Glen Park: Scenery, History and Tap Dance

By Katherine Guenther

Glen Falls after a long rainy week. 

As the Village of Williamsville and the Iskalo Development Corp. work to remodel the Williamsville Water Mill another historic site sits just behind the building: Glen Park.
Williamsville resident, Mike Valentic has a strong attachment to Glen Park.  He built his home directly beside Glen Falls in 1985 and has watched the park change throughout the years.

Locals watch the falls from the observation path.

Glen Park rests on the historic remains of the Williamsville Water Mill which was established and has run continuously since 1811. The park boasts a small but picturesque waterfall that flows through Ellicott Creek and two large duck ponds connected by stone pathways. The park is a common destination for weddings and photography.

Under the Iskalo Corporation’s re-development plan the remodeled Williamsville Mill will connect directly to the park through the back of the building.
“The park as it is today was created in 1976 after a long battle with local government who wished to sell it for development,” said Williamsville Historical Society President and Glen Park Joint Board Trustee Mary Lowther in a written statement.

The park also offers a scenic walking path.

An Integral Part of Frontier Era

The park sits on the rear of the Williamsville Water Mill and the remains of the Dodge Mill which was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1894. Mills were an integral part of frontier life in the 1800’s.

Harry Altman's picture hangs in the
Buffalo Niagara  Heritage Village's Amherst exhibit.

“During the Westward Movement, a working mill-- especially a grist mill-- was often a social and economic magnet for new inhabitants,” said David G. Haines, President of the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills in a written statement.
“It was the mall of the Early Republic,” he said. While the milling industry in Williamsville died down at the turn of the century it was just the beginning for Glen Park.
The area has had a long and eventful history leading up to its establishment as a natural park. In the 1930’s the area was purchased by Harry Altman who built an amusement park and casino on the property. Mike Valentic, who is a professional tap dancer and singer, has many fond memories of the casino and amusement park.

Evidence that rides really were that cheap. Taken at the BNHV.

“You could ride the merry-go-round and play the different games there – just for a nickel,” Valentic said, “They had free entertainment, in fact, as an entertainer I performed in the Glen a couple of times.”
According to Mary Lowther the park is currently maintained through a partnership between the Village of Williamsville and the Town of Amherst.
“Once it was determined that it would be a park,” Lowther wrote, “the Village of Williamsville joined forces with the Town of Amherst to help make it into a beautiful passive natural park that is now enjoyed by thousands of people every year.”

A Place for Photos, Scenery and Art

In addition to a small walking trail and charming scenery Glen Park also offers the community an annual art festival in July. The Glen Park Art Festival is scheduled run July 27th through the 28th according to the Williamsville Business Association’s website.
Mike Valentic, who is on the Williamsville Arts Committee is looking forward to the festival. According to the festival’s Facebook page the festival showcases ten local restaurants and over thirty local artists in addition to displays for High school and Middle school artists. The festival will also showcase twenty musical acts which will be spread out through the two day festival.
Local artists are invited to apply for a spot in the festival on the Village of Williamsville’s website.