Timeline of the 1907 Season
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Week of April 28, 1907
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(30th-Tuesday): Scranton City Superintendent of Police Day announces Patrolmen M.J. Walsh and William Matthews are assigned "Park Duty" effective tomorrow. Their duties are to "supervise the public safety at the park." After the opening of the park, it is said, it's possible more men will be added to the night shift, but for now, Walsh and Matthews must alternate their shifts between the day and night watch. Also, local stores are advertising a free admission ticket to Luna Park, plus one free attraction ticket when purchasing a 1/4 barrel sack of "Blue Ribbon" flour.
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(1st-Wednesday): In a meeting held in the Young Men's Christian Association's Building, a letter is read from Mayor J.B. Dimmick to members of the Lackawanna County Sabbath Association in which he does not voice support for rigid enforcement of Sunday "Blue Laws" on the grounds of diversity of race and creed, and the varying needs of individuals, needs which he describes as "varying largely by age, calling, and environment." The letter is not well received. Although attendance at the association's meeting is described by a reporter for "The Scranton Truth" as small, the quorum ponders drafting resolutions to the management of Rocky Glen and Luna Parks asking them to close on Sunday. When an effort is made to place the matter up for a vote, the resolutions are defeated. The matter then being referred to executive committee of the Lackawanna County Sabbath Association.
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Week of May 5, 1907
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(6th-Monday): A joint committee meeting of the executive and membership of the Druid Society is being planned to discuss participation in Welsh Day being planned at Luna Park at some point in the future.
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(7th-Tuesday): Reported by press Frank Finlon of Carbondale has been hired at Luna Park and is moving his family to Scranton.
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(8th-Wednesday): Mr. Clarence Williams has returned from assisting with construction of a Luna Park in New York state twelve months ago as an employee of Ingersoll Amusement Company. His family marvels at how hale and hearty looking he has become. Clarence advised the "Scranton Republican" he "doesn't think much of that country. Nor its people. In other words, it's good to be home."
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(9th-Thursday): Joint meeting of executive and membership of the Druid Society decides to sponsor Welsh Day at Luna Park with tentative date of Saturday, July 27th. "The Scranton Truth" publishes updated list of Scranton Fire Alarm call boxes and Luna Park alarm box remains as box 137.
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(11th-Saturday): Despite being voted down by membership, the executive committee of the Lackawanna County Sabbath Association send letters to the management of Rocky Glen and Luna Parks requesting closure on Sunday. Text of letter sent to Luna Park follows: "To The Management of Luna Park. The undersigned, in behalf of the Lackawanna County Sabbath Association, being a committee appointed thereby for the purpose, desire to express our gratification for the position taken by the management of Luna Park in closing all of its amusements and places of traffic on Sunday, in accordance with the law; and in view of the fact the park is so largely patronized by Sunday schools, churches, and Christian people in general, who desire to have their young brought up in a law-abiding manner, we sincerely trust there will be no modification of its policy in this respect in the future. [Signed] J.S. Wrightnour, Henry Cardew, W.W. Lathrope. Committee." More terse letter is sent to management of Rocky Glen Park as that park is open on Sunday.
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Week of May 12, 1907
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(13th-Monday): In "Amusements" column of "Scranton Republican", Park Manager Atherton announces Luna Park will open on Monday, May 20th with new motto, "The Land of Laughter". He proudly claims the park is even more beautiful and complete than it was last year. "Many new amusements will vie with old favorites, and all who enter will check dull care at the gate.", he exclaimed.
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(14th-Tuesday): Quoted in "Scranton Republican" as "wanting to conquer new worlds and add to Pittsburgh's musical prestige", George Holcombe and band scheduled to provide four concerts a day for the week of the 20th. Newspaper notes that as a "musical city", Scranton will "surely give Holcombe and his band an enthusiastic reception." Band previously played at "Dream City Park". "Blue Ribbon" flour promotional of Luna Park tickets notes these fine grocers are participating: H.W. Beck, Dickerson's, McGuire & Grier, H.A. Pierce, E.G. Stevens, H.W. Bosserman, Smith & Murphy, James P. Haggerty, The Union Cash Store, Chappell & Co., and at W.H. Costello.
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(15th-Wednesday): "Grab yer' straw hat and join the merrymakers on Monday, May 20th!" urges one Luna Park advertisement. Reporter claims he found something in the park that makes Park Manager Atherton laugh, it's the new "Magnetic House", for "real unalloyed fun from the Old World", or so he states, concluding, "It has 'drawing' qualities.". There will be a private police, fire corps, and hospital in place again this year. Park also advertising spring water free to all visitors served from the "Nayawauga Mineral Spring" as a special convenience to those who hesitate on using Scranton City water sources. Reportedly, Scenic Railway can be expected to be faster this year as one can "dip the dips at express train speed." New lighting has been installed above Hippodrome stage in form of adjustable hoop that focuses light on performers but cuts glare from audience. Excursion Manager Swisher, who's new this year, reports large number of early bookings for Sunday schools and society picnics. Also new is the "Theatorium" which features "beautiful illustrations and moving pictures."
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(17th-Friday): Park advertising now includes a realistic pencil sketch of the park as its masthead.
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Week of May 19, 1907
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(20th-Monday): Luna Park swings it gates open to the public at 1:00 PM sharp to begin its second season right on schedule. Holcombe's Famous Pittsburgh Band of 40 pieces provides music for the week. Their first act is called the "Amateur Rehearsal" and portrays a village band preparing for a concert. In the Hippodrome, or circus platform, the "Bonessette Acrobatic, Wire, and Bar Performers of International Fame" are featured. They have just returned from what the "Scranton Republican" describes as a "triumphal tour" of Europe and Scranton's Luna Park is their first engagement in America. New lighting effects and refinished floor are featured in the Dance Hall. Improvements are made to the "Picnic Annex" [The large Picnic pavilion and grounds are on Moosic mountain across from the Laurel Line tracks]. Manager James Atherton publicly reiterates his motto: "There is nothing too good for Luna". Miniature Railway locomotive and passenger coaches are upgraded this season. Luna Park's own band under the direction of T.J. Miles assigned mostly to the Dance pavilion. Shetland pony carts for children are featured. Today's guests: "The Globe" warehouse employees.
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(21st-Tuesday): It's the Elks' Club of Pittston and Scranton Family Outing Day. By reserve arrangement, the Elks' dine at the William's Cafe Restaurant in the park. There are 1,800 members in this club and a large crowd is expected. As a special treat today, William Reitz performs a xylophone solo in park.
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(22nd-Wednesday): It's very cold outside and the unseasonably cold weather seemingly inhibits park attendance. Holcombe's band continues to play "An Amateur Rehearsal" to the riotous delight of those present. The Miniature Railway opening is delayed due to the lack of a critical component that the contractor is waiting on.
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Week of May 26, 1907
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(27th-Monday): Robert J. Bauer's Band, a local organization, replaces Holcombe's Band. Bauer outfits his band in all new uniforms conforming to regulation American Federation of Musicians uniforms, which are dark blue in color. The Kashi Japanese Ring Performers and Acrobats, and Minting the Marvel : "The World's Greatest Bicycle Rider" are scheduled as featured acts.
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(28th-Tuesday): Manager James Atherton publicly cancels the Kashi Japanese Acrobatic Troupe proclaiming his disappointment with the act.
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(29th-Wednesday): With their parents and teachers, 2700 public school children from Dunmore hold an outing at the park.
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(30th-Thursday): Park opens early (10:00 AM) in honor of Memorial Day. The Miniature Railway ride opens for the season. Paid admissions surpass 35,000 for the day. New "Box Ball Game" attraction opens.
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Week of June 2, 1907
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(2nd-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band.
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(3rd-Monday): Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band scheduled for one week. Belletzar Sister's Flying Ring Act scheduled for the week. New "Pony Ride" opens and proves popular with children. Manager Atherton supplements ride by adding two cart pulling goats for smallest children who wish a ride. New park logo appears in printed advertisements. Logo features box with penciled drawing with "Luna Park - The Land of Laughter" motto.
