00-Cascade Park: A Narrated History

Cascade Park: A Narrated History

Product Name: Cascade Park

Run Time: 13:52 min

MP4 video file (258MB)

TRAILER FOR CASCADE PARK

Cascade Park was once the entertainment center of Western Pennsylvania. 

The history of Cascade Park is told through narration, music and vintage photographs from its days as Big Run Falls to its current use as a location for special events such as “Back to the 50’s.” Cascade Park was once the entertainment center of Western Pennsylvania. Once a popular picnic spot known as Big Run Falls. It was developed into a trolley park in 1897 by the New Castle Traction Company. Designed by leading landscape architect, Frank Blaisdell, the buildings and amusements enhanced the natural beauty of the setting.

The park grew and expanded over the years as excursion trains pulled into New Castle with tourists and picnickers for the park. Every year, the amusements were improved. In the 1920’s, Billy Glenn, famous for his popcorn and peanuts, came to the park. He added a swimming pool and a fun house. His most spectacular achievement was the new roller coaster he named “The Gorge.” It took the rider up high and then plunged the cars down into the scenic gorge and continued through the trees and rocks until it arrived, full of properly shaken riders, back at the station.

Cascade now belongs to the City of New Castle. It is a lovely natural park, currently used for picnics, big band dances, and special events such as the famous “Back to the 50’s” weekend.