AlanM Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 In 1962 I attended a car show where I saw the cars in the attached photos. I can not remember where the show was, but it was within one day's driving distance of Middletown, PA where I lived at the time. In the background of a couple of the pictures there appears to be a roller coaster. I know that sounds like Hershey, but I am pretty sure it was not there. I would appreciate knowing where it was if anyone can identify the location from the pictures. Thank you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gossp Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 I have no information to offer... but it looks like it was a pretty damned good car show! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 I believe it was the annual car show at the Williams Grove Amusement Park near Mechanicsburg, Pa. For many years, it was an event of the AACA's Gettysburg Region. The amusement park was a small, locally owned park, and it closed down maybe 10 years ago. The land is still there, but the rides (I'm pretty sure) have been removed. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanM Posted February 25, 2019 Author Share Posted February 25, 2019 John - Thank you. It all comes back to me now - nearly 60 years later. This site has some interesting information and pictures about the park. The pavilion pictured shows up in the background of one of my pictures. http://roadsidewonders.net/the-remains-of-williams-grove/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 Yep, Williams Grove. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 Now that we know where the photos were taken in 1962, let`s see some current photos of the cars as they appear today. Craig 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greenie Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 A few of the pictures are taken next to the old wooden roller coaster. By the early 2000’s, the amusement park was closed, but the property hosted a flea market every Sunday morning. The roller coaster was steadily rotting in place; and the other buildings looked like a backdrop for a Hollywood suspense thriller. At some point a few of the rides/buildings were recycled and the flea market closed- apparently over an accident/insurance claim. The Williams Grove Steam Historical Soceity continues to operate a flea market each Sunday on their adjoining property-and it draws large crowds on pretty mornings. Generations of adults, including my wife, have a lifetime of memories made in the old amusement park. I used to look at the rotting supports of the roller coaster and think: there is no way she rode that thing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brass is Best Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 That 1911 Cadillac sure has all the goodies, Bumper, Exhaust Whistle, etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Restorer32 Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 I have an original wooden Ferris wheel seat from Williams Grove. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 A large number of those cars belonged to members of the Gettysburg Region A.A.C.A. In fact, in the 2nd picture, the white car has a Gettysburg Region badge mounted in front of its radiator. Where are the cars now, 60 years later? Who knows? The Gettysburg Region still gets a good contingent of early cars at its annual car show, but not to the extent shown in those pictures. Maybe a few of those cars are still tucked unseen in local garages; but it's likely that most of those members are no longer around. One man I know has an early 1920's Buick like the one in the 3rd picture, but I don't know if it's the same one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunsmoke Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 The obvious thing about a circa 1960 "antique car show" is that most of the cars (if 25 years or older) would be Pre-WWII, and that's what makes these great old photos so nice to see. Of course today, the field would be interlaced with cars from the 40's, 50's, 60's ..etc, nothing wrong with that, but it creates a different atmosphere. We have a local Pre-War group (cars built prior to 1942) that meets regularly, and tries to limit some events to pre-war cars only (and no hot-rods or modified cars), but it's a struggle to keep enough interest without putting someone's nose out of joint (who has a nice post war car or rodded P-W). 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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