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(4th-Tuesday): Ice reported on Dance Hall floor.
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(6th-Thursday): First vendor do to so, Mulley's Grocery Store advertises, with any purchase, free Luna Park tickets. Today's guests: Priceburg Public Schools; Dickson City Public High School.
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(8th-Saturday): Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band places the "Luna Park March" during "farewell" performance.
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Week of June 9, 1907
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(9th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band.
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(10th-Monday): Due to popular demand, Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band held over another week. Apdale Circus scheduled for the week, features trained bears, dogs, and monkeys. 'Romeo the monkey' is billed as the show's star. $0.50 extra is charged as a circus admission fee above the usual park admission fees. Today's guests: Avoca Public Schools.
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(14th-Friday): Today's guests: Scranton Technical High School; Lackawanna Business College.
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(15th-Saturday): J. Frank Siegel leads a Children's Ball in the Dance Hall. Today's guests: Graduating class of the Pennsylvania Oral School.
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Week of June 16, 1907
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(16th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by Sbraccia's Peerless Italian Band. Grand illumination of the Park scheduled.
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(17th-Monday): Frederick's Family of European Acrobats and Hand-to-Hand Balancing scheduled for the week. Sbraccia's Peerless Italian Band takes over orchestral duties for the week.
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(18th-Tuesday): In the "Temple of Mystery", Mr. Sterling Simerll demonstrates "Galatea", a machine that can turn a human into stone and back. Today's guests: Mail Carriers of Scranton and Postmen.
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(19th-Wednesday): Today's guests: Mail Carriers of Scranton and Postmen.
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(20th-Thursday): Today's guests: Sons of Veterans Reserves outing; Spanish War Veterans postpone.
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(21st-Friday): 'Best Drilled' Contest for the "Loving Cup" held today. Veterans conduct a demonstration drill in the Hippodrome. Today's guests: Sons of Veterans Reserves; G.A.R. Ladies Auxiliary; Rescheduled Spanish War Veterans.
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(22nd-Saturday): Travelers' Night is declared. Professor and Mrs. J. Frank Siegel promote "Saturday Juvenile Dances" in the Dance Hall. Today's guests: Father Whelan T.A.B. society; St. Peter's T.A.B. society; St. John's T.A.B. society; Commercial Travelers' Association.
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Week of June 23, 1907
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(23th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by Robert J. Bauer's Band.
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(24th-Monday): Robert J. Bauer's Band scheduled to replace Sbraccia's Peerless Italian Band for the week. Charles Cusumano performs trumpet solos. Silvern and Emerie double ring high wire act scheduled for the week but Manager Atherton cancels Silvern and Emerie performances substituting the Harold and Harrington Comedy Act.
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(25th-Tuesday): Concordia Singing Society of Wilkes Barre returns for special concert. Today's guests: Daniel H. Capwell Family reunion.
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(26th-Wednesday): Today's guests: Hosted by Lackawanna Business College team, Seattle High School Baseball team
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(27th-Thursday): Today's guests: Plymouth Sunday School; First Sunday School; Puritan Sunday School; German Mission Sunday School; Providence Welsh Sunday School; Providence Welsh Mission Sunday School; Jonas Long's & Sons employees.
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(29th-Saturday): Today's guests: West Side Civic League.
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Week of June 30, 1907
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(30th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band.
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(1st-Monday): Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band replaces Robert J. Bauer's Band for the week. The Four Everett's Acrobats and Gymnasts replace the Harold and Harrington Comedy Act. For this week, park management begins a lottery based on selection of a patron's admission ticket number with a drawing of 25 "lucky recipients" to be held on Saturday, July 6. Today's guests: Boy's Civic League of the West Side; Carbondale Machine Company employees.
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(2nd-Tuesday): Washburn Street Presbyterian Church choir entertains with concert in the Hippodrome. A 16-year old, pretending to be deaf and mute, was arrested for collecting money as part of a card game he organized in the park. He was fined $10.
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(3rd-Wednesday): Silas Ward arrested in park for "appealing for funds". Today's guests: First Regiment of Lancers.
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(4th-Thursday): Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band marches from the Laurel Line station to Scranton's Courthouse Square to give a patriotic concert, then return to Luna Park to give two evening concerts. Park conducts a "Grand Fireworks Display" for the 4th of July celebration. Park advertises, "Watch the sky on the 4th of July!" . Manager James Atherton later reported over 30,000 in paid attendance for the day and that the crowd "broke all records".
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(6th-Saturday): Lottery drawing is held. 25 prizes of building lots at Riverhead, Long Island, New York are awarded. Manager James Atherton resigns citing ill health. He is immediately replaced by Len B. Sloss. Sloss had been transferred by Ingersoll to a park in Washington, D.C. but after that park was completed, returns to Scranton. Later, at the Band Stand, Atherton receives a silver loving cup presented by Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band. In the Scenitorium, on behalf of park employees, Atherton is presented with diamond cuff links, a sterling silver, gold-lined cigarette case, and an etched decanter with matching glasses, by park's chief electrician, Leonard A. Fiderius.
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Week of July 7, 1907
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(7th-Sunday): Four Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by the Allan Lawerence Band. Len Sloss assumes management responsibilities of the park.
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(8th-Monday): Allan Lawerence's Band replaces Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band for the week. The Lorre Trio, "The Great Comedy and Acrobatics Act", replaces the Four Everett's Acrobatic act.
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(9th-Tuesday): Names of the winners of the park lottery's are publicized [of the 25 building lots in Long Island, New York]. Sloss begins negotiation to bring "Doomsday at the End of the World in the Year 2005" to the Scenitorium.
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(11th-Thursday): A live bear that had been an attraction was transferred to Nay Aug Park and cared for there. Today's guests: Hopewell Family reunion; female employees of Kramer Brothers; Williams & McAnulty employees; Samter Brothers employees; J.D. Williams & Brothers employess; John H. Ladwig employees.
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(12th-Friday): Today's guests: C.S. Woolworth Store employees.
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(13th-Saturday): The "Reptile Exhibit of the 'Everglades of Florida'" begins near the Shoot the Chutes lagoon.
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Week of July 14, 1907
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(14th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts scheduled by the Wheelocks Indian Band but fail to arrive in time. Allan Lawerence's Band is retained for the day to orchestrate the concerts.
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(15-Monday): Wheelocks Indian Band to replace Allan Lawerence's Band for the week but do not show. Park Manager Sloss is forced to hire Allan Lawerence's Band for the week. Dare Devil Dash, "Daring bicyclist that rides down ladder rungs into a tank of water", replaces the Lorre Trio. A.J. Keller is hired as park's Press Agent. Park holds a number of contests: "Pie Eating", "Shoe String Tying", "Handsomest Baby", "Handsomest Woman", and "Largest Family". Today's guests: Scranton Retail Merchants' Association.
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(17th-Wednesday): Sloss completes negotiation to bring "Doomsday at the End of the World in the Year 2005" to the Scenitorium. Fitting of new equipment to support show begins. 300 reptiles of "all types from all over the world" are now in the "Reptile Exhibit".
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(18th-Thursday): Scenitorium is closed while new equipment is installed to support the 'Doomsday' show. Park management abandons efforts to bring Wheelocks Indian Band to park. Today's guests: Elmhurst Baptist Sunday School; First Baptist Church and Sunday School; Washburn Street Presbyterian Sunday School.
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(19th-Friday): "Doomsday at the End of the World in the Year 2005" opens in the Scenitorium. Today's guests: Memorial Baptist Church; Dunmore Presbyterian Sunday School.
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Week of July 21, 1907
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(21st-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts performed by Robet J. Bauer's Band. Luedtke's Royal Imperial Band cancels at last minute.
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(22nd-Monday): Bert Morphy, "Human Calliope" is scheduled for the week replacing Dare Devil Dash, a.k.a. William Buckman. "What's your Luna Park number?" contest begins. Robert J. Bauer's Band is scheduled for the week in lieu of Luedtke's Royal Imperial Band.
