| Timeline of the 1909 Season
|
|
|
| Week of January 3, 1909
|
| (6th-Wednesday): In theatrical column, "The Local Stage" in Scranton Republican, Luna Park, Scranton, is recreated as a backdrop in the second act of musical comedy called, "Chasing the Ponies" to be seen in Scranton at the Grand Theater on Saturday, January 16.
|
| (7th-Thursday): A correction is run the next day in the Scranton Republican indicating the second act of "Chasing the Ponies" is set in Luna Park, Coney Island, New York, and not the Scranton amusement facility. Theater location is corrected to Lyceum and not the Grand.
|
| Week of January 31, 1909
|
| (3rd-Wednesday): Scranton Republican reports Leonard Arcuri is retried for his alleged participation in the "Black Hand" organization, and alleged threats of murder and extortion against fruit peddler, Joseph Longo. Mr. Longo had been directed by mail to leave $500 in a specific location in Luna Park and where Arcuri had intended to pick up. Longo did not comply with the request but notified police. First trial resulted in a "disagreement", according to newspaper.
|
| (5th-Friday): Scranton Truth notes the Scranton Luna Park company intends to set aside a day in which proceeds from park will be donated towards construction of Lake Lincoln in Nay Aug Park, or if pool is already built, could be set aside for improvements. Day will be declared, "Lincoln Day". Leonard Arcuri is sentenced to five years in the Eastern Penitentiary for the case known as the "Black Hand Extortion Trial".
|
| Week of February 7, 1909
|
| (11th-Wednesday): Even though its winter and park is closed, the Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railroad (Laurel Line) still advertises frequent service to Luna Park on the Dunmore branch.
|
| Week of March 21, 1909
|
| (25th-Thursday): Reported in local newspapers that Luna Park is assigned Fire Alarm Station No. 137 [call box number] by Scranton Fire Department. This is a private alarm box that the Scranton Park Company has paid to install. It is located on a pole set between the carousel and "Aerial Swing". This is the only alarm box that rings in the Scranton Fire Department Headquarters.
|
| Week of March 28, 1909
|
| (1st-Thursday): The Scranton Railway Company begins a massive capital improvement project including double-tracking existing routes and adding a new power plant to increase electrical capacity. Plans are presented to various local governing bodies requesting double-tracking the route to Nay Aug Park and Luna Park. Approval is pending.
|
| Week of April 21, 1909
|
| (22nd-Monday): Announced that S.D. Jensen has accepted an undisclosed position at Luna Park.
|
| (23rd-Tuesday): Manager Len Sloss announces installation of a miniature railway ride at Luna Park for demonstration purposes. Amusement is unique because it is electrically operated based on an invisible wire. The technology is such that the wire is buried in insulated conduit laid on the ties. Two wheels underneath the car press down upon a sectional piece that make contact with the power carrying wire, the energy thus carried to the motor. Known as the "Angle" system, after inventor Andrew H. Angle, technology is said to be absolutely safe and easy to maintain. To make contact requires a pressure of 2,000 pounds, and a strip 1/4 of an inch wide, making it impossible for a wagon wheel to make contact. As a demonstration, Manager Sloss signs a contract with the vendor for two, three-car trains and a 1,600 foot miniature railroad to be built by the summer season.
|
| Week of May 9, 1909
|
| (10th-Monday): Manager Sloss announces "a wealth of new attractions" in "The Scranton Truth". First, the planned opening date for fourth season is Monday, May 24. An "army of carpenters, painters, and laborers, etc., are rushing work of reconstruction to get park ready by scheduled time". Secondly, "The Sea Disaster", an elaborate new show, depicting a collision between the RMS Republic and the Baltic [Florida] will occupy the building known as the "Scenitorium" building. Several scenes in this show, such as one showing the deck of a steamer in motion, another the wireless room of a modern steamship with a Jack Binns [Republic's telegrapher] at work at the instrument sending the C.Q.D. distress signal. Third, the "Hindu Temple" building will now house "Sanderson's Marionettes", under the management of John Till, Jr, son of one of England's pioneers in the marionette business. Fourth, a new show will be known in what is what will be called the "Arcade Building". The "Arcade Building" will house variety of entertaining features such as a trained ponies, "Little Ruth": the world's smallest pony, a golden faced baboon, a black leopard, a snake pit with Prince Como, clowns, and so on. Fifth, "Billiken's Temple", filled with fun creating devices, will replace the "Blarney Castle". Lastly, among the new attractions, an alligator zoo, glass blower, and miniature electric railway have been added to the park. Sloss continued, "All of the standard attractions remain. Shoot the Chutes, Carousel, Aerial Swing, Scenic Railway, Hale's Tours, Shooting Gallery, and Dance Hall, among others." "Luna's own band under the personal direction of Robert J. Bauer will return." "For the Hippodrome, Topsy, the only high-wire performing elephant has been secured for opening week."
|
| (15th-Saturday): From advertisement in "The Scranton Truth", "The World's Smallest Horse", "Little Ruth", is 27 and 1/2 inches high, and 36 inches from nose to tip of the tail. The horse weighs 45 pounds. Prince Como, a snake charmer of the "Snake Pit" has 5 normal left and right fingers and toes, but also an extra thumb and big toe on each hand and foot. Of the troupe of trained ponies, "Lady Iola" is a "horse with a human brain" because it can add, subtract, and multiply. Educated cockatoos are kept with the ponies. The wooden actors of "Sanderson's Marionettes" gave a complete performance of English pantomime. "Billiken's Temple" replaced last year's "Social Whirl" in former "Blarney Castle" building. A $3,000 military band organ installed to "drown out the laughter". "Alligator Zoo" now occupies building which contained "Nagle's Snakes". "Miniature Railroad" begins from a point behind the Band Stand and proceeds "over the building for the "old Mill", then the tunnel of the "Scenic Railway" upon returning to station by Band Stand. Photography Studio opens on the 24th. No Sacred Sunday Concerts scheduled this summer as management has decided to discontinue the practice. All circus acts and sensationalism booked through National Park Managers Association.
|
| Week of May 16, 1909
|
| (17th-Monday): "The Scranton Truth" notes Miles' Luna Park Orchestra will provide music in the Dance Pavilion and not Bauer's Band. Reportedly, forces of men work into the night to get park ready for third season on the 24th.
|
| (19th-Wednesday): "The Scranton Truth" discusses unfortunate fate of the "Millionaire Band Leader", Charles P. Knapp. Knapp, who played last year in Luna Park, heavily invested in a bank that failed and loses his fortune . Paper discovers him in a clerical job in a summer hotel in Spring Lake, New York. Manager Sloss announces intent to change shows in two of the park's buildings at least every three weeks. "The Sea Disaster" and "Wirebach's Congress of Surprises" in the Arcade Building will be first to play under this policy. "Little Ruth" and "Lady Iola" are included in the later show. Grenada and Fedora, "Aerial wonders who perform an amazing series of spectacular stunts on the High-wire", with Rajah, " The only high-wire performing elephant in the world performing 45 feet above the ground", to be seen in Hippodrome.
|
| (20th-Thursday): "The Scranton Truth" reports one of the "man-eaters" in new "Alligator Zoo" exhibit is between 175 and 200 years old and is over eleven feet long. The alligators have taken over the now considerably-enlarged building on western side of lagoon that housed Nagle's snake collection last year. The new "Snake Zoo" is in the "Arcade Building", as well as a pony track. With exception of the "Miniature Railway", Manager Sloss reportedly feels the park will be ready to open in four days.
|
| (21st-Friday): Press release advises public that management "promises" to open the park at 1:00 PM on 24th, and policy of the park is to change entertainment in at least two buildings every three weeks. Former policy stated entertainment, once hired, would stay for the season. Of legal note is that Fred Thompson of Luna Park, Coney Island, and who has no relation or business dealings with the park in Scranton, began to wage an expensive, public legal battle against New York "Blue laws" forcing Luna Park, Coney Island, to close on Sunday. Thompson estimates loss of $5,000,000 under mandatory Sunday park closure. The Scranton park closure is voluntary on behest of Manager Sloss with concurrence of Board of Directors. Local Blue laws do not extend to amusement parks.
|
| (22nd-Saturday): Pre-opening day news continues to be released to "The Scranton Truth". Work on reconstruction of park is complete; park has been repainted for fourth season. All is ready and waiting for signal from manager to start machinery of park in motion. New "Snake Pit" includes snakes from all four corners of the world. Sanderson's marionette's show is 20 to 25 minutes and is advertised as "children will cry to see this show". Opens as a minstrel first part with 10 or 12 characters serving as an introduction. After this an old-time English pantomime is presented with several key figures as an acrobat that performs on a bar, a magic Turk, Casey the butcher who thinks he can sing like Caruso and a dainty dancer. Over several scenes in "The Sea Disaster", we see the collision of the RMS Republic with the Baltic, the heroics of her wireless operator, Jack Binns, who was able to call for help using the "C.Q.D." distress call, and lifeboats taking passengers off of the doomed steamer. Frank Leffel, inventor of "The Sea Disaster" will perform in the park. He is the park's sharpshooter and will appear to shoot through the body of a young women through her shoulders breaking a glass ball. He will also disrobe the young lady with well placed rifle shot. Henry Phillips, owner of "Billiken's Temple" wagers no one will be able to make it through without laughing. The Waldrons are expert glass blowers and make all manner of things out of glass. Treon and Company will operate Penny Wonders and exhibit motion pictures. Bijou Dream will play photograph records. Each will change their media weekly. Hale's Tours of the World will feature a trip to Switzerland this week. No Sunday concerts nor will the park be opened. No dancing in the afternoon except on holidays or special occasions. These amusements will open next week: Aerial Swing, Carousel, Shoot the Chutes, Dance Hall, Scenic Railway, Hale's Tours, Mahoney's Ponies, Williams Bros.' Restaurant, Shooting Gallery, The Old Mill, Ebert's Photography Gallery, Fair Japan, Laughter Grotto, Whitcomb's Games, among others. Permission is granted by regulatory agencies to Scranton Railway Company to double-track Mulberry Street four blocks to help support Nay Aug and Luna Parks. This was done on provision the company move a sewage manhole.
|
| Week of May 23, 1909
|
| (23rd-Sunday): Fred Thompson of Luna Park, Coney Island, fighting Blue laws, opens his park on Sunday and serves liquor. The expected backlash of protests fail to materialize.
|
| (24th-Monday): "The Scranton Truth" reports, With Len B. Sloss in charge as manager, Arthur Keller as Press Agent, and Robert J. Bauer as Director of the Band, Luna Park opens its [fourth] summer season today with a burst of optimism and music, and a list of attractions that put the "mountain city of entrancing joy" all to the good. Fifteen minutes before the opening time at 1:00 PM, the scores of employees necessary for the operation of the big show city took their places, and after Manager Sloss made a hurried inspection of the grounds to see that everything was in readiness, a signal was given to open. As the crowd pressed through the gates, every piece of machinery whirled into motion. The only exception is the "Miniature Railway" which is still under construction and waits for parts to arrive.
|
| (25th-Tuesday): Granada and Fedora, the high-wire aerialists, and Rajah, world's only high-wire performing elephant, are free attractions in the Hippodrome. Robert J. Bauer conducts the Luna Park Orchestra at a show at 2:00 PM each day. Monday's admission was reported to be over 7,000. Publicity Agent Arthur Keller discloses there are 69,624 lights in the park this year. The Luna Park Telegraphy Station is reported to have the "carrying power" of over 250 miles, but fails to contact stations in New York and Philadelphia. Demonstrated as a real device by showing off the electric sparks as the telegrapher's key is pressed, tuning adjustments are determined to be needed. "The Sea Disaster" closes a day to tune the wireless device.
|
| (26th-Wednesday): Reported to attract large crowds, Granada and Fedora, owners of Rajah the elephant, are providing two acts (with Rajah) daily at 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM. Decoration Day [Memorial Day] will be observed in the park on the 31st. Park will open at 10:00 AM and close at midnight without an intermission. H.C. Muller, Wig and Tupet Maker, advertises, "Who is the most popular bald headed man in Scranton?" The answer is to be revealed in the cover page of the "Luna Park Programme of May 31st". Problems in "Billiken's Temple" forces a temporary closure but reopens by end of week.
|
| (27th-Thursday): "The Sea Disaster" reopens with an operational wireless station. Edward and Howard Williams of the J.D. Williams Brothers Company are formally selected to run the park's restaurant and main soda fountain concessions again. They have steadfastly maintained their food and beverage concession's contract over the past three seasons. An advertisement appears, "I love my theater, but oh, you Luna Park!" Gate admission remains $0.10 adults and $0.05 for children this year.
|
| (28th-Friday): "Barn Dance Night" returns to the park this evening at the Dance Pavilion.
|
| (29th-Saturday): "The Scranton Truth" begins offering 25 cents in free Luna Park gate and amusement tickets for one penny to its readers via a "Lucky Notice" hidden in its editions. All one has to do is redeem the notice at a ticket gate and receive strip tickets worth admission and to at least two rides, such as the "Circle Swing" and "Carousel". The "Six Flying Banvards Aerial Act" is scheduled to perform next week. As Granada, Fedora, and Rajah perform their act , the park is plunged into darkness. While the band played on, aerialists and elephant inch their way across the wire as the audience below hold their breath. Incident reportedly is not part of the act as accident in Laurel Line power house causes the inky darkness. When lights return, performers are safe on the platform. It is said applause was like none other that had ever been give any performers at the park.
|
| Week of May 30, 1909
|
| (31st-Monday): Officially, Decoration Day was yesterday, but as Memorial Day, is being celebrated beginning at 10:00 AM in park today. "Six Flying Banvards Aerial Act" arrive on time and plan performances at 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM. Their specialty is double and triple somersaults, pirouettes, and flying and casting stunts of all sorts. Sanderson's Marionettes opens with "Punch and Judy" show. George Whitcomb added thirty more alligators to "man eater collection". "Billiken's Temple" reopens today after closure for temporary repair. Award presentation in Hippodrome at 10:30 PM for marathon race held elsewhere in Scranton. Reportedly, "Upwards to 20,000 people paid to get in today." Day is recorded as having largest number of paid patrons for Memorial Day in park's history.
