Hillbilly Park

It was 1946, right outside of Newark, Ohio (my hometown), when Eddie Ruton and his brothers bought what would become Hillbilly Park. This was a 20 acre plot that they turned into a concert venue that received famous folk and bluegrass acts. Although they were not necessarily famous when they first performed there, many of the artists that frequented the place became well-known later on. For example, there were household names like Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs, Grandpa Jones, Bill Monroe and even Wayne Newton when he was a part of the Newton Rascals.

Eddie and his wife ran the park and kept it clean, according to those that attended the concerts. There was no swearing allowed and no alcohol sold. Eddie passed away in 1957, but his wife continued to keep the park open until 1966 continuing to draw in both national and local acts.

Works Cited

Photo Credit: http://www.newarkadvocate.com/story/news/local/newarks-history/2014/10/18/dykn-hillbilly-park-place/17512411/ and http://archive.lancastereaglegazette.com/article/20100402/BLOGS03/100409015/Hillbilly-Park-1950