Timeline of the 1914 Season
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Week of March 22, 1914
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(24th-Tuesday): Directors of the Luna Park Amusement Company, current owners of the park, to meet on Friday with Manager Lynott to discuss applications for excursion dates already on file in the park's office. Meeting is to be held in the office of Attorney Adolph Blau. Luna Park begins to advertise for excursion parties in local newspapers: "Excursion Parties Desiring Rates this Summer can phone to Manager, No. 5027 (Bell), or address Manager, Luna Park, Scranton, PA."
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(27th-Friday): Directors of the Luna Park Amusement Company, current owners of the park, meet to discuss park operations and vote Matt Lynott to be current Park Manager for the coming 1914 season. He is directed to secure new free acts for the coming summer and secure dates from several "sensational acts" promised for the coming season. The policy from the board this year is to put on "thrillers" and Lynott is instructed to book the most sensational acts he can find. The directors also vote to add three new attractions in the park in the form of riding devices this year leaving it to Lynott to discover them and provide them with a selection from which to chose. The directors also agreed to set schedule dates for various excursions already requested by various groups.
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Week of April 5, 1914
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(11th-Saturday): Members of the ground and improvement committee of the board of directors visit the park and provide Manager Lynott with a number of improvements to be made before the 1914 season opens. Members of the committee include Peter Stipp, G.W. Snyder, and E.I. Paine.
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Week of April 19, 1914
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(25th-Saturday): The Dance Pavilion opens for Luna Park's ninth season. The building has been freshly repainted and the floor refinished. Professor Robert J. Bauer's orchestra will be providing the music beginning at 8:00 PM tonight until 11:30 PM. Theodore Bauer has just completed purchasing new and the latest sheet music for the band to play. Both the Laurel Line and the Scranton Railway Company are ready to resume service this evening to the park.
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Week of April 26, 1914
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(30th-Thursday): The park advertises heavily in local newspapers: "Rain or Shine. There is dancing every night at Luna Park."
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(1st-Friday): Park Manager Matthew Lynott learns all Luna Park billboard announcements that had been placed on Lackawanna Courthouse Square property had been confiscated and removed by county workmen to the basement of the courthouse. County Commissioner Morgan Thomas, in making a public announcement, justified the removal by saying he and the other commissioners felt it improper to permit sign boards on grounds the county was spending "good money on" to improve, and did not wish to see said grounds riddled with what he characterized as "eyesores". [Note: Signs were yellow and red in color and highlighted activities at the Dance Pavilion.]
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(2nd-Saturday): In an item listed under the "Amusements" column of the Scranton Republican-Tribune, a writer notes that despite how uncomfortable the weather has been the past week, that due to the large size of the crowds, the dancing public recognizes that the Luna Park Dancing Pavilion is the finest dancing pavilion in Northeastern Pennsylvania. According to Professor Robert Bauer, who has 128 pieces of music in his possession, to run the dance hall into October, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM each evening. Bauer remarked that park management is very well pleased with the crowds patronizing the pavilion.
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Week of May 3, 1914
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(7th-Thursday): A small advertisement in the Scranton Republican-Tribune boasts the Robert J. Bauer's orchestra is "extra large" tonight.
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(9th-Friday): Theodore Bauer handles the baton tonight while hosting a "Dancing Festival" in the Dance Pavilion in Luna Park. Robert Bauer is away visiting cities in the United States Mid-West scheduled to return on or around the 21st of May.
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Week of May 10, 1914
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(11th-Monday): In Philadelphia, Park Manager Lynott secures a list of new modern dances used in a dance program in that city used to raise funds for a silver service set that will represent the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania aboard the United States Battleship Pennsylvania now under construction in Newport News, Virginia. Lynott states, "All of these dances will be tried out at the park this year."
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(13th-Wednesday): Banjo music fills the Dance Pavilion and waifs across Roaring Brook Gorge beginning tonight and for one week as Messrs. Nash and Olsen are contracted to play popular tunes for the crowd. Banjo music is reported to be especially popular with those dancing the Tango, Castle Walk, Eight Step, Hesitation, and the Cortez, among others. The banjoists are accompanied by the Robert J. Bauer orchestra.
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Week of May 17, 1914
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(18th-Monday): An item under the "Amusements" column of the Scranton Republican-Tribune notes that park management is being congratulated nightly for the addition of the banjoists to the park orchestra, that the "excellence of the dance music when banjos are added can only be appreciated by those who are devotees of modern dances."
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(23rd-Saturday): Much to the disappointment of the crowds, today is the last scheduled day for the now advertised, "World's Greatest Banjo Artists", banjoists Nash and Olsen. By popular demand, park management decides to extend the Dance Pavilion hours to midnight each night, rather than 11:30 PM as was done by previous practice.
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Week of May 24, 1914
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(25th-Monday): Hundreds of young couples are said to have danced in the Dance Pavilion on this night.
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(26th-Tuesday): Park management begins advertising Luna as "The Ideal Place to Spend Memorial Day". No major groups have booked the park for outings on this day as yet. Meanwhile, park management posts an employment ad, "Wanted-Six Waitresses to work at soda fountain. Apply soda fountain. Luna Park."
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(27th-Wednesday): Park management repeats the "Help Wanted" ad, "Wanted-Six Waitresses to work at soda fountain. Apply soda fountain. Luna Park." in the Scranton Republican-Tribune.
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(28th-Thursday): With the touch of a power button, Scranton Mayor E.B. Jermyn, city council, and invited guests, formally open Luna Park completely at 8:30 PM for its ninth season. The feature this year is safety, From a report in the Scranton Republican-Tribune, "Not only have the old attractions been rejuvenated, but they've been made safe... It is impossible for anything to go wrong in the park." The article also discloses a myriad of new attractions but fails to discuss what they might be. But as safety is of primary concern and the activity in the dance hall is on the rise as management had predicted, management as had done successfully last year, is hiring professional dance instructors at considerable expense to give free lessons to Dance Pavilion patrons. Management is reported to have contracted free circus acts, i.e. divin, trapeze, and other sensational acts, that are "thrilling in circus rings". Also, expansive improvements have been made in the picnic grounds. The "Owl Dance" is featured in the Dance Pavilion. Dancing begins at 7:30 PM today. Park management repeats the "Help Wanted" ad. Advertisements in several local papers list the opening ceremony on Friday but such is not the case. At or about 9:00 PM, a $400 Ford Roadster, belonging to John Christian, is stolen near the front entrance of the Luna Park parking lot.
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(29th-Friday): Although the previous evening's ceremony has the appearances of an opening, the Scranton Republican-Tribune reports the park does not actually fully open until 2:00 PM this afternoon. A comment is made from park management that the Dance Pavilion is now the "center of interest of the park". Dancing begins at 2:00 PM today. It is reported the Circle Swing, Scenic Railway, and Shoot the Chutes are all in operation. The Nine-County Funeral Directors Association and the T.M. Miller Casket Company meet in the park for amusement. Park motto this year, "Lively. Comfortable. Beautiful."
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(30th-Saturday): Today is Memorial Day and according to reports, park management does not have a large booking scheduled. Starting at 2:00 PM, Theodore Bauer leads the Bauer orchestra today. Manager Lynott reminds the public through the Scranton Republican-Tribune that the park has spent considerable expense "improving privacy and conveniences of the picnic grounds not obtainable in a public park." Memorial Day is characterized as having record-breaking attendance but no actual figure is published.
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Week of May 31, 1914
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(31st-Sunday): Approximately 900 members of the Elm Park Church and the City Rescue Mission hold an evangelical summer meeting and chorus under the trees in the park. The group is allowed free admittance but must pay park expenses. They envision this to be the first of several meetings in the park.
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(1st-Monday): The professional dance instructors, Miss Margaret Sinnot and Mr. Frank Kenny, both of Atlantic City, New Jersey, begin their work at 2:00 PM in the "Luna Park School of Modern Dancing" in the Dance Pavilion. Although their work is free to dance hall patrons, if lessons are given privately it is said would cost anywhere from $5 to $25 per hour. Lessons are taught in the afternoon at 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. In the evening, the instructors give two demonstrations at 9:30 PM and 10:30 PM to the crowd. This week's lessons include: "Argentine Tango", "One Step", "Grapevine", "Skip", "Spin", "Innovation Steps of the Tango", "Hesitation", and the "Brazilian Tango Maxixe".
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(3rd-Wednesday): Published reports suggests heavy attendance so far this week at Luna's Dance Pavilion.
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(4th-Thursday): An article in the Scranton Republican-Tribune hints the tenure of dance instructors, Sinnot and Kenny may expire at the end of the week and is under consideration for extension by park management. This is somewhat of a surprise since all publicity to this point suggests the "Luna Park School of Modern Dancing" is a permanent new attraction. Park management begins to receive requests to keep the couple for at least another week.
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(5th-Friday): With the exception of its "cool mountain breezes", park management continues to heavily publicize the activities in the Dance Pavilion and virtually not mention any other aspect of the park.
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(6th-Saturday): Management announces publicly it has "decided" to extend the tenure of dance instructors, Sinnot and Kenny one additional week. [Considering its wildly extensive popularity, suddenly making the "dance school" a non-permanent feature is a truly puzzling management strategy.] Dr. James O'Brien reported his Ford automobile stolen on the Nay Aug side of Roaring Brook Gorge while he was visiting Luna Park. The car was found miles away, days later, its front wheel damaged.
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Week of June 7, 1914
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(7th-Sunday): One thousand Trail Hitters, it was reported, attended a religious service held privately at Luna Park. Violin solos and a duet were musical accompaniments.
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(9th-Tuesday): Sinnot and Kenny teach and demonstrate the "Brazilian Tango Maxixe" in the Dance Pavilion. In its day pronounced "Macks-icks", the Dance Pavilion was heavily crowded with onlookers eager to observe the exotic dance of South America. The dance hall spotlight is trained on the couple in a darkened dance pavilion while Bauer's orchestra plays on.
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(10th-Wednesday): Due to the crush of crowds from the previous evening, park management requests Sinnot and Kenny to repeat the spotlit "Maxixe" demonstrations and also show whatever other variations of the Tango they can.
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(11th-Thursday): By popular demand, Sinnot and Kenny repeat their spotlit "Maxixe" demonstrations and also other variations of the Tango. 500 students of the Lackawanna Business College hold their annual lunch and dinner outing at the park.
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(12th-Friday): Today, Sinnot and Kenny demonstrate the "Hesitation". Bauer's orchestra plays on. There are no publicized dance contests this week.
