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August 10
At Rocky Glen, the good times roll in memory

Historical marker is placed at the site of the old amusement park.

RALPH NARDONE Times Leader Correspondent

Do you remember the million dollar roller coaster? What about the Sky Ride? Or the Monster Mouse? If these names ring a bell, you are probably welling up memories of a place that holds a special place in the childhood of many local people.

A state marker notes the site of the old Rocky Glen park in Moosic. Relatives of owners of the park, along with others, attended the dedication Saturday. The park closed in 1987.

Aimee Dilger/the times leader

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The Rocky Glen amusement park in Moosic, Lackawanna County, which closed in 1987, was open again on Saturday by historical preservationists to unveil a new state historical marker at its once-bustling entrance. Approximately 100 park-goers, residents and family members from past owners of the park showed up to remember its glory days.

Plains Township resident Bob Savakinus, who spearheaded the marker project, addressed the group about how the property started out as a $15 auction purchase by Arthur Frothingham in 1886 and turned into a recreational place that entertained fun-seekers for over 100 years.

He talked about how the park would sponsor ethnic days such as Italian Day, Irish Day, German Day, etc. and up to 20,000 would show up to celebrate their heritage. When the park changed in the 1970s to Ghost Town in the Glen, it had western “shootouts and can-can dancers,” he said.

Concert-goers attended concerts by Bon Jovi, Eddie Money and Jerry Garcia in the 1980s when the park changed back to Rocky Glen. Unfortunately, it then fell on hard times.

Lackawanna County commissioner Mike Washo recounted his youth at the park. Washo read a formal proclamation naming August 9, 2008 as the official Rocky Glen Park day.

“I remember in 1960 as part of the North Scranton Junior High class going to Rocky Glen,” Washo said. The simpler pleasures of the time, such as a beef barbeque sandwich, meant a lot, he said.

“Rocky Glen was unique because it was family owned by the Sterlings, who made us feel a part of it all,” Washo said. “Now let’s all go to the Swiss cottage,” Washo said after reading the proclamation.

Gretchen Sterling, granddaughter of the owner Ben Sterling, worked there as a young girl. “It was a family business,” she said. She and many of her immediate family members operated food stands, worked the rides and sold tickets, she said.

Mary Ann Moran Savakinus, executive director for the Lackawanna Historical Society and wife of Bob Savakinus, said the $1,800 marker was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority. When it arrived, it was installed by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Moosic borough workers, she said.

She said her husband’s passion for honoring the past is what drives efforts to document the important parts of the history of Northeastern Pennsylvania like Rocky Glen park.

Chester Kulsea, from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, said places like Rocky Glen were part of the “fabric” of local life. During the early to mid 1900s it was a popular destination for thousands of families from all over the state and neighboring states. Located near the Laurel Line rail service, it was a convenient place to go, he added.

Other speakers who talked about their memories and the importance the park played to local culture included Moosic Mayor John Segilia; Luzerne County Sheriff Michael Savokinas, who emphasized many Luzerne County residents feel the park is part of their heritage; and Natalie Solfanelli, director of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority.

Bob Savakinus said he hopes the marker will bring back fond memories of Rocky Glen park for years to come.

After the unveiling, park-goers were invited to a new Rocky Glen exhibit at the Scranton trolley museum.