Embedded Files
Purpose: to appreciate and celebrate historical, architectural and cultural changes through roller coaster history.
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- Images featured here represent postcards from my private collection or better versions thereof obtained from online resources to further fulfill gaps in the page.
- Images may include copyrighted material which are displayed for historic documentation and educational purposes.
- I do not claim any rights to any of these images nor is my site monetized.
The roller coaster originally known as The Bobs at Coney Island was a historic wooden coaster that operated from 1926 to 1978. It was renamed the Tornado in the 1930s. The ride no longer exists, as it was severely damaged by arson attacks in 1977 and subsequently demolished.
The historic Island Park in Easton, Pennsylvania, featured a Figure Eight wooden roller coaster. The park was a popular "trolley park" attraction from 1894 to 1919, and the roller coaster was present during that time, with postcards from 1911 confirming its existence.
The "Scenic Railway" in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, was a historic wooden rollercoaster, originally called the Mountain Scenic Railway, which operated at the now-closed Willow Grove Park (a trolley park that became an amusement park) until 1974, offering themed thrills like mountains and tunnels, but it's no longer running, with the area now a mall.
The Rocket at Ocean View Amusement Park in Norfolk, Virginia, was a famous wooden roller coaster, originally built in 1927 as The Skyrocket. It was rebuilt after a 1958 fire and featured in the 1977 movie Rollercoaster, before its dramatic demolition in 1979 for the movie The Death of Ocean View Park, which involved multiple failed dynamite attempts and required bulldozers to finish the job.
Another view of The Rocket at Ocean View Amusement Park in Norfolk, Virginia, was a famous wooden roller coaster, originally built in 1927 as The Skyrocket. It was rebuilt after a 1958 fire and featured in the 1977 movie Rollercoaster, before its dramatic demolition in 1979 for the movie The Death of Ocean View Park, which involved multiple failed dynamite attempts and required bulldozers to finish the job.
The Virginia Reel at Conneaut Lake Park was a unique wooden roller coaster featuring spinning tubs on a flat track with many turns and switchbacks, operating from 1911 to 1920 before being dismantled. It was a type of spinning coaster where seats rotated freely as they traveled the zig-zagging path, designed by Henry Elmer Riehl, and was one of several coasters at the park.
The "Sunnyside Flyer" was a large wooden roller coaster that opened in 1923, a year after the amusement park itself opened. It was designed by A. J. Miller and was notably advertised as having the "dippiest-dips on the continent". The Flyer was a popular roller coaster at the Sunnyside Amusement Park in Toronto, which closed in 1955. The park was demolished to make way for the Gardiner Expressway.
The Beach Coaster (also known as the "Pippin"): This large wooden roller coaster was the first in Florida and operated from 1928 until it was dismantled in 1950 due to safety concerns and storm damage. It was a prominent local landmark, standing 93 feet tall and reaching speeds up to 50 mph.
The Coaster Dips was an iconic National Amusement Device wooden roller coaster at Glen Echo Park in Maryland, serving as the park's flagship attraction for nearly 50 years until it was demolished in 1969. The coaster featured a surprise 75-foot double-dip, with the lower 25 feet plunging below grade into a 30-foot deep ravine.
The Scenic Railway built by LaMarcus Adna Thompson was a wooden roller coaster at Euclid Beach Park in Cleveland, Ohio, that operated from 1907 to 1937. The ride was eventually deemed outdated and was dismantled and scrapped in 1937, to be replaced with the "Over the Falls" water ride.
The Giant Coaster at Paragon Park was a historic wooden roller coaster that operated from 1917 to 1984. Originally known as "The Giant", it was the tallest roller coaster in the world when it opened in 1917, standing 98 feet high. It was designed by John A. Miller and built by Herbert Paul Schmeck of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company. The ride was a staple of the park until its closure in 1984 to make way for a condominium development. After Paragon Park closed it relocated to Maryland, and reopened as The Wild One at Wild World in 1986.
The "Mountain Flyer" at Massachusetts' historic Mountain Park in Holyoke was a classic wooden roller coaster, designed by Herbert Schmeck, that operated until the park's closure in the early 1990s, with remnants of the park and coaster still visible on Mount Tom, though the ride itself is long gone, replaced by the park's eventual demolition, with the Flyer Comet at Whalom Park being another notable MA coaster around that time.
Opened as The Skyrocket in May 1926 The Wildcat roller coaster at Elitch Gardens was a popular wooden coaster at the park's original location (38th and Tennyson) that closed with the park in 1994. It did not move to the current downtown Denver location and has since been demolished.
The Blue Streak was a historic wooden roller coaster at Conneaut Lake Park in Pennsylvania, famous for its 1938 opening, unique design by Edward Vettel, and classic out-and-back layout through woods, beloved by fans for its charm despite its roughness, but it met its end in January 2022 when it was destroyed during demolition.
The Cyclone Racer was a famous, dual-track wooden roller coaster at built on pilings over the water at The Pike amusement park The Pike in Long Beach, California, operating from 1930 to 1968, known for its side-by-side racing and thrilling design over the water, with its legacy honored by a decorative track in the modern Pike development.
The Double-O or aka the Flying Daredevil, was a protoype launch roller coaster (or shuttle loop) by Arrow Dynamics at the former Boardwalk and Baseball theme park in Haines City, Florida, which operated from 1987 to 1990. The park, originally called Circus World operted under tyhat name from 1974-1986.
The "Dips" at Buckroe Beach was a classic wooden roller coaster, built by Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) in 1925 for the Buckroe Beach Amusement Park in Hampton, Virginia, which operated from 1897 to 1985.
The coaster Dips was a iconic wooden roller coaster at Glen Echo Park in Maryland. The ride opened in 1921 and was designed by Frank Moore. The ride offered views of the Potomac River from its highest peaks before plunging into deep wooded ravines. It served as the park's flagship attraction for nearly 50 years until it was demolished in 1969.
The "Comet" was a famous wooden roller coaster originally built in 1947 at Crystal Beach Park in Ontario, Canada. A Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters (PTC) design by Herbert Paul Schmeck, featuring a double out-and-back layout with airtime hills. Thoough Crystal Beach Closed in 1989; the Comet was saved, dismantled, and rebuilt as The Comet at Six Flags Great Escape in Queensbury, New York, where it still operates today, celebrated for its classic design and airtime hills.
Rockaway's Playland, the former amusement park in Queens, NY, featured a famous wooden roller coaster called the Atom Smasher, a 3,000-foot long ride designed by Vernon Keenan that opened in 1938, offering a thrilling, bumpy wooden coaster experience before the park closed and was redeveloped into a housing development.
The Scenic Railway roller coaster (pictured as a side friction coaster) operated from 1913 until the 1930's at Easton's Beach in Newport, Rhode Island (sometimes referred to as Newport Beach on postcards).
The Switchback Railway roller coaster was installed in 1895 at the Courtland Beach Amusement Park, which operated from 1889 to around 1917. The coaster was notably designed by LeMarcus Thompson, the same person who built the very first roller coaster four years earlier at Coney Island in 1884.
