Ligonier Valley Rail Road Newspaper Articles
We have compiled over 1,400 newspaper articles that mention the Ligonier Valley Railroad, or related subjects. The articles were originally published starting in 1873 and our collection runs through 1995. Enjoy!
Latrobe Advance
Wednesday, June 18, 1890
Idlewild Purchased
The Ligonier Valley Railroad at Last Secured Possession of the Beautiful Parks
- An Exclusive Passenger Train to be Run
For a long time the Ligonier Valley Railroad has been trying to purchase the beautiful Idlewild Parks from Mr. Darlington, but it has only been within a short time that they were able to do so; but now they have secured about 300 acres, which embraces this well-known picnic ground, and substantial improvements will be made. The fact that the Parks were only leased has heretofore prevented any improvements or extension, but now that the property has been secured Superintendent Senft will carry out his long cherished plans for beautifying and extending the grounds.
When asked if it was true, the genial Superintendent smiled a happy smile as he answered the Advance man in the affirmative, and gave the additional information that it was his intention by another year to surprise everybody by the improvements he intended to make, and that Idlewild would stand without a rival as a picnic ground.
General Manager T. A. Mellon was present at the time, so there is but little doubt that Mr. Senft will carry out his program; and as he has made a careful study of the requirements of the place and enjoys the full confidence of the management of the road, we will not be disappointed in anticipating great things at Idlewild. As it is now, it is a most popular place, and as almost every date for several months is already taken it is scarcely possible to increase its popularity even if its attractiveness is increased.
"We will soon have a new train on the road," was the next surprise Mr. Senft had for the scribe. "It will be composed of new cars, a new passenger engine, and will carry passengers exclusively." This is another innovation and will be seen in a very short time. An observation car is being built now and will soon be ready to go out on the road, so that passengers can enjoy an unobstructed view of the magnificent scenery which lines the path of the road through the mountain. Frank's new hotel at Ligonier will also add to the attractiveness of the place. No better or more popular host can be found than the jolly Ligonier boniface. We congratulate Mr. Senft and the management of the road on their acquisition of Idlewild, and wish a continuation of their successes.