|
| (1st-Tuesday): There is an award presentation by St. Brendan's Council Y.M.I. in the Hippodrome at 10:30 PM for a marathon race held in Scranton yesterday. The Banvards trapeze act is reportedly already attracting large crowds to the Hippodrome, some characterizing as "vociferous".
|
| (3rd-Thursday): The High School, and No.1 and No.2 Schools of Troop hold their first excursion and picnic at the park today. Carpenters begin work in the park to prepare for next week's big dog show hosted by the Anthracite Kennel Club of Scranton. Buried in the text of the "Amusements" section of "The Scranton Truth" is the following paragraph, "This is the notice that entitles 'Truth' readers to 25 cents worth of amusement for a penny." The reader is instructed elsewhere to clip this paragraph out and paste it to a corresponding notice which indicates the bearer is entitled to free Luna Park admission, and access to two specific rides. In this case, the aerial swing and carousel, are the rides of the week. The notice also states the bearer may view the "Six Flying Banvards Aerial Act" for free. [This is already a "free" act.] Hundreds take advantage of the promotional offer.
|
| (4th-Friday): A "Peach Basket Hat Contest" is supposed to be held today in the park, but it rains heavily. $50 in cash prizes were to be awarded. Two classifications of hats are 1) Most unique peach basket style, made of any kind of material, and must be trimmed with fruit, flowers, or vegetables - $15 first place; 2) First place - $20. Second place - $15. Largest pressed or hand made hat of millinery braid, trimmed with ribbon, artificial flowers or fruit. All hats must be able to be worn by contestants and they must register for the contest by 8:00 PM the day of the contest. Judging would have been at 10:30 PM. The contest is rescheduled for Friday< June 11. Eight contestants were on-hand in the park when word was given the contest would be delayed.
|
| (5th-Saturday): It is reported the entire Luna Park picnic grounds is set aside for the purpose of conducting the Second Annual Anthracite Kennel Club's dog show. Park manager Sloss books all next week "W.S. Shedman's Canine Circus" to coincide with the show. The act consists of twenty trick-loving, intelligent dogs that will put in two performances at 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM daily. Bauer is conducting the Luna Park Band at the Band Stand. Miles is conducting the Luna Park Orchestra for dancing in the Dance Pavilion. It is also announced that "The Sea Disaster" will be moving on to another venue next week. Scheduled in its place is Clarence Powell's Minstrels, an African American troupe of twenty singers, comedians, and dancers.
|
| Week of June 6, 1909
|
| (8th-Tuesday): The Anthracite Kennel Club of Scranton holds the first day of their dog show opening at 1:00 PM at the park. This year, the show is expected to be conducted on a more elaborate scale than previously done. This is a very prestigious national show that attracts dog owners from out of state. It is reported there are over 500 show dogs at the park today. Many are owned by corporate officers and attorneys, and generally well-to-do individuals and their families. The "Lucky Clipping" in "The Scranton Truth" changes to include the "W.S. Shedman's Canine Circus" as well as the Aerial Swing and Carousel. The hidden coupon that must be cut and pasted to the clipping is still needed for validation.
|
| (9th-Wednesday): Despite rain, the Anthracite Kennel Club of Scranton holds its second day of their dog show at the park. To date, the show has eclipsed interest of last year's show. Based on the makeup of the crowd, Shedman's Canine Circus Show is a favorite act of women and children. The hidden coupon that corresponds to the previous day's "The Scranton Truth" Luna Park clipping appears deeply buried in text on page 7 of the newspaper. Because of technical problems, the "Sea Disaster" has been kept an additional week but is now winding down its performances in the former "Scenitorium" building. Saturday is to be its last day. In its business office, "The Scranton Truth" is selling tickets for the Scranton City Playground Association's benefit in Luna Park.
|
| (10th-Thursday): The Anthracite Kennel Club of Scranton hold their final day of its dog show at the park. Scranton City Mayor John B. Von Bergen presents several awards. Today judging of special awards and dog teams takes place, and also the grand prize, the "Best of Show" winner. Coincidentally, Mr. Bergen's champion Pitland, a bulldog, wins the "Best of Show" award. It is announced that "Dare Devil Dash" is returning to the park next week after a two year hiatus. The daredevil rides a bicycle on a high wire.
|
| (11th-Friday): The rescheduled "Peach Basket Hat Contest" is held today. First prize of $20 for the largest hand-made hat is awarded to Miss Anna Boase. Second prize of $15 is won by Miss Edith Roberts. Third prize is worn by Miss Cora Wescott and was a real peach basket loaded with fruit and vegetables. Fourth place prize is worn by Miss Violet Stark. In a park note to the press, the marionette show moves to the former Scenitorium next week after being vacated by the "Sea Disaster". Clarence Powell's Minstrels will occupy the former "Hindu Temple" building on the western side of the Shoot the Chutes lagoon. The kennel club dog show was regarded as a complete success. Over 5,000 paid patrons are admitted to the park.
|
| (12th-Saturday): Annual outing of Dunmore public schools is held at the park today. 3,000 school children attend. Today is the last day for W.S. Shedman's Dog Circus and "The Scranton Truth" is offering free tickets through their coupon clipping contest.
|
| Week of June 13, 1909
|
| (15th-Tuesday): Avoca public school children hold their annual outing at the park today. The hidden coupon that corresponds to today's "The Scranton Truth" Luna Park clipping appears deeply buried in text on page 7 of the newspaper. Today's clipping is valid for gate admission, admission to see "Dare Devil Dash, The Death Defier", a ride on the "Aerial Swing', and a ride on the "Carousel". Park management begins advertising the prize for the next big contest, a "$75 Russian Pony Coat". but does not yet identify the nature of the contest. The coat is put on display in a window in Breschel's Store in downtown Scranton. Any adult entering the park after 6:00 PM each day only needs to take a certificate they will receive to Berschel's, and be present in the park at Friday night at 10:30 PM for an award ceremony. Clarence Powell's Minstrels are reported to be an instant hit as they opened yesterday in the park in the former "Hindu Temple" building. This show is scheduled for a two week engagement.
|
| (17th-Thursday): Rain postpones the Lieutenant Ezra Griffin, Camp No 8, Patriotic Order Sons of America regiments competitive drills, annual outing, and parade to the park. The Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railroad (Laurel Line) continues to advertise frequent service to Luna Park. The daredevil rides his bicycle over the rungs of a suspended ladder into a shallow tank of water below, without injury. While owner George Whitcomb is away from his "Alligator Zoo" exhibit, two alligators become embroiled in a death match and the larger of the two kills the smaller. No one was near the enclosure at the time. Attendants have trouble removing the carcass.
|
| (18th-Friday): The hidden coupon that corresponds to today's "The Scranton Truth" Luna Park clipping appears deeply buried in text on page 13 of the newspaper. Today's clipping is valid for gate admission, admission to see "Dare Devil Dash, The Death Defier", a ride on the Aerial Swing, and a ride on the Carousel. The "Russian Pony Coat" contest is won by William McHale of Scranton. It is reported a large crowd was evident in the park during the drawing for the coat.
|
| (19th-Saturday): Schools have closed for the summer and management announces that next week, besides Tuesday being set aside as "Children's Day", Wednesday will be declared "High School Night", and "College Night" dedicated to Friday. As a special treat, Manuel Herzog's Troupe of Trained Horses has been secured as next week's entertainment in the Hippodrome. These are six perfectly matched black stallions that have been trained to march, counter march, and perform military maneuvers. Herzog also presents Tony, "the Football Pony". The horses perform at 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM. Clarence Powell's Minstrels continue to be a big hit in the park. This coming week, it is announced, will be the last week for the Weirbach's Congress of Wonders, which includes exhibits such as "Little Ruth, the World's Smallest Horse". Coming soon, "The Great London Ghost Show" featuring "Little Jim, The Collier Child". On this date, Dare Devil Dash conducts his last two performances at the park for the season.
|
| Week of June 20, 1909
|
| (21st-Monday): "The Scranton Truth" announces this is the last week of their coupon clipping promotion but they are however intending on hiding three clippings good for individual admission and two amusement rides in this week's papers. A hidden Luna Park coupon in today's "The Scranton Truth" is found on page 7 of the newspaper. Clarence Powell's Minstrels and Sanderson's Marionettes exchange shows between their respectively assigned buildings. Herzog's Horses begin their performances in the Hippodrome today.
|
| (22nd-Tuesday): Today is declared "Children's Day" at the park. Through the Scranton City Playground Association, children are encouraged to compete to sell Luna Park tickets for 10 cents, good for one gate admission and one amusement admission. The child that sells the most tickets is reported to receive a gold watch. A.B. Cohen is directing the project. All proceeds are donated to the association. They are hoping to raise $1,000. 10,000 children attend. A notice is published in "The Scranton Truth" that the "Lucky Clipping" is not valid for use today on "Children's Day". Today's clipping in "The Scranton Truth" is valid for gate admission, admission to see "Herzog's Horses", a ride on the Aerial Swing, and a ride on the Carousel.
|
| (23rd-Wednesday): Tonight is "High School Night" at the park. The senior classes of the Scranton Central and Technical High Schools host underclassmen at an evening outing today. A hidden Luna Park coupon in today's "The Scranton Truth" is found on page 4 of the newspaper.
|
| (24th-Thursday): The postponed Lieutenant Ezra Griffin, Camp No 8, Patriotic Order Sons of America regiment's annual outing is held today.
|
| (25th-Friday): The annual outing of the Providence Methodist Episcopal Church Sunday School is conducted at the park. Picnic-style athletic contests for this group are, however, conducted in Nay Aug Park in the afternoon. Tonight is "College Night" at the park. The various colleges and universities of Northeastern Pennsylvania fly their colors and a special program is held. The Robert J. Bauer Luna Park Band plays for the "Junger Maennerchor" choir upon their return from a singing competition from New York. The Welsh glee club and Luna's band marched down Lackawanna Avenue to the Belmont Hotel for a big "welcome Home" reception. A hidden Luna Park coupon in today's "The Scranton Truth" is found on page 12 of the newspaper. Today is the last day the coupon clippings promotion in the park.
|
| (26th-Saturday): The annual excursions of the Roberts Hose Company of Bainbridge, New York, and the Scranton Button Company are held at the park. Today is the last show day for Weirbach's Congress of Wonders. "The Great London Ghost Show" featuring "Little Jim, The Collier Child" is the new show beginning Monday. The area is reported to be in the grip of a stifling heat wave. Herzog's Horses has been voted the best free act so far this season at the park. Today marks their final two performances in the park. It rains, raising the humidity to unbearable levels. Mr. and Mrs. Emanuel Moses announce the engagement of their daughter, Miss Gertrude M. to Luna Park Manager, Leonard B. Sloss. A private reception to be held in the Moses home on the 27th.
|
| Week of June 27, 1909
|
| (28th-Monday): Park Manager Sloss surprises the local press with the announcement that "The Great Calvert, the most daring aerialist and high-wire performer in his class" will be performing at Luna Park this week. Calvert will make two appearances daily at 3:15 PM and at 9:00 PM. Sloss also announces that through the park's membership with the National Park Managers' Association, and due to popular demand, Weirbach's Congress of Wonders will make a return engagement at the park sometime in early August. A "Baby Show" and "Children's Grand Parade" will be held on July 8. Advertising suggests that experiencing Luna Park's mountain breezes are the best way to cool off from the heat.
|
| (29th-Tuesday): Director of Public Safety of the City of Scranton W.G. O'Malley issues orders to police and fire bureaus covering operations on the 4th and 5 July including Nay Aug and Luna Parks and the dedication of the new Lake Lincoln. Extra police are assigned in the vicinity of Luna for crowd control. Fireworks are being legally permitted by the police by O'Malley in all areas except around city hospitals. The Laurel Line runs an advertisement claiming it only takes four minutes to ride from the downtown area on their railroad to get to Luna Park.
|
| (30th-Wednesday): Sunday School of the First Welsh Congregational Church hold their annual outing in both Nay Aug and Luna Parks. It is announced the park will open early at 10:00 AM for the holidays and that the Jessie Keller Troupe of Cyclists will make three appearances for the occasion.
|
| (1st-Thursday): A reporter for "The Scranton Truth" describes the "Great London Ghost Show's" presentation of "Jim, the Collier's Child" as "A ghost show somewhat new to Luna patrons but somewhat pathetic in subject." A published synopsis of the show states it is a reconcilement of a husband and wife over the death bed of a son. A reminder is posted the park opens at 10:00 AM on the 4th of July but "in pursuance of management policy, there will be no fireworks." As the 4th falls on a Sunday, and unlike surrounding amusement parks Luna Park is voluntarily closed, the park intends to hold its celebration of Independence Day on the 5th of July.
|
| (2nd-Friday): Today and tomorrow are the last days the "Great Calvert" will entertain on the high wire. On Monday, the 5th, the Jessie Keller Troupe of Six Female Cyclists will make three appearances: noon, 3:00 PM, and 9:00 PM. They are scheduled for the week. Bauer's band is scheduled to perform five concerts a day. Lackawanna Business College students hold their annual outing at the park today. It is reported the Scranton Railway Company's double-tracking project of Mulberry Street is completed today in time to serve patrons of both Nay Aug and Luna parks for the holiday.
|
| (3rd-Saturday): Competitive drills between six local military companies and fraternal organizations are held in the evening in the park. Major W.A. Raub of the Thirteenth Regiment, Major W.S. Miller, former state inspector of the Pennsylvania National Guard, and Lieutenant Colonel E.H. Ripple of the Thirteenth judge the events. Advertisement urges potential patrons to "Show your independence by going to Luna Park!"
