Customer Reviews

Riverview: Gone but Not Forgotten 1904 - 1967

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

 

 

Three generations of my family went to Riverview, myself being the last. I went as a small child, but could only remember bits and pieces. This book truly fills in all of the gaps. It gives a very specific look at all the areas of Riverview Park and what it was to many Chicagoans. It takes you on the rides, offers pictures of tickets, season passes and other Riverview related items. It also shows the sad and heartbreaking demolishment of Riverview Park. In closing, the book summarizes a few of the great roller coasters in the U.S. as well as some of the "traditional" amusement parks that are still in operation. For those people that are really interested in what Riverview Park was, this book will make you feel as if you were a part of the Riverview Park Era, even if you were too young to remember . . .

This book is a nostalgic look at Riverview Amusement Park in Illinois. For those who have been there, the photos are a great journey down memory lane. The photos alone are worth the price of the book. The text, however, really needs some help (which accounts for penalizing the book 2 stars). There are way too many sentences beginning, "Do you remember..." The text is often unorganized jumping back and forth from one idea to another. Even the punctuation is abysmal in spots. For example, does anyone over the age of 12 use numerous question marks or exclaimation points at the end of sentences? The author tries to be clever in the book narrative as if one is going from ride to ride in the park. However, this become tedious very fast (and leads to all of the "Do you remember.." sentences). The book closes with the author reviewing other amusement parks (but showing only roller coasters--the author's favorite ride). It would have been nice to see photos of some of the other rides he mentions in this section's narrative. Other areas, that could have been looked at in more depth, were barely touched upon. For example, no newspaper clippings were included for the various injuries and deaths that occurred at Riverview. Very little information on the sideshow is present. Almost no information is presented on why the park actually closed--especially since billboards advertising the 1968 season were up and a license was purchased for the following year. Where is the editor--that is clearly needed? This is a book of great photos by a fan of Riverview. If you are expecting anything more than a photo album, you might be disappointed.

Did not know this book existed until I was in Chicago about two years ago and drove by the former location of Riverview. I found myself with tears in my eyes because it was gone. My parents went there as children as did I. My cousin told me about the book and when we got to his house, ran to the computer to order from Amazon. Was totally enthralled by the publication and would recommend it to everyone who ever enjoyed the summertime at Riverview! Included were things I remembered as well as some I had forgotten. As the title indicated Riverview may be gone but will never be forgotten by those who were lucky enough to have experienced it.

Riverview was in the hearts & minds of Chicagoans, but now we can see pictures & relive the fun we had there as kids. The text is informative and the pictures are great. Every Chicagoan should have a copy for their libraries.

My Mom & Dad always talked about Riverview Park, but now with this book & its wonderful pictures, I can enjoy their memories too!

I bought this for my father for his birthday, he grew up going to River View and we still live in the area so it was a lot of fun learning all about it, I know he enjoyed this book.

I bought this book for my Grandfather. He used to go to Riverview park and this book opened up a great dialogue. He told stories of his past and showed me all the rides he had been on. This book is jam packed with pictures that illustrate a beloved part of Chicago history.