120 years ago in 1905, transcribed as originally published in the Youngstown Vindicator:

“Thousands of people gathered and were splendidly entertained at Avon Park. Amusements of all kinds in abundance – grand fireworks display in the evening.”

“The largest crowd in its history gathered at Avon Park on the Fourth of July. Estimates made by railway and park officials place the number at about twenty-five thousand. And it was a great day for everybody in attendance. Manager Wess had planned and presented numerous special features for the entertainment of his guests and they were enjoyed to the utmost.

“In the casino four shows were given each to standing room only crowds. Throughout the day and evening the Zoological enclosure was crowded with interested and wondering people. The lake, roller coaster, skating rink, mystic maze, miniature railway and dancing pavilions served to entertain thousands.

“During the afternoon there was a baseball game and harness races on the athletic field and race track. The events were closely contested and interesting throughout. Nothing better than the fireworks display with which the day’s festivities closed has been seen in the section of the country lately. Over $500 worth of set and aerial pieces were exploded to the wonder and entertainment of an immense throng.

“The day could hardly have been more favorable to a large attendance at the park. The Mahoning Valley company gave a very good service and the crowd was moved without unusual delay. The crowd was made up of people from Warren, Niles, Girard, Youngstown and many other neighboring cities.

“One of the features of the day was the competitive drill and dress parade by the men who broke up camp today.”

Transcribed as originally published in the same issue of the Youngstown Vindicator:

“Immense crowd of people spent the Fourth at Idora Park. Day’s entertainment ended with a big fireworks display – casino show pleased.”

“Idora Park drew 20,000 people yesterday and broke all holiday records for that resort. The place was packed from early morning until late at night and every attraction on the grounds had all the patronage it could handle. Hundreds took their baskets and went to the park early in the morning, visited the theatre and dance hall in the afternoon and came home in the evening. Almost every available spot at the park was utilized by some picnic party.

“Two shows were given in the casino theatre in the afternoon and one performance in the evening. The bill pleased the crowds. Manager Frank Sourbeck had more people than he could handle in the dancing pavilion in the evening. The floor was crowded all the time. The evening’s pleasure ended with a gorgeous display of fireworks set off in front of the coaster. The fireworks were good and a number of set pieces were more than ordinarily clever.

“It is estimated that the Park & Falls company collected 30,000 fares yesterday. That includes people to the park and ball grounds and regular patronage. In spite of the immense crowd cars moved rapidly and a 3-minute schedule was maintained after noon.”

• Compiled from the Youngstown Vindicator by Dante Bernard, Mahoning Valley Historical Society Museum educator.