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(13th-Saturday): Margarot Sinnot and Frank Kenny demonstrate the "Fancy Steps of the Innovation". Today is their last day at the park. Socialist of Lackawanna County hold a combined reunion and opening of a Socialist political campaign. A variety of picnic-related athletic contests (three-legged race, fat man race, pie-eating contests, etc.) are held. Addresses are made by John W. Hopkins, candidate for United States Congress and Lee B. Woodcock, candidate for Pennsylvania State Senate. A note in the Scranton Republican-Tribune advertise Scranton city soda fountain concessions of Davis & Karp; J.D. Williams, and John Loftus, as a promotion, giving away free tickets for "Scenic Railway [coaster]" rides with the purchase of a soda in their shop on Monday and Tuesday. In the Hippodrome, Daredevil Oliver and his diving dog, Uno, jump from high platforms into a pool of water below. Daredevil jumps 125 feet performing a double somersault into 54 inches of water. Uno jumps roughly 55 feet separately from Daredevil. Uno is alledgedly the only dog diver in the world. Daredevil's wife, it is reported, stands tank-side after each performance, and offers a prayer for the successful completion of the performance.
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Week of June 14, 1914
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(14th-Sunday): The Socialist of Lackawanna County have chartered the park and have continued their meetings from yesterday.
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(15th-Monday): It is publicly revealed that the secret of receiving a free "Scenic Railway" ticket is to say "Luna park tickets, please." of which one will receive a general admission ticket and a "Scenic Railway" ticket at the time a soda is purchased from any of the three participating vendors. Reportedly failing to utter the four words correctly or at all will result in one not receiving the two tickets.
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(17th-Wednesday): West Pittston Methodist Episcopal Sunday School Church outing is held today.
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(18th-Thursday): Manager Lynott receives good news in that the Central Labor Union has decided to hold Labor Day events at Luna Park. Much to his his wife's apparent worrisome chagrin, Daredevil Oliver continues to work the crowd with his 125 foot high diving act.
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(19th-Friday): Park management decides to conduct a "Tango Contest" at 9:30 PM in the Dance Pavilion and award cash prizes. However, heavy rain pummels the park and the contest is rescheduled to the 26th. Star, "The Credit Store" offers free tickets to Luna Park, among others. Because of an anticipated crowd, Daredevil and Uno change their acts' evening schedule to start at 8:30 PM. Roberts Hose Company and friends of Bainbridge, New York hold an afternoon outing at the park.
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Week of June 21, 1914
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(21st-Sunday): Open-air Bible classes for men and women begin at 2:30 PM. Evangelical services begin at 3:30 PM. Religious testimony and special music is provided by the Trail Hitters Association, Arnold Lohmann, William Mais, Helen Savage, Alice Beers, and Lucy Long. Address by W.E. Hoffman.
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(22nd-Monday): Ameta, "The Beautiful", presents a genuine Spanish Fandango-style dance, "The Jota" all this week at the mecca of amusement. Dance devotees find Ameta to be only part of a free feature known as "The Great Globe Act", "a thrilling and sensational presentation of balancing, equilibrists feats, and strongman acts", performed by the family, Zoyarra, who have just returned from a tour of strife-torn Mexico. These presentations will be performed in the Hippodrome. It is reported Robert Bauer's orchestra tries out some new sheet music they've not previous played.
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(23rd-Tuesday): South Side Hebrew Ladies Aid Society hold their annual picnic in the park today.
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(24th-Wednesday): Miss Mary Thomas chaperones members of the Immanuel Baptist Youth Presbyterian Union to the park today. The weather has grown warm and park management advertises the "cool mountain breezes at the park".
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(25th-Thursday): In a departure from normal advertising, park management notes publicly that "Luna Park has thirty various attractions that will stimulate the most biased of amusement seekers."
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(26th-Friday): The rescheduled "Tango Contest" is held tonight in the Dance Pavilion. Couples have their choice of the "Maurice" or "Argentine" Tango. Robert J. Bauer's orchestra provides this music in the Dance Pavilion.
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Week of June 28, 1914
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(28th-Sunday): There are no evangelical meetings or sacred Sunday concerts today. For the first time in its history, with all amusements in operation, Luna Park opens completely on a Sunday. Twenty five hundred paid patrons are recorded. Dr. G. Woodrow Anderson, pastor of Elm Park Church, showers considerable criticism towards Park Manager Lynott for opening the park on a Sunday even though the park had previously been cleared years before to do so by Scranton's mayor. Lynott responds by way of public statement in the Scranton Republican-Tribune that any claim of "exploitation of evangelical meetings for our own profits is absurd."
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(29th-Monday): A band "Truth" concert under the auspices of the "Scranton Truth" publication is held at the park's band stand of which the park's management agrees to underwrite, therefore, no admission is charged. 5,000 people attend. Robert J. Bauer's orchestra provides this music in the evening. The "Thirty Famous Indian Chieftain Players" under the direction of David Graham Hill will play exclusively in the Band Shell in the afternoon. They are the new attraction in the park this week replacing the Zoyarra Family. Notably, extra security is arranged to monitor the parking area above the park in order to provide ample police protection from would-be car thieves. The policemen note there are an unusually large number of vehicles to protect this evening both here and on the Nay Aug side of the gorge. Extra streetcar service has also been arranged with the Scranton Railway Company.
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(30th-Tuesday): The "Thirty Famous Indian Chieftain Players" are performing their famous "Wa-Ho" song with their orchestral selections. William O. Pierce is the band's soloist with a "mellow voice". 3,000 people reportedly paid to enter the park on this day.
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(1st-Wednesday): The Brotherhood of the Jackson Street Baptist Church submit resolutions to the City of Scranton unanimously protesting the opening of Luna Park on Sunday. Star, "The Credit Store" offers free tickets to Luna Park, among others. Park management begins an effort to re-brand the Dance Pavilion as the "Castle House"
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(2nd-Thursday): For the rest of the week, park gates open at 10:00 AM today and dancing begins at 2:00 PM. Theodore Bauer is conducting the Bauer orchestra today. The "Thirty Famous Indian Chieftain Players" are performing twice daily at 3:45 PM and 9:45 PM so as not to conflict the schedule with Bauer's orchestra. Once again this year, park management announces there will be no firework displays and none will be tolerated in the park for the 4th of July.
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(3rd-Friday): With no major bookings scheduled, management runs its standard "safe and sane fourth" advertisements for the park. As advertised, the park gates open at 10:00 AM and dancing begins at 2:00 PM. Based on published advertisements, other area parks have similar quality of attractions but add gala firework displays to their lists of features.
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(4th-Saturday): Luna Park celebrates the 4th of July for 1914. While a patron visits Luna Park, his Ford automobile is stolen from a lot on the Nay Aug side of Roaring Brook Gorge. A reported "healthy" visitor count is tallied but no specifics are recorded. Bill Steinke, a reporter for the Scranton Republican-Tribune said Park Manager Lynott reported he was "so busy that he only had time to go around and empty cash registers. Money just keeps rolling in."
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Week of July 5, 1914
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(5th-Sunday): Luna Park is fully open as well as Nay Aug Park on the opposite side of Roaring Brook Gorge.
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(6th-Monday): An outraged Dr. G. Woodrow Anderson, pastor of Elm Park Church, continues his crusade to force Luna Park as being "immoral and dangerous to the welfare of the community" to close on Sunday. Four churches are now united in approaching Scranton city council and the mayor to try to stop Luna Park from opening. These represent approximately 1,900 people combined. Despite threatening rain, the "Ten Kiddies Minstrel Show" has returned to the park this season to a large crowd. A.J. Duffy, former manager of Luna Park, and now a very important person with the United Booking Company of New York, predicts that motion pictures will be the next great feature of the theatrical business.
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(7th-Tuesday): Park management decides to conduct a "Hesitation Dance Contest" at 9:30 PM in the Dance Pavilion and award cash prizes. Thomas McNeal of Brooklyn challenges any couple from Scranton. The contest is characterized as "Brooklyn vs. Scranton". Cash prizes are awarded. This is reported to be the first Hesitation dance ever to be held in the city. The contest was originally to be held earlier in the month but was pushed back to this date. The clergy's petition to close Luna Park on Sunday has been submitted to Scranton's mayor, E.B. Jermyn. The mayor initially states he will decide based on if the majority of the people want the park open on Sunday and if there is no disturbance there during the Sabbath.
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(8th-Wednesday): Another church joins the petition citing strong objections and requesting Luna Park close on Sunday. To continue the protest effort, various Bible classes begin discussion of rescheduling their outings and picnics to Nay Aug Park. The prevailing opinion is "It's just not right to throw the amusements wide open on Sunday." The Young Men's Hebrew Association schedules July 16 for their annual outing.
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(9th-Thursday): Clarke Brothers Stores have their annual employee picnic at the park this evening. Several hundred employees, perhaps 500, attend but around 8:30 PM, an approaching thunderstorm sends a number of people fleeing for home.
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(10th-Friday): St. John's Congregation have their annual outing at the park today. They have reserved a section of the picnic grove. Manager Lynott announces he will cede to the request of Dr. Anderson's petition and close Luna Park's amusements on Sunday. In a published statement, Mr. Lynott points out that even though he is legally in the right, and the park is not in violation of the law, he did not wish, because of his connections to city administration, to be responsible for what he feels is unjust criticism of the mayor and city officials. The announcement comes too late. The Bible class and services boycott is not able to be called off on Sunday the 12th. Lynott, as a result, states he will no longer open the park at all on Sundays. A heavy thunderstorm hits the park. This storm causes a complete power failure. Part of the park is flooded. Heavy runoff required twenty to thirty truckloads of gravel and dirt to repair washed out sections back to normal conditions. Rain runoff covered the Laurel Line tracks forcing the railroad to cut service for the rest of the night until an adequate inspection could be performed.
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(11th-Saturday): The "Ten Kiddies" vaudeville act proves popular and continues to perform. Shows are at 3:45 PM and 4:45 PM. Yesterday's storm power failure is repaired. The washed-out areas are under repair during the day today. None of the buildings are found to be damaged by the storm.
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Week of July 12, 1914
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(12th-Sunday): Manager Lynott keeps the park completely closed as he had stated he would.
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(13th-Monday): It's "The Big Fight Night" at Luna Park. Admission fees to boxing area seating are $0.25, $0.50, and $1.00. Tommy Ferguson boxes Roy Kenney and Kenney proved to be disappointing and Ferguson wins decisively. Johnny Fisher meets Chick Simler and fights to a draw. Pete O'Connor meets Al Farrell but wishes he hadn't. He was beaten. Al Murphy meets Young O'Neill and shaded him. Boxing admission is approximately 400 to 500. The International Correspondence School holds an outing at the park. Park management starts a "Vote for the Dance Judges" contest. Also, a contest in which the first couple to win three contests wins an engraved trophy and a cash prize. The "Judges" contest is being judged by members of the four Scranton daily newspapers.
