The very first was the North Pole, located in Wilmington, N.Y. Not focused on rides, these “theme parks,” designed around a single idea, were the first of their kind in the nation. In the 1940s and 50s, a new generation of parks emerged. Much of the land that was Sacandaga Park now lies underneath the Sacandaga Reservoir. The final blow to the park came in 1926 when the Hudson River Regulating Board condemned the property in preparation for a reservoir to control flooding on the Hudson River. Then the midway burned in 1912 followed by the grandstand in 1918. The popularity of this resort was short-lived, with more and more vacationers abandoning railroads in favor of the individual mobility offered by automobiles. However, multiple fires and a decline in railroad use plagued Sacandaga Park. The theater attracted famous talents such as Al Jolson, Zazu Pitts, and W.C. There was a miniature train connecting the island where the grandstand was located to the midway. In 1901, a new picnic area was constructed along with a grandstand and baseball diamond that was later home to the New York State Baseball League. Next, the railroad formed the Sacandaga Amusement Company, building a huge midway with a rollercoaster, two carousels, a shooting gallery, and a house of fun. The first additions would be a theater and regulation nine-hole golf course. The railroad men now envisioned redeveloping more than a glorified picnic area. Cottages quickly sprung up around the Inn.Īfter a fire in 1898 destroyed all but nine of the 120 cottages, railroad officials quickly cleared the rubble and transported materials at no cost to residents whose property burned. In 1888 the Adirondack Inn was built with rooms for 250 guests and an elevator, which was a rarity for Adirondack resorts. What would become Sacandaga Park, ironically known as the “Coney Island of the North,” began as picnic grounds for hire near Northville, N.Y. sought ways to revive the Gloversville and Northville line, located in the northeastern corner of Fulton County, New York. One of the earliest amusement parks in the Adirondacks originated as a picnic area developed by the Fonda, Johnstown, and Gloversville railroad line to attract patrons.
#GASLIGHT VILLAGE LAKE GEORGE FULL#
Many may not realize that this pristine wilderness region full of opportunities for outdoor recreation, is also the birthplace of the theme park, with a rich history of providing man-made entertainment for visitors and residents alike. Bountiful outdoor experiences are available such as camping, swimming, hiking, boating, or relaxing in the sun. Thousands of visitors are drawn to the Adirondacks to relax and play in this alluring region. In an area where tourism is the foundation of economic activity, the amount of time and effort Adirondack residents devote to this season is of no surprise.Īs soon as the snow melts and the ice goes out, people employed in the tourist industry busy themselves in various ways hiring and training new staff, cleaning and opening seasonal camps, distributing advertisements and brochures, and reopening ice cream stands, motels, and marinas. Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of the tourist season for most businesses within the Park. I haven't seen Dean since the park closed but he is the one who helped me get my feet in amusement parks.Spring in the Adirondack Park is a bustling time as local residents prepare for a flood of vacationers during the summer season.
I was so glad I did, the stories that they both told made me feel very welcome to be there and to have met them. I had a family member that worked there and he made sure that I met Dean and Charley.
I was lucky enough to walk through Action Park with its manager Dean and Charley Wood in 1998 or 1999, I can't remember. That is the same double decker that Action Park had and I don't know who bought it. That later moved to where the ferris wheel is pictured when the park changed its name from Gaslight to Lake George Ride & Fun Park. Before Gaslight got the double decker merry go round they had a parker carousel in the building. I think that the flight to mars was just about the oldest dark ride that existed at the time and I think it was demolished rather than sold off. The balloon race that was at Action Park is now also at DelGrossos'. The trabant was also at Gaslight Village maybe also when it was the ride park and when TGE got rid of the tip top they brought in the trabant. The sea dragon is now at DelGrossos' park in PA. TGE had a sea dragon which went to Action Park and TGE got the pirate. The Pirate that is now at TGE used to be at Gaslight Village, maybe when it was the ride and fun park in the early 90's. Way awesome pics Tom!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
0 kommentar(er)
