The history of Cascade Park is told through narration,
music and vintage photographs from its days as Big Run Falls to its current
use as a location for special events such as "Back to the 50's." Cascade
Park was once the entertainment center of Western Pennsylvania. Once a popular
picnic spot known as Big Run Falls. It was developed into a trolley park
in 1897 by the New Castle Traction Company. Designed by leading landscape
architect, Frank Blaisdell, the buildings and amusements enhanced the natural
beauty of the setting.
The park grew and expanded over the years as excursion
trains pulled into New Castle with tourists and picnickers for the park.
Every year, the amusements were improved. In the 1920's, Billy Glenn, famous
for his popcorn and peanuts, came to the park. He added a swimming pool
and a fun house. His most spectacular achievement was the new roller coaster
he named "The Gorge." It took the rider up high and then plunged the cars
down into the scenic gorge and continued through the trees and rocks until
it arrived, full of properly shaken riders, back at the station. Cascade
now belongs to the City of New Castle. It is a lovely natural park, currently
used for picnics, big band dances, and special events such as the famous
"Back to the 50's" weekend.