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[BOOK 41] JAMES W. REED: AMUSEMENT PARK GUIDEBOOK. [1987] (21x27cm - 250 Pages). Includes write-ups and information about 152 amusement parks in the USA and Canada with 8 or more adult rides. Selected Chapter Points: Park Status Reports; Alphabetical Listing of Parks; Description and Details of Parks; Alphabetical Listing of Top Rated Parks; Alphabetical Listing of Most Beautiful Parks; Ranking of Parks by the Number of Adult Rides & Children’s Rides; Ranking of Rides based on the Number of Units in Operation; Ride Descriptions; Rating of Dark Rides; Unusual or Unique Rides.
[BOOK 42] LADYBIRD: DISCOVERING ALTON TOWERS. [1988] (12x18cm – 46 Pages – Many colour photos). A charming publication featuring the rides and attractions at Alton Towers theme park. Chapter Points: Getting in; Getting around; Festival Park; Talbot Street; Aqualand; Kiddies Kingdom; The gardens; Fantasy World; The Towers…
[BOOK 43] STEPHEN H. PASCHEN: SHOOTIN' THE CHUTES, AMUSEMENT PARKS REMEMBERED. [1988] (21x28cm - 70 Pages – Many B&W photos). A nostalgic and educational look back at those long lost amusement parks: Beerside Park; Brady Lake; Chippewa Lake Park; Euclid Beach; Geauga Lake; Gorge Park; High Bridge Glens; Idora Park; Lakeside; Lakeview; Luna Park; Meyers Lake; Orchard Lake Park; Randolph Park; Sandy Beach; Sea Lion Park; Silver Lake; Springfield Lake; Summit Beach; Tuscora Park and White City (Cleveland).
[BOOK 44] SHARON L. D. KRAYNEK: CHIPPEWA LAKE PARK 1800-1978. [1988] (21x27cm - 156 Pages – Many B&W photos). Located about 35 miles south on interstate 71 from Cleveland or 15 minutes west on interstate 76 from Akron, in the village of Chippewa Lake, Ohio; Chippewa Lake Park was open to the public for thirteen summer weeks each year. On hot summer days the blinking lights of the red and white Chippewa Lake Park sign, complete with an Indian head, rigged in full bonnet welcomed arrivals. There were no gates to pass through, no one collecting money for parking the car – just an open atmosphere welcoming one and all to a good time and enjoyment.
[BOOK 45] JEFF BROWN & RAY FETE: MEYERS LAKE A SECOND LOOK. [1988] (22x28cm – 154 Pages – Many B&W photos). A follow-up publication and complement to “Meyers Lake Revisited.” Chapter Points: The Early Years; The ‘Northern Ohio Traction & Light Company’ Years 1902 – 1926; The Sinclair Years; Picnics; Moonlight Ballroom & Gardens; Sports; Finis.
[BOOK 46] JAMES R. WATSON: THE WENONA BEACH STORY. [1988] (21x27cm – 80 Pages – Many B&W photos). Wenona Beach closed in 1964, however many memories live on in the form of books such as this. See and read about the side-friction roller coaster (1912) and the Old Mill/Lover’s Tunnel. See the many stalls, the Jack Rabbit roller coaster (1914) and the miniature railway and its engines. With children’s rides such as the Carousel and Big Wheel to the more daring rides such as the Roloplane and the Flying Scooters! See Wenona Beach captured in time for you to enjoy at your leisure.
[BOOK 47] BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH: THROUGH THE CAMERA OF LICHFIELD. [1989] (21x30cm). Foreword by Geoffrey Thompson: a delightful portfolio of BPB colour photographs.
