Eldora Park facts for kids

Eldora Park was a fun amusement park that opened in 1901 in Eldora, Pennsylvania. It was a popular spot for about 30 years. The park eventually closed because fewer people were visiting and money became tight.

Eldora Park was located in a place called the Black Diamond area. This was in Carroll Township, between the towns of Charleroi, Donora, and Monongahela. You could get there easily by taking the Pittsburgh Railways Company's trolley. This trolley ran all the way from Roscoe to Pittsburgh. Many groups, like mine worker unions, schools, and community clubs, loved to have their outings and family reunions at Eldora Park.

What Eldora Park Had

The park had lots of exciting things to do! You could ride a merry-go-round or a thrilling roller coaster. There was also a special tent called the Electric Theatre, where you could watch motion pictures. For more fun, there were slides, swings, and plenty of picnic tables for families. If you got hungry, there was a restaurant, and a big dance pavilion where people could dance.

The Figure Eight Roller Coaster

The roller coaster at Eldora Park was called the Figure Eight. People believe it was designed by Frederick Ingersoll. He was from Pittsburgh and also designed a Figure Eight roller coaster at Kennywood Park. Frederick Ingersoll even opened another amusement park called Luna Park, Pittsburgh in 1905.

Why Eldora Park Closed

The amusement park part of Eldora Park started to lose its popularity in the 1920s. However, the dance hall stayed busy, hosting famous big bands even into the 1930s. Big names like Lawrence Welk, Frank Lombardo, and a local band called The Golden Gate Five performed there.

The park eventually closed in the 1940s. Several things led to its closing. The Great Depression made money scarce, and World War II changed people's lives. Also, fewer people were riding the trolley, and new types of entertainment became popular. Before the park fully closed, the dance hall was even used as a roller skating rink.

Eldora Park After Closing

In the mid-1940s, the Girl Scouts of Charleroi took over the park. They used it as a summer day camp called Camp Charwood. This camp continued into the 1970s. The Girl Scouts built tent platforms in the woods, so campers could even stay overnight until the late 1960s. The old dance hall, which they called Great Hall, was used for roller skating and other activities when the weather was bad.

Important Moments in Eldora Park's History

• 1901 – The area known as Eldora was planned out, and the amusement park opened.
• March 1904 – The park's owners announced plans to open for the season on May 30.
• July 9, 1905 – Carrie Nation, a well-known speaker, gave two talks at the park.
• September 22, 1905 – Booker T. Washington, a famous educator and leader, spoke at a rally.
• September 24, 1911 – Gertrude Breslau Hunt, a writer and speaker from Chicago, gave a talk.
• June 8, 1913 – Mary Harris "Mother" Jones, a very old but strong speaker, talked at an event.
• June 4, 1939 – Lawrence Welk and his orchestra performed for a big crowd.
• May 1946 – The Girl Scouts made plans to open their summer camp in June.
• June 19, 1946 – The Girl Scout summer camp officially opened its doors.