| Timeline of the 1911 Season
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| Week of March 5, 1911
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| (11th-Saturday): Thomas M. Gibbons is appointed manager of the Luna Park Company replacing Len Sloss.
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| Week of March 19, 1911
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| (22nd-Saturday): Former Manager Sloss leaves area to become director of concessions for the Panama exposition in San Francisco.
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| Week of April 30, 1911
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| (1st-Monday): Despite a raging thunderstorm, a newly renovated "Dance Hall", now called the "Dance Pavilion", opens the "Dancing Season" four weeks before the rest of the park. Robert J. Bauer's Band has been assigned orchestral responsibilities.
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| Week of May 7, 1911
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| (9th-Tuesday): Sparks from a steam locomotive started a fast moving brush fire that threatened the "Dance Pavilion" and several homes. The fire took two hours before being brought under control by the Scranton Fire Department. The "Dance Pavilion" was not damaged. Several hundred couples continued dancing during the duration of the fire.
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| Week of May 21, 1911
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| (22nd-Monday): Aviator M.P. Talmage, his mechanic, F.L. Weeks, and their custom Curtis biplane, are scheduled to fly around Luna Park for the week. Unique admission and show ticket payment arrangements with non-cash rebates are set in place "as a protection to the park and its patrons". Manager Gibbons also announces extensive park renovations and several permanent acts: Harry Lukens' "Performing Bears and Trained Lions" shown in conjunction with Lukens' "Canine and Equine Paradox", and also, Mademoiselle Zara's "Mixed group of panthers, leopards, pumas, and lions", in a circus tent that is 80 feet tall. The circus show is provided by the DeHoman Company and includes clowns, acrobats, trapeze artists, juggling, etc. Charles P. Farrington's vaudeville show is offered. The new park motto is now, "Luna Park, The Beauty Spot of Scranton".
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| (23th-Tuesday): All of the park's buildings are completely repainted.
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| (26th-Friday): "Mahoney's Ponies", a dog and pony show, are added to the standard list of park entertainment.
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| (27th-Saturday): Luna Park opens for its sixth season. More boardwalk amusement acts are introduced: Jeffries and Johnson: "The Fighting Bears", Kansas, "The Talking Pony", Vic and his "Wooden Shoes" dance [bear?]. A motion picture concerning the "Old Wild West" is being shown. With much promotion, the first airplane flight in the history of the City of Scranton is planned by Lester Weeks, an associate of M.P. Talmage. It is discovered the Curtis aircraft engine was damaged in transit and the a cylinder must be repaired or replaced. By the time this is done, night has fallen and it is unsafe to fly. The aviators lectured the crowds on aviation theory as repairs continued.
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| Week of May 28, 1911
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| (28th-Sunday): Crowds gathered thinking two Sacred Sunday Concerts were to be performed. But the Robert J. Bauer Band was off rehearsing at another venue. Repairs and adjustments continued on the Curtis biplane to assure it could safely sustain flight.
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| (29th-Monday): The Curtis biplane crashes on take-off! "The right wing clipped a bush in the road, breaking a wing, and the front wheel of the running gear" exclaimed a no-worse-for-wear aviator, Lester Weeks. Unlike his aircraft, he was unhurt. An article in the Scranton Republican indicates two large circus tents are in use. Sunday attendance for the non-concert day was 1,000.
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| (30th-Tuesday): Memorial Day celebration at the park. Crowd is characterized by Manager Gibbons as "the largest in the park's history" but no actual number is published. The Curtis biplane is undergoing repair.
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| (31st-Wednesday): A small gang of pickpockets are apprehended in the park near the Ice Cream Stand. A plain clothes policeman recognized their signal as "football lingo, 'Sixteen Ten Five', used by a local football team" in identifying the suspects. Dan Muldoon, William Richards, and Tom Connery are the arresting officers. Heavy rain led to sparse crowds at the park.
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| (2nd-Friday): A Tribune-Republican article indicates that couples are paying to dance in the "Dance Pavilion" on a per ticket per person basis. There is a rebate of 10 cents per two tickets [20 cents] purchased. 1500 members of the Scranton Central and Technical High Schools enjoyed an afternoon outing.
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| Week of June 4, 1911
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| (4th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:15 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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| (5th-Monday): Scheduled this week, "Daredevil Mack" uses roller skates to ride the Shoot the Chutes ramp into the lagoon.
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| (6th-Tuesday): Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery Survivor's Association Meeting and Reunion, 112th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers Association Meeting and Reunion, Sixth Pennsylvania Reserves Reunion, Reunion of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Calvary, and the Grand Army of the Republic Day and statewide encampment held at the park. As huge crowds waved American flags, the veterans march through the City of Scranton to the park.
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| (8th-Thursday): Dime Deposit & Discount Bank invites all depositors for a free night at the park. Avoca Public Schools afternoon outing scheduled. Leroy Pomroy, a.k.a. "Daredevil Mack" is injured about the face and shoulders in a fall off the Shoot the Chutes ramp during a performance. He was treated at a nearby hospital.
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| (9th-Friday): Dickson City Public Schools outing held on this date.
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| (10th-Saturday): Clarification of the admission policy announced: "The admission of ten cents at the gate entitles park patrons to two dances or ten cents' worth of amusement on any of the attractions controlled by the management."
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| Week of June 11, 1911
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| (11th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:15 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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| (12th-Monday): Professor Martin Kelly, "Daring Aeronaut of Philadelphia" scheduled to ascend in a balloon during the week. He is instructed to drop promotional credit slips from Scranton city merchants for shoes, caps, hats, gloves, etc., and also seasonal tickets for Luna Park admission and amusements. Just as the hot air balloon was ready for launch, a severe thunderstorm hit the area halting any chance of flight.
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| (13th-Tuesday): Professor Kelly is scheduled in the afternoon to drop a credit note for a Kramer Brothers' shirt, which the finder must take to Manager Gibbons for authentication. In an evening flight, Professor Kelly is to drop a credit note for a Pierce & Scott hat, which likewise requires Manager Gibbons' signature for authentication. The evening ascension is to be marked by a blaze of red fire. A thunderstorm delays the afternoon launch several hours. Kelly and his assistance finally take flight after 6:00 PM. Kelly parachutes to earth but lands in a cherry tree outside the park. The assistant manages to land the balloon in the park's picnic grounds.
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| (14th-Wednesday): On his second flight, Professor Kelly narrowly missed electrocution against the Laurel Line's electrified third rail. As he parachuted to earth, his chute caught the limbs of a tree, as he began to swing into the rail, he cut loose, falling into the tree, saving himself. "It was a close shave", Kelly was quoted afterward, "...I'm sort of getting used to them."
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| (15th-Thursday): Professor Kelly's Balloon ascensions; Mears and Hagen's employee outing
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| (16th-Friday): Professor Kelly's Balloon ascensions
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| (17th-Saturday): Professor Kelly's Balloon ascensions; Sixteen hundred employees of the Scranton Button Works hold outing. Imperial Underwear Company employee outing; Lackawanna Shirt Manufacturing Company employee outing; Avoca silk mill employee outing
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| Week of June 18, 1911
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| (18th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:15 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band. In the early morning, an Steven Thomas stages his suicide death for his estranged wife behind Luna Park's Laurel Line station but police are subsequently unable to locate his body.
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| (19th-Monday): "Three reels of the finest action pictures" are being shown.
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| (24th-Saturday): Roberts Hose Company and friends of Bainbridge, New York hold an outing at the park.
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| Week of June 25, 1911
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| (25th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:15 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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| (26th-Monday): "Wild West Week" is declared. Frank Tompkins' Wild West Show with "rough riders, bucking broncos, Indians, and all other necessary features represented in the flesh." Motion picture reproductions of Buffalo Bill's Wild West and Pawnee Bill's Far East shows are shown. Miss Mable Hackney and her dancing pony scheduled for three days this week. Wilkes Barre Newsboys' excursion
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| (27th-Tuesday): St. Paul's Total Abstinence and Beneficial Society annual picnic and outing; Edward G. McCracken loses a $175 stopwatch in the Shoot the Chute lagoon. He offers a $10 reward for its retrieval. McCracken lost the watch the instant his boat hit the water at the bottom of the pond.
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| (27th-Tuesday): Pioneer Corps of the St. Paul Society annual outing
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| (29th-Thursday): Sponsored by Kolb Baking Company, Pan-Dandy [bread] Day is declared and will be held over to Friday as well. Thousands of children as guests of the company were treated to lunch, admission, and to various amusements. A Mrs. Frank Lieber was accidentally stabbed by a long hat pin and treated in park hospital. Mrs. Donnelly and Mrs Van Holton were treated in the park hospital for heat exhaustion. Miss Kellener was treated for fainting. Park employees, Frank Bronzo and Edward Newlands were both caught in a crush of people and had to be treated in the park hospital afterwards. A baby carriage in which a one month old was being wheeled was upset by the crowds and was rescued by park police. A missing 13-year-old boy, Milton Carr, turned up safe prior to the park closing at 11:00 PM. Lettie Edwards of West Scranton found unconscious near the park's Laurel Line station and later dies in hospital, victim of an apparent suicide.
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| (30th-Friday): [Kolb Baking Company] Pan-Dandy [bread] Day No. 2 is held in spite of the previous day's issues. Between 3,000 and 4,000 admissions were granted to women and children who presented a Pan-Dandy bread wrapper at an entrance gate. The company also provided a free lunch. No accidents or medical issues were reported on this date. Athletic contests of all kind were held in the morning.
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| Week of July 2, 1911
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| (2nd-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:30 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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| (3rd-Monday): "The Two Lucifers: European Whirl Wind Acrobats and Eccentrics", and "Captain Sidney Hinman and his Trained Life Saving Dogs" scheduled as the week's guest acts on the Hippodrome stage. These acts replaced the "Wild West Show". Beginning this week, park management offers with the cost of admission, free rides on the roller coaster, Shoot the Chutes, Circle Swing, and Carousel, and others [all park-owned attractions, not independents]. 25,000 paid patrons are expected on July 4. Pickpockets caught in the park earlier in the year are sentenced to six months in jail.
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| (4th-Tuesday): The park celebrates the 4th of July holiday. The park is filled to capacity with people. The park's telegraph system receives updates concerning the Wolgast-Moran boxing match and posts updates as it proceeds. Captain Sidney Hinman's dogs rescued two young boys pretending to be needing to be rescued from the Shoot the Chutes lagoon, much to the delightful approval of the crowd. According to an advertisement in the Tribune-Republican newspaper, a fireworks show was to be conducted over Nay Aug Gorge in the evening.
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| (6th-Wednesday): Small Tribune-Republican news article notes park receipts "for the past five weeks have exceeded those of the first five for the last season".
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| Week of July 9, 1911
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| (9th-Sunday): As the sun sets, a Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:30 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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| (11th-Tuesday): An illuminated moon globe is placed atop the Dance Pavilion "so enchanting that those who know anything at all about the terpsichorean art will find themselves unable to withstand its alluring call". From this point forward, the rooftop globe, is referred to as "The Lunagraph" or as "The Mystic Moonlight" in park publicity articles and advertisements. Ministers' picnic held at the park.
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| (12th-Wednesday): Manager T.M. Gibbons declares today as "Olyphant Day". Merchants of the town, e.g. Lloyds Jewelry Store, Harris' Cash Store, Flannery Brothers, J.B. O'Hara, Lalley & Lawlor, Fretz's Market, W.S. Found & Co., Stein's Lunch Room, Edgett's Jewelry Store, M.E. Dougherty, P.T. Dougher, Irish's Shoe Store, B.E. Golden, White's Dental Parlors, White's City Market, H.W. Scriven, Lally's Hardware Store, B.H. Evans, Kileullen's Cigar Store, Matthews & Gardner, W.J. Lynott, and the First National Bank of Olyphant, freely distribute $0.35 worth of tickets per person to their patrons. This is enough to gain admission and pay for several amusements. Although without providing actual patron counts, heavy park attendance is reported in the local press.