|
| Week of July 4, 1909
|
| (5th-Monday): Newspapers report the day at Luna is "record-breaking" but do not publish actual numbers of paid patrons.
|
| (6th-Tuesday): Jessie Keller's Troupe of Cyclists are reported to have made a "grand hit" among park patrons. Keller begins to refer to her troupe as the "Wonders of the World on Whirling Wheels".
|
| (7th-Wednesday): A new amusement, "The Kiddograph", is opened along the boardwalk on the western side of the Shoot the Chutes lagoon. It is reported to cause a good deal of merriment among Luna Park patrons. The Dunmore High School Class of 1907 conducts a reunion at Nay Aug and Luna Parks today. Otto Robinson, President of the "Junger Maennerchor" choir sends a letter of thanks and appreciation to Park Manager Sloss for his sponsorship of the group for the past year.
|
| (8th-Thursday): Today is the day of the "big" Baby Show of which there are supposedly 1,000 entries made to parade about the park. Judges of today's contests are the wife of the Mayor of the City of Scranton, Mrs. John Von Bergen, the wife of Lackawanna County District Attorney, Mrs. Joseph O'Brien, and baby show host, L.M. Rich. Today's winners of the various baby contests are posted at the end of the day in the park and published in the newspapers tomorrow. Prettiest Baby: First Place, Inez Seabury wins a sewing machine; Second Place, Virginia Perry wins a parlor clock and figure; Third Place, Mary Early wins a silver ice water pitcher. Twin Babies: First Place, Grace and Gladys Squance win a pair of child gold neck chains and pendant; Second Place, Donald and Dorothy DeGraw win a pair of gold baby Norma bracelets; Third Place, Emerson and Nelson Rolles win a pair of child gold neck chains and pendant. Fattest Baby: First Place, Richard Early wins a child's five piece silver set; Second Place, Cora Detmore wins a child's three piece silver set; Third Place, David E. Jones wins a child's silver cup. Smallest Baby: First Place, Edward Oakley wins an Eldora gold parlor clock; Second Place, Edith Evans wins a baby gold neck chain and pendant; Third Place, David Mayers wins a child's silver cup. Most Strenuous Baby: First Place, Ruth Baker wins a Sylph gold parlor clock; Second Place, Robert Detrick wins a child's silver cup; Third Place, Joseph O'Rourke wins a child's silver cup. Most Beautiful Doll Baby: First Place, Verna Klein wins a Nethersole bracelet; Second Place, Anna Kerli wins a Nethersole bracelet; Third Place, Marie Reagan wins a Nethersole bracelet. Most Beautiful Doll Carriage: First Place, George Wallace Chubb wins a gold bracelet; Second Place, Mary Reagan wins a gold bracelet; Third Place, Hilda Leber wins a gold bracelet. Handsomest Decorated Carriages: First Place, Mrs. Roland Mynard wins a Singer sewing machine; Second Place, Mrs. Forest Seabury wins a twenty-six piece silver table set in case; Third Place, Mrs. Peter J. Klein wins a horn handle carving set in case. Handsomest Decorated Go-Carts: First Place, Mrs. Saunders wins a twenty-seven piece silver table set in case; Second Place, Mrs. William McAndrews wins a silver tea pot; Third Place, Mrs. Louisa Sherman wins a fifteen piece silver table set in case. Most Original Novelty: First Place, Vance Wickham wins a silver cake dish; Second Place, Steven McKenna wins a silver berry dish; Third Place, Rose McKenna, wins a silver bon bon dish.
|
| (9th-Friday): The heat wave continues as Bauer's "13th Regiment" Band don their khaki dress uniforms to pay homage to the Thirteenth Regiment which they will join tomorrow for training. They leave after the last performance of the day. It is reported the City of Scranton is investigating the removal of a dangerous grade cross at Ash Street near Luna Park on the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad. Operators of the Consolidated Telephone Company enjoyed an evening outing in the park.
|
| (10th-Saturday): Societies of St. Peter and Paul Cathedral of Scranton hold their annual outing at the park. Robert J. Bauer and Luna's Band leave with the Thirteenth Regiment for "camp". In their absence, Alexander's Concert Band will take over orchestral duties in the park. It is announced a "A Wild West Show is coming to Luna" but no date or details are offered. Also, an ostrich farm is due to open on Monday, the 5th, but is postponed due to a delay in shipping the birds. The Richmond Underwear Company and the Scranton Stove Works hold their employee outings in the park today. The Riva Brothers and Larsen Sisters Troupe of Acrobats are to replace Jessie Keller's Troupe of Cyclists on Monday, the 12th.
|
| Week of July 11, 1909
|
| (12th-Monday): As reported on page 1 of "The Scranton Truth", tragedy struck the Robert J. Bauer band at 4:00 AM this morning when William McAndrew, clarinetist for the band, passed away while the band was away training with the Thirteenth Regiment. McAndrew received a military service, including the last salute and the sounding of taps. His body, with honors, made its way home under military escort. Filipino curios are placed on display in the former "Hindu Temple" building. In the Hippodrome, the Riva-Larsen "European Novelty Act" acrobatic talent is highlighted on hanging ropes and horizontal bars daily at 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM. Inez Seabury, the Queen of Baby Land at Luna Park, makes a public appearance, at the Poli Theater in Scranton. Alexander's Band plays the "Luna Park March" as one of its musical concert selections. Despite complaints from neighbors, the city of Scranton plans and decides to open nearby Lake Lincoln for swimming on Sunday afternoons. The mayor informs the citizenry the decision is final.
|
| (13th-Tuesday): Scranton Bolt and Nut Works employees hold their employee outing in the park today.
|
| (14th-Wednesday): Ladies Hebrew Aid Society spend an afternoon outing in the park. A meeting is conducted with as many as 200 Scranton area merchants in the park concerning an idea of starting a "Mardi Gras" like fall festival perhaps using the park as a backdrop location.
|
| (15th-Thursday): Baptist Sunday School of Jermyn has an excursion to the park today. It is reported the park is attracting "throngs" of people in the afternoon and evening of those trying to beat the oppressive heat of summer. It is reported "the most beautiful baby of Scranton as selected in Luna Park" continues to be a paid attraction at the Poli Theater in Scranton.
|
| (16th-Friday): Employees of the Lackawanna Mills enjoy a holiday at the "big show city" today. In the Dance Pavilion, the "Drop Step" is a new dance that is reportedly "coming the rage". As a result, a special drop step dance night is being planned.
|
| (17th-Saturday): The "Silk workers of the valley" hold a reunion at the park today. Several park announcements are published in "The Scranton Truth" today. Mademoiselle Vallecita's Five Leopards are coming to the park's Hippodrome next week. This year, Mademoiselle Vallecita will include the "piano playing spectacle" part of the act. Showtimes are scheduled for 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM. On Thursday, a "Novelty Costume Contest" opens for both the gentlemen and for the ladies. Four prizes in men's and women's gold jewelry worth $160 will be awarded on that day through the "Bee Hive Jewelry Company". Costume rules are that they must be distinctive, worn in the park on the day of the contest, and they must be registered as contestants by 7:30 PM the night of the contest. Luna's Own Band under Robert J. Bauer returns from camp for the balance of the season on Monday. Plans for a big "Welsh Day" celebration are proceeding.
|
| Week of July 18, 1909
|
| (19th-Monday): Vallecita's Leopards begin their showing in the park's Hippodrome. Employees of the J.D. Williams Brothers Company hold an outing at the park. In the Dance Pavilion, the "Drop Step", the "Luna Joy", and the "Shadow Dance" are garnering keen interest from the crowds. The ostrich farm that is to come to Luna Park by way of South Africa from the J.W. Ingram farm continues to face delays in shipping.
|
| (20th-Tuesday): The Jackson Street Baptist Sunday School of Scranton hold their annual outing in the park. Traditional picnic-style athletic competitions are held in conjunction with the outing. No results are published. In a published report in "The Scranton Truth", members of a general committee planning the Welsh Day celebration advise Park Manager Sloss to expect upwards of 30,000 patrons on Saturday. A comment is made to a newspaper reporter that this number of people should test the capacity of the park.
|
| (21st-Wednesday): The Cathedral Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society Baseball Team holds an outing in the park. A lawsuit is filed in Lackawanna County Court in which Plaintiff T.J. Fleming sues A.P. Bedford and Peter Stipp for $3,500 in services in securing a franchise for operating a carousel or merry-go-round and park amusements on their land where Luna Park now stands. Mr. Fleming alleges Mr. Bedford and Mr. Stipp made a great deal of money on the franchise but delayed settlement with Mr. Fleming. Attorney Frank Boyle filed the suit. Young people of the First Welsh Baptist Church host an evening outing at Luna Park for the departing Reverend and Mrs. D.D. Hopkins.
|
| (22nd-Thursday): The Union Sunday Schools of Pittston hold an outing in the park. Andrew Bedford, a defendant in the carousel franchise law suit and an early promoter of Luna Park, is found dead while seated in his office in the Board of Trade Building shortly before noon today, victim of an apparent sudden illness. Mr. Bedford was a key sponsor of the "Newsboys' Outings" at the park. The "Novelty Costume Contest" is postponed until tomorrow night, the 23rd.
|
| (23rd-Friday): It is announced that today and tomorrow are the last days of the season for shows of Mademoiselle Vallecita's Leopards. The Shadow Dance is gaining in popularity as it involves turning off all lighting in the Dance Pavilion and showcasing couples shadows with a bright spotlight. It's raining. Park Manager Sloss decides the "Novelty Costume Contest" is to be postponed until Monday, the 26th. Noticeably spending an unusual amount of money freely, two juvenile boys from Petersburg are arrested in the park. Police learn during the suspects' interrogation they had rifled a safe at the H.P. Frease Feed Store in Petersburg taking $75.05. They had only $16 left at the time they were detained. It was reported they fully confessed and that failing to make $500 bail, were placed in jail.
|
| (24th-Saturday): According to published reports, at first today appeared threatened by dark cloud and rain. But by noon, the sun came out to stay and Welsh Day is declared mainly celebrated as an old fashioned music festival. Member delegates of the New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania convention meet at the park and paid attendance crept towards 25,000. On this occasion, "Gymanfa-Ganu" or "Song Festival" is celebrated in conjunction with Welsh Day. One choir alone (of at least six) has 654 members singing the glories of their country in and about the park. As the singing came to a close, a man was heard to shout from the immense audience for more to which was responded, "We can sing all night!" Then, on signal, the choir on stage sang additional songs. The Lackawanna Druids Society hold their reunion at the park in conjunction with the Welsh day activities. United Mine Workers President Thomas L. Lewis is paid special honor at the event today and speaks for the occasion. Lewis receives a standing ovation and hats are thrown in the air in his honor. The Honorable H.M. Edwards, President Judge of Lackawanna County also speaks. A prettiest Welsh baby contest is won by Evelyn Marguerite Davis. The fattest boy contest is won by Lloyd A. Morgan. A Welsh beauty photo contest is won by Mrs. Gwalia Morgan. Lastly, a Welsh costume contest award is published as divided by co-winners, Mrs. M.T. Hewitt and Mrs. Edward Wrigley but is actually won by Mrs. M. Susie Hughes. Entrants had to register for their respective contests by 3:30 PM. The Laurel Line and the Scranton Railway Company place extra trains on their schedules to meet passenger-carrying demands. The day is so well received, the groups publicize an intent to meet beginning next week in the Masonic Hall in West Scranton to form a national Welsh organization. Manager Sloss advertises a temporary change to the park motto today to "Luna Park, the citadel of song". In the paper's Want Ads, an advertisement pleading for the return of a silver bag containing money lost in the park.
|
| Week of July 25, 1909
|
| (26th-Monday): W.W. Power's Hippodrome Elephants which features "Big Lena, one of the world's largest and heaviest elephants" are featured in Luna's Hippodrome today with acts at 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM. As a bonus attraction, the elephants take a daily swim in the Shoot the Chutes lagoon every afternoon for a half hour. Children will be afforded a free ride on an elephant's back. Power's Elephants have given over one thousand performances at the famous New York City Hippodrome. An updated news article published in "The Scranton Truth" notes the actual Welsh Day attendance was "upward of 15,000". The twice delayed "Novelty Costume Contest" is judged tonight. The winners are announced. First place, Ladies class, won by Miss Grace Brundage, a solid gold watch. Second place, Ladies class, won by Miss Mary Keating, a solid gold pinkie ring with genuine Italian cameo. First place, Gentlemen, won by Matthew Cassidy, a solid gold watch. Second place, Gentlemen, won by Herman Slosser, a solid gold signet ring. Five judges were selected at random from the crowd: Miss Hazel Praynell, Miss Anna Henderson, Mrs. Ellis Keyser, Mr. Arthur Baumann, and Mr. Eugene Radford. The foundational meeting to begin a national Welsh organization is reset tonight to the club house of the Electric City Wheel men.
|
| (27th-Tuesday): Christ Presbyterian Church Sunday School of Tripp Park enjoy an outing at the park. For the next three days, anyone shopping at Sperry & Hutchinson Green Stamp stores receive free Luna Park tickets as part of a "Merchant's Day" promotion.
|
| (28th-Wednesday): Sunday School of the Elmhurst Baptist Church, the Green Ridge Primitive Methodist Sunday School Church, and the Primitive Methodist Sunday School Church of Olyphant hold their annual picnics at the park today. Today is the first day in northeastern Pennsylvania of a heavily publicized Luna Park promotion, "Merchant's Dividend Day". Virtually every merchant that distributes Sperry & Hutchinson Green Stamps participates. Every customer visiting the "Daylight Store" today receives a free ticket to Luna Park and ten store stamps, fifty store stamps if one dollar's worth of merchandise is purchased. As part of the "Red Letter Day" promotion, the M.D. Manley Food Store offers free Luna Park tickets to its paying customers, as does the S.R. Jones & Company store, Mastri Brothers, the Thomas Brothers' store, Henry Sames Maple Dairy, Henwood's Pharmacy, Dimlich's Grocery, Lafayette Market, The Enslin Store, and Mahon's Shoe Store, among others, offer a free admission ticket to Luna Park to customers on this date and optionally admission to the "Sperry & Hutchinson Green Stamp Merchant's Picnic" (or also called the ""2nd Annual Monster Picnic" on its second day). The B. Gluckman store is offering admission only to the picnic be held at the park on the 29th. The Imperial Underwear Company employee outing is held at the park today.
