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Postcard circa 1910
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The top 4 pictures are an advertisement for Island Park. If you were to take a stroll through downtown Sunbury
or Northumberland in the late 1920's or early 1930's you probably would have seen these flyers around. The
advertisement proudly proclaims Island Park as the "Pleasureland of Central Pennsylvania."
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Postcard of Island Park circa 1930.
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"Island Flyer" Construction - circa 1925
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Roller Coaster construction continues. Note the Carousel on the right.
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During or just after completion of the "Island Flyer." circa - 1926
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The Dance Pavilion or as it's called in the advertisement, the "Crystal Ball-Room."
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Construction of the pool. You can see the
carousel in the distance.
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Construction of the kid's section of the pool.
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Pool construction continues.
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1928 Auto Show. Note all the magnificent crystal chandeliers, hence
the reason it was called the "Crystal Ball-Room."
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1930 Auto Show in the Dance Pavilion.
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An overview of the park from across the
road, as the trolley passes from the left.
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The entrance arches into Island Park. The "service
station" is the current site of Ross' Family
Restaurant.
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The dance pavilion.
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The Island Park
Administration
Building. The roller
coaster and
carousel are
visible in the
background.
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Some of the concession stands.
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The skooters (bumper cars) building.
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I can't quite make out what it says at the top of
the building. (maybe "concessions")
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Flood photo, possibly 1936?
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Parade Float advertising "Fireworks To
Night - Island Park."
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Advertising truck for the park.
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Boxing match at the park.
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The park's popcorn truck. "Have some
healthful" pop corn.
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Overhead view of the entire island. Northumberland to the left and
Sunbury on the bottom right.
If you have any info on the original park or pictures of it, we'd love to
hear from you. Please contact us!
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Fantasy Island Campground is unique, in that it once was an amusement park. The park, known as 'Island Park' began operation in 1900. Parks originated
along the railroads, as a way to bring in more passenger travel for the railways, during the weekends and summer months. These were typically the slowest
times for the railroad companies who were mostly used by the townsfolk traveling to and from work. So with the construction of the railway between Sunbury
and Northumberland, it was only natural that a park would be promoted along the way.
The island, known as "Packer Island," was owned by Sunbury millionaire James C. Packer. On the banks of the island, facing Northumberland, stood a stand of
tall original oak and elm trees. This land was leased from Packer, thus creating "Island Park." The park began with very few amusements other than picnic
facilities. Around 1920 the entire island was sold to proprietors, Guyer and Pontius. In 1924 Charles H. Wiest of Sunbury bought this land that housed Island
Park, 23 acres in total, for an amusement park. "Wiest Amusement Co." was formed with Charles Wiest, Treasurer and Alvan M. Wiest, Secretary. "Island Park
Amusement Park" was developed and became the principle spot of summer outings. In 1925 the dance pavilion, designed by Alvan Wiest, was erected. It
measured 92' by 192' with a dance area of 60' by 160' in the center of a roller skating area, which surrounded the outside of the dance area. Some of the nations
big name bands, inlcuding Paul Whiteman, Fred Waring, and Joe Nesbit filled engagements there for dancing. During the flapper era, marathon dances were
also staged here. Adjoining the dance area, was a 36' by 60' restaurant as well. The pavilion was a popular place for many events. In 1928, 1929, and 1930, it
was rented to the Auto Dealers of Sunbury for auto shows.
After the completion of the dance pavilion, the swimming pool was built. This was also designed by Alvan Wiest. The pool measured 80' by 300' and 10' deep at
it's deepest end. Section one, for small children was 20' by 80' and only 1 foot deep. Section 2 was 80' by 130' and 2' to 5' deep. Section 3 was 80' by 150' and
was 5' to 10' deep. The pool held a total capacity of 737,000 gallons of water. While the pool was being built, a roller coaster was also being constructed. It
was designed by the famous Herbert P. Schmeck and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. After 2 years of construction, the "Island Flyer" was
officially opened in 1926. However, it survived for only 10 years following a devastating flood in March of 1936. The coaster ran from the front of the park to the
bath house at the rear of the pool. In the front of the park was a miniature golf course and Dodgem (bumper cars) building. There was also a carousel in a
building between the Administration building and the swimming pool. This building still stands and is what we currently use as our rec-room. It is a very
unique feature to the campground.
The park was operated by Charles H. Wiest and Alvan M. Wiest for approximately ten years, until the Wiest Amusement Company was dissolved. Over the
years the park was eventually downsized. In the early 1970's the dance pavilion was demolished. The park was developed into a campground around 1979.
With it's 4th and current owners, Stephen and Marie Way, taking ownership in 2006.
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