WVIA Original: Knoebels
An evolution from family farm to beloved, family-owned amusement park
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Christina Zeiders
More than 200 years ago, 30-year-old Reverend Hartman Henry Knoebel emigrated from Germany to the United States and ended up in Northumberland County. Every Sunday, we would walk miles to minister to the faithful – until he was defrocked.
With his religious career ended, he sought a new way to sustain his family in the United States. He found this new start in more than 200 acres known as “Peggy’s Farm.”
Watch WVIA’s Knoebels Monday, July 18 at 9pm, Saturday, July 23 at 4pm or Sunday, July 24 at 11am on WITF TV. You can also stream it on-demand through the free PBS Video app.
The WVIA Original Documentary, Knoebels, blends an extraordinary range of archival materials from the Knoebels Museum with original cinematography shot on-location at the park during the 2014 season. It documents the evolution of the family homestead from its roots as a wilderness haven for immigrant coal miners at the start of the 20th century to its status as a preeminent amusement resort destination.
The Knoebels Amusement Resort was born July 4, 1926. Its first attractions included the Crystal Pool, a merry-go-round and a few food stands. It continues to be family-owned – 6 generations now – and they continue to care for and repair the nostalgic rides many of us remember from our childhood.
A train ride at Knoebels Amusement Park.
The park has survived wartime, economic downturns and natural disasters, but continues to offer free admission, parking, entertainment and picnic facilities. Visitors can choose to pay per ride or buy an all-day ride pass.
Stream WVIA’s Knoebels for free anytime through the PBS Video app, or watch it on WITF TV Monday, July 18 at 9pm, Saturday, July 23 at 4pm or Sunday, July 24 at 11am.
During the WITF TV presentations, viewers will have the opportunity to receive the hour-long WVIA documentary, Knoebels, on DVD for a one-time gift of $60 or an ongoing gift of $5 a month. Donations can also be made online after the film airs on WITF TV.
A collection of interviews, photos, and music videos, featuring local musicians who have stopped by the WITF performance studio to share a little discussion and sound. Produced by WITF’s Joe Ulrich.
