Historical Testimonials

Here are some of the thoughts and reminiscing of people who years ago rode The Leap-The-Dips:

Fran Brunhuber: When I was a kid, I loved The Leap-The-Dips. I rode it every chance I got. And so did my children ride it at every opportunity.
Bob Winslow: As a child, my parents came from Highland Fling twice a year to Lakemont Park. We children were each given $.50, and The Leap-The-Dips was our first spree, then the marry-go-round and other rides. That $.50 brought us a lot of joy and ice cream cones besides.

Hazel McCready: I wouldn’t ride it, because I was scared to death of it.

Anna Eardley: As a country kid from Martinsburg, The Leap-The-Dips at Lakemont Park was a big thrill—wonderful!

Olive Noel: Our four children attended the Cathedral elementary school in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Their school picnic was held at Lakemont Park. The Leap-The-Dips was then in operation and especially enjoyed by all of us.

Gerri Rose: In the 1940’s, the excitement of a yearly trip to Lakemont Park was always highlighted by the fast and thrilling ride on The Leap-The-Dips, lasting only a few minutes—now a lifetimes memory.

Louise Gill: I remember getting in a small—I think a wooden—cart on a platform. It went slowly up the tracks and at the top suddenly flipped downwards.

Barry Lambour: We were giggling, laughing kids punching one another as we boarded The Leap-The-Dips cars. Up, up we went and suddenly we were catching our breath as we dashed and dipped downward. Exciting!

Joel Mannion: My recollection of The Leap-The-Dips was a ride with my sister and elderly great Uncle Joe. No one else would risk the ride. This visitor from New York gladly accepted the challenge and shared our fun.

Dorothy Peoples: Sure I remember The Leap-The-Dips! It was a lot of pleasure and not too steep. As I recall the ride was $.10. We always took along a big picnic basket with our lunch when we went to Lakemont Park.

Louise Tobin: Do I remember The Leap-The-Dips at Lakemont Park? I sure do! When visiting aunts in Altoona, I loved to go to the park on the open trolley. One time I was on the roller coaster with Lizzie Fresh. We were both from Nicktown. What I can still see is her expression after the big dip—Lizzie’s eyes were as big as her mouth.

Evey Rogers: Lakemont Park was a place to always have a real good time. I was in some plays at the Playhouse that Helen Carrol produced. And the dances. The Leap-The-Dips we always rode, but we were just a little afraid.

These comments are only a few from joy seekers. We will never know of the many thousands who enjoyed this historic preservation that we hope will soon ride again into the Lakemont Park future.