Palisades Amusement Park: A Century of Fond Memories [Hardcover]

Vince Gargiulo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1995

High atop the Palisades cliffs in the boroughs of Cliffside Park and Fort Lee once stood the home of the famous Cyclone roller coaster, the Tunnel of Love, and the world's largest outdoor saltwater pool. The place was called Palisades Amusement Park, and even today, several decades after it closed, the park is warmly remembered. For those who ever visited the park, this book is sure to bring back cherished memories and re-create the thrills, laughter, and joy that was Palisades.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The amusement park that grew on the New Jersey Palisades overlooking the Hudson River could always be identified by its trademark blend of "entertainment, nature, and colorful attractions." In 1898, a picnic ground was turned into a paradise for some 300 million visitors who thereafter flocked to Palisades Park before its closure in 1971. The Palisades became one of America's favorite amusement parks, and its owners had a knack for letting the park reflect the culture of the nation. The austerity of the 1920s saw Kewpie-doll prizes replaced by coffee and sugar; the 1940s promoted beauty pageants such as Miss Eyeglass-wearing; the 1950s saluted rock and roll; the 1960s gave rise to rocket ships. Fire and accidental deaths marred the park's history, but the crowds never stopped coming. Big names from Benny Goodman to the Jackson Five appeared at the park until it was declared a "gaudy nuisance" by its neighbors and the country lost an icon, "hand-built of wood, metal and grease." A fascinating read for anyone who's ever ridden a roller coaster or wishes she had. Patricia Hassler

About the Author

Vince Gargiulo grew up in Cliffside Park under the glow of the famed amusement park. He is the founder and executive director of Palisades Amusement Park Historical Society, author of an earlier Palisades history, and writer and coproducer of an award-winning Palisades television documentary. His excitement and eagerness to keep the park's memories alive are reflected on every page of Palisades Amusement Park. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 176 pages
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press (November 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813522242
• ISBN-13: 978-0813522241
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,581,476 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic! A stroll down memory lane for a jersey boy, December 6, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Buffalo, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Palisades Amusement Park: A Century of Fond Memories (Hardcover)

This book was absolutely fantastic. I was 10 years old when Palisades park closed. I had vague reminiscences tucked away in the recesses of my mind of the many times I'd visited the park with my parents and grandparents. This book jogged them all loose in a wonderful cascade of memories. The book was cleverly written and well organized into the various epochs in the parks history. There were many interesting facts given, of which I was previously unaware. The book had a generous assortment of vintage photographs. My only wish (and this is no criticism of the book or author) was that the older pictures could have had better clarity, as I found myself desperately trying to get into the "way-back machine." Understandably, these were old, vintage photos and some graniness was therefore unavoidable. But I found myself clinging to each photo as memories would unfold. There was a nice set of color photos also included which were very vivid. I wish there could have been even more. My overall impression is that anyone who was ever lucky enough to have passed through the gates of this great american park will cherish this book.It was worth 100 times the amount I purchased it. I bought another copy for my mother. This is a book that anyone would love. Mr. Gargiulo; Thank you so much!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Reminiscin', April 1, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Palisades Amusement Park: A Century of Fond Memories (Hardcover)

While "Palisades Amusement Park" might not be a book everyone would enjoy, it meant a great deal to me. I grew up in New Jersey, where this park was located and went there often as a child. The bus company where my Dad was employed provided free passes, which encouraged us to go. When it was destroyed, to erect a condo, my heart was broken, as I knew my daughter and grandchildren would never know the excitement I felt when I first rode the Cyclone at Palisades Park. Through this book, I was able to share some of my experiences with them. Even my son-in-law, who grew up in Georgia, enjoyed it, as history is one of his interests. If you are into historic sites or ever went to Palisades Park when you were young, I think this is a wonderful trip into the past.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I Miss Palisades Park, August 22, 2005

By 

Alan Kaufman (Charlotte, NC, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Palisades Amusement Park: A Century of Fond Memories (Hardcover)

Reading this book brought me back to the 60's and a wonderful time in my life. The book is filled with history but it is, more importantly, chock full of the spirit of Palisades Park.

Palisades Park was like Christmas, New Years and a fun Birthday Party all rolled up into one. As a small child I visited the park with my parents where we shared good times like a family should, but as a teenager it became something even more special. I performed there with my rock band a couple of times, and felt like I had really "made it".

How can these feelings be expressed in a book? Mr. Gargiulo does it with intelligence and a child-like awe of this place, the first "magical kingdom".

The prose is wonderful as so are the amazing pictures.
If anyone wants to take a time machine and return to those magical days in Fort Lee, one has only to read this book!