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| Week of July 16, 1911
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| (16th-Sunday): A Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:30 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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| (17th-Monday): Northeastern Pennsylvania is in the midst of an uncomfortable heat wave. Luna Park advertises "cooling breezes" and "open air of the mountains". "Two solid hours of real motion pictures" are being shown in the evening in the Hippodrome. Advertisements lure potential patrons to come see where "icy breezes make fun of the worst efforts of the weatherman". Interestingly, an advertisement for the first time suggests, "Only five minutes ride" presumably by automobile. The "Scrantonian" newspaper day hosting a free day for its subscribers. A "Baby Incubator Farm" exhibit begins. The Great Dante Company of Mystic Oriental Magicians is scheduled for the week. It's noted in a published article that better acts should be coming to Luna Park as a result of the destruction by fire of Dreamland on Coney Island. Mademoiselle Novi and her "double somersaulting automobile act" is scheduled for the week but because of a misunderstanding, she is routed to a park in Baltimore instead. Manager Gibbons hurriedly visits New York and attempts to engage the Barkers, a man & woman high-dive fire jumping act, but learns only upon his return to Scranton that they are unable to schedule until a future date.
Asking for understanding, he apologizes to the crowd and suggests they watch the new Lunagraph over the "Dance Hall".
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| (18th-Tuesday): With the absence of its main act, Luna's advertised main attractions this week are a vaudeville show, the Dante Company, and the "Baby Incubator" Exhibit. Minstrels now wander the park singing songs and playing musical instruments.
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| (19th-Wednesday): "Red Men's Day" is declared. Reunion of the "Red Men" of Wayne, Luzerne and Lackawanna County is held. Attendance is estimated at 40,000 paid patrons. The day is also portrayed as a reunion day of everyone whoever lived in Wayne County. Truss Cornell, a.k.a. The Great Sacham, delivers a keynote address to the society. A chartered fourteen car train brought patrons to the park. The Barkers, the man & woman high-dive fire jumping act are able to change their previous schedule and arrive at the park. As not all of their equipment has yet arrived, Gibbons settles for "Miss Barker" doing a 55-foot high-dive in flaming attire until the rest of the equipment is delivered. The day is publicly described as having record-breaking attendance.
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| (22nd-Saturday): Fifth Annual Welsh Day Celebration is held. Met by Colonel R.A. Phillips, President of the Welsh Society, and Judge H.M. Edwards, Pennsylvania Governor John K. Tener, United States Senator Boies Penrose, Congressmen D.J. Lewis and John R. Farr attend the festivities and speak to the crowds. Various choirs from through the area compete in a singing contest orchestrated by the Robert J. Bauer Band. Estimated number of paid patrons is 20,000 people. Rest of the Barkers equipment is delivered and Mr. Barker joins Miss Barker in their performance. Dan Nagle has something new to show in the "Reptile Exhibit".
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| Week of July 23, 1911
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| (23th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:15 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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| (24th-Monday): The Barkers are scheduled to entertain the crowds in the Hippodrome this week.
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| (26th-Wednesday): Sons of Veterans annual outing is held.
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| (27th-Thursday): Children's Free Admission Day is declared. Flames rising off the water of the dive tank enveloped Miss Annette Barker who was severely burned as she dove. She hit the bottom of the tank head first knocked unconscious, and almost drowned. Park attendants were able to rescue and revive her.
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| (28th-Friday): Miss Barker resumes her performances.
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| (29th-Saturday): A spotlight has been added inside the Dance Pavilion [Dance Hall].
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| Week of July 30, 1911
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| (30th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:15 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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| (1st-Monday): Michael's Juvenile Minstrels, "The Ten Kiddies" act is scheduled for the week replacing the Barkers. "The Ten Kiddies" are: "Baby Wagner", ""Viola Wagner", "Sis Wagner", "Master Barton", "Gugie Gangenoff", "Lew Dockstader", " Raymond McCaskey", "Baby Butcher", "Miss Myrtle Lawler", and "Miss Florence Rush". Methodist Episcopal Church of Shickshinny annual picnic is held. One thousand to fifteen hundred people are estimated to have attended.
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| Week of August 6, 1911
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| (6th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert as given by 35 expert musicians is held at 8:15 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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| (7th-Monday): Michael's Juvenile "10 Kiddies" Minstrels act is held over but reforms itself as the "Minstrels of All Nations" act. Miss Myrtle Lawler, 9 years old, is the act's headliner. Florence Roberts will be the Little Boy in Blue representing the Spirit of '76. Sis Wagner, singing German songs, represents Germany. Baby Butcher poses as the goddess of liberty. Gugie Gangenoff poses as an Irishman. Raymond McCaskey poses as an Englishman. Jacob Barton is General George Washington. Viola Wagner will represent Scotland. Baby Wagner will be an American sailor and will perform a wing dance. Management opens the park [no admission fee] to picnics and family reunions in the afternoon (1:30 PM to 5:30 PM) all this week.
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| (9th-Wednesday): Park management publicly notes a slight increase in attendance probably due to free admission this week.
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| (10th-Thursday): A Hobble skirt, "The O.U. Hobble", contest is awarded with prizes of: prettiest, $15, to Cora Phaler of Petersburg; Most extreme, $10, to Jennie Taylor of North Scranton; Most grotesque, $5, to Jessie Nolan of Petersburg most severe, Leah Wescott was given a consolation prize. Number of people estimated to be in attendance is 10,000.
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| Week of August 13, 1911
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| (13th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:15 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band. Vaudeville entertainment is offered after the concert: Slexmore, "An Eccentric Clown", Omar, "An Amazing Spanish Dancer", and, Alice Lamont, "Musical Artist".
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| (15th-Tuesday): Young Men's Hebrew Association of northeastern Pennsylvania outing is held in the park. In conjunction, "Jewish Day" is formally declared at the park as the first reunion of those of the Hebrew faith of its kind in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 200 children of the Montefiore Hebrew School join the festivities as did the Hebrew Ladies Aid Society. Thousands are reported to have attended despite inclement weather.
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| (16th-Wednesday): The Free Act schedule changes mid-week. Replacement acts are: Gertrude Ralston, "character singing and dancing", Harry Hoyt, "The Famous Tramp Character", and Miss Alice Lamont will remain an additional week. Omar's and Slexmore's engagement conclude.
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| (17th-Thursday): A second, more extensive, Hobble Skirt Contest is conducted. At an Executive Committee Meeting, the Central Labor Union decides NOT to hold their annual outing and meeting at the park on Labor Day. This Labor Day event was a major revenue producer for the park. 85 members of the Hafler Reunion meet at the park.
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| (19th-Saturday): Mansfield State Normal School Alumni reunion; Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen from Oneonta, N.Y. outing; Stroudsburg State Normal School picnic outing
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| Week of August 20, 1911
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| (20th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:15 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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| (21st-Monday): Michael's Juvenile "10 Kiddies" Minstrels replicates the first part of a New York play, "The Midnight Sons", all this week. The week-long quest to find the "Mysterious Miss Luna" begins. Those intrepid enough to elusive young woman with the concealed identity in the park will win a prize! $300 in prizes are ultimately given out in the course of a week. Examples of prizes are an ostrich feather, lady's or men's watch, barrel of flour, a razor, handbag, pair of shoes, etc. She must be approached with the words, "Oh you Luna Maid, do you mysteriously represent..." and include the name of the vendor sponsoring the prize. Today's phrase is, "Oh you Luna Maid, do you mysteriously represent the Elite Photo Studio?" The winner received one dozen or $18 worth of photographs. Park is also featuring a "country dinner" being served in Williams' Cafe Restaurant in the park between noon and 7:00 PM. Outing after farewell reception held for Mrs. Lew Jones.
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| (22nd-Tuesday): On Monday, Miss Julia Peckoff of New York City identifies the first Mysterious Luna Maid, Miss Olive Koch, to win the prize of $18 worth of photographs. Two Mysterious Maid Prizes are posted for today: The phrases are: "Oh you Luna Maid, do you mysteriously represent the Harry W. Reinhart's Sporting Goods Store for the Gillette razor?" and "Oh you Luna Maid, do you mysteriously represent Connolly and Wallace's for the Kids Gloves?" Church of Our Lady of the Snow of Clarks Summit Annual Picnic is today. "Father Flood's Country Dinner" is being served in the restaurant. Proceeds benefit his Clarks Summit parish. They will run out of food before the evening is done. To accommodate the crowd, Manager Gibbons and staff turn the dance pavilion into a makeshift dining hall. Seventy Scranton Playground Association girls and their instructors have an outing at the park.
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| (23rd-Wednesday): On Tuesday, Herbert Costello of Dunmore, captures the Mysterious Luna Maid to obtain the coveted Gillette Razor as a prize. The other prize, the Connolly and Wallace's Kids Gloves proves elusive quarry and is carried over to today. Miss Agnes Cromwell was yesterday's Mysterious Miss Luna. Another new prize is today: a gold watch, either a lady's or gentleman's. The proper salutation is, "Oh you Luna Maid, do you mysteriously represent the Bee Hive Jewelry Company for the Gold Watch?" In the afternoon, as part of a park promotion, Manager Thomas Gibbons launches dozens of balloons with attached prize slips from Scranton Courthouse Square. A "Harem Skirt Contest" is announced for Friday night, August 25. Mrs. Henry Stipp would win the gold watch by tracking down Mysterious Miss Luna, Miss Rose Slessinger.
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| (24th-Thursday): On Wednesday, the Connolly and Wallace's Kids Gloves continued to prove elusive. If the gloves are not captured by 10:00 PM, they will be given away in the "Dance Hall". The new prize today is a $25 willow ostrich plume. The proper salutation is, "Oh you Luna Maid, do you mysteriously represent the T.E. Greene Millinery Company for the Willow Ostrich Plume?" Manager Thomas Gibbons launches more balloons with attached prize slips from Scranton Courthouse Square at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
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| (25th-Friday): "Harem Skirt Contest" was supposed to be held: $15 for prettiest, $10 for second prettiest, $5 for most ridiculous, but delayed to August 29, then again to August 31, due to heavy rain. No one wins the plume and it is carried over to Saturday. The kid gloves are given away in the dance pavilion.
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| (26th-Saturday): Bringing a sigh of relief to Park Manager Gibbons, the Central Labor Union Executive Committee decide to have their annual meeting and outing at Luna Park on Labor Day after all. Ladwig's advertises Luna Park postcards at 10 cents for a dozen. The Mysterious Luna Maid is caught! Miss Agnes McNulty was award the ostrich willow plume by the maid, Mrs. Fibarius, wife of an electrician in the park.
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| Week of August 27, 1911
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| (27th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:15 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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| (28th-Monday): Carnival Week begins with the theme, "Mardi Gras with a vengeance", features confetti each night. Colored confetti is thrown at park patrons with "reckless abandon".
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| (29th-Tuesday): Carnival Week continues. Due to rescheduling of the "Harem Skirt Contest" due to rain, much grumbling heard from a large crowd.
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| (30th-Wednesday): Carnival Week continues.
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| (31st-Thursday): Management announces the "Confetti Carnival" will last the rest of season until the park closes." The "Harem Skirt Contest" is postponed again.
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| (1st-Friday): Carnival Week continues.
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| (2nd-Saturday): Management decides to move the boxing exhibitions away from the park proper, "so as not to disturb those patrons who do not wish to see it." Carnival Week continues.
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| Week of September 3, 1911
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| (3rd-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held at 8:15 PM by the Robert J. Bauer Band.
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| (4th-Monday): Labor Day: Tom Overby vs. Jack Barry Heavyweight Boxing, also Tom Connors vs. Kid Gleason and Young Ketchel vs. Kid Coaches boxing matches in the confines of the park. Barry beat Overby. Connors and Gleason fought to a draw. Coaches has the advantage over Ketchel. The massive Scranton Central Labor Union Annual Meeting and Picnic Outing is held. T.L. Lewis, former president of the United Mine Workers Association gives the Labor Day oration, "I am a miner now!". As in previous years, the union men follow a parade rout through the city to the park. At least 25,000 tickets are sold. Actual in-park attendance is estimated around 15,000. An article in the Republican-Tribune indicates that turnstiles are used in certain areas of the park.
