Talk:Luna Park, Scranton/Archive 1

Timeline of the 1906 Season
Week of May 27, 1906
	(28th-Monday): "Robed in brilliancy and dazzling beautiful, regardless of the downpour" is reporter's description of illuminated Luna Park on rainy Opening Day as seen from Nay Aug Gorge. Based on signal from park office initiated by Park Manager Sloss, Luna Park "throws open its gates" to public for first time at 1:00 PM. George Savercool is first paying customer to enter. [Note: There is no historical record of an opening ceremony.] In the Scenitorium, "Tours Of The World" begins ongoing performance for season. "Don Phillipini's Concert Band" is substituted for "Liberatti's 60-piece Band" for one week but disaster nearly strikes when Phillipini's Band instruments do not arrive in time. Fortunately, Professor Lawrence of Lawrence's Band comes to rescue and provides music and accouterments so concerts may be held. "Norrin's High Divers" is substituted for "Bessie Valdare's Troupe of Six Lady Cyclists" for one week and express concern to Sloss over slippery conditions but it is expressed shows must go on as scheduled. Dance Pavilion has its own orchestra consisting of musicians from Scranton area. Orchestra is led by Arnold Lohmann, and August Wahlers, violinist; Thomas Miles, coronist; Theodore Bauschman, pianist; T.F. Tighe, drums; Paul Connors, clarinet; Ed Mikrantz, trombone. They co-ordinate schedules so as not to play while other events are underway unless they are involved with the event. Park Management, the Board of Directors of the Scranton Luna Park Company, and invited guests hold a celebratory dinner in Williams' Restaurant in the park. Park closes at 11:00 PM. Park Manager Len Sloss will begin tradition of grouping the entire staff together for short meeting before dismissing them for the evening. Tradition will continue until park closes permanently.
	(29th-Tuesday): In an article in "The Scranton Truth", the Luna Park Band Stand is described as a "thing of beauty in its perfection, located on the western side of the park, built to produce a sea shell sounding board, brilliantly illuminated and painted. A new concert band is scheduled for each week of the season. There are free benches in front of the Band Stand with seating capacity for 1,200 persons. At its immediate left, a Japanese Tea Garden is to be built." Today's guests: "The Globe" warehouse employees; Scranton Technical High School.
	(30th-Wednesday): Luna Park opens at 10:00 AM for Memorial Day. Park records 230 couples simultaneously on the dance floor. "Don Phillipini's Concert Band" is tentatively scheduled for one week. In the "Breakfast Bits" column of the "Scranton Republican", a writer is quoted, "Everyone knows it is an ill-omen to postpone anything, from weddings to park openings. The postponement of the day set for throwing open the gates of Luna Park was undoubtedly the cause of all this spell of weather."
	(31th-Thursday): Previous day paid attendance reported to be 25,000 total visitors. Mrs. Ida Hentschall has the honor of being the first case treated in the Luna Park Hospital upon fainting when the park lights are illuminated in the evening. Dr. Joseph Wagner, park physician, quickly attended to her and she was soon on her way again, none the worse for her experience. Oscar Norrin, one of the two Norrin high-divers, thrilled an audience last night by diving 50 feet in flames into a flaming tank of water, gasoline first having been thrown on the surface, then ignited. The daring performer was dressed in a suit of fluffy tissue paper saturated in gasoline and set on fire before he made his leap. He was met with wild applause.
	(1st-Friday): Announced to press that Frederick Ingersoll has contracted with Roy Knabenshue, through the Ingersoll Amusement Company, to fly one of his airships from a clearing in Luna Park. Arrangements are being made to ship aviation equipment to Washington, DC, then to Scranton. Today's guests: Lackawanna Business College; farewell banquet in Cafe Restaurant held for Mrs. Thompson and her First Baptist Church Sunday school class.
	(2nd-Saturday): A farewell performance of "Don Phillipini's Concert Band" is given in the evening. Scranton City police promote Lewis C. Meyers to the Luna Park Reserve Police Force. Today's guests: Ashley Silk Company employees; Charles Groesinger Shirt Company employees; St. Mary's Council; Young Men's Institute Council No. 219.
Week of June 3, 1906
	(3rd-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" are held, one in the afternoon and another in the evening.
	(4th-Monday): The Aerial Circle Swing ride opens for the first time. The popular Banda Roma, directed by Giuseppe Sirignano, is scheduled for two weeks. The Three Herzog-Camaras Sisters: "A trio performing hand & head balancing, acrobatics, and equillibrits" is scheduled for two weeks.
	(5th-Tuesday): Today's guests: Avoca Public School; Dickson City Public School; Ladies of the 'Kil Kare Klub'.
	(6th-Wednesday): The Scenic River [Note: sometimes called Mystic River] ride opens for the first time.
	(7th-Thursday): The Shoot the Chutes ride opens for the first time. T.A. Sturdam is the first paying customer to ride. Madame E. Touca, Grand Opera Singer visits Luna Park for the day. Although not scheduled to do, she performs two arias, "Paradise" is said to have been superbly done. It is understood that Madame will be singing for fourteen weeks in Atlantic City this summer. "Ragtime" music night is scheduled in the Dance Hall and is orchestrated by Banda Roma which is directed by Giuseppe Sirignano. Music selections by Sousa, Herbert, Cohan, Roberts, Powell, Gilbert, and other well known composers of the genre are played. An accident is recorded when Timothy Loughman, a carpenter, suffers a serious eye injury in the park while driving a nail. He was attended to by Dr. Connors of Scranton.
	(8th-Friday): Today is declared "Wilkes-Barre" and "Pittston" Day. The Laurel Line is running special direct excursion trains from those cities directly to the park all throughout the day. Sir Giuseppe Sirignano has written and will have his band play a special "Wilkes Barre March" for the park's guests from city to the south. In an attempt to draw crowds away from Luna Park, Rocky Glen Park is advertising free dancing. Today's guests: "Jonas Long" Scranton and Wilkes-Barre store employees.
	(9th-Saturday): Today's guests: General Phil Sheridan council; Young Men's Institute of Scranton; Scranton Axle Works employees; Paul Clemens Silk Mill of Scranton employees.
Week of June 10, 1906
	(10th-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" held in the afternoon and evening. No other attractions or exhibitions are open in the park on Sunday per park management's desire to observe local sabbatical traditions. The park had been given clearance to open on Sunday as not in violation of "Blue Laws" by Mayor Thomas Penman, not well known to be a major stockholder of the Scranton Luna Park Company.
	(11th-Monday): Edisonia opens for the first time. Anet Carver, her White Stallion, "Augustine", and "her two clever greyhounds" are scheduled for one week. There is a slight schedule overlap with an incoming troupe of acrobats which is causing all kinds of issues for Park Manager Sloss.
	(12th-Tuesday): Today's guests: All five Clarke Brothers stores employees; Congregation of the Dunmore M.E. Church. Teacher Mutual Benefit Society announce a "field day of the schools at Luna Park" coming up next Friday.
	(13th-Wednesday): Kitabanza Imperial Japanese Troupe: "Eight juggling performers" are scheduled for rest of the week but there are quality of performance issues with the group not appreciated by Park Manager Sloss. For instance, they don't show up on time and with their equipment. So, Sloss asks Anet Carver, Augustine, and the rest of her menagerie to stay on for the rest of the week. She agrees. Her act captures the valley's attention as the Circus Platform is fitted with a dark black background curtain, and she is dressed in pure white, and her Arabian horse is pure white. Under the lights, the contrast is spectacular.
	(14th-Thursday): Flag Day observance at Luna Park. Today's guests: John Raymond Memorial Church; delegates to the Universalist Convention.
	(15th-Friday): Annual field day of the Teachers' Mutual Benefit Association including 17,000 guest public school students is held today as well as an evening meeting of the Iona club; 23,000 paid visitors are recorded in attendance this date.
	(16th-Saturday): Launching of the cruiser, S.S. Scranton [model], in the Luna Park Shoot the Chutes lagoon. The Scranton was briefly honorably listed on the USN Naval Registry. A.J. Duffy appointed to be the new Scranton park manager replacing Len Sloss who is reassigned to the Washington, D.C. Luna Park. Today's guests: Miss Archbald's private party with invited guests; Scranton Press Club reschedules.
Week of June 17, 1906
	(17th-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" are held as was done the previous Sunday. The "Scranton Republican" reports "Scranton to see Airship in Flight!" as Roy Knabenshue's airship is shipped via a special railroad baggage car to the Lackawanna Railroad track in the gorge. The equipment is carefully unloaded and set up in its hanger tent situated in a clearing between the "Shades and Shadows" building and the Band Shell. Curious onlookers notice military people loitering around the airship and its equipment in the park but "think nothing of it" at the time. The vehicle creates quite a sensation as nothing like it has ever been seen in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
	(18th-Monday): A Trip to Rockaway ride opens for the first time. It is announced famed Aviator Lincoln Beachey is to fly the Knabenshue Toledo No. 2 airship several times during a scheduled eight day visit weather permitting. Kitabanza Imperial Japanese Troupe: "Eight juggling performers" scheduled for one week but cancelled. They blame Sloss. Sloss blames them for the cancellation. He is able to schedule the Semois troupe of Arabian Acrobats for one week as a substitute. Rivela and his Imperial Band is scheduled for a two-week run. Today's guests: Sunday School of the First Primitive Methodist church of Green Ridge.
	(19th-Tuesday): Beachey and his crew conduct guest lectures on airship operation as weather conditions are not conducive for safe flight of the vehicle. Today's guests: First Methodist Episcopal church of West Pittston.
	(20th-Wednesday): Park opens at 10:00 AM to accommodate Oral School for the Deaf outing. An electrical fire involving lights ignites the airship's tent and after tense moments, as flammable materials were all around the area, is extinguished with minimal damage with chemicals by the park's fire brigade. The airship itself is not reportedly damaged and the damage to its hanger-tent is slight. Electrical power in the park was shut off for a few minutes to correct the issue and that reportedly startled a few patrons. Today's guests: Berean Baptist church of Carbondale; Methodist Episcopal church of Moosic; Junior Christian Endeavor society of the Presbyterian church.
	(21st-Thursday): Lincoln Beachey's first airship flight was in the process of being prepared for flight but ascent is aborted due to high winds and an approaching thunderstorm. Press reports flights are advertised at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM but probably will be at 1:30 PM. Today's guests: Green Ridge Chautauqua Circle.
	(22nd-Friday): Lincoln Beachey's second airship flight attempt from Luna Park to downtown Scranton highly successful. A reporter for the "Scranton Republican" writes, "As the crowd gathered to see him ascend, park policemen fought to keep them back. The motor and propeller were tested and found to be in good working order. Shouting, 'All Right. Let her go.', the ground crew stepped back. The airship rose gently as the crowd broke into cheers. As the ship climbed gracefully into the sky, Beachey turned backwards waving his hand to the cheering crowd..." Park officials are later conspicuously and publicly admonished by U.S. Army Signal Corp. Captain Albert Horn for announcing to local newspapers the flight times of the airship even though all other military officers present agreed to do so. The press learns Beachey, although a civilian, is operating secretly under direction of Captain Horn, with orders to watch for and evaluate effectiveness of experimental signals launched from nearby Mount Pocono. During Beachey's career as an aviator, he would often cooperate with the military, including a final occasion years later, testing an aircraft that would cost him his life. Today's guests: Scranton Press Club; Sunday School of the First Presbyterian church.
	(23rd-Saturday): A combined employee outing of the Sauquoit, Harvey, and Taylor silk mills packs the park's Picnic pavilion today. From one of many park brochures, "As one passes through the gates entrancing the park, one leaves dull cares behind and is once lost in admiration of one's surroundings. The stately buildings representing the architecture of many countries greet the eye and the visitor receives the impression of suddenly being transported to some foreign land. The scene is the land of life and animation. Gone are the commonplace and the ordinary in this world of merriment. Jest and laughter of pleasure seekers are heard as this is the land meant for fun lovers, the tired, the weary, and for all of humanity."
Week of June 24, 1906
	(24th-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" are scheduled as before.
	(25th-Monday): Hardy, "The High-wire King" is scheduled for one week on the elevated Circus Platform. Rivela and his Imperial Band start their second week in the Band Stand. Today's guests: Court Street Methodist Episcopal Church; Providence Methodist Episcopal Church.
	(26th-Tuesday): Today's guests: St. Mark's Lutheran Church; Plymouth Congregational Church; Welsh Congregational Church.
	(27th-Wednesday): Noted by the press as a remarkable seven ascensions in seven days, today marks the last appearance of Beachey's airship in flight in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The aviation equipment is carefully packed into a special railroad baggage car and transported away never to return to the park. Today's guests: German Presbyterian Church of West Side.
	(28th-Thursday): Reporter for "The Scranton Truth" asked Hardy, "The High-wire King", what he thought of Scranton's Luna Park. "It's the best I've ever been in. was his response. Hardy has been in the high-rope business for about 12 years. Fred Flanaghan has been appointed to the Scranton City Reserve Police Force assigned to Luna Park. Four offices patrol the park at-large, one other is assigned to patrol the Laurel Line station at the park. A.M. Hopkins, Vaudeville booking agent for the Ingersoll Amusement Company and Frederick Ingersoll, vice-president of the Scranton Luna Park Company meet in Scranton to review the park. Hopkins was overheard to say how impressed he was with the park and shared the thought, "It is the most naturally beautiful park in America." Today's guests: Simpson Methodist Episcopal Church; Embury Methodist Episcopal Church; Wasburn St. Presbyterian Church
	(29th-Friday): The park boasts a record of 37 excursions in 5 weeks, calling itself a "mecca for excursionists". It is reported the Dance pavilion provokes admiration by all those who have tried it, and the quality of music is making this Luna Park famous. Arzo, the mechanical man, makes an appearance at the park. Patrons are fascinated trying to understand how it works. An attendant with megaphone assures the public that Arzo is nothing more than a large mechanical doll, but later reveals the doll is an actor named Levy. Levy is one of the most celebrated impersonators of mechanical figures in America and comes from Luna Park-Cleveland. As Arzo, it will be around the park for the next three weeks. Miles' own Luna Park Orchestra is currently playing in the Dance Pavilion. A severe hail storm hits Luna Park but without causing appreciable damage however the damage to surrounding neighborhoods in the Lackawanna Valley is extensive. Hail stones measured two inches long by two inches thick. Crowds were able to seek shelter for the six minutes the hail fell. As a precaution, power was turned off in the park. After a few remaining minutes of rain, the storm moved off to the south. Surprisingly, there were only two streaks of lightning which heralded the storm, so little advance warning was provided. Wellington G. Keller is appointed sergeant of the Scranton City Reserve Police Force assigned to Luna Park. Today's guests: Camp No. 178, Patriotic Sons of America; Myrtle Street Baptist Church.
