ALHS presents "Memories of Old Dorney"

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Alburtis Lockridge Historical Society proudly announces a special program on September 13th, 2014. Doors will be open at 7:00 pm, with the program starting at 7:30 pm. The featured speaker, Joshua Fink brings “Memories of Old Dorney” to life! Special guest, Wally Ely, author will also be onsite for signing of his book “Images of America: Dorney Park.” I have attached our news release, including some photos for use. Any questions, please contact us at 484-366-9987 or alhs18011@aol.com.

Alburtis, PA -- The Alburtis - Lockridge Historical Society will hold a special program about Dorney Park on Saturday, September 13th at 7:30 p.m. at the Society’s headquarters, the former Lock Ridge Presbyterian Church, 407 Franklin Street, Alburtis, PA 18011. Doors will be open at 7:00 pm. The featured speaker will be Joshua Fink, Senior Museum Educator at the Lehigh County Historical Society and avid Dorney Park historian, with special guest, Wally Ely, author of Images of America: Dorney Park. The program, which will be held in the auditorium of the church, will be a trip down memory lane for those who remember the “Old Dorney Park.” Mr. Fink and Mr. Ely will weave together photographs, postcards, memorabilia and stories to tell the colorful history of the park, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary this year. Learn about Dorney’s Fish Weirs, the Building of the “Coaster,” Castle Garden, the Race Track, Pool, Alfundo,”Journey to the Center of the Earth” and the many carousels that Dorney Park has had over the years. Attendees will even have a chance to hear rare audio recordings of the late Bob Ott (October 25th 1918 – March 3rd 2007), former President of Dorney Park, talking about the history of the park during the presentation. A book signing of Images of America: Dorney Park with Mr. Ely will follow. In fact, bring your own copy or purchase one of a limited number of copies at the event.Refreshments will also follow the program. Donations accepted to help defray the cost of the presentation will be welcomed and appreciated. Joshua Fink is a local historian with a passion for carousels, old wooden roller coasters and amusement parks, especially Dorney Park. He was fortunate to meet Bob Ott and Wally Ely at a book signing in 2003, when the Dorney Park book was published. He has collected photographs, postcards and other memorabilia of the park for many years and has authored several essays on Dorney Park’s history, which have been published in The Morning Call. Mr. Fink has been a popular speaker on local history in the Lehigh Valley for many years and lives in Lower Macungie Township, about a mile from Dorney Park. Wally Ely grew up within walking distance of Dorney Park and was friends with Bob Ott for many years.He produced a segment on Dorney Park’s “Zephyr” train for RCN cable television’s show “Time Out Lehigh Valley,” which was voted the most popular segment in the show’s history.He has authored several books for Arcadia Publishing and is an avid writer. The popularity of the Dorney Park book endures and he continues to be invited to book signings around the Lehigh Valley. Mr. Ely, who is an avid train and postcard collector, lives in Allentown. The Alburtis Lockridge Historical Society was formed in 1976 by a small group of individuals to preserve the local history. The mission of the Society is to “preserve the history of towns of Alburtis and Lock Ridge, along with the outlying area.” The Borough of Alburtis was incorporated in 1913 by the joining of two villages, Alburtis & Lock Ridge. The Society is headquartered at the former Lock Ridge Presbyterian Church. Museum possessions include the church’s cornerstone contents, keepsakes from businesses and former businesses, and many old photographs, including nearly 100 from 1906. Tours are available by appointment only. We are a small group of only about 20 individuals. We are always looking to increase our membership to expand our membership rolls & revitalize the organization.

Kevin Shoemaker; President
Alburtis Lockridge Historical Society407 Franklin Street
PO Box 427
Alburtis, Pennsylvania 18011484.366.9987
alhs18011@aol.com
alhs18011.org