Out & About: Ligonier library shares ‘Memories of Idlewild’
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Idlewild Park, along with its later addition SoakZone, holds a special place in the hearts of many Western Pennsylvanians.
Dolores Allison of Stahlstown says she portrayed Little Red Riding Hood in the historic park’s Story Book Forest as a teen in 1957. Her mother was ”volunteered” to sew the costume — which she did, despite having a new infant at the time.
That was one of many memories shared during an April 16 reception in the Ligonier Valley Library’s Pennsylvania Room for “Memories of Idlewild,” an exhibition of photos, documents and other memorabilia from the storied park.
Ann Macdonald of Ligonier shared photos of the house across the road from Idlewild where her late husband, Dick Macdonald, grew up
Dick Macdonald was instrumental in the creation of the children’s nursery-rhyme fantasy land where Allison worked. He and his brother, Jack, ran the family owned park from 1957 until it was sold to Kennywood in 1983.
Former park vice president Keith Hood swapped stories with current director of marketing Jeff Croushore.
Guest curator for the exhibition, running through July 9, is historian Jennifer Sopko of Plum. Sopko is the author of the 2018 book, “Idlewild: History and memories of Pennsylvania’s Oldest Amusement Park.”
Many reception guests stopped by her table to purchase a copy of the book and have it signed and to share more stories for Sopko to add to her vast collection of Idlewild lore.
In keeping with the theme, guests snacked on popcorn, hot dogs and cotton candy.
Seen: Pennsylvania Room archivist Shirley Iscrupe, library director Janet Hudson, Molly Macdonald, Theresa Gay Rohall, Rita Horrell, Bruce Shirey, Art and Cheryl McMullen, Rebecca Bell, Paula Moore, Trudy Brisendine, Bob Stutzman, Kelly McCoy, Kathy Fritz and Melissa, Ray and Charles Toy.