Historic Monarch Park

Although it closed more than 70 years ago, Monarch Park continues to pique the imagination of those too young to have experienced it and evoke vivid memories of shared festivities for those who did. As the best possible place for any kind of summer gathering, it probably touched more lives than any other spot in the area. It was the favored spot, not only because of its facilities, but because of the ease of getting there.

The Park was first developed by John Smithman of Oil City as a way of attracting more passengers for his Oil City Railway Company.

This is an excerpt from a piece wrritten by Bill Bowen of Oil City and expanded in 2009 by William L. Passauer. The original article was published in the Venango County 2000: The Changing Scene, Vol. I and was used by Bill during his many presentations about Monarch Park. For more information, visit OilCityPA.net.