Writer to discuss new Idlewild book
By Eric Seiverling
eseiverling@yourmvi.com
Roller coasters, bumper cars and water slides might be the first thing you think of when amusement parks come to mind, but author and 2000 McKeesport Area High School graduate Jennifer Sopko hopes to shine a different light on the parks and attractions that keep us young at heart.
An avid historian with 15 years of experience in freelance writing, Sopko has become an expert on the bygone times of Ligonier Valley, Westmoreland County and Western Pennsylvania.
Her latest book, “Idlewild: History and Memories of Pennsylvania’s Oldest Amusement Park” will be the topic of discussion at the West Jefferson Hills Historical Society’s program at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Jefferson Hills Municipal Building’s Community Rooms.
Sopko will showcase the park’s 140-year history, when it began as a picnic playground and train station along the Ligonier Valley Railroad.
To read the rest of this story, please see a copy of Monday’s Mon Valley Independent, call 724-314-0035 to subscribe or subscribe to our online edition at https://e.monvalleyindependent.com.