The Pikes Peak Railway at Coney Island was a gravity-powered scenic railway, featuring tunnels and simulated scenery. The popular, man-made mountain attraction opererated from around 1906 to 1911, and built by LaMarcus Thompson.
Willow Grove Park was a popular trolley park and amusement destination in Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, operating from 1896 to 1975. Known for hosting many popular roller coasters; namely, The Alps, Thunderbolt, Coal Mine and Scenic Railway. The park was also famous for its concerts (hosting John Philip Sousa), before being demolished for the Willow Grove Park Mall.
The Racer, opened at Kennywood Park in 1927; designed by John A. Miller, featuring a single track that loops back on itself, creating a continuous ride where trains race on red and blue sides for a unique experience.
The Wildcat at Rocky Springs Park in Lancaster, PA, was a legendary Herbert Schmeck-designed wooden roller coaster (1928-1965). Rembered for its terrain layout, tunnel and famous for its intense drops. It stood in operable until it was demolished in 1990.
Known for it's surprising terrain hugging ravine drops, the Thunderbolt at Kennywood Park originally opened as the Pippin in 1924. The original design was by John Miller. It was later expanded in 1968 by Andy Vettel with a new helix section mand is considered a landmark attractiion.
The Jack Rabbit at Kennywood Park in Pennsylvania has been operating since 1920. Designed John A. Miller and built by Harry C. Baker the ride is known for it's gully hugging design and intense drops. At a height of only 40', it's double dipping 70' drop into a gully is a memorable thrilling moment.
Opened as The Skyrocket in May 1926; the Wildcat roller coaster at Elitch Gardens was a popular out and back wooden coaster at the park's original location (38th and Tennyson) that closed with the park in 1994. It did not move to the current downtown Denver location and has since been demolished.
Mr. Twister at the Original Elitch Garden's in Denver was built in 1965 in such a way the Wildcat piecered it's structure. Designed by John Allen, Mr. Twister travelled at 50 mph, had some 3,000' of track and featured a notable double helix and speedy claustrophobic tunnel. Though visduallly quite similar, variations of this ride can be found at the new Elitch Gardens (2000 Elitch Circle) in Denver and at Knobel's Amusementy resort in Pennsylvania.
The roller coaster originally known as The Bobs at Coney Island was a historic wooden coaster that operated from 1926 to 1978. It was renamed the Tornado in the 1930s. The ride no longer exists, as it was severely damaged by arson attacks in 1977 and subsequently demolished.
Built by the L.A. Thompson Company, the Scenic Railway (1910-1919) at Venice Pier was known for extending over the Pacific Ocean.
Originally named the Southern Belle in 1911; Leap the Dips opened in 1914 after an extensive redesign. Ocean View Amusement Park in Norfolk, Virginia, was a beloved seaside destination from 1905 to 1979 and hosted a variety of wooden roller coaster attractions. The park site is now home to high-rise residential buildings.
The Giant Safety Coaster was a major wooden roller coaster at Forest Park Amusement Park in Forest Park, Illinois, a trolley park opened in the early 1900s, known for its impressive size and thrill for the era, it was a side friction coaster built by Fred Ingersoll. but the park closed in 1921, and the the land where the Giant Safety Coaster once stood is now occupied by the Forest Park Blue Line subway station and the Eisenhower Expressway.
The Georgia Cyclone (1990-2017) was a classic wooden roller coaster built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and designed by Curtis Summers at Six Flags Over Georgia. The ride opened in 1990 as a mirror image of Coney Island's Cyclone, offering intense wooden coaster thrills, ultimately being re-engineered by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) into the modern hybrid/steel coaster, Twisted Cyclone, which opened in 2018.
The Mind Bender is the iconic Schwarzkopf steel roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia, opened in 1978. It is famous for its two 56' tall vertical loops and diagonal helix built into the terrain along 3200' of thrack. Upon opening, is was marketed as the world's first triple-loop coaster; the ride was later re-themed and renamed The Riddler Mindbender (2020) to fit the park's new Gotham City theme.
Following the original at Six Flags Over Texas; The Dahlonega Mine Train is the second ride of it's type from Arrow Dynamics, with more to follow industry wide. Utilizing Arrow's smooth, steel tubular track, allowed for tight turns, sudden dips, and unique layouts that mimicked mining operations, offering an exciting experience for all ages. The ride ended in a swift twisting underground "surprise" tunnel.
The Race Thru the Clouds was Venice, California's iconic first racing wooden roller coaster, opening July 4, 1911. Built by Prior and Church with twin 4,000-foot tracks, a 90-foot height and a unique racing design by John Miller. The ride was remodled in 1913 and 1921 each time to make the ride more thrilling until it closed in 1923.
The Mountain Speedway was a prominent wooden coaster in Galveston, Texas. Known to be possibly one of the largest side friction coasters ever built; it featured 12 drops operated from the early 1920s until it was damaged by Hurricane Carla in 1961, leading to its demolition.
The Steamin' Demon at Six Flags Great Escape, built by Arrow Dynamics, is a classic steel coaster featuring a vertical loop and double corkscrew, originally opening at Pontchartrain Beach in New Orleans as the "Ragin' Cajun" in 1978 before moving to New York in 1984.
The Comet at Lincoln Park (North Dartmouth, MA) was a twister-layout wooden roller coaster built by The National Amusement Device Company. It operated from 1946 until the park's closure in 1987. Designed by Vernon Keenan the ride stood idle for two decades before the area was redevloped into a housing community.
This generic view of Long Beach, CA pike amusement zone features the iconic structure of the Queens Park, Cyclone Racer; a large wooden dual-track "racing" roller coaster desgined by Frederick Church and built by Harry Traver that operated from 1930 through 1968. This twin track roller coaster was built on pilings directly over the ocean waves.
The Cyclone (also known as the "Mountain Railway") was a wooden roller coaster at the former Excelsior Amusement Park in Excelsior, Minnesota. It was an L-Shaped out and back built by Fred Pierce and designed by Vernon Keenan. The ride operated from 1925 until the park's closure in 1973. A shopping and residential area now occupies the space.
Designed by John A. Miller and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company The Wild One, operated at (Adventure World, Wild World, Six Flags America) in Maryland from 1986 to 2025. The ride was relocated from Paragon Park in Massachusetts (then named the Giant Coaster, originally built in 1917).
Kennywood Parks Thunderbolt roller coaster began as the Pippin in 1924, designed by John Miller, featuring classic ravine drops. In 1968, it was transformed into the Thunderbolt by Andy Vettel, who added a new station, lift hill, and intense double helixes (the "Spaghetti Bowl") while retaining the popular ravine section.
The Mountain Scenic Railway, later renamed The Alps, was a side-friction coaster that operated at Willow Grove Park from 1905 to 1974. The brakeman-style wooden roller coaster featured elaborate mountain-like theming waterfalls and multiple lift hills. It was the last surviving scenic railway of its type in North America and stood abandoned until its demolition in 1980.
The Figure Eight was Waldameer Park's very first roller coaster, from 1902 until 1937 as a relatively mild side-friction coaster designed by T.M. Harton. Serving as a cornerstone of the park's early transition from a picnic grove to a dedicated amusement park it featured a small drop and gentle speeds, representing the park's early history as a picnic spot by Lake Erie.
