Side A: Tuscora Park, on land once owned by Jeremiah Reeves, opened as a private amusement park on June 1, 1907. Despite rain, the grand opening brought thousands of visitors to the park. Throughout the summer months, large crowds enjoyed such features as a swimming pool, sea wave, restaurant, dancing pavilion, and twice-daily free band concerts. The park also featured athletic facilities for running, tennis, baseball, and bowling. After Tuscora Park was sold in a November 1911 Sheriff’s sale, New Philadelphia’s City Council authorized its purchase along with additional surrounding acreage and received the deeds on June 21, 1912. Originally billed as the “Coney Island of Eastern Ohio,” Tuscora continues to operate as a city-owned park that draws both local residents and visitors to its picnic grounds, vintage rides, swimming pool, and athletic facilities. (Continued on other side)
Side B: (Continued from other side) Over the years, Tuscora Park has offered unique attractions. When a stadium was dedicated in 1928, New Philadelphia High School football games moved there permanently. After renovations it was renamed “Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium” for the team’s famous coach. During the 1930s, the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) renovated the park adding stone terraces, walkways, and an amphitheater. A Hammond organ was purchased in January 1941 that guest musicians played for roller skaters. A 1961 fire destroyed playgrounds, dance hall, skating rink, and pool changing rooms. Fortunately, the beautiful 1928 Herschell-Spillman Carousel, purchased in 1945, and the Ferris Wheel purchased in 1953, survived. In 1986, the Rotary incorporated as RTY, Inc., to take over management of park rides. The popular First Town Day Festival, established in 1978, helps to maintain Tuscora Park.
Sponsors: New Philadelphia Rotary (RTY, Inc.), Tuscora Park Foundation, First Town Days, Ohio History Connection
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