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(14th-Tuesday): Winners of the "Judges" contests are announced in the morning editions of the local newspapers: John Murray, Joe Thompson, and Joseph Harris. George Ryder will serve as an alternate. It is reported these men will serve as judges for all dance contests at Luna Park for this season.
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(15th-Wednesday): A "Tango" contest is held today in the Dance Pavilion. The winners are Martin Hackins and Eleanor Johns, both of Scranton. Providing the music is the Robert J. Bauer Orchestra, led by Theodore Bauer.
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(16th-Thursday): Today is declared "Jewish Gala Day" at the park. The Young Men's Hebrew Association and their Ladies Auxiliary of northeastern Pennsylvania, notably Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, hold an outing in the park. Several picnic-related athletic contests are held. More than 3,000 are recorded as having attended this reunion. Because of its success, another outing is to be scheduled before the park's season comes to a close.
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(17th-Friday): Today on the park's schedule is the Imperial Underwear Company employee picnic.
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(18th-Saturday): The Sunday Schools of Taylor hold their combined student picnic today.
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Week of July 19, 1914
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(19th-Sunday): Park is closed.
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(20th-Monday): Lackawanna Laundry Company employees and friends hold their annual picnic at the park. By popular demand, the "Kiddies" are carried over another week to continue their vaudeville act.
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(21st-Tuesday): Newsboys of the Scranton Times newspaper hold their annual field day at the park.
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(22nd-Wednesday): Employees of all Jonas Long's Sons department stores enjoy the amusements the park has to offer for the day. Although a Tango contest was advertised earlier in the week, management changes the schedule to a "Maxixe" dance contest today. First Prize awarded to James Taugher of Pittston and Sue Kildoff of Scranton. Second prize goes to Martin Hopkins and Eleanor Johns, both of Scranton. Judges are John Murray, Joe Thompson, and Joseph Harris. Park attendance today is approximately 3,000 paid patrons. Management also announces headline vaudeville acts will begin today but doesn't describe them. Rescheduled from the now "Closed on Sundays" Luna Park, a men's Bible class conference is held at a local church. 200 men attend.
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(23rd-Thursday): The Baltimore Club of the Scranton Aerie of Eagles holds a basket picnic and clambake in the park. Rain interferes with the festivities. Manager Lynott signs a contract with the Burke Brothers' Musical Company for vaudeville services for two shows to be performed daily beginning next week for one week. Lynott announces the "Luna Park Athletic Club" will sponsor four boxing matches on Monday, July 27.
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(24th-Friday): The Fly Swatters Club of Scranton is in possession of the park today. Bradley Methodist Church excursion to the park today. The Hippodrome area is being changed today to accommodate additional seating. [Note: Park management begins to disassociate the name "Hippodrome" with the park as a theater in Pittston begins to use that name. At this time, Luna Park management appears to prefer "Open Air Theater" to avoid a conflict.]
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(25th-Saturday): An all-day picnic and "Prohibition Rally" is held in the park by the Lackawanna County Women's Christian Temperance Union. At 2:00 PM, addresses are orated by a Mrs. E.E. Wells and a Dr. B.E. Prugh of Harrisburg. James A. Clark, candidate for Judge, will also speak. Dr. George Woodrow Anderson, who is conspicuously present in the crowd, looks on. Scranton City Planning Commission approves opening land for residential development near Luna Park at Park Side along Elmhurst Boulevard and Matthews Street but reserves the right of final approval for housing construction and street development.
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Week of July 26, 1914
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(26th-Sunday): Luna Park is closed "tight", according to Manager Lynott.
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(27th-Monday): The park is reported to be "crowded with thousands" today. The Burke Brothers' Musical Company ambitiously perform the vaudeville play, "On to Mexico", twice daily all this week in the "Open Air Theater". The play includes twenty well known actors of this time and a well-drilled pony circus. John Burke is featured as the character, "General Mulligan" in the play. Sherman Wade and Laura Davis are part of the cast. Beginning at 3:45 daily, the play is reported to cost $1.50 elsewhere, but offered "free" to Luna Park patrons. Also free admission to the park is offered to boxing fans, but it costs either $0.50 or $1.00 to see the boxing matches. The advertised boxing card suddenly changes the morning of the event. Bouts listed at the time are: Tommy O'Toole of Plymouth vs. Young Joe O'Neill of Petersburg, Willie Ritchie of Olyphant vs. Young Glodac of Plymouth, Al Murphy of Hyde Park vs. Freddie Holmes of Dickson City, Tommy Flynn vs. Joe Stead, and Chauffeur Dugan vs. Tommy Hurst. Preliminary bouts of Dugan and Hurst, and Stead and Smith end with Hurst and Stead declared winners. Heavy rain began and limited attendance from 100 to 150. O'Toole is guaranteed $75 but the purse size will not cover the cost of that plus pay the others. He objects to taking a cut. This disagreement over financing escalates to the other boxers and the Luna Park Athletic Club decides to postpone the remainder of the event.
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(28th-Tuesday): An "unofficial" announcement is made in the "Sports" page of the Scranton Republican-Tribune that there will be no more open air boxing matches held in Luna Park "because of yesterday's failure". The boxers that did not fight are held to ridicule for not "taking a cut". Today's weather is cold and the number of paid patrons is 700.
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(29th-Wednesday): Members of the Ringgold Band give a band concert at the park today. A "One Step" dance contest is held today. Judges are Joseph Thompson, John Murray, and Joe Harris. First place winners are James Taugher of Pittston and Sue Kildoff of Scranton. Second place winners are Martin Hopkins and Eleanor Johns, both of Scranton. "On To Mexico" moves to 8:00 PM for the remainder of its tenure at Luna. Today's number of paid patrons is about 3,000. The weather is still reported to be unseasonably cold. Miss Dorothy Evans and Miss Dolly Duvall, members of the chorus of the Burke Brothers' Musical Company, playing today at Luna Park, swear out a warrant of arrest for their manager, Frank Lamont, because they were not paid. Once constables paid a visit, Mr. Lamont settled up, the girls quit the town and returned to their homes in New York.
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(31st-Friday): Boy Scout Day is declared at the park. Boy Scouts of the area are putting on a demonstration of woodcraft and scout-craft in the park. James Reardon of the American Bill Posting Company has erected a billboard and posted in color highlights of scouting activities in the park. Two boys were arrested in Luna Park by police after stealing $20 from their parents.
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(1st-Saturday): Scranton customers of the Larkin Soap Company are treated to a gigantic free picnic held exclusively at Luna Park today. Seventy-five prizes are offered to children. Ice creams cones, a new novelty, are being given away. [Up to this time, ice cream was sold in glass dishes that one was expected to return.] A grand prize is offered to the mysterious Larkin, the Maid of the Mist. Mr. R.G. Howells is distributing tickets to customers. Pre-event publicity notes 25,000 to 36,000 patrons are expected.
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Week of August 2, 1914
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(2nd-Sunday): Luna Park is closed to the general public, however, the Central Labor Union has chartered the Dance Pavilion [Note: "Dance Pavilion" is now being interchangeably advertised as "Castle House" in various local newspapers.] to hold an open-air union meeting in the afternoon. This type of meeting is the first of its kind at the park. As the park is receiving revenue, Manager Lynott is eager to accommodate the members of the C.L.U. That said, a fight threatens to break out among delegates over readmission (or not) of a group of electrical workers from the C.L.U., but several intervene, and the rule of order is restored.
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(3rd-Monday): The Burke Brothers' Musical Company is retained for another week. The troupe changes their performance to "The Pole Hunters", a musical interpretation of "Dr. Cook and Lieutenant Perry". John Burke stars in the role of Dr. Cook. Park management has publicized they have learned the "hard way" that later show times "keep people away" so the show times for evening vaudeville performances are now set back to 8:00 PM and the afternoon's remain at 3:00 PM. The afternoon performance had been advertised to start at 3:45 PM but the performance started 45 minutes early. A "Hesitation" dance contest is announced for Wednesday evening. It previously was being advertised as a "Tango" dance contest.
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(5th-Wednesday): Children of St. Patrick's Orphanage, St. Joseph's Foundling Home, and Home of the Good Shepherd, approximately 300 children, hold their annual outing at the park today. The outing is reportedly paid by "good-hearted, charitable, and busy men of the community." Food is prepared by the Hotel Jermyn's chef and served in the park's picnic grounds. One change noted in newspaper reporting is that the Scranton Railway Company and Laurel Line no longer donated free transportation on this day. The children are accompanied by the sisters of their respective institutions. The "Hesitation" dance contest is held today. Judges are Joseph Thompson, John Murray, and Joe Harris. First place winners are James Taugher of Pittston and Sue Kildoff of Scranton. Second place winners are A.C. Corley and Miss Mary Moffatt, both of Scranton.
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(6th-Thursday): The Blakley Baptist Sunday School held its annual picnic at the park today.
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Week of August 9, 1914
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(9th-Sunday): The park is closed.
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(10th-Monday): The Burke Brothers' Musical Company is retained for a third week. The troupe changes their performance to "Antony and Cleopatra", a comedy. Alice Bennett of the "Three Bennett Sisters" has the starring role. John Burke play Antony. Showtime is now set at 3:45 PM and 8:00 PM once again.
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(12th-Wednesday): Wilkes Barre dancers challenge Scranton in a first of a series of dance competitions, referred overall to as the "Dance Championship of Northeastern Pennsylvania", is held today in the park's "Castle House". The "Luna Glide", a special dance, is introduced, reportedly written by Theodore Bauer of the Robert J. Bauer Orchestra. Meanwhile, Charles Burke, one of the Burke Brothers of the acting company, suddenly enlists in the 88th Connaught Rangers, an English Army [UK] unit and leaves John, his brother, in Scranton. A "Luna Glide" Dance Contest is held as well as the overall couples seasonal dance championship in which the "four-plated silver cup" was awarded. The "Luna Glide" is reported to be a combination of fast-time and slow-time hesitation and tango, or what some call a half and half. First prize is won by Richard Mangan of Pittston and Edith Lawrence of Elmhurst. Second prize goes to Martin Hoskins and Rea Harris of Scranton. The Silver Cup is awarded to John Taugher and Sue Sue Kildoff of Scranton. of Scranton.
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(13th-Thursday): In an unusual move, the Park's Board of Directors meet with Park Manager Lynott in his office this evening to discuss the park's activities so far this season. A notice is published that "Antony and Cleopatra" will end its run at the park on Saturday night. After a three week engagement, the Burke Brothers Musical Company will be moving on. As part of the "Truth" concert series, Lawrence's Ninth Regiment Band gives an extra public band concert at Luna Park tonight. The band invites everyone to sing to "Marching to Georgia". Extra police protection is arranged in parking areas to prevent car theft. Of course, park admission is free and attendance was heavy. Hearing the crowd sing gives Manager Lynott the idea of "Community Singing at the Park". A C.L.U. Executive Committee meets elsewhere and decides there will be boxing of some kind at Luna Park on Labor Day with details to be worked out in the coming weeks.
