MOOSIC, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)—An iconic slice of Lackawanna County history is now up for sale.
The land, once home to the beloved Rocky Glen amusement park, a staple of local heritage since 1886, could soon see a new future.
Rocky Glen began its journey in 1886, founded by Arthur Frothingham.
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"He said this will be where people can go and find leisure and enjoyment…It turns out as basically a leisure park where you can go ice skating, you can go stand by the lake, you know have a picnic that sort of thing," says Lackawanna County Historical Society Director Mary Ann Savakinus.
Once Ben Sterling came around in the 30s, Rocky Glen blossomed into a full-fledged amusement park.
"Sterling himself is a showman so he advertises the million-dollar roller coaster which everybody remembers," says Savakinus.
Going into the 40s, Sterling spotlighted different ethnic communities and gave them discounts if they came to the park. He'd also provide special events for those who served in World War II, building the park's reputation.
"He just continues to build his park into one of the first mega parks before we really had like the big Walt Disneys'."
Eventually, live entertainment entered Rocky Glen in the 50s.
"He brings in people like Frank Sinatra and the Dorsey brothers, Guy Lombardo was there in the 50s."
The concerts with icons that many, including Savakinus herself, will always remember.
"I can remember being just in high school, out of high school and Eddie Money played there and Bon Jovi played there so some more recent acts people might remember"
In the 70s, Sterling sold the park to a national amusement park chain, which created a Western-themed park.
"You could still ride the rides as you did when it was Ben Sterlings Rocky Glen but you could also go down to the lake and you'd see an old western town kind of built up and they would have cowboy shoot 'em out shows."
The park was then sold once again, trying to build on the nostalgia, calling it the 'New Rocky Glen'.
With amusement parks popping up all over the country, however, Rocky Glen closed in 1987.
"They just couldn't keep up with it, so the park closed sadly, but it does live on in all our memories."
The site of Rocky Glen is listed at $14 million.
