My dad’s side of the family had their yearly reunions there during the 1950’s. I was born in 1949 and was a young boy and have so many wonderful memories of being with all my relatives at the park. We were all from the Harrisburg PA area and loved the rides and swimming pool. The park’s gone and so are the majority of my family.
My parents met there before the war. My whole family would go there Sundays to listen to live hillbilly music. I femember my Dad taking me on the airplane ride when I was really little. Too bad about the racial discrimination thing. Best memory was the merry go round. Thanks for this wonderful video.
my Mom and Dad met in Rocky Springs in 1944. I really appreciate the memories of my childhood in the 1950s when we would go to be entertained for literally pennies. There was a time when my Dad and his amusement machine company had the penny arcade concession. He would take my brother and I with him when he collected the money from the machines or had to repair one of them. By the way, Daddy Clb, I also enjoy your postings of the soul music from the 60s, especially the Mag Men. I played in several groups singing and playing tenor sax back then. We often played at the same venues as the Mag Men and I became acquainted with Dave Bupp and Buddy King. The Respectables, the Chateus, et. al. were a couple of groups I performed with. Most people around the country don't realize just how much real soul music was performed and written in this area during that time. It was true "Soul" with a capital S. Thanks for your efforts to keep it alive.
This is WONDERFUL!!! It truly took me on a WILD CAT of a ride back to those days. Also brought a tear. I'm proud to say that Rocky Springs is one of my fondest childhood memories. Thank you!!!!!!
I met my husband, Bobby Nissley, at Rocky's skating rink almost 50 years ago. We shared our first kiss in the tunnel of the Wild Cat !!!! Thanks for the memory tour !!!! Carol Nissley
An amazing, beautiful song and video...they bring tears to my eyes because I lived it and remember it so well. Thank you Bobbi and thank you cousin Daddy C for a labour of love that keeps Rocky alive...forever.
I will never, ever forget Rocky Springs Park and the Jack Rabbit, too cold swimming pool, the Whip, and especially the airplanes that you could make swoop up and down using the pedals. Love Bobbi's writing, playing and singing talents and never tire of listening to her. I read that her mom to whom she dedicated this song, passed away recently. I believe early Jan 2013 but don't quote me. I'm glad she got to see and hear this made for her! RIP, Charlotte. Linda Hoffecker
My dad, Whitney ran the pool at Rocky Springs. Growing up there was the best swimming and then going to the park to ride the airplanes, the whips do the merry go round. And laughing at my big sister because she was scared of the lady in the fun house. The best days ever
OMG! THAT FUN HOUSE LADY!!! 😲 Scared the Hell out of my little sister, too! I loved the ride but the Lady's laugh and looks were quite creepy! Do you remember her laugh?!?
Great video and a awesome song ! I never got to ride the Wildcat coaster but got to walk it in the 1980's the tunnel leading to the lift hill was spectacular looking . It would have easily been in my top 5 coasters if I would have ridden it .
I see I'm not the only one who walked the Wildcat when it was still standing. As a coaster enthusiast since 1979, my fascination has been very strong with Rocky Springs Wildcat because of it's uniqueness. One of a rare breed of PTC "gully coasters" it would proudly stand among the top 10-20 woodies if still operating today. I was glad to visit twice (82 & 85) and photographed/walked the ride extensively. I would be extremely interested in the complete videos of Wildcat as shown on this wonderful video and song.
That long downhill tunnel section to the lift hill was very impressive looking . I think it would have been the best start on any coaster if it was still operating . I got to walk & photograph (slides) it in the early 80's also .
@@easynhonest There's a fantastic Facebook group I'm highly active in called "Defunct Wooden Roller Coaster Archives." Me and other members have posted extensive photos and information about Rocky Springs Wildcat there. Al Hofer has some truly outstanding photos taken inside that long, awesome tunnel. It's a private group, but if you're interested all you have to do is ask Kenny & he'll surely let you in. Then there's a simple in-group search to all those glorious Wildcat photos and hundreds of other wood coasters no longer with us. Many posts are made daily about defunct wood coasters. It's extremely interesting.
