Anyone with fond memories of the early days of Lake Winnepesaukah can now fuel their nostalgia at Goodlet Farm in Rock Spring.
The family-farm-turned-wedding-venue recently acquired the original water wheel that was once featured as part of the Boat Chute ride at the Rossville amusement park.
The wheel was donated to the farm by Rock Spring resident Ralph Miller, who had acquired it from Lake Winnie years before when it was taken out of service.
"It'd just been sitting at their house until everybody decided it might be wonderful on the Goodlet Farm," said farm owner Patsy Goodlet.
Once used to help boats get to the top of the Boat Chute water ride at Lake Winnepesaukah, the original wooden water wheel has now found a home at the Goodlet Farm in Rock Spring. (Contributed photo)The memento holds sentimental value for many who enjoyed the popular ride, opened in 1927 as one of the park's first attractions, but it holds even more meaning for Miller, as he picked it up with his son just one day before the young man was killed by a falling tree.
Over the last five months, Goodlet has worked to have the wheel restored to its original glory, relying on the handiwork of community members like Paul Childers, Rock Rankin and Casey Justice, who refurbished it and restored it to functionality. Then, on Sept. 29, Miller's grandson, Jarrod, became the first to see it in use when he held his wedding ceremony at the venue.
Goodlet said anyone is welcome to drop by to see the piece of local history in action and snap a few selfies with it, should they feel so inclined.
"A lot of people are thrilled about it," she said. "I think it's going to be quite nostalgic and I think it's going to be meaningful to people who want to come see it."
Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com.