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Week of August 16, 1914
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(16th-Sunday): The park remains closed.
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(17th-Monday): Perhaps as a result of the previous week's board of director's meeting, Manager Lynott engages two dance instructors direct from Atlantic City for the week. James McManus, formerly of New York, and Miss Marietta Emmett, formerly of San Francisco agree to give free lessons from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM daily, and provide a dance exhibition at 9:45 PM in the evening in the "Castle House". They are offering a flexible schedule and intend to provide instruction on the "Half and Half", "Fox Trot", "Argentine Tango", "Maurice Tango", "Hesitation", "Luna Glide", and the "Maxixe". Despite heavy rain, a relative large crowd greets the professional dance couple.
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(18th-Tuesday): Today is declared another "Jewish Gala Day" as the Moses Montefiore Hebrew School and South Scranton Hebrew School hold their annual outing at the park. Picnic-related athletic games and contests are conducted in conjunction with the outing. A feature of the athletic contest is a baseball game between the Moses Montefiore Hebrew School and the South Scranton Hebrew School. Among others, a baby contest is conducted. After the games and contests, a catered supper is served. At least 1,500 paid patrons are recorded in attendance.
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(19th-Wednesday): Lackawanna County Retail Liquor Merchants Association holds an outing and an informative meeting at the park. The Honorable C.V. Windle, speaks in the afternoon and evening on the subject of legal regulation of the liquor business. His point was Prohibition was wrong and essentially economic heresy. McManus and Emmett change the hours of their lessons from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM in the afternoon and 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM in the evening except on days when they perform a cabaret exhibition at 9:45 PM. They are demonstrating the Fox Trot tonight. They are also arranging to give private lessons for a fee.
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(19th-Thursday): McManus and Emmett demonstrate the "Fox Trot" and "Half and Half" tonight.
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(20th-Friday): Although the weather has been cool and rainy, the crowds continue to flock to the "Castle House" to see McManus and Emmett, and to pay to dance.
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(22nd-Saturday): McManus and Emmett are retained for another week at the park. Management announces there will be three dance contests next week.
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Week of August 23, 1914
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(23rd-Sunday): Today is Sunday and the John Mitchell Irish American club charters the picnic grounds at the park for a clambake. Michael Gibbons is Master of Ceremonies. Cusick's Orchestra provide the music. Vocal solos are sung by John Hurley. A clog dancing exhibition is performed by Edward Boyle.
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(25th-Tuesday): A "One Step Dance Contest" is held today and cash prizes are awarded. Edward Mullen of Scranton and Alice Connolly of Dunmore are first prize winners. Second prize winners are A.C. Corley and Nellie Langan, both of Scranton.
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(26th-Wednesday): A "Hesitation Dance Contest" is held today. Cash prizes are awarded. First place went to William Shallow and Eleanor Johns, both of Scranton. Second place awarded to John Conway of Pittston and Catherine Haggerty of Moosic. After the contest, Bauer's Orchestra began to play "Turkey in the Straw" and it was reported the crowd roared in delight and danced the Fox Trot.
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(28th-Friday): A "Fox Trot Dance Contest" is postponed due to rain. The Catholic Relief and Beneficiary Association hold their annual outing and field day at the park. It is reported an estimated 2,000 delegates attend the outing.
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Week of August 30, 1914
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(30th-Sunday): The park is closed.
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(1st-Tuesday): The postponed "Fox Trot Dance Contest" is held today beginning at 9:45 PM. Cash prizes are awarded. First prize is awarded to Eleanor Johns and Martin Hoskins, both of Scranton. Second prize is awarded to Ruth Swingle and John O'Brien, both of Scranton.
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(2nd-Wednesday): Young Men's Hebrew Association Day is declared at the park. This group holds their second outing at the park this season. Children are guests of Cole B. Price for all of Luna's amusements and attractions this afternoon and tonight. Three more girls, Babe. Amy, and Bella Bernard, in the Burke Brothers' Musical Company swear out a warrant for the arrest of John Burke for the failure to pay their wages after signing and dancing for three weeks at Luna Park. At a hearing in front of Alderman Miller, Burke paid each of the women $10. They indicated to Alderman Miller they would leave for Philadelphia in the morning. Alderman Miller reportedly made Burke pay court costs.
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(3rd-Thursday): The Local Aerie of Eagles and their friends hold an outing, clambake, and "general jollification" at the park today. Park management begins heavy advertising in local newspapers for Labor Day. Over 900 dinners are served in a combination of the picnic grove, pavilion, and in an improvised area on the mountain. The Eagles stayed until midnight.
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(4th-Friday): The Lackawanna County Socialist Party hold a mass protest meeting for international peace, an outing, and picnic at the park.
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(5th-Saturday): Welsh Day is declared at the park which opens at 1:00 PM. The annual Welsh reunion of Lackawanna and Wyoming Valleys is held. Members of Dr. Parry's 300 voice male Chorus decide to hold a Welsh Day at the park on this day. A "Fox Trot" dance contest is held today.
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Week of September 6, 1914
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(6th-Sunday): The park is closed for regular business with the exception the Central Labor Union has chartered the park for a regular business meeting as it had done so previously. The meeting begins at 2:00 PM. Final planning for Labor Day events and activities is primarily discussed.
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(7th-Monday): Today is Labor Day. The Central Labor Union has arranged for numerous athletic contests, a clambake, a regular dinner, and boxing matches. "Tango" and "Old-Style Waltz" dance contests are held in the "Castle House". Thousands of union men and women, representing different labor unions, trades, and industries, parade, beginning at 10:00 AM, from downtown Scranton to Luna Park. There are floats, horses, and automobiles. Virtually every band in and around the city participate. Politicians are, of course, in ample supply. Judges for the parade are William Borland and M.L. Goodman, both of Scranton, and P.J. McGinty of Olyphant. One of the boxing matches did not happen because the boxers wanted to be paid first. Three bouts did: Willie Richie of Jessup fought Young Glodac of Plymouth to a draw; Peter Farrell fought Chauffeur Dugan to a draw; Harry Keithline of Wilkes Barre lost to Jimmy Cunningham of Scranton. Fred Matthews. It was reported no one knows who was the promoter.
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(8th-Tuesday): Luna Park has closed for the ninth season yesterday evening and it is reported that Manager Lynott is given a diamond stickpin as a token of appreciation by the employees of the park. Harvey Long, a superintendent at the park, read a speech in which he emphasized the loyalty of the park employee, the good heartedness, and so on, of Mr. Lynott, and then made the presentation on behalf of the workers. Lynott personally thanked each employee for their loyalty, dedication, and hard work during the entire season. With a resounding hip-hip-hurrah, and a hope that Mr. Lynott would be in charge during the coming season. It is reported that "business of the park was hindered by the weather", but "was up to the average of previous years." "Attendance and gate receipts did not show a decrease over previous years, but still a disappointment because we considered doing so many great things."
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Week of September 20, 1914
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(23rd-Wednesday): It is reported in the "Scranton Republican-Tribune" that City Planning Commissioner Peter Stipp recommends a plot of land currently covered in trees located near Luna Park be dedicated as a new addition to the city of Scranton. This land lies between the Laurel Line and the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railroad. Stipp gets push-back from the City Planning Commission.
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Week of October 13, 1914
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(13th-Sunday): A brush fire threatening to reach alarming proportions is reported to begin at 9:15 PM. Over 500 feet of hose is attached by an east Scranton fire company to a fire hydrant in the park. It is believed the fire began from dumped ashes from a passing locomotive.
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Week of December 13, 1914
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(16th-Wednesday): Park Manager Matthew Lynott donates 500 globe lights and electrical equipment towards lighting a community Christmas tree on Scranton's Courthouse Square. With additional donations from other companies, the tree is lit on Christmas eve.
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The 1915 Season [Park Manager Babson, "Buff, Brick, and Banjos", Charlie Chaplin Visits, Impersonator Contests, New Dances, Country Store Contests, Bumpernickel Band Carnival, Fireworks Return, Rag-A-Muffin Carnival, Adolph Blau, Roller Coaster Accident, Cabaret]
Timeline of the 1915 Season
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Week of January 10, 1915
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(11th-Monday): Luna Park management is publicly cited for contributions made to the "Public Christmas Tree" project on Courthouse Square in Scranton.
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Week of February 21, 1915
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(27th-Saturday): Members of the Luna Park Amusement Association fail to select a manager for the park as M.J. Lynott refuses to allow his name to be considered.
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Week of March 7, 1915
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(12th-Friday): J.E. Babson, Manager of the Court Square Moving Picture Theater is unanimously named Manager of Luna Park for the 1915 season at a meeting of the Board of Directors held in the office of Adolph Blau. Babson was previously manager of the Poli theater and prior to that a manager of the Avon Rock amusement park in Waterbury, Connecticut, among others.
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Week of March 14, 1915
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(15th-Monday): Aviator Lincoln Beachey, who had flown airship, "Knabebshue Toledo No. 2", several times between Luna Park and downtown Scranton in 1906, is killed when his monoplane aircraft descends from 7,000 feet and suffers structural failure. The aircraft plunges uncontrollably into San Francisco Bay.
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Week of April 25, 1915
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(1st-Saturday): Park Manager Babson opens the Dance Pavilion for the new season. (He refers to it publicly as the "Dance Pavilion".) He notes the floor has been remodeled to make it more responsive to modern dance steps. Four banjo players have been hired this season for the entire season to augment the orchestra. [Three actually show up.] The Dance Pavilion opens at 8:00 PM. The park proper will not open until May 27. There will be no park admission charges during the dance season. Published reports suggest 2,000 people attend this evening in spite of threatening and chilly weather.
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Week of May 2, 1915
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(1st-Saturday): Park Manager Babson appoints W.E. Hill as Excursion Manager. Hill publicly claims to already be booking excursions to the park every day with the exception of Sundays, of which the park is to remain closed.
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(8th-Saturday): The Northern Electric Park is fully open with orchestral music by Malarkey suitable for dancing and an operational "Giant" roller coaster. Northern is offering direct rail service not only from Scranton, but from Binghamton, New York, as well.
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Week of May 9, 1915
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(14th-Friday): Park Manager Babson decides to try a confetti dance carnival night in conjunction with a special music line. It's noted "Confetti Carnivals" are usually reserved in celebration of the last week of the park's operation of the season, and this is something new and different being tried, just for fun.
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Week of May 16, 1915
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(22nd-Saturday): Luna Park has been advertising "cabaret style dancing" and "learning new dance steps every night" all week long.