I just took a walk around this place over the weekend. What an amazing place this must have been. My uncles used to take their dates here back in the late 40s. We always have to remember what was good.
I am blessed to say that Bobbi is a very dear friend of mine. I love this song - and wish that I had a chance to see this park - Although I can see it in my mind with Bobbi's wonderful descriptions.
Bobbi, this was awesome!!. I will show it to jim later and I am sure he will love it too and be very appreciative of you and this website. thank you, MaryAnne Figari
Hey Joe, my old friend! How the hell ya been? Great hearing from ya. So glad you found this. Worked my ass off on it, just to bring back memories. Must've worked - HA!!! Thanx 4 watching. Check out my other vids on DaddCLB channell. You'll probably dig 'em. Warmest Regards, Thom "Daddy C" Colson
Thanks Thom, I appreciate the kind words. I have seen many of your videos. I too have a UA-cam page with mostly local music, Maxwell, The Maxwell Project, Gary Esher and Arcade, The Ambassadors, Custer's Last Band, many songs you are involved with. My goal is to keep the local music from Central PA alive. My page is (Joe Seibert).
I lost my roller coaster "virginity" on the Wildcat. I won't say that nothing has surpassed it in the ensuing years, but nothing has matched the crazy delight and fear of cresting the top of the second hill...thought I was going to fly out of the car and out into the trees. Of course, I also thought the cables would break on the airplanes and we'd go flying out over the Conestoga. NOTHING has compared to the carousel, however. And I don't think I've ever found a comparable Cuddle-Up. Or bumper cars. Just a wonderful, wonderful place and time. Thanks for the song and thanks for your editing work.
Love your comment and I agree with everthing you said. I also lost my coaster "virginity" on the Wildcat when I was 6 years old. The ride had no seatbelts or lapbar restraints. You could literally stand up if you wanted to. Flying out of the seat was not at all impossible. Once, I started out riding in the front seat and retuned in the back. Tony, the white haired operator, really gave me hell and banned me for a whole month. Thanx 4 watching - glad you enjoyed!
Boy, this brought back memories. My family went to Rocky Springs Park when I was a kid. I remember the scary clown at the upper floor of the fun house. Some years I saw a painting of that clown at the ArtsFest in York and it stopped me in my tracks. Is it still possible to visit the park and really take a walk down memory lane?
amazing watching this video after hearing about it from the groundskeeper of the property absolutly love the pics of the wildcat after abandonment. just wish I could have seen it my mother was a ride operator for the carousel the last year it operated at rocky. she was 16 then.
I didn't write this wonderful song. I only made the video, with photos and videos from my own collection. Bobbi's mother referred to The Wildcat as the "Jack Rabbit", as many folks (including my parents) did. The Jack Rabbit was the 2nd coaster built in Rocky Springs Park, and lasted 'til 1928. A rare photo is featured in my video. After The Wildcat opened in 1929, Lancastrians (for some reason) continued to call it the Jack Rabbit. Perhaps it was just a euphemism for Roller Coaster.
to bad you can't say why it shut down: discrimination! which is still part of the park. that was why they build the county pool. Which now to expensive for most people sad6
Lovely song and video tribute. Wildcat tops my list of “ wish I could have” coasters.
My dad’s side of the family had their yearly reunions there during the 1950’s. I was born in 1949 and was a young boy and have so many wonderful memories of being with all my relatives at the park. We were all from the Harrisburg PA area and loved the rides and swimming pool. The park’s gone and so are the majority of my family.
My parents met there before the war. My whole family would go there Sundays to listen to live hillbilly music. I femember my Dad taking me on the airplane ride when I was really little. Too bad about the racial discrimination thing. Best memory was the merry go round. Thanks for this wonderful video.