	(30th-Saturday): Navassars Ladies' Band is scheduled for one week. They arrive in a special trolley car on June 28. By popular demand, Hardy, "The High-wire King" is scheduled for a second week. Members of the Washburn Street Sunday School that have extra tickets are urged to return those tickets today. Chaperoned by Mr. and Mrs. Floyd, Misses Vina and Flossie Drake, Helen Monie, Irma Snyder, and Dora Sutcliffe, all of Moosic, reportedly spent a "most delightful" evening at Luna Park. Today's guests: St. Paul's Catholic Church of Dickson City; St. Thomas Catholic Church of Dickson City
Week of July 1, 1906
	(1st-Sunday): The two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" are orchestrated by Navassars Ladies' Band today. It is reported while Lincoln Beachey flew over Scranton in Roy Knabenshue's airship, he broke aviation records for speed, duration, and number of successful flights as well as achieved two records in air navigation.
	(3rd-Tuesday): Berzac Circus joins with Hardy, "The High-wire King" for the week. Edward McRea accepts a position at Luna Park. McRea was a former clerk at the Hotel Lopez. Park management reiterates no fireworks of any kind will be allowed on the grounds of Luna Park and anyone caught in possession of those incendiary devices will be arrested. There will be no public display of fireworks at Luna Park either. "We wish to remove the noise, annoyance, and confusion associated with the 4th. All visitors will be afforded from the evils that make the 4th so objectionable to so many." was the explanation.
	(4th-Friday): 4 July celebration sans fireworks. Staff of 5 policemen increased to 50. Park staff of 318 increased to 600. Paid admissions surpass 50,000 for the day. Laurel Line adds railroad cabooses to its trains for the day to increase passenger capacity. Scranton Railway Company [trolley] receives complaints about standing room only on its line to Luna Park. Two ponies are shown on a revolving table to the marvel of the crowd. Maude, "The Unridable Mule", Riding Contest is held. It was often re-quoted that "Maude made a jackass out of those that tried to ride her."
	(5th-Thursday): Via Laurel Line, the Navassars Ladies' Band take promotional trip to Wilkes-Barre. They play a concert on the beautiful Susquehanna River Commons gardens near the Palm House greenhouse. Park Manager Duffy is convinced 50,000 patrons visited the park by midnight yesterday.
	(6th-Friday): The "Hello Girls from the Consolidated Telephone Company" pay honor to a former chief operator, Mrs. Mary E. Reynolds, by treating her to an open-air luncheon and enjoying the various park amusements afterwards. It was understood by a reporter that perhaps some dancing was indulged in as well.
	(7th-Saturday): Woodsman's Day is declared at the park. Today is also declared "Factory and Silk Mill Day" at the park. It is said thousands, especially silk mill employees, visited the park seeking entertainment today. The Jersey Central Railroad advertises an excursion to Luna Park, Coney Island, departing July 11th with a return on any regularly scheduled train. No price is listed.
Week of July 8, 1906
	(8th-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" are scheduled as usual by "Rivela and his Imperial Band". Park advertising begins to use the slogan, "Luna Park - A Fairyland of Bewildering Beauty and Splendor."
	(9th-Monday): "Rivela and his Imperial Band" return to the Band Stand for a two week engagement. The "Berzac Circus" is scheduled for one week only.
	(10th-Tuesday): The Trinity Lutheran Church of Scranton both congregation and Sunday School hold its annual excursion at the park today. The Berzac Circus has three ponies on stage today. They do a ring performance and are all seen on the revolving table to the marvel of the crowd.
	(11th-Wednesday); Announced Shriner's are planning a massive assembly at Luna Park on August 3rd. Members from the order of the Irem Temple from cities and towns of Stroudsburg, Mauch Chuck, Hazleton, Sunbury, Williamsport, Berwick, Bloomsburg, Plymouth, Nanticoke, Wilkes Barre, Pittston Tunkhannock, Towanda, Honesdale, Carbondale, Jermyn, Olyphant, Dalton, Factoryville, Dalton, and Scranton, etc., are asked to attend. This represents 1,500 to 2,000 members not counting their families and guests. Park management explained to the press, "This will be one of the biggest days in the history of the park." Today's guests: American Mission Baptist Sunday School; Retail Merchants Association of Scranton
	(12th-Thursday): Sixth park wedding is publicly noted. Today's guests: Grace Reformed Episcopal Church; Tripp Park Methodist Episcopal Sunday School; Guests of the Coal Department of the D.L.& W Railroad; Sisters of St. Patrick Orphanage outing for 150 children is held with special attention paid by Park Manager Duffy.
	(13th-Friday): Today's guests: Green Ridge Baptist Church and Sunday School; Dew-Drop Sewing Club; Miss Alice Blair's private party.
	(14th-Saturday): A surprise "pleasure" visit to the park today is made by John Mitchell, President of the United Mine Workers Association, a guest of friends locally. Mr. Mitchell is slated to speak at an upcoming miners' convention in Carbondale. Today's guests: Spanish War Veterans.
Week of July 15, 1906
	(15th-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" scheduled featuring Rivela's Band. Reportedly Scranton Luna Park Company stock prices are: $40 common per share, $100 preferred per share. 18 tribes of native Americans are reportedly planning a combined meeting at Luna Park tentatively on August 4th.
	(16th-Monday): "Ragtime" Music Week is declared. The Great Albas: "The Acme of Tight Wire Acts featuring 'The Head Slide'" is scheduled for one week. By popular demand, Rivela and his Imperial Band are scheduled for another two week run.
	(17th-Tuesday): "Shickshinny" Day is declared. Today's guests: Methodist & Presbyterian Churches of Shickshinny; St. James Episcopal Church Congregation from Jermyn; Welsh Baptist Church of West Scranton; First Welsh Baptist Sabbath School; Bellevue and Fourth Ward Missions.
	(18th-Wednesday): Today's guests: First Baptist Church of West Scranton; Elmhurst Baptist Church; Scranton Book Club.
	(19th-Thursday): 2000 Newsboys and a bandwagon of newsgirls of Northeastern Pennsylvania hold their annual picnic in the park today with the outing largely paid for through charitable donations. The Grand Marshall is Thomas E. Price. The children lunched on ice cream, pickles, cake, and other extremes, chosen from the menu. These are provided by Peter Stipp and athletic contests followed. Events and winners are as follows... First Foot race: First, Howard Richards; Second, Edward Hundon. Second Foot race: First, William Roach; Second, William McHugh. Third Foot race: First, Thomas Holmes; Second, Walter Williams. Fourth Foot race: First, William Colburn; Second, William Maxson. Fifth Foot race: First, James Guennell; Second, Leonard Lavis. Sixth Foot race: First, George Corcoran; Second, James Foley. Seventh Foot race: First, Eli Harris; Second, Joseph Holmes. Eighth Foot race: First, Walter Switzer; Second, Michael Dougherty. First Bicycle Race: First, Eugene Fuller; Second, Albert Smith. Second Bicycle Race: First, William Boettger; Second, Jacob Klein. Third Bicycle Race: First, Walter Surlzer; Second, Thomas James. First Three-Legged Race: First, Walter Fleming and William Burke; Second, James Tigue and Michael Sylvester. Second Three-Legged Race: First, Frank Fleming and Thomas Burke; Second, Robert Hopkins and George Petrosh. Third Three-Legged Race: First, Frank Hawley and Andrew Ryan; Second, Thomas Cannon and Donald McDonald. First Sack Race: First, William Meredith; Second, Michael Whelan. Second Sack Race: First, Leonard Lavis; Second, Thomas Moran. Third Sack Race: First, George Lewis; Second, John Mangan. Fourth Sack Race: First, John Carrigan; Second, Thomas Burke. First Shoe Mix-Up Contest: First, James Dougherty; Second, Michael Dougherty; Third, Peter Murray. Second Shoe Mix-Up Contest: First, Joseph Lynn; Second, Charles Wynn; Third, John Brazill. Nail Driving Contest-(5 nails)-James Beink. First Barrel Race: First, Edward Crandon; Second, Thomas Cordier. Second Barrel Race: First, Frank Handley; Second, John Miles. Third Barrel Race: First, Michael McFadden; Second, Harry Wartowsky. Fourth Barrel Race: First, George Lewis; Second, William Meredith. Fifth Barrel Race: First, John Welsh; Second, Julius Walewski. First Wheelbarrow Race: First, James Tigue; Second, Michael Dougherty. Second Wheelbarrow Race: First, Leonard Lavis; Second, Andrew Ryan. Third Wheelbarrow Race: First, Walter White; Second, Joseph Holley. Fourth Wheelbarrow Race: First, Lawrence Fredette; Second, Edward Fleming. First Backward Race: First, Dennis Maher; Second, Benjamin Royal. Second Backward Race: First, Walter Fleming; Second, Robert Angwin. Third Backward Race: First, George Moran; Second, Frank Fleming. Lastly, Catching a Greased Pig, Clifford Decker was the victor. Judge was J.M. Vail. Scorers are Jerome Barrett, Thomas Tierney, G.W. Daniels, and Scranton City Councilman Walter Haslam. Today's guests: Baptist Church of Elmhurst; St. James Congregation and Sunday School; Mears and Hagen employees.
	(20th-Friday): The "Scranton Republican" publishes an unusual story in its "Breakfast Bits" column of how a policeman always accompanies the cashier of Luna Park to the bank every day to deposit the day's receipts. Based on the nature of the article, it can be determined the cashier uses a canvas bank bag to transport the day's proceeds, but, it is said, Scranton is not the type of city where someone can be robbed in broad daylight. 12-year old, Rose Clifford, fractures her arm at Luna Park. The West Park Quoit Club hosts guest winners of the 'Home of the Friendless' contest at the park. Park Manager Duffy declares today,"Odd Fellow's Day". Today's guests: Odd Fellows of the Scranton district and vicinity; Missionary Societies of the Providence Presbyterian Church; Home of the Friendless; St. Joseph's Foundling Home
	(21st-Saturday): Day declared Berwick Day. James Atherton is appointed park manager replacing a "retiring" A.J. Duffy. In a moving ceremony at the end of the day, Duffy receives a beautifully engraved gold watch and chain paid from contributions donated by park employees. Today's guests: Grand Army of the Republic and Sons of Veterans; Pittston Stove Works employees; Retail Merchants Association of Berwick benefit for the Berwick Hospital; Electric Star lodge, I.O.O.F.
Week of July 22, 1906
	(22nd-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" are orchestrated today by the Royal Italian band, under the direction of Lorenzo Vola. It's made known to the press that A.J. Duffy has been retained by the Scranton Luna Park Company in an advisory capacity. It is reported the Board of Directors are keenly appreciative of his excellent service in his time with the company. Miss Fannie Weiss and Miss Hyman made it known to the "Scranton Republican" they spent the day at Luna Park.
	(23rd-Monday): Today is declared a "No admission fee" day. This day is publicized as the first, last, and only day the admission fee will be dropped. A crowd of "remarkable proportions" is waiting at the gates for the park to open. The reason cited is because of "the generosity of management and board of directors." By evening, it seemed to a reporter of "The Scranton Truth" that "The entire town must be here!" The First Baptist Church of Providence picnic is today. [Note: The group receives additional an free admission in tickets.]
	(24th-Tuesday): Today's guests: Bethel Baptist Sunday School of West Scranton; Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church of West Scranton; Hyde Park Calvinistic Methodist Church.
	(25th-Wednesday): Today's guests: Retail Merchants Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania; Presbyterian Sunday Schools of Duryea and Old Forge; L.A. to A.O.H; Nicholson family reunion. Mrs. Thomas Henshall and daugheter, Belle, attended.
	(26th-Thursday): Today's guests: Lt. Ezra S. Griffin Post, No. 139, G.A.R., and Camp No. 8, Sons of Veterans; Rescue Lodge No. 371, Knights of Pythias; Welsh Presbyterian Church of Bellevue. These outings represent thousands of patrons easily.
	(27th-Friday): Today's guests: Bellevue Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Sunday School; Dunmore Presbyterian Church.
	(28th-Saturday): Today's guests: Bloomsburg Area Silk Mills employees; St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church; "Go to Church" Band (and invited guests). These outings easily exceed over 2,000 people.
Week of July 29, 1906
	(29th-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" are orchestrated by Vioa's Royal Italian Band.
	(30th-Monday): Amateur Night at Luna Park is scheduled for tonight. Contestants are asked to recreate a dramatic character in a play of their choosing but they must register in advance at the park office. One entering must also not have professional acting experience. This is one of the the few nights in the history of the park such an evening [a serious contest] is declared as such. First prize is $15. Second prize is $10. Third prize is $5. Over 5,000 people watch the performances. Five judges are selected from the audience and their decisions are based on the merits of the performances. First place winners are Richard and Norton. Second place is a tie between Emaline Davis and Frankie Raymond. Third place is also declared a tie between Billy Barlow and William Riley. Decisions are greeted with popular approval. Park management announces it may run the same contest again later this summer, and is met with applause. Viola's Royal Italian Band is retained by popular demand for a second week. Ella Zuilla, "The Queen of the Wire" performs on the Circus platform this week.
	(31st-Tuesday): The joint Wilkes_barre Concordia and Junger Maennerchor concert is performed today. The Shriners of the Order of the Irem Temple are reportedly preparing for their outing at Luna Park on Friday, August 3rd. Today's guests: Bellevue mission; Blakely Baptist Sunday School.
	(1st-Wednesday): Today's guests: Jackson Street Baptist Church; Christ Lutheran Church of Scranton; Tabernacle Sunday School.
	(2nd-Thursday): Today's guests: Primitive Methodist Church of Priceburg; Providence Christian Church of Scranton.
	(3rd-Friday): Today is the Ancient and Arabic Order Knights of the Mystic Shrine of Scranton and Wilkes Barre picnic which leads to a Shriners Day Declaration by Park Manager Atherton. Illuminated Shriner symbols temporarily decorate the park throughout. The Irem Patrol in "Arabic dress" do a drill under the colored lights. A real camel is shown in the park. There is a fireworks display in the evening, one of the few times one is permitted during the early days of the park. Dinner is served. There is a concert in the Dance Pavilion in the evening with orchestral duties shared by two separate bands, Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band and Oppenheimer's Band.
	(4th-Saturday): Planned over several months, "Red Men's" day has arrived. [Note: These are Native Americans of local Northeastern Pennsylvania tribes in traditional dress organized to form a parade from Nay Aug Park to Luna Park.]. The day is reported to be sweltering hot. Bands accompany the men. Several of the men ride on horseback. Onlookers say they all "looked so real" but a news reporter openly doubts they can tell a real Native American from a white man. None-the-less, costumes are superb. Minooka tribe No. 247 charters a picnic today as does the Improved Order of Red Men. All told, the number of people attending the picnic is estimated to be 1500 participants. Today's guests: Providence Silk Company of North Scranton employees; Maxwell Silk Company of Jermyn employees.
Week of August 5, 1906
	(5th-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" orchestrated by "Don Phillipini's Concert Band". Reported Scranton Luna Park Company stock prices: $40 common per share, $100 preferred per share.
