WVIA Original Documentary: Knoebels
Explore the evolution of Knoebels from family farm to family-owned amusement park
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Christina Zeiders
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 in 2014.
The film 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 renowned amusement resort.
Watch WVIA’s Knoebels on WITF TV on Sunday, June 4 at 9:30am, Wednesday, June 7 at 9:30pm, Saturday, June 10 at 7:30pm, or Monday, June 12 at 9:00pm. You can also stream it on-demand through the free PBS or WITF app.
More than 200 years ago, 30-year-old Reverend Hartman Henry Knoebel emigrated from Germany to the United States, settling in Northumberland County. Each Sunday, he would walk miles to minister to the faithful – until he was defrocked.
With the end of his religious career, he sought a new way to sustain his family. He found this new start on more than 200 acres known as “Peggy’s Farm.”
The Knoebels Amusement Resort was founded on 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 today – 6 generations now – and they continue to care for and repair the nostalgic rides so many of us remember from our childhood.
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 WITF or PBS app, or watch it on WITF TV on Sunday, June 4 at 9:30am, Wednesday, June 7 at 9:30pm, Saturday, June 10 at 7:30pm, or Monday, June 12 at 9:00pm.
During the television broadcast – which can be livestreamed using the PBS or WITF app – viewers can donate to WITF and receive Knoebels on DVD as a thank-you gift for a one-time gift of $60 or an ongoing gift of $5 a month.
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