Carousel Segment One Lesson Plan Segment One

Carousel Segment Two Lesson Plan Segment Two

Carousel Segment Three Lesson Plan Segment Three

Overview:

Around the 1890s, many transit companies opened peaceful picnic groves with simple rides to increase trolley use.  Those groves developed into exciting amusement parks with patriotic performances by John Philip Sousa; thrilling primitive coasters like the Thunderbolt; and juicy hot dogs for a nickel.  But the growth of motion pictures, television and the automobile changed the way Pennsylvanians amused themselves.  By the mid 20th century many of these once thriving hot spots lost the crowds and eventually closed their gates.

A Carousel of Memories revisits the beloved parks with a mix of old photographs, never- before- seen film and heartfelt interviews.  We’ll revisit the exciting Castle Garden where Big Band acts like Benny Goodman and rock-n-roll stars like Fabian thrilled generations of teens.  Often forgotten, Central Park in Allentown rivaled Dorney with its thrilling wooden coaster, The Skyclone. In  Reading folks flocked to the small Carsonia Park. Life was a Lark at Willow Grove Park  –the once crown jewel of Pennsylvania amusements.  That’s where women competed in beauty pageants for their feet in the twenties and DJ Gene Kaye rocked the midway in the Sixties.  In Easton, the Hay trolley line led locals to Bushkill Park, which still maintains its nostalgic family charm after more than a century. And in the 1940s, the Blanket Gang listened to the whistle of a small train chugging through the exquisite gardens of Bethlehem’s Willow Park.

Whether you visited these parks in person or have heard countless tales of the good times they offered, A Carousel of Memories will leave you yearning for the golden age of Pennsylvania amusement parks.

The Good Shepherd Story also illustrates how caregivers using leading edge rehabilitation technology help improve each patient’s condition. The first chapter begins in 1908 with the Reverend John “Papa” Raker and his vision of a home for those without a home – crippled orphans, the aged and sometimes, for those simply in need.

Good Shepherd was founded on what the Rakers’ refer to as, “faith and fifty cents.”
The family and their many supporters scaled overwhelming obstacles to help life’s most vulnerable people. When Papa Raker died in 1941 his son, the Reverend Dr. Conrad Raker, took over.

From its humble beginning as a little home for children with disabilities, orphans and the elderly, through its evolution as one of the nation’s major rehabilitation centers, Good Shepherd has been turning tragedy into triumph for over 100 years.

While the Good Shepherd story advances along with medical science, it will always remain an inspiration and a true testament to how far you can go on fifty cents – and a whole lot of faith.

PBS39 reveals Harry C. Trexler’s life and legacy. There are many reasons for today’s generation to care about this figure of the past. The General helped set aside about 20 percent of Allentown’s land for parks. It’s just one of many things Harry Trexler envisioned for Lehigh County. He also helped create PPL and Portland Cement, which helped him become one of the richest men in the state of Pennsylvania.

Trexler cared deeply for children, and established “Romper Day.” The celebration marks the end of Allentown’s summer playground program. Over the years, thousands of kids have enjoyed dancing around the famous maypole. His generosity touches so many, through his trust and those who administer it. Thanks to Harry Trexler, hundreds of Lehigh County organizations are able to thrive in the community.

Find out how this Lehigh Valley icon continues to change lives decades after his death.

Entrepreneurship, integrity and compassion… these three words describe Leonard Pool.

His entrepreneurial instincts helped him form Air Products, an industrial gas equipment company, in 1940. His revolutionary idea of building on-site oxygen plants changed an entire industry. What started out as a small Detroit operation has grown into one of the Lehigh Valley’s largest employers – a global company with over 20,000 employees.

Leonard’s integrity guided his business decisions, earning him respect from employees and the corporate community.  Former workers share their memories of this inspirational leader, but Leonard’s contributions extend beyond the boardroom.

Due largely to his compassion, he became an integral part of our Lehigh Valley community.  The loss of his wife Dorothy inspired him to spearhead the formation of Lehigh Valley Hospital.  His efforts helped fulfill his dream of creating a regionally superior hospital.

Two non-profit organizations, the Rider Pool Foundation, and the Dorothy Rider Pool Health Care Trust keep Leonard’s legacy alive by giving back to the community.

We’ll explore this man’s rich heritage, and find out how Leonard Pool’s contributions continue to make our community a better place.

Folks started their own businesses, like Leo Emili’s barbershop on Fourth Street. Every afternoon, kids poured out of school and headed to whatever playground they could find – a street corner or an empty lot would do. Friends still gather at coffee houses and diners to reminisce.
The bonds of friendship and that sense of community echoes back through two a half centuries of American history. In the nineteenth century, Easton saw a business boom, thanks to the Lehigh, Delaware and Morris canals which enabled the easy shipment of goods to market.
In the 1920’s unfettered exuberance led to a reputation for betting, booze and bordellos. Legitimate business also soared in the early twenties, like Crayola and Dixie cup. Over the past few decades, Easton fell into decline, but now change permeates the air. The city has become a magnet for artists and entrepreneurs. Join us as we explore Easton’s history, people, culture and promise.