THE CAROUSEL

According to the Smithsonian Institution, the beautiful carousel that graced Rock Falls Park was built by the Herschell-Spillman Carousel Company of North Tonawanda, New York in 1915.  It measured 40 feet in diameter, with "three abreast seats with seating capacity for approximately 40 people on 33 mixed animals and 3 chariot seats, powered by an electric motor of approximately 7 horsepower." 

The carousel was sold to Mr. Jim Wells who operated the concession on the Mall for the Smithsonian Institution for many years.  In 1981, the carousel was purchased by the Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission and moved to Wheaton Regional Park, where it is still in operation.  View more photos in the Gallery, compliments of Mike Tomeo who visited the newly refurbished carousel in Wheaton Park.

                    READ THE LETTER AND NEWS RELEASE FROM THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

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STOUGHTON'S BEACH
From Butler County: The Second Hundred Years by Ralph Goldinger and Audrey Fetters

Rock Falls Park was originally known as Stoughton's Beach, developed by Saul Stoughton, a local farmer.  The park opened in 1932 and was a true family business, with Stoughton's wife and children operating the merry-go-round, custard stand, roller skating rink, and performing park chores.  The swimming pool was a major attraction--claimed to be the largest in Pennsylvania in the 30's and boasting 10 and 20-foot diving boards that were used for Sunday afternoon diving exhibitions.  Read Garnet Stoughton Potter's memories of these early days.

The park closed from 1941-1945 due to World War II gasoline rationing.  Albert MacDonald purchased the park after the war and changed its name to Rock Falls Park.  Many groups had annual picnics at the park and the resort flourished, with summer residents filling the park's cottages.  Mr. MacDonald sold the park in 1967, after selling the carousel for a reported $400.   [Read Ex-Falls Owner Recalls Old Days Rocket article,  Mrs. Emily MacDonald's obituary and Charles Cingolani's Butler, Pennsylvania Blog to learn more.]

Ed Frank, a retired photographer, owned the park from 1972 until its 2003 purchase by Ron Lightner and Todd Heinsberg.  The Straub family also figured in the park's history, as they owned the area behind the dam and permitted public use of this popular swimming hole.  Local residents and summer visitors share memories of the daring rope swing, dancing at the Bug Out, grove parties, and "seasonal romance" on the rocks.   Photo compliments of the McGarvey family; additional photos in the Gallery.

A 1974 flyer for Rock Falls Park, click to enlarge:

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THE MILL
Adapted From Working Water:  Grist Mills in the Slippery Rock Area by Peggy Mershimer, Shirley Cubbison, Luanne Eisler, and Edith Young and Mount Etna Industrial District/Daugherty Mills Historic Resource Survey by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The grist mill at Rock Falls Park has been known at various times as Daugherty's Mill, Blyth's Mill, Shephard's Mill, and Etna Mill.  The Thompson Grist Mill was built in 1822/23 and was later known as the Etna Mill, associated with the Mt. Etna furnace.  The mill was one component in a thriving industrial complex in the wilderness, consisting of a furnace, forge, gristmill, sawmill, and carding mill.  Pig iron produced on the premises was shipped to Pittsburgh.  Owners, who worked with a variety of operators and millers, included John Thompson (1822-1827), David McJunkin (1829-1844), Josiah McJunkin (1844-1864, a young McJunkin son drowned in the millrace), John and Margaret Winter (1864-1868), H. E. and Ann Wick (1868-1875),  and Z. B. Shepard (1875-1890).

A new mill was erected on the site of the forge in 1876 by owner Z. B. Shepard.  Loyal W. Daugherty, who had married Shephard's daughter Mary, took possession of the mill.  Son Joe Daugherty (pictured at left) was the last miller to operate the business; he ran the mill for George and Sallie Blyth, who purchased the property around 1917.  The mill operated as Daugherty's Mill until 1928.  In 1944, the mill was burned to the ground; Don Blyth was the owner at that time.   Ruins of the foundation are still visible on the property of the Shawnee House. 

In Working Water, interviews with Slippery Rock residents describe trips to the mill by boat, the inner workings of the mill and features of the surrounding area.  An iron bridge with planking crossed the creek after the Civil War.  An iron truss bridge crossed the creek in 1882.  The mill is described as being very similar in style and size to McConnells Mill, featuring impressive stone and timber work.  In fact, the Daugherty Mill supplied much of the hardware and the turbines for McConnells Mill's restoration in 1964.  The property included a barn, a wagonshed for ten horses, a chicken coop, a smoke house, and an icehouse, as ice was cut from the mill pond.  Many remembered swimming, boating and fishing in the mill pond.

"A large keystone route" carried the water from the creek under the road, feeding into the millrace and millpond behind the Shawnee House.  The dam was originally built of logs and eventually fell into disrepair, effectively ending recreational use above the dam.  The current concrete dam was constructed by the Slippery Rock Park Civic Association in 1957.

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NATURAL HISTORY