- #1
Thread Owner
Northumberland County DeWitt's Park, Riverside PA
About 1896, DeWitt bought 28 acres of the Van Norstran farm at the south end of Avenue E in Riverside. His dream for the property was to turn it into a "pleasure resort" for the public. Brush was cut out, old trees removed and a water drainage system installed. Wells were sunk, a large pavilion — 50-by-110 feet, with a band stand — was erected and a cook house with a large dining hall was built. The following several years, new acquisitions and spots for entertainment were added. A shooting range and baseball diamond with a grandstand stood in the south corner of the park. In the north was a lawn tennis court and private stalls for horses. Around the park was a driving and bicycle path that could be used for horse racing. Inside the park, paths were cleared for walking and picnicking. There were carnival booths and a movie house in the park. Dances were held twice a week.
Many prominent dance bands and orchestras came to DeWitt's Park — Fred Waring and his orchestra was one such band. In 1905, DeWitt even went so far as to install a merry-go-round at the cost of more than $2,000. Trolleys connected to the park with Danville, Bloomsburg and Berwick.
The park became a popular resort and was visited by thousands every season. As you read articles in the old Danville newspapers, many meeting, reunions and family outings were held at DeWitt's Park.
DeWittt must have had a difficult time scheduling all the church picnics and other organizational events held there. The Farmer's Tri-County Picnic was one of the largest attractions at the park, bringing crowds in as large as 20,000 people.
Eventually DeWitt closed his medical practice, built a cottage in the park and spent the remainder of his life working and improving the park. After suffering a stroke in 1912, Abraham lived with his son, William, until his death on July 21, 1915. Abraham received the burial rites of the G.A.R. and was buried in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Riverside.
Unfortunately, with the advent of the automobile, the popularity of DeWitt's Park declined. People were more mobile and wanted to go farther afield for outings. DeWitt's Park closed and the only thing left is a grove of trees at the end of Avenue E. Homes surround the park along Avenues D and F. Homeowners there say pieces of old block foundations can be found under the brush.
Amusement park capped long, varied career » News » The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA
About 1896, DeWitt bought 28 acres of the Van Norstran farm at the south end of Avenue E in Riverside. His dream for the property was to turn it into a "pleasure resort" for the public. Brush was cut out, old trees removed and a water drainage system installed. Wells were sunk, a large pavilion — 50-by-110 feet, with a band stand — was erected and a cook house with a large dining hall was built. The following several years, new acquisitions and spots for entertainment were added. A shooting range and baseball diamond with a grandstand stood in the south corner of the park. In the north was a lawn tennis court and private stalls for horses. Around the park was a driving and bicycle path that could be used for horse racing. Inside the park, paths were cleared for walking and picnicking. There were carnival booths and a movie house in the park. Dances were held twice a week.
Many prominent dance bands and orchestras came to DeWitt's Park — Fred Waring and his orchestra was one such band. In 1905, DeWitt even went so far as to install a merry-go-round at the cost of more than $2,000. Trolleys connected to the park with Danville, Bloomsburg and Berwick.
The park became a popular resort and was visited by thousands every season. As you read articles in the old Danville newspapers, many meeting, reunions and family outings were held at DeWitt's Park.
DeWittt must have had a difficult time scheduling all the church picnics and other organizational events held there. The Farmer's Tri-County Picnic was one of the largest attractions at the park, bringing crowds in as large as 20,000 people.
Eventually DeWitt closed his medical practice, built a cottage in the park and spent the remainder of his life working and improving the park. After suffering a stroke in 1912, Abraham lived with his son, William, until his death on July 21, 1915. Abraham received the burial rites of the G.A.R. and was buried in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Riverside.
Unfortunately, with the advent of the automobile, the popularity of DeWitt's Park declined. People were more mobile and wanted to go farther afield for outings. DeWitt's Park closed and the only thing left is a grove of trees at the end of Avenue E. Homes surround the park along Avenues D and F. Homeowners there say pieces of old block foundations can be found under the brush.
Amusement park capped long, varied career » News » The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA
Last edited:
