Harris Hill Amusement Park Collection, 1944-2003
Collection context
Summary
- Creator:
- Merrill family
- Abstract:
- This collection contains images, scrapbooks and assorted documents related to the Harris Hill Amusement Park.
- Extent:
- 1 linear foot
- Language:
- English
Background
- Scope and content:
-
The Harris Hill Amusement Park Collection contains photographs of Harris Hill Park and the Merrill family; a scrapbook relating to the park; legal documents relating to the park; newspaper clippings; and assorted items related to the park.
- Biographical / historical:
-
In 1949, W. Kenneth and Frances Merrill began offering pony rides at what is now Harris Hill Amusement Park. Over the years, the couple began offering a wider variety of rides and amusements including a petting zoo, putt-putt golf, a driving range, and go-karts. Their son, Scott, and his wife, Nancy, took over the business in 1976. The couple ran it along with their children, Ashley and Michael, before selling it to long-time employees Jay and Terry Goodwin in 2002. The park is still in operation.
- Acquisition information:
- The items in this collection were donated to the Booth Library by Scott and Nancy Merrill in 2013.
- Rules or conventions:
- Describing Archives: a Content Standard
Indexed terms
- Subjects:
-
Amusement parks
Amusement park owners - Names:
- Harris Hill Amusement Park (Big
Flats, N.Y.)
Merrill Family - Places:
- Big Flats (N.Y.)
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
The Chemung County Historical Society's research library and archives are open to the public from 1pm to 5pm, Monday through Friday. There is a $5 fee for non-members.
- Location of this collection:
- Contact:
- (607) 734-4167cchs@chemungvalleymuseum.org