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(23rd-Tuesday): "What's your Luna Park number?" contest continues. Today's guests: Independent Order of Odd Fellows lodges of Lackawanna County; Washburn Street Presbyterian Church.
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(24th-Wednesday): "What's your Luna Park number?" contest continues. Karl Ebert, park photographer, offers custom photo postcards to "What's your Luna Park number?" contest winners. Today's guests: St. John's T.A.B. Society of the South Side rescheduled due to rain; Welsh Congregational Methodist Sunday School of Providence; Carbondale's Mears & Hagan Store company employees; Abe Sahm treats 1,180 boys under 12 in the City of Carbondale to a Luna Park outing.
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(25th-Thursday): Today's guests: Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church and Sunday School of Scranton; Amity Social Club of Honesdale.
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(26th-Friday): "What's your Luna Park number?" contest continues. Today's guests: Presbyterian Sunday School; Persevering Sevens of the Simpson Methodist Evangelical Church; Maccabbees of Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties employees; Dunmore Sunday School.
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(27th-Saturday): Welsh Day as held by the Druid Societies of Luzerne and Lackawanna Counties. Jennie Lind Female Chorus performs. Prize of $5.00 to be given for "Best Piano Solo" contest. Singer Thomas J. Boston performs with the Robert J. Bauer's Band. Saturday Outing Club holds annual reunion. D.L.& W. Mine Superintendent Phillips orders have day holiday to permit employees to attend Welsh Day at Luna Park. Numerous businesses in Scranton close for Welsh Day at Luna Park. Published number of paid patrons is set at 20,000. Singing contests for men and women over 50 years old held. "What's your Luna Park number?" contest concludes with two winners: Charles Crothammel and L.L. Shoemaker. Winning number is 15,323. Carnival barkers are used to attract patrons to rides and exhibits. Crowd loves Mrs. Heckel singing "America" with Bauer's Band in accompaniment. Grace Williams of Peckville wins $5.00 for piano solo.
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Week of July 28, 1907
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(28th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by Allan Lawerence's Band are accompanied by Bert Morphy, "Human Calliope".
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(29th-Monday): James E. Hardy, "The Highwire King" scheduled for one week replacing Bert Morphy, "Human Calliope". Allan Lawerence's Band replaces Robert J. Bauer's Band for one week. Park management announces over 20,000 paid customers in attendance on Saturday, July 27.
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(30th-Tuesday): Reported that pickpockets had been busy at Luna Park on Saturday, July 27. One offender was reported to have jumped off a rolling streetcar as the car passed over a viaduct. Today's guests: Mannion Private Party.
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(31st-Wednesday): Newsboys' Annual Picnic
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(1st-Thursday): Sabbath School of the Welsh Baptist Church day's outing; Manager Sloss publishes lengthy article, "No Thieves at Luna Park", citing no pocket picking was reported to park police. Cites ten policemen and seven plain clothesmen augmented regular park police force making it impossible for such thievery to take place. Pickpockets were subsequently reported to be active on returning Laurel Line trains.
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(2nd-Friday): Shriners' Day is declared. Shriners annual picnic is held. Oppenhiem's Orchestra alternates with Miles' Orchestra in the Dance Hall. Exhibition drill by the Arabic Patrol of the Irem Temple of Wilkes Barre to the music of Bauer's and Alexander's combined orchestras. Paid attendance reportedly exceeded 11,000 patrons. Williams' Cafe Restaurant caters the Shriners' event. At the park office, Manager Sloss arranges for a live camel on display.
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(3rd-Saturday): Malta Day is declared. Today's guests: Miss Ella Wagner's Sunday School class; Knights of Malta.
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Week of August 4, 1907
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(4th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by The United States Ladies Military Band, directed by Miss Florence Mogle, accompanied by soloist, Miss Cora Youngblood Corson. Band departs Zanesville, Ohio by special train to arrive by 10:00 AM in Scranton. During the trip, four band members are hurt in a trolley accident in Zanesville and are hospitalized, unable to perform. The special train did not arrive until after 2:00 PM delaying the concerts to late afternoon.
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(5th-Monday): The United States Ladies Military Band replaces Allan Lawerence's Band for the week. Miss Blanche Sloan, "Queen of the Air", replaces James E. Hardy, "The Highwire King".
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(6th-Tuesday): Today's guests: First Welsh Baptist Sunday School; Fourth Ward Mission.
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(7th-Wednesday): Agie La Mont, Luna Park's snake charmer, adds a mysterious "Snake from India", to the Reptile Exhibit, also known as the "Snake Pit". Today's guests: Bellevue Welsh Presbyterian Church Sunday School.
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(8th-Thursday): Today's guests: Sunday School of the Simpson Methodist Evangelical Church.
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(9th-Friday): John Mitchell, President of the United Mine Workers Association, pays second visit to the park. Sauquoit Silk Mill and Pittston Silk Mill employees meet with the Scranton Central Union at the park Hippodrome to discuss labor organization efforts. News of the meeting attracted other company employees from Peckville, North End, Carbondale, and Jessup. Wilkes Barre's silk mill employees decide to attend. Publicly, the meeting is characterized as a "social session for the girls". Congressman T.D. Nichols addresses the crowd. Today's guests: Methodist Sunday School of Chinchilla
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(10th-Saturday): Today's guests: International Text-Book Company employees
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Week of August 11, 1907
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(11th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts performed by Robet J. Bauer's Band.
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(12th-Monday): "Peckville Day at the Park" is declared by Manager Sloss. Robet J. Bauer's Band replaces the United States Ladies Military Band. Mille Loubet, French acrobat, to perform "Loop of Death" Act for the week. Park officials again pen commentary that the rumors of pickpockets at the park is "nothing more than carelessness in losing change". Today's guests: Peckville Methodist Episcopal Church; Peckville Baptist Sunday School; Union Sunday School.
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(13th-Tuesday): Mille Loubet escaped serious injury due to an accident during her performance. Loubet was able to complete the evening performance. Today's guests: Lenoxville Sunday School.
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(14th-Wednesday): Dr. Wainwright, Scranton city bacteriologist, in consultation with Dr. Keller, Superintendent of the Bureau of Health, test Luna Park's two water sources: the Luna Park spring, and the Williams Bridge Station of the Scranton Gas and Water Company and find both free of typhoid carrying bacteria. The park's sewage system was also checked without incident.
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(15th-Thursday): Scranton Street Car conductors and motormen Local No. 168 conduct annual outing. Special Laurel Line train run for Wilkes Barre and Pittston patrons.
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(16th-Friday): "Ladies Day at Luna Park" - Free admission between 1:00 and 7:00 PM.
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(17th-Saturday): Today's guests: Scranton Axle Works employees.
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Week of August 18, 1907
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(18th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by Allan Lawerence's Band. Photo by Ebert's Photography Studio of the Luna Park Shoot the Chutes Lagoon is published in the Scranton Republican.
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(19th-Monday): Allan Lawerence's Band replaces Robet J. Bauer's Band. Zingarella, "The Peerless, Piquant, Pleasing Performer in her Unique, Unequalled, Unchallenged Spiral Globe Act", replaces Mille Loubet, French acrobat.
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(20th-Tuesday): Today's guests: Volunteer Fireman's Relief Association of Scranton; Christ Presbyterian Church; Susquehanna Street Baptist Church of Olyphant.
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(21st-Wednesday): Announcement that "Doomsday at the End of the World in the Year 2005" would end its run in the Scenitorium at the end of the season. Show will move to the "Jamestown Exhibition". Today's guests: Jackson Street Baptist Church Sunday School; Ladies Hebrew Aid Society of Scranton; Williams Family Reunion.
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(22nd-Thursday): D.A. Nagles' Reptile Exhibit is promoted as a park attraction. "Whatisit" is the star attraction of the exhibit. Today's guests: Sons of Veterans.