At appx 66' tall, The Derby Racer was a twin wooden racing roller coaster designed by John Miller; it was one of many iconic attractions located at Riverview Park in Chicago, Illinois, operating from 1909 until 1932.
Designed by John Miller, The Greyhound Roller Coaster in Celoron, NY, was Located on Chautauqua Lake. Celoron Park was a major amusement spot, and the Greyhound was a cornerstone. Until it was destroyed in a storm in 1959.
This image is a vintage postcard depicting the "Riesen-Achterbahn" or (Giant Roller Coaster) a large traveling or temporary roller coaster at a German fairground; likey in the early 1900's.
This vintage image is a postcard depicting riders on a roller coaster at Coney Island amusement park in Cincinnati, Ohio. Possibly the Dip the Dips coaster; variations of which operated from 1911 through 1925.
This vintage postcard view depicts a side friction roller coaster (likely the Scenic Railway) at Newport Beach, Rhode Island. This ride operated possibly at Easton's Beach Park from 1913-1930. Opening in 1902 much of the park was destroyed by a hurricane in 1938.
Hershey Park's famous Sooperdooperlooper; a Schwarzkopf roller coaster designed by Werner Stengel opened in 1977. It was the first modern looping coaster on the East Coast, following the Revolution at Magic Mountain. Known for it's terrain hugging design, vertical loop and tunnel.
The Mountain Flyer roller coaster was located at Mountain Park in Holyoke, Massachusetts. A Philadelphia Tobboggan Coaster designed by Herbert Schmeck operated from 1929 until the park closed in 1987 after an accident on the miniature train ride. The "Flyer" stood abandoned until it was torn down in 1991.
The Big Dipper roller coaster was at Springlake Amusement Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Designed by John A. Miller and built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC). This out and back roller coaster operated from 1926 to 1981. A business complex currently occupies the site; where a few memory tree's from the park might remain along Metro Tech Drive.
The "Coaster Dips" roller coaster operated at the at the former Glen Echo Park in Maryland from 1921-1968. The park and some amusement left-overs remain in this public space and now a part of a National Park,
Designed by National Amusement Device and Vernon Keenan. The Atom Smasher roller coaster was a wooden coaster at Rockaways' Playland in Queens, NY, known for its starring role in the 1952 film "This Is Cinerama," which showcased its thrilling POV, and operated from 1938 until the park closed in 1985. The property is now occupied by a residentail community.
Perkins Park in Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania, had a roller coaster called the Blue Streak which opened on July 4, 1912, but the park was short-lived and closed in 1914. It was located appx. East of South Main street along the railroad tracks and French Creek. The park was notably designed by John Miller, a well-respected roller coaster designer.
The historical Grand Canyon Scenic Railroad was a (possibly a powered) wooden roller coaster that operated on the Fraser Million Dollar Pier in Ocean Park, California from 1911 to 1912. The ride had elaborate artificial canyons, caves and a volcano that appeared to erupt with "lava" (colored lights) at night.
The Carolina Goldrusher is a classic, original mine train steel roller coaster at Carowinds that opened with the park on March 31, 1973, and is known as the first coaster in the U.S. to cross a state line (NC/SC). Designed by Ron Toomer and built by Arrow Dynamics, it features two lift hills, drops, helixes, and a tunnel, offering a family-friendly adventure with hill-hugging turns through the park's Carolina foothills.
The Giant Flyer (likely pictured here) was a roller coaster that operated at the former Savin Rock Amusement Park in West Haven, Connecticut. It was previously known as the "Thunderbolt" (built in 1925, destroyed by a hurricane in 1938) and operated under the "Giant Flyer" name from 1939 until 1956. Today, the area is a scenic walk and bike path along the shoreline. The former park is bi-sected by the current Palace street.
The historical Reverser roller coaster (likely pictured here) operated at Saltair amusement park near Salt Lake City from 1915 until it was destroyed by fire in April 1925. The ride was a unique side friction coaster that used a special track section to reverse the direction of the car 180 degrees. The original Saltair amusement zone operated from 1893-1925 before being reimagined.
Joyland amusement park (1913-1927) in Oak Park, Sacramento, featured a the Scenic Railway a side friction figure-8 roller coaster (a very popular design for this era) built by Fred Ingersoll. After a major fire, Valentine McClatchy bought and donated the land; the park was located at the site of what is now McClatchy Public Park.
This post card view of Rock Springs Park in Chester W. Virginia; showing a Chutes type ride and seemingly two roller coasters, a "Figure 8" Leap the Dips (1906-1921) and the World's Great Scenic Railway (1907-1926). A park historical marker is at the intersection of Carolina Avenue (West Virginia Route 2) and Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30).
The Double Loop at Geaugua Lake operated from 1977-2007 and was designed by Arrow Dynamics; making history with the first two consecutive vertical loops when it opened. The park closed due to declining attendance, with its rides salvaged for other parks and the site eventually redeveloped.
Built in 1925 by legendary designer John A. Miller. Originally named the The Clipper, then The Skyrocket; the Big Dipper was 65 feet tall, reached speeds of 32–35 mph, and featured a 2,680-foot "out and back" layout. The ride closed with the park in 2007 and stood dormant until 2016 where the land was repurposed.
The Corkscrew, a clone of the original at Knott's Berry Farm was designed by Arrow Dynamics (the pioneer of modern inversions), the ride featured two sequential corkscrews. The ride was sold to another park and spot was filled with yet another coaster. The park today is now being reinvented into a residentail community.
The Great American Scream Machine at Six Flags Over Georgia is a classic wooden roller coaster, built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters (PTC) in 1973, that opened as the world's tallest, longest, and fastest at the time, featuring an L-shaped out-and-back design with a 105-foot height and 57 mph top speed, becoming a landmark attraction known for its classic wooden coaster experience and even running backward for its 20th (1993) anniversary. Designed mianly by John Allen and built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters it continues to operate as one of the park's most beloved attractions.
Opening in 1998 and built by O.D. Hopkins at Ghost Town in The Sky, The Red Devil (aka Cliffhanger) was a ride built on a mountainside some 4,600 feet above a valley in North Carolina. Notable for a drop directly out of the station into a vertical loop and the mountain scenery. The park owners filed for bankruptcy in 2009 and as of 2026 the ride and park still stands dormant and inoperable.
Known for being a forcefull shuttle coaster that looped around the station. Originally built for Wiener Prater, Austria, as "Wiener Looping," in 1982 -but never opened-, in 1985 it was reassembled at Boardwalk and Baseball; Florida, United States until it's closure. The Bullet operated at Flamingoland in Malton, England from 1991-2005 then relocated again to Selva Magica in Jalisco, Mexico in 2013.
Rye Playland, a historic Art Deco amusement park in Rye, NY, opened in 1928 as America's "first planned" amusement park; and in 1987 deemed as a National Historic Landmark. This image depicts the historic and revered Aeroplane (1928-1957) a legendary wooden roller coaster designed by Frederick Church, operated from 1928 to 1957, known for its intense spiraling drops and bottlenecks. Also shown is is the Dragon, built in 1929 also by Frederick Church is a lesser thrilling ride featuring a smooth ride experience and a midcourse tunnel designed to look like a dragon.
