[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 52 (Friday, May 1, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 COMMEND KENNYWOOD AMUSEMENT PARK OF WEST MIFFLIN, PENNSYLVANIA ON ITS 
                         CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. MICHAEL F. DOYLE

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 30, 1998

  Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend congratulations to 
Kennywood Amusement Park on their centennial anniversary. This 
traditional amusement park is located within my congressional district 
in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania along the Monongahela River, where it has 
remained in operation for one hundred years. Originating as a small 
trolley park in 1898, Kennywood has survived through times of struggle 
and success to become a fine amusement park.
  Andrew Mellon's Monongahela Street Railway Company established this 
trolley park in 1898. The turn of the century brought competition from 
several amusement retreats in the Pittsburgh area. The Pittsburgh 
Railway Company designated its lease to A.S. McSwigan and Frederick W. 
Henninger. Today, third and fourth generations of these individuals 
continue to manage the park.
  Over the years, as numerous roller coasters and rides were added, the 
park grew in size and popularity. Many of the older rides, including 
wooden roller coasters from the 1910's and 1920's are still in 
operation today, and are becoming endangered species in the amusement 
park industry. In 1987, Kennywood received national attention when it 
was designated as a National Historic Landmark.
  Kennywood survived through adversity and several hardships. They 
endured the burden of the Great Depression, financial difficulties 
during World War II, and competition from million dollar theme parks in 
the 1960's and 1970's. Despite significant changes in history and 
cultures, Kennywood remains a traditional amusement park.
  After one hundred years in the amusement business, Kennywood 
continues to prosper. One of the fundamental reasons for its survival 
is the goal it sets forth. Kennywood applies modern technology to new 
rides while maintaining the atmosphere of amusement parks of the past.
  Having lived in western Pennsylvania all my life, I have personally 
enjoyed visiting Kennywood many times as a child and have enjoyed 
sharing the joy of Kennywood with my wife and children also. I want to 
congratulate Kennywood on their one-hundredth anniversary and commend 
the management for preserving a place that means so much to many 
people.

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