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| (5th-Tuesday): Dancing is enjoyed in the park all day today. Carnival Week continues.
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| (6th-Wednesday): Carnival Week continues. Management announces the park will close on Saturday but the Dance Pavilion will remain open "until the snow flies".
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| (7th-Thursday): Carnival Week continues. Twelve contestants enter the "Harem Skirt Contest" which is held after much delay.
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| (8th-Friday): Park employees present Manager Thomas F. Gibbons with a gold watch and chain as a token of appreciation for the past year. The presentation speech is made by James White. Arthur Watson, treasurer of the park, resigns.
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| (9th-Saturday): Luna Park closes for the season. Dance Pavilion remains open weather permitting.
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| Week of September 10, 1911
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| (11th-Monday): A waltz contest is held in the Dance Pavilion and 40 couple participate. William Stephens and Miss Anne Ridegeway of Petersburg win the prize.
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| (18th-Saturday): The Dance Pavilion closes for the season.
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| Week of September 24, 1911
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| (28th-Thursday): Harry Davis, convicted Luna Park pickpocket, petitions Lackawanna County Court for parole.
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| Week of November 12, 1911
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| (16th-Thursday): Stockholders of the Scranton Park Company [owners of Luna Park] hold their annual meeting. Thomas M. Gibbons is re-engaged to manage the park for the 1912 season. The following officers were elected: A. Blau, President; D.J. Davis, Vice President; M.J. Lynott, Secretary and Treasurer. Board of Directors are listed as A. Blau, H.M. Wood, D.J. Davis, G.W. Snyder, Thomas Fleming, A.B. Hague, and M.J. Lynott.
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The 1912 Season [Native Americans, Lollypops, Pan-Daddy, Mojoes, RMS Titanic, Where have all the picnics gone?]
| Timeline of the 1912 Season
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| Week of April 21, 1912
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| (27th-Saturday): Dancing resumes for the 1912 season in the Dance Pavilion. Robert J. Bauer and his 35 piece orchestra once again will resume orchestral duties. Published advertisements claim, "It's not too cold out in the evening to have a good time!" Hours are posted from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
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| Week of May 12, 1912
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| (12th-Sunday): Matt Coar, who helps to manage the park's Dance Pavilion, narrowly escapes seriously injury as his automobile is involved in a collision and overturns into an excavation in Scranton.
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| Week of May 19, 1912
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| (21st-Tuesday): Scranton Board of Trade adopts a resolution stating they are against any streetcar company from laying track in the proximity of Nay Aug Park.
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| (23rd-Thursday): Fresh flowers are planted throughout Luna Park. A streetcar on the Nay Aug and Luna line suddenly stops and catches fire. Although there is a brief panic, no one is injured.
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| (25th-Saturday): Park opens for its seventh season at 1:00 PM. Admission is still 10 cents for adults and 5 cents for children. Amusements fees vary. Besides a fresh coat of paint, a new attraction this year is an "Indian village" and an "American Indian Concert Band" is scheduled to play for two weeks in the Hippodrome. Joining this band as featured vocalist is Miss Harriet C. Smith. Charles Romands' "Dog and Pony Show" will parade daily and occupy one of the exhibition buildings. A vaudeville troupe, "Ridges" will entertain in the park. The penny arcade has been upgraded with new attractions. Management, under the direction of Thomas Gibbons, has returned to the practice of using gate admission and ticketed amusements. He later clarifies that the park will normally rebate the admission fee in exchange for amusement tickets but not on holidays or on certain "special event" days. Biggest problem of the day for Mr. Gibbons, is that the population of the "Indian village" fails to arrive due to illness. They telegraph late in the day that it will take a few days for them to arrive.
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| Week of May 26, 1912
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| (26th-Sunday): The "American Indian Concert Band" accompanied by vocalist, Miss Harriet C. Smith, provide two Sacred Sunday Concerts at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
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| (27th-Monday): Saturday and Sunday attendance was publicized as having surpassed "fondest expectations", but no actual figures are mentioned.
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| (30th-Thursday): Memorial Day [Decoration Day] is celebration with oddly worded advertisements noting "Immense crowds", "The usual amusements", and "American Indians".
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| (31st-Friday): Memorial Day attendance is publicly characterized, perhaps ominously, as, "No waiting. No crowding. Plenty of car parking." As well as, "The crowds left early due to 'strenuous' weather." The "American Indian Concert Band" accompanied by vocalist, Miss Harriet C. Smith is scheduled for another week. The former owners of the park, "The Scranton Luna Park Company" find a lien against building Lots 16 to 22, Block 64, Tenth Ward for $171.11 in a threatened tax sale brokered by the Scranton City Treasurer's office.
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| (1st-Saturday): Manager Gibbons announces the scheduling of the "American Indian Concert Band" accompanied by vocalist, Miss Harriet C. Smith is extended for another week.
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| Week of June 2, 1912
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| (2nd-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM are held by the "American Indian Concert Band" accompanied by vocalist, Miss Harriet C. Smith.
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| (3rd-Monday): Deciding one week isn't enough, Manager Gibbons extends the schedules of "American Indian Concert Band" accompanied by vocalist, Miss Harriet C. Smith another two weeks. He notes publicly that the Sacred Sunday Concerts are particularly well attended [with thanks to them].
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| (4th-Tuesday): Mothers' Day is declared at the park and admission and amusement fees are waved for any mother entering the park. Advertising proudly proclaims "No charge for the 'dear old lady'".
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| (5th-Wednesday): "Fadden's Quality Ice Cream" is now being exclusively sold throughout the park.
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| (6th-Thursday): A "Suffragette Hat Contest" is supposed to be held but postponed a full week due to rain.
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| (7th-Friday): Despite the inclement weather, the first "Suffragette Hat Contest" is held. Awarded: $10, prettiest hat to Mrs. Swartz; $5, most distinctive hat to Anna Dixon; $2.50 for the oddest hat to Grace Jones. Judges are James White, William Burns, and Frank Cummings.
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| (8th-Saturday): "Red Men's" day [Native Americans in traditional dress form a parade from Nay Aug Park to Luna Park]. A large tribal reunion and picnic is held. There is held what is characterized as a rare ceremony called the "an-hoo-wach-sa-noo" or adoption of a white brother into the tribe of the Onondaga. [Note: Although previous reporting strongly suggests Manager Thomas Gibbons is going to be chosen because of his hospitality and kindness, no published reporting confirms this is so.]
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| Week of June 9, 1912
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| (9th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts at 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM are held by the "American Indian Concert Band" accompanied by vocalist, Miss Harriet C. Smith. This is their last park engagement for the season.
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| (10th-Monday): Baby Jack, "a roller skating bear" and the Campbell Kids, "two and three year old Scottish lassies that dance on roller skates", are scheduled to perform in the Hippodrome. Michael's Juvenile "10 Kiddies" Minstrels act returns as the "10 Juvenile Minstrels" act. With these performers, Manager Gibbons tries out the notion of continuous free acts in the Hippodrome from 7:15 PM to park closing at 11:00 PM. Also in a special statement to the press, Gibbons emphasizes it still only costs a nickel to ride a streetcar to the park from anywhere in the city.
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| (11th-Tuesday): Firemen's Day is declared. A "Fireman's Contest" is held. Awarded: $10, to the fire company appearing in largest numbers; $5, most handsome fireman; $2.50 for the homeliest fireman.
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| (12th-Wednesday): Proclaiming he's "always ready to give the people more than was promised", Manager Gibbons arranges for the Baumont's Dog and Pony Circus to join the group of acts that appear twice daily in the Hippodrome as part of the "continuous free acts effort" he has devised. Baby Jack and the Campbell Kids disappear from the roster.
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| (13th-Thursday): Another "Suffragette Hat Contest" is held. Awarded: $10, prettiest hat; $5, most distinctive hat; $2.50 for the oddest hat.
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| (15th-Saturday): Lollypops are a nationwide rage and Manager Gibbons decides the park will be no exception. Saturday is declared "Lollypop Day" and all children and paid patrons entering the park will receive a lollypop. It was reported that 10,000 lollypops (kept in barrels) were given away this day even though it rained. Children were admitted for free until 5:00 PM.
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| Week of June 16, 1912
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| (16th-Sunday): No Sacred Sunday concerts are scheduled.
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| (17th-Monday): Best "Waltzers" and "Two-Steppers" Contests held in the Dance Pavilion. The "Best Waltzers" are Miss Anna Lentes and Mr. Robert Miller. Judges for this contest are F.W. Lindner, J.F. Ruddy, and Ben Phillips. The "Best Two-Steppers" are Miss Nellie Christopher and Mr. James Reap. Judges for this contest are James Hone, Joseph Schlieder, and John Murray. The Robert J. Bauer Band orchestrates the event. Cash prizes are awarded. Dickson City Public School excursion to Luna Park. Three vaudeville acts travel to Luna Park this week. The Ross Trio: "Bag punchers and boxing exponents"; Rube Baron, "Character Comedian"; Burdette Long, "A Beautiful Maiden with a Powerful Soprano Voice" hurriedly replacing the "Ten Juvenile Minstrels" who were suddenly and unexpectedly called to Philadelphia disappointing some patrons.
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| (20th-Thursday): Eagles' Day is declared. Eagles' Association picnic and outing is held. A large crowd was reported, as was noted the typical spirited games, and obligatory speeches, adding to the "enchantment of the park". Manager Gibbons announces the Ross Trio will remain until Saturday, but Rube Baron and Burdette Long are already replaced in the Hippodrome by Miss Irene Delys, "Song and Dance Artist who does impersonations", and Jack Edwards, a "Buck and Wing Dancer with some brand new stuff".
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| (22nd-Saturday): Another "Lollypop Day" is scheduled to appease those that complained and unable to attend the previous Saturday due to the rain.
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| Week of June 23, 1912
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| (23rd-Sunday): No Sacred Sunday concerts are scheduled.
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| (24th-Monday): Witnessed by a large crowd, another "Best Waltzers" Contest is held. Cash prizes are awarded. Winning first prize is Miss Emma Kelly and Mr. B.S. Phillips, second prize is Miss Ruth Lane and Mr. W.J. Burns. Judges for this competition are: Harry Watkins, Chic Granham, and Thomas Lawler
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| (25th-Tuesday): Manager Gibbons publicly announces a complete replacement of the Vaudeville lineup. Tom Hayes, "A man who can make ordinary objects produce harmony and music."; The Ford Brothers, "Costumed Singers and Dancers", and Jack Edwards, "A guy who has new ideas of rhythm and grace that are pleasing to the eye." This change in schedule will take place on Thursday.
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| (26th-Wednesday): Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Masons hold annual outing and picnic at the park. Chindara Grotto No. 28 of Wilkes Barre characterizes their trip as a "skylarking" expedition. Bank concerts under the direction of T.H. Rowley, and Samuel Oppenheim, both of Wilkes Barre. Extra Laurel Lines trains are scheduled to carry up to 10,000 passengers on this day. Masons traveling from as far away as Berwick and Honesdale come to the event.
Number of paid patrons was realized at only 6,000. Miss Orff of Scranton loses her black hat on the "Scenic Railway" roller coaster ride and pleads to the public for its return.
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| (27th-Thursday): Another "Best Two-Steppers" Contest is held. Two winning couples will be selected based on the most graceful performances. Cash prizes will be awarded. Carrie W. Allen, a well-known Socialist, is asked to give a public lecture on Socialism at Luna Park by the Socialist Party of Lackawanna County. Specifically, her topic is, "Do not be fooled by the sham battle between the two parties." Large crowd reportedly attends both park activities.
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| Week of June 30, 1912
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| (30th-Sunday): No Sacred Sunday concerts are scheduled.
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| (1st-Monday): Seemingly becoming a weekly occurrence, another "Best Waltzers" Contest is held. Two cash prizes are awarded.
