Story Book Forest in Ligonier, Pennsylvania

A ticket stub that my parents saved

For many families, a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World provides an opportunity for both kids and adults to create cherished memories. Besides enjoying all of the rides and attractions, children can connect with their favorite fairy tale characters (such as Snow White and Cinderella), while their parents share their fun and act like kids again themselves. 

But what if a family wants the same kind of experience, but much simpler – and without all of the excess thrills and trappings (as well as cost of admission) of a huge amusement park? 

The answer: they can consider a visit to Story Book Forest in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. It's been there since the mid-1950s and is still there today, part of Idlewild Park.

This article in the Pittsburgh Press from August 5, 1956 tells the story of how the fairy tale park was the brainchild of Arthur "Happy the Clown" Jennings. The clown performer and magician had the idea that some swampland located next door to Idlewild Park (where he worked) could somehow be transformed into a park where nursery stories could come to life.

At the time that the article was written, the park had only been open for a few weeks. Apparently it had gotten some great publicity, because my parents took my sister (who was only two at that time) there in September 1956.

Here are a few photos from the Brady photo album from that visit to Story Book Forest (which also include a side trip to Fort Ligonier). By George, my parents sure had a lot of trouble with their camera!

The Bradys paid a return visit to Story Book Forest in the summer of 1966, so that my brothers and I could see it too. (Your humble blogger is at the far left.)

And here's a nice selection of vintage postcards of Story Book Forest, including its iconic, walk-through story book entrance.

Of particular interest to me was the Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe. According to my copy of Roadside America (1986), the woman who portrayed her did it for 20 years – before retiring and turning over the job over to her own daughter! Note that the woman on the postcards below is the same woman in the photo with my mother and sister. She must have really enjoyed her job making kids happy.

And here's a vintage brochure.

Click here to visit the Story Book Forest website.