History:
Milton S. Hershey, founder of the Hershey chocolate company, wanted to create a park for Hershey employees to relax when they weren't on the job. In 1903, he surveyed a site along Spring Creek that would be suitable for his park. Hershey Park opened on April 24, 1907, with a baseball game played on the new athletic field. The beautifully landscaped park was an ideal spot for picnicking, boating, and canoeing. Vaudeville and theatre productions were performed on a rustic bandstand and pavilion.
A merry-go-round was installed and opened on July 4, 1908. A 1,500 seat tiered amphitheatre was built next to the pavilion. The entrance sign proclaimed, “Ye who enter here leave dull cares behind.” The park was expanded in 1909 with the addition of a tennis court, two bowling alleys, a large band shell, and a photography gallery. Guests could also enjoy a relaxing scenic ride on the Scenic Railroad.
In July, 1912, a carrousel built by William H. Dentzel of Philadelphia was added to the park. The carrousel was 50 feet in diameter and featured 53 carved animals that included lions, bears, giraffes, pigs, rabbits, an ostrich, goats, and deer along with two chariots. The carrousel was described as the “most magnificent and up-to-date carrousel in this part of the country as well as one of the largest.”
Several structures were built from 1913 to 1923. Added to the park were the dance pavilion Starlight Ballroom, a new stage for big bands, a new Convention Hall (now the Hershey Museum), the Hershey Park Cafe, and the Hershey Zoo. A new roller coaster called The Wild Cat was added in 1923. A small Ferris wheel, the Aeroplane Swing, and the Skooter were added to the park during the 1920s.
A penny arcade, a fun house called The Bug, and The Mill Chute water flume ride were added in 1933. Renovations were made to the Wild Cat roller coaster in 1935 to build up the dips and to more steeply bank the curves.
More attractions were added to Hershey Park each season and by 1945 the park contained more than two dozen rides. The Dentzel carrousel was replaced in 1945 by a carrousel built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company in 1919 which still operates in the park today. In 1946 the wooden roller coaster The Comet replaced The Wild Cat. Twin 66 feet high Ferris wheels were added in 1950. The Dry Gulch railroad was added in 1960.
A five-year redevelopment plan was started in 1971 to convert the regional amusement park Hershey Park into a large theme park called Hersheypark. A one-price admission plan eliminated the pay-as-you-ride policy.
The first steel looping roller coaster on the East Coast called the Sooperdooperlooper opened on July 4, 1977.
The Cyclops, Pirate, Wave Swinger, Conestoga, and Timber Rattler were added to Hersheypark during the 1980s. Canyon River Rapids was added in 1987.
Three roller coasters were added to Hersheypark in the 1990s. Sidewinder, a Vekoma boomerang coaster, was added in 1991. In 1996, the wooden coaster The Wildcat was added and was named after The Wild Cat that previously operated from 1923 to 1946. The Great Bear opened in 1998. Several rides were also added during this decade. The Flying Falcon was added in 1990. In 1994 the water plunge ride the Tidal Force opened. A Ferris wheel and Whip ride were added in 1997. Five new rides were added in 1999. These include the Wild Mouse, the Merry Derry Dip Fun Slide, Music Express, Chaos, and the Frog Hopper.
In the new millennium, three coasters were added to Hersheypark – Lighting Racer (2000), Roller Soaker (2002), and Storm Runner (2004). This brings the park’s roller coaster count to ten. A 65-foot spinning pendulum ride called The Claw was added in 2003.
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