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| (4th-Thursday): 4 July Celebration is a "Jolly Clam Bake" in which 20,000 steaming clams are prepared. Admission gates open at 10:00 AM. Lollypops are given away to children only from 10:00 AM until noon. The Dance Pavilion is open starting at 2:30 PM for dancing and will continue without interruption until 11:30 PM when the park closes. All orchestration by the Robert J. Bauer Band. Four vaudeville acts commence at 2:00 PM and proceed continuously until 11:00 PM. Athletic contests with prizes, such as a 50-yard dash for boys, a watermelon eating contest, and a quoit competition, are featured. No charge for families to use the picnic grounds on this day. Advertisements emphasize it still cost only a nickel to ride a streetcar from anywhere in Scranton to visit the park. In fact, the Scranton Railway Company and the Laurel Line have extra trains in operation this day. In fact, the Laurel Line publicizes they will have a train available every four minutes. They also announce rapid connections to Scranton's "Coney Island" through to the Wilkes Barre and Hazleton [Interurban] Railway, the Lehigh Valley Railroad, the Central Railroad of New Jersey, and the Pennsylvania Railroad. Miss Orff puts out another public plea to please return her lost black hat. Another Luna Park advertisement notes fireworks are still banned due to "city restrictions". Management characterizes this as a "safe and sane, 'nervous breakdown prevention' feature". Area competing parks are heavily promoting firework displays and other similar 4 July holiday amenities.
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| (5th-Friday): Manager Gibbons reported that on the 4th of July holiday, "Luna Park did its usual holiday business. No crowding or inconvenience. The number of admissions exceeded 16,000 paid patrons."
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| (6th-Saturday): Roberts Hose Company of Bainbridge, New York excursion to Luna Park is conducted. A special Delaware & Hudson Railroad train is chartered. This is their second excursion to the park.
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| Week of July 7, 1912
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| (7th-Sunday): No Sacred Sunday concerts are scheduled.
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| (8th-Monday): Luna Park reportedly starts its own 4:00 PM vaudeville comedy show featuring "The Luna Broadway Beauty Chorus of ten accomplished and charming young ladies" featuring all of the "latest and most successful Broadway productions including song hits and dances." Monday is also declared "Mojoe day" [powdered-sugar cake-style donuts]. A box of five of the pastries are given away to each paid patron and are described as "pearly white, sweet, and pure, good to eat". Management adds plumbing so that the park's spring water is now fully accessible through the park. Formerly, spring water was only accessible through a crank pump at the picnic grounds.
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| (9th-Tuesday): The Buster Brown Minstrel presents the "Buster Brown Musical Melange", "a chorus of well trained girls" begins a weekly engagement. In the Scenitorium, an "electro-mechanical" recreation of the "Sinking of the RMS Titanic" is being installed with a corresponding lecture planned by show producer, Frank E. McCall.
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| (10th-Wednesday): Today, depending on the newspaper advertisement, is declared the "Y.M.H.A. Gala Day" or "Hebrew Day". The Young Men's Hebrew Association and their Ladies Auxiliary of northeastern Pennsylvania, notably Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, hold an outing in the park. Also, the hundreds of children of the Montefiore Hebrew school join them. Number of park paid admissions is listed as between 5,000 and 6,000. The Y.M.H.A. holds a small athletic contest in the afternoon in which prizes are awarded. A raffle was also held for an Irish crocheted bag which was donated by Miss Charlotte Rosenbaum and won by Henry Brown. A "Baby Contest" is held today with prizes for the best looking and best behaved baby. Unlike previous park contests, there is no entrance fee for the baby show. Scores of babies are entered in the contest.
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| (12th-Friday): The "Turkish Towel Hat Contest" is held on this day with cash prizes of $10 for the best looking hat, $5 for the largest hat, and $2.50 for the smallest hat. It was reportedly observed this women's fashion trend was likened as similar to a trend replacing the more traditional men's straw hat. To promote the new contest, the Luna Broadway Beauty Chorus don Turkish Hats and parade about in automobiles throughout the city.
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| Week of July 14, 1912
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| (14th-Sunday): Orchestrated by the park's Robert J. Bauer Band of 35 musicians, one Sacred Sunday concert returns to the 8:15 PM schedule.
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| (15th-Monday): The "Sinking of the RMS Titanic" with a corresponding lecture by show producer, Frank E. McCall, begins its run in the Scenitorium. The show is described to a reporter as "A wonderfully realistic presentation of the world's greatest sea tragedy in four scenes that are the marvel of electrical and mechanical effect." The Luna Broadway Beauty Chorus is renamed the Luna Harmony Chorus, is re-costumed, and has a change of act this week. Children's Day is declared at the resort. Manager Gibbons proclaims, "This is the busiest week of our busiest season!"
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| (17th-Wednesday): Grand outing of the Junior Order of the United American Mechanics is held in the park.
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| (18th-Thursday): Keystone Consistory of the Scottish Rite Masons hold their outing and field day at the park. Dancing in the Dance Pavilion begins at 2:30 PM. Lollypops and bags of peanuts were given to at least 300 children. Cities of Bloomsburg, Stroudsburg, and Great Bend were represented at the park. The group held a picnic luncheon in the park's picnic grove at 5:00 PM.
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| (20th-Saturday): Socialist Party of Lackawanna County hold its first annual outing at Luna Park. There is a special appearance by socialist workers, J.G. Phelps-Stokes and his wife, Rose Pastor Stokes, who discuss the evils and perils of mine caves as this is a particularly acute problem in the area at this time. The Luna Broadway Beauty Chorus change their act to "The Musical Melange" and are extended for the coming week. Keller Family Reunion held at the park.
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| Week of July 21, 1912
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| (21st-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held by the Robert J. Bauer Band at 8:15 PM.
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| (22nd-Monday): Today is declared "Canary Bird Day". One hundred singing yellow canaries and cages are given away to the first 100 paid patrons. Patrons are advised to be prepared with providing their own bird seed. There are no contests this day.
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| (23rd-Tuesday): In the Robinson Brothers Circus, a circus concert is held. Accompanying the Robert J. Bauer Band today, is a vaudeville "coon shouter", Mr. Edward F. Harmon, of the 1911 Follies. Today is the first of three "Pan-Daddy Days": A wrapper of Kolb's Pan-Daddy bread remitted at the admission's gate results in free entrance tickets and strip tickets to the park's own amusements but marked for use for this day only. Grocers' Luna Park tickets are also accepted in lieu of a Kolb Pan-Daddy wrapper but a dime admission is charged. In this case, a rebate is given of two Scranton Park Company amusement tickets. All of today's Pan-Daddy tickets are color-coded red. Several small athletic contests were held, such as a pie-eating contest, bag race, watermelon eating contest, etc.
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| (24th-Wednesday): Today is the second of three "Pan-Daddy Days": A wrapper of Kolb's Pan-Daddy bread remitted at the admission's gate results in free entrance tickets and strip tickets to the park's own amusements but marked for use for this day only. Grocers' Luna Park tickets are also accepted in lieu of a Kolb Pan-Daddy wrapper but a dime admission is charged. In this case, a rebate is given of two Scranton Park Company amusement tickets. All of today's Pan-Daddy tickets are color-coded white. Bauer's Band plays this afternoon and evening. A repetition of yesterday's small athletic contests were held, such as a pie-eating contest, bag race, watermelon eating contest, and also a three-legged race, nail driving contest, and a one hundred yard dash each for girls and boys.
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| (25th-Thursday): Last of three "Pan-Daddy Days": A wrapper of Kolb's Pan-Daddy bread remitted at the admission's gate results in free entrance tickets and strip tickets to the park's own amusements but marked for use for this day only. Grocers' Luna Park tickets are also accepted in lieu of a Kolb Pan-Daddy wrapper but a dime admission is charged. In this case, a rebate is given of two Scranton Park Company amusement tickets. All of today's Pan-Daddy tickets are color-coded blue. Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band takes over afternoon and evening orchestral chores for Robert J. Bauer's Band today. Today's athletic contests include a string chewing contest, married women's race, and a shoe lacing contest as well as a repeat of other contests held earlier in the week.
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| (26th-Friday): "Mutt and Jeff Contest" held with a $10 prize in gold to the best two individuals made up like the two comic characters but apparently no winners, so it rescheduled for the following week. A clam bake is held in the afternoon and evening publicly quoted, "as to liven things up".
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| (27th-Saturday): Paraphrasing an entry in the "Stroller's Notebook" column in the Scranton Republican-Tribune, a writer asks, "Why can't the city council hire an orchestra to provide free orchestral music, so we don't have to pay to go to Luna Park to hear Bauer's Band?" Women's Christian Temperance Union and Prohibition Committee hold a picnic Saturday afternoon.
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| Week of July 28, 1912
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| (28th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held by the Robert J. Bauer Band at 8:15 PM.
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| (29th-Monday): Manager Gibbons schedules new acts this week: Jeanette D'Arville, "a prepossessing young lady that plays the cornet", and the Juggling Armonds, "a bewildering act without flaw".
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| (30th-Tuesday): The Junger Maennerchor society, "150 voices under the direction of John T. Watkins", holds a fund raising concert in the park. They clear a total of $400 after expenses. Gold Start Council No. 41, Daughters of America, hold a two hundred member picnic at the park. According to John E. Lynett, Park Secretary, the number of paid patrons was 7,000. A clam bake was supposed to have been held, but the clams were spoiled, and that event was cancelled.
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| (31st-Wednesday): Union Division No. 120, of the G.I.A. of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers hold a picnic at the park. A published social notice indicates Park Manager Gibbons spent the last few days in New York City and has just returned to Scranton.
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| (1st-Thursday): The rescheduled "Mutt and Jeff Contest" is held with a $10 prize in gold to the best two individuals made up like the two comic characters, but once again, there are no winners.
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| Week of August 4, 1912
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| (4th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held by the Robert J. Bauer Band at 8:15 PM. This concert is given in the Band Stand rather than the Dance Pavilion.
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| (5th-Monday): Ten dollars in gold is given away to the most graceful couple that can waltz this night. Unlike previous waltz contests, competing couples are being required to sign-up for the contest days in advance. The winning couple is Mr. and Mrs. William Jones of Scranton who are still on their honeymoon. Judges for the contest are Eugene Tropp, William Star, and Edward McCann.
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| (7th-Wednesday): From an entry in the "Stroller's Notebook" column in the Scranton Republican-Tribune, a writer asking for comment to Manager Gibbons' of his oft far-away look, received this response, "Yes, there are some things about this business that are harrowing."
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| (8th-Thursday): "Child's Baby Doll Contest (or the Oh, You Baby Doll contest)" is held with the following prizes: $5 for best dressed doll entered, boy or girl (Won by Helen Wilson of Scranton); $5 for best rag doll entered boy or girl (Won by Jennie Cooper of Olyphant), any age; $2.50 for best dressed doll entered by a child under 8 (Won by Mildred Boland of Scranton); $2.50 for largest dressed doll entered by child of any age (Won by Gwennie Hopkins); $2.50 for tiniest dressed doll entered by a child of any age (Won by Alfred Gechwindt) All dress must be home made. Judges were Mrs. Carl Ebert, Mrs. J.V. Graybill, and Mrs. Dilkes. Methodist Episcopal Church of Troop hold an outing on this day. Christ Presbyterian Church have an outing and picnic.
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| (9th-Friday): Presbyterian Sunday School of City Line hold an outing at the park today.
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| (10th-Saturday): Despite heavy rain, Welsh Day is declared. Professor Daniel Protheroe leads congregational singing of five Welsh churches in the Hippodrome. Reverend T.C. Edwards is the orchestral conductor for this session. In the evening, H.M. Edwards is the conductor. Miss Dorthy Roberts of West Paulet, Vermont is a featured soloist. Twenty Welsh churches overall participate in a reunion at the park on this date. Former Judge Ben H. Jones of Wilkes Barre and John Loyd Thomas are principal speakers at this event. The lead quote in an article in the Scranton Republican-Tribune is, "The only thing that will stop Welsh Day... ...will be the blowing up of Luna Park or some other disaster that will put the park out of commission."