|
| (29th-Thursday): The Sperry & Hutchinson Green Stamp Merchant's Picnic is held today and tomorrow at Luna Park. Free souvenirs are offered to eligible participants. O'Malley & Glynn Shoe Store is also offering tickets to the park today and are co-sponsoring the catering to the "2nd Annual Monster Picnic" at the park on Friday, the 30th. In the evening, park judges select five girls randomly from the crowd. Should they be found in the park by the end of the day, that person wins a complete book of S&H Green Stamps, quite valuable at the time. Four out of five of those chosen return for their stamps: Mrs. Carrie Hagg, Miss Elizabeth Cohan, Miss Edna Parrott, and Miss Irene Cooper. Souvenirs of cosmetic products and perfumes are distributes at the admission gates. Despite less than ideal weather, 16,000 people are said to have attended the park on this day.
|
| (30th-Friday): O'Malley & Glynn Shoe Store, among others, participate in the park's "2nd Annual Monster Picnic" for participating Sperry & Hutchinson merchants' paying customers. Free souvenirs are offered. The Delaware & Hudson Railroad supplies extra excursion trains to the park for the occasion on both Thursday and Friday. The Laurel Line and Scranton Railway Company also add extra trains. The lodges of the Odd Fellows of Lackawanna County combine to hold a joint outing at the park today. The park is said to be filled to capacity but no actually figures are published.
|
| (31st-Saturday): St. John's Total Abstinence and Beneficial Society holds its annual military outing at the park. Also, St. John's Nativity Church hold their outing in the park. Today marks the farewell performances for W.W. Power's Hippodrome Elephants and "Big Lena". The Hellkvists, "The Sensational Acrobatic High Diving Act", is scheduled as the Hippodrome replacement show.
|
| Week of August 1, 1909
|
| (2nd-Monday): Reportedly for the first time in northeastern Pennsylvania's history, the "delayed in shipping" ostrich farm were to have come to Luna Park by way of South Africa from the J.W. Ingram farm. It was reported originally that five birds including a bird bred for racing [Jacksonville, Jr.] are included in the initial complement with more to be added later. Instead, birds are reported to have been shipped from the farm of William W. Ford of the Tampa, Florida area. As concern is expressed over the colder climate of northeastern Pennsylvania, Mr. Ford and his employees are to be on hand to answer questions and provide several exhibitions, including a planned ostrich ride in downtown Scranton. Birds are to be shown in all stages of their development. They are four or five years old when fully grown and weigh from 225 to 400 pounds each. They refuse to be domesticated. The opening of the ostrich farm is delayed until the evening of the 4th due to docking problems at the ship when it arrives in port. The singers who assisted in the Welsh Day "Gymanfa-Ganu" are tendered a reception in the evening at the park's restaurant. It is the eleventh week of the park's season.
|
| (3rd-Tuesday): The Hellkvists' Family are a return act to Luna from the previous year. This year, the "fire dives" are confined to the evening in order to maximize the flame effect. This year, both brother and sister jump aflame into the tank simultaneously. In the afternoon show, the brother and sister perform high-wire acrobatic stunts only. Shows are at 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM. The Baptist Sunday School of Blakely, and Hebrew Ladies Aid and Loan Society, hold their respective outings at the park today. "The Scranton Truth" notes there are currently 50 active amusements in Luna Park.
|
| (4th-Wednesday): Scrantonian News Boys outing is held at the park today. After many weeks delay, Ford's Ostrich Farm finally opens in the evening in the "Congress of Wonders" building. Tonight, Professor Bauer of Luna's Own Band plays selections from Victor Herbert's operas which include "Nordland", "The Fortune Teller", "The Prima Donna", and "Mademoiselle Modiste".
|
| (5th-Thursday): Berwick Day is declared under the auspices of the Berwick Merchant's Retail Association. Park Manager Sloss opens the admission gates early at 10:00 AM to accommodate his guests from Colombia County.
|
| (6th-Friday): Annual Shriner's Day celebration of Irem Temple is held at the park today. This is their third excursion to the park. There are four bands to provide music for the Shriners: Rowley's Ninth Regiment Band, Bauer's Luna Park Band, Oppenheim's Orchestra of Wilkes Barre, and Miles' Luna Park Orchestra. One of the features on exhibit is a drill by the famous Irem Patrol under the direction of Captain Stewart L. Barnes. Also on exhibit are a camel and men dressed as Arabs. The Laurel Line makes special express train arrangements so that Wilkes Barre and Pittston customers can ride directly to the park bypassing the Scranton terminal. The Shriners wear their regulation red fezes but boys and women must wear blue badges instead of a blue fez. The Dance Pavilion and the park's picnic grounds are exclusively reserved for the occasion but assurances are published that the big outing will not interfere with normal park operations. W.B. Allen advertises a reward for a brown umbrella lost in the park.
|
| (7th-Saturday): St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Sunday School Church picnic outing is held at the park today. Employees of the Allis-Chalmers Company hold an outing at the park today. The Kudara Royal Imperial Japanese Troupe of athletes and acrobats will replace the Hellkvists next week in the Hippodrome. Apparently because certain Luna bird watchers are gazing at ostriches for hours, "The Scranton Truth" publishes a note indicating a male ostrich can be identified by black body feathers and white win feathers while a female has drab body feathers and mixed gray and white wing feathers.
|
| Week of August 8, 1909
|
| (9th-Monday): Seven County Veterans' Association annual reunion is held at the park. The Women's Relief Corp. and the ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic Circle furnish lunch for the occasion. Among the speakers are Adjutant General Thomas J. Stewart of Harrisburg and Reverend J.B. Sweet of Binghamton, New York. It is reported there are now seven birds in the "Ostrich Farm" and that hundreds are visiting the birds daily. The farm also features eggs and feathers. Lecturers are present to answer any inquiries concerning the lives and habits of the creatures. It is reported one of the birds, "Jacksonville Jr." has made a record of a mile in two minutes, twelve seconds at the Old Point Breeze Track in Philadelphia. W.W. Ford reportedly expects to give exhibition drives around the city in the fall. The Kudara Royal Imperial Japanese Troupe are ten performers who are seen in a variety of feats of acrobatic skill in the Hippodrome beginning today. This is a return engagement for them from last year where they had showcased the "Slide for Life" by utilizing the park's trees to create a high-speed backward slide that pleased crowds. Shows are scheduled for 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM.
|
| (10th-Tuesday): The South Scranton Hebrew Ladies Aid Society and the Methodist Episcopal Church Sunday School of Gibson hold their annual picnics at the park today. Mrs. Thomas H. Thompson of West Scranton hosts her Sunday School class in the Williams' Restaurant at the park. Standing guard over a crated ostrich worth between $500 and $1,000, in the Lackawanna Station, a dog belonging to William W. Ford bites 18-year old, Mail Messenger Russell Burdick below the knee. Ford contends to Magistrate W.S. Millar, the fox terrier is trained to guard the birds and that Burdick must have been trying to pick a feather off of it. Burdick denies this allegation. Railroad Special Officer Thomas Leyshon confirms Burdick's story and recommends to the magistrate the dog be killed. Failing to have presented viable evidence to confirm or deny the allegation, Millar orders the terrier to be confined to the City Dog Pound for ten days, and if Burdick suffers no ill effects, the dog will be released to Ford.
|
| (11th-Wednesday): Sunday School of St. Mark's Lutheran Church of Scranton, the Methodist Episcopal Church Sunday School of Jermyn, and the Primitive Methodist Church Sunday School of Jermyn hold their annual picnics at the park today. The Swartz Family reunion is held at the park today. Master Kudara, a 5-year old, performs the 75-foot "Slide for Life" in the Hippodrome. It is reported that despite its popularity, the stay of the "Ostrich Farm" at the park is going to be limited.
|
| (12th-Thursday): United Spanish Veterans hold an outing at the park today.
|
| (13th-Friday): "Dog that bit postal clerk is out of the pound!" reports "The Scranton Truth". William Ford's ostrich guarding terrier is vindicated as the plaintiff did not contract rabies as was originally feared and there was some question as its realized through testimony the wound shown in court was on the leg the alleged opposite of the leg bitten by the dog. Mr. Ford's terrier returned to his ostrich guard duties.
|
| (14th-Saturday): Park Manager Sloss persuades William Ford to keep the Ostrich Farm at Luna Park for another week. The Tasma Trio, "two ladies and a man and the amazing "teeth whirl" to begin next week replacing the Kudara Troupe.
|
| Week of August 15, 1909
|
| (16th-Monday): The Tasma Trio and the amazing "teeth whirl" act open for the week in the Hippodrome at 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM. One reporter comments, "All that is needed to prevent these acrobats from serious injury or worse, is a strong set of molars!"
|
| (17th-Tuesday): Christ German Lutheran Sunday School of Scranton and the Primitive Methodist Church Sunday School of Dickson City hold their annual picnics at the park today. The Excelsior Club of Archbald conduct their first annual trolley ride to Luna Park this evening.
|
| (19th-Thursday): Seven County Veterans' Association [Civil War veterans] annual reunion is held at the park. The day is declared Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) day. Free admission is give to veterans, their wives and families, the Sons of Veterans, the members of the Women's Relief Corp., the ladies of the G.A.R. Circle, and the Ladies Auxiliary. Colonel E.H. Ripple, president of the association, gave the address of welcome. Invocation by Reverend W.B. Beach. Reverend O.L. Severson, Wallace G. Moser, and A.B. Stevens gave speeches replete of a patriotic nature. Among the veterans is Phillip Richards of the 48th Pennsylvania Regiment, one of the men responsible for the excavation and explosion of the mine in front of Richmond, Virginia. An editor of "The Scranton Truth" notes it was his observation that the ranks of the veterans grow thinner with the passing years but their patriotic spirit lives on. Pike County is added to the association and the name changes to the Eight County Veterans' Association at the close of business. The Kern Family Reunion, the Pennsylvania Society for the Advancement of the Deaf and the Stamp Collectors Club of the United States also hold an outing at the park which, according to Manager Sloss, opens at 10:00 AM today. Manager Sloss turned over the "Hindu theater" building to the Kern Family and provided ample tables and chairs for their comfort.
|
| (20th-Friday): Alumni and students of the Mansfield State Normal School hold a reunion and basket picnic at the park today.
|
| (21st-Saturday): Pioneer Court, No. 2, Tribe of Ben Hur, hold an outing at the park. Park Manager Sloss announces that William Ford's Ostrich Farm will indeed pull out today - a somewhat shorter stay than originally intended. This is also the last scheduled day of the Tasma Trio and the amazing "teeth whirl" act. Newspaper reporters in Binghamton, New York and Scranton challenge each other to a baseball game, then following the game, are treated to a banquet and outing at Luna Park by Luna Park Publicity Agent, Arthur J. Keller. Scranton wins the baseball challenge 12-10.
|
| Week of August 22, 1909
|
| (23rd-Monday): The comedy bar acrobats, "Rice and Elmer" start today in the Hippodrome with an act reportedly "meant to be funny" about a "Yankee that visits Chinatown". Appearances daily at 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM.
|
| (24th-Tuesday): Today, the Methodist Sunday School of Duryea holds an outing at the park. Members of the Brick Methodist Episcopal Church enjoyed a trolley ride to the park today.
|
| (25th-Wednesday): The Catholic Total Abstinence Union from Hazleton to Forest City is holding a massive meeting and picnic at the park today conducted under auspices of the St. Paul Pioneer Corps. Special contests, e.g. baby show, waltz contest, are the order of the day. A competitive drill between companies of Lancers representing Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties is held. An exhibition drill by the St. Paul Pioneer Corps. As a result of the drill competition, a silver cup is awarded to the St. Paul Pioneer Corps. Jean Larue of Scranton is judged prettiest baby. Edward Boyle of West Scranton and Miss Murphy of Carbondale wins the "Jig and Reel" dance competition. The 100-yard dash competition is won by Thomas McNulty of Dunmore. Ellsworth Davis of West Scranton captures the shoe race. Michael Cup of Dunmore ate three crackers and whistles in the quickest time. Mary Mullen of Pittston wins the prize for the heaviest baby under two years old. John F. Gaffney of Scranton receives a pipe for being the oldest abstainer to enter the grounds, his record of being 27 years in the temperance society. Heaviest weight prize of 315 pounds goes to P.W. Gallagher. "Tallest man in the park" prize is won by Frank Philbin at 6 feet, 1 inch.
|
| (27th-Friday): Scranton Playground Association provide a public demonstration of the playground movement at Luna Park under the direction of Professor C.R.H. Jackson. Athletic demonstrations and sewing exhibitions are performed. The exhibition features a grand march of a thousand children, a hoop drill by the West Side girls, a shepherdess drill by the Green Ridge girls, singing by younger children of Green Ridge, a dumb bell drill by the Phoebe Snow class of the central city, a mass drill and running maze from the three city playgrounds, and a flag salute. There are also three athletic contests: a 100-yard dash for boys under 4 foot, 6 inches which James Gilhol came in first place, Lewis Billet came in second, and Michael Babcock came in third; a 75-yard dash for boys under 5 feet, 3 inches which W. Jameson won first, Michael McNeil won second, and W. Rafferty won third; and shot put of 7 pounds for boys under 5 feet was won by William Lathrop, second place won by Jacob Kaplan, third place won by William Jameson.. Many of the demonstrations are shown in the now vacated "Hindu Temple" building. "We are the Playground Children" was sung by over 500 children attending the public demonstration.
