PA Historic Places

Uncovering the Pennsylvania Roots of “Winter Wonderland”

Collage highlighting the Pennsylvania origins of "Winter Wonderland," featuring a historical marker honoring lyricist Richard "Dick" Smith, a photo of Smith at the piano, his childhood home in Honesdale, and the iconic sheet music cover depicting a winter scene.

Located in the heart of Honesdale, Wayne County, lies the inspiration for one of the most beloved holiday songs of all time, Winter Wonderland.

Historical marker in front of Richard "Dick" Smith's childhood home in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, honoring him as the lyricist of "Winter Wonderland," with the nearby Central Park serving as the inspiration for the iconic holiday song.

The song’s lyricist, Richard “Dick” Smith, grew up in Honesdale and found inspiration for his timeless words in the town’s scenic Central Park.

Banners in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, honoring Richard B. Smith, lyricist of "Winter Wonderland," detailing his inspiration from Central Park in Honesdale and his legacy as a native of the town.

Smith’s childhood home, located just across from the park and the Wayne County courthouse, still stands as a quiet witness to his legacy.

The boyhood home of Richard "Dick" Smith in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, with a historical marker recognizing his role as the lyricist of "Winter Wonderland," a holiday classic inspired by his childhood memories of playing near Central Park.

Today, a historical marker commemorates his remarkable contribution to American music.

Close-up of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission marker in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, commemorating lyricist Richard "Dick" Smith and his creation of the holiday classic "Winter Wonderland," inspired by his boyhood memories of playing in Central Park across from his family home.

The Life of Richard “Dick” Smith

Born in 1901, Smith was a graduate of Honesdale School and later attended the Pennsylvania State College (now Penn State University), where he studied advertising and honed his creative talents by editing the college magazine and leading an orchestra.

After college, he moved to New York City, managing theaters and pursuing a career in the arts.

Richard "Dick" Smith, lyricist of the holiday classic "Winter Wonderland," seated at a piano with sheet music, showcasing his contributions to American music while drawing inspiration from his Pennsylvania roots.

In 1931, Smith’s life took a tragic turn when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and admitted to West Mountain Sanatorium in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Historic photo of West Mountain Sanatorium in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where Richard "Dick" Smith wrote the lyrics to "Winter Wonderland" in 1934 while being treated for tuberculosis.

It was during his time at the sanitarium that Smith penned the lyrics to Winter Wonderland, capturing the magic of snowy days and cheerful winter scenes.

Cover art of the sheet music for "Winter Wonderland," featuring a snowy landscape with skiers and ice skaters, representing the Pennsylvania-inspired setting of the holiday classic written by Honesdale native Dick Smith.

Composer Felix William Bernhardt later set the words to music, creating a Christmas classic that has been cherished for decades, despite the fact the word “Christmas” never appears in the original lyrics.

Sheet music for "Winter Wonderland" written by Dick Smith and composed by Felix Bernard in 1934, showcasing the Pennsylvania origins of this iconic holiday song inspired by the beauty of Honesdale, PA.

Since its debut in 1934, Winter Wonderland has been recorded by over 200 artists, including legends like Guy Lombardo, Perry Como (another Pennsylvanian), Tony Bennett, and Elvis Presley.

Vintage Decca record label featuring Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians' recording of "Winter Wonderland," a holiday classic with lyrics by Honesdale, Pennsylvania native Richard "Dick" Smith and music by Felix Bernard.

Sadly, Smith’s life was cut short by his illness, passing away one day shy of his 34th birthday in 1935.

Gravestone of Richard "Dick" Smith in Dyberry Cemetery, Honesdale, Pennsylvania, honoring him as the composer of the classic holiday song "Winter Wonderland," with a depiction of a snowman symbolizing his iconic lyrics.

He was laid to rest in Dyberry Cemetery in Honesdale, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and joy that endures in every rendition of his iconic song.

Historical marker on the porch of Richard "Dick" Smith's childhood home in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, commemorating him as the lyricist of the classic holiday song "Winter Wonderland" and recognizing the area as a Wayne County Heritage Site.

Nearby Attractions

9 Must-See Attractions in Wayne County showcases more remarkable sights and experiences in the area.

Collage of four photos showcasing attractions in Wayne County, Pennsylvania: a vintage black and yellow Pennsylvania Railroad locomotive on display under a blue sky; a scenic overlook with a bench and interpretive sign offering panoramic views of Honesdale; an elegant gallery inside the Dorflinger Glass Museum featuring displays of art glass on white pedestals; and a picturesque waterfall cascading beneath a wooden footbridge surrounded by early spring woodland.

Explore Pennsylvania like a pro with the interactive PA Bucket List Travel Map, showcasing over 1,000 memorable destinations I’ve personally visited across the Keystone State.

Did you enjoy this article?

If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!

Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.