The famous roller coaster or scenic railway at Edgewood Park, Shamokin, Northumberland County, was destroyed by high winds at the end of March 1923. The roller coaster went by the name of “Touring the Alps” as is shown by the entrance pavilion on the undated post card view (above).
The cost of rebuilding it, about $20,000, was too much for its operator, who had no wind-damage insurance to cover his loss.
Here’s the story of the coaster’s destruction as it was told on the front page of the Shamokin News-Dispatch, March 29, 1923:
60-MILE GALE DOES MUCH DAMAGE
HIGH WIND WRECKS THE SCENIC RAILWAY AT PARK CAUSING LOSS OF $12,000
Popular Amusement at Edgewood Park Blown Down by Gale Which Swept Over This Section Yesterday Afternoon and Last Night.
Winter weather and March winds yesterday afternoon and last evening swept over Shamokin and vicinity with terrific force leaving in their wake considerable loss in the way of damaged property.
The most serious loss occurred at Edgewood Park, where the scenic railway, operated by Selin Weist, as one of the park’s popular concessions, was blown to the ground by the violence of the wind. Mr. Weist estimates the damage at $12,000, without any insurance covering, except a nominal amount against loss by fire. The famous railway, enjoyed by many local pleasure seekers and excursionists, is a complete wreck, with the exception of a short section nearest the ground. The owner estimates that it would entail an expense of $20,000 to rebuild under present cost of material and wages and will accordingly abandon the project unless the remaining portion can be safely utilized in some way after minor repairs.
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News article from Newspapers.com.
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