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(23rd-Friday): "Ladies Day at Luna Park" repeated due to high attendance the previous week. Today's guests: Book Binders Local No. 97; Eichenkranz Society of Duryea
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Week of August 25, 1907
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(25th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by the Third Regiment Band of Philadelphia.
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(26th-Monday): Third Regiment Band of Philadelphia replaces Allan Lawerence's Band. Meeh Trio, "Sensational Acrobtas" replaces Zingarella. Park offers $100 to anyone who can name the "Whatisit" reptile. "Ladies Day at Luna Park" repeated again. News article reveals despite complaints from the public, the Scranton Railway Company is not permitted to run track from its current termination through Nay Aug Park to Luna Park and the cost of running track around Nay Aug Park is prohibitive. Today's guests: Hughes Family Reunion.
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(27th-Tuesday): Today's guests: South Side Y.M.I.; St. Mark's Lutheran Sunday School; Hobbs Family Reunion.
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(28th-Wednesday): Today's guests: Division No.1, Ancient Order of Hibernians of Hyde Park; St. Luke's Lutheran Church Sunday School; Social Circle Club and Violet Social Club.
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(29nd-Thursday): Ridge Row Street Railway Company proposes to Scranton City Council, a streetcar line via Mulberry Street to Luna Park. Manager Sloss posts $150 reward for his missing gold watch and fob.
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(30th-Friday): "Ladies Day at Luna Park" repeated. Today's guests: Mrs. Wyly's Private Party.
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(31st-Saturday): Today's guests: Knight of Malta; Hornbaker Family Reunion.
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Week of September 1, 1907
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(1st-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by Banda Roma featuring Director Giuseppe Sirignano.
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(2nd-Monday): Banda Roma featuring Director Giuseppe Sirignano replaces the Third Regiment Band of Philadelphia. "Break-away Barlows Ladder Act" replaces the Meeh Trio in the Hippodrome. Huge Labor Day march to the park. St. Aloysius Society of Wilkes Barre annual outing
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(4th-Wednesday): "Ladies Day at Luna Park" repeated. George Harris Donahue, the "Mysterious Mr. Raffles" appears in the Hippodrome. Scranton Oratorio Society sings in concert with Banda Roma.
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(5th-Thursday): Carnival Week is publicly scheduled for the next week. Next Tuesday declared Carnival's Mardi Gras Day. Today's guests: Ladies Aid Society of the First Baptist Church.
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(7th-Saturday): Association of the Gravity men of the Delaware & Hudson and Pennsylvania Coal Companies hold 4th annual reunion. Scranton Oratorio Society render operatic and oratorio choruses.
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Week of September 8, 1907
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(8th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by Allan Lawerence's Ninth Regiment Band replacing Banda Roma.
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(9th-Monday): For the opening day of Carnival Week, a grand illumination ceremony features 5000 additional lights. Total park lighting now includes 53,000 bulbs. Okabe Family of eight Japanese Acrobats perform in the Hippodrome. Their act is called "A Festival of Fair Japan". Allan Lawerence's Band is scheduled for the week.
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(10th-Tuesday): Carnival Week Mardi Gras Day is declared.
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(11th-Wednesday): Carnival Week Giant Confetti Battle scheduled.
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(12th-Thursday): Carnival Week Costume Ball scheduled in the Dance Hall features "snowball fight". "Ladies Day at Luna Park" scheduled.
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(13th-Friday): Closing week is publicly announced as next week. Carnival Week continues.
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(14th-Saturday): Children's Costumed Fancy Dance Ball scheduled in the Dance Hall. Carnival Week was originally scheduled to close. Today's guests: Whole town of Uniondale.
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Week of September 15, 1907
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(15th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts orchestrated by Banda Roma replacing Allan Lawerence's Ninth Regiment Band.
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(16th-Monday): Carnival Week continues for the second week. Banda Roma, featuring Director Giuseppe Sirignano, is scheduled for the final week. Cadieux, "The Daring Persian - King of the Wire" scheduled in the Hippodrome replacing the Okabe Acrobats. Manager Sloss decides to continue "Carnival Week" for the final week of the season. Confetti throwing is featured. Today's guests: Elks of Pittston, Scranton and WIlkes Barre.
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(17th-Tuesday): Carnival Week continues. Confetti throwing is featured. Today's guests: St. Patrick's Orphanage.
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(18th-Wednesday): September 21 publicly confirmed as season closing date. Carnival Week continues. Confetti throwing is featured.
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(19th-Thursday): Carnival Week continues. Bankers' Day declared at the park. Last "Ladies Day at Luna Park" for the season scheduled. "Souvenir Day at the Park" declared. All children entering the park receive a park carnival souvenir. Later, Manager Sloss extends free souvenirs "to the ladies". Today's guests: Bankers or anyone associated with financial industry.
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(20th-Friday): Outing for Luna Park employees and their friends; Carnival Week continues. Manager Sloss had attended a meeting in New York City where the National Amusement Park Association was formalized.
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(21th-Saturday): Carnival Week comes to a close. Confetti throwing is featured. 120 employees gather with Manager Sloss in the park's Williams' Cafe Restaurant for dinner. Manager Sloss is heard to comment that parks must change every year to keep drawing crowds. He is presented by Park Chief Electrician, L.A. Fiderius, with a pen and ink set engraved with his likeness as well as that of the lagoon and Shoot the Chutes. Sloss is also presented with a set of gold framed resolutions which read "At a meeting of the employees of Luna Park, Scranton, held on September 21, 1907, the following resolutions were adopted: Whereas, the concessionaires and the employees at Luna Park who have labored under the able management of Len B. Sloss the past season, desire to express our cordial and sincere appreciation of his energetic and eminently successful management which has proved so profitable to the owners, a credit to the City of Scranton, and a labor of love to all of us. We hereby give testimony to our heartfelt appreciation of Mr. Sloss at the close of the park season for 1907 and sincerely hope for a continuance of the present relationship which has been built on a solid foundation of mutual good will. We trust that the future holds a still more brilliant career for our genial manager which his manly, upright character so justify merits. We cheerfully certify that though a strict disciplinarian, Mr. Sloss is approachable at all times, kind and courteous to both those associated with him and any others with whom he comes in contact. Resolved, That as a fitting finale to a most successful and pleasant season we tender these engrossed resolutions to Manager Sloss as a token of our most sincere regard and esteem." The park closes for the 1907 season.
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The 1908 Season [Major changes come to the park]
Timeline of the 1908 Season
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Week of February 5, 1908
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(9th-Thursday): 20-page artistic pamphlet describing advantages of park issued by Manager Sloss. Pamphlet is circulated by J. Sheldon Swisher, manager of the excursion department.
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Week of March 8, 1908
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(12th-Thursday): Scranton Luna Park Company files building plans, application for permits, and other required paperwork with Scranton City Superintendent of Building Walter. Documents describe changes for the 1908 season.
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Week of May 17, 1908
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(17th-Sunday): Major changes are announced. Over winter and into spring, under overall guidance of Manager Sloss, John Hick, "constructor of amusement devices of international reputation and expert machinist", 'Boss' Carpenter, Frank Finlan, Chief Electrician, Leonard Fiderius, and 'Boss' Painter, W.F. McGregor, direct "large force" of men working to reconstruct parts of park and build new facilities. Facing down the Shoot the Chutes lagoon, beginning with Photo Studio on right, a boardwalk is constructed around the lagoon. Next to Photo Studio and Reptile Exhibit, new buildings added supporting "Hale's Tours of the World", "Hindu Theater featuring 'The Flight of Madra' show", "Maid of Mystery", "Fair Japan [tea garden]", "Social Whirl", and "Grotto of Laughter". On opposite side, "Temple of Mystery" replaced with "Home Sweet Home" show. "Edisonia" replaced with "Molly Coddle" show. "Rifle Range" or "Shooting Gallery" moved from former location and rebuilt as improved exhibit in different area of park. Edward R. Conley is named new caretaker of shooting gallery. "Scenic Railway" or roller coaster is enhanced with addition of tunnel and special effect lighting. Promenade is added around entire Dance pavilion. "Strange Lands of Barbadu", described as companion to 'Doomsday at the end of the world in 2005' is a show that is situated in the Scenitorium, which has been expanded to accompany larger crowds. "Hale's Tours of the World", a simulated environment similar to a railroad passenger car, features show entitled, 'A Rocky Mountain Hold-Up'. Robert J. Bauer's band is named park's band of 30 men. Dedicated to Dance Hall duty, Thomas Miles is assigned a six piece orchestra. Announcements also states all buildings have been painted over the hiatus. [Note: Artist renderings in the 'Scranton Republican' published on this date do not match glass slide imagery of actual buildings in possession of a private collector.] The Gilmore Family of five Acrobats is scheduled for opening week. Manager Sloss notes park now affiliated with National Amusement Park Association.
