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The Beaver Valley Traction Company has had a large force of workmen employed for the past weeks putting the two popular pleasure resorts, Junction and Morado Parks, in shape to accommodate the crowds who flock there during the summer. Both parks have undergone a thorough renovation and numerous improvements have been made at both places.
The contract has been let for the erection of a three-turn figure eight toboggan slide at the Junction. The slide will be one of the largest ever erected and will cost when completed $15,000. It will be located between the merry-go-round and dancing pavillion and to the west of the cinder path. Electric motors will take the cars to the top of the incline and the descent will be controlled by gravity. Cars can be sent out every minute with no danger to passengers.
The lumber for the slide has been shipped from Buffalo and immediately upon its arrival a large force of men will be put to work and the structure rushed to completion. The slide is expected to be ready for use on the Fourth of July.
This new feature will add very much to the attractions of the park and is expected to prove popular with patrons. The abrupt changes of grade, together with the sharp turns, make the trips exhilarating and exciting sport.
Another new feature which has already enthroned itself in the hearts of patrons, old and young alike, is the automatic swing. Six of these swings, which are so built that friction is reduced to a minimum and the pleasure of the gentle rhythmic motion can be enjoyed with practically no exertion, have been erected in the park south of the merry-go-round.
The summer theater will open on June 20 with a fine bill. All of the summer's attractions are to be furnished by Frank Melville of New York City, who has had years of experience in the business and has a reputation for furnishing nothing but first class attractions. The Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees will be continued this season. These matinees, which are free to women and children patrons of the company, were inaugurated by Superintendent Thompson last season, and proved extremely popular. The idea was an entirely new one and it was surprising the popularity it achieved, particularly with women and children.
The performances at these matinees are given with the same care and exactness that is observed in the evening performances.
It has been arranged that reserved seats for all performances can be purchased one week in advance at the office of the traction company at the Junction, or ordered by phone.
The dancing pavillion, which has always proved one of the most popular attractions at the Junction, has already been opened and public dances will be held every Saturday evening until June 20, after which time dances will be held every evening. The pavillion has been engaged by numerous parties of young people throughout the valley for the usual Thursday evening private dances. The music will be undert he direction of Mr. Frank Herron, leader of the Lyceum theater orchestra.
The restaurants and refreshment stands at the Junction have not been overlooked in the general overhauling and will be conducted by Mr. and Mrs. Rider of Rochester.
Morado Park also has been cleared of the winter's accumulation of rubbish. The springs have been opened up and everything put in shape for the summer's business. A ten minute car service has been inaugurated to Morado and cars will be run as often as the traffic demands.
The dancing pavillion at Morado will be open every afternoon after June 20 and dancing will be free to patrons of the company except on Saturday afternoons, when a small fee will be charged. The pavillion has also been engaged for a number of private dances in the evening.