UMHA Presents: Willow Grove Park Games

Welcome back to another installment of “Upper Moreland Historical Association Presents.”

The ongoing series will present a photo of an artifact showcased in the Upper Moreland Historical Association () Archive Room, located in the ’s Lower Level.

Displayed in this room is an historical patchwork of collected souvenirs, memorabilia and every-day items representing a once daily way of life in Upper Moreland. Some of these items recall the glory days of the Willow Grove Park, while others date as far back as to the first area settlements in the early 1700s.

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Willow Grove Park Games

According to the booklet, “A Bit of History Collection of Upper Moreland People, Places and Organizations,” (copies sold in UMHA office), Willow Grove Park opened in 1896.

It was originally conceived to entice Philadelphia residents to use a trolley line owned by Philadelphia Rapid Transit Company.

By the early 1900s, the park became a huge destination, attracting more than 45,000 people a year.

The park’s claim to fame was being the concert venue of choice for U.S. Marine Band ‘March King’ John Philip Sousa, whose constant performance at Willow Grove Park, earned Willow Grove the title, “The Music Capitol of America.”

While other ‘’ articles will surely dive into the history of this once internationally famous park, this week’s artifact focuses on the turn-of-the-century (20th century that is) simple games of the park.

The “Ring Toss” artifact was contributed by Martin Weinberger of Willow Grove on March 14, 2002.

Along with "Skeeball," simple games like “Ring Toss” also kept the throngs of visitors amused at Willow Grove Park.

According to the artifact’s informational placard, those playing the ring toss game at the park had three chances to win such prizes as:

• A watch

• Cigarette lighter

• Bracelet

• ‘A Great Prize!’

According to the placard, the great prize seemed to elude even the most skilled ring toss player.

“Unfortunately, the ring had to fit over the entire game stand – a nearly impossible feat! If the ring simply went over the pyramid [not shown with display], you received a much lesser prize.”

According to the booklet, other similar Willow Grove Park attractions include the park's Biograph, featuring kinetoscopes, mutoscopes (early cinema tech), X-Rays and phonographs.

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Can’t get enough Upper Moreland History?

The Upper Moreland Historical Association Archive Room, located in the lower level of the township building, is open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Special appointments can also be made by calling 215-657-2775. For more information, visit http://www.umha.com/.

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Check Patch back again for more “UMHA Presents”.

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