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(18th-Monday): Announced that Lackawanna Railroad's fictional character, "Phoebe Snow", will sell tickets for "Hale's Tour of the World".
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(19th-Tuesday): Professor C. Nelson Camp explains to reporter the show: "Strange Lands of Barbadu". He proclaims, "This show is far more believable than the 'Doomsday' show".
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(21th-Thursday): Park advertises, "Everything new except the rides".
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(22nd-Thursday): Park exterior lights now reported to number 64,221. Also reported, 50 motors are being used in the various attractions ranging from 1/2 to 50 horsepower. These facilities reportedly require a chief electrician and five assistants to maintain during the season. The original park (1906-1907) contained 20 motors of various sizes.
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(23th-Saturday): Park management applies for license to Scranton Office of Public Safety to operate Dance pavilion for the 1908 season. Six Shetland ponies, a donkey, and a goat make up "Pony Ride" amusement. Small playground built for young children in a section of the picnic grounds.
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Week of May 24, 1908
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(25th-Monday): At 1:00 PM, Manager Sloss signals from the park office the opening of the third season. As crowds enter the gates, barkers begin shouting of the attractions, and Robert J. Bauer's Band strikes up the music. Ka Mar Sami, assisted by Prince Balla Hassan, are to begin the "Flight of Madra" shows. "The Strange Lands of Barbadu" show remains closed due to not all of the required equipment installed. "Maid of Mystery" attraction also does not open due to construction delays. Williams' Cafe Restaurant reopens. George Whitcom mans a gaming booth. For the week, the Gilmore Family of Acrobats begin their show. Robert J. Bauer's Band plays in the Band Shell for the season as also Thomas L. Miles Orchestra provides music in the Dance pavilion. No ceremony held in conjunction with the park opening. First paid 1908 patron at West entrance: Mrs. George Mason. First paid 1908 patron at the Laurel Line entrance: J.L. Sauer.
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(26th-Tuesday): Published article suggests several buildings were razed to make room for new buildings. The "Social Whirl" now occupies inside of former "Blarney Castle" building. In "Fair Japan", one attraction is described as rolling a ball into numbered compartments. "Laughing Grotto" is described as a theater of "delightful surprises". Dan Nagle of the "Reptile Exhibit" is now assisted by "feminine snake charmer". "Scenic River" updated with new scenes.
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(27th-Wednesday): "Maid of Mystery" and the "Flight of Madra" are publicized as "expected to be working". Today's guests: Three hundred delegates of the State Convention of War Veterans.
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(28th-Thursday): Manager Sloss sets Memorial Day hours at 10:00 AM opening until 11:00 PM closing.
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(29th-Friday): Furnished by Kramer Brothers' Outfitters, attendants at the park receive new uniforms.
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(30th-Saturday): Memorial Day festivities are held. "Maid of Mystery" and the "Flight of Madra" attractions are opened for the season. To accommodate anticipated crowds, the Laurel Line adds extra trains and Scranton Railway Company schedules extra trolley runs.
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Week of May 31, 1908
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(31th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band. Manager Sloss reports attendance of over 20,000 paid patrons for Memorial Day. Williams' Cafe Restaurant unable to accommodate the crowd inside the restaurant. "Eating booths" were hastily set-up around the park. Ebert's Photography Studio opens a park picture gallery.
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(1st-Monday): The Martell Family of "Five Sensational Cyclists" replace the Gilmore Family of Acrobats in the Hippodrome.
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(2nd-Tuesday): Edward R. Conley, Caretaker of the park's "Shooting Gallery", holds afternoon shooting lessons, including sighting, aiming and caring for guns. Everyone welcome to take lessons.
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(3rd-Wednesday): "Ragtime" night at Luna Park scheduled for each Wednesday evening. News article indicates the old "Scenitorium" has been enlarged to accommodate the sheer size of "The Strange Lands of Barbadu" show.
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(4th-Thursday): Public complaints received of all park activity ceasing between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM daily while employees have dinner.
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(5th-Friday): Abandoned 6-month old baby found in shoebox in park. Park management unable to find "mysterious woman dressed in black", the alleged mother. A committee of "three prominent citizens" is tasked to find an adoptive home for child. They propose a lottery to be held on Friday, June 12, to award child to a deserving couple who might enter the lottery. To support the upcoming dog show, park's carpenters build dog kennels in park's picnic grounds.
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(6th-Saturday): Howard Thurston, "Globe Trotting Magician" spent the day at Luna Park checking on his company's "The Flight of Madra" and "The Maid of Mystery" attractions. In an interview with a reporter from the Scranton Republican, Thurston disputes the effects of financial depression are having an effect on park attendance and operation. He characterizes attendances as "simply good" rather than "record breaking". Thurston also notes he is pleased with placement of his amusements as "not being in full sun all the time".
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Week of June 7, 1908
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(7th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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(8th-Monday): Dan Lamont's Dog, Cat & Monkey Circus replaces the Martell Family of "Five Sensational Cyclists" in the Hippodrome. There are 12 dogs, a cat that "walks the wire", and Pete the monkey that "loops-the-loop". Avoca High School outing
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(9th-Tuesday): First "crate of dogs" arrives for the Anthracite Kennel Club Dog Show competition later in the week. Park closes early due to heavy rain storm. Today's guests: Spanish War Veterans; Delegates and friends of the Improved Order of Red Men-first day. Scranton's Mayor Dimmick welcomes the group to the park.
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(10th-Wednesday): Today's guests: Improved Order of Red Men-second day.
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(11th-Thursday): Anthracite Kennel Club Dog Show (Day 1) held: 490 entries of 35 various breeds. Entrants allegedly include dogs owned by J. Pearpoint Morgan and M. Robert Guggenheim. Dogs are shipped by special Laurel Line Baggage car which drops them off at the park's picnic grounds. A King Charles Spaniel is reportedly lost from the Anthracite Kennel Club Dog Show at the park. A reward is offered. Today's guests: Dickson City Schools; Scranton Public School No. 32.
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(12th-Friday): Anthracite Kennel Club Dog Show (Day 2) held. Abandoned baby raffled to a "deserving couple". Luna Park's Fire Department conducts a drill under the supervision of Park Manager Sloss. Fire hydrants have 85 pounds of water pressure.
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Week of June 14, 1908
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(14th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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(15th-Monday): The Three Clark-Razillians, "Triple Trapeze Act" replaces Dan Lamont's Dog, Cat & Monkey Circus in the Hippodrome. Excursion and Outing bookings are being handled by J. Seldon Swisher. In the Scenitorium, the "The Strange Lands of Barbadu" show is replaced with a show called "Destiny". Various pieces of Scenitorium equipment had been upgraded to support the new show. Opening of "Destiny" is delayed due to equipment problems. A gila monster is on display in the Reptile Exhibit.
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(16th-Tuesday): A bell is hung on the "Trip to Rockaway" tower and is to be used to signal fire emergencies. Today's guests: Dunmore Public Schools; 300 members of the Retail Coal Dealers Association.