	(6th-Monday): Due to the popularity and success of the first amateur night, a second amateur night is held. First prize is $15 awarded to Louis Epstein sang "Paddle your own Canoe". Second prize is $10 awarded to Hertz and Mulligan who performed a fake boxing match. Third prize is $5 awarded to Irene Thomas Taylor sang Faust Opera 21. "Don Phillipini's Concert Band" returns for a two-week engagement. Ralph Johnstone, "The Sensational Cyclist" is scheduled for one week. Scranton City Director of Public Safety is looking for more men to man the police reserve force at Luna Park. He tells "The Scranton Truth" that while he is not actively recruiting, he would not turn qualified individuals away. Patrolmen for this duty are typically drafted in squads of six men at a time and receive an extra $2.50 in pay.
	(8th-Wednesday): Despite heavy rain showers, the prettiest baby contest [real and doll] is held and the judges are overwhelmed as a surprising 297 "real" babies and 3 dolls are entered into the contest. First prize awarded to Elvira Janet Richards, four years old. Second prize awarded to Sidney Parsons, seven months old. Third prize awarded to Edward Steely, six months old. A dance and street carnival is held for all the park patrons and is well received. But wait, there's a mix-up in prizes. Sidney Parsons and one other baby is the first place winner but no one can remember the name of the other baby. Elvira Janet Richard's name is not mentioned.
	(9th-Thursday): "Government Day" is proclaimed at the park. Also, the Ladies Aid Society of the First Baptist Church hold their annual outing and picnic. The C.R.P.B.A. outing is held as well. Park decoration for "Carnival Week" begins and takes two days to complete. The park is decorated with colored bulbs and Japanese lanterns. Today's guests: Methodist Episcopal Church of Factoryville; Baptist Sunday School of Factoryville. There are an estimated 300 people in the Factoryville group.
	(10th-Friday): Today's guests: Iona Club of West Side; Olyphant Aerie of Eagles.
	(11th-Saturday): Park Manager Atherton declares today as the Patriotic Order Sons of America day. Bauer's Band, Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band, and Oppenheimer's Orchestra are all scheduled to perform throughout the week in support of "Carnival Week". It's announced to the press an elephant act is coming next week. Placards are added to each side of the Band Shell to announce current and upcoming events. Today's guests: P.O.S. of A. camps of the West Lackawanna district
Week of August 12, 1906
	(12th-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" are orchestrated by "Don Phillipini's Concert Band" and are well attended.
	(13th-Monday): "Carnival Week" will be conducted in the park until Saturday. From park advertising, "This week is set aside in honor of King Mirth and Queen Melody who will reign supreme at a GRAND CARNIVAL WEEK! Fun, fast, and furious will dominate this week's program of jollity beginning this evening with a fancy dress dancing carnival to be followed by different carnival exercises every evening. Nothing approaching this week's program has ever before been attempted You can't afford to miss carnival week." Many of the park's electric lights are decorated with Japanese lanterns and strings of lights with the lanterns are strung through the stately trees found in the park. There will be a fancy dress carnival contest conducted by Professor J. Frank Siegel, a local dance master, who also conducts a dance contest as well. Tonight will also be the park's first "Confetti night". It is noted in local press that Luna Park management buys "premium imported confetti" and not "the cheap paper confetti used by other parks." The confetti is handed out to patrons and staff by the bagful. Today, "Barlow's Six Elephant Act" begins a one week engagement. Pete Barlow, it is reported by the "Scranton Republican", has four elephants dance, walk on revolving cylinders, play musical instruments, and so on, much to the enthusiastic delight of the crowd. [No published explanation is given what happened to the other two elephants.] Reported Scranton Luna Park Company stock prices: $40 common per share, $100 preferred per share. Perhaps a steady indication no one is buying or selling the park stock. Hinerfeld, "The Home Furnisher" [store] advertises a free ticket to Luna Park.
	(14th-Tuesday): Newspapers report 10,000 people visited the park yesterday "filled only with a desire to make merry, tease each other, and inaugurate a week of high carnival." One of the highlights yesterday evening was a "fast and furious confetti snowball fight" that took place among dancers in the Dance Pavilion. There is no report concerning the fancy dress carnival winners. It appears the contest was moved to Wednesday at the last minute due to the crowd size. Park advertising adds "where mirth and melody reign supreme" onto the park's standard newspaper advertisement. Today is another "Luna Park Street Carnival" day with most activities scheduled after the sun goes down. It will be another Confetti night in the park as "tons" of confetti are "ready and waiting". Today's guests: Carpenter Sunday School. Meanwhile, management at Rocky Glen Park orders Japanese lanterns "to copy the Luna look".
	(15th-Wednesday): The "Luna Park Dance and Street Carnival Week" continues today including special events and another gala "confetti night". The Mardi-Gras style dance and costume contests that were moved from Monday are held today. Prizes are offered for the most original costumes, the handsomest costumes, and the best dancing couple. Results are not published in area newspapers. Professor J. Frank Siegel is in charge of dance activities. It was reported anyone out on the "pike" [walking around the park] was attacked by merrymakers with handfuls of confetti. "The Scranton Truth" complains in an editorial of the fierce battle to enter Laurel Line cars at 10:00 PM with no regard by people for the weak, such as babies in the arms of their mothers. The editor describes the charge at the cars as more of a "football rush" than an "orderly crowd returning home from an evening of pleasure." The editor implores the "railroad company and show people" to take prompt action to avoid a serious accident before one occurs.
	(16th-Thursday): The "Luna Park Dance and Street Carnival Week" continues again today and tonight is another "Confetti night". Park-goers use over 20,000 bags of confetti exhausting the park's supply. A new supply was immediately ordered via telegraph for Friday and Saturday night. Paid admissions surpass 40,000 patrons, amazing for a typical work day. "The Scranton Truth" notes Scranton City fire alarm call box # 137 is located in Luna Park. Today's guests: Letter carriers and Post Office employee of Scranton; Walls Corners Sunday School.
	(17th-Friday): The "Luna Park Dance and Street Carnival Week" continues again today, and tonight is another "Confetti night". Park management is stunned by the number of paid admissions surpassing 50,000 patrons by the end of the evening. The Iona Club of West Side performed as the "Darktown Brigade and Drum Corp." for today's events concerning "Carnival Week". It was reported the young men were satisfied they made no mistake while performing. Today's guests: Methodist Episcopal Church of Chinchilla Sunday School.
	(18th-Saturday): Today marks the conclusion of the "Luna Park Dance and Street Carnival Week" at the park and its corresponding "Confetti night". Newspapers report there being a "Grand Finale" but don't specify what that might have been. Last scheduled night for "Don Phillipini's Concert Band". Paid admissions surpass 150,000 patrons for the week. Reported Scranton Luna Park Company stock prices: $40 common per share, $100 preferred per share, same price as the previous week. It is announced another "Amateur Night" will be conducted at the Band Stand on Monday night next. Rules and prizes are to be the same as before. Today's guests: Young Men's Christian Association of Avoca; Clarks Summit, Chinchilla, and Mt. Bethel combined Sunday Schools; Suburban Presbyterian Church.
Week of August 19, 1906
	(19th-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" orchestrated by Navassars Ladies' Band. The largest Sunday crowd to date is recorded. According to the "Scranton Republican", credit is publicly given to Fred C. Hand for developing the idea of distributing park admission tickets freely to encourage crowds to come to the park and partake of its amusements which require paying a separate fee. Although numbers are not divulged, management lets it be known the scheme is highly profitable, and credits Hand for the idea. Quietly, other area managers are said they'd wish, jokingly, that Luna Park would lend us a "Hand".
	(20th-Monday): The popular Navassars Ladies' Band returns for a two-week engagement. The Wilton Brothers Comedy Bar performance [acrobatic] is scheduled for one week. The third "Amateur Night" was scheduled but postponed today due to rain. The event was to have been held on the Circus platform. Today's guests: St. Joseph's Lithuanian Church.
	(21st-Tuesday): Scranton Luna Park Company enters a 10-year lease on the 20-acre land the park is situated on for $5,000 per year. Scranton Luna Park Company President Thomas Penman signs a Promissory Note as part of the transaction that has a "Confession of Judgement" clause obligation. The terms of the agreement increase the rental payment significantly over time. Methodist Day is declared . Today's guests: Methodist Churches of Scranton, Dunmore, Moosic, Taylor and Throop; Baker family reunion.
	(22nd-Wednesday): The Killaloo Club of the Keyser Valley Shops' annual outing is today.
	(23rd-Thursday): "Skidoo" day is declared. Skidoo is a game where ladies whisper "23" to park attendant for free admission and also receive an envelope. The envelope may or may not contain a note indicating there is a grand prize waiting in the park office and must be claimed by going there in person. Mrs. M. Muhlbach of Philadelphia finds the note, proceeds to the office, and is awarded the grand prize Skidoo winnings of $5. Today's guests: Killaloa Club of Keyser Valley; Ladies Catholic Beneficial Association No. 287.
	(24th-Friday): Today's guests: "Aerie of Eagles of Olyphant".
Week of August 26, 1906
	(26th-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" orchestrated by Navassars Ladies' Band.
	(27th-Monday): Navassars Ladies' Band start their second week. "Epp and Lorretta Mardi Gras Cake Walkers" start a one week engagement. Reported Scranton Luna Park Company stock prices: $40 common per share, $100 preferred per share.
	(28th-Tuesday): Third Amateur Night Contest is on the park's schedule but the results are not published. Lackawanna Conclave, Improved Order of Heptasophs reunion of eighteen conclaves is today at the park. This reunion represents thousands of patrons to the park. Industrial class of the House of Good Shepherd, 48 girls ranging in age from 8 to 16 years, enjoy their Luna Park outing today.
	(30th-Thursday): James J. Corbett, actor, visits Luna Park. Today's guests: Knights of Pythias of Lackawanna County; Kresge Family reunion.
	(31st-Friday): Today's guests: Green Ridge Boys Civic Club.
	(1st-Saturday): Day is declared "Grand Singing Festival Day". Joint Wilkes_barre Concordia and Junger Maennerchor concert is scheduled to be performed but Concordia does not show due to lack of interest in performing again. Today's guests: Knights of Pythias of Lackawanna County.
Week of September 2, 1906
	(2nd-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" orchestrated by Navassars Ladies' Band. Bauer's Band also performs.
	(3rd-Monday): Labor Day celebration; Navassars Ladies' Band held over for third week. Central Labor Union Labor Day picnic; Pollay Mammoth Loop Act; Robert J. Bauer's Band perform on Labor Day and is scheduled for the week. United Mine Workers of America Secretary-Treasurer W.B. Wilson and other labor leaders give speeches at Luna. Trade unionists consisting of miners, building trades, miscellaneous trades, and industrial workers parade to the park. An estimated 20,000 men paraded to the park. Trolley and Laurel Line add extra cars to accommodate crowds. Reported Scranton Luna Park Company stock prices: $40 common per share, $100 preferred per share.
	(4th-Tuesday): Kitamura Royal Japanese Troupe: "Six juggling, acrobatic, and head-balancing performers" substitute for Pollay Mammoth Loop Act as Pollay is injured in an accident in Berwick while testing his equipment. The Kitamura Royal Japanese Troupe cancels their appearance at the last minute.
	(5th-Wednesday): The Three Jacksons (two men and a woman): "Novelty Punching Bag Performers on the High-Wire" are substituted for the Kitamura Royal Japanese Troupe. They arrive from Boston just in time to give an afternoon performance. They are scheduled for the rest of the week.
	(6th-Thursday): Today's guests: Christian Church of Madisonville.
	(7th-Friday): Today's guests: Central New York Retail Coal Dealers Association.
Week of September 9, 1906
	(9th-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" orchestrated by Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band. Reported Scranton Luna Park Company stock prices: $40 common per share, $100 preferred per share.
	(10th-Monday): In the Scenitorium, a motion picture of the 42-round Gans-Nelson boxing match is shown. This hour-long film represents the first motion picture shown in the Scenitorium. It is intended to be shown during the afternoon matinee for the rest of the season. Film does not arrive until the next day. Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band is scheduled for the week. Dance instructor, John J. Malarkey, teaches the "puzzle dance" in the Dance Hall. Rio Brothers Ring Performers act is scheduled for the week.
	(11th-Tuesday): Gans-Nelson boxing match motion picture arrives in time for afternoon matinee.
	(12th-Wednesday): "Honesdale" day is declared. The boat, "Honesdale" is launched in the Shoot the Chutes lagoon. Park management announces publicly that the season will close on September 22. Today's guests: Amity Club of Honesdale; Dunmore Presbyterian Church.
	(11th-Tuesday): The Washburn St. Presbyterian Church outing is today and to the delight of everyone in the park, the choir gives an impromptu concert.
Week of September 16, 1906
	(16th-Sunday): Two "Sacred Sunday Concerts" orchestrated by the Robert J. Bauer's Band. Park management reports total seasonal attendance at "over 600,000" paid customers. Week is proclaimed, "Farewell Week".
	(17th-Monday): Fourth Amateur Night contest conducted. Bauer's Band is scheduled for the rest of the season. "Children's Day" free admission. Reported Scranton Luna Park Company stock prices: $40 common per share, $100 preferred per share.
	(18th-Tuesday): "Ladies Day" free admission. Scranton City Council and families invited to the park for the day. Park decoration for "Carnival Night" begins and takes two days.
	(19th-Wednesday): A "Grand Vocal Concert" by the German and Swiss Singing Societies of Scranton is held. Park decoration for "Carnival Night" continues and again includes Japanese hanging lanterns.
	(20th-Thursday): Confetti and Carnival Night; Heavy rain storm hits park.
	(21st-Friday): Confetti and Carnival Night; Ridge Row Street Railway Company proposes new line to Luna Park but is met with opposition. Today's guests: Firemen's Relief Association and Friendship Fire Engine Company of Reading; West Park Quoit Club; Citizens of East Benton; Citizens of Amasa.
	(22nd-Saturday): Confetti and Carnival Night; Park closes to the public for the 1906 season. Park management publicly reports season "a great big financial success". Today's guests: Green Ridge Boys' Civic Club
Week of September 23, 1906
	(24th-Monday): Park opens one day for Scranton Luna Park Company employees only. Employee Amateur Night contest held. Bauer's Band provides music for the day. Mattie Young gives a punching bag exhibition. Harry Stevens demonstrates a boxing exhibition. Swimming contest held in the Shoot the Chutes lagoon. Dancing prizes awarded in the Dance Hall. Park puts two National cash registers up for public sale at $42.50 each. Reported Scranton Luna Park Company stock prices: $40 common per share, $100 preferred per share.
	(29th-Friday): Laurel Line car burns near park station for a total loss.
Week of October 7, 1906
	(10th-Wednesday): Park opens "privately" to celebrate Father Mathew day and for unionized workers of the Scranton Catholic Diocese. Attendance was estimated at over 10,000 paid customers.