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Week of May 23, 1915
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(24th-Monday): It is announced the Young Men's Hebrew Association and Ladies Auxiliary will hold their first Jewish Gala Day on June 8 at Luna Park.
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(25th-Tuesday): For the tenth season, it is revealed that Luna Park has been painted in a "buff and brick" motif, and 17,000 bulbs out of 36,000 have been changed to synchronize harmoniously with the paint pattern. It is believed this colorization scheme lends itself to a true "Oriental effect". Park Manager Babson also reveals three of the banjo players formerly were with the Million Dollar Pier of Atlantic City, New Jersey. They will give separate nightly concerts as well as augment Robert J. Bauer's orchestra. They are particularly noted for "one-steps" and "fox-trots". Babson states the park will open with an appropriate ceremony at 1:00 PM on Thursday. New this year is a "Safety First" theme, a Postcard and Sheet Music store, a piano and player with continuous concert, a moving picture theater, 25 brand new games, a souvenir stand, a seafood stand where dinners are served, a gypsy camp featuring real gypsies, which will tell fortunes and weave baskets, a new Dentzel orchestrion for the carousel, a freak pit, which will first house a two-headed bulldog. Also a children's playground, "The Children's Corner", has been added and a pony track. In the theater building, the Metropolitan Minstrels will appear the first week. No admission fee is the park's policy this year.
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(26th-Wednesday): A small article appears in "The Scranton Republican" that the banjo players are to remain for the "rest of the week" contradicting previous published reports of the players being under contract for the entire season.
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(27th-Thursday): From his office in the park, Park Manager Babson at 1:00 PM presses a button to illuminate Luna Park and signal start of all the machinery. With that, Luna Park opens for its tenth season today. A confetti carnival celebration is held in the park in the evening. A banjo concert is also held. J. Frank Siegel, a well known dance master, instructs couples in the Dance Pavilion. Management clarifies its no admission policies to state "No admission except on holidays". "The Scranton Republican" reports the ticket booth has been removed from the entrance gate but does not state which entrance or both. A reporter for the paper notes the conversion of the Hippodrome area into an electric light fountain that considerably brightens an otherwise dismal area. Also, a portion of the western side has been fenced off and that's where the "Children's Corner Playground" has been built. The playground is monitored by a matron. The weather is reported excellent for the opening.
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Week of May 30, 1915
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(31st-Monday): Memorial Day is being celebrated in the park today. The park opens at 10:00 AM. Today is also the day of the Dog Show of the English and French Bull dog and Boston Terrier club of the Scranton Kennel Club. Forty one dogs of various sizes, breeds, and colors compete for prizes this year. The Laurel Line and Scranton Railway Company expect major crowds and provision extra trains. It is reported 168 trolley cars are operational and are making rounds to Nay Aug and Luna Park every two minutes just to keep up with the pleasure-seekers. Seven thousand patrons pass through the western admission gate at Luna Park in the evening alone. Competing for space on the road this day, one seat jitney buses are out in "full-force" seen driving to and fro Nay Aug and Luna Parks. In the Dance Pavilion, there is a "confetti shower" at 11:00 PM. Professor J. Frank Siegel and three dance instructors give free dance lessons but the standard twenty cent per dance fee applies per couple per regular dance. In today's dog show, English Bull dog, French Bull dog, and English Terrier are judged. Best of Show, a French Bull dog, is won today by "Hycliffe Radianette". Second place for today's best of show is a Boston Terrier won by, "Babe". Other winners in various categories and classifications of these breeds are also named. Park Manager Babson reports in all, 10,000 people entered the park on Memorial Day.
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(2nd-Wednesday): Dance instruction is being advertised at Luna Park as free lessons beginning at 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM daily. Fred Schultz, who runs the park's postcard stand, is offering "25 beauties [postcards] for a dime".
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(3rd-Thursday): Park Manager Babson announces that "under tremendous expense" he is leaving Scranton for Philadelphia Friday to personally escort as his guest, back to the park, for three days next week, Charlie Chaplin. Mr. Chaplin will not be in the park to entertain, but rather his purpose here will be to meet and greet his fans in Northeastern Pennsylvania. There is reportedly some talk of a big, possibly dinner, reception at the park upon his arrival, but nothing publicly announced yet to that end.
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(4th-Friday): Park advertises, "See if you can find your old friend without makeup - the most famous character actor in the world - your old friend Charlie!" Park is also advertising banjo music in the Dance Pavilion and the "Best Dance Floor in the City". The notion that Charlie Chaplin is coming to Luna Park has reportedly stirred up interest in the entire corner of the state.
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(5th-Saturday): "Scranton Republican" reports Park Manager Babson and his "friend of the movies" will arrive at 2:15 PM on Sunday afternoon. His guest will leave on Thursday afternoon but will be in the park every afternoon and evening. A prize will be given to those who can pick him out of a crowd. Edward Curt of the Anthracite Motor Car Company will be giving him a tour of the City of Scranton in a luxurious 1915 Overland car. [Impostor, perhaps?] Advertising generated by the park is occasionally careful not to use the individual's last name.
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Week of June 6, 1915
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(6th-Sunday): As Park Manager Babson shows his visitor around Scranton, they happen to stop at a baseball game in progress along Wyoming Avenue near the Standard Brewery grounds. As the crowd realizes the visitor is in their midst, the games ceases and the crowd let's out a cheer. Park advertising is running a picture of Charlie Chaplin in character with a caption, "Do you know me?"
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(7th-Monday): As Park Manager Babson and his distinguished guest drive into Luna Park, they are mobbed by at least 3,000 people. The "Scranton Republican" characterizes the scene as a "small riot". Wherever they went in the park, activities would cease for a time. A reporter states this was the biggest, most successful, single attraction the park every booked in the city. Eight people were chosen to greet Babson's distinguished guest, and they received either season tickets to all Luna Park amusements or to valuable articles in central city stores. At a regular meeting of the Rotary Club at the Hotel Jermyn, Park Manager Babson introduces his guest as Charlie Chaplin. Mr. Chaplin speaks to club members of various stories, tells jokes, and discusses various capers of which the members thoroughly enjoy.
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(8th-Tuesday): The annual first Young Men's Hebrew Association and Ladies Auxiliary Gala Day is held at the park. It is said Charlie Chaplin paid the group a visit. 3,000 confirmed visitors to the park in the evening alone today. Record attendance is noted by local newspapers.
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(9th-Wednesday): Hagen & Wagner annual employee outing is held at the park. Today and tonight, Charlie Chaplin visits the park for the last time. Crowds are once again heavy as they try to catch a glimpse of the movie star. Chaplin is reportedly dressed in plain clothes, without makeup, and attempting to blend with the crowd.
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(10th-Thursday): Charlie Chaplin is said to have departed Scranton for New York City. [Note: Everyone was convinced it was the real Charlie Chaplin.]
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(11th-Friday): A small article run in the "Scranton Republican" notes that use of the park playground and picnic grounds are free. In previous years, there were fees associated with use of the picnic grounds.
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(12th-Saturday): There is a news report that the contract with the banjo players may be extended indefinitely. Dance lessons are being given for free daily. Interestingly, all of Luna Park's competitors are offering dance lessons now as well. Professor Siegel introduces the "Lucky Paul Jones" dance step in the Dance Pavilion on this occasion.
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Week of June 13, 1915
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(14th-Monday): Professor Siegel in the Dance Pavilion promises more new dances this week. Tonight, he says, we'll try the "Lucky Paul Jones" dance step once again. On Tuesday, a new dance called the "Confusion" will be introduced. Then on Thursday, the "North Pole" dance will be tried. These are all dances reportedly being done now in New York City and Atlantic City. Prizes are awarded during the week.
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(15th-Tuesday): It is noted the Confusion dance featured tonight in the Dance Pavilion is made possible with the addition of the banjo to the Bauer' orchestra. This permits changing tunes from one-step to fox-trot to waltz and back again naturally. Its noted in local newspapers that dances lessons at Luna Park are practical, polite, and worthy.
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(17th-Thursday): The North Pole dance is introduced at the Dance Pavilion tonight. Dancers are blindfolded. When the music stops, the couple closest to a pole placed in the center of the dance floor wins a prize. For the next three days, dance exhibitions are being performed by Romaine and Besselles, who gained a reputation as famous Atlantic City boardwalk trotters. They are reportedly well known for their grace and beauty of motion, and dance in beautiful costumes.
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(19th-Saturday): The Lackawanna County Convention supporting Prohibition is held in Nay Aug and Luna Parks today. The area is gripped by a heat wave. The "Scranton Republican" notes there are currently thirty working attractions in the park.
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Week of June 20, 1915
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(21st-Monday): Park Manager Babson declares this week a Confetti Carnival Week. In terms of talent, Babson has "Luna Piano Phiends", ten women pianists and ten pianos, a drummer, and leader, set for a combination concert to be played at 2:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 8:20 PM, and 10:30 PM at the Band Stand. The pianos were secured from Jacob Brothers on Linden Street, Scranton. The pianos are arranged in a semi-circle on the Band Stand. Vaudeville acts have returned to the park's indoor theater which is under the direction of Duke George. The indoor theater gives management the ability to provide more shows in a more comfortable surrounding. The bill this week includes the Berger and Synder Comedy Jugglers; Daley and Knill, dancers; Al White, solo whistler and juggling act; and Professor Stanley, a sword swallower and fire eater. The South Side Hebrew Ladies' Aid Society have a picnic and outing at the park today. To continue to provide their dance exhibitions, Romaine and Besselles have been retained for this entire week. Their exhibitions are performed under spotlight. It is reported over 2,000 people attend the first piano band concert. The piano band is directed by Robert J. Bauer.
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(22nd-Tuesday): Park Manager Babson reports many patronizing the Shoot the Chutes and Scenic Railway Safety Roller Coaster rides. The vaudeville theater - the only one left in the city, was largely patronized as well. Employees of the Scranton Dry Goods Company have a picnic and outing at the park today.
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(23rd-Wednesday): The Jr. Order of the United American Mechanics have their annual outing and picnic at the park today. Junior Day is declared at the park. Park management begins to publish a "Timetable of Free Acts" in local newspapers. It's still Carnival Week and confetti flies in the air around the park each night.
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(24th-Thursday): Park Management reiterates in local newspaper that parking at Luna Park is free. The parking lot for automobiles is without cost near the Band Stand, just off the automobile entrance to the park on Myrtle Street. An older, more remote parking lot also exists off of Elmhurst Boulevard.
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(25th-Friday): It is reported the Park Manager Babson is in the process of booking a vocalist to sing at various park concerts. He has also extended the contract of the "Luna Piano Phiends" for another week.