Remember this park as a young child..loved the roller coaster and the carousel!!
my Mom and Dad met in Rocky Springs in 1944. I really appreciate the memories of my childhood in the 1950s when we would go to be entertained for literally pennies. There was a time when my Dad and his amusement machine company had the penny arcade concession. He would take my brother and I with him when he collected the money from the machines or had to repair one of them. By the way, Daddy Clb, I also enjoy your postings of the soul music from the 60s, especially the Mag Men. I played in several groups singing and playing tenor sax back then. We often played at the same venues as the Mag Men and I became acquainted with Dave Bupp and Buddy King. The Respectables, the Chateus, et. al. were a couple of groups I performed with. Most people around the country don't realize just how much real soul music was performed and written in this area during that time. It was true "Soul" with a capital S. Thanks for your efforts to keep it alive.
Rocky Springs was my hangout every weekend!
This is WONDERFUL!!! It truly took me on a WILD CAT of a ride back to those days. Also brought a tear. I'm proud to say that Rocky Springs is one of my fondest childhood memories. Thank you!!!!!!
I met my husband, Bobby Nissley, at Rocky's skating rink almost 50 years ago. We shared our first kiss in the tunnel of the Wild Cat !!!! Thanks for the memory tour !!!!
Carol Nissley
An amazing, beautiful song and video...they bring tears to my eyes because I lived it and remember it so well. Thank you Bobbi and thank you cousin Daddy C for a labour of love that keeps Rocky alive...forever.
I will never, ever forget Rocky Springs Park and the Jack Rabbit, too cold swimming pool, the Whip, and especially the airplanes that you could make swoop up and down using the pedals. Love Bobbi's writing, playing and singing talents and never tire of listening to her. I read that her mom to whom she dedicated this song, passed away recently. I believe early Jan 2013 but don't quote me. I'm glad she got to see and hear this made for her! RIP, Charlotte. Linda Hoffecker
Thanks for sharing this awesome walk down memory lane.
My dad, Whitney ran the pool at Rocky Springs. Growing up there was the best swimming and then going to the park to ride the airplanes, the whips do the merry go round. And laughing at my big sister because she was scared of the lady in the fun house. The best days ever
OMG! THAT FUN HOUSE LADY!!! 😲 Scared the Hell out of my little sister, too! I loved the ride but the Lady's laugh and looks were quite creepy! Do you remember her laugh?!?
Great video and a awesome song ! I never got to ride the Wildcat coaster but got to walk it in the 1980's the tunnel leading to the lift hill was spectacular looking . It would have easily been in my top 5 coasters if I would have ridden it .
I see I'm not the only one who walked the Wildcat when it was still standing. As a coaster enthusiast since 1979, my fascination has been very strong with Rocky Springs Wildcat because of it's uniqueness. One of a rare breed of PTC "gully coasters" it would proudly stand among the top 10-20 woodies if still operating today. I was glad to visit twice (82 & 85) and photographed/walked the ride extensively. I would be extremely interested in the complete videos of Wildcat as shown on this wonderful video and song.
That long downhill tunnel section to the lift hill was very impressive looking . I think it would have been the best start on any coaster if it was still operating . I got to walk & photograph (slides) it in the early 80's also .
@@easynhonest There's a fantastic Facebook group I'm highly active in called "Defunct Wooden Roller Coaster Archives." Me and other members have posted extensive photos and information about Rocky Springs Wildcat there. Al Hofer has some truly outstanding photos taken inside that long, awesome tunnel. It's a private group, but if you're interested all you have to do is ask Kenny & he'll surely let you in. Then there's a simple in-group search to all those glorious Wildcat photos and hundreds of other wood coasters no longer with us. Many posts are made daily about defunct wood coasters. It's extremely interesting.
Whoa! This brought back more memories than just Rocky Springs! What a surprise!
I just took a walk around this place over the weekend. What an amazing place this must have been. My uncles used to take their dates here back in the late 40s. We always have to remember what was good.
I am blessed to say that Bobbi is a very dear friend of mine. I love this song - and wish that I had a chance to see this park - Although I can see it in my mind with Bobbi's wonderful descriptions.
That's a really beautiful tribute.