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| Week of August 11, 1912
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| (11th-Sunday): One Sacred Sunday Concert is held by the Robert J. Bauer Band at 8:15 PM.
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| (13th-Tuesday): Odd Fellows Day is declared. The Odd Fellows Association have their annual outing at the park. 3,500 members attend. The day is held under the auspices of the James Connell lodge. The James Connell Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows also hold their excursion today. A related athletic contest is held in the afternoon and a degree team competition is held in the evening. The Noble Grand Master H.W. Roller of Philadelphia was slated to make a public address to the evening crowd but sent regrets instead.
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| (14th-Wednesday): Berwick Day is declared at the park. Excursion of Retail Merchants Association of Berwick is held today. The Dance Pavilion opens early on this special occasion. Although there is a large crowd, the day is impacted by torrential rainfall.
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| (17th-Saturday): A carnival-style parade and "Baby contests" are held in the Hippodrome at 4:00 PM: $5 for prettiest, boy or girl (Lucille Scheuer), from two to four years; $5 for fattest (Robert Weicord), from one to four years; $5 for best looking under one year; $2.50 for best looking boy under six years; $2.50 for best looking girl under six years; $2.50 for the best looking baby, boy, or girl under seven years. Also, prizes for curliest hair (Tied between Anna Coyne and John D. Edwards), cutest twins (Mathllda and Norman Courtney), the two most handsomest decorated carriages (Miss Elizabeth Maynard), and the two most handsomest decorated go-carts. Manager Gibbons publicly admits to a dilemma of 400 babies and only 16 prizes but he none-the-less proclaimed he was happy with the results. Judges were Mrs. Dr. G.V. Huber, Mrs. George Hill, and Mrs. Harry Keefe. There were complaints that it took too much time to judge the competition and not all the names and information was recorded, so much so that a satirical cartoon appears on the 19th in the Scranton Republican-Tribune criticizing the effort.
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| Week of August 18, 1912
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| (18th-Sunday): No Sacred Sunday concerts are scheduled.
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| (20th-Tuesday): "Ladies Day" is declared. Free park and amusement admissions for all ladies, "married, single, young, and old". The park reported "Thousands of women took advantage of this offer and they had the time of their lives!"
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| (21st-Tuesday): Members of the St. Joseph's Society takes the children of the preservation class of the House of the Good Shepherd on an outing to the park. A big Labor Day event full of contests and prizes is announced. Prizes include a gold watch, silk umbrellas, gold ring and bracelets, suits of clothes, barrels of White Beauty flour, baby rocker, five dollar shoes, rocking chairs, mahogany bedroom set, and ladies hats.
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| (22nd-Thursday): "Jewish Gala Day" is declared. A featured address is given by noted author Harry Bernstein. Stanley Boro, a famed investigator of sociological conditions, also speaks. A related athletic program fills the afternoon. Judge Strauss of Wilkes Barre and Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, and Governor Woodrow Wilson, each sent letters of regret stating their schedules did not permit them to speak.
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| (23rd-Friday): Scranton Railway Company union employees receive news that "extra" crews servicing areas as Luna Park will not receive overtime pay.
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| (24th-Saturday): Excursion of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen from Oneonta, New York, scheduled at the park. Mansfield Normal School hold their annual outing at the park.
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| Week of August 25, 1912
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| (25th-Sunday): Young Men's Hebrew Association hold their annual outing. Robert J. Bauer's Band provides music.
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| (26th-Monday): Confetti Carnival Week begins.
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| (27th-Tuesday): Confetti Carnival Week continues. A "Truth Outing" is held at Luna Park today.
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| (28th-Wednesday): Confetti Carnival Week continues. The state convention of the Patriotic Order Sons of America and their Ladies Auxiliary hold their annual outing at the park, and competitive drills are held. Seven hundred members of the company attend and compete in various events. For individual military and "fancy" drills, two trophies are awarded: the Buss trophy to 2nd. Lt. Fred Clarke, and the Burschel Cup to 1st. Lt. William Zang. Companies are awarded trophies, but under protest, and take several days for military judges to decide. City of Scranton Mayor John Von Bergen welcomes the group to the city and to the park. The Junger Maennerchor serenade the group in the evening. The convention goers meet on Courthouse Square in Scranton and parade to the park. Park attendance is reported non-specifically as "in the thousands". Weather was reported as chilly in the evening. Around 11:00 PM, two pickpockets are caught and arrested stealing from P.O.S. of A. Past State President John Reese, State President William Muir, and Delegate W.L. Wilson, on the Laurel Line platform. The pickpockets gave their names as John Brennan and James Wallace of Syracuse, New York. They are held unable to make bail.
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| (29th-Thursday): Confetti Carnival Week continues. Catholic Relief and Beneficiary Association hold first annual field day at the park. The association is made up of the towns of Sayre, Towanda, Susquehanna, Sugar Notch, Wyoming, Kingston, Pittston, Forest City, Carbondale, Jermyn, Archbald, Jessup, Olyphant, Troop, Dunmore, Minooka, South Scranton, Bellevue, West Side, North End and Scranton Central City. AT least 3000 members are said to have attended.
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| (30th-Friday): Confetti Carnival Week continues. Italian Day is declared at Luna Park. A celebration is coordinated by the Polyglot Publishing Company. Between 20,000 and 30,000 people are initially expected to attend. Three speakers are scheduled: S. Collini, Cavalier F. Tiscar, and Dr. J. Vellon. Two Italian bands, with a third hoping to arrive, are to play. Italian societies of Wyoming and Lackawanna societies urge their members to attend. Members march from Lackawanna Avenue up to the park. Free admission and amusement coupons are distributed via an Italian newspaper, "The Miner". Italian food is served. Several contest are held. Manager Gibbons announces the park will close after Labor Day but the Dance Pavilion will remain open until the weather becomes uncomfortable.
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| (31st-Saturday): Confetti Carnival Week continues. A satirical cartoon portraying "Notable Local Italian Americans as found in Scranton's Luna Park" is published in the Scranton Republican-Tribune.
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| Week of September 1, 1912
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| (2nd-Monday): Labor Day is celebrated in the park. The Central Labor Union assists with sponsoring "Workingman's Family Day". A massive parade of 4,000 men which included multiple floats, horses, automobiles, bands, and drum corps. is held through the city to the park. The streets were decorated with flags and bunting. Festivities at the park begin once the parade is completed. As he was once a member of the Lackawanna County bar, United States Congressman M.F. Conry of New York is a champion of local labor and the invited principal speaker. He spoke of the unconquering spirit of the American working man, reviewed notable achievements to date, and forecasted other great accomplishments awaiting the working man in the future. Attorney M.A. McGinley spoke next briefly, "praising labor for the good it has done", and "wishing well to the cause." President McDonald of the Central Labor Union spoke last. He noted the "aim of the union is peace and harmony between employer and employee." A last-minute request by socialist members to read a letter to the massive assembly of workers is denied due to a lack of four votes by delegates on the union's central committee. Many contests begin after Conry's and other speeches are completed. The family with the largest number of members present receives the prized mahogany bedroom set. The father and mother with the largest number of children in the park is given a barrel of flour. The father or mother having the largest number of daughters is given a $5 pair of shoes. The finest looking married woman is given a gold watch. The best looking single woman is awarded a $15 hat. The mother with the largest baby under two years old is given a rocker. The tallest woman and man each are awarded a silk umbrella. The father of the largest family receives a suit of clothes. A gold ring or bracelet is given to the prettiest baby. Summertime athletic contests are also held. Also on this day, Mayfield Silk Mill employees hold their annual outing at the park. Several strings of the normally all white bulbs found throughout the park are replaced with colorized bulbs to make the park appear more festive at night. Extra picnic tables and seats are constructed for the anticipated demand on the picnic grove of up to 10,000 people today as one of the most frequent complaints is not enough places to sit and have lunch. With this day, the park's confetti carnival week and its seventh regular season comes to a close. Manager Gibbons publicly comments that "Luna Park has never known the kind of season its had this year."
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| (3rd-Tuesday): A small article in the Scranton Republican-Tribune notes the Labor Day crowd did not seem as large as in previous years perhaps due an epidemic of smallpox invading the area. Another news article in the same newspaper edition claims the crowd was bigger than in years past, even though the weather was unsettled. The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dancing in the Dance Pavilion.
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| (4th-Wednesday): The Robert J. Bauer and his 35 piece orchestra [band] continue to provide for-fee dancing in the Dance Pavilion.
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| (5th-Thursday): The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dancing in the Dance Pavilion. The posted hours are 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily. Gate admission continues to be charged but is rebated per person for two dance in the Dance Pavilion.
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| (6th-Friday): The Robert J. Bauer and his 35 piece orchestra [band] continue to provide dancing in the Dance Pavilion.
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| (7th-Saturday): The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dancing in the Dance Pavilion.
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| Week of September 8, 1912
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| (8th-Sunday): Sacred Sunday concerts are officially discontinued for the remainder of the season.
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| (9th-Monday): The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dancing in the Dance Pavilion from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
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| (10th-Tuesday): The executive committee on excursion of the Catholic Relief and Beneficiary Association thank Manager Thomas Gibbons publicly on behalf of their large membership for his hospitality and for extending the courtesies leading to the success of their annual outing. The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dance music in the Dance Pavilion from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
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| (11th-Wednesday): The Robert J. Bauer and his 35 piece orchestra [band] continue to provide dancing in the Dance Pavilion.
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| (12th-Thursday): The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dancing in the Dance Pavilion from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
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| (13th-Friday): The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dance music in the Dance Pavilion. Admission continues to be a dime per person per two dances.
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| (14th-Saturday): Advertising a freshly cleaned, scraped, and polished floor, and just perfect seasonal weather, the Robert J. Bauer Band promises a night of the latest and most popular music in the Dance Pavilion tonight. The park has hired extra musicians and ticket takers for this date and extra Laurel Line trains and Scranton Railway Company streetcars are available.
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| Week of September 15, 1912
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| (15th-Sunday): Park is now completely closed on Sunday.
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| (16th-Monday): The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dance music in the Dance Pavilion from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
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| (17th-Tuesday): Continuing the practice of paid admission, the Dance Pavilion remains open from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM under the direction of Robert J. Bauer and his orchestra.
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| (18th-Wednesday): The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dance music in the Dance Pavilion.
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| (19th-Thursday): With twenty cents per two dances per couple, the Dance Pavilion remains open from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM under the direction of Robert J. Bauer and his orchestra. The weather is getting too cold in the evening to continue and attendance is just beginning to fall off.
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| (20th-Friday): The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dance music in the Dance Pavilion from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
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| (21st-Saturday): This is the last Saturday of the season for Luna Park's Dance Pavilion's operation. No extra staff or transportation arrangements are made for this evening.
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| Week of September 22, 1912
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| (22nd-Sunday): Park is completely closed today.
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| (23rd-Monday): Last week of the season that the Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dance music in the Dance Pavilion from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
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| (24th-Tuesday): The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dance music in the Dance Pavilion. Attendance continues to decline in the evening because of the seasonal drop in temperature.
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| (25th-Wednesday): The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dance music in the Dance Pavilion.
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| (26th-Thursday): The Robert J. Bauer Band continues to provide dance music in the Dance Pavilion.
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| (27th-Friday): Due to the light attendance and cool evening temperatures, a management decision is made. The Luna Park Dance Pavilion's seventh season ends at a little before 11 o'clock in the evening.
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| Week of November 10, 1912
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| (16th-Saturday): At an annual meeting with stockholders of the Scranton Park Company, owners of Luna Park, it was reported the park cleared all of its debts and had a generally prosperous year, the poor weather conditions taken into consideration. Plans for big improvements are discussed for the coming season. The improvements will begin weather-permitting in the spring. Following directors are elected: A. Blau, G.W. Snyder, H.M. Wood, D.J. Davis, Matt J. Lynott, Peter Stipp, E.I. Paine. Mr. Stipp and Mr. Paine are newly elected to the board.