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(17th-Wednesday): Automobile access is enabled as a road is opened from Elmhurst Boulevard into an attended parking area in the picnic grounds. Road permits automobile owners to access park for first time. "Destiny" opens in the Scenitorium.
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(18th-Thursday): Today's guests: Priceburg Borough Public Schools.
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(19th-Friday): Due to its intolerance for cold nights, a feather bed is acquired for the park's Gila Monster.
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Week of June 21, 1908
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(21st-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band. Automobile entrance is placed in charge of W.J. Silverstone.
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(22nd-Monday): The Hellkvist's Fire Dives: "Divers wearing [flaming] oil-soaked costumes dive 75-feet into a pool of water" replace the Three Clark-Razillians, "Triple Trapeze Act". Large parade of Sons of Veterans, Spanish War Veterans, United American Mechanics and others through city streets to Luna Park for day 1 of an outing. Special Laurel Line trains and Scranton Railway Company trolleys are chartered to ferry outing goers to the park. Today's guests: Company A of Camp 430, Patriot Order Sons of America; Spanish War veterans of the General Gobin Camp and the Sarah Ripple Auxiliary day 1; Colonel Asher Miner and staff and, General Dougherty and staff of the Third Brigade.
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(23nd-Tuesday): Pickpockets reported at work on the chartered Laurel Line train to the park relieving at least one gentleman of $30. Today's guests: Spanish War veterans of the General Gobin Camp and the Sarah Ripple Auxiliary day 2.
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(24nd-Wednesday): Howard Thurston, owner/operator of the "Hindu Theater" working on the theater building's expansion, replaces the show, "The Flight of Madra", with a new show, "Salome". Park rules changes to permit male employee dancers to appear in shirt waists rather than their uniform coats due to the warm weather. D.L. Griffiths opens a flower stand at Luna Park.
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(25th-Thursday): Robert J. Bauer's Band stage a fake worker's strike in mid-performance in order to present the maestro with a medal of appreciation. Today's guests: Christian Sunday School of Dunmore.
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Week of June 28, 1908
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(28th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band. Male employees of Luna Park hold a clam bake near the Virginia station of the Laurel Line.
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(29th-Monday): For week, the Great Belmos, Clara & James: "Leap for Life Through Daggers, Knives and Fire" replace the Hellkvist's Fire Dives. Park Manager Sloss announces no fireworks in the park on the 4th of July this year. Park hours will be set for the 4th at 9:00 AM to midnight. Special Laurel Line trains and Scranton Railway Company trolleys are scheduled to ferry patrons to the park.
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(2nd-Thursday): A special ticket booth is set up at the park's Laurel Line station to help facilitate the flow of the anticipated holiday crowds.
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(3rd-Friday): Eight uniformed policemen are temporarily added to patrol the grounds. To supplement the park's 300 employees for the holiday, an additional "100 or so" employees are staffed.
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(4th-Saturday): Dance Hall opens at 2:00 PM and continues to midnight. Patriotic music is played by the Robert J. Bauer Band throughout the day. No firework shows are held. Reported holiday attendance is 50,238 paid patrons and exceeds the paid attendance counts for the previous two years. Employees were required to eat their lunch while at their posts.
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Week of July 5, 1908
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(5th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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(6th-Monday): The Laurel Line schedules a Wilkes Barre & Pittston special train, "The Luna Park Special", to run multiple times a day. The Kudora Troupe of Japanese Acrobats: "Ten real artists appearing in a bewildering series of startling and sensational stunts" assume circus show responsibilities replacing the Great Belmos. In the "Hale's Tours of the World" amusement, "Rocky Mountain Holdup" is replaced with "A Tour of Picturesque Switzerland". A new closing time of 11:00 PM is published. The exception is Saturdays and holidays where the closing time is set for midnight. Manager Sloss reports three or four group excursions and outings are scheduled at the park each day until the end of the season but discontinues publishing their names.
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(7th-Tuesday): With the addition of a "dancing girl", attendance of "Salome" in the "Hindu Theater" is "enhanced".
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(8th-Wednesday): An unidentified man in the audience attempts to cut a rope supporting a Japanese performer during an act. A policeman, Barney O'Reilly, is able to apprehend the individual and escorts him to the park office. While under questioning by Manager Sloss, a physical altercation ensues whereby Sloss breaks a finger and badly lacerates his hand. The suspect manages to escape by running through the park, over the foot bridge, and disappearing into Nay Aug Park. Scranton Times outing for children. A Chinese Dragon reptile escapes from the "Reptile Zoo". A subsequent search of the park is fruitless.
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(9th-Thursday): Today's guests: Miss Williams private party
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(10th-Friday): An armature burns out in a generator in the Scranton Railway Company forcing it to restrict its schedule and buy power from the Laurel Line. Trolleys to Luna Park are affected forcing longer wait times for patrons.
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Week of July 12, 1908
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(12th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band. News article notes that all entertainment is being provided through an agreement with the National Park Managers' Association.
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(13th-Monday): In the "Hale's Tours of the World" amusement, "A Tour of Picturesque Switzerland" is replaced with "A Trip to France". The Nohrens, "Sensational Trapeze Performers" replace the Kudora Troupe of Japanese Acrobats.
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(14th-Tuesday): Today's guests: Primitive Methodist Church of Dickson City; Christ Presbyterian Sunday School; Tripp Park Calvinistic Methodist Church; Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Church of Providence; Mrs. J. Swartz private party.
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(15th-Wednesday): "Millionaire" Charles P. Knapp's Famous New York State Band of Binghamton, NY featuring Miss Catherine O'Brien, soloist, is scheduled to replace the Robert J. Bauer Band for the next nine days. During this time, Bauer's Band is away at a military band competition. Frank Evans, "The Welsh Tenor" is also scheduled to perform. A tub race is held in the Shoot the Chutes lagoon. Trolley party from Carbondale outing; A brief note in the Scranton Republican suggests that a quick evening thundershower can cost Luna Park thousands of dollars in lost receipts as crowds scurry away from the park. Today's guests: Newsboys of the Lackawanna Valley
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(16th-Thursday): Today's guests: West Pittston Methodist Evangelical Memorial Church; Baptist Sunday School Church of Jermyn; Baptist Sunday School Church of Mayfield.
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(18th-Saturday): Last showing of "Destiny" in the "Scenitorium". Workers to start renovations to support new show. Miss Emma Scheuch of the German Presbyterian Sunday School of Hickory Street, South Side, gave her class an outing at the park.
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Week of July 19, 1908
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(19th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Knapp's Famous New York State Band.
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(20th-Monday): Vallecita's Leopards: "World's First Female animal trainer and leopard tamer and her five ferocious beasts" replace the Norhens act. Today's guests: Lincoln Lodge No. 83.
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(21st-Tuesday): Complaint is published in the Scranton Republican that the Scranton Railway Company does not provide seating at the rail termination point for Luna Park. Park management publicly announces the park will close for the season on September 19. Shickshinny Day is declared at the park. Park goers from Shickshinny arrive before the park opens causing consternation. Today's guests: Priceburg Primitive Methodist Church Sunday School; United Sacred Sunday Schools of Shickshinny.
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(22nd-Wednesday): Kate Cummings of Scranton sprained her ankle in the park.
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(23rd-Thursday): Today's guests: Sunday School of St. Mark's Lutheran Church of West Scranton.
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(24th-Friday): Robert J. Bauer Band returns replacing the Charles P. Knapp's Famous New York State Band. "Lady of the Luna Park Snakes" discusses snake handling in the Scranton Republican. Today's guests: Ladies of the Maccabees of Scranton and Providence Hives.
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(25th-Saturday): Today's guests: St. John's Total Abstinence and Benevolent Society and Drum Corp; National President of the United Mine Workers of America Thomas L. Lewis, United States Congressman T.D. Nicholls, and officers of three anthracite districts are guests at the park.
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Week of July 26, 1908
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(26th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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(27th-Monday): The Great Bertini, "World's Premier Uni-cyclist" replaces Vallecita's Leopards act.
