most of its history, the Lincoln Highway was lined with attractions, amusements, and scenic vistas. Motorists often took day trips through the countryside to an attraction such as Idlewild Park, now called Idlewild and Soak Zone. Families would spend the day riding the Carousel, the Skooter and the Swan Ride, the park's first kiddie ride. They could also cool off in the pool and enjoy a picnic lunch.
During World War II, with strict gasoline rationing, most pleasure driving became a memory of happier times. People stopped driving to the park, forcing it to close. To the delight of the public, the park reopened in 1946 and continues to be a popular attraction.
In the early 1900s, motorists had to travel dirt roads in open cars, many with no windshields. These cars were very similar to carriages pulled by horses. Here, Dr. Blackburn and his family are shown driving to the park in 1910. Motoring at this time was difficult, and as you can see, the kids definitely felt the visit to Idlewild was worth the dusty trip.
The Lincoln Highway Heritage Corridor is one of eleven special heritage areas in Pennsylvania, each designed by the Governor. It stretches 200 miles through six counties.
To travel the Lincoln Highway route, follow signs like this one across southwestern Pennsylvania.
This exhibit was funded in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Heritage Parks Program.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Lincoln Highway series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1946.
Location. 40° 15.661′ N, 79° 16.767′ W. Marker is in Ligonier, Pennsylvania, in Westmoreland County. Marker can be reached from Idlewild Road. Marker is in Idlewild amusement park. Admission fee required. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ligonier PA 15658, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Idlewild Park Depot / Smallest Train Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroad Signs (within shouting distance of this marker); Philadelphia Tobaggan Company Carousel Number 83 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Idlewild In 1938 - The Rollo Coaster Opens (about 300 feet away); Idlewild Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); In Memory of Richard Beatty Mellon (approx. 2.1 miles away); Road Versus Rail (approx. 2.2 miles away); Ligonier Depot (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ligonier.
Also see . . .
1. Lincoln Highway Association. (Submitted on September 5, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
2. Idlewild and Soak Zone. (Submitted on September 5, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
3. Lincoln Highway - Wikipedia. (Submitted on September 5, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 418 times since then and 11 times this year. Last updated on February 21, 2021, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 5, 2014, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.