Grassmere , Columbia County Pa

Grassmere Park, near Benton Pa

Today, a campground still exists at the former park location.

The park owners are celebrating 100 years of their family owning the grounds, in 2023.

"Our family has owned and operated Grassmere Park since July 1923!  And to celebrate our 100 year milestone, we’re hosting a picnic Saturday, July 22nd.   If you have memories of camping or roller skating or attending picnics at Grassmere Park, and would like to join the Hess family for a fun filled afternoon, bring a covered dish at noon on the 22nd. There will be music, games for all ages, a presentation on the history of Grassmere, a display of Grassmere artifacts, ice cream fundraiser for Sugarloaf Schoolhouse Memorial Association, and more.   " - https://www.facebook.com/Grassmereparkcampground/posts/257599356969695

The covered bridge, built in 1871, with a sign for Grassmere Park.  The bridge connected Camp Lavigne Road to the park.  The bridge was destroyed in 1981, when a gas truck drove across it, collapsing the structure.

Grassmere Park began as "Hess's Grove", a park on part of the  Hess farm.  Located "south of Central and Jamison City" the picnic grove opened in June of 1889.

By 1889, it was referred to as Hess's Grove in some articles, and Grassmere Park in others.   The Annual Columbia County Farmers Picnic was held at the park in those early years.  It was a large event, with 3,000 in attendance in 1889.  In 1907, 8,000 were reported to have attended the event.

"Grassmere Park cannot be surpassed as a picnic ground.  It contains about 40 acres, surrounded by the famous Fishing Creek, and while there is an abundance of shade, there is also plenty of chance to enjoy the sunshine.  A ball ground of about five acres has been laid out adjoining the grove on the south. There are two never failing springs of pure cold water situated on either side of the park. Seats and other conveniences have been provided.  A merry-go-round will be located on the ground. "  - July 1903

The Bloomsburg & Sullivan Passenger Train, At Grassmere

https://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/2023/05/the-bloomsburg-sullivan-railroad.html

"The excursion to Central on tho B.& S. road last week Thursday [July 25th 1889], under the management of the Episcopal Sunday School was attended by nearly four hundred people. The weather was delightful, and everybody was more than pleased with Hess' Grove. This pleasant resort is located right along the East Fork ot Fishing Creek.

On-leavlng the train the grove is reached by crossing a substantial foot bridge. Tables are scattered hero and there, and every where, there is a dancing pavilion, swings, rambles, a cave In the rocks, cool springs of water, and numerous other attractions. The Grove belongs to Joshua B. Hess, and he gets bis compensation for the use of the grounds, by reserving the right to sell refreshments therein. Several stands have been erected, where lemons, ice, fruit, ice cream, cakes, cigars, and nearly all kinds of refreshments can be obtained at reasonable prices.

For a days' excursion no better place can be found than up the B. & S. winding along the creek, at the foot of the  mountains, or through a rich farming country, with comfortable homes scattered all along, until you come to the North Mountain, rearing Us peaks high In air.

 On this occasion Supt. Leader did ail In his power for the comfort and pleasure of the excursionists. After dinner a train ran from the grove to the hub factory above Jameson City, then back to the large saw mill of the Fishing Creek Lumber Company both of which places were Inspected by those who desired to do so; then back to Jameson City, where the party went up to Manor Rest Inn. Gilmore's Band accompanied the excursion, and furnished excellent music in a most obliging manner, never seeming to tire. At the Inn they ascended to the second veranda, and played several spirited airs. With the band playing, and crowds of people walking about, the Inn presented a lively appearance, The excursionists reached home about 8 o'clock well pleased with the trip." - The Columbian

27 inch, 6lb, Trout Caught at Grassmere, 1907

"Grassmere Park is a station on the B. & S. road and consisted of a store, a sawmill and the verdant resort from which it acquired its name. When the road first opened the park was laid out for the patronage of excursionists. It was fitted with a dancing pavilion, kitchen, booths, tables, swings, etc., and was supplied with water from an excellent spring. For a time it was patronized, but by 1913 [at the end of the Lumber boom] it had relapsed into its wild condition of former times."

Historical and Biographical Annals of Columbia and Montour Counties Pennsylvania, Vol. 1, J. H. Beers & Co., 1915.

"A harvest dance which was a masquerade was held at Grassmere Park on Saturday evening. There were some real old time farmers there." - September 7th, 1935

"The Jerseytown 4-H club was entertained at Grassmere Park on Friday afternoon by the Ladies Flower Club, of that section. An informative and enjoyable talk and demonstration on flower arrangements was given by Miss Morton of State College."  - The Morning Press, August 1937

In the 1930s, the Forty Fort football team held their training camp at Grassmere park.

Harold Ackerman, a resident of Benton in the 1950s,  was quoted as saying he recalled Grassmere as a "Sunday and holiday recreation spot in the days prior to air conditioning.  Folks could ride the Bloomsburg and Sullivan Train and get off at a stop just outside the park on the Camp Lavigne road.  There were rowboats on a waterway in the park, lots of cabins, pavilions for picnics and dining, a ballfield, and a building which by the 40's and 50's was a roller skating rink"

In June of 1965, Boy Scout Troop 76 took an overnight hike to Grassmere.  While therye they enjoyed fishing, a barbequed chicken supper, games, and a corn-weiner-marshmallow roat.  After breakfast on Sunday morning they hiked back to camp Lavigne, their starting point, for the trip home.

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Families that held reunions at Grassmere included: Hunter, Hess, Stackhouse,  

Grassmere Baseball Organized in 1906