Revere Beach had two sequentially built Derby Races roller coasters. This version shown here was the first of the two which operated from 1911-1936 and built by Fred Piecre. The ride featured side-by-side tracks in a figure-8 design where two trains would race each other. It was known for having a poor safety record and was involved in a number of accidents during its operation. After it was demolished in 1936, a replacement roller coaster was built in 1937 by Harry Baker.
Kennywood Parks Laser Loop (1980-1990) was a Schwarzkopf "flywheel launch shuttle" Coaster. With a top speed of 57 mph and a height of 137' it was a thrilling forward and backward experience. It is said this ride was sold to a Park in South America. This ride occupied land where Phantom's Revenge currently stands today.
Worlds of Fun hosted two seperate roller coasters called the Zambezi Zinger; the one pictured here was a Schwarzkopf "Speed Racer" model that operated from 1973-1997. Though only reaching a top speed of 41 mph it was celebrated for its visually impressive spiral lift, ground hugging terrain and tunnel. In 2023 the ride was reimaged into a wooden coaster; though featuring a different layout the new ride kept with the former rides celebrated aspects.
Yet another legendary attraction from Schwarzkopf and Stengel... Montezooma’s Revenge opened in 1978 as the world's first flywheel-launched shuttle loop coaster. Using aircraft carrier technology, the ride launched guests to from 0-55 mph in 4.5 seconds; negotiating it's 800' of track forward and backward in just 36 seconds. This ride ceased operation in 2022.
A significant piece of roller coaster history, the Knott's Berry Farm's Corkscrew, opened in 1975, was the world's first modern inverting roller coaster, featuring two corkscrew inversions and shoulder harnesses, a huge innovation and protoype Ron Toomer of Arrow Development Company. After making way for the boomerang on the same site. The boomerang was sold to Silverwood Theme Park in 1989.
Bembom Brothers Theme Park, which was the temporary name of the Dreamland amusement park in Margate, UK, during the 1980s and 1990s. The park was operated by the Bembom family from the Netherlands in 1981. The park featured several rides, including the "Looping Star" roller coaster and the "Scenic Railway" wooden roller coaster. The Bemboms operated the park until 1999, after which the park's condition declined. Dreamland has since been restored and reopened as a vintage amusement park.
Cedar Point's Gemini is prominent in this image rare classic postcard. A massive Arrow Dynamics racing coaster the Gemini opened in 1978 and instantly recognized as the "tallest, fastest, steepest" coaster at 125 feet and 60 mph, using a unique wood structure with steel track to re-create a popular racing experience that helped define Cedar Point's growth and paved the way for future growth. Cedar Point has been a host to some 30+ roller coasters subce opening in 1870.
The Sky Streek roller coaster began at Boblo Island Amusement Park (Canada) as the Thunderbolt in 1973. The only coaster in the U.S.A. built by Japanese company Sansei. Renamed Sky Streak in 1977, it was a unique steel coaster known for airtime until the park closed in 1993, when the ride was then moved to Selva Mágica in Mexico.
The Flyer at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) was a legendary 1953 wooden roller coaster designed by Joe McKee. The 62' tall ride offered "thrills galore" until 1992 when its wooden structure was dismantled. As a fairground, other rides would regularly be installed such as the Wild Mouse and Jumbo Jet; this image shows a Schwarrzkopf double loop in the background; dating this image possibly in the early 1980's.
After being relocated at one year 1996 at Grona Lund in Sweden, the Thriller roller coaster was a portable ride designed Werner Stengel, built by Anton Schwarzkopf and was a staple of German fair curcuit in the late 1980's and early 1990's. With a 70 degree first drop, four inversions and reportedly with forces as high as 6.5 G's. The ride would be transported to new locations three more times... to Texas, California then Mexico each time with slight alterations before being scrapped in 2021.
Early postcard of Nickelodeon Universe (at Mall of America); a large indoor amusement park showing the Ripsaw roller coaster which efficiently opertated with two 15 car trains that accomdated 30 guests. with some 2600' of track and a top speed of 30 mph it provided a sceinc ride through the park.
The Viper (1989-2005) at Six Flags AstroWorld was a Schwarzkopf looping steel coaster, originally Jet Scream at Six Flags St. Louis (1981-1988). Relocated to Houston, it was repainted green with a dragon-themed tunnel added for its single inversion. Following the closure of AstroWorld in 2005, the ride was demolished and sold for scrap in early 2006; whereas it's trains were utilized for spare parts elsewhere in the Six Flags chain.
Lightnin' Loops was a dual-shuttle roller coaster that operated at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey, from 1978 to 1992. It was unique for being the world's only interlocking dual shuttle coaster, featuring two seprate tracks whose vertical loops crossed through each other. After being dismantled, each track was sold to different park; Adenture World and Frontier City.
This Six Flags Great Adventure postcard features general views that inlcude the Runaway Mine Train and notably Rolling Thunder (1979-2013), designed by Bill Cobb, it was a wooden racing roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey. It served as the park's first and only wooden coaster for decades. The ride featured an out and back / figure eight layout and each side was appx 3,200' in length and offered a distinctly different experience.
Six Flags Magic Mountain's Ninja in Valencia, California, is a historic "suspended swinging" roller coaster; one of only ten rides of this style was designed by Arrow Dynamics. This version ride has a lift hill at the beginning and the end as the rides staion is atop a hill; the latter being the primary lift. The ride is built on a wooded hillside and upon opening in 1988 was the fastest suspended roller coaster in the world at 55 mph.
Shockwave (1986-1988) was an Intamin brand stand-up roller coaster at Six Flags Magic Mountain; later moved to Six Flags Great Adventure as Shockwave, then to Six Flags Astroworld. It featured a vertical loop and some 2300' of track; afterward, this same space was later occupied by the the Psyclone, then the Apocalypse roller coasters. This ride has reportedly been scrapped.
The Rebel Yell is a classic wooden racing coaster at Kings Dominion, opening with the park in 1975, Designed by John Allen and built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters; the ride is recognized for its twin racing tracks, starring role in the movie Rollercoaster, and inspiring the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) to form. It was renamed Racer 75 in 2018 to remove Confederate naming convention.
The Python (1976-2006) was a steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. It was the park's first roller coaster and Florida's first to feature an inversion; specifically a double corkscrew. At a height of 72' and speeds of 40 mph. Designed by Arrow Dynamics this was a popular roller coaster design during this era.
Designed by the legendary John C. Allen and built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, this classic "junior" coaster debut in 1975. Thew Scooby Doo coasters naming convention changed several times throught the years based on management and intellectual properties of the ear. Nearly identical models of this ride can be found at Kings Dominion and Kings Island.
This postcard show an overview of Mountain Park in Holyoke, MA, began as a scenic trolley park in 1894 and evolved into an amusement park before closing permanently in the fall of 1987. The roller coaster shown is the Flyer, which opened in 1929 and closed withg the park.
