Customer Reviews

Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Very informative book on the history of many amusement parks in the state of Pennsylvania. Many brought back memories; from all the historic photos. Alot of informative websites and locations are included with lots of information.

This book rocks. There was more information than I could possibly imagine. The author is obviously impassioned by his subject--this had to have been a labor of love. And what better muse than the romantic coasters of Pennsylvania.