Knoebels sign detailing the Wurlitzer’s history
The Wurlitzer Organ at Knoebels Amusement Resort, originally from Croop’s Glen Park.
Park in Harvey’s Lake, PA where it remained until the mid-1960’s. Then, it was purchased by George Perluke in the late 1960’s. Perluke added it to his small amusement park in Beach Haven, PA as an added attraction to compliment the Beach Haven
One of the proud attractions at Croop’s Glen was a Wurlitzer Organ built in 1907. You know – the kind that plays by itself like the ones on a carousel, playing the most magical of tunes that transport each of us directly back to our younger days when times were much simpler and innocent. Well, Knoebels purchased that very organ in 1948, after Croop’s Glen had closed. It has since undergone a complete restoration, and it still operates at Knoebels. If you have ever visited the park, you have heard it and watched it. It is located near the Phoenix Roller Coaster. The connections do not stop there. One of my favorite rides at Knoebels is the Whip or “The Whipper.” Each time I ride it, I am thrilled by the nostalgia of this perfectly preserved attraction. And, you guessed it: Knoebels purchased that ride from Croop’s Glen! Perhaps the most monumental thing I learned concerns the Croop’s Glen carousel. Of course, Knoebels is world
famous for the Grand Carousel and the opportunity to catch a brass ring, but located in the back of Knoebels’ Kiddieland is another wonderful, albeit smaller, carousel. Amazingly, this was the carousel that was originally at Croop’s Glen. This carousel has quite the history. Croop purchased it to put in his park in the 1920’s. It was then sold to Lawrence Knoebel in 1948. He used it as a traveling Carousel, taking it to fairs and carnivals from 1948 to 1950. It was then sold to Sunset Beach
“The Whipper” at Knoebels, originally from Croop’s Glen
Whipper car at Knoebels
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