Pre-opening timeline
Week of July 15, 1900
	(17th-Tuesday): In "The Reporter's Pad", in "Scranton Republican", writer discusses "Letter to the Editor" over suggestions a "lady reader" makes for a commercial amusement park to occupy space near Nay Aug Park. She submits these ideas for consideration: 1) establish pony ride; 2) construct Ferris wheel; 3) build Shoot the Chutes flume; 4) construct telescopic observatory; 5) provide aerial car ride. This is the earliest public reference of an idea of having a commercial amusement park near Nay Aug Park and Roaring Brook Gorge that would lead to the inception and construction of Scranton's Luna Park. Her rationale seemingly is, "It would give Scranton's juveniles something to do."
Week of January 4, 1903
	(5th-Monday): First mention of the words, "Luna Park" in area newspapers found in the "Scranton Republican" in the context of the execution of "Topsy, the Elephant" with 6,000 volts of electricity applied over 10 seconds. Execution is recorded by newsreel cameras at Luna Park, Coney Island. Other than a similar name, this park had no commercial relationship to Scranton's future park.
Week of July 26, 1903
	(1st-Tuesday): In "Literary Notes" column in "Scranton Republican", editor discusses newborn babies thriving in the Luna Park, Coney Island, incubator exhibit despite terrific summer heat. Using common language of the time, the author describes the incubators as "artificial mothers" and babies as "little mites of humanity".
Week of September 13, 1903
	(14th-Monday): Article appears in the "Scranton Republican" announcing the marriage of "dwarves" employed at Luna Park, Coney Island. The Bride-to-be, Pearl Robinson, "The Moon Queen" is two feet, eleven inches tall. Her future husband is Arthur Balsamo, is five feet, ten inches tall. The newspaper inexplicably includes a photograph of Miss Lena Ashwell, who has nothing to do with the article, with a caption, "Moon Queen to Become a Bride".
Week of November 1, 1903
	(2nd-Monday): "Scranton Republican" reports Coney Island is struck by $1,000,000 fire but Luna Park is spared thanks to the quick thinking of fire department.
Week of November 22, 1903
	(27th-Friday): "Scranton Republican" reports "The Great Hagenbeck Animal Show" seen at Luna Park, Coney Island, is coming to the Dixie Theater in Scranton. Animals are being quartered in old Fire Department Hook & Ladder House in Hyde Park section of city.
Week of November 29, 1903
	(30th-Monday): Public outcry forces Carl Hagenbeck to make assurances that wild animals in his show will not be displayed on open stage at Dixie Theater. "Scranton Republican" reports, "A mammoth cage has been built to enclose the whole stage." In follow-up article, Luna Park is again mentioned in context of animals having been safely shown there, and the same types of precautions are being taken here. [Whether deliberately intended or not, "Luna Park" begins to appear more frequently in area newspapers.]
Week of January 17, 1904
	(23rd-Saturday): "Scranton Republican" publishes a photo on behalf of Luna Park, Coney Island, proudly announcing the birth of the "First Eskimo born in this Country". Article notes ten Eskimo couples have taken residence in attraction at park in New York.
Week of March 20, 1904
	(23rd-Wednesday): Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley interurban electrified railroad, "The Laurel Line", announces public plans and lets contract to clear land to build destination park in nearby Inkerman. Park's facilities will consist of an artificial lake, dance pavilion, and picnic stand.
Week of May 15, 1904
	(15th-Sunday): A.J. Duffy, who will eventually be appointed Park Manager at Scranton's Luna Park, is found rehearsing several big features coming this season to Luna Park, Coney Island.
Week of May 29, 1904
	(30th-Monday): "Scranton Republican" reports Stage Manager Edward P. Temple of Scranton's Lyceum Theater is returning to Scranton from Luna Park, Coney Island, after completing an engaging arrangement of "spectacular features" there.
	(3rd-Friday): Due to popular demand, the New Jersey Central Railroad schedules special excursion trains from Scranton to Luna Park, Coney Island. First low-rate, round-trip train is to depart on June 11 at 11:30 PM for arrival on morning of 12th. Fares are $2.50 adults, $1.25 children. Over next week to June 11, railroad advertises excursion in local newspapers in form of news article.
Week of June 5, 1904
	(8th-Wednesday): For graduation ceremonies, school ground surrounding Central School of Olyphant have been decorated with miniature electrical lights. Reporter for "Scranton Republican" characterizes scene as "miniature Luna Park, so beautiful and varied the illuminations."
Week of June 26, 1904
	(2nd-Saturday): "Scranton Republican" notes difficulty Luna Park, Coney Island has meeting the needs of transportation of park-goers and that there are occasions when travelers need to be turned away because of the lack of sufficient transportation. Brooklyn Rapid Transit and various trolley companies servicing park are frequently operating at capacity. This problem in newspaper's opinion, will be compounded as new park exhibitions, such as newly under-construction "Hippodrome", are completed.
Week of July 3, 1904
	(5th-Tuesday): Second summer excursion to Luna Park, Coney Island is scheduled by Jersey Central Railroad. Train will depart on July 13th. Railroad begins another newspaper advertising campaign.
Week of July 24, 1904
	(30th-Saturday): In "Literary Notes" column in "Scranton Republican", brief mention made of the "Joys of Luna Park" in reference to pictorial article found in latest issue of "Theater" magazine.
Week of August 14, 1904
	(16th-Tuesday): Third summer excursion to Luna Park, Coney Island scheduled by Jersey Central Railroad. Train will depart on August 31st. Fare has increased to $4.35 per rider. Railroad will run another newspaper advertising campaign.
	(19th-Friday): Laurel Line opens new park in nearby Inkerman.
Week of August 21, 1904
	(27th-Saturday): Published first locally in "The Scranton Truth", Frederic Thompson & Elmer Dundy startle New York business community with announcement of their notion of franchise of Hippodromes to be invested throughout cities in the United States. They note this is time of "stupendous operations in amusement field" and there is no foreseeable reason why Hippodrome could not be distributed nationwide as is done now with their Luna Park efforts.
Week of August 28, 1904
	(1st-Thursday): Fourth summer excursion to Luna Park, Coney Island scheduled by Jersey Central Railroad. Train will depart on September 10th, 11:30 PM arriving in morning September 11th. Fare noticeably dropped back to $2.50 per adult, $1.25 per child. Railroad will run another intensive newspaper advertising campaign until the day of departure. So intense is campaign, "The Scranton Truth" runs advertisement for excursion day after train departed Scranton.
Week of November 6, 1904
	(6th-Sunday): Vitagraph Company of America tests "flicker-free" and "vibration-free" experimental picture machine at Lyceum Theater in Scranton. Using device, show a "Vitagraph concert" called the "Wonders of Luna Park". Included are scenes of Luna's "The Great Dunbar" and "Fire and Flames" exhibitions. Vitagraph continues this demonstration until the end of the week. Vitagraph also demonstrates other scenes, such as at Niagara Falls, Ireland, and Germany.
Week of March 5, 1905
	(8th-Wednesday): Crowd stunned when "Mistress of the Air", Mademoiselle Adelina Antonio, crashes through aerial safety net at Luna Park, Coney Island, reports "Scranton Republican". She is hospitalized with broken leg and internal injuries. Reported her former partner, Oscar Peter, was killed in similar accident months earlier despite assurances net was "stout and safe". Dr. J.W. Pierce, who revived Antonio believes life was saved by extra canvas placed under net which adsorbed impact of fall.
Week of May 21, 1905
	(25th-Thursday): "Scranton Republican" reports Carl Hagenbeck's "The Great Hagenbeck Animal Show" will star as the premiere act in circus show at new Rocky Glen park. United States Circle Swing Company is finishing ride that features an airship, and workmen completing "Luna Park-like" Chutes for park's opening. Also, monkey cage is setup with seventeen monkeys, one of which works a typewriter.
	(27th-Saturday): Formal opening of Frothingham's Rocky Glen Park today with exhibition by Speedy, celebrated high diver. Frothingham does not hesitate to draw comparisons with his park to Luna Park, Coney Island. San Souci Park, located near Wilkes Barre, is scheduled to open on Decoration Day [Memorial Day] with similar high-diving act and live concert band.
Week of May 28, 1905
	(1st-Thursday): Resuming their special excursion train due to popular demand, Jersey Central Railroad schedules first train of season from Scranton to Luna Park. Although first advertisements are misprinted, round-trip train departs on June 10th, 11:30 PM for arrival on morning of 11th. Fares are $2.50 adults, $1.25 children. Using identical wording, railroad advertises excursion in area newspapers up to day of departure.
Week of June 4, 1905
	(6th-Tuesday): Lehigh Valley Railroad announces intentions to run summer excursion train from Scranton to New York City featuring Hippodrome and Luna Park, Coney Island on June 21st. Fare is $4.35 per person matching Jersey Central Railroad's peak summer season price for similar excursion last year (1904). Passengers need not return until June 26th on Lehigh Valley.
Week of June 11, 1905
	(12th-Monday): Although Jersey Central Railroad excursion has left station, Lehigh Valley Railroad continues to heavily advertise its version of excursion which includes New York City, Hippodrome, and Luna Park on Coney Island, and departure back to Scranton on day of patron's choosing.
Week of June 18, 1905
	(18th-Sunday): "Scranton Republican" publishes feature article, "The Marvels of Luna Park" discussing at length how Thompson & Dundy took a "39 acre mud hole" and turned that into a "multi-million dollar entertainment enterprise." Article describes various shows and exhibitions at park and provides table estimating time and cost breakdown any patron may expect to spend on average in park. Total time on average per patron is summed up as two hours and fifty minutes and total cost spent $1.65. Table does not include free amusements as vaudeville shows, circus acts, and band concerts promoted every day in park. Many amusements found in table will ultimately be found in the Frederick Ingersoll's Scranton version of Luna Park. Ingersoll is known by reputation to be considering the use of his Ingersoll Amusement Company as a means of leveraging design and construction of similar Luna parks, such as those in Pittsburgh and Cleveland, and franchising them elsewhere, then supplying those parks with entertainment venues and technical assistance as needed.
Week of July 2, 1905
	(7th-Thursday): Competition between railroad excursions heats up as Jersey Central Railroad offers a July 12th trip to New York City and Luna Park with a five day stay countering Lehigh Valley Railroad. Advertising does not publish price for trip but rather to see local ticket agent for details. Advertisement notes traveler can conveniently take regular train on schedule rather than book seat on special excursion train, both to New York and return to Scranton, or may opt to take excursion. Advertisement runs in "Scranton Republican" and "The Scranton Truth" until excursion train's evening of departure on July 11th.
Week of July 16, 1905
	(18th-Tuesday): Because of its illumination and decoration, "Carbondale Mini-Carnival" is described by "Scranton Republican" as "Luna Park on a small scale". Newspaper reports more than thousand paid admission. Bands marched through streets of Carbondale drawing people into fair grounds. Reports of vaudeville acts, exhibition booths, music, and dancing. "Carbondale Mini-Carnival" scheduled to run entire week.
	(19th-Wednesday): "Scranton Republican" refers to "Carbondale Mini-Carnival" as "Luna Park" for rest of the week. Adds hundreds of electric lights give area metropolitan appearance and hundreds were in attendance yesterday evening. Music is furnished for event by "Mozart" Band. Concert is performed nightly between 8:00 and 9:00 PM with dance music played afterward.
	(20th-Thursday): "Scranton Republican" reports "Carbondale Luna Park" had another good night last night with well over thousand patrons. Some patrons arrived late by trolley are reluctant to leave by closing time at 11:00 PM. Carnival committee is intending on offering rain checks in event of inclement weather after 9:30 PM. Highlight of evening is bean-rolling contest for children.
	(21st-Friday): "Scranton Republican" reports "Carbondale Luna Park" had "unusually large [crowd], but it was not too large to enjoy splendid concert given by Mozart Band. Many attractions within park appeal to crowd and those who visit it for first time express wonder at magnificence of the place." In "The Scranton Truth", paper echoes "Scranton Republican", "Attendance yesterday was the largest of any session since the opening of the park."
	(22nd-Saturday): "Scranton Republican" in article titled "At Luna Park", reports "Carbondale Luna Park" had recording-breaking crowd. Carnival sponsored by Carbondale Hook and Ladder Company, Mozart Band, and Klot's Fire Brigade as means of raising funds. Yesterday, Oswego, New York Baseball Club visits carnival. Tonight, baseball club from town of Archibald visits "park".
Week of July 23, 1905
	(24th-Monday): "Scranton Republican" reports that "Carbondale Luna Park" is still maintaining its attraction with several hundred patrons visiting on Saturday evening. "Park" is open again tonight with diverse concert selection.
	(25th-Tuesday): "Scranton Republican" reports that crowds were so heavy at "Carbondale Luna Park" that serious consideration was given to stop selling admission tickets to carnival. Newspaper points out grand benefit to those undertaking this effort to portray such a park. More music is scheduled in concert tonight.
	(28th-Friday):"Scranton Republican" headlines, "It's Still On." regarding the operation of "Carbondale Luna Park". By popular request, Mozart Band has eliminated its evening concerts in order to provide more time for couples to dance.
Week of July 30, 1905
	(1st-Tuesday): Because of rain previous Friday (28th) and Saturday (29th), and because of popular requests, "Scranton Republican" reports those managing "Carbondale Luna Park" will keep the park open today, Thursday, and Saturday evenings, especially for those who appreciate dancing.
	(2nd-Wednesday): "Scranton Republican" reports "Carbondale Luna Park" had another "good sized crowd" last night, but carnival will definitely close after Saturday.
Week of August 6, 1905
	(7th-Monday): "Scranton Republican" reports that "Carbondale Luna Park" had successful evening on Saturday and "park" has come to a close. The newspaper reported that while project of Carbondale Hook and Ladder Company, Mozart Band, and Klot's Fire Brigade was not as great a success as originally planned, proved to be profitable undertaking. Carnival grounds dismantled and as reporter wrote, park "became only a pleasant memory for the crowds who attended the pleasure resort."
	(11th-Friday): "The Scranton Truth" publishes photo (pg. 9) of Jennie, telephoning elephant. Jennie owned by Thompson & Dundy of Luna Park, Coney Island and New York Hippodrome fame. Edison Phonograph Hall, 130 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton supplies all new records to One Cent Wonder Palace located at 303 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton. One Cent Wonder Palace has twenty-five of latest version, coin operated, Edison phonograph players. Latest music are in first players on left side of arcade.
Week of August 20, 1905
	(24th-Thursday): Jersey Central Railroad advertises another New York City excursion featuring Luna Park. Trip will depart August 30th with optional five day stay. No price published in advertisement. Interested are encouraged to contact ticket agent. One has option of leaving and returning by excursion train or returning by regularly scheduled train within five days of arrival in New York. Advertising runs in local newspapers until evening of departure.
Week of August 27, 1905
	(31st-Thursday): "Scranton Republican" reports all ready for opening of Shoot the Chutes amusement at Rocky Glen Park. Reported by taking advantage of natural rock formations in park, amusement is longer than that at Luna Park on Coney Island. Frothingham, owner of majority of the park, and gentleman named Ingersol, owner of the roller coaster and old mill, assure the public these rides will be in operation at park on Labor Day. Because new partnership between two is uneasy one, newspaper places special emphasis on individual rides being ready. [The newspaper erroneously believes this Ingersol is Frederick Ingersoll, and is later forced to make a retraction.] Central Labor Union is planning an outing at the park on Labor Day.
	(1st-Friday): "Scranton Republican" reports Luna Park, Coney Island is preparing for Mardi Gras Week, five days jubilation commencing on September 19th. Thompson and Dundy are originators of idea of celebrating end of the summer amusement season.
Week of September 2, 1905