|
| (28th-Saturday): The Church of Peace on Prospect Avenue holds an outing at both Nay Aug and Luna Parks today. Today is the last day of the "Rice and Elmer" act. Arthur J. Keller, Publicity Agent for the park, resigns, taking a job as press agent for the "Commencement Day Company" on the West Coast.
|
| Week of August 29, 1909
|
| (30th-Monday): Newspapers of the area remind their readers it is the fifteenth week of the fourth season at Luna Park, and its season will soon be coming to a close. Today, Stirk and London, "The Eccentric Gymnasts", take the stage with a "trick bicycle act including barrel jumping" at the park's Hippodrome appearing at the usual 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM showtimes. Robert J. Bauer orchestrates Luna's Own Band playing four daily concerts at the Band Stand. The park is reporting a "splendid season despite cold and wet weather". It is announced that the park will "probably close for the season" after Labor Day but will be proceeded, as usual, by a "Confetti Carnival Week", as has been traditionally done.
|
| (1st-Wednesday): Luna Park Manager Sloss announces free admission to ladies and children between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
|
| (2nd-Thursday): The Catholic Total Abstinence Union contest for a set of solid gold sleeve links and a solid gold stick pin proceeds tonight after being delayed from last week. Thomas Miles' Luna Park Orchestra is providing music in the Dance Pavilion. Declaring the day "Ladies and Children's Day", Park Manager Sloss decides to repeat free admission to ladies and children between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
|
| (3rd-Friday): Robert J. Bauer adds a variety of novelty selections to each of the four band concerts given daily. One is a trombone solo by Charles Cusumano called "I Love My Wife".
|
| (4th-Saturday): Today is the last scheduled day for the Stirk and London act in the Hippodrome.
|
| Week of September 5, 1909
|
| (6th-Monday): Today is Labor Day. The park opens at 10:00 AM and closes at midnight. The Marriott Twins Company of five artists, horse and carriage, and bicycles begins a run to the end of the season and is reported to amount to a circus like act the greatest the likes that Northeastern Pennsylvania has ever seen. Bauer's Luna's Own Band and Miles' Luna Park Orchestra provide special musical programs in the Band Stand and Dance Pavilion respectively. Today also marks the beginning of "Confetti Carnival Week", the last week of the park's fourth season. This year, the Central Labor Union chooses to visit Rocky Glen Park, its thousands of members bypassing Luna Park altogether.
|
| (7th-Tuesday): In the "Congress of Wonders" building [Temple of Mystery?], a big feature is installed this last week of the season directly from the 1909 Wilkes Barre Fair is "Hamilton's Great Big Show". This includes the star, "Old Jane, the witch", and "Sean, the Bushman, of the pigmy race that lives along the shores of Lake Nigome of South Africa." Park Manager Sloss reports "Record Attendance Yesterday" but provides no actual figures to the press.
|
| (8th-Wednesday): "The Scranton Truth" reports "...weather conditions are anything but favorable for outdoor amusement."
|
| (10th-Friday): Park Manager Sloss permits ladies and children to enter the park today and tomorrow for free from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM as a gesture of goodwill.
|
| (11th-Saturday): Today is the last day of the fourth season. There's a mardi gras style atmosphere in the park as several employees dress in costumes representing various nations of the world, and the confetti carnival reaches its climax at midnight tonight. The park's band and orchestra play nearly continuously and the Marriott Twins Company perform their circus style shows throughout the day and evening. Park Manager Sloss reports during the past sixteen weeks of the fourth season, 625,000 paid patrons have past through the admission gates of the park. A brief season-closing ceremony is held at midnight.
|
| Week of September 26, 1909
|
| (2nd-Saturday): It is announced that Luna Park Manager Len B. Sloss has acquired an interest and will be manager of Pittsburgh's Kenyon Theater and that some form of open air vaudeville theater will be coming to Luna Park for the 1910 season. According to "The Scranton Truth", Sloss will remain in Pittsburgh for two months, then return to Scranton to perfect many changes and improvements to Luna for next season.
|
| Week of October 3, 1909
|
| (7th-Thursday): "The Scranton Truth" publishes a rumor that the feuding owners of Rocky Glen Park are attempting to lure Luna Park Manager Len B. Sloss over manage to their park. Sloss is not contacted in the article to confirm or deny the rumor.
|
| Week of November 21, 1909
|
| (23rd-Tuesday): "The Scranton Truth" publishes several legal notices in which the Scranton Luna Park Company has filed action against the Scranton Trust Company, and that Michael Gerrity has filed action against the Scranton Luna Park Company.
|
| Week of November 28, 1909
|
| (2nd-Thursday): In "The Scranton Truth", a curious advertisement appears for "The Glode Warehouse" which suggests that Luna Park has been recreated in miniature in their Christmas Toy-land Department. The ad cites, "...Circle Swing, Merry-Go-Round, and all the rest of Luna Park's thrilling amusements are here in a gorgeous plenty." The ad continues with toy-specific Christmas gift enticements. No photographs of the display are shown.
|
| (3rd-Friday): Miles' Luna Park Orchestra is providing off-season orchestration of various events outside of the park. In, particular, they have partnered with the Betamu Club providing special music for dancing at "The Auditorium".
|
| Week of December 5, 1909
|
| (6th-Monday): It is reported the Scranton Playground Association made $2,133.58 from the August 27th Luna Park Playground Exhibition Day.
|
| Week of December 12, 1909
|
| (13th-Monday): Luna Park Company May Soon Take Over Rocky Glen Property headlines "The Scranton Truth". Apparently in negotiation but not yet settled, there is public communication to a reporter to the effect that if Luna Park Company purchases Rocky Glen, Luna Park would be closed and all of its amusements moved to Rocky Glen Park. "Only minor details need to be set in." is quoted by the unnamed source. A comment is also made that the city may make an effort to secure the old Luna Park site if that happens.
|
| (15th-Wednesday): Another speculative article appears in "The Scranton Truth" in which a comment is made that negotiation is expected to be complete in a few days and that renovations can be expected to begin. The Laurel Line and Scranton Railway Company begin to comment publicly about trackage changes they might need to make to accommodate shifting passenger traffic.
|
|
|
The 1910 Season ["The Universe", Park Wars, Labor Issue?, Miniature Coal Breaker, First Large "Moving Picture" Screen, Colonel Dixon and the "Indians", Vaudeville vs. "Moving Pictures", "Live" Broadcasting, and Ice Cream Cones]
| Timeline of the 1910 Season
|
|
|
| Week of March 13, 1910
|
| (16th-Wednesday): As it is still the off-season, Miles' Luna Park Orchestra continues to partner with the Betamu Club at "The Auditorium" providing special music for dancing. The Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railroad, "Laurel Line", continuously advertises daily service to Luna Park even though the park has been closed since September.
|
| Week of March 20, 1910
|
| (24th-Thursday): An article published in "The Scranton Truth" announces that negotiations by the owners of Luna Park with Arthur Frothingham for the acquisition of Rock Glen Park have been abandoned for this year at least. A public notice is made that there is a Board of Directors meeting scheduled for March 29 at 3:30 PM. Also, Park Manager Len Sloss is returning from a honeymoon in the West. Luna Park will reopen again this summer.
|
| Week of March 27, 1910
|
| (29th-Tuesday): The Board of Director's meeting is rescheduled to April 5.
|
| Week of April 3, 1910
|
| (5th-Tuesday): Stockholders of the Scranton Park Company, owners of Luna Park, elect a Board of Directors at the office of Brooks & Company. Seated on the board this year are: D.J. Davis, Frank Davidson, Adolf Blau, Geo. W. Snyder, A.B. Hague, T.F. Fleming, and Henry M. Wood. Corporate officers will be named in an upcoming meeting to be scheduled.
|
| Week of May 1, 1910
|
| (2nd-Monday): Fred Fadores of Petersburg is hired as an electrician at Luna Park.
|
| Week of May 8, 1910
|
| (11th-Wednesday): Providing popular dance music at "The Auditorium", the Betamu Club continues to partner with Miles' Luna Park Orchestra.
|
| Week of May 15, 1910
|
| (18th-Wednesday): Distributed to local newspapers, an announcement is made that for the park's sixth season, opening on May 28, 1910, admission to the park and many of its attractions will be "free". From May 28 and through the week of Memorial Day, the park will open at 10:00 AM and will continue without interruption [no employee lunch breaks]. All circus acts in the Hippodrome are going to be set to begin at 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM throughout the season. The first act of the season is the "Breakaway Barlows", a startling acrobatic act which will be seen in the Hippodrome. New attractions are still being added as of this announcement. Ernest Bees of Scranton has designed a working miniature coal breaker and colliery which will be in operation in the park. C. Nelson Camp with two tons of new equipment, has created a big new feature show, called "The Universe". This is an electrical and scenic reproduction of work done at Coney Island. Robert J. Bauer's Band and his orchestra will now preside over the Dance Pavilion.
|
| (19th-Thursday): In a published tax sale notice, William's Restaurant in the park is placed on notice it owes $4.66 in taxes to the Scranton City Treasurer's Office.
|
| (20th-Friday): J. Frank Siegel, President and Manager of the Northern Electric Park, pens a "Letter to the Editor" to local newspapers in response to the Luna Park announcement of May 18 in which he claims Northern Electric Park in Clarks Summit is "the" first amusement park in Northeastern Pennsylvania to throw open its gates for free admission and that the claim of Luna Park that it is first is misinformation.
|
| (21st-Saturday): In published articles, the opening time on opening day [28th] for the park's sixth season is changed to 1:00 PM.
|
| Week of May 22, 1910
|
| (23rd-Monday): Small bold-faced-type advertisements begin to appear in local newspapers for the next three days, "Luna Park opens next Saturday. Free admission this season. Best dancing in state.", "Next Saturday Luna Park opens. Free Admission. Circus Acts.", "Luna Park opens Sat., May 28. Admission free afternoon and night. Circus acts. Music all time." Meanwhile, Northern Electric Park opens today amid much publicity as "The Original Free Park".
|
| (25th-Wednesday): In published tax sale notices, William's Restaurant in the park is placed on second notice it owes $4.66 in taxes to the Scranton City Treasurer's Office. The Betamu Club continues to partner with Miles' seven-piece Luna Park Orchestra. A concert is given at the club's "Auditorium" tonight. It is unclear whether Miles and the orchestra continue to be affiliated with Luna Park as Bauer's Luna Park Orchestra is now handling musical duties in both the Band Stand and Dance Pavilion.
|
| (27th-Friday): Announcement in local newspapers confirming everything is in readiness and that Luna Park will open for its fifth season tomorrow at 1:00 PM and admission to the park and many of its amusements are free. Even though this is so, management assures everything possible is done to ensure the safety and care of its patrons. Also, on Memorial Day, there will be dancing in the afternoon and evening in the Dance Pavilion. A new streetcar company, the Lake Ariel Street Railway Company, is considering the possibility of running a line near Nay Aug and Luna Parks to pick up a newspaper estimated 1,500,000 patrons per summer season. The company is not committed to the project.
|
| (28th-Saturday): Sounding a signal from the park office, Park Manager Len B. Sloss opens Luna Park for its fifth season today at 1:00 PM. Announcing in local newspapers, Robert J. Bauer and an enlarged Luna Park Orchestra is now providing music in the park's Dance Pavilion. Mr. Sloss also compares and contrasts the features of Luna Park to other competing parks in the area and notes decidedly that Luna Park is the greatest of Scranton's amusement enterprises. Opening day admission is estimated at 12,000 paid patrons. A birthday party for Miss Gertrude Knoepfel, 9 years old, is held at the park this afternoon.
|
| Week of May 29, 1910
|
| (30th-Monday): Today is Memorial Day. Bauer's Luna Park Orchestra plays almost continuously in the Dance Pavilion from just after 10:00 AM until midnight. No groups have chartered the park today but it is reported by day's end that 18,000 people have entered the park. The "Breakaway Barlows" are performing as scheduled. "The Universe" is attracting crowds in the former "Scenitorium" building, and the working miniature "Coal Breaker and Colliery" buildings are clearly generating much interest among those knowledgeable in the field of anthracite coal mining.
|
| (31st-Tuesday): An anonymous newspaper reporter for "The Scranton Truth" documents the Northern Electric Park only had 10,000 visitors on Memorial Day compared to Luna Park's 18,000 visitors. According to the reporter, other entertainment, amusement, and sporting venues in Northeastern Pennsylvania had even less patrons on that day. Based on his informal observations, traffic records on the Laurel Line and Scranton Railway Company were equaled if not broken to the Nay Aug and Luna Park rail lines on Memorial Day.
|
| (1st-Wednesday): Small bold-faced-type advertisements appear in "The Scranton Truth" today, "Hear 'Bob' Bauer's Orchestra at Luna Park great dance pavilion.", and, "U-R-able 2-C something new each week at Luna Park. The real park for music, circus, fun. Free admission.", "Dr. Lange's Discovery is nothing compared to the fun to be had at Luna Park. Admission Free." [Refers to Lange's c.1910 assertion he could chemically change any metal to gold or silver]. Meanwhile, Micheal Neary, owner of the roller coaster at the competing Northern Electric Park touts the safety features of his roller coaster that prevents riders from accidentally standing and falling out while cars are in motion, unlike other coaster operators in the area.
|
| (2nd-Thursday): Northern Electric Park begins running double newspaper advertisements on days Luna Park does not run any at all.
|
| (4th-Saturday): Park Manager Sloss reports, "Big crowds all week despite weather unfavorable to outdoor amusements." "The Universe" is receiving comments that it is the best indoor show ever presented in the park, seconded only by the realism of the miniature breaker and colliery display shown in full operation. When asked about the park's roller coaster, Sloss commented this way, "The roller coaster, in particular being the most popular and absolutely safe, erected unlike any other roller coaster to be found in this region, since its construction five years ago, safety appliances have been in evidence and it is absolutely unnecessary at this late date to place so called newly invented safety appliances that only prove a menace to public safety." Sloss also reiterates he as manager has always been in charge of the music at Luna [perhaps alluding to Miles?] and Robert Bauer will be offering several musical and dance novelties in the Dance Pavilion only found in major resorts, and will undoubtedly be copied locally. Sloss, in passing, also references J. Frank Siegel, who once worked for Robert Bauer in the park as an "attendant". Northern Electric Park current manager is J. Frank Siegel. Siegel is also characterized as Northern's "Bandmaster Extraordinaire" elsewhere. Today is the last day for the "Breakaway Barlows" act.