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(26th-Saturday): Park Manager Babson announces he has extended the contract of Romaine and Besselles for another week, decided to continue Confetti Carnival Week another week, and has hired a vocalist. He also promotes these amusements during his press announcements, "Trip Through The Arctic Regions", "Safety First", "Archie's Moving Picture Car", "Carousel", supervised playground activities, plenty of parking in the Myrtle Street lot, and "The Laughing Grotto".
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Week of June 27, 1915
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(28th-Monday): In the Dance Pavilion, Professor Siegel decides to return to "old-fashioned" steps tonight - the two-step, waltz, and five-step.
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(29th-Tuesday): It is revealed that Miss Lydia Harris is the soprano vocalist that will sing in the park on Wednesday through Saturday of this week.
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(3rd-Saturday): In his scheduled weekly press announcement, Park Manager Babson reiterates park policy that no fireworks will be permitted in the park during the 4th of July holiday. The banjo players will join with Bauer's orchestra beginning at 1:00 PM providing cabaret style dancing continuously through the afternoon and into the evening. Chandler and Burkett of the White City Park of the Avon Rock, Connecticut Area have been contracted to provide dancing exhibitions starting next week in the Dance Pavilion at 2:30, 4:30, 9:30, and 10:30 PM. Babson reminds the people of Scranton that although it still only costs a nickel to ride a street car to Luna Park from anywhere in the city, an invitation is extended to automobile owners to park free in the new parking lot located off of Myrtle Street. The park will celebrate the 4th of July on Monday the 5th, as the 4th of July falls on a Sunday which Babson reminds the park is closed Sundays. Therefore, the Laurel Line and Scranton Railway Company are provisioning special cars and trains for the holiday event on Monday to accommodate expected patrons.
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Week of July 4, 1915
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(5th-Monday): The park opens early at 10:00 AM to a waiting crowd. Professor J. Frank Siegel kicks off dance lessons in the Dance Pavilion. The "Luna Piano Phiends" are held over this one extra day by Park Manager Babson to provide reportedly "extra entertainment for the holiday". Four piano concerts are played at the Band Stand. Chandler and Burkett give their dance exhibitions at the scheduled times under the glow of a spotlight. The "Scranton Republican" reports Luna Park as being "...one of the most busiest places in the state."
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(6th-Tuesday): Park Manager Babson announces significant changes to Luna Park today. First, all amusement prices have been reduced to a nickel. Previously, several rides, such as the Shoot the Chutes were a dime a ride. Secondly, hours of operation have changed. The park's afternoon hours of operation are now 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, rather than 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and evening hours of operation are now 7:30 PM to midnight. The open gate admission policy remains in effect, that is, there is no charge for admission into the park. Babson also announces he is leaving tomorrow to journey to New York, Atlantic City and Philadelphia to find new sensation attractions for the park.
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(8th-Thursday): Robert J. Bauer introduces a solo brass quartet into the orchestra. Robert Bauer, himself, is one member of the quartet. The other members are: John King, Abe Wakefield, and August Wahlers. Their shows are at 3:00, 4:00, and 9:00 and 10:00 PM. Local press portray this as the first brass quartet to play in the city.
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Week of July 11, 1915
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(12th-Monday): In the Dance Pavilion, due to their popularity, tonight is "old-time dance step night". Special attention is given to the two step, three step, five step, and waltz. Park Manager Babson reportedly promises "New attractions are coming." Chandler and Burkett's contract has been extended another week.
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(13th-Tuesday): A severe storm hits the park in the evening but causes little damage nor scares away the patrons in the Dance Pavilion.
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(14th-Wednesday): Luna Park begins advertising for amateurs to compete in a yet publicly unannounced Charlie Chaplin contest for $25 in cash prizes.
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(16th-Friday): First outing of the F.A.L. Dancing Class of Jessup was held at Luna Park in the evening.
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(17th-Saturday): Park Manager Babson announces the "Charlie Chaplin Impersonator Contest" awarding $25 to the contestant who can best imitate the movie star. Date of the contest is to be announced on Monday, the 19th. Already, according to Babson, several names have been submitted.
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Week of July 18, 1915
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(19th-Monday): The Dance Pavilion is once again reserved today for "old-fashioned dance steps", and then for Tuesday through Saturday, modern dancing using the "One Step, Hesitation, Fox Trot, and Castle Walk". Professor J. Frank Siegel and his assistants are ready to provide friendly instruction. The "Charlie Chaplin Impersonator Contest" is announced tentatively to be held on Friday, July 23.
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(21st-Wednesday): A "Country Store Contest" is run in the park today. Everyone entering the park receives a raffle ticket coupon, which is good towards one of twenty-five prizes distributed. The Brass Quartet continues to give concerts in the park. They reportedly play eight interesting and entertaining numbers per concert. Winners of the "Country Store Contest" are announced after the Brass Quartet plays. Park Manager Babson announces the contest is a huge success and will be repeated again next Wednesday on the 28th, but instead of giving out tickets at the gate, raffle ticket coupons will be given out as patrons enter park attractions. The "Country Store Contest" is announced and awarded at the Band Stand.
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(22nd-Thursday): The annual second Young Men's Hebrew Association and Ladies Auxiliary Gala Day is held at the park. This is the third time this Gala Day has been rescheduled. The reunion is reportedly not pleased and schedule another event on the 25th elsewhere. Nonetheless, more than 2,000 people attend. A big, free, circus attraction is available to the reunion-goers at Luna on this date. The first annual picnic of the Victoria Class of the Embury Church is held in Nay Aug and Luna parks today.
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(23rd-Friday): Lieutenant Hazelton of the Pennsylvania Feature Films Company announces he intends to make a single reel film using the winner of the Luna Park "Charlie Chaplin Impersonator Contest" as its star. The winner will have to perform "funny stunts" in front of the camera. More than 50 men and boys enter the contest ranging in age from 7 years to 50 years old. 4,000 people are said to have witnessed the event but results are not published.
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Week of July 25, 1915
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(27th-Tuesday): Frank Gould, tenor, has been placed under contract for the rest of the week to sing in the Dance Pavilion with the Robert J. Bauer Orchestra. Attendance for this evening is reported to be 15,000 patrons. A "Mystery Girl" contest similar to the finding of the Luna Maid is run today. Mrs. F.V. Griner is the "Mystery Girl". She was discovered by Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Hower, and Mrs. Berkhouser, all of Scranton.
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(28th-Wednesday): A "Fox Trot Dance Contest" - the first dance contest of the year is held today in the Dance Pavilion. The annual excursion and reunion of the Larkin Company is today. Park Manager Babson expects 50,000 people to enter the park. 30,000 is the actual reported figure - a capacity crowd nonetheless. Of interest to reporters was the athletic ability of one, Mrs. Bridget Kane, age 70, who enters a 60-yard dash running contest for heavyweight women. "I'll run as fast as any of you!" she declares. This declaration, in of itself, causes a great deal of excitement in the park. Of thirty entries, Mrs. Kane comes under the wire a close fourth. Management is so impressed with Mrs. Kane's speed and determination for a 70 year old that they decide to award her with a special prize for "Speed and Grit" to a cheering crowd. Mrs. David J. Howells wins first prize in the event. There are sixty athletic contests run on behalf of the Larkin Company outing and each had awarded first and second place winners. Another "Country Store Contest" is run in the park tonight.
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(29th-Thursday): Seventh annual outing of the Pioneer Court, No. 42, Tribe of Ben-Hur, is held at both Nay Aug and Luna Parks today. Dinner and supper is served at Nay Aug Park where arrangements are made for various amusements and races, etc. In the evening, the crowd goes to Luna Park. Today is the first day of the Robert J. Bauer's Orchestra reunion of all of its players. While playing patriotic marching tunes, the band parades through the streets of the City of Scranton to Luna Park. There are fifteen automobiles and a float in the parade. Music is played continuously from the afternoon through the evening. But as this is as much a reunion for band members, there are reunion activities such as an interesting program of sports and amusements interspersed with the concerts. Today, band members host their families with a "family day" theme. 5,000 people is the reported attendance figure.
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(30th-Friday): Today is the second day of the Robert J. Bauer's Orchestra reunion of all of its players. Today, band members with their families are treated to a basket picnic and all the food they can eat. The Carnation Girls of Carbondale conduct their annual trolley ride to Luna Park today.
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(31st-Saturday): Today is the last day of the Robert J. Bauer's Orchestra reunion of all of its players. Today, band members with their families are treated to a giant clam bake with corn on the cob, and all food associated with a clam bake. Park management advertises other amusements, such as the Shoot the Chutes, and Scenic Railway, enjoyed in the context of cool mountain breezes, as temperatures are sweltering in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
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Week of August 1, 1915
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(2nd-Monday): Owing to the success of the contest from a few weeks before, Park Manager Babson announces a second "Charlie Chaplin Impersonator Contest" with the sames rules as before and an award of $25 to the contestant who can best imitate the movie star. The contest will be held on Friday, August 6. The Pennsylvania Feature Films Company is involved again with this endeavor as previously was done. Another "Country Store Contest" is scheduled to run on Wednesday, August 4. Tickets for 25 valuable prizes will be raffled. While working on the Scenic Railway Roller Coaster, John "Pop" Callahan finds a wallet belonging to Al Lewis of Bear Creek, a timber magnate. The wallet contained checks and cash totaling over $3,400. Arrangements are made to repatriate the wallet with Mr. Lewis. The K.E.C. Club held a meeting at Nay Aug Park and retired to Luna Park for an evening of amusement. A late evening thunderstorm hits the area and provides a brief respite from the oppressive heat.
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(3rd-Tuesday): Michael Stanley is arrested by Dunmore police for trying to train his newly owned bear, "Teddy" to dance under the influence of alcohol, but not after scaring David Morris and Annie Russo on their carriage ride. An inebriated Stanley (and bear) told police he was trying to train the bear to dance so he could make money wherever profitable such as at Luna Park. After spending a night in a cell, with the bear, on a drunk and disorderly charge, Burgess M.J. Golden issues a license to Stanley allowing "Teddy" bear to perform wherever he can make money.
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(4th-Wednesday): Park Manager Babson announces today is the last day he can accept names for the second "Charlie Chaplin Impersonator Contest" to be held on Friday, August 6, no later than 6:00 PM. Twenty entrants are already logged. Another "Country Store Contest" is scheduled to run tonight but the raffle ticket coupons are not handed out at the amusements until after 10:00 PM. 3,000 people visit the park in the evening.
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(5th-Thursday): A One-Step dance contest is held today in the Dance Pavilion. Four cash prizes are awarded. Park Manager Babson announces a carnival period on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week, ushered in by a parade by the Bumpernickle Band, red lights, confetti, noise, and fun. Crazy carnival suits will be the order of the day and prizes will be given out for the best carnival suits worn in the park.