	(6th-Wednesday): "The Scranton Truth" runs Jersey Central Railroad advertisement for overnight excursion to Luna Park, Coney Island, leaving evening of September 9th, 11:30 PM and arriving morning of 10th. Fare per person is $2.50. Trip does not promote multiple day stay as earlier trips had done. Ad will run in local newspapers until 9th.
Week of November 12, 1905
	(14th-Tuesday): "The Scranton Truth" scoops area newspapers with story that Frederick Ingersoll and others will be building a "Luna Park" at Roaring Brook Gorge near Nay Aug Park in Scranton. Reporters for that paper are still piecing story together as they learn Ingersoll is being assisted by W.O. Edmonds of Pittsburgh, A.P. Bedford, who holds land interests in area, and W.W. Johnston, who left for Philadelphia in interest of the new concern. But, run the story with what news they have... A six by six foot colorized picture of new park sits in a corridor of Hotel Jermyn where the three men have apparently set up a temporary office. Stated principle purpose of project is to make money. Secondly, project is to furnish amusements to Scrantonians and others in vicinity such as they have never before enjoyed. Laurel Line is receptive to running trains to park as often as people want. Scranton Railway Company's current trolley lines end two blocks from a planned entrance to park and may consider extending their lines remaining distance. In terms of financial planning, businessmen spoke to press of $75,000 contribution from city of which would be matched by $75,000 from group of businessmen from Pittsburgh area who currently support Luna Park, Pittsburgh. They point out Pittsburgh Luna paid fifty cent dividends last year and expect Scranton Luna could better that number. Using first year proceeds, $150,000 could be reinvested to extend park twice as much in amusement possibilities in its second year, or so they reasoned to reporters. A.P. Bedford has given yet-to-be-named park company a twenty year lease on land on which park would be built. As this is a "scoop", a full detailed announcement will be forthcoming to press later. But, construction is already started, there is a new dam built in Roaring Brook and small lake is expected to be used in winter as a skating resort and possible jump-off place for Shoot the Chutes.
	(15th-Wednesday): "Scranton Republican" runs similar story verifying article in "The Scranton Truth" but with several qualifications. Mr. Frederick Ingersoll, President of the Ingersoll Amusement Company of Pittsburgh, and W.O. Edmonds, Vice-President, announce a May, 1906 opening date of park built similarly in concept to their Luna Parks in Pittsburgh and Cleveland which they own. They note they do not own the Coney Island Luna Park and also note they have nothing to do with the Ingersol mentioned previously in paper in regard to Rocky Glen Park. They are not connected with them. They confirm a twenty year lease has been signed on twenty acres of property with land owners Bedford and Stipp upon which park will be built. Area is already called Stipp Park and has improvements made to it which will change. Twelve acres of land are to be given up to improvements that Ingersoll Amusement Company will make, eight acres will be developed as picnic grove. Twenty-seven attractions are planned in first year and can be reached by crossing bridge over Roaring Brook Gorge that connects with Nay Aug Park. Associated with Ingersoll Company in this enterprise are certain Scranton businessmen. No effort will be spared to give park widest possible advertisement. A press agent will be stationed on grounds and will have corp. of assistants. Work on park begins in next ten days. Advertisements for park will be placed in area newspapers in next few weeks. Between $150,000 and $200,000 is expected to be spent on improvements. Numerous playgrounds will be constructed for children. Sanitary arrangements for sewer and water will be perfect. Different bands are planned to be used each week drawn from some of the finest talent found in major cities across country.
	(17th-Friday): Reporter for "The Scranton Truth" finds surveying and staking work taking place on land where the park will be built. He quotes Vice-President Edmonds of the Ingersoll Amusement Company as saying, " The work is being done by a large force of men being put on the job as quickly as possible."
Week of December 10, 1905
	(13th-Wednesday): "Scranton Republican" in editorial titled, "The Building Progress of the Electric City For 1905" speaks of seeing new amusement resort, Luna Park, shining conspicuously on the hill in the Nay Aug section of the city.
Week of January 7, 1906
	(9th-Tuesday): In "Legal Notices" section of "Scranton Republican", first "Notice of Incorporation of the Scranton Luna Park Company" is published specifying application of articles of incorporation will be made to Governor of Pennsylvania at 10:00 AM on January 31, 1906 by Herman Osthaus, T. Frank Penman, Charles W. Gunster, Frederick Ingersoll, and "others" under business regulations approved on April 29, 1874. Character and object of "Scranton Luna Park Company" is "owning, leasing, constructing, maintaining, operating, and managing of parks for the amusement and recreation of the public, and for these purposes to have, possess and enjoy all the rights, benefits, privileges of the said act of assembly and its supplements." Notice is signed by company solicitor, C. Reynolds Bedford.
	(10th-Wednesday): "The Scranton Truth" newspaper acknowledges legal notice with article, "Charter for Luna Park" in which reporter states on January 31, Attorney C.R. Bedford will submit application to Governor of Pennsylvania for business charter to operate "Scranton Luna Park Company". Incorporators are Herman Osthaus, T. Frank Penman, Charles W. Gunster, and Frederick Ingersoll who will control amusement park now being created east of Nay Aug Park.
	(11th-Thursday): "The Scranton Truth" reports Spruks Brothers delivering lumber to site of park. Firm is under contract and expects to use an aggregate 1,300,000 feet of material costing $40,000. The Laurel Line has already built a switch and siding into grounds and is used to help facilitate transfer of lumber via flatcars. [Lumber also arrives on flatcar via Lackawanna Railroad and is carried uphill to site.] Ingersoll Amusement Company engineers and foremen superintend construction because of experience with other Ingersoll parks, but actual work is performed by local trade unions. One engineer and two foremen are already on-site. The Scranton Railway Company is looking into extending its rail lines two blocks to park [only via Myrtle Street years later]. The Lackawanna Railroad and Erie Railroad [not yet merged] are reviewing agreements into building stations convenient to grounds [they do not proceed]. [The newspaper quotes the following figures.] 13,000 feet of lumber to build bridge over Roaring Brook. 50,000 feet of lumber to build board fence surrounding entire park. Dancing pavilion to use 125,000 feet of lumber. 12,000 feet of lumber to build Band stand. 150,000 feet of lumber to support construction of Shoot the Chutes lagoon. Scenic Railway station to use 25,000 feet of lumber. Car shed to house 20 cars will use 12,000 feet of lumber. Scenic Railway track will use 90,000 feet of lumber. Theater [Scenitorium?] to use 35,000 feet of lumber. Temple of Mystery to use 56,000 feet of lumber. Aerial swing to use 12,000 feet of lumber. 65,000 feet of lumber to build the Carousel. Chateau Alphonse to use 25,000 feet of lumber. Also listed, collonade, to use 13,000 feet of lumber. Plans state 40,000 lights used to illuminate the park when opened. Suburban Electric Light Company expected to provide electric power at cost of $7,000 per month. Trade contracts stipulate construction work must be completed by May 15, 1906.
	(12th-Friday): Second publishing of required three separate advertisements of the legal "Notice of Incorporation of the Scranton Luna Park Company" accommodated in today's edition of "Legal Notices" section of "Scranton Republican".
	(13th-Saturday): In "Breakfast Bits" section of "Scranton Republican", question is posed by reader, "Why call the park, 'Luna Park'? Why not some original name?" An editor responds, "Luna Park - the name that is given to the local amusement grounds is that of the one near the metropolis and elsewhere because some of the same people are interested in all the Luna Parks in the country." Spruks Brothers Co. continue to deliver lumber to site of park.
Week of January 21, 1906
	(25th-Thursday): "The Scranton Truth" reports workmen have been busy over last ten days erecting board fence surrounding Luna Park grounds and expect completion today or tomorrow at the latest.
Week of January 28, 1906
	(30th-Tuesday): Third publishing of legal "Notice of Incorporation of the Scranton Luna Park Company" is accommodated in today's edition of "Legal Notices" section of "Scranton Republican".
	(31st-Wednesday): Without objection, per "Notice of Incorporation of the Scranton Luna Park Company", the "Scranton Luna Park Company" is incorporated as a viable business entity under rules and regulations of business commerce in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Corporate officers and Board of Director names are not publicized at this time but previous advertising suggests Herman Osthaus, Thomas Frank Penman, Charles W. Gunster, and Frederick Ingersoll are involved.
	(1st-Thursday): "Scranton Republican" reports three carloads of lumber have been delivered to Luna Park site via corner of James and Reynolds streets. Article states this is only small quantity of what will be needed to complete work. Work is progressing on Chateau Alphonse at this time and is expected its framework will be completed in a few days. It notes Mr. Frederick Ingersoll is General Manager as at several parks in other cities and will make this Luna Park as complete as others in every respect. Mr. W.T. Wetherell of Seattle, Michigan, is appointed as park's excursion agent and also to manage park's publicity department.
Week of February 4, 1906
	(5th-Monday): After interview with Frederick Ingersoll, "The Scranton Truth" reports president of the Ingersoll Amusement Company expressed hope for success for park. Park is projected to be most costly and up-to-date resort in this part of Pennsylvania and is designed similar to Luna Park in Cleveland, Ohio. Ingersoll notes he has hired for sixty days, a noted theatrical decorator, Alfred Robinson, to design and decorate the entire Scranton park. Robinson is known for supporting five years of productions of theater of popular actor, Sir Henry Irving, and about same experience with plays associated with actress Sarah Bernhardt. Robinson is to remain until entire park is complete and ready to be opened. Ingersoll also mentions to reporter several musical attractions coming to park and several "first class" attractions he expects to rotate every week.
	(6th-Tuesday): In "Breakfast Bits" section of "Scranton Republican", comments are made suggesting over two hundred thousand dollars will be spent building Scranton's Luna Park. Location is one of the most beautiful spots in the country for the resort and has access to good rail and trolley service. It's noted that corporate officers wish to operate the park on strictly moral basis, and no intoxicants permitted on the grounds at any time. Already the park expects thousands of visitors based on the number of picnics and outings scheduled for summer. Excerpt from one of many park brochures states, "It will be the policy of the management of the Scranton Luna Park to maintain the highest standards of clean moral amusements and attractions. Our employees must be courteous and obliging. The comfort, safety and entertainment of our patrons is of chief importance and nothing inconsistent with polite and painstaking performance will be tolerated." Earliest brochures are signed by "Frederick Ingersoll, General Manager."
Week of February 11, 1906
	(17th-Saturday): Ridge Row Street Railway Company proposes application for charter to Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on March 9th, proposing incorporation and a street route originating from Adams Avenue in City of Scranton to Luna Park to be built. Effort is being promoted by Scranton businessmen: P.F. Cusick, Dr. G.E. Hill, J.F. Mears, J.J. Croghan, and W.P. Boland. Frances E. Donnelly is their representing attorney. "Scranton Republican" opines men are somehow connected with businessmen of the park.
Week of February 25, 1906
	(25th-Sunday): "Scranton Republican" suggests May 1st will be opening day for Scranton's Luna Park as work seems to be progressing rapidly. Paper observes that new amusements should soon be in working order.
	(26th-Monday): "The Scranton Truth" reports Ingersoll Amusement Company workmen are rushing construction but don't expect completion until May 21st. When completed, expected to be equal the most up-to-date amusement places in country. It is stated to newspaper that main object of management is to have a place of amusement that will interest and delight both young and old, without giving offense to the most scrupulous.
Week of March 4, 1906
	(6th-Tuesday): Luna Park runs first advertisement in local newspaper, the "Scranton Republican", "Luna Park, Scranton, PA. The largest and finest amusement enterprise in eastern Pennsylvania. Will Open Monday, May 21st, 1906. Books for excursions, picnics, and outings now open. For particulars, address: Scranton Luna Park, Luna Park Co., Scranton, Pa."
	(7th-Wednesday): Luna Park runs second advertisement in "The Scranton Truth", "Luna Park, Scranton, PA. The largest and finest amusement enterprise in eastern Pennsylvania. Will Open Monday, May 21st, 1906. Books for excursions, picnics, and outings now open. For particulars, address: The Scranton Luna Park Company, Scranton, Pa." Apparent "Scranton Luna Park Company" is anticipating approval of business charter and will operate park while "Ingersoll Amusement Company" is designing and building park in interim.
	(8th-Thursday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" advertisement runs again in "The Scranton Truth". Truth also announces in "Legal Notice." section, business charter for "Scranton Luna Park Company" approved by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in Harrisburg with capital stock of $150,000 on this date.
	(9th-Friday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" advertisement runs in "Scranton Republican", but with company name now reflecting "Scranton Luna Park Company". Advertisement also runs in "The Scranton Truth".
	(10th-Saturday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "The Scranton Truth".
Week of March 11, 1906
	(12th-Monday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "The Scranton Truth".
	(13th-Tuesday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "The Scranton Truth".
	(14th-Wednesday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "The Scranton Truth".
	(15th-Thursday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "The Scranton Truth". Scranton Luna Park Company holds its first organizational meeting. Following are elected as Board of Directors: President, Thomas F. Penman; Vice-President and General Manager [Mayor of Scranton], Frederick Ingersoll; Treasurer, John H. Brooks; Secretary, C.K. Bedford; Directors, Frederick Ingersoll, S.S. Spruks [of the Spruks Brothers Company?], Charles Gunster, J.H. Brooks, Herman Osthaus, and Hayden Evans. Reported work is being pushed on park to open on advertised May 21st date and 27,000 lights will be used when park opens. Weather is disadvantageous but expected that large number of amusements, up-to-date in character, will be installed as soon as possible. They will include many not seen outside of Coney Island.
	(16th-Friday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement switches to "Scranton Republican."
Week of March 18, 1906
	(19th-Monday): Central Labor Union announces to press consideration of a city parade [Scranton] that ends at Luna Park on Labor Day this year. Intent of using park will be scene in which to stage speeches by representative labor men.
	(20th-Tuesday): "Scranton Republican" reports "Scranton Luna Park Company" has entered into agreement with local electrical worker's union for wiring and lighting and for all other electrical work required. Matter is treated as routine business. Presently, there are eight electrical workers in employ of the park and twenty-five men are required to finish the work. Work is only temporary perhaps not lasting more than next two months. According to signed agreement, only card-carrying, union men are to be employed. Standard pay is fifty cents per hour with overtime of seventy-five cents per hour. Sunday work is paid $1.00 per hour. "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs exclusively in "Scranton Republican" today. In "Afternoon Echoes" column of "The Scranton Truth", writer speculates, "What with Luna Park and the other amusement enterprises that are hastening to open their doors, it would seem that Scranton offered an attractive field for investment to those who find their profit in entertaining the public." Reportedly Central Labor Union intends to meet with Frederick Ingersoll to secure a booking for the union's Labor Day plans. Park does not yet have its own booking agent.
