History of Rocky Springs Park
The fascinating history of Rocky Springs Park reaches back to 1855, when Michael Trissler purchased land containing a natural spring along the Conestoga River. He named it Rocky Springs. By 1860, with its two-and-a-half story brick mansion, it was functioning as an inn and picnicking ground. In 1899, major changes began, when the property was sold to Thomas Rees of Pittsburgh. Herman Griffiths also came to live in the mansion as the manager. Under Griffiths guidance, Rocky Springs grew into what would become a Lancaster landmark – Rocky Springs Amusement Park.
Church organizations, businesses, families, and individuals flocked here to enjoy the summer months – holding camp meetings, picnics, dances in pavilions – and to the bathing area by the river. Amusement rides, concessions, a ballroom, and a theatre drew as many as 10,000 people on a weekend.
In the Mid 1920s, young Joseph Figari moved to Lancaster and began selling concessions at Rocky Springs Park. By 1935, he had purchased the park, retaining ownership until its closing in 1966. During those years, Rocky Springs Park continued to expand. While it is not yet known through research exactly when each attraction appeared, the park came to include ball fields, bowling lanes, a rollerskating rink, a public pool, and more. For more than one hundred years, Rocky Springs Park was an important hub of social activity in Lancaster County.
The park closed in 1966 and set empty for several years until it was purchased in the late 70s by Ben Brookmyer, Mary Corthouts, and Michael Ranck. They fixed up Rocky Springs and reopened the park in 1979 and 1980, but the attendance was slim, and the park closed its doors again. An auction was held in 1984 and the rides were sold. Soon after, the east side of the park was sold for condominiums.
In 2001, the remaining grounds were sold, which today is the setting for Rocky Springs Bed and Breakfast. Our desire is to continue the endearing legacy of Rocky Springs by providing a peaceful and restful experience for our guests.
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