The Thunderbolt a side friction roller coaster operated at Rockaway Beach at 102nd and Beach streets in Queens, NY. The foreground shows the "Waves Baths Pavillion" which dates the image to the 1930's (at the earliest). The ride was known for extending out over the ocean.
With the exception of the Texas Cyclone every coaster in this Six Flags Astroworld image was moved to or from somewhere else. Almost humorously to keep up with.. Greezed Lightnin' 1978-2005 was moved to Joyland in Lubbock Texas. Batman the Escape 1993-2005 was previously the Shockwave at Magic Mountain. Ultra Twister 1990-2005 was previously at Six Flags Great Adventure, and finally "Taz's" Texas Tornado came to Astroworld from Europe, the was transported to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, then again to a park in Mexico (from where it was disposed).
Though not pictured here, Excalibur (1972-1998) went to Frontier City, Mayan Mindbender (1995-2005) went to Wonderland Park, Serial Thriller (1999-2005) was moved to LaRonde. Also lost in the 2005 closure was the XLR8 suspended coaster and Serpent mini mine train.
Pictured here (before 1987) with wooden Philadelphia Tobboggan trains, the Texas Cyclone (1976-2005) operated at six Flags Astroworld in the Coney Island section. Designed by Bill Cobb as a mirrored image of the Coney Island Cyclone; yet, taller and faster. With a 53.0° first drop and known for it's negative G forces. It was a highly regarded thrill ride for it's time. It closed in 2005 and then demolished in 2006.
Pictured here (after 1987) with Morgan designed Fiberglass trains, the Texas Cyclone (1976-2005) operated at six Flags Astroworld in the Coney Island section. Designed by Bill Cobb as a mirrored image of the Coney Island Cyclone; yet, taller and faster. With a 53.0° first drop and known for it's negative G forces. It was a highly regarded thrill ride for it's time. It closed in 2005 and then demolished in 2006.
The Port Arthur Pleasure Pier opened in 1897. This post card image of the Roller Coaster a side friction coaster likely taken after 1913. Simply documented that a swimming pool and a dance hall accompanied the roller coaster on the small, man-made island.
The Port Arthur Pleasure Pier opened in 1897. This view features the Comet roller coaster (1941-1958), designed by Herbert Schmeck and built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters. It was once described as the largest wooden roller coaster in the South. The comet was destroyed and removed after being heavily damaged by a Hurricane.
Buckeye Lake Amusement Park operated from 1930 until its closure in 1970. It featured a large Crystal Pool, and the Crystal Ballroom welcomed famous big bands and musicians. The background shows the Dips roller coaster (1924-1958), designed by John Miller it was an out and back roller coaster that went over a portion of the lake. This ride suffered fatalities in the 1930's and was finally shuttered after 16 people were injured in another accident in 1958. Today, this area is part of Buckeye Lake State Park.
Buckeye Lake Amusement Park operated from 1930 until its closure in 1970. It featured a large Crystal Pool, and the Crystal Ballroom welcomed famous big bands and musicians. The background shows the Dips roller coaster (1924-1958), designed by John Miller it was an out and back roller coaster that went over a portion of the lake. This ride suffered fatalities in the 1930's and was finally shuttered after 16 people were injured in another accident in 1958. Today, this area is part of Buckeye Lake State Park.
A more contemporary defunct classic roller coaster was The Big Bad Wolf at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, running from 1984 to 2009, built by Arrow Dynamics, known for its unique swinging ride through a Bavarian village motif and speedy turns over the park's Rhine River. This coaster was the second to be built using the swinging suspended technology which followed on the heels of the Bat at Kings Island (1981-1983). This land mass was repurposed for the Verbolten Roller Coaster using the Big Bad Wolf's former station and some footers. Verboltens finale features a similar plunging drop over the river as a memorial to the Wolf.
The Shock Wave roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas opened in 1978. Another Schwarzkopf Stengel collaboration; it was the second double looping roller coaster built only following the Double Loop (1977) at Geauga Lake. The ride is some 3600' in length, reaches speeds of 60 mph and is believed it can generate Forces up to 5.9 Gs.
Known for it's spiral lift and intense, highly-banked turns. The Big Bend was the first of four "speed racer" models to be built by Schwarzkopf; it was a steel roller coaster at Six Flags Over Texas, operating from 1971 to 1979. At opening, it was the park's tallest and fastest coaster; at a height of 81' and reaching reaching speeds of 52 mph on some 2800' of track.
The Runaway Mine Train at Six Flags Over Texas holds a legendary place in amusement park history as the world’s first mine train roller coaster. It was also the first coaster designed by Ron Toomer and the first of many mine train models. The ride featured three lift hills, two tunnels and appx. 2500' of track.
Savin Rock amusement park in West Haven, CT, featured several roller coasters including the Giant Racer in the early 1900's. Previously called The White City and established in the 1870s, the park closed in 1966.
Savin Rock amusement park in West Haven, CT, featured several attractions including the Mill Chute in the early 1900's. Previously called The White City and established in the 1870s, the park closed in 1966.
Carlin's Park was a park in Baltimore, Maryland. It was founded in 1918 by John J. Carlin. Pictured here was possibly the Dip-The-Dips (1919-1949) coaster the Deep Dipper (in some sources), Carlins Park Closed in the 1960's where a drive in movie theater was built. The park was bounded approximately where Carlin's Park Drive, Druid Park Drive and Reisterstown Road are today.
The Figure Eight was the second roller coaster at Euclid Beach Park, operating from 1904 to around 1908. With a height of around 35 feet and a top speed of 20 mph. Where this park once stood in Cleveland, Ohio, is now part of the Cleveland Metroparks Euclid Creek Reservation (a public green space), commercial and residential lots. Little remains except the entry arch, beachside fountains, paths. The wooded area around the playground and shelter have remained relatively unchanged.
Besides rides like the Tumble Bug, Caterpillar, Fun Houses and dark rides, The Racing Whippet (1927-1977) (barely visible here) was located in West View Park in Pittsburgh, PA. Designed by Edward Vettel, the ride featured a mobious loop path. It closed with the park in 1977 and the land was developed into a shopping center.
Designed by Edward Vettel, the Dips (1912-1977) was a wooden coaster located in West View Park in Pittsburgh, PA. An out-and-back design, later it famously incorporated a steep, curving turnaround known as the "Devil's Bend" becoming one of the most popular rides at the park. It closed with the park in 1977 and the land was developed into a shopping center.
Known for its Googie architecture and unique rides Like the Diving Bells, Safari Dark ride and Mahi Mahi. Pacific Ocean Park (POP) was a nautical-themed amusement park in Santa Monica, California, built on the former Ocean Park Pier, operating from 1958 to 1967. Numerous fires, plagued the structure before it was demolished in 1974. The park was located on the beach near the current day Rose Avenue parking lot.
After updating the original Ocean Park Pier (1926–1956). This image captures a moment at the now-defunct Pacific Ocean Park (POP) (1958-1967) in Santa Monica, California. This postcard features the "Ocean Skyway" attraction, which transported visitors via gondolas over the ocean. Originally the High Boy, a 1926 coaster, the Sea Serpent roller coaster (1925-1967) designed by John Miller looms in the distance. Known for its intense first drop over the ocean, the Serpent is a part of California Beachside lore.