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(28th-Tuesday): Today's guests: Christ Lutheran Sunday School; Christ Lutheran Evangelical Church of Cedar Avenue, Scranton.
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(29th-Wednesday): The Chinese Dragon, long missing from the "Reptile Zoo", is recovered Near Nay Aug Park. Today's guests: Delegates to the Modern Protective Association lodges.
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(30th-Thursday): Today's guests: Lt. Ezra S. Griffin Camp No. 8, Sons of Veterans; Methodist Episcopal Church of Factoryville; Baptist Sunday School of Factoryville. Over 400 admission tickets sold on this date. Chartered trolleys are used today.
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(31th-Friday): "Merry Widow Hat Contest" held at the park. Grand prize is a $10 gold piece. Tallest hat wins $5 in gold. Ebert Studios donates photographs of the winners.
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(1st-Saturday): Scranton Railway Company completes repairs to its power generation plant and its schedules are subsequently restored to normal. Today's guests: St. Aloysius Society of Wilkes Barre - 3000 tickets are sold.
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Week of August 2, 1908
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(2nd-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band. Arthur Hudson, "The Vocal Soloist" performs with the band.
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(3rd-Monday): Manager Sloss declares this week as "Luna Park Festival Week". DeVelde and Zelda: "Artistic Equilibrists" replace the Great Bertini in the Hippodrome. In the "Hale's Tours of the World" amusement, "A Trip to France" is replaced with "A Trip to Australia".
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(4th-Tuesday): Today's guests: Primitive Methodist Church of Olyphant.
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(5th-Wednesday): Today's guests: St. Paul's Methodist Evangelical Church of South Scranton; Combined lodges of the Knights of Malta of Wilkes Barre.
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(6th-Thursday): With merchandise purchase, Mears & Hagan store giving away Luna Park admission tickets to customers. Today's guests: Welsh Baptist Church Sunday School of Taylor.
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(7th-Friday): Today's guests: Calvinistic Methodist Evangelical Church of Bellevue.
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(8th-Saturday): Today's guests: Division No. 168, Street Car Men's Union of Scranton.
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Week of August 9, 1908
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(9th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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(10th-Monday): Sadie Knowlton and her "Dash of Death" replaces DeVelde and Zelda in the Hippodrome. A second "Merry Widow Hat Contest" is held at the park due to the popularity of the first. Today's guests: Home of the Good Shepherd hosted by Manager Sloss. Paid attendance is over 10,000 patrons.
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(11th-Tuesday): Today's guests: Baptist Sunday School of Olyphant.
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(12th-Wednesday): Mears & Hagan store repeats offer giving away Luna Park admission tickets to customers. A.E. Rogers store offers free Luna Park admission tickets to customers. O'Malley & Glynn Shoe Store begin offering free Luna Park admission tickets to customers. A "Ferris Wheel" is installed and now operating in the park. Today's guests: Madisonville Sunday School of Madisonville.
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(13th-Thursday): Sperry & Hutchinson Green Stamp Trading Day; Heavy rain force these events to be delayed to Friday, the 14th. Today's guests: Sperry & Hutchinson Stores; Baker Family Reunion both postponed.
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(14th-Friday): Rescheduled Sperry & Hutchinson Green Stamp Trading Day; Today's guests: Sperry & Hutchinson Stores; Baker Family Reunion.
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(15th-Saturday): Objecting on a moral basis, minor complaints received in regard to the sheath gown competition. Manager Sloss indicates the contest will go on as advertised. Petitioners submit request to Scranton City Council to block Mulberry Street improvements of Scranton Railway Company for trolley access to Nay Aug and Luna Parks. Today's guests: United Sunday Schools of Forest City; Y.M.I. Societies of Miners Mills, Wilkes Barre and Pittston.
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Week of August 16, 1908
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(16th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band. Hallelujah Chorus of 1000 voices rehearse with Bauer's Band in Luna Park.
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(17th-Monday): Hurley's LaBella Auto Loop-the-Loop act replaces the Sadie Knowlton and "Dash of Death" act. Sheath Gown and Fancy Costume Contests scheduled. Sheath Gown Contest is called off when the contestants fled in the presences of the Scranton City Chief of police and several of his officers even though he had pledged not to interfere. The sheathe gown was rescheduled for the following Monday night, August 24. The other prize for best dressed costume was awarded on this night. 9,997 paid admissions on this night.
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(19th-Wednesday): Today's guests: Methodist Evangelical Sunday Schools of Chinchilla and Clarks Summit; Lowry Family Private Party; Seven County Civil War Veterans' Association. The Women's Relief Corp. and the Ladies Circle of the Grand Army of the Republic served up to 600 lunches to the veteran participants.
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(22nd-Saturday): Welsh Day; A Welsh Singing Festival is conducted. The Hallelujah Chorus of 1000 voices perform in concert with Bauer's Band in Luna Park. Pennsylvania Governor Edwin S. Stuart, United Mine Workers of America National President Thomas L. Lewis, and United States Senator Boles Penrose speak at the event. Highlight of the evening is the touching of a button by Col. R.A. Phillips on behalf of President Theodore Roosevelt to illuminate the lights of the Flaming Red Dragon. Dr. Daniel Protheroe sings the "Star Spangled Banner" during the illumination ceremony. Paid admission was estimated between 25,000 and 30,000 patrons but was hampered by rain. In the "Hale's Tours of the World" amusement, "A Trip to Australia" is replaced with "A Trip to Wales".
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Week of August 23, 1908
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(23rd-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band. An open union meeting of the "Five brotherhoods of Railroad Engineers, Conductors, Brakemen, Telegraphers, and Firemen of the Wyoming division of the Erie Railroad" is held at the park.
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(24th-Monday): Herr Schmidt, "Strong Man", and William Hoye, "bicyclist" replace Hurley's LaBella Auto Loop-the-Loop act. Hoye is injured slightly during his first act but recovers. Five young ladies enter the rescheduled "Sheathe Gown Contest" which proceeds without incident.
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(25th-Tuesday): Today's guests: Pioneer Court Tribe of Ben Hur; Carbondale Commercial Institute students.
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(26th-Wednesday): Woodmen of the World of Old Forge Log Rolling Contest is held in the Shoot the Chutes Lagoon. Today's guests: Daniels Family Reunion; Mission Sunday School of Carbondale; Manager Sloss invites members of the cast of the "Follies of 1907" show to the park.
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(27th-Thursday): Barn Dance craze strikes Luna's Dance Hall. Crowds can't get enough of the dance step.
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(28th-Friday): Today's guests: Simpson Methodist Evangelical Sunday School
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(29th-Saturday): Silk Mill Day is declared at the park. Combined Silk Mill workers outing held at the park in conjunction with a Central Labor Union meeting and presentation to the silk mill workers. The Honorable John R. Farr tells those present that they should practice the "Golden Rule" in their relations with their employers.
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Week of August 30, 1908
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(30th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band. Arthur Hudson, "The Vocal Soloist" performs with the band. A Scranton Republican new articles notes the number of light bulbs in the park has increased to 76,289 with a "globe of fire", and a "canopy of multi-colored lights" is suspended over the Shoot the Chutes lagoon. [No postcard imagery exists]
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(31st-Monday): Sie Hassan Ben Ali's "Seven Arabic Stars of the East Acrobatic Troupe" replace Herr Schmidt, "Strong Man", and William Hoye, "bicyclist".
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(2nd-Wednesday): Karl Ebert installs a red plate glass in the park's "Photography Studio" to permit park goers to observe the photo development process. He also invents an automatic process to switch between red and white light in the dark room.
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(3rd-Thursday): Barn Dance Night held in the Dance Hall. Albert Perkins, sharpshooter, shows off his competitive skill in the park's "Shooting Gallery".
