Name: Waldameer Park
Brand: Jim Futrell
SKU: 9780738598376
Price: 24.99 USD
Availability: InStock

Waldameer Park

9780738598376

$24.99

One of the oldest amusement parks in the United States, and one of the last surviving "trolley parks,'? Waldameer Park has provided generations with fun-filled afternoons.

Originally beginning as a picnic area known as Hoffman's Grove on the banks of Lake Erie in Northwestern Pennsylvania, the Erie Electric Motor Company leased the park in 1896 and renamed it "Waldameer,'? translated literally as "Woods by the Sea'? in German. A trolley park's main purpose was to entice people to ride the new-fangled trolley car on the weekends, and Waldameer accomplished that in spades. Initially, the park's main attraction was its beach on the lake, a popular destination for people to go and escape the heat of summer, but over the years, Waldameer Park changed and grew significantly. In the early 20th century, rides like Dip the Dips, Ravine Flyer, and Mill Run grew to be the main attractions at the park. Over the past three decades, Waldameer Park has grown into a modern amusement park, while maintaining its beloved nostalgic atmosphere. Today, visitors cool off in the Water World water park and enjoy thrill rides like the Comet, Steel Dragon, X-Scream, and Ravine Flyer II.

Weeki Wachee Springs

9780738542478

$24.99

Wander through the pages of this book and meet the mermaids of Weeki Wachee in their magical underwater theater.

Mermaids are like leprechauns: it's very hard to sneak up and catch a glimpse of one. But in a hamlet on the Gulf Coast of Florida, people have been able to do just that since 1947, when Newton Perry opened a small roadside attraction with an underwater theater. For nearly 60 years, live mermaids have been the unique focal point of Weeki Wachee Springs. Mysterious and enchanting, these young performers have done everything from teaching a class to typing a letter underwater. They are carefully trained, completely enthusiastic, and delightful to see.

Cover image for Weeki Wachee Springs, isbn: 9780738542478

Western New York Amusement Parks

9780738574561

$24.99

From Fantasy Island to Darien Lake, Western New York's 100 year amuseument park history is documented in this fast-paced photographic tale.

For more than 100 years, western New Yorkers have enjoyed the region's exciting amusement parks. During the days of trolleys and steamships, area businessmen created Celoron Park, Crystal Beach Park, and other fine local summer resorts. Decades later, lifelong memories were formed for neighborhood baby boomers who visited Glen Park and Fantasy Island, as well as one of New York State's finest theme parks, Darien Lake. Western New York has always been a proving ground for some of the nation's most famous roller coasters. The terrifying Cyclone, the fast and furious Silver Comet, and the extreme Ride of Steel have attracted the very bravest of visitors. In the new millennium, the summer tradition of visiting local amusement parks continues with a blend of family-orientated parks and theme parks that appeal to all ages.

Cover image for Western New York Amusement Parks, isbn: 9780738574561

Willow Grove Park

9780738539133

$24.99

Life was a lark at Willow Grove Park! Take a trip on a trolley back in time to one of America's most famous amusement parks.

Willow Grove Park was originally conceived by a Philadelphia traction company in order to encourage people to ride the trolley on weekends, coining the term "trolley park'? in the process. Completed in 1896, this ingenious concept proved a remarkable success, and the park set the standard for providing first-class entertainment and amusement. In addition to world-class rides, games, and food, there would be daily concerts at the music pavilion, featuring well-known musicians such as John Philip Sousa, Victor Herbert, and Arthur Pryor. The park was in business for 80 years, only conceding defeat in 1976, but its legacy lives on in photographs and in the memories of the people who spent their days there. Through a wide range of images, Willow Grove Parkcaptures the rich history of this well-known icon.