Williams Grove Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park in Williams Grove, Pennsylvania. The park operated from 1850 until 2005. The Williams family began hosting picnics in 1850 at a small grove near Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Within a few years, the grove was developed into a park. In 1873, the Cumberland Valley Railroad, whic…Williams Grove Amusement Park is an abandoned amusement park in Williams Grove, Pennsylvania. The park operated from 1850 until 2005. The Williams family began hosting picnics in 1850 at a small grove near Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Within a few years, the grove was developed into a park. In 1873, the Cumberland Valley Railroad, which operated the newly constructed Dillsburg and Mechanicsburg Railroad, leased the grove from the Williams family, planning to build it into a resort destination. Williams Grove's positioning along the railroad made it a promising location for travel. That summer, a small gathering of local chapters of the Pennsylvania State Grange was held at the grove. Within the coming years, the gathering would become a farmer's fair known as the Great Grangers’ Picnic Exhibition, which brought in upwards of 100,000 guests from more than 30 states over its week-long stay. The exhibition's popularity brought success to Williams Grove. The picnic was held for the last time in 1916. In 1918, Charles Markley bought the park, attempting to resurrect the picnic, but was unsuccessful. In 1924, Roy Richwine purchased the park, installing the first permanent rides. Richwine was very influential in the park's development, adding popular rides like Zipper and Laff in the Dark. In 1937, Emmett Shelle convinced him to construct Williams Grove Speedway, a half-mile sprint car racing track, next to the park. The speedway opened in 1938 and became very successful. In 1958, the Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association would be formed, utilizing land adjacent to the park for the hosting of annual steam engine shows among other uses. In the 1960s, the park was a popular country music venue, featuring well-known acts such as Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash.
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