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| Week of November 24, 1912
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| (27th-Wednesday): The Scranton Republican-Tribune posts a photograph of the Luna Park contest winner, "Chubbiest Baby in the World", a.k.a. Robert Harold, at six months weighed 26 and three quarter pounds, according to the newspaper.
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The 1913 Season [Changes, Threats, Luna Park meets Hollywood, Macklyn Arbuckle visits, Contests, Lost Patrons, Dances!, Bagpipes, Niagara Falls, and Murder]
| Timeline of the 1913 Season
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| Week of January 5, 1913
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| (10th-Friday): Mrs. May Beachey, wife of the famous Aviator Lincoln Beachey, the gentleman who thrilled Scranton with daring flights from Luna Park, secures a divorce from the 'birdman'.
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| Week of February 9, 1913
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| (15th-Saturday): Arthur Keller, the well known press agent, and former successful talent agent at Luna Park, marries Nellie Revell, one of the lady theatrical agents of New York. Mr. Keller commented to the Scranton Republican-Tribune that although he has traveled all over the country with many organization, he can say, "There is no place like Scranton."
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| Week of March 16, 1913
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| (17th-Monday): From an entry in the "Stroller's Notebook" column in the Scranton Republican-Tribune, a writer notes Luna Park Aviator Lincoln Beachey has decided to 'give up the business'. He said he would never fly again professionally and that he holds himself indirectly responsible for the deaths of several aviators and gives that as his reason for giving up flying. Citing Beachey, "I have been a bad influence and the death of a number of young aviators in this country can be traced, I believe, to a desire to emulate me in my foolishly daring exploits in the air."
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| (18th-Tuesday): An sales advertisement appears in the Scranton Republican-Tribune on behalf on "M. Rogow of Scranton" to sell various items used for two seasons at Luna Park: Soda fountain and accessories, gas carbonator, crispette machine, five cash registers, dining room equipment consisting of dishes, glassware, silverware, linens, tables, chairs, etc. "All in condition and will sacrifice cheap to quick buyer." The ad will continue until March 20. While making an arrest near Luna Park, Scranton police patrolman Angelo Manno was attacked by a group of men and injured, but was able to detain the individual, one Leo Genello of Dunmore. A small brush fire breaks out in the vicinity of the "Scenic Railway" roller coaster but is quickly extinguished by the Scranton Fire Department "Auto Squad" with little damage reported. As the fire is being brought under control, someone falsely pulls an alarm box nearby calling out unneeded fire companies.
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| (22nd-Saturday): Luna Park, Scranton meets Hollywood in the production of "The Round-Up" by Cities and Towns Film Company. Described by Manager J.E. Monroe as a test film because of cold weather problems, "The Round-Up" [Note: This is not the 1920 version of the film] shows pictures of the mayor and city officials in front of city hall, homes of prominent people in Scranton, views from a railroad car of Nay Aug and Luna Park, the fire department in action, and a scene in which Deputy Fire Chief Harry Storms meets his old-time friend and traveling mate, Maclyn Arbuckle, star of the film [Popular American screen and stage actor of the period]. The film is shown in the Victoria theater on Lackawanna Avenue every day for a week.
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| Week of April 27, 1913
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| (2nd-Friday): Seven high school students are arrested near park property on the charge of stealing a ride on a freight train.
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| (3rd-Saturday): A fire begins in a pile of paper near the Dance Pavilion and for a time threatens the structure. It is reportedly extinguished by a park employee with some difficulty.
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| Week of May 11, 1913
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| (12th-Monday): An announcement in the Scranton Republican-Tribune suggests the official opening date of the eighth season of Luna Park and all of its attractions is May 24, 1908 at 1:00 PM. New for this year: a bridge now connects the southwest corner of the Dance Pavilion with a 'pleasant passageway' leading to a structure on the Scenic Railway, to eliminate the walk up and down various stairs and over the bridge that spans the Shoot the Chutes [Note: Perhaps this new structure is critical to the rapid demise of all three facilities during the fire in 1916]; the Scenic Railway, sometimes called the roller coaster, has almost been completely rebuilt; the floor space of the Dance Pavilion has been enlarged and a new railing has been installed; the wooden floor of the carousel has been replaced with a concrete floor; The Trip to the Arctic Regions now resides in the Old Mill building and Aurora Borealis are featured; Another new attraction, "The Shadow of the Cross", based on Henry Hammond Ahle's unexplained picture. New flowers, fresh coats of paint including a completely new color scheme, and a park with newer and better attractions are promised.
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| (14th-Wednesday): "The Scranton Luna Park Company", former owners of the park, find a 1910 lien against building Lots 16 to 22, Block 64, Tenth Ward for $114.69 in a threatened tax sale brokered by the Scranton City Treasurer's office. This is the reported second time a public notice of debt has been filed against the former owners.
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| Week of May 18, 1913
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| (20th-Tuesday): A progress report published in the Scranton Republican-Tribune suggests "gangs of men are putting finishing touches on a very much improved and very much altered Luna Park." The article highlights the new "Trip to the Arctic Regions", "The Shadow of the Cross", and the new "Dance Hall Promenade-to-Roller Coaster Bridge" amusements and alterations. Thomas M. Gibbons resigns theatrical manager responsibilities he had held at Scranton's Lyecium theater and devotes his full time attention to Luna Park.
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| (21st-Wednesday): The "Aerial Swing" undergoes an unspecified upgrade. Extra seats have been added in the area of the Hippodrome. The policy of permitting an admission ticket to be rebated for two amusement tickets is re-instituted.
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| (22nd-Thursday): Luna Park management continues to advertise an opening day on Saturday, May 24 at 1:00 PM.
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| (23rd-Friday): "Manager Gibbons Postpones Opening" is the headline in the Scranton Republican-Tribune attributing the delay as "Owing to the general backwardness of the sun and the prevalence of wet weather this week." The new opening date is scheduled for Thursday, May 29th, the day before Memorial Day. Management notes there is financial loss being incurred due to the postponement but believed this delay was "thought the wisest and fairest thing to do."
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| (24th-Saturday): George, the "Man-Monkey" a.k.a. "Darwin's Missing Link" is advertised as a coming attraction next week in Luna Park.
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| Week of May 25, 1913
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| (26th-Monday): A report notes George, the "Man-Monkey" is 47 years old, 18 inches high, has the face of a man, and the body of a monkey. He is referred to as "the real missing link". The "Trip to the Arctic Regions" amusement, a water ride to the Land of the Midnight Sun and the Aurora Borealis is also advertised. The "Ferris Wheel" is also mentioned.
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| (27th-Tuesday): Park management boasts Luna Park is a leading recreation center in eastern Pennsylvania, outside of Philadelphia.
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| (28th-Wednesday): The Scranton Republican-Tribune is flooded with one line advertisements, "Tango Contest, Luna Park, Tonight". A news article in the same publication confirms the park will open on May 29th.
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| (29th-Thursday): "Gibbons at Helm, Luna Park Opens - Good Crowd Attends" is the headline in the Scranton Republican-Tribune. Luna Park opens for its eighth season in 1913. Weather is cold but excellent and all amusements are open. There are multiple but unadvertised vaudeville acts in the Hippodrome and dancing to the tunes of the Robert J. Bauer Orchestra in the Dance Pavilion. Park management places a "Wanted to Buy" ad in local newspapers for two "Small-sized, total adding cash registers - please state price - J. Victor Graybill."
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| (30th-Friday): The Scranton Luna Park Company", former owners of the park, receive another public notice concerning a 1910 lien filed against building Lots 16 to 22, Block 64, Tenth Ward for $114.69 in a threatened tax sale brokered by the Scranton City Treasurer's office.
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| (31st-Saturday): The D'Andreas's Italian Band, an organization of young men ranging from 12 to 18 years old, plays in the Band Stand on Saturday. The group is also known as St. Anthony's Band of Dunmore and is directed by L.S. D'Andrea.
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| Week of June 1, 1913
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| (1st-Sunday): Noticeably, no Sacred Sunday concerts are to be scheduled for the foreseeable future.
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| (2nd-Monday): The D'Andreas's Italian Band plays two concerts in the afternoon and evening throughout the week in the Band Stand. Located in his own booth along the western side of the Shoot the Chute lagoon's boardwalk, George the "man-monkey" is an item of curiosity.
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| (4th-Wednesday): A brief mention in the Scranton Republican-Tribune is that one of the Luna Park vaudeville acts appearing this week is "Dave Roberts and his Fortune Telling".
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| (5th-Thursday): An announcement is made the D'Andreas Italian Band will be replaced with a series of extraordinary motion pictures next week and they will be shown in the Band Stand. No mention is made of the subject matter other than the park will show something unique. Complaints are suddenly being received at Scranton City Hall regarding coal company pollution of Roaring Brook. Black culm, coal silt, and dirt has begun washing downstream from collieries and coal washeries turning the water into the consistency of black ink. The sediment is also filling the stream's pond impounded by the Luna Park dam by clogging various discharge pipes. Various officials are reviewing the situation.
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| Week of June 8, 1913
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| (9th-Monday): Avoca public school children have their annual picnic on this day. Vaudeville acts are scheduled for the week: Professor LaMar and his "Mystifying Performance of the Magic Arts", and Dave W. Roberts and his "Levitation Act and Great Trunk Mystery".
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| (10th-Tuesday): One line announcements flood local newspapers: "Waltz contest - Luna Park - Thursday", "Big Clam Bake - Eagles' day - Luna Park".
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| (11th-Wednesday): Waltz Contest prizes are revealed: A "Stuart's straw hat for the gentleman" and a "creation of headgear by T.E. Green for the lady".
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| (12th-Thursday): Scranton Aerie of Eagles Day is declared. The Baltimore Club of the Scranton Aerie of Eagles holds the first clambake of the year at the park. Barrels of clams have been ordered. Published reports suggest between 300 and 500 people are expected. Athletic contests "designed to provoke laughter" are held. The Waltz Contest is conducted in the evening in the Dance Pavilion. The content of the new motion pictures being shown in the Band Shell has not yet been publicly identified other than the films are not generally seen in theaters. The day is characterized as a "glorious success".
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| (14th-Saturday): Today is Flag Day at Luna Park and American flags are distributed as souvenirs to all ladies entering the park. Management extends an invitation to all patriotic citizens to celebrate the day within the park's thirty acres. Nearby, the Patriotic Order of the Sons of America (P.O.S. of A.) and the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) parade through Scranton to Nay Aug parade, but have not officially visited Luna Park as a destination of choice this year. Professor Brahamanda of India gives illustrated lectures in the "Hindu Theater" located on the western side of the Shoot the Chutes lagoon. Professor LaMar performs a solo performance of all of the scheduled magic acts.
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| Week of June 15, 1913
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| (16th-Monday): A Tango contest is announced in the Dance Pavilion for tomorrow night (17th). Cash prizes are to be awarded.
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| (17th-Tuesday): The Tango contest generates a crowd and several winners: First place, J.B. Thompson of Philadelphia and Miss Nellie Towner of Petersburg; Second place, George Rider of Bellevue and Miss May McLoughlin of Petersburg.
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| (18th-Wednesday): Dunmore public schools hold their annual outing at the park today.
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| (19th-Thursday): A small article appears in the Scranton Republican-Tribune reminding potential patrons their general admission is refunded in the form of amusement tickets at the time of purchase. Also, "The Trip to the Artic" recreates the "scenic realms found at the end of the earth" and one may not want to miss that.
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| (20th-Friday): A small article appears in the Scranton Republican-Tribune reminding potential patrons it only cost a nickel to ride a streetcar from anywhere in Scranton to Luna Park. In the afternoon, a severe hail ("as big as pigeon eggs"), thunder and lightning storm hits the park, but apparently causes minimal damage.
