SitemapThe iconic waterfall that is adjacent to Mill Creek Park’s Lanterman’s Mill has had many names over the years.
Among its historical monikers is Idora Falls, a name shared with Youngstown’s famous 20th-century amusement park.
The waterfall will reclaim that historical name this weekend, during Mill Creek MetroParks’ “A Day at Idora Falls” program that runs all day Saturday.
The event, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lanterman’s Mill, is a celebration of the history of the area in all of its stages, from a campsite for nomadic Native Americans to its Idora Park days to today’s status as a popular park destination.
While the park has hosted the event before, it expanded the scope this year.
“This year, we decided to broaden it just a tad because it’s the park’s 125th anniversary. The park’s history, as well as Lanterman’s Mill’s history, as well as Idora Park and the Idora neighborhood – all of them are intertwined with that area around the falls,” said Carol Vigorito, MetroParks recreation and education director.
“[Park founder] Volney Rogers’ inspiration for the park came from the gorge and the falls, so we decided it would be a little bit more of a celebration of everything that’s around that area,” she said.
The program will feature games (inspired by those that would have been played at Idora Park) and crafts, as well as educational displays by local experts.
The Mahoning Valley Historical Society will be there to talk about the history of Native Americans traveling through the area; Rick Shale, local author of “Idora Park: The Last Ride of Summer,” will be there; Bob Barko of Steel Town Studios will have a display set up with memorabilia related to Youngstown’s history; and the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corp. will be represented, Vigorito said.
Visitors “can expect to learn a lot about the park’s 125 years of history,” she said.
The park also is offering a guided “Hike to Idora Falls” that begins at 10 a.m. from the Scholl Recreation Area. The two-hour hike will include a 45-minute stop at the “Day at Idora Falls” event.
Vigorito said it’s her department’s mission to educate people about the history and culture of this area.
“The mill area, the Idora Falls area, has such a rich history and connection to the Youngstown culture that it’s very, very important for people not to forget what came before what’s here now,” she said. “I hope people will come out and explore and enjoy, and learn a little about the rich history down there.”
The event is free. A small fee will be charged for crafts and games. Food will be available to purchase.
Limited parking is available at the mill’s main lot; additional parking is available at the Idora overflow lot near the mill on the east side of the road.
To read the full story from the Vindicator, click here.