Amusement (not "Theme") Park Memories (Cincinnati, Kent: home, casino)

[mike1003]

There used to be an amusement park on Reading Road between Reading and Evandale. It was called Pee Wee Valley. Mostly catered to younger kids.

I remember a cage that two people entered and by rocking back and forth, got it swinging like a pendulum. The goal was to make it swing over the top.

[ilovehouses]

I remember Fantasy Farm (catered to young kids). It had fair type rides and farm animals you could pet.

[NightBazaar]

I thought I was pretty sure I posted these somewhere else here on C-D, but I have no idea where. No matter, I'll start out with a couple of visuals as a trip to the past in Coney Island. I understand Coney Island in Cincinnati is something like the 7th oldest amusement park in the U.S. It certainly provided many good times and memories for me back in the mid to late-1950s.

Buckle up! We're about to make a jump through space-time to the Past.




YouTube - CONEY ISLAND OHIO amusement park, pre-1971 roller coasters




YouTube - Coney Island OH history

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by kjbrill

I happen to live about 1-1/2 miles from Kings Island. It is a nice enough place, but strictly big business. Haven't been there for 20 years. Can't understand their marketing tactics. Let the grandparents in free, and you will more than recoup the difference on what they spend on the grandkids. But tell me I have to pay an admission to sit on a bench and spend more money - no thanks..

It seems to me that most of the kids who head up to Kings Island have season passes that allow them to head up there everyday. The seasons pass is what, the equivalent of two days usage.

They don't seem to have that much of a problem filling the place.

[kjbrill]

NightBazaar - Thanks for the great links to the videos of Coney Island. Brought back great memories of the Greatest Little Amusement Park in America.

My Mom's cousin had an extremely successful business. He literally traveled the world buying and selling machinery, and could afford anything he desired. I remember him saying Cincinnati did not recognize what a gem Coney Island was. He particularly loved Moonlight Garden, said it was the best dance hall in the US period. During the season, when in town, 4 couples would spend 2 to 3 nights a week at Moonlight. They just loved to dance. And the policy back then was BYOB, guess that could not fly today.

[kjbrill]

Originally Posted by ilovehouses

I remember Fantasy Farm (catered to young kids). It had fair type rides and farm animals you could pet.

I remember Fantasy Farm too. But always felt it kind of odd it was built out in front of LeSourdsville Lake. The two didn't seem to quite mesh, but have no idea whether there was common ownership or not.

[kjbrill]

Originally Posted by jlawrence01

It seems to me that most of the kids who head up to Kings Island have season passes that allow them to head up there everyday. The seasons pass is what, the equivalent of two days usage.

They don't seem to have that much of a problem filling the place.

I agree they do well, and are a fine example of the modern Theme Park. I am just saying compared to Coney Island back in the 50s &60s they can't deliver the same effect.

I remember going to Coney with a cooler (the old Coke of course) and a picnic basket in the trunk, parking in the rear lot near the picnic pavilions, taking the kids to Sunlight Pool, enjoying our picnic later, and walking around the park so the kids could enjoy some rides (individually priced) before we headed home. As a bang for the buck, there is no comparison.

[Wilson513]

I think Stricker's Grove deserves a spot on the list. It was a really charming, small town place with a concession and Ferris Wheel, etc. On 128 near Ross.

[jlawrence01]

Originally Posted by kjbrill

I remember going to Coney with a cooler (the old Coke of course) and a picnic basket in the trunk, parking in the rear lot near the picnic pavilions, taking the kids to Sunlight Pool, enjoying our picnic later, and walking around the park so the kids could enjoy some rides (individually priced) before we headed home. As a bang for the buck, there is no comparison.

Coney Island also had the $4 wristbands (all you can ride) at least during the last four years of its existence.

You are upset because you have to pay the full ride. (g) (You are sounding a lot like my uncles.)

[sandasene]

Originally Posted by wilson1010

I think Stricker's Grove deserves a spot on the list. It was a really charming, small town place with a concession and Ferris Wheel, etc. On 128 near Ross.

It still exists!