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(5th-Saturday): Today's guests: Gravity men of the Pennsylvania and Delaware & Hudson Railroad. As there is no room in Luna Park, a preserved "gravity" railroad coach is moved from the Dunmore rail shops to a display site in Nay Aug Park for the occasion. Miss Tillie Turner reads an essay, "Woman's Part in the History of the Gravity". Competitive drill is conducted between companies of the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America in the park. Prizes are awarded.
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Week of September 6, 1908
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(6th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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(7th-Monday): Labor Day Celebration requires park to open at 10:00 AM and close at midnight. New article mis-states opening time at 1:00 PM. "Five Sensational Boises Aerial Acrobats" replace Sie Hassan Ben Ali's "Seven Arabic Stars of the East Acrobatic Troupe". Dance Hall is decorated with Japanese Lanterns for the occasion. New "Globe of Fire" above Shoot the Chutes lagoon is an attraction. Manager Sloss observed the Scranton Railway Trolley service was apparently still inhibited due to electrical shortages and the Laurel Line was unable to keep up with demand, still, the park benefited from a tremendous crowd.
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(8th-Tuesday): Confetti Carnival Week begins. Scranton and Wilkes Lutheran Pastor Association hold annual outing. A park announcement states, "A force of workmen yesterday have begun tearing out the buildings formerly occupied by the 'Molly Coddle' and 'Home Sweet Home' for the installation of a big vaudeville theater. The work is being pushed in order that the building may be ready for occupancy for next week, which will be the last week of the present season. It is planned to continue a vaudeville theater on this site next summer." [Not conclusively known if renovation or new building]
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(9th-Wednesday): Confetti Carnival Week continues. Barn Dance Night held in the Dance Hall. Rube Brown's Corn Huskers Band plays for the occasion and dresses in country "rube" attire. Revealed publicly in court room testimony by the Lackawanna County District Attorney that the "Black Hand" gang had requested of a local family $600 in "tribute money" to be delivered to "an agent at Luna Park".
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(10th-Thursday): District Attorney O'Brien again noted in court the difficulty in apprehending the "Black Hand" gang at Luna Park. The money drop had been made as requested, but not picked up right away. After being subjected to prolonged and intense questioning through an interpreter, the suspect in question was eventually released. Charges of "robbery by threat" are made via a grand jury against an individual. Two men associated with the case were found dead in Nay Aug Park.
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(11th-Friday): Confetti Carnival Week continues.
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(12th-Saturday): Confetti Carnival Week slated to end but is announced will carry over to the end of the season. Park closes between 4:30 PM and 5:30 PM to "give the machines and employees a rest". Today's guests: School children that subscribe to the Dime Bank Stamp Fund.
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Week of September 13, 1908
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(13th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are performed by the Robert J. Bauer Band. Arthur Hudson, "The Vocal Soloist" performs with the band.
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(14th-Monday): Confetti Carnival Week continues. "Cotton's Comical Donkeys", featuring "Tom" and "Jerry", replace the "Five Sensational Boises Aerial Acrobats". For the remainder of the week, admission is free to women and children entering the park between the hours of 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
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(15th-Tuesday): Confetti Carnival Week continues. Water storage barrels that had used Scranton City Water sources were found to be contaminated with bacteria. Manager Sloss directed the park's water supply be switched over to the park's spring water supply. After the change to the spring water source, the water was tested and found to be bacteria free. Robert Bauer's Band plays in the Dance Hall.
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(16th-Wednesday): Confetti Carnival Week continues.
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(17th-Thursday): Confetti Carnival Week continues. Barn Dance Night held in the Dance Hall. Rube Brown's Corn Huskers Band plays for the occasion and dresses in country "rube" attire.
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(18th-Friday): Confetti Carnival Week continues. Another Barn Dance Night held in the Dance Hall. Rube Brown's Corn Huskers Band plays for the occasion and dresses in country "rube" attire.
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(19th-Saturday): Confetti Carnival Week ends. Park employees march to the beat of the band to the park office where Manager Sloss is presented with a gift of appreciation. In part, Arthur Keller, Director of Publicity, spoke in part, "In this world of hustle and bustle, in this struggle for life and existence, things occur at times which are not altogether pleasant. In an amusement enterprise as Scranton Luna Park, the directing genius is forced to shoulder cares and responsibilities calculated to ruffle his peace of mind. But in you, Mr. Sloss, we have found a chieftain, always kind, always considerate, always merciful. Inoculated with that same spirit of perseverance, that same determination to succeed, that directs your movements, I can safely say the employees of Scranton Luna Park guided by your admirable example, have marched along your superb leadership to victory." The park closes for the 1908 season.
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Week of September 20, 1908
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(20th-Sunday): Watchmen in the park discover a "small forest fire" on the Nay Aug Park side of the gorge. It is extinguished after an hour. It was found to have been set by railroad hobos.
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Week of September 27, 1908
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(27th-Sunday): Another brush fire on top of Moosic Mountain threatens the park. After several hours had passed, a large force of firemen, including the Chemical Battalion were able to keep the flames from consuming the park.
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(29th-Tuesday): Heavy rain hits the area finally extinguishing the forest fire.
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Week of November 29, 1908
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(5th-Saturday): Scranton's "The Globe Store" opens "Toy Fairyland" features toys "just like the rides at Luna Park".
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Week of December 6, 1908
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(9th-Wednesday): Margaret Perry, 18 years old and a native of Hazleton, who appeared in the Reptile Exhibit as the "Lady Snake Charmer" was found dead in Philadelphia of apparent suicide.
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(11th-Friday): Publicly reported the park did not turn a profit this year and is $8000 in debt. No stock dividends are paid. Rumors abound that certain stockholders are interested in selling their holdings.
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(12th-Saturday): A correction is published indicating the true nature of the debt is $4000. Further, when Frederick Ingersoll formed the Scranton Luna Park Company at a capitalization of $300,000, he rented the land upon which the park was located from Linwood Park Company of which Andrew Bedford was president. Ingersoll since sold his holding in the Scranton Luna Park Company. The terms upon which the land was rented specified that $5000 per year be paid quarterly in advance to the Linwood Park Company for a certain term of years, then $8000 per year be paid quarterly in advance for another term of years, then finally that $10,000 per year be paid quarterly be paid following a term of years. As part of the agreement, should the Scranton Luna Park Company fall into arrears, the Linwood Park Company could either demand one year of rent forthwith in advance, and failing in this, the property could be taken over by the Linwood Park Company if the rent was not paid after due notice. It was stated during the first two years, the park earned a profit, but this season, with all of the money spent on improvements, there was a $4000 deficit. Manager Sloss prompted several Scranton capitalist to form their own company and successfully buy the property from the Linwood Park Company. Now, this new company wants the Scranton Luna Park Company Board of Directors to pay the $4000 rent to them or sell their interest to members of the new company, thus the new company would run the park. In either case, Sloss would continue to act as manager.
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Week of December 13, 1908
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(18th-Friday): Scranton Luna Park Company hold a major stockholder meeting to try to decide what action to take regarding the $4000 loss, the $5000 rent deficit, and a potential $21,000 land acquisition.
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(19th-Saturday): Adolph Blau, a principal stockholder in the Scranton Luna Park Company, makes an offer of $25,000 for the park land to Andrew Bedford. Bedford agrees in principal pending specific arrangements. Stockholders of the Scranton Luna Park Company are unable to pay the $4000 rent and are forced into reorganization under Adolph Blau's leadership.
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Week of December 20, 1908
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(22nd-Tuesday): According to an article in the Scranton Republican, Scranton Luna Park Company stockholders conduct a meeting in Attorney Bedford's office and decide to reorganize the company which is now being referred to as the "new association". Adolph Blau has surprisingly decided not to publicly participate due to concerns over costs but conflicting rumors and reports persist his organization, the "Blau Banking House" is assisting with negotiation and purchase. Nonetheless, according to news reports, other stockholders feel they can raise enough capital to continue the park. The new organization is named the "Scranton Park Company" and Len Sloss retains his position as manager. Blau acquires 1,393 shares of stock in the new organization and is considered a "heavy" investor.
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