[BOOK 48] ROBERT NICHOLLS: LOOKING BACK AT BELLE VUE MANCHESTER. [1989] (21x30cm - 78 Pages – Many B&W photos). Chapter Points: Introduction; The Establishment of Belle Vue Under John Jennison up to 1869; Belle Vue Under the Jennison Family 1869 –1925; Belle Vue (Manchester) Ltd. 1925 – 1956; Belle Vue Under Sir Leslie Joseph and Charles Forte 1956 – 1977; Final Closure of Belle Vue and Subsequent Site Development.
[BOOK 49] GLENN D. EVERETT: FUN AT THE OLD CEDAR POINT. [1989] (15x23cm - 156 Pages – Few B&W photos). A time machine takes us back to 1935 for a day at an old time amusement park. Take a voyage on the Old Paddle Wheeler; Chute the Rapids and Leap the Dips; Around we go on the Joy Planes, The Bug and Caterpillar. Tumble through the Fun House and ride upon the Cyclone…
[BOOK 50] CHARLES J. JACQUES: FLYING TURNS, THE NEW AVIATION RIDE. [1989] (21x27cm – 36 Pages – Many B&W photos and diagrams). A unique publication charting the history of the Flying Turns amusement park ride from the 1929 prototype until the 1970s. Chapter Points: The First Flying Turns; Bartlett Perfects the Flying Turns at Euclid Beach; The Miller and Bartlett Company; PTC Encounters Rough Sledding in the Depression; Bartlett Builds a few Flying Turns in the early 1930s; The Greatest Flying Turns of all – The Lake Placid Bobsled.
[BOOK 51] HELMUT JAHN & PETER PETRITSCH: THE VIENNA GIANT FERRIS WHEEL (RIESENRAD). [1989] (20x25cm – 62 Pages – Many B&W and colour photos). On the 25th June 1997 this Viennese institution celebrated its one hundredth anniversary. Almost one million people a year take a ride on The Giant Ferris Wheel in the Prater. This book was co-written by Peter Petritsch, one of the Giant Wheel’s owners. Read about the design and construction of the wheel in 1896-1897, and see many historical photographs. Also, find out about the wheel as it operates today, with some amazing colour shots. Selected Chapter Points: Visitors from all over the World; the Idea, History & Progress; Almost Dismantled; The Second World War; Ownership; The Third Man; James Bond; Engineering & Maintenance.
[BOOK 52] BLACKPOOL PLEASURE BEACH: WHERE THE THEME IS FUN. [1990] (21x30cm - 16 Pages – Many colour photos). A BPB publication. A glimpse behind the scenes and photographs of past and present rides and attractions. Quite a rare book.
[BOOK 53] JEFFREY STANTON: SANTA MONICA PIER, A HISTORY FROM 1875 ONWARDS. [1990] (23x30cm - 176 Pages – Many B&W, some colour photos). This book completes the history of Santa Monica Bay’s three great amusement piers. Chapter Points: Santa Monica’s North Beach 1875-1907; Construction of Municipal & Looff Piers 1908-1918; Pier Expansion & Rebuilding 1919-1928; Santa Monica Harbour & Breakwater 1928-1941; Santa Monica Pier on the Skids 1941-1974; City Owned Pier 1974-1990.
[BOOK 54] (VARIOUS AUTHORS): A HISTORY OF LAKEMONT PARK 1894 – 1989. [1990] (22x28cm – 128 Pages – Many B&W, some colour photos). Chapter Points: The Origin; The Streetcar Company; Iron Ore Mines; Recreation on the Lake; The Casino; “Theatre in the Woods”; Historical Highlights; The Blue Island Pool; Flora and Fauna; Natural Disasters; Amusements and Rides; The Decline; Boyertown, USA; The Park 1988-89; Looking Ahead…
[BOOK 55] MEMORIES OF FONTAINE FERRY PARK, A PICTORIAL HISTORY. [1990] (21x28cm - 64 Pages – Many B&W photos). Fontaine Ferry Park (Louisville, KY) provided fun and excitement for countless patrons between 1899 – 1969. Captain Aaron Fontaine came west from Virginia in 1798 and settled in Louisville. In the 1880s, a resort area was built on the Fontaine estate and in 1899 William Jennings Bryant sowed the seeds that grew into one of the world’s most famous amusement parks. Fontaine Ferry!