	(21st-Wednesday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs exclusively in "The Scranton Truth" today. In "Breakfast Bits" section of "Scranton Republican", writer comments, "All we shall need in the way of amusements in the course of a short time will be a permanent circus and a prize fight corral. With a new theater going up every week, with Luna Park, Moosic Lake, Rocky Glen, and a few other attractions, we are likely to be entertained for the remainder of our lives."
	(22nd-Thursday): "The Scranton Truth" reports Central Labor Union is planning Labor Day exercises this year at Luna Park. Union's Labor Day committee is to meet with Frederick Ingersoll to make arrangements for celebration. "Scranton Republican" adds that event is likely to be a strict temperance rally and no liquor will be sold on grounds. Noted a similar event was held at Rocky Glen Park and union profited more than ever before than when liquor was actually sold. William Corless is chairman and E.C. Patterson is secretary.
	(23rd-Friday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "Scranton Republican".
	(24th-Saturday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "The Scranton Truth".
Week of March 25, 1906
	(26th-Monday): In "Afternoon Echoes" column of "The Scranton Truth", writer notes construction effort at Luna Park impaired by incongruity of snow and ice but is encouraged by prospect of warmth and sunshine of the spring season. Appears to the writer that "wonderful progress has been made", and there is confidence the park will be ready by scheduled May 21st "Opening Day". A comment is made, "With Luna Park added to Rocky Glen and Moosic Lake, the people of Scranton will not want for places of outdoor amusement hereafter." A "Scranton Republican" writer notes that in addition to the permanent attractions at Luna Park, new "name" entertainment attractions in park will be presented each week, some are to be imported from Thompson & Dundy's New York Hippodrome and Coney Island.
	(27th-Tuesday): In article, "Rushing the Work", in "Scranton Republican", anonymous writer describes work is being pushed to be ready for May 21st opening. Park management announces "Strict Moral Tone for the Convenience of Patrons" at park. Ladies and children are to be offered the best protection while in the park. No liquor of any kind will be permitted. A Dance Pavilion and separate Restaurant will be available to patrons. Sunday school picnics, outings for societies and kindred organizations are encouraged. Many societies have already secured dates and the demand for accommodations for such outings will cause park to be in great demand throughout season. Article reiterates Scranton Luna Park Company is responsible for park and relists corporate officers and board of directors. Lastly, writer notes park will have adequate rail service through Laurel Line, Scranton Railway Company, Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad, and Erie Railroad. "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs exclusively in "Scranton Republican" today.
	(28th-Wednesday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "The Scranton Truth".
	(29th-Thursday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "The Scranton Truth".
	(30th-Friday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "Scranton Republican".
	(31st-Saturday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "The Scranton Truth".
Week of April 1, 1906
	(4th-Wednesday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "The Scranton Truth".
	(7th-Saturday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "The Scranton Truth". Reported that George Whitcomb, an excursions representative for Luna Park, Scranton, was visiting local lodgemen with proposals to run excursions.
Week of April 8, 1906
	(11th-Wednesday): "Scranton Luna Park Company" picnic advertisement runs in "The Scranton Truth".
Week of April 15, 1906
	(21st-Saturday): "The Scranton Truth" reports Thirteenth Regiment has accepted invitation of management of Luna Park to be present at park during opening week. Management has decided to dedicate a day to be known as "Military Day" to regiment.
Week of April 22, 1906
	(24th-Tuesday): "The Scranton Truth" reports land bought for Luna Park above Nay Aug Park was recorded in a deed filed today but does not provide details, neither does the "Scranton Republican".
	(28th-Saturday): "Scranton Republican" and "The Scranton Truth" report "Ridge Row Railway" has filed for, and received, a seven mile Extension of Lines Certificate of the Commonwealth with the Lackawanna County Recorder of Deeds office. According to company President J.F. Mears and Secretary P.F. Cusick, certificate was presented to and approved by Pennsylvania Governor Pennypacker. Company had already received permission to build to Luna Park, extension permits street car railway to extend to another local attraction, a "Driving Park" in Minooka. Expected the Scranton Railway Company will oppose the expansion on grounds of a feared loss of patronage.
Week of April 29, 1906
	(5th-Saturday): "Scranton Republican" reports Scranton Director Wormser will assign five special patrolmen to Luna Park from day of opening until park closes. Although not ready to name those specifically assigned to new posts, Wormser states decision was made after Major T.F. Penman, counsel for the "Scranton Luna Park Company", made request for proper police protection. The patrolmen will wear their regular uniforms while on duty in park. "The Scranton Truth" reports Myers Brothers have been awarded a plumbing contract at Luna Park that must be completed by May 15th. The newspaper also reports local Knights Templar will visit Luna Park, Pittsburgh attending "Knights Templar Day" there on May 23rd.
Week of May 6, 1906
	(6th-Sunday): Stormy weather fails to dampen enthusiasm of sightseers attempting to catch glimpse of Luna Park across from Nay Aug Gorge. High wooden fence, low clouds, and fog make viewing of new park difficult for most.
	(7th-Monday): Legal notice published in "Scranton Republican" advising public that "NOTICE is hereby given that application will be made to the Department of Public Safety on May 18th, 1906, for a license to conduct a dance hall at Luna Park, Scranton, Pa., by the Scranton Luna Park Company." "The Scranton Truth" notes Thomas Shafer, age 32, carpenter, is in charge of a gang of men who are at work on Luna Park. "United Irish Societies of Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties" announce intentions to hold a meeting in June at Luna Park.
	(10th-Thursday): "The Scranton Truth" reports 500 workmen from Ingersoll Amusement Company, construction company building Luna Park, are rushing work to completion and putting "finishing touches" on park to be ready for scheduled opening day of May 21st. Park contains all latest and most up-to-date in amusement enterprises anywhere. Park described as being in three parts. The first section is side of Roaring Brook where anticipated that new lake will be used for boats and aquatic sports with a picnic grove there. By crossing brook on footbridge, amusement part of park is entered. This part of park is constructed in an oval shape around the Shoot the Chutes... Among the buildings and amusements here are Scenic Railway, Vaudeville Theater, Aerial Circle Swing, Carousel, Sea-on-Land, Trip to Rockaway, Auto Ride, Temple of Mystery, Chateau Alphonse, Edisonia, Old Mill, Dance Pavilion, Band Stand, Restaurant, etc. A large picnic ground is third section and adds interest to park. Natural beauty of well-shaded grove is enhanced by skillful work of landscape gardeners. Laurel Line and Scranton Railway Company run to gates while Lackawanna and Erie Railroads skirt edge of park so would appear there will be no difficulty in transporting crowds to and from park. Scranton's Luna Park is owned and operated by a local company, the "Scranton Luna Park Company" with an authorized stock of $150,000. Company is formed as follows: President, Thomas F. Penman; vice-president and general manager, Frederick Ingersoll; treasurer, John H. Brooks; secretary, C. Reynolds Bedford. Other directors of company are: Herman Osthaus, C.W. Gunster, S.S. Spruks, and W.H. Evans. Benjamin Keller is hired to manage company finance department.
	(11th-Friday): "Scranton Republican" publishes article similar "The Scranton Truth" from previous day. Notably on May 21st, expected nearly twenty different attractions to be in operation [out of an initially expected thirty amusements.] Second publishing of legal notice by "Scranton Luna Park Company" to operate a Dance Pavilion is seen in "Scranton Republican" today. "The Scranton Truth" notes "Scranton Luna Park Company" "took long strive forward on road to success" by engaging services of the "prince of press agents" and "paragon of publicity pushers", Mr. Arthur J. Keller. Article notes Mr. Keller's success as press agent for Lyceum Theater, Academy of Music, and tenure on news staff of "The Scranton Truth". He is not related to Benjamin Keller managing finance department. "The Scranton Truth" announces pupils of borough schools of Avoca will conduct picnic at Luna Park on June 5th.
	(12th-Saturday): "Scranton Republican" announces Elm Park Sunday School is among many organizations considering plans for picnics at Luna Park.
Week of May 13, 1906
	(13th-Sunday): "Scranton Republican" describes Luna Park as most attractively located, modern type of exposition park that has reached a state of completion and will throw open its gates to public a week from tomorrow. Opening of park, its reported, will reveal a summer park complete in all departments and of such magnitude that it will prove a tremendous surprise to residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania. In describing park architecture, newspaper claims institution is an elaborate example of modern type of exhibition park with magnificent buildings, ball rooms, concert bands, circus performances, exhilarating rides and exposition shows, combining electrical, mechanical, and theatrical makeup. It will necessarily be place of novel diversions, land of laughter, and mecca of rest, retrospection, and recreation. Buildings are grouped together in irregular fashion about lagoon, elevated circus ring, mall, and flower beds and concert stand. There are rich conceits in structures from the Byzantine, Moorish, Japanese, Arabic, Gothic, French Renaissance, Corinthian-styles representing all periods. Above all stands great chutes tower, which at night, is wrapped in a lace-like mantle of thousands of electric lights. The park contains no hazardous rides, no deep waters, nor dangerous precipices. An advertisement runs in same newspaper, "Luna Park! Scranton's Spectacular Showground opens Monday, May 21st. Handsomest, biggest and best amusement park in Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. Come and bring the family. Twenty Different Amusements. Free Band Concert and Circus. Gate Admission, ten cents. Meet me at Luna Park, May 21st."
	(14th-Monday): "Luna Park almost ready for showing." proclaims edition of "The Scranton Truth". Article continues, "The opening will mark an epoch in the history of amusement enterprises in this city, in fact this entire end of the state." Continuing on, article describes the Scenic Railway roller coaster. "It succeeds the familiar figure-8 roller coaster, being built throughout the park, affording an unusually long and pleasing ride. For the distance of two city blocks, the railway skirts the Lackawanna railway tracks, running through a deeply wooded grove. The track is laid on the crest of the hill overlooking the railroad tracks and the ride is a thoroughly delightful one. The curves are well banked, and the car works in a chute, making derailment absolutely impossible, and while the ride is exciting, there is no danger. The open air ride is bound to be one of the most interesting of the many interesting features of Luna Park." "Scranton Republican" reports that thousands yesterday tried to visit the park grounds by way of Nay Aug Park hoping to catch glimpse of the new park but were thwarted by high board fence surrounding twenty acre park. [A section of the fence is painted black with white lettering, "Frederick Ingersoll". Buildings are barely visible through now leafing trees.] Newspaper reports no members of public are admitted until construction is completed. Newspaper describes west side ticket entrance [Nay Aug side] as entrancing. Main entrance ticket booth is "Ionic in architectural treatment and a dazzling site to a visitor with a great crescent typifying moon curves the central passageway, and in the background, a number of buildings can be seen grouped irregularly about the oval center ground of the lagoon for the Shoot the Chutes. The Scenic Railway can be seen extending throughout the park and the tower of the Shoot the Chutes thrusts itself skyward over a hundred feet into the air." "Spectacular Showground" advertisement runs in "Scranton Republican" today. First Baptist Church Sunday School schedules to go to Luna Park on July 18th.
	(15th-Tuesday): "Scranton Republican" notes "Ingersoll Amusement Company has engaged 300 laborers, 175 carpenters, 60 painters, 15 landscape gardeners, 10 expert machinists, and 20 teams [of mules?] to construct the park since January. Twenty buildings have been reared from Byzantine, Moorish, Japanese, Arabic, Gothic, French Renaissance, and Corinthian styles. Intention is to throw open the gates on Monday, May 21st. Included in buildings and amusements are the oscillating Trip to Rockaway, Edisonia with varied amusement devices, the Scenitorium with its "Tours of the World", the Carousel with its horses and animals that run, walk, hop, skip, and jump, the Blarney Castle with its dark passages and surprises, the Scenic River with its 2000 feet of waterway, Shades and Shadows with its avenues of horror and terror, Aerial Circle Swing, Shooting Gallery, Restaurant, Band Stand, and others. "Saturday Outing Club" announces its official opening day begins May 21st at Luna Park. Reverend H.J. Gerrity, pastor of St. Thomas Church, will run an excursion to Luna Park in later part of June. Announced by "Scranton Luna Park Company" management that Mr. Charles Hamilton has been engaged as advertising agent for park. "The Scranton Truth" runs "Spectacular Showground" advertisement with several modifications. It adds, "15 Big Attractions 15 including Scenic Railway, Shoot the Chutes, A Trip to Rockaway, Edisonia, Temple of Mystery, Scenitorium, Carousel, Circle Swing, Blarney Castle, Scenic River, Shades and Shadows, Shooting Gallery, Restaurant, Dancing Pavilion, etc., Free Added Feature: Liberatti's Famous Concert Band and Open Air Circus Acts."
	(16th-Wednesday): Liberatti's Famous Concert Band and Bessie Valdare's Troupe of Six Lady Cyclists will open the free attractions next week reports "The Scranton Truth". "These two stellar attractions will be seen on the grounds free of costs in addition to the fifteen other amusements", the newspaper continued. "Liberatti's Band is one of the widest known of the big touring organizations and is familiar to local people who have visited Atlantic City." "Bessie Valdare's Troupe is one of the biggest novelty acts of Europe, and the act comes directly to Scranton from the Alhambra in London." Meanwhile, "Scranton Republican" describes Shoot the Chutes, "The 'chutes' is one of the most elaborate to be found in any exposition park in any part of the country. The tower of the chutes thrusts itself 85 feet into the air, with an incline of 350 feet long. The boat dashes into a lagoon 90 feet wide by 300 feet long. Lagoon is banked and terraced on all sides. At night, the incline and tower are brilliantly illuminated by 5,000 electric lights. [Note: After 1907, arched lighting was added with a red gas flame suspended over the middle of the lagoon--a detail not recorded in postcard imagery but seen in certain glass slide and newspaper photos.] Committee of the Saturday Outing Club visits the still under construction park and report back to their membership their choice of Luna Park as the first grand outing spot of season is justified. "The Scranton Truth" and "Scranton Republican" run modified "Spectacular Showground" advertisement for park today.
	(17th-Thursday): Modified "Spectacular Showground" advertisement is run again in "The Scranton Truth" and "Scranton Republican" today. Disclosed by "Scranton Republican", Liberatti's Famous Concert Band and Bessie Valdare's Troupe are being subsidized by Ingersoll Amusement Company for Scranton Luna Park Company "at a tremendous expense." It notes Liberatti's Band is one of the most foremost concert bands on tour. Bessie Valdare's Troupe hails directly from Europe, and their wonderful exploits on bicycles was a big hit at the Alhambra in London as well as throughout the continent. It is expected their appearance in Scranton is bound to create similar sensation. "The Scranton Truth" discusses park's picnic grounds. "Considerable space has been devoted to picnic visitors, picnic grounds have been laid out admirably, and every convenience for the comfort of picnickers installed. Included in the arrangements is a small lake for boating. This body of water has been formed by the damming of Roaring Brook, and while it is not so large the mountain frames up picturesquely, and it is anticipated this will be one of the most delightful parts of the big park." [Note: Lake quickly filled with coal refuse and silt from colliery operations upstream and led to eventual legal action by City of Scranton.] "The picnic grounds proper are located on the farther side of the Laurel Line tracks. This is reached by a subway under the tracks. The picnic park itself is a landscape of surpassing beauty. There are stretches of lawn with flower beds, and immense shade trees which will keep out the hottest rays of of the midsummer sun." [Note: Park management began to receive complaints of the location of the picnic area being too far from the park's restaurant. Management eventually adds picnic tables between the carousel and circle swing - close to restaurant.] "There is a big dining pavilion divided into two compartments, each equipped with ranges and utensils. There is an abundance of pure spring water, and every facility is afforded for picnics, outings, reunions, and family parties." [Note: Management charged for use of these facilities.] Paper opines in expression of "wonder" why nothing is being done to extend Scranton Railway Company rails few blocks necessary to extend trolley service to west entrance of park.
