Carsonia Park Berks County

[justine093]

this might be a doable spot for any metal detectors...
It is said in 1908, 250,000 people visited the 150 acre park.
there was a large ballroom which fell victim to arson in 1960.
A large lake, which still exists today, at one time the park also
boasted a picnic grove, a theatre, a carousel, and 40 different attractions.
(including one of the earliest roller coasters ever built)


Opened in 1896 and closed in 1950.
http://www.defunctparks.com/parks/PA/carsonia/carsonia.htm
http://www.berkshistory.org/carsonia/

 

[bjw]

The area is pretty much a housing development today. Has been for a number of years. Not much left of the original park which by the way I visited with my parents as a kid.
BJW

 

[justine093]

that's cool that you remember it.
according to what I read, the only thing on the property really is
Anthony's restaurant.
the google map didn't show much of anything.
it looked viable.

http://maps.google.com/maps/mm?q=ca...75.872655&spn=0.005757,0.009785&t=h&z=16&om=0

 

[jeff of pa]

1907


1927

 

[bjw]

I guess what I need to do is take a drive over there sometime. I think you may be correct about Anthony's restaurant being on the property that was the park. To be honest I can't remember much regarding the park, too long ago. Thanks for the pictures, Jeff. I have a few in one of my books.
BJW

 

[Don in SJ]

Before I moved to NJ I lived in Mt Penn on the mountainside overlooking where Carsonia Park was, yes, all developed now and I doubt if worth even trying, the area is well known and if any open areas worth hunting existed I am sure been hit hard after all these decades.

My father met my mother at the park back just around the time WW2 started.

Don

 

[bjw]

they met and then there was you...that's neat. All I remember is really looking forward to going there with my parents. It was the only "trolley park" that I ever got to.
BJW

 

[dmac730]

I have detected around the lake which still exists and pulled some silver and wheaties.

Don

 

[hkeagles]

Hello everyone. I'm new to this site. I stumbled across it when I was searching for old pics of Carsonia Park. I currently reside within a mobile home commmunity beside the park and I am at Carsonia Park on a daily basis. I am seeking anyone with more pics and info on the park as it was back in the day. Years ago my mother and a friend Discovered huge chain links as if it were from some sort of amusement ride behind her home within weeds and brush. That is what got me started in searching for the History of Carsonia Park....... once again any pics or anything on the Park would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and God Bless ! Harlan

 

[mikhen]

I don't have pics, but I can tell you the old airplane ride is at Twin Grove Campground near Pine Grove, Pa. The had the tower up, with intentions on finishing and operating the ride. I guess they ran into trouble, because the tower is gone. The airplanes themselves are scattered throughout the park.
Twin Grove Park Campground Pine Grove, PA