[BOOK 56] SHIRLEY BAILEY & JIM PARKHURST: EARLY SOUTH JERSEY AMUSEMENT PARKS. [1990] (21x28cm – 56 Pages – Many B&W photos). Featuring: Almonesson Park; Tumbling Dam Park; Burlington Island Park; Woodlynne Park; Whitaker Park (or Centerton); Clementon Lake Park; Pillings Lake Park; Silver Lake Park; Grenloch Park; Lake Lenape Park; Union Lake Park (or Luna); Lily Lake Park; Lincoln Park; Germania Park; Riverview Beach Park; Alcyon Park; Almond Road Park; Lubins Park (or Rainbow Lake); Washington Park.
[BOOK 57] THE CRYSTAL PALACE FOUNDATION: CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF THE CRYSTAL PALACE. [1990] (21x29cm – 60 Pages – Many B&W photos). Much has been written by historians and researchers about the Crystal Palace at Sydenham. Now history comes alive, as ordinary people who enjoyed the building and events that took place there, share their memories with you. They were children at the turn of the century and knew the Palace in its heyday. The story is built up from recorded interviews made by the Palace Memories Group who are committed to preserving first-hand accounts of the Palace for future generations to enjoy – truly a perfect playground!
[BOOK 58] ERIC YOUNG: THE GIANT DIPPER: A PICTORIAL HISTORY. [1991] (21x28cm – 58 Pages – Many colour photos). Picturing the turbulent history of The Giant Dipper at San Diego, California. “The Giant Dipper was originally conceived by John D. Spreckels, the sugar czar, as part of a plan he announced in 1922 to build what was then called The Mission Beach Amusement Center… Construction of the roller coaster began in May 1925, just before the park opened, and was finished in time for the 4 July. Designed by the famous team of Prior and Church, it took just 45 days to complete…
[BOOK 59] TIM O’BRIEN: THE AMUSEMENT PARK GUIDE. [1991] (14x21cm – 222 Pages – Few B&W photos and maps). Looking for an all-day treat for the whole family? Or for a smart way to relax on a hot summer’s day? Perhaps you’re in search of the most thrilling roller coaster ride – or the wettest water ride. Look no further! With this book you have everything you need to enjoy 250 amusement and theme parks in the US and Canada.
[BOOK 60] AMERICAN COASTER ENTHUSIASTS: GUIDE TO RIDE. [1991] (21x28cm – 66 Pages – Many colour photos). A guide to the roller coasters of North America, Canada and Mexico. Featuring: Historical Tidbits; Fun Trivia; Ride Descriptions; Complete Statistics; Fan Favourites and Coaster Classics.
[BOOK 61] JACK HIDDLESTONE: SCRANTON LUNA PARK. [1991] (21x28cm – 36 Pages – Many B&W photos). Scranton Luna Park is unquestionably the grandest and most complete amusement and recreative place between the great ocean resorts. It was built by Frederick Ingersoll of Pittsburgh at a cost of $300,000. To wander through this park is to meet constant novelty. There’s the roller coasters, the Chutes, the bands and dancers… This book is your invitation to take a trip back in time for a while, to a place you have only dreamed about! Chapter Points: Area Amusement Parks; Luna’s Birth; Luna’s Attractions; Transportation to Luna; Luna’s demise and the Ensuing Years; Additional Photos and Area Maps.
[BOOK 62] JUDITH A. ADAMS: THE AMERICAN AMUSEMENT PARK INDUSTRY. [1991] (15x22cm – 228 Pages – Few B&W photos). A history of technology and thrills! Selected Chapter Points: Pleasure Parks and Mechanized Amusement Apparatus; The World’s Columbian Exposition; Steeplechase, Luna & Dreamland; The Rise and Decline of the Traditional Amusement Park 1900-1950; The Disney Transformation; Theme Parks; Amusement Park Chronology 1133-1990.