This vintage postcard is of what I believe to be a "roller coaster" as a description onlly. Other Postcards have it listed as "A Giant Roller Coaster" Pictured is possibly the Wildcat roller coaster (1927-1960) at Riverview Beach Park in Pennsville, New Jersey. The postcard dates from approximately 1930–1945; this ride may have been designed by Herbert Schemeck.
Built in July of 1894, Island Park resided along the Lehigh River. Figure Eight roller coasters were popular around the country at the time. A a Ferris wheel, Carousel and old mill were also found at the Park. This space today is curently known as Hugh Moore Park with hiking and boating activities.
In this image of The Thriller (1924-1969) at Euclid beach was flanked by the Flying turns on the right and the Derby Racer on the left. The Thriller was a wooden coaster designed by Herbert Schmeck and built by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters. It boasted a 71-foot tall first hill and used an "out and back" L-shaped layout. Shortly after it openong it's second hill was lowered to increase the "airtime" experience. After being left for forgotten after the park closed in 1969, it was demolished in 1971.
The Derby Racer was a famous John A. Miller-designed wooden racing roller coaster, opening in 1913 as the Derby Racer, it was later renamed Racing Coaster. This ride featured a unique Möbius loop track where opposing trains raced side-by-side before merging and ending on opposite sides of the station, operating until the park closed in 1969. Quite like it's neighbor the Thriller; it stood idle for two years and demolished in 1971.
This postcard image shows the Lightning Racerin Redondo Beach, CA. The racing twin track wooden roller coaster was built in 1913 and situated above the ocean, offering riders 28-foot drops. The original structure was destroyed and rebuilt after a storm in 1915; then demolished in 1923 to make for the Giant Dipper roller coaster in 1924.
Originally called the "Aerial Racing Coaster," this vintage postcard depicts the "Race Thru the Clouds" roller coaster at the Grand Lagoon in Venice, California, circa 1911-1915. The roller coaster was torn down in 1924 , the canals were filled in and transformed into local streets like Main Street and the traffic circle.
A song and even books have been written about the storied Palisades Amusement Park 1898 to 1971. A beloved New Jersey destination atop a hill looming over the Hudson River taunting New Yorkers to "Come On Over". Evolving from a trolley park into a major resort with iconic roller coasters; Rocket Ride, saltwater pool and midway shows. Famous for its stunning views, beauty pagents and mid-century modern architecture. Over the years the park hosted some 16 coasters; however the park was raized for a high-rise development, leaving behind only a small memorial.
Palisades Amusement Park (1898-1971) featured mid-century design that was characteristic of the era's bright, vibrant pop culture and "Atomic Age" aesthetic. It's Googie style influences, with large, colorful, illuminated signage and unique architectural forms created a lively atmosphere that attracted millions from the 1950s to its closure in 1971. The park was located in Cliffside New Jersey.
The Palisades park Cyclone (1945-1971); originally named the Skyrocket was renamed in 1935 was a wood twister roller coaster designed by herbert Schmeck. The trains were salved for Williams Grove amusement Park in Pennslvania where they renamed their coaster to Cyclone for the Zipper because of these trains.
Palisades Amusement Park, located in Fort Lee, New Jersey hosted The Big Scenic Railway, a wood coaster that operated from 1911-1944. It was Manufactured by Joseph McKee and is considered and early electric powered coaster. With 4,500 feet of track it was purportedly the world's longest roller coaster for its time.
Vying off the 1930 winter olympics sport; Palisades Amusement Park, in Fort Lee, New Jersey, featured a roller coaster called Lake Placid Bobsled which operated from 1937 to 1946. The Flying Turns style roller coaster invented and designed by Norman Bartlett featured a wooden trough as opposed to fixed rails. It was reportedly the most intense version of this coaster design.
This post card likely features the Jack Rabbit (1917-1929); a wooden roller coaster at Palace Playland, Maine; which was replaced by the Cyclone roller coaster in 1938.
The Tickler (1908-1910) Roller Coaster at Lakeside Park, Denver Colorado. The Design intorduced by W.F. Mangels Company in 1906 any number of these rides were built. The Tickler was a popular early 20th-century amusement park ride (sometimes known as Virginia Reel in other parks). It's single cars would spin and roll down a zig zag incline.
Arnolds Park, located in Iowa, is one of the oldest amusement parks in the U.S. Designed by John Miller and built by Philadelphia Tobboggam Coasters and possibly going by other names; The Legend (as it's known today) has been around since about 1930 and of this writing still operates. At a height of only 63', with it's curving first drop, it still provides a thrilling experience.
This vintage postcard depicts the Backety-Back Scenic Railway (1909-1926) at the former Crystal Beach Park (1888-1989) in Ontario, Canada. It featured an innovative track system that allowed cars to go up an incline and then reverse back down a parallel, lower track. Today the park grounds are largely occupied by a residential neighborhood.
The Cyclone at Crystal Beach has been long considered the most thrilling and extreme coastesr of all time. One of three built by Harry Traver, it featured extreme drops, sharp turns and near-90-degree banking. It is said that the ride often caused riders to black out and that a nurse was regularly on standby for exiting guests. Today the park grounds are largely occupied by a residential neighborhood.
Riverview Park was a beloved Chicago amusement park that operated from its opening on July 2, 1904, until its closure on October 3, 1967. Known for its slogan "Laugh Your Troubles Away," it was a major destination for generations of Chicagoans. During it's existence, the park played host to many roller coasters. It resided on 74 acres at the intersection of Clyburn, Western and Belmont Avenues in the Roscoe Village neighborhood.
The Flying Turns (1935-1967) at Chicago’s Riverview Park was a legendary wooden bobsled coaster. It was uniquely characterized by a trackless wooden trough that allowed free-wheeling ride cars to navigate banked curves like a real olympic bobsled. The ride was designed by John Miller and Norman Bartlett for the 1933-1934 Century of Progress World’s Fair in Chicago then relocated to Riverview.
Designed by Fred Church and built by the Prior and Church company, the Bobs was (for many years) the revered thrilling attraction in the Chicago area. The wooden coaster featured non-stop action with twisting drops, heavily banked turns along it's 3,200 feet of track. A milder variation of this coaster... the "Raging Wolf Bobs" (1988-2007) was built at Geauga Lake in Ohio.
Originally debuting at Riverview Park as the Pippin in 1937, this ride was rebranded to the Silver Streak in 1938 following an accident; the moderately thrilling Silver Flash was rebranded the Flash in 1962 until the parks closing in 1967. This ride was located near the main entrance of the park at Western Avenue.
Originally opening as the Sky Rocket (1923-1935), Riverview Park;s the Blue Streak (1936-1958) was reimagined into the Fireball (1959-1967) was designed by John Miller; The ride was known for it's thrilling double down first drop which was removed in 1959 and repalced with a hill that went into an underground tunnel.