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| (21st-Saturday): Bainbridge, New York, Fire Department and their families hold their annual excursion to the park. The patrons arrive via a special charter Delaware & Hudson Railroad train. Crowd size is publicly estimated at 400 patrons. Movies continue to be shown in the Band Stand under the publicized title of "Photo-Plays", and without an accompanying description regarding their content. A small article in the "Amusements" section in the Scranton Republican-Tribune claims the New Yorkers have boasted they have the best-looking young ladies of anywhere in the country. Scranton City Inspector Rinsland determines the Nay Aug and Spencer Coal Companies are responsible for the culm and silt pollution of Roaring Brook. He, Nay Aug Park Director Terwilliger, City Health Director O'Malley and Col. David J. Davis, city solicitor, appeal to the State Bureau of Health for assistance. Luna Park management or the Scranton Park Company does not appear to be directly involved with this legal effort even though the undeveloped park pond is directly affected. The city must appeal to the state as both coal companies are outside of the city's jurisdiction. Frederick Ingersoll and the Scranton Luna Park Company did not continue development of the water feature after its initial construction.
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| Week of June 22, 1913
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| (23rd-Monday): A "Luna Tango" contest is held. This time three cash prizes are awarded to couples. First place award to George A. Rider of Bellevue and Edna Collins of Scranton. Second place is awarded to Russell Widmer and Denar Genar, both of Scranton. Names of the third place couple are not recorded. Crowd size is publicly estimated at 3,000 paid patrons. The unnamed film "photo-plays" continue to be shown at the Band Stand. It is announced that on Thursday (26th), Friday (27th), and Saturday (28th) of this week, the Clarke Bros.' chain of stores will, to their paying customers, be giving away strips of Luna Park tickets good for general admission and park attractions.
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| (28st-Saturday): Honesdale German Catholic Club holds annual picnic and dance at the park. It is announced that today is the last day of the "marvelous movies". The "surprise for Monday" is none other than Anna Edson Taylor, the only person in the world [up to that time] that went over Niagara Falls in a barrel and lived to tell her story.
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| Week of June 29, 1913
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| (30th-Monday): Anna Edson Taylor, the only person in the world that went over Niagara Falls in a barrel, tells her story and exhibits her specially-constructed and life-saving barrel in the Hippodrome of the park. She describes what it was like the moment of her death-defying plunge into the foaming waters below and subsequent trip through whirlpool rapids. She also shows a short motion picture of the falls and her adventure. Manager Gibbons begins to direct park staff to prepare for the 4th of July celebration on Friday. No fireworks permitted in the park and no park-sanctioned firework displays again this year.
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| (2nd-Wednesday): The Scranton area United States Postal Service letter carriers, clerks, janitors and drivers annual picnic is held. This date marks their return after many years absent from the park schedule. Thousands of patrons are said to have paid to attend. There was spirited voting throughout the day for the postal carrier that was though to be in need of a new uniform. Part of the park proceeds is donated to a mail carriers fund. Perhaps in an attempt to stimulate interest, the Anna Edson Taylor Niagra Falls' Barrel is moved out of Luna Park to an exhibition location on Lackawanna Avenue in the city of Scranton.
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| (3rd-Thursday): While other amusement parks strongly advertise firework displays on the 4th of July, Luna management advocates there are no firework exhibitions in the park as that is "safe and sane" for the 4th.
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| (4th-Friday): It's the 4th of July holiday in the park. The Laurel Line and the Scranton Railway Company each advertise a 4 minute train ride to the park with trains leaving every few minutes. The Robert J. Bauer orchestra begins playing in the Dance Pavilion at 1:30 PM. Luna' Dance Pavilion is said to have the smoothest and be the best floor in the state. Park management assures ample picnic accommodations for everyone. Two men are arrested in Luna Park after complaints are registered by two young ladies that the men attempted to embrace them.
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| Week of July 6, 1913
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| (7th-Monday): The unnamed film "photo-plays" return to the Band Stand under the simple description of "marvelous moving pictures". In competition, the nearby Lyceum Theater is now showing the more-sophisticated, Edison "Talking" films.
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| (8th-Tuesday): Boston Dip Dance Contest is held in the Dance Pavilion. Contestants are asked to register in advance. Cash prizes are awarded. First prize is awarded to Hal J. Ehrhardt and Miss Mary McLaughlin, both of Scranton. Second place is awarded to Herbert Bosler and Miss Lena Lynett, both of Scranton. General Superintendent Reilly of the Scranton Railway Company assures the public that trolleys will service the park area every eight minutes. Number of paid park patrons was estimated "at about a thousand".
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| (9th-Wednesday): Although the Dance Pavilion is unaffected by the weather, heavy rain spoils access to Luna's amusement rides.
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| Week of July 13, 1913
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| (14th-Monday): Four circus high-wire acts take to the Hippodrome. Performances begin at 3:30 PM and 9:15 PM.
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| (15th-Tuesday): In the Dance Pavilion, the first Waltz Contest of the year is held. This, the most popular dance contest with cash prizes, is based on those winners selected as being the most graceful of waltz dancers. Fifteen couples enter. The winners are: First place, Frank Timoney and Teresa Hartman; Second place, Edward Roeshob and Esther Pollock.
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| (17th-Thursday): Stewart Memorial Sunday School of Rendham have their excursion to the park on this day. Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band is under contract to play today and tomorrow the 18th and is accompanied by soprano, Miss Helen Gallagher. They provide two different concerts each day at 3:30 PM and 9:00 PM. The band captured first prize in the Elk's Parade in Rochester, New York, a week before. While playing patriotic tunes, the band arrives in downtown Scranton, then marches up to the park. It was reported there were several thousand people in the park in the afternoon and "many times more" in the evening.
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| (18th-Friday): Due to popular demand, Alexander's Ninth Regiment Band plays three concerts today at 3:30 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:30 PM. One musical piece is played on an organ found in the Dance Pavilion.
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| (19th-Saturday): Jr. O.U.A.M. of the county has a Junior Order Day at the park.
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| Week of July 20, 1913
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| (21st-Monday): "Jewish Gala Day" is declared. Young Men's Hebrew Association annual excursion is held. The day was previously scheduled for the 22nd. The Montefiore Hebrew School have their annual picnic as well. Picnic-style, athletic contests begin at 1:00 PM in the afternoon. A baby contest is also held. First prize was awarded as prettiest baby to Ruth Weisberger and was awarded a gold bracelet; Second place was awarded to Arthur Jiman, awarded a gold ring; Third place was awarded to Jack Levine, awarded a baby dress. The Robert J. Bauer orchestra provides today's music with dancing in the evening. Also in the evening, a series of speeches are made of which United States Congressman Goldfogie of New York state is listed as the principal speaker, but fails to show. Approximately 700 people enjoyed this event. For this week, Hardy, the "Great Hand-Cuff King" puts on exhibitions in the Hippodrome. Dare Devil Garrepy performs his "Leap for Life" twice daily diving aflame off a 90 foot tower into a five foot tank of water. Luna advertises the "Turkey Trot Contest" to be held on the 22nd as "The first time this dance has been put on publicly; the most talked about of all the famous dances."
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| (22nd-Tuesday): A "Turkey Trot Dance Contest" is held in the Dance Pavilion. This is the first "Turkey Trot" contest held in the park. Cash prizes are awarded to the best steppers. "It's a bear! It's a bear! It's a bear!" is a significant phrase to those who dance the trot. Park advertises "special inducements" to those women and children who wish to spend the day at the park, but is unspecific as to what the "inducements" might be. It was reported that Park Manager Gibbons and his able assistants found it greatly gratifying the park was so well patronized.
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| (23rd-Wednesday): Ladies Home and Foreign Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church of Moosic picnic at Nay Aug and Luna Park today.
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| (24th-Thursday): The park reported that "Heavy rain put a damper on the enthusiasm." The Scranton Aerie No. 314, Fraternal Order of Eagles Clambake is postponed until next week.
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| (26th-Saturday): Due to popular demand, Manager Thomas Gibbons decides to carry over Dare Devil Garrepy and his fiery "Leap for Life" act over another week. Mr. Gibbons emphasizes in a report to the Scranton Republican-Tribune that he sees to the high standard of service maintained throughout the entire park and notes that every precaution is taken to safeguard the welfare of guests in the park.
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| Week of July 27, 1913
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| (28th-Monday): A one line advertisement appears in local newspapers, "Eagles' clam bake, Luna Park, Wed." Despite rain, Dare Devil Garrepy succeeds in performing his fiery "Leap for Life" act by roller skating aflame down the Shoot the Chutes ramp at 4:00 PM. The act is reported as lacking none of the daring of the fire-dive, so is not so spectacular. The park is open tonight until 11:30 PM.
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| (29th-Tuesday): Another "Turkey Trot" dance contest is held at 9:30 PM and a "Tango" dance contest is held at 10:15 PM on the same night. Cash prizes are awarded.
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| (30th-Wednesday): 10,000 clams shipped from Baltimore are served when Scranton Aerie No. 314, Fraternal Order of Eagles hold their annual Clambake outing at the park. A gasoline-powered, "monster" clam steamer made by one of the members is used to bake 1,500 clams at a time in a barrel. 1,200 to 1,500 "Eagles" are said to have attended. The third annual picnic of the Knights and Ladies of the Maccabees with members and friends is held until the park closes at 11:00 PM.
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| (31st-Thursday): Welsh Day is declared. "Dr. Parry's Male Singing Society" chorus gives a concert in the afternoon and evening. Tenor Tom Beynon sings with the chorus. The day is also declared, in gratitude, "Dr. Parry's Day Celebration". Park advertising characterize this day as a "Real Welsh Day" but the Druid society and other associated groups do not participate here as in previous years. Attendance is characterized as "several thousand". An editorial in the Scranton Republican-Tribune espouses the idea of Scranton becoming a convention city and mentions Luna Park as "a favorite" in the process. Scranton Railway Company Nay Aug / Luna Park Streetcar No. 602's controller seemingly explodes in an electric flash and at least seven passengers are hurt as they leap to the 1100 block of Mulberry Street at 7:45 in the evening.
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| (1st-Friday): Park management announces a "Boston Dip Dance Contest" to be held in the Dance Pavilion on Tuesday, August 5. For the week of August 3, it is announced that it is the intent to hold different baby contests each day of the week. Central Labor Union confirms it will hold festivities at Luna Park. The group was seriously considering moving their traditional outing to nearby Rocky Glen Park. United States Congressman Frank Buchanan of Illinois is scheduled to speak.
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| Week of August 3, 1913
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| (4th-Monday): "Prettiest Baby from One to Two years Old Contest" is held today. With approximately 75 babies entered, the winner is Miss Mary Mooney of Carbondale. The judges are all experienced Luna Park Baby Contest judges: Mrs. Frazier, Mrs. Dilks, and Mrs. Graybill.
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| (5th-Tuesday): "Prettiest Baby from Two to Three years Old Contest" is held today. Little Charlie Geiger of South Scranton is the apparent winner. The judges are Mrs. Warfel, Mrs. VanNorton, and Mrs. Gorzenski. The "Boston Dip Dance Contest" is held in the Dance Pavilion at 9:45 PM. First place winners, Frank Gould and Miss Nellie Towner, both of Scranton, become eligible to enter a "Winners' Contest" to be held Friday. Second place is awarded to William Eddy of Dunmore and Miss Miss Helen Langan of Scranton. Third place is awarded to George Ryder of West Scranton and Miss Lydia Collins of Scranton.
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| (6th-Wednesday): "Best Decorated Baby Carriage Contest" is held today. No prize winning name is published.
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| (7th-Thursday): "Prettiest Baby from Three to Four years Old Contest" is held today. Lucille Scheuer of South Scranton is declared the winner. The Primitive Methodist and Presbyterian Sunday School Classes of Dickson City conduct their annual joint excursion to the park.
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| (8th-Friday): "Prettiest Doll Carried by a Baby Contest" is held today. First prize is awarded to Elizabeth Maynard. Second prize is shared by Atila Scheon and Catherine Rose. Thomas Gibbons resigns as park manager on account of ill health. He will leave on Saturday with his wife for a trip abroad. He had been in ill health for some time.
