Historic Steps in John A. Roebling Memorial Park

     

                    This staircase was constructed circa 1889 by the Broad Street land Association in conjunction with the creation of Spring lake park on the bluff above.  The steps provided access from Spring Lake Park (1889 - 1906) and, later, White City Park (1907 - 1922) to Spring Lake.  Spring Lake Park was created as a passive recreation park.  A number of amusements sprang up over time.  The steps provided access for romantic walks around the lake or a boat ride on the lake.  White City Park opened as a full-fledged amusement park and was known as the "Coney Island of New Jersey".  Crowds numbering in the thousands were not uncommon.  The slope from top of the bluff along the entire amusement area down to the lake area was a green, lush park setting.  Park visitors looking for a break from the bustle of the amusement rides and attractions would descend to the lake for docile activities previously mentioned.  The building on the left at the top of the bluff - the farmhouse, circa 1820, of Issac DeCou who sold his land to the Broad Street Land Association - became the focal point in both parks as the Casino Restaurant.  It is commonly referred to as the White City Mansion.  It is a private residence.

          Lights were positioned on the staircase at the outer columns of the landing and on the columns at the bottom of the curved staircases.  The area of soil between the inner railings and the outer wall were filled with multi-colored flowers. Two large urns located next to the inner columns at the bottom of the staircases were also filled with flowers.  A flower bed extended around the bottom of the curved wall between the urns.  A banner advertising the Casino Restaurant was hung at the top of the curved wall.

          The section of the steps at the top of the slope have deteriorated and are covered by thick brush in warm weather months.  The newer concrete indicates those sections recently rebuilt by Mercer County to preserve this historic site.

      

BSP Area, 1875

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION

   This historic image shows the land owners in the Lalor and South Broad Street area in the last quarter of the nineteenth century.   Isaac DeCou would sell his farm consisting of approximately 225 acres to the Broad Street Land Association in 1889. Note that Spring Lake had yet to be created below the expertly depicted bluff.  DeCou's farm would later be developed as Broad Street Park, the location of Spring Lake Park and White City Park.  The railroad line was traveled by many Trenton residents to  Spring Lake Park until trolley service was established in 1893.

Former Isaac DeCou Farm

Image courtesy of Suzy Abbott

          The Broad Street Land Association purchased Isaac DeCou's farm in 1889 and filed this development map.  Overlook Avenue between Buchanan and Sewell Avenues was eventually abandoned and the blocks bounded by Buchanan, McClellan and Sewell Avenues became Spring Lake Park (later White City Park).  The square in the center was the location of the DeCou farmhouse which later became the Casino Restaurant in the park. 

1906: Free Fun for Tots

Trenton Sunday Times Advertiser, July 15. 1906

The  Sunday Times Advertiser insisted that each coupon be good for all children in a family instead of one child only.  Funny pictures that appealed specially to juveniles were shown in the Electric Theatre.

1906: Queen of the Lake

Trenton Sunday Advertiser, June 24, 1906

1906: New Boat On Lake

Trenton Evening Times, Friday, June 22, 1906



Harrison Avenue of Yesteryear

This is the view experienced by the patrons of Spring Lake and White City Parks as they alighted from the trolley on South Broad Street beginning in 1893 for the walk down Harrison Avenue to the park entrance seen in the distance.  The White City Hotel, sometimes simply referred to as the Park Hotel, is seen on the left.

1891: Robbins' Bridge



This  photograph was taken by Ellwood Parsons Robbins for the publication, Trenton Illustrated.  Speculation is that this bridge was constructed for use by passengers of the Pennsylvania Railroad who alighted at Rusling Station and had to walk a distance to Spring Lake Park. 

1893: Trolley Service Begins

Trenton Evening Times. May 27, 1893

Trolley service played an integral part in the development of BSP, Spring Lake Park and eventually White City Park.  The Overlook House was known as the Casino Restaurant in  park days and is commonly known today as the White City Mansion.  Thousands of patrons utilized  trolley transportation to White City Amusement Park during its existence.  



1891: Rusling Station

Trenton Evening Times, October 14, 1891

This railroad station was established to enable area residents to access Broad Street Park prior to the trolley line being extended to Harrison Avenue.  People had to cross the meadows to reach the park and station.  The station in all probability utilized the line the NJ Transit River Line runs on today south of Rt. 195/Rt.29.  A search for a picture of the station has not proved successful to date.  The search will continue. Since the station was built for people attending the park, it may have looked something like the illustration below

 

1956: Spring Lake Park Dedication

 Spring Lake Park was dedicated on October 6, 1956.  U.S. Senator Clifford P. Case was the principal speaker.  One of the highlights of the day was a parade through Broad Street Park.  Taking part in the parade was Legion Post 93 Junior Band, Color Guard of Post 31, Mercer Voiture 235, 40 and 8, and its locomotive, the uniformed unit of Post 93, Rusling Hose Company, White Horse Fire Company, Busy Beaver Blue Birds, Sunshine Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls.  The Star Spangled Banner was sung by Sonia Hatrak accompanied by Ruth Cunningham.  The invocation was given by Rev. Frederick Mills, pastor of Broad Street Park Methodist Church.  The benediction was given by Rev. Thomas E. Carney, pastor of Holy Angels Church.  Music was provided by the Stanley Ryba Band and by the Dellaira Trio.

1956: Park Site Preparation

Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection

1956: Park Reception Committee

Trenton Evening Times, September 27, 1956

Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection

1956: Park Dedication Planning

Sunday Times Advertiser, September 16, 1956

Hamilton Township Public Library Local History Collection

 One of the initial activities undertaken to create White City Park as a public recreation area was to call for volunteers to clean the area.  Local newspapers reported that as many as 5,000 people arrived the first day to the astonishment of the Civic Association.  It was reported that many people were unware of the Sewell Avenue entrance and visitors traversed private property to get to the park.  Signs were posted at McClellan and Harrison Avenues, the former amusement park entrance, directing the public to the Sewell Avenue entrance.  Obviously many didn't see the signs to the consternation of property owners.  The turnout is an example of an era of civic pride and dedication.