[BOOK 63] KATHLEEN BARACH: THE LAST CAROUSEL - CITY PARK, NEW ORLEANS. [1991] (13x18cm - 42 Pages - Few B&W and colour photos). A small booklet detailing the history of the City Park Carousel. As you push open the wrought iron gate and step into a garden interlaced with brick walks and fragrant with jasmine, you see the strange, enchanting light that seems to come from a multifaceted jewel. As you draw closer you discover that the jewel is a carousel, a glittering, twirling gem of a carousel with lights and gold and stained glass windows, with spirited horses and a ferocious lion, calling, inviting. Come ride! It can take your breath away. Chapter Points: The Origins of Carousels; The Makers of Carousels; The City Park Carousel; A Carousel Reborn; The Carousel Today.
[BOOK 64] ROBERT E. PREEDY: ROLLER COASTERS, THEIR AMAZING HISTORY. [1992] (20x21cm - 60 Pages – Many B&W photos). Chapter Points: Introduction; Barry Island; Blackpool Pleasure Beach; Clacton & South Shields; Lot Morgan; Great Yarmouth; Manchester’s Two Amusement Parks; John Henry Iles; Margate; Morecambe; Skegness; Southend-On-Sea; Amusements at the Exhibitions; Southport; John Collins; Sutton Coldfield; Whitley Bay; Fast Facts; Switchback Railways; Figure Eight Railways; Scenic Railways; Coasters With Under-Track Rollers; The Future.
[BOOK 65] ROBERT NICHOLLS: THE BELLE VUE STORY. [1992] (20x30cm - 84 Pages – Many B&W photos / diagrams). Telling the complete story of the Belle Vue (Manchester, England) Zoological Gardens. Chapter Points: The Establishing of Belle Vue by John Jennison; John Jennison’s Years of Success 1852-69; Prosperity Under the Family 1869-94; The Last Decades of Family Control 1894-1925; Belle Vue Ltd 1925-39; Years of Success and Decline 1939-56; Sir Leslie Joseph in Control 1956-63; Part of the Forte Empire 1963-77; 1977 to the Present Day.
[BOOK 66] LEE O. BUSH & RICHARD F. HERSHEY: CONNEAUT LAKE PARK THE FIRST 100 YEARS. [1992] (22x28cm – 176 Pages – Many B&W photos). This publication celebrates and documents Conneaut Lake Park’s First 100 Years. See and read about the Wild Mouse, the elusive Blue Streak coaster, the Three Way Figure 8 Toboggan, the Scenic Railway and of the many other rides and attractions at this holiday destination. Selected Chapter Points: A Century Spanned; Rails and Sails; Games People Played; On with the Show; Taken for a Ride…
[BOOK 67] CHANNEL FOUR TELEVISION: THEME PARK HEAVEN. [1992] (14x21cm – 26 Pages – Some colour and B&W photos). Examining the development of amusement parks and the rides in them, to their apotheosis in the vision of Walt Disney and his Disneyland. Chapter Points: Immersive Experiences; Coastering Through History; Signature Rides; Disney’s Dreams; Euro Disney; All Good Movies Go To Theme Park Heaven; Ghoulish Delight; Simulated Reality; Time Travel; Computers & Archaeology; Virtual Reality; Further Reading…
[BOOK 68] NORMAN ANDERSON: FERRIS WHEELS, AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY. [1992] (21x28cm - 408 Pages - Many B&W photos and diagrams). The Ferris wheel, perhaps more than any other amusement ride, symbolises all that is magic about amusement parks and county fairs. The Ferris wheel lifts young and old alike for never–to–be–forgotten views, and passengers never forget their first ride on the “Queen” of the midway. Selected Chapter Points: Secrets of the Past; America’s Early Wheels; The Star of the Columbian Exposition; Wheels and Expositions, A Hundred–Year–Old Love Affair; From Astro Wheels to Zippers; Ferris Wheels – A Chronology; Ferris Wheel Patents and Components.