|
| Week of June 5, 1910
|
| (6th-Monday): It's a new week in the Hippodrome and the Morello Brothers, who perform a skillful series of acrobatic tumbling in the air and on the ground, begin their week in the Hippodrome at the standard park times of 3:15 PM and 9:00 PM. The weather has apparently improved over the weekend as its noted the crowds have increased though no actual figures are published.
|
| (7th-Tuesday): As part of a small article in "The Scranton Truth" today, the following amusements are listed as "standard riding devices: Chutes, Roller Coaster, Aerial Swing, Old Mill, Carousel, and the Great Pony Track". A one-line advertisements appear in "The Scranton Truth", "The People's Popular Pleasure place is Luna Park. Admission Free.", and, "Many startling novelties now at Luna Park. Something new each week. Circus and music. Admission Free.", and also, "15 Ponies at the track. Luna Park's great 'kiddie' feature." The Northern Electric Park counters with a "Big Free Circus Day" and management there, with help from the Scranton Automobile Club, treats 300 orphans to a day at their park.
|
| (8th-Wednesday): Today's one-line advertisements in "The Scranton Truth", "See the Morello Bros. free circus act, at 3:15 and 9 PM, at Luna Park. Music too. Admission Free." "The Universe" has been playing to sell-out crowds that are standing room only.
|
| (9th-Thursday): Park Manager Sloss announces "The Universe" will leave Luna Park after two weeks due to contractual obligations to a park in Willow Grove and will regretfully not return for the rest of this season. Sloss also announces the park's Shooting Gallery is now under the tenure of J. Victor Graybill, a nationally renown marksman. Sloss also publicly comments, "Thanks to the park's competent and skillful attendants, there is not a feature within the thirty acres of this ideal amusement resort that is not properly conducted for the welfare of the public." Northern Electric Park counters with an advertisement claiming they have the best roller coaster in the area and their dance pavilion roof does not leak. ...and yes, they are making "hay" [money].
|
| (11th-Saturday): International Printing Pressmen's Union, Local No. 119, hold their annual reunion at the park today. Park Manager Sloss proudly announces that beginning Monday, June 20, "moving pictures" recognized as being "of the finest of subjects" will be shown at the park. He exclaims this is just another way of bringing about the most expensive form of entertainment in a satisfactory way to a loyal park-going public. Sloss recaps the fifty current amusements notably referring to the roller coaster as the "Great Safety Roller Coaster". He also touts Camp's "The Universe", and the "Miniature Coal Mine and Breaker" exhibit. He notes that no park would be complete without Robert J. Bauer's music in the Dance Pavilion and offers a photograph of Bauer to the press for publication. Sloss also notes the restaurant and soda stands continue to be under the management of the J.D. Williams Brothers and Company which assures first class services, and that the park's photography studio is capable of not only taking photographs during the day but also at night, and is operated by Mr. and Mrs. Karl M. Ebert. Today is the last day for performances by the Morello Brothers in the Hippodrome. Northern Electric Park runs an advertisement noting "Large numbers flock to our park." and that "Dancing is worth a great many thousands of dollars to our management."
|
| Week of June 12, 1910
|
| (13th-Monday): The Clark-Razillion Troupe of Aerial Gymnasts return to the park for a week after a two year hiatus. They are applauded for their entertaining work on a swinging trapeze and for accomplishment of a dramatic and hazardous descent to the stage on a two inch piece of cotton webbing.
|
| (14th-Tuesday): "Unscrupulous managers do not hesitate to advertise attractions they are unable to offer, not so with Luna Park Management" begins an entry in the "Amusements" section of "The Scranton Truth". "Luna Park is Foremost" is the headline, citing the park's "real" amusements which no other park in the area can produce, evident by the largest of crowds in both the afternoon and evenings, and that the park is more popular than ever. The article also notes the superiority of Luna's dance floor compared to others in the area that there simply is no equal. A smaller article in the same section, "Visitors Praise the Park", speaks through Manager Siegel of a small group of lamenting young people who travel a fair distance to come to the Northern Electric Park to partake of its amenities. Today's one-line advertisements in "The Scranton Truth", "Ask anybody which is best. They'll say Luna Park with its free circus and free admission.", and, "Luna Park is lovely and lively. Free circus. Free admission. New stunts.", and also, "The Best Excursion Place. Luna Park. Money made there. Admission Free.", and, "Original in Everything. Luna Park leads because it produces what it advertises."
|
| (15th-Wednesday): L.A. Lange of Scranton loses a silver belt buckle in either Nay Aug or Luna Park. A reward is posted. Today's one-line advertisement in "The Scranton Truth", "The Best Excursion Place. Luna Park. Money made there. Admission Free." The Laurel Line and Scranton Railway Company add extra trains to keep up with demand to the park on this day.
|
| (16th-Thursday): Manager Sloss discloses he is in discussion with a well known local contractor on the possibility of expanding the 8,000 square foot Dance Pavilion over a weekend period with the rationale being the facility is already filling to capacity on any given night. He would like to be able to avoid closing the facility for construction. As there is a dime per person per dance fee, the Dance Pavilion is a principal source of park revenue. Today's one-line advertisement in "The Scranton Truth", "Another Big Night Tonight at Luna Park. It's Always Big. Adm. Free. Real summer amusements. Free circus and music.", and, "Don't meet me at Luna Park to tell me how great it is. I know it! 3:15 Free Circus 9 PM Music. Fun. Adm. Free." Meanwhile, Northern Electric Park begins afternoon "matinee" dancing today and every day the park is opened.
|
| (17th-Friday): Manager Sloss releases information concerning the "moving pictures" to be displayed beginning Monday, the 20th. The screen will be the largest in this section of the country measuring 35 x 40 feet. Three films of different subject matter will be shown each night beginning at 8:30. A special messenger is used to obtain the films from distribution points maintained by Biograph, Vitagraph, Edison, Pathe Freres, Selig, Kalem, and others.
|
| Week of June 19, 1910
|
| (20th-Monday): Manager Sloss proudly introduces motion pictures on the first and largest screen in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The three movies to be shown tonight are: "The Lamp Post Inspector" by Pathe Freres Studios [Silent comedy film (1910) starring Paul Landrin, Charles Lorrain, and Mathilde Comont, written by Rene Chavance]; "Indian Scout's Revenge" by Kalem Studios [silent drama film (1910) stars Jack Conway and Ruth Rowland, written by Sidney Olcott]; "The Soul of Venice" by Vitagraph Studios of America [silent drama film (1910) unaccredited stars, writer unaccredited].
|
| (21st-Tuesday): Manager Sloss announces that "sometime within the near future", a new attraction known as the "Indian Village" will come to Luna Park. Sloss said he had signed contracts between he and Colonel Frank Dixon, once connected with the "Indian Bureau in Washington", for the attraction which will feature war and scalp dances with lifelike habits and customs of American Indians by "genuine full-blooded Indians". Colonel Dixon and the native Americans will arrive next week and have a village exhibit complete by Saturday, July 2. Sloss closes the announcement with "Luna Park, once again first in the field in the matter of offering something absolutely new in addition to its already large list of attractions." Today's one-line advertisements in "The Scranton Truth", "It's Up To You To Try. The Fun Tonic At Luna Park. Great Free Pictures and Lots of Real Amusement Free.", and, "See Free Moving Pictures At Luna Park. Admission Free. Three New Pictures Nightly At 8:15." Concerning yesterday's motion pictures, a publicity article in "The Scranton Truth", describes them as "absorbing stories", "appetizers for diversions", "twentieth century episodes", and "evolution for events". Then followed by "educating", "realistic", "exceptionally original". Tonight, films by Biograph, Pathe Freres, and Edison are shown in the Hippodrome but their titles are not announced.
|
| (22nd-Wednesday): It is reported the surface of the Dance Pavilion is currently 8,000 square feet of surfaced maple. Northern Electric Park's advertising has softened to a discussion of cool mountain breezes [The area is experiencing summer heat]. Luna Park management counters with an article inferring one need only travel 5 minutes for real amusement, more so than all other parks in the area combined, and that its admission and shows are free. Today's one-line advertisement in "The Scranton Truth", "Luna Park Is The Park For The Best Of Everything. Adm. Free." 31 employees, of the Consolidated Telephone Company, picnic at Nay Aug Park, then visit Luna Park in the evening.
|
| (23rd-Thursday): Today's one-line advertisements in "The Scranton Truth", "Follow the Crowd Tonight to Luna Park. Free picture show.", and, "Luna Park TONIGHT Luna Park. Free moving pictures 8:15. Three new ones nightly." The paper reports the park is seeing large crowds as management intends to show eighteen free "moving picture shows" per week in addition to providing all of the regular amusements and dancing. Members of the Providence Methodist Episcopal Sunday School are enjoying an outing as the park today.
|
| (24th-Friday): Today's one-line advertisement in "The Scranton Truth", "Luna Park Sunday School excursions are healthy. Write for rates. Better do so now. Free stunts." Tonight's films are by Edison and Gaumont but no titles are published in advanced although it is noted that the films and projector evenly light the entire large screen and the films used are clear and distinct. Northern Electric Park counter-advertises they have the best refreshment booth in Northeastern Pennsylvania. A juvenile robs a grocery store of $150 and is caught in Luna Park riding a pony. He is turned over to Scranton police, and is in turn, committed without bail.
|
| (25th-Saturday): Due to contractual commitments, today is the last day for scheduled showings of the popular electro-mechanical attraction, "The Universe", in the "Scenitorium" building. An article in "The Scranton Truth" discusses the success of the park and the fact its employees and tradesmen are paid higher wages than average as a means of attracting the best talent and inducing better performance. A photograph of the park is included on page 11 of the newspaper showing a crowd view from the Hippodrome to the Dance Pavilion.
|
| Week of June 26, 1910
|
| (27th-Monday): A severe rain storm occurs today and history records not ideal weather for amusements, but a large crowd is recorded in Luna Park. Today's one-line advertisement in "The Scranton Truth", "See the American Indians at Luna Park Indian Village, starting next Saturday. Park admission free.", also "Whoopla! Indians! Bushwa! See 'em Luna Park Saturday at village."
|
| (30th-Thursday): Spotlight dances begin in the Dance Pavilion today. Robert J. Bauer and his orchestra have arranged an entire new program of music appropriate for spotlight dancing. Extra rail transportation facilities are provided to support anticipated passengers that wish to attend the dances. Today's one-line advertisements in "The Scranton Truth", "Spot Light Dance Tonight Luna Park Free moving pictures. Admission Free.", and, "See the Indian Village. Luna Park. Starting Sat. Adm. Free." Preparations are being made for the Fourth of July holiday. Workmen are clearing space for the site of the Indian Village. A direct wire to support returns of the "Jeffries and Johnson Boxing Match" is being run and tested. The Thompson African American Minstrel Group will entertain crowds in the park next week.
|
| (1st-Friday): For the first time, Luna Park management uses a combination of "Hippodrome" and "Theatorium" when describing the location of the "moving pictures" exhibition in the park. In a press release, management noted that since the "moving pictures" has met the greatest possible success, they will continue indefinitely at the park changing three moving pictures at each nightly showing. After all, there is nothing like the size of the screen being used in the park anywhere in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Indian Village is scheduled to open tomorrow, July 2. On the 4th of July, as the telephone operator receives information concerning the "Jeffries and Johnson Boxing Match", results will be announced by megaphone throughout the park. Also announced, the spotlight dance yesterday was so successful, that it will be held again today. The Dance Pavilion opens today at 2:00 PM. [Note: In its "official" book, "Pennsylvania Theaters: A Historic Context", a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission researcher in regard to motion picture entertainment, has not recognized, or has overlooked, the pioneering and historical work done at Luna Park, Scranton to bring motion pictures to Northeastern Pennsylvania. The park goes unmentioned among credited historical sites even though it predates those mentioned in the book.]
|
| (2nd-Saturday): It is reported in "The Scranton Truth" that Luna Park had experienced 150,000 paid admissions over the past four 4 July holidays and is expecting even greater patronage now that park admission is free this year. For the 4th, the park will open at 10:00 AM. Continuous dancing will start in the Dance Pavilion commencing at 2:00 PM by the Robert J. Bauer orchestra. No fireworks or exploding devices of any kind are permitted within the park again this year. Entertainment includes Thompson's African American Minstrel Show. "Three [unnamed] Moving Pictures" are to be shown in the Hippodrome after dark. The "Indian Village" is going to be presented under the immediate direction of Colonel Frank Dixon and the Native Americans will perform scalp and war dances and play various native musical instruments. Northern Electric Park is planning to carry the boxing match using a similar technique to relay information to the crowd there.
|
| Week of July 3, 1910
|
| (4th-Monday): Reported in many newspapers, Jack Johnson beat James J. Jeffries in the boxing match in Reno, Nevada. Live updates concerning the bout were carried both at Luna Park and Northern Electric Park, but not exclusively in the area.
|
| (6th-Wednesday): The "Indian Village", the three free "moving pictures", and the "spotlight and shadows" dancing, plus the fifty other amusements are reportedly packing the park with patrons each night. No actual numbers are reported however. Tonight's moving pictures are from the Biograph, Vitagraph, and Edison Companies. No titles are provided to the newspapers. Today's one-line advertisement in "The Scranton Truth", "Luna's Newest Is Indian Village. Free Picture Show 8:15. Adm. Free" Meanwhile, two of Luna Park's local competitors closed for good: "Athletic Park" which had been using the name, "Hippodrome", and, "Minooka Park", each owing due to a lack of patronage. Two outside groups are reportedly interested in bidding on the failing Rocky Glen Park.
