Originally, the park had picnic pavilions and a dance hall, but for the 1927 season, two wooden roller coasters were also added. The first – a full size coaster – was known as the Twister. The Twister was built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. The second coaster was known as The Kiddie Coaster. The park also had a large swimming pool and other rides such as The Whip, Bumper Cars (Skooters), and a carousel. There were a variety of foods visitors could buy such as cotton candy (cotton floss) or popcorn. The park operated until around 1941 when the onset of World War II seems to have led to its demise. There is also another reason that some have given as to why the park eventually closed up. We will cover that a little later in this article. By the way, to give you an idea about the scope of the park’s popularity – in 1928 it was reported that they had room to park 2,000 cars. I am fascinated with old time amusement parks and older rides. I have visited some of those parks;
places like Lakemont Park in Altoona (Leap the Dips Coaster – 1902), the old Bushkill Park in Easton (Haunted Pretzel Dark Ride), or the now defunct Angela Park outside of Hazleton. So, at the start of looking into the history of Croop’s Glen I expected to find just another once popular park that has now faded away. Although that is true, I discovered some aspects to this “story” that will make this article a most interesting one. The park’s connection to modern day Knoebels is kind of mind blowing. Hang on to your hats, as I am about to reveal some real history under your nose that most of you have experienced and never even realized.
Charles Shelly, Croop’s Glen Park Manager
between Shickshinny and Nanticoke. Directly across from the park was the Hunlock Creek Train Station of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad (DL&W). This station played a major part in the success of the park, as visitors could easily travel to the area by train for their day out at Croop’s Glen.
The “Twister” during construction. (courtesy of Philadelphia Toboggan Company)
Hunlock Creek Train Station (courtesy of Sheila M. Brandon)
A train leaves the Hunlock Creek Station
The “Twister” at Croop’s Glen Park, circa November 19, 1926. (Courtesy of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company)
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