Lititz Springs Park, Lititz PA
The first Independence Day celebration in Lititz Springs Park was held July Fourth, 1811. Apparently the Moravial board of overseers disapproved of all the merry-making and noise! It wasn't until 1818 that Lititz held another community-wide observance on July Fourth.
Since then, there hs been a continuing tradition of patriotic demonstrations at Lititz Springs Park every Independence Day.
On July 4, 1843, a feature was started which has become a unique tradition ever since. It was decided to light 400 candles at night, described as a "general illumination of the grounds". At the time, this was considered a grand and lavish demonstration. Greatly successful, the tradition has continued ever since.
In 1893, a 10-foot miniature replica Ferris wheel was erected in the springs, powered by a water wheel. Unfortunately, this feature had to be discontinued, since the water level in the springs typically went down during the dry summer months, and was not high enough to drive the water wheel during droughts.
In 1903 a miniature replica of the Eiffel Tower was erected to go along with the grand illumination. Over the years, various themes have been used for the July Fourth celebrations. This year, the entertainment, parades and activities over the July 1 through July 4 period promise to be bigger than ever!
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Brian,
Beautiful pictures! This looks like a lovely place to visit...is that the original train station in the first picture? It reminds me of the Temagami train station in northern Ontario; my Dad worked in it when he was a youngster of about 17.
This is a picture of it with my Stepmother standing in front.
I'm fascinated with old train stations.
Jo
Jo,
I remember your mentioning some time ago that your dad worked in a train station. I can see why the one in Lititz would remind you of that one! They both seem to be of a similar period.
I'm fascinated by old train stations, too (and old trains!) Watch for a forthcoming blog on another local train station that's about to be restored...
Brian