Opryland USA was a beloved Nashville theme park, open from 1972 to 1997, blending country music shows with family-friendly rides and attractions like the Grizzly River Rampage, but closed for other business reasons and eventually replaced by the Opry Mills Mall. The park played host to Six roller coasters at the time of it's closing. Some rides like the Screamin' Delta Demon; an Intamin Bobsled, was lost in the closure
On a side note, I personally tried to convince Six Flags Over Georgia management to acquire the Chaos (a Vekoma illusion) roller coaster as an all weather, high capacity, family attraction.. at which I failed.
The Wabash Cannonall (1975-1997) was an Arrow corkscrew model roller coaster that was considered to be a park staple. Though the ride was acquired/stored at another park it was never ressurected.
The Hangman (1995-1997) roller coaster was a standard Vekoma roller coaster featured five inversions and was a common design found at theme parks during this era. The ride was sold/relocated to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom and renamed Kong.
The Rock N' Roller Coaster (1972-1997) was an Arrow Mine Train that at 2300' long and a top speed of 45mph was relocated to Six Flags Great Escape as Canyon Blaster.
Opened in 1901 at West 10th Street, Coney Island; the Loop the Loop (1901-1910) stood west of where the Cyclone resides today (nearer the boardwalk). It was replaced by the Giant Racer the space of which being taken over by the Coney Island Cyclone in 1927.
The "Scenic Spiral Wheel" (1917-1920) was a unique roller coaster installed in Coney Island's Luna Park. featuring a giant steel wheel with track spiraling around its rim and using the train's weight to tilt and gyrate the whole structure. Visitors were more intrigued with the visual spectacle over the ride experience itself. I believe this coaster stood in what is currently a green feild North of Luna Playground behind the subway tracks in the housing community.
A more "contemporary" historic attraction is Dueling Dragons (1999-2017) featured two seprate interlocking and dueling roller coasters with many near miss moments. Each track was known as "Fire or Ice" when it opened. Fire consisted of five inversions where as Ice featured four. Both custom tracks were built by Bollinger & Mabillard. This site is currently occupied by Hagrid's Magical Motorbike Adventure.
A variation of the classic wild mouse design, this Arrow Dynamics designed Mad Mouse opened up at Valleyfair park in 1999. There were four rides of this model ever built. At 50' tall, it had 1200' of track and featured sharply backed turns.
The Orient Express was a significant steel roller coaster at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, running from 1980 to 2003. The ride featured two Interlocking Loops and a Batwing inversion. The ride was once located behind where the spinning Dragons Ride is today.
The Windjammer Surf Racers (1997-2000) was a steel racing roller coaster with loops at Knott's Berry Farm, CA. The Togo brand Crazy Mouse coaster was demolished in July 2001 due to persistent operational, mechanical issues and design flaws, after it's closure the Xcelerator roller coaster was built in its place.
Miracle Strip Amusement Park (1963-2004) exisited in Panama City Beach, Florida. Notable for its out and back wooden coaster, the Starliner (also 1963-2004); a featuring a below grade tunnel and dropping turnaround. Park had other popular attractions such as the Ferris Wheel, Abominable Snowman, Dante's Inferno and Haunted Castle. This image is likely from 1973 as the Galaxi Coaster is also visible.
The Cyclone at Coney Island New York (is near and dear to my heart - that's a fact). The ride opened in 1927 and is now considered a historic landmark. This image likely reflects opening year. Built on a site previously occupied by the Giant Racer (1911–1926); the Cyclone was designed by engineer Vernon Keenan and built by Harry C. Baker. The Cyclone reaches a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour, a track length of 2,640', and features a maximum height of 85 feet. In 1972 the ride was endangered, but with the help of Astroland was eventually saved. For a short time in the 1980s, the classic wooden coaster would run its trains in reverse as BackFire (another fact, I rode it too). The Cyclone was desginated as a NYC landmark in 1998.
Idora Park in Oakland, CA, was a popular trolley park (1903-1929) that started as a picnic spot, an amusement ride destination, a zoo, and an opera house. It hosted several coasters in it's time including the Scenic Railway (1906-1921). The L.A. Thompson Scenic Railway refers to a popular type of early roller coaster, pioneered by LaMarcus Thompson, featuring gravity-powered cars on a track with undilating hills.
The Race Thru the Clouds (1911-1923), designed by John Miller and built by Prior & Church this was Venice Beach's first major roller coaster. It was a massive wooden twin-track racing coaster on the pier and the first racing coaster on the west coast. Said top be 4,000' long It was located on Main Street where the canal system once still existed.
Residing at Belmont Park in California and Designed by Frank Prior and Frederick Church the Giant Dipper (1925); aka the Earthquake (1976?). It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987; the ride still stood idle until 1990 when is was ressurected by the efforts of historians. Today the neighborhood is a poplar destination for tourists and locals. If ever in the area, take a moment to appreciate that this ride has survived through 100 years, three fires, (one in 1955 and two in 1981). disrepair, abandonment and near demolition. Or better yet ride into history on it's 2600' of undilating track.
The Montaña Rusa (1964-2019) was a revered wooden roller coaster at La Feria Chapultepec Mágico in Mexico City, Mexico. Built in 1964 by International Amusement Devices. For several years, Montaña Rusa held the record of world's tallest roller coaster.Technically, the coaster has a continuous track of 8,000 feet. Montaña Rusa is one of only a handful of such coasters in the world.
The Montaña Rusa (1964-2019) was a revered wooden roller coaster at La Feria Chapultepec Mágico in Mexico City, Mexico. Built in 1964 by International Amusement Devices. For several years, Montaña Rusa held the record of world's tallest roller coaster.Technically, the coaster has a continuous track of 8,000 feet. Montaña Rusa is one of only a handful of such coasters in the world.
A rare historical image of the Grand Strand Amusement Park in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina showing the Swamp Fox Roller Coaster from the air. The park originally opened in 1966. The 1970s and 1980s were a primary period of operation under the Grand Strand name. The park was purchased by the Ammons family in 1991, restored, and reopened in June 1992 under a new name: Family Kingdom Amusement Park. Family Kingdom continues to operate on the original site today.
This vague image is a vintage postcard view of probably the "Figure 8" roller coaster station and structure at an amusement park in Rock Island, Illinois. The park, often referred to as White City, opened in May 1905. (per an AI search result)
Not much is know about the Great Boller Coaster in Belleville, NJ. But here is a postcard showing it's existence.. stay tuned for more information.
This image captures a moment at West Beach, part of The Pike amusement zone in Long Beach, California, likely from the 1960s. Looming in the background is The Cyclone Racer, a famous, dual-track wooden roller coaster at The Pike amusement park in Long Beach, California, operating from 1930 to 1968, known for its thrilling, intense ride over the water
This 1915 vintage postcard depicts the Scenic Railway roller coaster at Joyland Amusement Park in Oak Park, Sacramento, California. Shown here is the figure eight roller coaster, a very popular design for this era. The site now goes by McClatchy Park, a public park space.
