Darrell Grim, Hermitage

My memories of Conneaut Lake Park are numerous. My father worked at what used to be Cooper-Bessemer in Grove City. We went every year to the company picnic where we received a lot of tickets to the rides. My older brother and I, after stuffing ourselves at the picnic, would head for the rides. I was scared to death to ride the Blue Streak, but my brother finally convinced me to try it. After one ride, and catching my breath, I rode it again and again. I remember on one occasion that we had exhausted our supply of tickets and my quite weary parents were happy to go home. However, a man walking by gave my brother and I each a handful of tickets. So, off we went to expend more energy while my exhausted parents were left to wait for us to use them up.

I remember the cotton candy that just made me more hyper. I remember getting sick and barfing on the Tilt-a-Whirl. I remember being scared in the Fun House and trying to find my way out in the mirror room. I remember the rocking staircase and the ride down the slide on the burlap bags. I remember being frightened and then thrilled as I took my first pony ride.

In later years I remember going there with my high school sweetheart. We went to the haunted house and smooched in the dark places. We rode the little train, and yes we smooched on there. We rode the Ferris wheel and smooched at the top, even before Elvis mentioned it in his song. We also have been smooching as husband and wife for the past 41 years.

I remember going there with my wife, my brother and his wife, and my sister and her husband. I vividly remember my brother-in-law getting off of the Wild Mouse with a face as white as a sheet saying he would never ride it again. I remember going there with my mother-in-law who wouldn't ride anything but the merry-go-round.

I remember as part of my job, taking children who had special behavior and family problems to the park. It was there that they could let go, have fun, and not worry about the dysfunctional families that waited for them when they returned home. I remember seeing the smiles, the laughter, and the genuine childhood behavior come out of them as they involved themselves in activities only dreamed of by them.

I guess you can say the Conneaut Lake Park will always have a place in my memory and my heart. I feel as if a very dear friend has passed away.

Kristine J. Clark, Butler, Pa.

I have been told for many years (56 to be exact) that my great, great grandfather sold the property that Conneaut Lake Park was built on. His last name was Shipman. He was my grandmother's father. (Stella Shipman Fales)

My twin and I were born in Conneaut Lake … not in the Meadville Hospital, but in our grandmother's home on Water Street. The home is still there ... My mother was up visiting her mother when she went into labor.

We grew up in Butler. Many a trip was taken to grandma's house in the summer. We would do our chores and then by the end of the day, take the ferryboat to the park. That was so special! My Uncle Dana worked in ticket sales while paying his way through college, so we went to his office for a handful of ride tickets that were to last the length of the time we were there!

Years later my twin and I would go back and stay at the Conneaut Lake Hotel … no A/C but we loved it. So many memories made at the park. When I had children it was an annual drive to Conneaut Lake Park till it closed down! Memories not to be lost and plenty of pictures to show the fun times my children enjoyed at the Park!