Friends of
Brandywine Springs

Wilmington, De.

* * * Friends of Brandywine Springs (FOBS) is a group of people dedicated to researching and preserving the memory of Brandywine Springs Amusement Park. They are a non-profit, volunteer organization.

Sign Describing the Funhouse
The group would like to create a historical walking path along the paths of the former amusement park's boardwalk and trolley line. Signs with photographs will explain what park attraction stood at sites along the path. (Some are already installed.)
FOBS has built a footbridge to carry walkers across the Hyde Run which runs right through the park. A second bridge is in the planning stages. They plan to plant flowers and other plants to create a pleasant atmosphere in which to stroll along the trail.
The location of the original entrance archway is marked with white posts and pictures. The dancehall on the lake is similarly marked.

Sandi, Mike and Sharon
The group is carrying on archeological digs to locate footings and determine locations and sizes of the amusement park buildings and rides. They are also recovering artifacts from the days of the park's existence.
Future projects include having the dam rebuilt and the lake refilled.
Friends of Brandywine Springs is led by Mike and Sandi Ciosek, and Paul and Joyce Harris. They have made tremendous progress in documenting the history of the park. A walk through the park will find signs at various locations describing the ruins found there.

Anne Graces Us with a Story

Jennie Lee Supervises

Anne Hedrick, a FOBS member, remembers the park in operation. She frequented the park as a child and loves to relate stories of the fun she had. Ask her to show you the scar still visible on her arm from her infamous 'sliding board accident'.
Once a month, the group meets at the park to dig for foundations and artifacts. Everyone is welcome to join the 'digs'. Please call or write for directions.
Monthly meetings are held at Cedars Methodist Church
Email - fobs@fobsde.cjb.net
Mail -
Friends of Brandywine Springs
PO Box 5323
Wilmington, De. 19808-0323
Or Call - 302-994-0536

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Visit the Friends of Brandywine Springs museum at the Wilmington & Western Railroad Greenbank Station on Rte. 41. Various artifacts found at the park are displayed. Brandywine Springs souvenirs can be purchased at the gift shop.
The railroad operates every Sunday afternoon through November. More information can be found at their website www.wwrr.com or by calling (302)998-1930.
For a detailed history of the park, read -

"Brandywine Springs Amusement Park
Echoes Of The Past
1886-1923"
by Mark R Lawlor

Its 164 pages are filled with many pictures and maps, and is very enjoyable reading. Contact FOBS for your copy or stop by the museum to pick one up.

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