	(18th-Friday): "The Scranton Truth" reports Edward R. Conley, "the well-known newspaper man", has been hired to manage Luna Park's Shooting Gallery. Paper publishes "Luna Park Facts in a Nutshell"". Among [1906] factoids contained in article, "Cost-$150,000. Lumber Used-1,500,000 feet. Electric Lights-30,000. Buildings-20. Attractions-15. Laborers employed-300. Carpenters employed-175. Painters employed-60. Landscape gardeners-15. Machinists employed-10. Teams-20. Time in building-Six Months. Opens-May 21st, 1906 at 1:00 PM." Paper indicated ground was broken in early January and throughout winter months, work progressed steadily until early spring, then workforce was doubled, and pushed towards completion. Besides listing various amusements and attractions previously noted, paper adds "refreshment stands" and "photographic galleries" onto list. Also, "In addition to these amusements, there will be free entertainment throughout season, which will close on September 24th. Big touring bands will play during season, playing a week at a time, changing their programs daily. There will be circus acts given on the elevated circus platform." "Scranton Republican" expresses concern that when Luna Park construction is completed, large number of local Ingersoll Amusement Company union men will become unemployed. But while a casual onlooker would believe this is causing anxiety among the men, new work is being continually started and believed men will have no problem finding placement elsewhere. Paper notes park will have fully-equipped hospital not for just the benefit of performers and park employees but primarily for benefit of general public. According to paper, "Any person seized by illness on the grounds will be hustled by the park's own ambulance corps to the hospital, and there proper care and treatment afforded without charge." Hospital is to be placed in charge of a local physician and two nurses, [yet to be named], constantly on duty. Hospital contains cots, medicine chests, etc., in short everything one would expect for a hospital of the period. Hospital adjoins the park's administration building and while centrally located, is placed further back towards Myrtle Street, away from noise and confusion of the grounds, "where a patient may secure complete rest." "The Scranton Truth" and "Scranton Republican" each run modified "Spectacular Showground" advertisement for park today. Almost half inch of rain falls as new resident Park Manager, Len B. Sloss, conducts an "Employment Day" [Job Fair] at park. Park Manager Sloss was previously engaged by Athletic Park in New Orleans. His first order of business is to fill 300 positions from over 3000 applications. A reporter for "Scranton Republican" notes there were many disappointments. He notices young ladies have been engaged as cashiers at various gates and attractions, effort made to secure prettiest and most prepossessing of applicants. Other jobs filled are ticket-takers, starters, operators, machinists, stage hands, etc., all now employees of "Scranton Luna Park Company".
	(19th-Saturday): "Postponed!" rings out in headlines of "The Scranton Truth" and "Scranton Republican". "Delays in receiving "necessary machinery" and "adverse frequent rainy weather conditions" are cited as causes force park management and Board of Directors to reluctantly postpone opening Luna Park one week to May 28th. Although it thought possible to open park on the 21st, three or four major attractions would be out of service [Note: Many were not ready on the 28th and had staggered openings.] Rather than disappoint public, park management and Board of Directors decide to delay in the best interest of the public. The delay reeks havoc with free show schedule. Liberatti's Band has commitment the week of 28th and must move on. Park management hastily schedules the "World famous Don Philipinni Concert Band" as a substitute. Likewise, Bessie Valdare's Troupe of Six Cyclists also has schedule commitment. "Sensational High Dive Act", the Norrins, are arranged to take their place. Based on wording of advertisements, park management had already compensated former opening day acts "at great expense" to entertainment budget. There is a new advertisement now in newspapers, "Postponed! Owing to Delay in Arrival of Necessary Machinery and Adverse Weather Conditions. Luna Park! Scranton's Spectacular Amusement Resort WILL NOT Open Monday, May 21, as Announced, but Will Positively Open Monday May 28 Just a Week Later With 30-Big Attractions-30 Including Scenic Railway, Shoot-the Chutes, A Trip to Rockaway, Edisonia, Temple of Mystery, Scenitorium, Carousel, Circle Swing, Blarney Castle, Scenic River, Shades and Shadows, Shooting Gallery, Restaurant, Dancing Pavilion, Etc. Free Added Features: Don Philipinni Famous Concert Band and the Norrins, High Divers. Remember the Change in Date - May 28. Gate Admission - 10 Cents."
Week of May 20, 1906
	(20th-Sunday): In "Amusements" column of "Scranton Republican", reminder that Scranton's Luna Park will not open tomorrow as previous announced. Continuing on, "The postponement has been done by the directors and every effort will be made to keep the park clean, moral, and wholesome." After reiterating particulars of the park hospital and number of board feet used in construction the park, editor adds, "Under no circumstances will anyone be allowed within the park enclosure today. In some unknown manner, the idea has gone broadcast about the city that the park would be open to visitors today. However, the gates will be locked tight and admittance will be denied to everybody."
	(21st-Monday): Park Manager Sloss announces to press appointment of Dr. Joseph Wagner, formerly of Cleveland Hospital and graduate of University of Pennsylvania, to role of head physician at Luna Park, Scranton. Appointment is met with universal approval as Dr. Wagner is one of best known younger physicians in city of Scranton. Park management also tells reporters they have come aware the Central Labor Union has received competing bids for their Labor Day celebration from Rocky Glen Park and Lake Lodore. They expect C.L.U. to make decision any day now. "The Scranton Truth" reports large force of men put to work by Laurel Line Company installing two new boilers and turbine engine to increase electric production capacity thirty per cent. Purpose of this increase, reportedly, to double transportation capacity, and to power Luna Park which the company will provide the electrical power [Note: The Interurban Railroad normally used 650 volts, Direct Current]. Reported in the "Truth" that by today, Park Manager Sloss had 5,000 employee applications on his desk, up another 2,000 from Friday. Positions are all but filled. Several jobs not previously mentioned are engineers, firemen, sailors, stenographers, bookkeepers, and guides. Any applicant that could pass muster regarding their personal appearance, and ability to the work sought, was carefully listed. Addresses of other likely employees were taken for future reference. The "Postponed!" advertisement runs in area newspapers today. Fredrick Ingersoll and George W. Sammis, General Manager of the Ingersoll Amusement Company, do walk-around inspection of the park prior to turning the facilities over to the Scranton Luna Park Company. In evening, 30,000 electric lights are turned on for first time. Comment overheard the 3,000 bulbs in the Dance Pavilion caught the building in a "blaze of light". Vertical white tower of the Shoot the Chutes, wrapped in lights, could be seen great distance. Lighting of other buildings is described as just as elaborate.
	(22nd-Tuesday): Reportedly causing several anxious hours, Miss Lizzie Domingo tells her parents she's going to Luna Park with friends, and disappears, but determined later she eloped with fiancee Frank Carlucci to New York City. Luna Park advertisements change, removing the "Postponed!" notice and replacing with "Positively Opens May 28th".
	(23rd-Wednesday): In "Amusements" column of "Scranton Republican", update on status of rail facilities supporting Luna Park. Laurel Line has established long platform with track switching to accommodate thousands of passengers. To safely cross over the Dunmore Branch, a concrete subway has been built at a cost of $7,000 to permit passengers to pass under the electrified rail to enter park. Trains can leave Scranton terminal on ten minute schedules and reach park within five minutes. Announced park has been added to advertising and scheduling of line's Dunmore Branch. In terms of Scranton Railway Company trolley line extension to the park, it is the understanding of park management situation of expanding trolley line is under consideration. Until decision is made, patrons must follow cindered path through Nay Aug picnic grounds to reach west entrance ticket stand. Walkway is brilliantly lit at night by thousands of lights. [Note: The issue is one of the city not yet granting permission to run the line through the park.] Lackawanna and Erie Railroads are considering plans to build station platforms in gorge but have made no decisions yet. In another article, reporter writes several of union carpenters affiliated with Ingersoll Amusement Company will leave Scranton to build nearly identical Luna Park near Mexico City. This is not expected until at least two or three weeks after opening of the Scranton park. In "The Scranton Truth", emphasis is made that the seating, 1,200 in all, surrounding the band stand, and intended for listeners of band concerts, is without any charge once gate admission is paid. It is noted this feature is well received in Ingersoll's other parks, and practice is continued here. Opening band is Don Philipinni Concert Band, a sensational Spanish band of 40 instruments. They travel by special railroad car. The Norrins, the sensational high divers, will be seen on the adjacent elevated circus platform. The writer feels, perhaps jokingly, they are bound to be a tremendous hit in the park.
	(24th-Thursday): In "Amusements" column of "The Scranton Truth", the newspaper reiterates the status of rail access to the park as previously published in "Scranton Republican", that park will be accessible via Laurel Line Dunmore Branch Luna Park station, featuring "concrete subway" and trolley service via Scranton Railway Company, but patrons will have to walk along a cindered path through Nay Aug Park to reach the Luna Park ticket booth. Also mentioned is Lackawanna and Erie Railroad's plans for stations apparently under consideration. It's noted in "Scranton Republican" that Frederick Ingersoll, designer and builder of Scranton's Luna Park, is honored by Mexican government in tribute for construction of a new park in Mexico City. There are now currently four Ingersoll-brand Luna Parks: Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Scranton, and Washington, DC. Ingersoll, it's noted, has interests in forty-five other parks, and fifty other amusement enterprises elsewhere. Luna Park, Mexico City is to be built in location near Governor's Palace and is said to exactly duplicate Scranton park. Union carpenters Stanley Newton, Thomas James, Frank English, and Clarence Williams, who are employed by Ingersoll Amusement Company, leave Scranton for Mexico City. Area newspapers confirm Scranton park is to open Monday, May 28th, 1:00 PM. First picnic excursion planned is reportedly that of Carbondale Sunday School of the Berean Baptist Church on Saturday, June 20th.
	(25th-Friday): As if a clock is counting down to Monday afternoon opening of Luna Park, a flurry of advertisements appear assuring public park is "positively opening at 1:00 PM". In "The Scranton Truth", small article describing Maestro Don Philipinni's life, how "he gave up a fine sounding title and the chances of inheriting a large estate that he might be true to his first love - music." Paper indicates Maestro Philipinni's full name is "Marquis don Francisco Maria Philipinni y Huertes-Morjen". It is said that his fame as a musician once saved his life. Philipinni and his Concert Band are to appear beginning on Monday. Meanwhile, Rocky Glen Amusement Park runs advertisement claiming it is the "natural paradise" and not an "artificial park".
	(26th-Saturday): "Scranton Republican" reminds readers that there are two ways of accessing Luna Park on Monday - the Laurel Line and the cindered path via Scranton Railway Company streetcar. Besides mentioning idea that the great Maestro Philipinni literally ties himself in knots while conducting his orchestra, the "Republican" notes sensational Norrins high dive act is from a platform eighty feet high into a tank of water. "Their act is a guaranteed sensation." claims the news organization. The Norrins will give two performances daily. Also, W.B. Hixson, construction superintendent of the Lackawanna Railroad used some of the men in his charge to help remodel the footbridge that crosses Nay Aug gorge into Luna Park. "The Scranton Truth" publishes article concerning Luna Park's "Tunnel Spring", a famous spring known to thousands in that section of the city for its marvelous mineral qualities. Apparently, "Tunnel Spring" has a romantic history as native Americans recognized spring for its mineral waters and supposedly held their councils about it when Wyoming Valley was their home. Legend has it, according to the "Truth", they called the water, "yam-yam", which meant "Water of Life". It is said they were keenly appreciative of its health giving powers of life and guarded it as choice treasure of the forest. Area residents have lamented loss of access to the spring construction of the park has brought about. It was custom to visit spring every so often to bottle enough water for several weeks supply. Among those residents is one, Andrew Bedford, who declared his exclusive use of this water has led entirely to his present good health. To which end, the Scranton Luna Park Company has erected a "spring house" over "Tunnel Spring" and arranged to take the best of care of it. They have had the water analyzed by Doctor G.H. Dimpfie of the International Text Book Company which showed water contains Iron Oxide, Lime Carbonate, Aluminum Oxide, Potassium Chloride, Magnesium Sulfate, and other minerals. Therefore, visitors will be privileged to drink the enchanting waters of the spring of life, free of charge. A writer for the "Afternoon Echoes" column in "The Scranton Truth" notices beginning of advertising war between Rocky Glen Park's John P. Toohey and Luna Park's Arthur J. Keller.
	(27th-Sunday): "Scranton Republican" combines previous articles written recapping the park and its facilities, with several unfortunate typographical and editorial errors, such as a "fine dancing pavilion divided into two compartments which has a capacity for over 3,000 picnickers", an obvious reference to the "picnic pavilion". But it is true the statement that the park combined the finest scenic, electrical, mechanical, and theatrical where-with-all available at the time to be one of the greatest of its kind in the country. A more detailed description of Blarney Castle is one "which will prove an entertaining feature with its dark passages, flip-flop floors, funny surprises, spectral lights, and all of the paraphernalia of a fun house." Writer discusses the restaurant, "Restaurants and refreshments stands are in charge of E & H Williams of the J.D. Williams Brothers Company of Scranton." [Note: No indication why Thomas' Ice Cream was used on a sign unless because it was next to Edisonia.] "In the restaurant they will serve anything from a fashionable dinner to a ham sandwich at modern prices. Private dining parties will find the service unexcelled." "Scattered around the grounds will be refreshment stands, where hot roast beef sandwiches, popcorn, candy, waffles, etc., may be obtained at reasonable prices. There will also be a soda fountain, where all sort of soft drinks may be secured." "Absolutely no intoxicants will be served or even allowed on the grounds." Article adds, "Three power lines serve Luna Park directly from the Laurel Line Power House." Unfortunately tragedy strikes. Apparently accidentally killed by a passing train in the early morning hours, a park construction worker, William Koehler, was found besides railroad tracks at the bottom of the gorge. A coroner examination on scene concluded Koehler leapt from a moving train at night and somehow became caught. Later, cold front moves in and begins to rain steadily overnight.