[BOOK 69] JEFFREY STANTON: VENICE CALIFORNIA, CONEY ISLAND OF THE PACIFIC. [1993] (23x30cm – 232 Pages – Many B&W photos, few colour). An updated and extended version of a 1987 publication. This book shall appeal to those interested in Southern California’s regional history, particularly Venice. Chapter Points: Building Ocean Park & Venice of America (1891–1906); Coney Island of the Pacific (1907-12); Growth Through the Teens (1913-19); Setbacks, Rebuilding & Political Confusion (1920-24); Annexation & Ruin (1924-29); Oil, Depression & War Years (1930-45); Dismantling of Venice (1946-72); Pacific Ocean Park (1958-67); Ocean Front Walk – An Unstructured Midway (1972---).
[BOOK 70] DAVID W. & DIANE DEMALI FRANCIS: SUMMIT BEACH PARK. [1993] (21x28cm – 178 Pages – Many B&W photos). Chapter Points: Introduction; Evolution of the Amusement Park; Summit Lake; Akron Gets a Summit Resort; Lakeside Grows and Matures; Akron Welcomes Summit Beach Park; The Soaring Twenties; Summit Beach Weathers the Depression; Summit Beach Goes to War; Farewell to Summit Beach.
[BOOK 71] BOB GOLDSACK: A PICTORIAL HISTORY OF NEW ENGLAND AMUSEMENT PARKS. [1993] (21x28cm – 138 Pages – Many B&W photos, few colour). Contents: Turn Of The Century Amusement Parks; Acushnet Park; Canobie Lake; Crescent Park; Lake Compounce; Lake Kenosia; Quassy Park; Lakeview; Lakewood Park; Lincoln Park; Luna Park (Hartford CT); Merrimac Park; Mountain Park; Norembega Park; Old Orchard Beach; Newport Beach; Paragon Park; Pine Island; Pleasure Beach (Bridgeport CT); Pleasure Island; Revere Beach; Riverside Park; Riverton Park; Rocky Point; Salisbury Beach; Savin Rock; Vanity Fair (RI); Whalom Park; White City Park; List of New England Amusement Parks Since 1890.
[BOOK 72] GIL JOHNSON & BENNETT W. DORMAN: SAVIN ROCK MEMORIES. [1993] (14x21cm – 350 Pages – Few B&W photos). Gone is the glitter, the thrills, the great fun days of Savin Rock. GONE FOREVER into legend beneath the bulldozers, burying its last laugh, its last scream, its last remnant. Only the surf laps the sand now along the Savin Rock shores, but if you listen beyond the cry of the seagulls, a dim drone of past generations of funsters by the million will become amplified with the sounds of the clanking roller coaster chains of the Thunderbolt & Sky Blazer, the hysterical laughter of the funhouse lady and the clang of the trolley bell.
[BOOK 73] MARK R. LAWLOR: BRANDYWINE SPRINGS AMUSEMENT PARK, ECHOES OF THE PAST. [1993] (18x25cm – 164 Pages – Few B&W photos). The illuminated entrance arch to Brandywine Amusement Park declared, “Let all who enter here. Leave care behind.” … and many thousands of Delawareans did just that, from the park’s founding in 1886 until its demise in 1923. Chapter Points: The Early Years, 1886 – 1899; Rapid Expansion, 1900 – 1904; Progress and Problems, 1905 – 1910; Time for Major Improvements, 1911 – 1914; An Ageing Park, 1915 – 1919; The Crowds Disappear, 1920 – 1923; Times Change, 1924 – Present.