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(6th-Friday): The second "Charlie Chaplin Impersonator Contest" is held and $25 in gold is awarded, and the winner is featured in a one-reel film produced by the Pennsylvania Feature Films Company, but as with the first contest, the results are not published in local newspapers.
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(7th-Saturday): The Farley and Hurley family reunions are held at Nay Aug and Luna Parks today.
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Week of August 8, 1915
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(9th-Monday): Reportedly decorated in 1,000 Japanese lanterns and 6,000 crepe fleur-de-les, a three-day Mardi Gras style Carnival begins in the rain among 3,000 visitors at Luna Park featuring two tons of confetti, colored streamers, fireworks (surprisingly), music, grotesque carnival suits, and virtually every other carnival activity. Patrons are urged to wear their best carnival suits as prizes are awarded each evening. A parade by the Bumpernickle Band inaugurates the celebration today and the comedic band will hold a starting parade each day. Park Manager Babson has arranged for a street carnival and tent shows, with peanuts and red lemonade. Two tons of confetti are reportedly purchased for this event. There is a One-Step dance contest tonight and three prizes are awarded. Those dressed in carnival attire are not permitted on the dance floor. The dance program today in the Dance Pavilion is split between old-style steps (two-step, five-step, and old fashioned waltz) and newer steps. Park Manager Babson announces a "Made in Scranton" week that will be sanction by the Scranton Board of Trade. He already contemplates use of six buildings and numerous tents to house exhibits from various Northeastern Pennsylvania industries for a week long trade show. Vendors announced as signed-up for the event are the Scranton Steam Pump Company, DuPont Powder Company, Kolb's Bakery, Pennsylvania Cap Company, Scranton Electric Company, Kunz & Williams, Scranton Bedding Company, Besancon, H.F. Tragger, G. Griemel, Household Supply Company, Valverde Manufacturing Company, Davis Steam Dye Works, Wickham Brothers, J.D. Williams, Spencer Heater, Clark & Snover, Everhart Brass Company, Scranton Nut & Bolt Company, Haas Pretzels, Fadden's Ice Cream, Washburn-Williams, MacDonald Construction Company, Miner-Hillard Milling Company, Stowers Packing Company, Barker's Scale Company, People's Coal Company, T.J. Burke, Jacob Lutz, Scranton Forging, American Safety Lamps, Scranton Iron and Steel, Sal Mountain Company, Blume Wagons, Maccar Truck Company, McClave & Brooks, Hughes' Glass Works, Scranton Lace Works, Paragon Plaster, Scranton Whetstone and Abrasive Wheel Company, Scranton Button Works, Williams Drop Forge, and the International Correspondence Schools.
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(10th-Tuesday): The Bumpernickle Band begins tonight's largest night of the Carnival Celebration with a comical dress parade into the park. 5,000 people reportedly pass through the gates. Firework displays originally scheduled for tonight are rescheduled for tomorrow night (11th). Confetti, streamers, and ticklers are featured attractions in published advertisements. Three cash prizes are awarded tonight for patrons dressed in the most grotesque carnival suits. Judging is done by making contests parade comedically in a line showered in confetti in the Dance Pavilion. As is typical under Park Manager Babson, the results of the contest are not published. Another "Charlie Chaplin Impersonator Contest" is announced for Friday (13th). This one is for "girls only". Contestants are reportedly already entering for $25 in gold prizes.
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(11th-Wednesday): As scheduled, the Bumpernickle Band begins tonight's Carnival Celebration with a small parade into the park. The end of these "Carnival Days" are surprisingly done with a a heavy display of fireworks including elaborate set pieces, rockets, bombs, aerial pyrotechnics, pinwheels, etc. Fireworks have not been used in the park except perhaps only on one or two other occasions. Seating is established in the park's lower sections giving ample view of Nay Aug Gorge and the firework displays. The "Scranton Republican" reports "thousands" of people attend the display and is such a success that Park Manager Babson decides to repeat scheduling of the fireworks display next Wednesday (18th). Park Manager Babson mentions to a reporter the fireworks cost "a few hundred dollars and some of the set pieces were damaged by previous day's rain." The Bumpernickle Band plays celebratory music during the fireworks display.
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(12th-Thursday): There are ten entries for the "Girls only Charlie Chaplin Impersonator Contest" by the 6:00 PM entrant's deadline. The contest is scheduled for tomorrow at 10:00 PM.
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(13th-Friday): At the last minute, Park Manager Babson decides to pit the winners of the previous Chaplin contests and the winner of the "girl's" Chaplin contest into a final best impersonation event at the park. This "champion" winner will be awarded $25 in gold as well as be featured in a weekly reel by the Pennsylvania Feature Films Company. It is revealed to the press that Edith Babson, daughter of the park manager, happens to be a star of one such reel in a feature comedy. Newspapers confusingly report tonight's event as a combination of three separate contests. They are held at the Band Stand for best male impersonation, best female impersonation, then best female vs. male impersonation for championship honors. Extraordinary attendance is expected and "several thousand" people attend the event including a reporter for the "Scranton Republican". The winners of the "Chaplin" contests are as follows: Grand Champion: Miss Ethel Heil; Men's First Prize: Anthony Telesk; Men's Second Prize: Tony Dice; Women's Second Prize: Miss Mildred Kredler. It is announced another Chaplin contest will be held on Friday, the 20th, because of its popularity.
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(14th-Saturday): Adolph Blau, considered a major, "heavy", stockholder of the park, former Scranton Park Company president for a number of years, and current president of a local "private bank", the "Blau Bank House", publishing company, and travel agency, is indicted on seventeen counts of alleged financial and banking irregularities. The bank has failed when its assets are exceeded by its debts, and it is unable to produce enough cash on hand to satisfy account withdrawals. He disappears with a large sum of money only later to be apprehended in Chattanooga, Tennessee under the alias of "J. Brand" and looking completely different from published photographs. According to news reports, he fails to immediately secure $28,000 bail pleading for his "friends" to help. Blau, at the time of his arrest, owns 130 preferred shares of Luna Park Company stock, and 1 common share of Luna Park Company stock, both of which are later deemed worthless. He also owns 1,393 shares of Scranton Park Company stock which will eventually be auctioned in a bankruptcy sale. In 1908, Blau was instrumental in providing an infusion of cash that enabled the purchase of the two parcels of land from the Linwood Park Company to representatives of the Scranton Park Company, and during bankruptcy investigations, a promissory note numbered 334 using Luna Park as collateral on a payment arrangement is soon to be uncovered. Blau will face a sensational trial and a lengthy incarceration in the coming years but will eventually be paroled and pardoned on November 1, 1923. Also, unconfirmed rumors circulate the park, as a "favor" to Blau, had maintained "significant" cash deposits in the now failed bank and has now lost those deposits because of the bank's failure. Park Manager Babson leaves Scranton tonight to journey to Tilyou's Steeplechase Park in Coney Island looking for talent to bring to the park. In an editorial in the "Scranton Republican" concerning the establishment of a public zoo at Nay Aug Park, press notes a "Cinnamon bear is available for purchase at Luna Park for $50 and would make a wonderful addition, but where is the $50?" Babson reports an "immense" crowd at the park tonight but no actual figures are furnished.
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Week of August 15, 1915
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(15th-Sunday): Employees of Luna Park have formed an amateur baseball team called the "Luna Park Stars" and challenge the "Clearview Avenue Stars" to a game at the Petersburg grounds. The result of the game is not published.
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(16th-Monday): A "One-Step Contest" is conducted in the Dance Pavilion at 9:30 PM tonight. More than twenty couples from Scranton, Carbondale, and Wilkes Barre compete for cash prizes offered by park management. The park is reportedly crowded. Unfortunately, heavy rain fell limiting attendance at other amusements.
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(17th-Tuesday): Advice published from the real Charlie Chaplin to his local would-be imitators, "Enjoy whatever happens and laugh about it." The park advertises a "Luna Park Special Feature Tomorrow. Gorgeous display of fancy fire works. Don't miss this exceptional feature tomorrow night - Plenty of Seats - All free to Luna Patrons!'""
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(18th-Wednesday): To the delight of the large assembled crowd, another big fireworks display is held from Luna Park over the Nay Aug Gorge. These fireworks perform flawlessly and the majority are considered of the "floral arrangement" type. Extra service was made available by the Laurel Line and Scranton Railway Company.
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(19th-Thursday): Another popular "Country Store Contest" is run today. Raffle coupons are distributed at Luna's amusements before 10:00 PM when the announcement of the winners takes place at the Band Stand. Twenty-five valuable prizes are given away through donations by local merchants. The grand prize is a brass bed. The banjo players accompany the Robert J. Bauer orchestra tonight but play a few special cabaret numbers. 150 employees of the Mears & Hagen Store enjoy their annual outing in the evening at the park. A reporter noted they appeared delighted by the Shoot the Chutes, Roller Coaster, Ferris Wheel, and enjoyed immensely the other park attractions. All voted the outing the best ever.
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(20th-Friday): Even another big fireworks display is held from Luna Park over the Nay Aug Gorge. Park Manager Babson responds to the media this is due to the many requests he has received by those who were enthusiastic over the previous Wednesday night exhibition. The exhibition includes beautiful set pieces, bombs, rockets, whirlers, and other aerial contraptions. Extra seating is added tonight. Another "Charlie Chaplin Impersonator Contest" is run tonight with $25 awarded in gold.
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(21st-Saturday): A drenching rain shower hits the park. It slightly affects an outing of Allentown newspaper employees visiting the park as guests of Park Manager Babson and W.H. Hagen, a member of the Board of Directors of the park company.
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Week of August 22, 1915
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(23rd-Monday): Luna Park is decorated in rags today. A "Rag-a-Muffin" Carnival is held this date with the idea that everyone visiting the park is to be dressed in rags perhaps suggestive of an ancient history. Contests are staged for the benefit of the Volunteers of America Fresh Air Fund for "best ragged dancers" and "best modern dancers", "most graceful steppers", among others, such as most grotesque makeup, oldest ragged woman, oldest ragged man, athletic, and picnic-style contests, e.g. pie-eating, corn-eating, etc. "Rag-a-Muffin Carnival Parades" are held in the afternoon and evening. Judges are selected from the audience. 37 prizes are awarded in all. The Volunteers of America maintain a camp for poor children at Lake Winola. Part of the today's proceeds from the park's amusements are reportedly donated to the Volunteers of America. Bauer's Orchestra, it should be noted, dresses in rags for the occasion. Park Manager Babson incorporates free moving pictures into the park's entertainment roster this week. The content of the moving pictures this week is reported to be "war pictures". A "Shrine Pin" is lost in the park this night. A reward is posted.