|
| (7th-Thursday): According to "The Scranton Truth, inside Luna Park's "Indian Village", Native Americans are giving exhibitions of skill with native weapons and a thrilling scalp and war dance. The park is crowded every night.
|
| (8th-Friday): Luna Park has proven so popular the Laurel Line must run trains every four minutes and the Scranton Railway Company must run trolleys every ten minutes to keep up with public demand and avoid pushing and shoving. The public is ecstatic over the introduction of a colorized motion picture. Newspapers report it has set the community talking but they provide no indication of what that film's title might be.
|
| (9th-Saturday): Luna Park's management announces it has acquired an extra special supply of films to be shown next week, but that's all they wish to divulge at this time. Next week, it is announced that many excursions and outings are to be held at the park. No list or schedule is provided to the press today. The temperature hits 93 degrees by 4:00 PM but a severe thunderstorm cools the park down quickly. Although there is damage in the surrounding area, the park is not damaged by the storm. The "Indian Village" is not mention in advertising for the rest of this season.
|
| Week of July 10, 1910
|
| (11th-Monday): All of the same amusements and exhibitions continue on the schedule this week, and thousands reportedly keep packing in the park. A brief note in "The Scranton Truth" suggests the Hippodrome has been converted into the "Theatorium" full time now because of the crowds the movies attract vs. the vaudeville acrobatic acts.
|
| (12th-Tuesday): Today's one-line advertisements in "The Scranton Truth", "Ride the Giant Circle Swing at Luna Park and Keep Cool. Adm. Free.", and, "Mile A Minute Safety Coaster. Also only Shoot-the-Chutes. Luna Park" It rained heavily in the evening but according to reports, the park was filled to full capacity. The Polish Sunday Schools of Olyphant, Jermyn, Mayfield and Peckville held a combined outing at the park.
|
| (13th-Wednesday): An advertisement identifies the "House of Mirth" as a free amusement in which laughter is brought about be visitors seeing themselves in a series of distorting mirrors reflecting back at them their images in all sorts of inconceivable shapes and sizes.
|
| (14th-Thursday): New "direct from the factory" moving pictures to be shown by Pathe, Kalem, and Edison tonight of dramatic and scenic subjects is reported by "The Scranton Truth". Luna Park management surprisingly admits defeat in trying to introduce the "Hobble dance" to Northeastern Pennsylvania. Management reports "The great dancing crowd will have none of it." However, the spotlight and shadows dances are reported to be very popular and are continuing. It was also noted Wednesday night's crowd [13th] was a record breaker but again no figures are provided to the press. Over thirty employees of Taylor & Browning of Lackawanna Avenue in Scranton spent the day and evening in Nay Aug and Luna Parks.
|
| (15th-Friday): In a veiled swipe at Northern Electric Park, an advertisement compares that park's "two or three meager amusements" to the over fifty amusements available at Luna Park. Northern Electric Park management responds, "Business is fine."
|
| (16th-Saturday): In speaking with reporters today, Park Manager Sloss notes attendance has grown to the point that it is better than in the first year when the park was new. Free admission to the moving pictures draws the crowds and while they are in the park, they happen to partake of fee-based refreshments and foods, amusements, exhibitions, and of course, dancing. Luna Park is booked with outings every day next week. Manager Siegel at Northern Electric Park tells a reporter he's planning big surprises and plans on adding more amusements soon.
|
| Week of July 17, 1910
|
| (18th-Monday): The Tabernacle Congregational Sunday School of South Hyde Park Avenue children's picnic is rescheduled to Wednesday [20th] due to transportation issues.
|
| (19th-Tuesday): Robert J. Bauer returns to Luna Park after being away briefly in Gettysburg.
|
| (20th-Wednesday): The Knights of Father Matthew of Carbondale hold their annual outing at Luna Park today. This outing is enjoyed by more than six hundred patrons. Ebert's Photography Studio in the park is ready to unveil a surprise device that "shows how pictures are done". Few details are included with the press release other than the "The device almost finishes a picture as soon as it is taken". The Tabernacle Congregational Sunday School of South Hyde Park Avenue holds its picnic in Luna Park today. Three Scranton Railway Company street cars are used to transport the children. Athletic events and a baseball game are included as part of the outing.
|
| (21st-Thursday): The "Scranton Times" holds its annual newsboy outing today at Luna Park. It is reported a "special film from the Vitagraph Company" will be shown with two others "of a dramatic and picturesque nature", in the Theatorium tonight. Today's one-line advertisements in "The Scranton Truth", "The Time, The Place, and The Girl. Luna Park Spotlight Dance tonight." Northern Electric Park opens a two story combination Dance Pavilion and Restaurant that overlooks Lake Winola, is served by the Northern Electric Railroad, and can support locks in which boats can land. The structure measures 75 x 75 feet - a smaller dance floor floor than Luna Park's. The students of the Commercial Institute of Carbondale enjoy an outing at Luna Park in the evening.
|
| (22nd-Friday): It is publicly announced that all Luna Park employees are represented by unions affiliated with the American Federation of Labor. Also, an "exceptionally fine film by Biograph" is going to be included in tonight's three feature moving picture show at the park. Park Manager Sloss agrees to make facilities of the park available to the Home of the Good Shepherd sometime next week, probably Tuesday, through the auspices of the Board of Associated Charities. Mrs. Lou Jones entertained members of her Sunday School class at Luna Park.
|
| (23rd-Saturday): An advertisement appears in local newspapers rebutting an apparent rumor that Luna Park management uses unfair labor and starvation wages. Management reiterates it pays union wages to union workers and even higher wages than any other amusement park in the area. It notes "Every employee is satisfied and that the park is backed by capital and managed by brains." It also notes the rumors are slanderous and absolutely untrue. A small article in "The Scranton Truth" describes the evolution of dancing from the "Drop Step" to the "Luna Joy" to the "Spotlight and Shadows" dances, some of which are more successful than others. Northern Electric Park advertises "One should get away from the sultry heat of the city and enjoy the cool country breezes among the tall timbers." Members of the Globe Lodge of Odd Fellows enjoy an annual picnic at both Nay Aug and Luna Parks today.
|
| Week of July 24, 1910
|
| (25th-Monday): An important article appears in today's "The Scranton Truth" as follows concerning the labor rumors: "Manager Len B. Sloss Issues Statement About Luna Park. - Scranton, Pa, July 23, 1910 - We, the undersigned employees of Scranton Luna Park, hereby desire to state that we most emphatically take exception to the statements made and published by means of a circular that has been distributed broadcast by parties unknown, to the effect that Luna Park is unfair to organized labor and that employees are paid "starvation wages". We, the undersigned, also wish to state that as members in good standing of various labor organizations affiliated with the American Federation of Labor and as employees not entitled to affiliation, we object to being known as working for wages not in accordance with the labor scale prescribed, and further wish to state we are paid in full every Monday for the previous week's work for labor performed, and paid at a rate that is in accordance with the organized labor scale adopted by our various local organizations, or entirely satisfactory to us individually and collectively. <signed> W.B. Perry, Stage Employees; Wm. Schultz, Carpenters; Dave Martin, Stage Employees; L.A. Fiderus, Electrical Workers; J. Fiderus, Electrical Workers; T.J. Mulligan, Billers and Bill Posters; Charles D. Hemming, Newswriters; Edward Stein, Gerald Schlesinger, Anthony Foley, C.B. Wagner, Ray Chaff, Frank Koch, Wm. Fitzsimmons, United Mine Workers; David Martin, Jr., Emily Helwig, Mrs. J.M. Brooks, Rob Schlesinger, Romain Sloat, Robert Smith, Bert Haghi, Mrs. McGregor, Frank Bronst, E.P. Larkin, R.L. Bortree, Helen Hamilton, Gertrude Schwartz, Peter J. Kennedy, Aluna Evans, Stanley DePue, Fred R. Jenkins, John Thomas, Billers and Bill Posters; Robert J. Baur, Claude A. Gardner, Harry Maikranz, T.A. Jones, John S. Davis, Fred Wahlers, Musicians' Union; Mae Loftus, Mabel Kleenann, John J. Ruane, Michael Collins, Emma Synder. [Park employee list for 1910?] To The Public: As manager of Luna Park I personally desire to state that the lady cashiers employed at the park receive the sum of six dollars weekly (from two to three dollars more than could be earned at stores, etc.) and that there is not a male employee of any kind on my pay roll that is receiving less than twelve dollars and several who are receiving from eighteen to thirty dollars per week, excepting unskilled laborers, who receive 25 cents per hour. This totals a higher rate than at Coney Island resorts and some in the vicinity of Scranton. I also wish to inform the public in general and the friends of organized labor in particular that Luna Park has always been and will continue to be FAIR to its employees despite that unscrupulous persons endeavor to mislead the public by libelous statements to the contrary. <signed> Len B. Sloss" In a show of support, a corresponding "editorial" in the same newspaper's "Amusements" section reiterates the park is "backed by capital and managed by brains" and will always be "the mountain city of entrancing joy", a title bestowed on the park by Arthur J. Keller years earlier.
|
| (26th-Tuesday): Over 100 children of the preservation class of the Home of the Good Shepherd are guests at Luna Park today of Park Manager Sloss and President A.B. Hague of the Park Association. This is the five annual outing of the children to the park and they are accorded all amusements and privileges, a trolley ride around the city, and refreshments. James "Scotchie" Bryden is arrested on the charge of distributing handbills without a license. These are the handbills that state that Luna Park is unfair to organized labor, a charge strenuously and publicly denied yesterday [25th] by Park Manager Sloss and a large number of park employees. In a related development, Stephen J. McDonald, president of the Central Labor Union, publicly comments that Bryden had nothing to do with the issues and that Sloss should look towards the Central Labor Union for redress on the matter. McDonald is able to secure bail for Bryden's release. The penalty for violating the ordinance itself is light.
|
| (27th-Wednesday): The annual outing of the Jackson Street Baptist Sunday School attends the park today. Typical picnic-style contests and athletic exhibitions are conducted. A note in "The Scranton Truth" indicates 45 attractions at Luna Park are currently available. It does not state which of the remaining five are not operational.
|
| (28th-Thursday): It's "Providence Day" at Luna Park. At the expense of $350, Editor J.U. Hopewell of the "Providence Register" had previously purchased 7,000 tickets for various amusements in the park and which he has distributed throughout the community. Businessmen of Providence close their stores a half day early to encourage patrons to visit the park. Hopewell decides on the 27th to provide tickets to every needy child regardless of whether from Providence or not. The businesses which participate in closing early are the Dickerson Market, A.M. Atherton, John McDonnell, Fox's Shoe Store, T.J. Thomas, Rosar's, Price, Enos Flynn, P.J. Ruane, P.J. Mahon, Carroll & Haggerty, Lesius & Gilbert, H.B. Thomas & Co., and W.C. Cowles.
|
| (29th-Friday): Class No. 4 of the First Baptist Church had an evening excursion at Luna Park today. The first half of their day was spent at Nay Aug Park.
|
| (30th-Saturday): Luna begins advertising "Mid-summer Festival Week" beginning next week. Features are "fifty varieties of attractions, three movies every night, and dancing by Robert J. Bauer's orchestra. James "Scotchie" Bryden is fined $10 for the illegal distribution of handbills critical of Luna Park management. Multiple individuals, including Scranton Luna Park Company President A.B. Haag, witnessed Bryden distributing the handbills and so testify. When proceedings are complete, Haag intimates he will bring an action against Bryden for libel. Bryden, in defense, claims, he found the handbills and a tack, and was simply trying to attach one to a utility pole. Stephen J. McDonald was present but took no part in the proceedings. The Excelsior Society of Moosic enjoys an outing at the park today.
|
| Week of July 31, 1910
|
| (1st-Monday): Park Manager Sloss introduces a "Get Under The Flag" novelty at the "$10,000" Carousel in which any patron riding an animal on the carousel when it finally stops, and that rider is stopped under an American flag, that rider receives a free riding ticket. As the Carousel is built with three animals going across, usually three riders will stop under the flag and are so awarded. In the event no riders stop directly under the flag, the Carousel's operator is instructed to award a ticket to the closet rider or riders to the American flag. One, two, or three people can usually secure a free ride. The intent is to show patriotism and is similar to a practice at Coney Island's Luna Park. Not only do children like the idea, but it is reported adults seem to as well. Observers note riders are attempting to out-guess each other as to where the Carousel's motion will stop. There is some reported discussion about replacing the wooden floor of the Carousel with concrete but nothing definite is planned at this time. Park Manager Siegel at Northern Electric Park comments to the press that his park is booking picnics, reunions, and excursions so fast he sometimes is forced to book two or three per day, but there is plenty of room in his park.
|
| (3rd-Wednesday): St. Mark's Lutheran Sunday School holds its annual picnic at the park today as does the Bellevue Welsh Calvanistic Methodist Church Sunday School. Three other Sunday Schools are also present for outings in the park on this date but their names are unreported.
|
| (4th-Thursday): Howard Williams, Manager of the J.D. Williams Brothers Restaurant and Soda Fountain Concessions at Luna Park, assures the public that everything is in tip-top shape, insuring the best of everything in the line of eating and drinking in the park. A heavy thunderstorm passes through the area in the afternoon but the park suffers no apparent damage. A reporter noted the odd phenomena of riders of the Shoot the Chutes seemingly enjoying the ride more during the occurrence of heavy thunder and lightning.
|
| (5th-Friday): Tonight, a special program of music as requested to Robert J. Bauer by Miss Mamyline Larkin of Hyde Park, recently returned from Philadelphia, and for "Spotlight and Shadow Dancing".