[BOOK 74] JEFFREY BROWN & RAY FETE: MEYERS LAKE PARK REMEMBERED. [1993] (21x28cm - 324 Pages - Many B&W photos). For almost 100 years, Meyers Lake Park (Canton, Ohio) was the social and entertainment centre of eastern Ohio. Comprising two hotels, a casino, a ballroom and open-air dance gardens, a roller rink, a zoo, boating lake, camping grounds, and various amusement rides including the Sky Rocket and Comet wooden roller coasters. All this and more could be found at Meyers Lake. Chapter Points: The Early Years; The North Ohio Traction and Light Years; The Sinclair Years; Picnics; Moonlight Ballroom and Gardens; Sports; Finis.
[BOOK 75] SHARON L.D. KRAYNEK: CHIPPEWA LAKE PARK CHRONICLES. 1800 – 1969 [1993/4] (21x28cm - 208 Pages – Many B&W photos). A collection of newspaper articles and oral interviews that keep the memory of Chippewa Lake Park alive.
[BOOK 76] TODD H. THROGMORTON: ROLLER COASTERS OF AMERICA. [1994] (19x23cm - 160 pages - Many B&W photos) Roller coasters are built on one basic principle: People will pay to be terrified. From this simple tennant has sprung a tradition for scaring the living daylights out of ourselves on roller coaster rides. Chapter Points: The History of the Roller Coaster; Famous Designers; Location Guide to Amusement Parks and Roller Coasters.
[BOOK 77] DAVID KOENIG: MOUSE TALES. [1994] (14x21cm - 240 Pages). A behind-the-ears look at Disneyland. The most famous amusement park in the world – but is it really the Happiest Place on Earth? What’s it like to work at the Magic Kingdom. Climb inside the skin of your favourite cartoon character, are all these clean cut, ever-smiling “cast members” really as innocent as they seem? Find out what’s behind the Keep Out signs and security cameras…
[BOOK 78] CAROLE ESCOBAR: AMUSEMENT PARK PHYSICS. [1994] (21x28cm – 116 Pages – Many B&W diagrams). Have fun with physics using this workbook as your guide for a safe and productive day at the amusement park. Many worksheet pages on kinematics, Newton’s laws, accelerometers, measurements, and specific rides will keep physics students on track. Helpful figures, diagrams and answer keys are included. Complete with learning goals and pre-trip activities, this workbook is all you need for a successful physics field trip. (Reprinted 2001).
[BOOK 79] BRIAN TURNER & STEVE PALMER: THE BLACKPOOL STORY. [1994] (21x30cm – 150 Pages – Many B&W, few colour photos). This publication was commissioned by the Corporation of Blackpool to celebrate the Centenary of the Borough 1876-1976. Chapter Points: The Infant Blackpool; The Coming of the Railway; Laying the Foundations; Walking on the Water; The Entertainment Boom; The New Influence; Lowering the Tone; The Popular Theatre; The Eiffel Tower; Having a Good Time; The Blackpool Bubble; The Transport Revolution / Trams; Aviation in Blackpool; The Illuminations; The Pleasure Beach; Taxis and Tanks, 1904-1918; The Expansive Years, 1919-1939; Blackpool at War, 1939-1945; Towards the Century, 1945-1976; The Changing Face of Blackpool, 1977-1985; The Blackpool Festival, 1994.
[BOOK 80] PAT KEARNEY: BUTTE’S PRIDE - THE COLUMBIA GARDENS. [1994] (21x28cm - 132 Pages - Many B&W, Some colour photos). Copper king William Clark built the Columbia Gardens shortly after he purchased land east of Butte in 1899. In a short period of time Clark constructed one of the most elegant parks in the history of the United States. The park featured gorgeous floral designs, unique equipment, a magnificent dance pavilion, amusement rides, and more. The park was closed to pave the way for mining in 1973. During its 74 years of operation, the park provided many wonderful hours of enjoyment for patrons. The Columbia Gardens was more than just an amusement park for Butte residents; it was a way of life.

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