Pennsylvania is home to many classic amusement parks, several of which began operating as early as the late nineteenth century. Some of these parks maintain rides and amusements from their early years, preserving an atmosphere of nostalgia. Others have evolved with new trends in the industry, adding high-tech rides and water parks. This book begins with a concise history of the amusement park, then surveys the industry in Pennsylvania. A comprehensive guide to 13 parks in the state and a selection of smaller ones, complete with information on rides and attractions, follows. Packed with vintage postcard images and photos.
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About the Author
Jim Futrell has worked as a marketing consultant for Kennywood Entertainment and Conneaut Lake Park and is the director and historian of the National Amusement Park Historical Association. A resident of Pittsburgh, he is the author of several articles on amusement parks and an avid collector of amusement park memorabilia.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not just for PA residents,
By "rfb07" (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania (Paperback)
As most roller coaster enthusiasts know, there are very few books that go beyond pretty full-color photographs and into the history of a particular park. It is even more difficult to find information on parks not owned by major corporations (e.g. Disney, Paramount, Vivendi Universal).Futrell's book captures the unique history of 13 different amusement parks in Pennsylvania. You are given a rare glimpse into these parks that date back to the origins of the American amusement park industry. Having recently visited Kennywood and Idlewild for the first time, I have realized how much of the charm and atmosphere has faded from the latest generation of parks. Buy this book before the print run ends! You won't regret it.
5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Fun reading and focus on PA!,
By
This review is from: Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania (Paperback)
Great new book on amusement parks of PA. This book show the interest in amusement parks and rides that has been growing ever since the 90's. There is a nice balance between the history of the parks and current conditions. In one book the reader learns a wealth of material about past and now defunct parks (where is the mention of the park that used to be in Mt. Gretna - carousel and all??) as well as information on parks that are up and running. Good summary of each park as well as current information on admission, directions, etc. I was disappointed that there was little emphasis on memorabilia or good trivia. The old photos/postcards really help. That would really help this work out. What about all those great tokens. Even Leap the Dips put our a coaster token to push the coaster. The book is a good read and recommended for the enthusiast.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Should Be Titled "History Of Amusement Parks Of Pennsylvania",
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This review is from: Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania (Paperback)
When I delved into this book, I really appreciated its history of amusement parks throughout the country, in its first chapter. But then as I read further, in the sections for each individual park, I realized that I'd be getting mainly history for each park. ACE will (tentatively) be holding their annual Coaster Convention in the Pennsylvania parks in 2010 and I bought this book thinking I'd be getting up to date information on each park, such as I do reading DisneyLand or DisneyWorld books, so I was disappointed. But, I must say, as a history book, it is very interesting. Four out of five stars.
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Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
HUMAN BEINGS ARE, BY NATURE, SOCIAL CREATURES. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
three kiddie rides, ride lineup, theme park era, turnpike ride, amusement park industry, kiddie roller coaster, mill chute, larger rides, main midway, new carousel, original carousel, carousel building, whip ride, new roller coaster, looping roller coaster, trolley parks, coaster enthusiasts, amusement resort, dark ride, chute ride, traditional rides, modern amusement park, first roller coaster, first amusement park, traditional parks Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Dorney Park, Lakemont Park, Conneaut Lake Park, Dutch Wonderland, New York, Bushkill Park, Coney Island, Sesame Place, World War, Waldameer Park, Conneaut Lake Community Park, Luna Park, Old Mill, Labor Day, Water World, Leap the Dips, Wildwater Kingdom, Memorial Day, Park Avenue, Philadelphia Toboggan Company, United States, Idlewild Park, Six Flags, West View, Wild Mouse New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
HUMAN BEINGS ARE, BY NATURE, SOCIAL CREATURES. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
three kiddie rides, ride lineup, theme park era, turnpike ride, amusement park industry, kiddie roller coaster, mill chute, larger rides, main midway, new carousel, original carousel, carousel building, whip ride, new roller coaster, looping roller coaster, trolley parks, coaster enthusiasts, amusement resort, dark ride, chute ride, traditional rides, modern amusement park, first roller coaster, first amusement park, traditional parks Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Dorney Park, Lakemont Park, Conneaut Lake Park, Dutch Wonderland, New York, Bushkill Park, Coney Island, Sesame Place, World War, Waldameer Park, Conneaut Lake Community Park, Luna Park, Old Mill, Labor Day, Water World, Leap the Dips, Wildwater Kingdom, Memorial Day, Park Avenue, Philadelphia Toboggan Company, United States, Idlewild Park, Six Flags, West View, Wild Mouse New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 13
books:
See all 13 books this book cites
4
books
cite this book:
- Dorney Park (PA) (Images of America) by Wally Ely on 8 pages
- Wild West (Headstart) by M Hill on page 63
- Coney Island by Harvey Stein on page 166
- Ferris Wheels by Norman Anderson in Back Matter
- Flight deck by Robb White on page 75
See all 13 books this book cites
- Conneaut Lake Park (PA) (Images of America) by Michael E. Costello in Back Matter
- Kennywood (PA) (Images of America) by David P. Hahner Jr. in Front Matter
- Amusement Parks: New Jersey by Jim Futrell in Back Matter
- The Lincoln Highway: Pennsylvania Traveler's Guide by Brian Butko in Back Matter
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