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Luna Gardens (RCT3)


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In 1926, an entrepreneur named Raymond Elmore opened up a small park in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania named Luna Park, intended to compete against other parks in Pennsylvania.

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The park was pretty compact, with a few attractions, including a circus, giant slide, swimming pool, ferris wheel, bumper cars, and carousel.

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However, the star attraction of the park was easily Luna Coaster, a PTC wooden coaster. Although not as exciting as some of the company's other endeavors (such as Thunderhawk at Dorney Park), the coaster was generally considered to be a nice ride for families.

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2 years after the park opened, in 1928, a cotton candy stand opened next to Luna Coaster. This may not seem like big news, but it was the only addition to be added to the park after opening day.

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In 1929, the economy infamously crashed, leading to what we now know as the Great Depression. Luna Park was already struggling with attendance due to other parks in Pennsylvania like Kennywood, Hersheypark, Dorney Park, and most recently, Knoebels. As a result, the park closed two of it's attractions: the horse petting zoo and the swimming pool.

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More bad news would come soon, as in 1930, Raymond Elmore was diagnosed with cancer, and left the park's staff. Following that, the circus was closed down in 1931, leaving only five attractions left in operation. Even Lock Haven's own residents started to resent the park at this point, preferring to take the hour-long drive to Knoebels, which they viewed as superior.

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Sadly, on May 18th, 1933, Raymond Elmore lost his battle with cancer, and he died in the hospital. Only four days later, Luna Park's staff made the hard decision to close the park. The park was closed in the middle of the day, causing a large line to be formed near the exit, filled with disgruntled patrons who had gone to the park out of dedication or saving money.

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A few months after the park closed, two teenaged arsonists burned down part of Luna Coaster's layout, damaging the airtime hills. One of them was caught and sent to juvenile detention; however, the other was never caught.

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The future seemed bleak for the small park, with vines overtaking the rides and vandals sneaking into the park to vandalize attractions or take them apart.

 

However, in 1970, Dallas Elmore, the grandson of Raymond Elmore, formulated a plan. A plan which would make Luna Park more relevant than it ever had been.

 

This is the story of Luna Gardens, from it's opening in the '70s to the present day.

 

A/N: Yes, Snyder Lake is cancelled. I might reveal my plans for the park in a future post, but for now, I hope you enjoy the prologue to Luna Gardens.

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