originally posted on 5/10/2019
On March 8, 2018, just two days before an Executive Committee (EC) meeting, an appeal was made to consider a donation (around $1,400) to the Heinz History Center, a museum focused on western Pennsylvania history and a Smithsonian affiliate, to fund a Pennsylvania historic marker to recognize Frederick Ingersoll, who, as many members know, is one of the most significant names in the country's early history of amusement parks and roller coasters. This was just over a week after Brian Butko, publications director at the History Center, informed ACE Western Pennsylvania that he received approval from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for the marker. In between those events, some last-minute fundraising efforts netted $672 toward the project at ACE Western Pennsylvania's CoasterBash! regional event. Combined with ACE's donation that the EC graciously approved, this meant that the entire project would be paid for by ACE.
Kennywood now has three historical markers in one location — the only place in Pennsylvania to do so.
Photo: Brett Weissbart. View full-sized image.
The original plan was to have the marker erected in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighborhood near where Ingersoll's Luna Park once stood, and it was hoped that it would occur late last summer. However, property owners responsible for the privately-maintained sidewalks in that area would not give consent to having the marker placed there. Butko then pursued alternative options and ultimately Kennywood agreed to have the marker placed on its property. Because such markers must be publicly accessible to all (without paying admission), its placement is near the roadway, adjacent to one of Kennywood's free parking lots. To make it even more interesting, two existing Pennsylvania state historic markers that were at different places outside of Kennywood (one acknowledging the park itself) have been relocated to a new area joining the Ingersoll marker, now known as the Historical Marker Garden. Kennywood graciously covered the expenses of having the two existing historical markers refurbished, as well as grading the area, landscaping and providing two nice benches.
As an additional footnote, the original estimate of $2,000 from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, was exactly that — an estimate. And as all things seem to do, prices increased. In January, as plans were being put into place, it was discovered that an additional $400 was needed. However, the region easily managed to raise that amount during the 2019 CoasterBash! event. Thus, the marker is still being paid for entirely by ACE.
Left to right: Andy Masich, Brian Butko, Jerome Gibas, Bill Linkenheimer.
Photo: April Lucas. View full-sized image.
A ceremonial dedication of the marker took place Saturday, April 27. ACE was prominently recognized several times in the program that was distributed to the audience of about 40 that included ACE Historian Dave Hahner, ACE Publications Director Lee Ann Draud and ACE Past President Dave Altman, among several other members. The dedication was appropriately emceed by Butko, whose vision it was for the marker. He provided some background on Ingersoll, why it was important to honor him and why Kennywood was an ideal location, noting that the first coaster that Ingersoll built at the park was located directly across the roadway, where Sky Rocket now stands. Butko’s comments included noting that Ingersoll was a complicated individual and that many questioned, “Was he a huckster? Or was he a genius? Or maybe he was a little bit of both.”
Heinz History Center President and CEO Andy Masich brought greetings from Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and talked about the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s historic marker program, which is one of the most robust in the country. More than 1,000 of these markers exist throughout the commonwealth, and it is believed that Kennywood is the only place that has three in one location.
Kennywood General Manager Jerome Gibas was next to speak, beaming with pride, as the park is celebrating its 121st season. After mentioning the ongoing construction of The Steel Curtain rising behind him, he stated, “It’s also important to remember that Kennywood is a mix of old and new, and we always want to recognize who came before us and what they did to create this great facility that we have.” Gibas thanked the Heinz History Center for its involvement and also gave a heartfelt thanks to American Coaster Enthusiasts and the ACE Western Pennsylvania region for its support, both financially and otherwise.
The historical marker acknowledging Frederick Ingersoll was unveiled on April 27, 2019.
Photo: Brett Weissbart. View full-sized image.
Last to speak was ACE Western Pennsylvania Regional Representative Bill Linkenheimer III, who reminded everyone that in addition to the fun of riding coasters and enjoying ERT, ACE has more serious missions to preserve coasters, document their history and educate the public about them. Linkenheimer mentioned that Lakemont Park’s Leap The Dips, the world’s oldest roller coaster, and Conneaut Lake Park’s Blue Streak, both of which are within two hours of the Pittsburgh area, would likely not still exist, let alone continue to operate, were it not for significant support from ACE and its members.
Providing support for this historic marker is yet another way that ACE gives back to the amusement industry and communities that it serves.
— Bill Linkenheimer III
ACE Western Pennsylvania regional representative
Many ACEers from Western Pennsylvania were on hand to recognize the occasion.
Photo: Bob Drost. View full-sized image.
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