Pictured here is The Flyer (1957-1989) roller coaster in Wildwood, NJ. Designed by John Allen the ride featured a double out-and-back layout and was known for its good airtime for a mid-sized coaster. This ride was a signature attraction at Hunt's Pier along the boardwalk at the end of East Poplar and Juniper Avenues. Below are classic mid-century images of the area in general.
The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic oceanfront amusement park in Santa Cruz, California, known for its historic rides, arcades, and a wide sandy beach. Shown in this postcard is the Giant Dipper (1924); built by Arthur Loof (known for his carousels) and designed by Prior and Church. In 1987 the ride was granted a National Historic Landmark status.
The Great Boller Coaster (appx. 1906) was a Side Friction Figure Eight roller coaster at Hillside Pleasure Park in Belleville, NJ that operated from 1904 to 1927. The site was was appx. bound by where Floyd Street, Washington Avenue at Greylock Parkway are today.
The swimming pool at Steeplechase Park was known as the "World's Largest Swimming Pool" when it opened in 1909. Pictured on the right is the Limit roller coaster (1920's), a gravity driven attraction was located appx at West 19th street and the Boardwalk.
Designed by John Pierce, The Rattler at Six Flags Fiesta Texas opened in 1992 as the world's tallest, fastest, and steepest wooden coaster. Built on a quarry wall, the Ratller was known for plunging riders off a quarry wall and through a rock tunnel. It was appx. 184' tall, about 5,000' in length and reached speeds of 65 mph. It was eventually converted into a smoother hybrid roller coaster and renamed The Iron Rattler in 2013.
This is a vintage postcard of the Indiana Beach amusement park in Monticello, Indiana, likely from around the 1970s. Shown is the Galaxi (1971-2013) roller coaster an SDC designed ride situated on "Galaxy Pier". The image also shows the Shafer Queen a classic pleasure Riverboat that plies the water of Lake Shafer during the summer.
Kings Dominion in Virginia at one time hosted a Galaxie coaster. A standard SDC model it stood in the Candy Apple Grove area of the park.
The Ultra Twister (1990-2005) at Six Flags Astroworld was relocated from Six Flags Great Adventure. It featured a vertical lift, a daring 85 degree first drop and three Heartline Rolls. Designed by Togo only handful of these rides existed but mostly in Japan.
This image is a postcard from the early 1950s showing the Sunnyside Amusement Park in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Designed by John Miller the Flyer roller coaster operated from 1922-1955. The park was appx where the Gardiner Expressway and Lakeshor Blvd. West exisits today. The Outdoor pool abd Palais Royale are some of the remnants left over from the park.
This image captures a moment at the now-closed Bertrand Island Amusement Park on Lake Hopatcong, New Jersey. The Wildcat designed by Herbert Schmeck was an out and back coaster which operated from 1925-1983. The park operated from the 1920s until its closure in 1983.
This vintage postcard image depicts the Carowinds shortly after its opening in the 1970s, featuring the iconic defunct, Skyride, Monorail Riverboat rides on the Carolina Lagoon. The Carolina Gold Rusher (1973) mine train coaster was designed by Arrow Dynamics. It is notable for being the first coaster in the U.S. to cross a state line (NC/SC).
The White Lightnin' (1977-1988) roller coaster was a Shwarzkopf shuttle coaster. At 140' tall abd travelling 57 mph; it was known for its powerful launch, vertical loop, and backward run through the track, using a unique weight-drop launch system. The ride was relocated to Gold Reef City in South Africa.
Dolles Park, later, New Redxford Park was in Alplaus New York. The coaster shown appears to be a classic Figure Eight (1911-1917) a popular ride if it's time. The postcard states "Roller Coaster" which could refernce the Giant Coaster (1918-1925)
This Figure Eight (1899-1909) Roller Coaster operated at Glen Haven Park in Rochester, NY. Possibly near where the Bay Village Marina is located today.
It was situated between Beach 97th and Beach 98th Streets, near the boardwalk. Rockaway's Playland. A National Amusement Device attraction was designed by Vernon Keenan; the Atom Smasher (1938-1985) roller coaster was 70' tall and had 3,000' of track. Today, houses sit on this lot of land.
This image captures a moment in time at the former Pacific Ocean Park (P.O.P.) in Santa Monica, California. Shown here the Sea Serpent (1925-1957) was designed by John Miller, previously known as the High Boy on Ocean Park Pier.
This is a vintage postcard featuring the "The Dips" roller coaster at Exposition Park in San Antonio, Texas. The site generally referred to as San Antonio Exposition Park today is now known as the Hemisfair district and may have been the location for this attractions.
This is a vintage postcard featuring the "The Dips" roller coaster at Exposition Park in San Antonio, Texas. The site generally referred to as San Antonio Exposition Park today is now known as the Hemisfair district and may have been the location for this attractions.
This vintage postcard captures a view of the pier from possibly the Zip (1925-1964) roller coaster at Steeplechase Park in Coney Island, New York. The Zip was one of two gravity rides (the other being The Limit). The only structure still standing today that was once part of Steeplechase Park is the historic Parachute Jump. Today, the space is occupied by MCU Park Stadium.
This image is a vintage postcard showing the Krug Park amusement park in Omaha, Nebraska, circa the early 1900s. The wooden structure in the background is likely the Figure Eight Toboggan (1903-1917) roller coaster. The park was located in Omaha Nebraska likely where Gallagher Park (Noth 52nd street and Maple) is today.
This rare postcard from Kennywood shows the Speed-O-Plane (1911-1923) roller coaster hugging the edge of the Athletic Feilds. Today, the site where the Speed-O-Plane once stood is occupied by the Lost Kennywood section.
Derby Racer was the name of two wooden roller coasters that operated at Revere Beach in Revere, Massachusetts. This is a vintage postcard depicting the Revere Beach Promenade in Massachusetts, featuring the Derby Racer (1911-1936) roller coaster. Built in 1911 by Fred W. Pearce, it was a "racing" side-friction coaster featuring two side-by-side tracks in a figure-eight configuration.
The Lightning Racer (1913-1923) was a historic twin-track wooden racing roller coaster that was built on the beach and operated on the waterfront of Redondo Beach, California. The coaster featured two parallel 3,000-foot tracks (6,000 feet total). The ride was likely located on the sands just outside of where Vererans Park resides today.
Located at Jack and Jill Amusement Park in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the Allan Herschell Monster Mouse thilled guests during the 1960;s and 1970's. The Amusement Park was situated on Coliseum Blvd in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The looping Star was built in 1996 at Jolly Roger at the Pier in Ocean City Maryland. A Pinfari Zyklon model with a vertical loop.
Jack Rabbit (1919-2002) was a roller coaster at Clementon Park in Clementon, New Jersey. A John Miller designed ride that stood 50' tall with a length of 1,380'.
The Scenic Railway (1909-1922) roller coaster operated at the former Edgewood Park in Shamokin, Pennsylvania; this ride may have been also known as Touring The Alps. The park was semmingly located somewhere between Indian Avenue and State street.
The Figure Eight (1904-1933) was a side friction roller coaster at Celoron Park on Chautauqua Lake, New York. This ride was typical of this era and duplicated many times. It appears the park was located of of West Lake Street in Jamestown, NY.
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