Scranton-born Russ Morgan (1904-1969) began his career at age 14 and by age 18 he was in New York City.  He was a member of several bands until Rudy Vallee persuaded Morgan to form his own band in 1936 and also to appear on Vallee’s radio show.   In the 1930's Morgan appeared all over the country in the best hotels and other venues. 

On May 31, 1939, Morgan appeared at Fern Brook.  Morgan began a long run in 1958 in Las Vegas.  His sons Jack and David also joined the band which continued in Vegas until 1977.  Jack Morgan continues with the orchestra and “Music in the Morgan Manner.” 

During the war years the headliner bands faded and the dance hall featured more “populist” dances - modern, square, farmer, and polka.  By Summer 1942 the dance hall was also used for roller skating.  An account states that the park’s roller coaster was dismantled during the War to build a coaster at Rocky Glen - but this account is very likely wrong.   The bands most identified with Fern Brook in the war years were locally based but excellent.next