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(24th-Tuesday): The annual State convention of the united Young Men's Hebrew Associations and their ladies auxiliaries hold a combined "Convention Day" at Luna Park today in the evening. The actual convention is in Wilkes Barre but delegates are invited by the Scranton chapter to Luna Park. The local press also characterize this day incorrectly as "Jewish Gala Day". This event winds up the YMHA entertainment committee's last work for the season. This was their third event at the park this season. Special cabaret features are put on the floor of the Dance Pavilion tonight to the music of an augmented orchestra. It is said the moving pictures today exhibit the latest movements of Russian and German forces at Warsaw, Kovno, and Vilna.
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(25th-Wednesday): Results of several "Rag-a-Muffin" Carnival contest events are published in the local newspapers. Pie eating contest, Men, First Place: Steve Shope, Second Place: tie, between George Blickey and William Davis. Pie eating contest, Girls, First Place: Florence Brennan, Second Place: tie, between Romaine Davis and Irene Kelly. Race for girls, First Place: Irene Kelly, Second Place: Edith Slack. Race for boys, First Place: Milton Mickey, Second Place: Willie Davis. Prize for most fantastic "Rag-a-Muffin" costume, women: Delia Hans. Prize for most fantastic "Rag-a-Muffin" costume, men: William Devine.
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(26th-Thursday): Members of the popular "Electric City Quartet" arrange with Park Manager Babson a day of music and song at the park. Members of the "Electric City Quartet" are Harry Phillips, Gerald Fadden, Julius Judd, and Jack Davis, with Al Colligan presiding on the piano. Today, Park Manager Babson runs another popular "Country Store Contest", and a big fireworks display, and other special features. To attract special friends of the group, Babson tries a combination ticket that reduces the prices of attractions. As explained to the press, the combination ticket includes the country store coupon, a ride on the Shoot the Chutes, the Scenic Railway Coaster, an ice cream cone, a dance ticket, a ride through the Arctic Regions, Rifle-shooting, "Safety-first", Carousel, and either a repeat ticket for "Arctic" or "Chutes".
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(27th-Friday): Park Manager Babson has scheduled another "Charlie Chaplin Impersonator Contest" tonight. He notes to the press that he feels responsible for the idea gaining popularity in parks throughout the east. He reminds it was done first in Luna Park here in Scranton. There are already twenty-five entries. After the contest, the latest exhibition of moving picture concerning latest war information and comedies is shown. Babson has been out of the city booking talent. He is planning to incorporate a "Cabaret Contest", one of continuous performance of singing, dancing, and instrumental music in the Dance Pavilion.
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(28th-Saturday): Members of the Ladies Home Circle of West Scranton held a pleasant outing at both Nay Aug and Luna Parks today. A team of black horses was killed and wagon seriously damaged when hit by a Laurel Line train on the Myrtle Street crossing near Luna Park. Trapped in wreckage for a time, the driver of the wagon only suffered minor bruises about the head and body.
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Week of August 29, 1915
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(30th-Monday): A list of Luna Park amusements is advertised in local newspapers: Free Moving Pictures, Roller Coaster, Safety First, Shooting Gallery, Dance Palace, Old Mill, Chute the Chutes, Laughing Grotto, Free Concerts, Carousel, Restaurant, Theater, Ring and Ball Games.
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(31st-Tuesday): The United Spanish War Veterans and others march in the city to the Laurel Line station, and board trains to Luna Park and socialize there as guests of the park's management. 3,000 Spanish War veterans receive complimentary amusement tickets to the park. They are joined by nearly 7,000 other visitors on this day. A giant clam bake is held for the guests in the park's picnic grounds. A "Fox Trot Contest" is held in the Dance Pavilion at 9:30 PM tonight. When the contest was announced yesterday, 10 couples signed up almost immediately.
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(1st-Wednesday): Members of the Providence Conclave, No. 195, Improved Order of Heptasophs who are holding tickets for their Labor Day celebration at Luna Park at are requested to make a settlement at the home of Secretary Charles Mabey by the end of the week.
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(2nd-Thursday): Another popular "Country Store Contest" is run today. As before, twenty five prizes are raffled away using coupons (raffle tickets) which are distributed to those completing amusement rides just before the contest begins. The "Country Store Contest" is announced and awarded at the Band Stand in the late evening, generally around 10:00 PM. The twenty-five valuable prizes are donations by local merchants received in exchange for advertising in the park. The nature of the prizes is such that they can be anything one might find in an old-time country store of the era, large or small, expensive or inexpensive. According to published reports, another "Fox-Trot Dance Contest" is run in the Dance Pavilion tonight as well.
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(3rd-Friday): A major accident occurs on the Scenic Railway Roller Coaster. Three women are hurt and fifteen passengers are shaken up in a collision of three cars at the foot of an incline. Passengers on the cars said the collision occurred when the ride's brakeman left his post to start a car that stopped at the foot of a plane. The other two cars collided with the standing one, and the impact send the three cars several feet up the incline, where they were gripped by sprocket chains and carried out of danger. One of the injured women was thrown to the platform when she was being helped out of the car by a relative. The other was thrown against a seat of the car in which she was riding. Mrs. William Schultz, whose husband is a caretaker in the park, suffered a bruised left arm and from shock. Mrs. H.A. Tewksbury was thrown to the platform and it took over an hour before she could be taken to her home although the park physician, Dr. Joseph Wagner, did not feel her condition is serious. Mrs. Charles Babson, wife of Park Manager Babson, suffered from slight bruising about the legs. Miss Birdella Williams told reporters she was able to escape injury by jumping and landing on her feet onto the platform before the collision. After the collision, Wilson Ball, and son R.W. Ball, calmed the excited passengers by telling them to remain seated as the cars began to travel up the incline. Among the passengers on the three cars were, Mrs. Tewksbury, Mr. and Mrs. Schultz, Miss Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Vergason, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Ball and son, Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Ball, Mrs. Barnfather, and Mrs. Babson. No words reported on damage to the facility or fate of the operator.
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(4th-Saturday): Park Manager Babson announces that unlike previous years, the park will remain fully open until September 25 as he has received personal assurances from those forecasting the weather. A special program is announced for Labor Day on Monday (6th). Gates will be opened at 11:00 AM and band concerts in the afternoon and night will be interspersed with vaudeville acts, will be featured. An admission of ten cents will be charged at the gate on Labor Day. Extra workers have been hired for the occasion and the Laurel Line and Scranton Railway Company have added extra trains and street cars to handled to expected crowds.
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Week of September 5, 1915
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(6th-Monday): Today Labor Day 1915 is celebrated at Luna Park. It rains heavily in the morning but skies clear in the afternoon. Park Manager Babson has hired a talented group of singers, dancers, and vaudeville entertainers for today's Labor Day's events. He has stated publicly he is attempting to achieve the most complete and thorough cabaret style of performances given in the Scranton area. The cabaret performance will be given in the afternoon and evening. The Dance Pavilion will feature old and new orchestrated dance steps today. Five Councils of the Providence Conclave, No. 195, Improved Order of Heptasophs, about 250 representatives, hold their first annual outing and clambake at Luna Park. A typo in the "Scranton Republican" suggest public school teachers of the Scranton Area Public Schools held an outing at Luna Park. It was instead held at Lake Winola.
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(7th-Tuesday): Park Manager Babson resets the park's general admission policy back to free general admission.
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(10th-Friday): Lively cabaret-style entertainment takes the stage in the park's open-sir theater (Band Stand). Extra seats have been added. Park Manager Babson adds acrobats, equilibrists, and other entertainers will be included in tonight's shows. Dancing begins at 7:30 PM. All attractions are running "full blast". The Laurel Line and Scranton Railway Company have, of course, added extra capacity today. He states to the press that the off-and-on rainy weather has interfered with the general program that was planned overall for this season.
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(11th-Saturday): As the season drawing to a close, today is Lollypop Day at the park. Children accompanied by an adult receive free candy, particularly lollypops. Teddy Bauer has the Luna Park Orchestra play the latest musical sensational, "The Scale and the Rag". The number receives so much applause the orchestra plays the piece again and again. There is also a dance contest related to that special music.
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Week of September 12, 1915
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(14th-Tuesday): A "One Step Contest for the Championship of Northeastern Pennsylvania" is held in the park tonight. Three cash prizes are distributed. Music is set to the tune "Bagging the Seal". As people are inquiring why the season is extended this year, Park Manager Babson responds to the press that the oppressive heat of the past few weeks makes it possible, and he is encouraged by the attendance.
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(15th-Wednesday): Park Manager Babson declares tonight "Straw Hat Night". Anyone wearing a straw hat receives two amusement tickets on any attraction in the park. The patron is not limited to wearing just one straw hat, but can wear as many straw hats as their head can carry and can carry, and will receive the corresponding number of two tickets for each hat. So, reportedly as an example, ten hats are worth the equivalent of a dollar's worth of tickets. Special "straw hat" tickets are printed up and distributed to those patrons bearing straw hats.
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(17th-Friday): "Jack's Cabaret Trio" is engaged as a special attraction for a special open air cabaret-style show tonight. The "trio" consists of Howard Sweeney, Eddie Shannon, and Luna's own Park Manager Babson. All are accomplished local musicians.
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(18th-Saturday): "Jack's Cabaret Trio" plays a second night. It is reported a large crowd enjoyed singing and dancing to their music. Howard Sweeney made a hit at the Academy of Music some years ago. Eddie Shannon is a well known member of the Orpheum Comedy Four.
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Week of September 19, 1915
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(20th-Monday): Celebration of the Italian Red Cross takes place at the park today. This day is conducted under the auspices of various Italian societies located all the way from Forest City to Wilkes Barre. Park Manager Babson declares the day "Italian Red Cross Day" as a consequence. Bauer's 42-piece Orchestra plays in concert at the Band Stand. Robert J. Bauer leads the orchestra on this occasion.
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(21st-Tuesday): Robert J. Bauer, Luna Park's Music Director, is nominated as a Scranton city council candidate.
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(25th-Saturday): The park closes for the season on September 25, 1915 without further advertisements or public announcements.
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Week of October 31, 1915
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(4th-Thursday): Robert J. Bauer is elected to Scranton city council with 7,183 votes. As councilman-elect, he will no longer be associated with the Luna Park organization. He will assume office in January, 1916. Theodore Bauer, his son, also a band conductor at Luna Park, pursues other opportunities.
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Week of November 14, 1915
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(18th-Thursday): It is reported in the "Scranton Republican" that Jack Babson left Luna Park to partner with Al Winstrom, former manager of the Academy of Music, to form the Scranton Movie Budget Company.
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Week of December 19, 1915
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(22nd-Wednesday): Former Luna Park Manager A.J. Duffy visits the Scranton area and in speaking to a reporter for the "Scranton Republican", wishes his friends well.
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