Idlewild images, history to be featured at Latrobe society meeting
The history of Idlewild Park will be featured this week during the annual membership meeting of the Latrobe Area Historical Society.
Local author Jennifer Sopko will share photos and information she has collected about the popular Ligonier Township amusement park during a meeting at 10 a.m. Feb. 19 at the society headquarters, 416 Weldon St., Latrobe.
Sopko wrote “Idlewild: History and Memories of Pennsylvania’s Oldest Amusement Park,” published in 2018 by The History Press.
Her book documents the park’s development from its beginnings in 1878, as a picnic grove along Thomas Mellon’s Ligonier Valley Railroad, to its most recent incarnation combining an amusement park, a water park and a fairy tale-themed attraction.
The historical society archives are among the area resources Sopko explored while researching her book.
Idlewild repeatedly has been named the world’s best amusement park for children.
Landmark rides that have attracted generations of park visitors include the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. carousel, in place since 1931, and the wooden Rollo Coaster, added in 1938.
Through the years, Idlewild has hosted many popular events including summer picnics for area schools, the annual Ligonier Highland Games and an Italian heritage festival.
Sopko’s Idlewild presentation is free to all members of the historical society, who will elect four board members. Others may attend if they join the society, for annual dues of $15 per person or $20 per family.
Members also receive quarterly issues of the society newsletter, “The Latrobe Historical Gazette.”
The society has presented to the public periodic slide show programs on a variety of topics, including local military veterans and Latrobe’s place in the pioneering years of pro football.
“We intend to continue those Friday and Saturday morning programs,” said Mary Lou Townsend, society president.“I’ve been working on a couple of new ones.”
Some past programs are available for purchase on DVD. Visit latrobehistory.org or call 724-539-8889 for more information.
Because of continuing covid concerns, those visiting the society headquarters must wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.
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