|
| (6th-Saturday): Luna Park advertises using all of the letters of the alphabet, "Luna Park Admission Always Free Offers Fifty Attractions Benefiting Cosmopolitan Districts Entertaining Forever Gigantic Independent Joyous Knowing Ladies and Men Noticing Open and Plainly Qualifying and Regularly Settling for Those Universal Varieties Without eXtra Yearning Zowie!"
|
| Week of August 7, 1910
|
| (8th-Monday): Today, Luna Park opens the eleventh week of the 1910 summer season. Two girls, daughters of Mr. and Mrs. William Neave, are held up for their jewelry by men of about twenty years of age and known to them, on the bridge spanning Roaring Brook Gorge. They fight off their attackers and their screams bring a number of men to their vicinity to help. The ruffians hastily run near the end of bridge and jump to the gorge below, and board a freight train to escape. The girls provide the identities of the attackers, Joseph Novack and Clarence Corner to the police. Detectives determine the men have police records and have not returned to their homes in east Scranton. Warrants of arrest for attempted highway robbery are sworn. According to reports, about 60 couples were dancing in the Dance Pavilion by the end of the night, but weather was not good for the other amusements.
|
| (9th-Tuesday): Joseph Novack, 18, is reportedly apprehended by Scranton police detectives when he returned to his home. His identity is confirmed as one of the robbers on the Luna Park foot bridge. He is Scranton City jail awaiting trial. Police continue to search for his accomplice. Northern Electric Park advertises its coffee is particularly good.
|
| (10th-Wednesday): Despite wet weather, 300 children and their parents of the First Welch Baptist Sunday School of Hyde Park hold their annual outing at both Nay Aug and Luna Parks today. The usual picnic-related and athletic contests are conducted. The park was unable to operate the Scenic Railway roller coaster, the Shoot the Chutes and Aerial Swing because of heavy rain. Other rides were available for use. Excursionists took shelter in the Dance Pavilion and the large pavilion found in the park's picnic grove.
|
| (11th-Thursday): The combined Sunday Schools of Dickson City visited the park yesterday for their annual picnic. It is reported the Dance Pavilion operated to near capacity on this day. No actual figures are published.
|
| (12th-Friday): An advertisement cites several of the amusements not normally listed or expressed in park literature: "Mulligan's House of Fun", or "Ups and Downs", "Crystal Laughter Grotto", "The Big Japanese Villa", "Beautiful Scenic River or The Old Mill", "Shooting the Chutes", "Safety Roller Coaster", "Circle or Aerial Swing", "$10,000 Merry-Go-Round", "Mahoney's Pony Farm", "Great Rifle Range and Shooting Gallery", and the "Photography Studio". It closes with "among others". The status of rides as the "Trip to Rockaway" or "Hale's Tours of the World" is not published, but does state fifty amusements are available in the park.
|
| (13th-Saturday): Today marks the first mention of "ice cream cones" in Luna Park advertising. Previously, ice cream was served in glass dishes with spoons that patrons were expected to return for subsequent reuse. The advertisement states, "This latest dainty first offered the local public here at Luna Park." Today is unofficially declared "Welsh Day" as park management expects thousands of Welsh visitors. Robert J. Bauer and his orchestra are planning to play special Welsh music in the Dance Pavilion. Mr. Howard Williams has made special preparations in the park's restaurant. A fourth movie, "A Trip Through Wales" is being added just for tonight's guests in the park. The park does not close until midnight.
|
| Week of August 14, 1910
|
| (15th-Monday): The park advertises "Mulligan's Ups and Downs Laughter Palace" and the "Old Mill Scenic River" as two of its prime amusements to visit today. Joseph Novack is swiftly sentenced to not less than 15 months or more than 5 years for the attempted robbery of the two young ladies on the Luna Park bridge. He claims he was intoxicated. His accomplice remains at large.
|
| (16th-Tuesday): Because of the success of the evening open-air movies, park management reportedly alters the start time of the movies to 8:00 PM from 8:15 so as not to interfere with the closing of the park. Management reports Edison, Biograph, Selig, Kalem, Vitagraph, and other movie companies are being used.
|
| (17th-Wednesday): The last of the spotlight and shadow dances in the Dance Pavilion is done this week. Robert J. Bauer has something new planned which will be revealed soon. Two of the latest Western films and a new comedy from the Edison company will be shown in the Theatorium tonight.
|
| (18th-Thursday): The Throop Methodist Episcopal Church Sunday School visits the park for their annual picnic today.
|
| (20th-Saturday): The Mansfield State Normal School Alumni hold their annual basket picnic in the park today. Lunch was served in the picnic grounds at 1:00 Pm. A goodly number assembled for the social hour and a number of speeches were heard. Robert J. Bauer adds two dance sessions today. The first session begins at 2:00 PM and runs to 6:00 PM. The second dance session begins at 8:00 PM and runs until the park closes at midnight. The D. Hopkins Lodge, Brotherhood of Railway Trainmen of Oneonta, New York excursion arrives at Luna Park for a day-long outing of over 1,000 people. A chartered Delaware & Hudson Railroad special train is used as well as multiple Scranton Railway Company street cars to move the entire passenger list to and from the park. The crowd stayed until 9:00 PM until transportation arrangements required their departure. A bicycle belonging to Clarence Price of Scranton is stolen from the entrance to the park in the evening.
|
| Week of August 21, 1910
|
| (22nd-Monday): "The Scranton Truth" reports "Blue Monday" is being celebrated in Luna Park today but does not describe or elaborate.
|
| (24th-Wednesday): The Duffy and Carey Family Reunions are held in the park today. By special request, the Williams' Soda Fountain has stocked extra Orange-Ade for them. Rain threatens in the evening but holds off until after the park closes.
|
| (25th-Thursday): The Sunday School of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Dunmore holds a picnic at the park today.
|
| (26th-Friday): Among the movies tonight is a "Western" by Vitagraph that shows a "real live" cattle round-up and festivities of cowboys usually observed on these occasions as found on a western cattle king's ranch. Also, a private dance party called the "Dancees" from the Hill section of Scranton exhibit their terpsichorean talents in the Dance Pavilion.
|
| (27th-Saturday): The park begins to prepare for Confetti Carnival Week beginning on Tuesday, September 6, which signals the last days of operation for the season.
|
| Week of August 28, 1910
|
| (29th-Monday): A rumor begins circulating among local journalists that cover the park that Park Manager Sloss may be trying to bring back the ostrich farm. All this time the Northern Electric Park has been publishing daily lists of excursions, picnics, and reunions. In contrast, Luna Park only occasionally is as specific.
|
| (31st-Wednesday): Tonight's films are by Vitagraph, Biograph, and Lubin. Park Manager Sloss has reportedly returned from seeing his entertainment contacts in New York City and is purportedly planning something "big" for the park in celebrating the Labor Day holiday. In typical fashion, he does not disclose to the press what the "big plans" might be.
|
| (1st-Thursday): "The waning summer days are beginning to bring the season of this popular resort to a close, but the crowds at the very gates in the evening are still strong." is the way a park update may be summarized in "The Scranton Truth". In the same newspaper, Manager Siegel of Northern Electric Park publishes a thank you letter from a representative of a picnicking church group for appreciation of the park as a picnic ground.
|
| (2nd-Friday): Park Manager Sloss publishes a notice in local newspapers that admission to Luna Park is free on both, holidays and special occasions, apparently to counter misleading rumors started elsewhere. He adds that everything is in readiness at the park for Carnival Week and the Labor Day holiday celebration.
|
| (3rd-Saturday): It is publicly announced the park will open at noon on Monday, Labor Day (5th), and close at midnight. The Dance Pavilion will open at 2:00 PM. Three new moving pictures will be shown in the Theatorium beginning at 8:00 PM. All 50 amusements will be available. It is noted this will be the fifteenth and closing season of the park beginning Monday (5th). The Confetti Carnival Week will begin on Tuesday (6th). Also, a special "surprise" feature is planned for Monday. Northern Electric Park advertises extra ticket collectors will be on hand to keep crowds moving efficiently on Labor Day. It also states "Marty Dean will be in the Shooting Gallery."
|
| Week of September 4, 1910
|
| (5th-Monday): Today Labor Day is being celebrated at Luna Park. It is reported to the press that attendance on this day far exceeds any previous Labor Day attendance records but no actual figures are given for publication. No labor group or union has announced a public program at the park this year. The surprise teased by Park Manager Sloss is not publicly revealed to the press. One had to be a paid patron of the park to be told the "secret". The Central Labor Union holds its annual program at Rocky Glen Park.
|
| (6th-Tuesday): With an announcement the park will close this Saturday, the 10th, the so called, "Mardi Gras"-style Confetti Carnival week begins. It rains during the day and in the evening but the park still draws a crowd. Patrons are provided with umbrellas should they not have one.
|
| (7th-Wednesday): In an advertisement in "The Scranton Truth", it's noted, "...other operators try to copy the success of this park... ...Luna is the greatest exposition park of this section... ...continues to be the people's popular pleasure place for the reason that it offers a wealth of attractions, free admission, and is run on business lines that have been productive of results without the aid of a continuous parade of its manager's name in advertisements of various character." It is noted the park has "...two really imposing entrances and not merely two painted posts and a sign to designate where one is supposed to enter." Meanwhile, patrons at Northern Electric Park were handed confetti to throw.
|
| (8th-Thursday): Several of the bulbs in the park are changed to multi-colored accents. A point is made to the press that all confetti used at Luna Park is imported "French" confetti. Extra trains have been added this week by the Laurel Line and Scranton Railway Company to handle any extra crowds and that the crowd is large. It is reported a "spirit of fun" exists in the park.
|
| (9th-Friday): It is publicly announced the park company has purchased an additional four acres behind the Shoot the Chutes ride and intends to expand the Scenic Railway ride to replicate the L.A. Thompson Scenic Railway as found in Brighton Beach on Coney Island. Other changes to the park are planned for the next season and will be constructed over winter. Announcements will be publicly made prior to the park opening in the spring.
|
| (10th-Saturday): This is the last day of the fifth season of Luna Park's operation. Three western motion pictures are shown tonight. Free carousel rides are given to ladies and children. Robert J. Bauer and his orchestra play a special program of "goodbye" tunes in the Dance Pavilion. Today is the last day of the confetti carnival and patrons are given liberal amounts of confetti to use at their discretion. Park Manager Sloss estimates the largest crowd of the season visits the park on this day and that this season is the most successful in the park's history. He does not provide actual figures to newspaper reporters to back his claims. Northern Electric Park advertises it will remain open until the end of September with the last minute display of an animal and poultry agricultural exhibition under the auspices of the Grangers of Lackawanna County.
|
| Week of September 18, 1910
|
| (21st-Wednesday): Robert J. Bauer and the Luna Park Orchestra are now providing dance music in the off-season for the Betamu Club at the "Auditorium".
|
| Week of September 25, 1910
|
| (26th-Monday): Northern Electric Park starts the "Granger Fair Agricultural and Poultry Association Contests" which run until the end of the week. There is no charge for admission.
|
| (29th-Thursday): Constable's sale of Rocky Glen Park for non-payment of taxes to Moosic Borough is stayed by preliminary injunction on behalf of Arthur Frothinginham, current owner of that park. A burglary of a home on Elmhurst Boulevard near Luna Park is believed to have been aided by use of chloroform. Jewelry worth $600 is taken.
|
| Week of October 2, 1910
|
| (5th-Wednesday): Robert J. Bauer and the Luna Park Orchestra provide dance music for another evening at the Betamu Club in the "Auditorium".
|
| Week of October 9, 1910
|
| (12th-Wednesday): A law suit whose plaintiffs were travelling to visit Luna Park via Scranton Railway Company street car against the City of Scranton begins. The street car collides with a steam roller in Petersburg, and one of the plaintiffs is thrown from her seat and severely injured. They are seeking appropriate compensation from the city.
|
| Week of October 16, 1910
|
| (19th-Wednesday): Robert J. Bauer and the Luna Park Orchestra provide dance music on a third occasion at the Betamu Club in the "Auditorium".
|
| Week of November 6, 1910
|
| (7th-Monday): Luna Park Manager Sloss leaves on a business trip to New York City. The purpose of the trip is not made public.
|
| Week of November 13, 1910
|
| (16th-Wednesday): Robert J. Bauer and the Luna Park Orchestra provide dance music for another evening at the Betamu Club in the "Auditorium". The Scranton Park Company stockholder's meeting is held. [Correct Corporate Name] Directors elected as follows: A.B. Hague, Frank R. Davidson, D.J. Davis, George W. Snyder, Adolf Blau, Henry M. Wood, and Matthew J. Lynott.
|
| Week of November 20, 1910
|
| (23rd-Wednesday): Michael Gerrity's claim for damages as a result of falling overboard on July 4, 1906 at the Shoot the Chutes ride and ruining his straw hat and soaking his clothes is turned over to a jury in Judge James O'Neil's court for consideration today. Gerrity also claimed he was injured. Attorney Ralph W. Rymer represents Luna Park. Attorney P.E. Kilcullen represents the plaintiff.
|
| (24th-Thursday): After deliberating all day, the jury in the Gerrity case award the plaintiff $25 for replacement of the articles of clothing but do not find he was injured. A newspaper reporter observed the jury waited until after the normal adjournment hour to collect an extra's day jury duty pay. It was not reported that Gerrity recouped legal fees associated with the four year old case.
|
| Week of November 27, 1910
|
| (30th-Wednesday): Robert J. Bauer and the Luna Park Orchestra provide dance music for another evening at the Betamu Club in the "Auditorium".
|
| Week of December 11, 1910
|
| (14th-Wednesday): Robert J. Bauer and the Luna Park Orchestra provide dance music for another evening at the Betamu Club in the "Auditorium".
|
| Week of December 25, 1910
|
| (28th-Wednesday): Robert J. Bauer and the Luna Park Orchestra provide dance music for another evening at the Betamu Club in the "Auditorium".
|
| (29th-Thursday): Fremont Johnson, former manager of the J.D. Williams Restaurant at Luna Park, passes away following a two-week illness.
|
|
|
|