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| (9th-Saturday): "Prettiest Child Between Four and Five Contest" is held today. No prize winning name is published. It is announced that park management has secured the services of professional dance instructors, William LaMar and Alice Nelson, "...straight from Young's Million Dollar Pier in Atlantic City", for the coming week. It is the intention of the park to provide free lessons in the latest dance steps, tangoing, bostoning, and turkey trotting, for at least one week. Lessons will be conducted between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM each day. At 9:00 PM and 10:30 PM, the instructors will put on exhibition dances. The "Championship Dance Contest" is held where only previous winners are allowed to participate. Judges are picked by the participants themselves and are: Carroll Maloney, William Hill, and Frank Stanton. Best all around dancers are Jack Murray and Loretta Puester. Best Waltzers are Frank Golden and Nell Towner. Best Tango award went to R.O. Widmer and Dell Genar. Jack Murrary and Loretta Puester won first place in the Boston contest. According to published reports, approximately 3,000 people witness the contest.
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| Week of August 10, 1913
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| (11th-Monday): M.J. Lynott is named Luna Park's acting manager to succeed Mr. Gibbons. Mr. Lynott is a member of the Board of the Directors of the Scranton Park Company, current owners of Luna Park. Nelson and LaMar begin free dance lessons and dance exhibitions to reportedly large crowds.
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| (12th-Tuesday): Nelson and LaMar introduce the "Spanish Waltz" and the "Maurice Tango" to the Dance Pavilion. An advertised Tango Contest is held after the exhibition at 9:45 PM in the Dance Pavilion and is judged by Alice Nelson and William LaMar. Awarded was Florence Linderman and Patrick Flower for first place. Joe Kaplan and May Smith took second place. Third place went to W.A. Simmeren and Mollie Nally.
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| (13th-Wednesday): Today, Nelson and LaMar introduce the "Hesitation Waltz" and "Argentine Tango" in the Dance Pavilion.
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| (14th-Thursday): Picnic of 600 children of the Moses Montefiore Hebrew School is held today. Prior to arriving at the park, students were given a trolley ride around the city of Scranton. Athletic contests and games are held for the children. Fruits Candies, ice cream and cake are served afterwards. Nelson and LaMar introduce the "1913 Boston Dip" and the "Chicken Tango" in the Dance Pavilion. The couple demonstrate "Cabaret Night", in essence what it takes to put on a real cabaret show.
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| (15th-Friday): Continuing dance instruction every day at 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, Nelson and LaMar introduce the "Texas Tommy" and its variations today in the Dance Pavilion. 75 members of the Beatrice Rebekah Lodge No. 70 of Green Ridge enjoy an afternoon outing at the park.
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| (16th-Saturday): Alice Nelson and William LaMar introduce the "Venus Waltz" and "Box Tango". Showing great success showing for the week, Acting Manager Lynott schedules Nelson and LaMar for another week of dance at Luna Park. Lynott also engages the Calcedonian Band of Philadelphia to begin playing concerts in the afternoon and evening beginning with a Sacred Sunday Concert this Sunday.
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| Week of August 17, 1913
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| (17th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts, the first of the season are orchestrated at 3:15 PM and 8:15 PM by the Calcedonian Pipe Band of Philadelphia [includes Bagpipe, Fife & Drum Corp.].
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| (18th-Monday): Annual picnic of the South Scranton Hebrew Ladies Aid Society is held today. Activities and games are held for their children. Nelson and LaMar continue instruction on the "Hesitation Waltz" and "Maurice Tango". After their dance exhibitions, they perform their regular cabaret act in the Dance Pavilion. A report in the Scranton Republican-Tribune suggests the program of free events at Luna Park has never been so crowded before in all of the park's history. The congregation of the Catholic Church of Clarks Summit cancels their park reservations on August 27 as the group is refused supervision of the Dance Pavilion on their scheduled picnic and outing date. They move to Northern Electric Park.
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| (19th-Tuesday): Nelson and LaMar continue the review of the "Chicken Tango" and "Turkey Trot". A "Turkey Trot Dance Contest" is conducted. Nelson and LaMar demonstrate the steps prior to the contest and are also the judges of the contest. First prize is awarded to Joseph Kaplan of Wyoming and Miss Mary Smith of South Scranton. Miss Ruth Swingle and Patrick Flower, both of Scranton win second prize. Third prize goes to Joanie Sacks of Dunmore and Robert Maisel of Scranton. Nelson and LaMar are performing two cabaret shows (9:30 PM and 10:40 PM) this week, as well as tutoring dance (3:00 PM and 5:00 PM), and providing dance step exhibitions. The Calcedonian Pipe Band of Philadelphia add a free concert of "Scotch music" in the afternoon, now making a total of three (3.15 PM, 8:15 PM, 10:00 PM. It was noted in the Scranton Republican-Tribune the band played at the inauguration of President Woodrow Wilson.
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| (20th-Wednesday): Thousands continue to crowd the park in the evening to see Nelson and LaMar dance. Today's dance step review is the "Spanish Waltz" and "Texas Tommy".
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| (21st-Thursday): Hundreds of members of the Annette Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, Ladies Auxiliary of the Masonic Order conduct their annual picnic in the park. Today's Nelson and LaMar review is the "Box Tango" and "Venus Waltz". A unnamed motion picture described as "compromising a performance of the character of which motion picture theaters can not approach" is introduced into the park's schedule of entertainment. The Ladies Aid Society of the Ebenezer Welsh Congregational Methodist Church of West Scranton hold their annual picnic in the park.
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| (22nd-Friday): Nelson and LaMar dance the "Luxury Waltz" and "Texas Tommy" for the crowd.
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| (23rd-Saturday): Excursion of the order of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen of Oneonta, New York is held today. A Nelson and LaMar dance the "Argentine Tango" and the "1913 Waltz". Despite being a huge success, management decides this is to be their last scheduled appearance of the season. Socialists of Lackawanna County hold annual picnic and outing. Guest speaker is Representative James Maurer of Reading.
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| Week of August 24, 1913
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| (24th-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are orchestrated at 3:15 PM and 8:15 PM by the Calcedonian Pipe Band of Philadelphia.
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| (25th-Monday): Hardy, "The Hand-Cuff King" returns for a three show a day, one week engagement in the Hippodrome. While not performing, the unnamed motion picture is set to run continuously. Other vaudeville acts are scheduled but are not publicized.
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| (26th-Tuesday): Today is declared "Surprise Night" in the park. The nature of the surprise is never published. Scranton Lodge 1172, Loyal Order of Moose hold their first annual outing in the park. Honorable H.M. Edwards, presiding judge of Lackawanna County and T.A. Donahue, District Attorney, address the gathering. "Purity in public life" and the "application of the Golden Rule in the daily activities of men" were the oratorical themes.
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| (27th-Wednesday): Annual picnic of the Central City Hebrew Ladies Aid Society is held today.
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| (28th-Thursday): Electrical men's clam bake and outing from Carbondale, Scranton and Pittston is held today. Approximately 300 people attend the festivities. It was reported that many were unable to reach the park until late in the evening. In an unscheduled turns of events, it was reported that Hardy, "The Hand-Cuff King" is suddenly out of the show line-up and Harley Francis, "Strongman", is the replacement lead vaudeville act.
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| (29th-Friday): Daughters of America of Scranton and its vicinity hold a large picnic and reunion in the park today. There is a program of races in the afternoon where prizes are awarded for each event. Prizes are also awarded to the D.A.R. Council that has the most attractive table (Dunmore Council No. 27), and to the D.A.R. Council that has the most members present (Petersburg). Acting Manager Lynott reminds patrons that the ticket rebate program is still in effect, that the cost of general park admission is rebated in the form of amusement tickets and dance hall tickets.
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| (30th-Saturday): Reports are that today is the last scheduled day of "Strongman" Harley Francis and other vaudeville acts that have played this past week in the park. Also, the unnamed and previously undescribed "moving picture" is to be replaced by "many new western and comic films". Meanwhile, the Lyceum Theater is showing the sellout, "Quo Vadis" feature film. A published report reiterates the park rebate feature is "in full force" today.
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| Week of August 31, 1913
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| (31st-Sunday): Two Sacred Sunday Concerts are orchestrated at 3:15 PM and 8:15 PM by the Calcedonian Pipe Band of Philadelphia. These are the last of the season.
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| (1st-Monday): Labor Day is celebrated at Luna Park. The Central Labor Union and member of organized labor parade to the park and hold their annual excursion to the park. A mass meeting of about 2,000 begins in the park at 2:00 PM. The Honorable Joseph R. Buchanan is principal speaker. Buchanan was one time national president of the Structural Iron Workers Union. Buchanan expresses his opinion how he felt the unions were made targets of the National Association of Manufacturers. A Suffragist's division is also as present as the fourth division but not yet directly affiliated with the Central Labor Union. The suffragists claimed to add a "charming touch" to the events. In the parade, there are floats, horses, automobiles, and marching bands, as well as the various divisions of the union men (and women). There is a rumored "baby" division but reports are unconfirmed that flag-decorated baby carriages actually carried babies. In the park, a boxing match is conducted in front of 1,500 sports fans between Tommy Ginty and Frankie McCann. McCann knocks down Ginty for a count of nine in the tenth round. In preliminaries, George Lucas beat Kid Lavin and Young Solbolsky "had a shade" on Jimmy Conway. As of this evening, without fanfare or ceremony, the park ends its eighth regular season although the Dance Pavilion will remain open as in previous years.
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| (2nd-Tuesday): Among other police cited in the city by Catherine Paine, Secretary of the Equal Franchise League for meritorious service, Reserve Policemen Armstrong, Dedendorf, Hallock, and Neula are recognized for their service patrolling and augmenting the Luna Park Police Force during Labor Day.
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| (3rd-Wednesday): Although late in the park's season, Professor Robert J. Bauer receives a shipment of new orchestral sheet music at the park. It is reported by local press that dancing will still be promoted until "the snow flies". Park management estimates the Dance Pavilion will be open two additional months weather permitting. Based on newspaper advertisements, other amusement parks in the area are still fully open.
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| (6th-Saturday): Robert J. Bauer's orchestra continues to orchestrate evening dance music in the Dance Pavilion.
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| Week of September 7, 1913
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| (11th-Thursday): The Dance Pavilion has been scraped, waxed, and made ready for another evening of dance music orchestrated by the Robert J. Bauer's orchestra. [Note: Scranton Republican-Tribune carries an interior photo of the Dance Pavilion on page 6, this date's edition.] There is no further advertising for dancing this year at the park after this date. A week from today, the homicide and escaped perpetrator may influence a decision to close the Dance Pavilion early.
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| Week of September 14, 1913
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| (15th-Monday): A homicide is committed on the tracks of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad, near the railroad tunnel near Luna Park. The perpetrator was identified by eye-witnesses but not able to be immediately apprehended as he flees into the woods above the park. He is eventually apprehended and tried.
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| Week of September 28, 1913
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| (30th-Tuesday): Dare Devil Garrepy is seriously injured while performing his "Leap for Life" act at a park in Trenton, New Jersey.
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| Week of October 19, 1913
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| (23rd-Thursday): A Scranton Railway Company streetcar travelling the Nay Aug and Luna Park route derails on Mulberry Street near Oxford Court.
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| Week of November 9, 1913
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| (12th-Wednesday): G.F. Reynolds decides to sell 6 acres he owns between Nay Aug Park and Luna Park to the city for $850 per acre. He has previously requested $400 more per acre. City planners are interested but have not accepted yet.
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| Week of November 16, 1913
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| (17th-Monday): The annual stock holders meeting of the Scranton Park Company, owners of Luna Park, is conducted with the purpose of electing a new Board of Directors, and receiving reports of this past year's business. The following are elected directors: A. Blau, D.J. Davis, H.M. Wood, G.W. Snyder, E.T. Paine, Peter Stipp, and M.J. Lynott. No other information concerning this meeting is made public in local newspapers.
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