Luzerne Grove
So far, several sourced identifying Luzerne Grove have been uncovered, most with conflicting information.All of the sources agree that Luzerne Grove existed, along a railroad line, beginning in the late 1800’s, and that the park had one or more carousels, likely the only mechanical amusement device at the park. Beyond those few generalizations, the information is less than definitive.
The park existed along rail lines, likely either the Central Railroad of New Jersey, or the Lehigh Valley Railroad, or possibly both. Its exact location is also unclear, listed by some sources at or near Mountain Top, or possibly closer to Nanticoke, located in ‘Espy Grove‘.
The exact dates are not concrete, but the park is noted to have operated relatively early, opening around 1882 or 1883. Conflicting sources list the closing date anywhere from 1892 to after 1902.
Upon its closing, the sources uncovered so far also differ on what happened to the structures and other items from the park. If the park closed in 1892, some items may have been moved to Harvey’s Lake, where the picnic grounds were just recently opened by the Lehigh Valley Railroad. If it closed later, after 1902, the items could have been moved to Sans Souci Park, which was just starting up.
Two of the sources also mention one or more carousels at the park, possibly the only mechanical amusement devices. The park also reportedly had a one quarter mile racetrack, a 30 by 60 foot dance pavilion, and smaller items like swings, ‘water tanks’ and different stands.
Luzerne Grove could possibly be the same as Mountain Park, which was also along the lines of the Central Railroad of New Jersey and come close to the dates of operation.
Information obtained from Northeastern Pennsylvania, Feb. 17, 1982; Sans Souci Park, by C. Charles Ciesla; Sunday Independent, Oct 2, 1983; and Mountain Park, published by the Luzerne County Historical Society, 2002.
NEPA Defunct Park List
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