This is an archive of past discussions about Luna Park, Scranton. Do not edit the contents of this page. If you wish to start a new discussion or revive an old one, please do so on the current talk page.

Archive 1

Archive 2

Archive 3

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Archive 5

Merge proposal

I've removed the merge tag as there wasn't any interest in four months in even discussing the possibility. The fact that Luna Park is not even mentioned in the proposed target - even fleetingly - is a good indication of it not being a good idea to merge an article dealing with a historical site into an article that barely mentions anything before the present. If anything, this needs to be expanded (which is true of all the Luna Park articles save Luna Park, Berlin and Luna Park, Coney Island). 207.244.190.206 (talk) 15:13, 31 July 2009 (UTC)

Timeline

Moved from here. Edit summary intended asThis is an awfully large augmentation, but ill-advised as it stands. The material is far too focussed, approaches levels of trivia in the amount of detail, and ultimately consists of everything Wikipedia is not: not a guide, a directory, a personal journey, or a a conflation of every possible-known fact upon the subject'. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi (talk • contribs) 12:53, 31 January 2017 (UTC)

Timeline to 1906

See Talk:Luna Park, Scranton/Archive 1#Timeline

To 1906

Note: This reconstructed chronology of Luna Park in Scranton, PA is based on Scranton Republican, the Scranton Tribune-Republican, Scranton Truth and Pittston Gazette news articles and advertisements published on or near the referenced date. Each newspaper is referenced as appropriate. By academic standards, these references are considered "second-sources". Annotations are made when needed. This compilation is a work in process.

Pre-opening [A lady's idea, Capturing Scranton's attention, Special Excursions to Coney Island, Interest Grows, Carbondale's "Luna Park", Rocky Glen Luna, "The Big Scoop", Ingersoll Amusement Company designs and builds, Scranton Luna Park Company to operate, Excitement builds, Postponed!, Fatal Accident, Opening Day nears... at last!!!]

The 1906 Season [The First Year: Attractions open, Beachey's Airship, "Tours of the World", Vaudeville Acts, Launch of the S.S. Scranton, John Mitchell visits, "A Moving Picture", Picnics & Outings, Confetti, Laurel Line Car fire]

— Preceding unsigned comment added by Fortuna Imperatrix Mundi (talk • contribs) 12:53, 31 January 2017 (UTC} (UTC)