Rocky Springs was my weekend hang out!
Thank you for this post. I first heard Bobbi in '91 when I lived in DC. The Lancaster Greens made me aware of her music.
Bobbi, I love this. I'm buying the record! Story songs of Lancaster Countyy: what a great idea, and wonderfully executed..
This is beautiful, I wish my Mom could see this, She used to tell me about the fun she had down at Rocky Springs......Love this
Bobbi, this was awesome!!. I will show it to jim later and I am sure he will love it too and be very appreciative of you and this website. thank you, MaryAnne Figari
Fantastic, thank you for sharing this Thom.
Hey Joe, my old friend! How the hell ya been? Great hearing from ya. So glad you found this. Worked my ass off on it, just to bring back memories. Must've worked - HA!!! Thanx 4 watching. Check out my other vids on DaddCLB channell. You'll probably dig 'em.
Warmest Regards,
Thom "Daddy C" Colson
Thanks Thom, I appreciate the kind words. I have seen many of your videos. I too have a UA-cam page with mostly local music, Maxwell, The Maxwell Project, Gary Esher and Arcade, The Ambassadors, Custer's Last Band, many songs you are involved with. My goal is to keep the local music from Central PA alive. My page is (Joe Seibert).
I lost my roller coaster "virginity" on the Wildcat. I won't say that nothing has surpassed it in the ensuing years, but nothing has matched the crazy delight and fear of cresting the top of the second hill...thought I was going to fly out of the car and out into the trees. Of course, I also thought the cables would break on the airplanes and we'd go flying out over the Conestoga. NOTHING has compared to the carousel, however. And I don't think I've ever found a comparable Cuddle-Up. Or bumper cars. Just a wonderful, wonderful place and time. Thanks for the song and thanks for your editing work.
Love your comment and I agree with everthing you said. I also lost my coaster "virginity" on the Wildcat when I was 6 years old. The ride had no seatbelts or lapbar restraints. You could literally stand up if you wanted to. Flying out of the seat was not at all impossible. Once, I started out riding in the front seat and retuned in the back. Tony, the white haired operator, really gave me hell and banned me for a whole month. Thanx 4 watching - glad you enjoyed!
Boy, this brought back memories. My family went to Rocky Springs Park when I was a kid. I remember the scary clown at the upper floor of the fun house. Some years I saw a painting of that clown at the ArtsFest in York and it stopped me in my tracks. Is it still possible to visit the park and really take a walk down memory lane?
Yes! Thank you so much for posting this video!
amazing watching this video after hearing about it from the groundskeeper of the property absolutly love the pics of the wildcat after abandonment. just wish I could have seen it my mother was a ride operator for the carousel the last year it operated at rocky. she was 16 then.
song is wonderful
Oh heck, I forgot to mention that I'll never forget the blisters I used to get going in circles at the roller rink!
So glad you enjoyed it. Makes the effort all worth while. Come visit again...I'm always here.
Daddy C
I saw photos where the rollercoaster was called the Cyclone.
I didn't write this wonderful song. I only made the video, with photos and videos from my own collection. Bobbi's mother referred to The Wildcat as the "Jack Rabbit", as many folks (including my parents) did. The Jack Rabbit was the 2nd coaster built in Rocky Springs Park, and lasted 'til 1928. A rare photo is featured in my video. After The Wildcat opened in 1929, Lancastrians (for some reason) continued to call it the Jack Rabbit. Perhaps it was just a euphemism for Roller Coaster.
I just stumbled across your great video Thom. Very nice indeed! Hope you are doing ok!
@cknier1 My pleasure. Glad you found this. You must be a Lancastrian. Sadly, memories are all we have of this mystical place. Thanx 4 tuning in.
@KEVINDAHOUSE1 Thanks, Kev...it's a little view of my neck of the woods.
You sound like Mary Chapin Carpenter. That's a compliment.
to bad you can't say why it shut down: discrimination! which is still part of the park. that was why they build the county pool. Which now to expensive for most people sad6