America's first theme park, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, is one of the largest family-owned and -operated independent parks in the United States, and its success is no accident. From moving Interstate 64 closer to the small town to introducing free unlimited soft drinks, four generations of the Koch family have amplified the legacy of this iconic Indiana attraction. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari celebrates the history of the Koch family and Santa Jim Yellig; the origins of Santa Claus, Indiana; and the early years of Santa Claus Land. The story continues with the expansion from Santa Claus Land to Holiday World, the addition of the park's famous trio of top-ranked wooden roller coasters, and the development of Splashin' Safari Water Park, ranked one of the top water parks in the country. For three-quarters of a century, the Koch family has launched the park into worldwide renown and national recognition. Featuring over 100 color illustrations, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari relives this joyous past while looking forward to the thrills fans can expect in the next 75 years.
One of the oldest amusement parks in the United States, and one of the last surviving "trolley parks," Waldameer Park has provided generations with fun-filled afternoons. Originally beginning as a picnic area known as Hoffman's Grove on the banks of Lake Erie in Northwestern Pennsylvania, the Erie Electric Motor Company leased the park in 1896 and renamed it "Waldameer," translated literally as "Woods by the Sea" in German. A trolley park's main purpose was to entice people to ride the new-fangled trolley car on the weekends, and Waldameer accomplished that in spades. Initially, the park's main attraction was its beach on the lake, a popular destination for people to go and escape the heat of summer, but over the years, Waldameer Park changed and grew significantly. In the early 20th century, rides like Dip the Dips, Ravine Flyer, and Mill Run grew to be the main attractions at the park. Over the past three decades, Waldameer Park has grown into a modern amusement park, while maintaining its beloved nostalgic atmosphere. Today, visitors cool off in the Water World water park and enjoy thrill rides like the Comet, Steel Dragon, X-Scream, and Ravine Flyer II.
In 1968, three businessmen left their jobs at Cedar Point in Sandusky to purchase Geauga Lake Amusement Park. Geauga Lake had been a summertime escape since the 1870s, but by the 1960s it had fallen on hard times. The businessmen's company, Funtime, Inc., transformed the aging facility into a modern amusement park and established a reputation as an innovative operator in one of the nation's most competitive amusement park markets. Geauga Lake became the first park with two looping roller coasters and the first to integrate a full-scale water park, Boardwalk Shores. The company broke even more new ground in 1988 when it resurrected a classic roller coaster design to construct Raging Wolf Bobs. Images of America: Geauga Lake: The Funtime Years 1969-1995 captures the park's transformation and some of the countless memories that resulted from Funtime's 26-year ownership.
Explore Seabreeze Park, one of America's oldest amusement parks, and the tragedy that spawned a revitalization of the historic park. In operation since 1879, Seabreeze Park is the fourth-oldest operating amusement park in the United States. Mixing old and new within its gates, the park's attractions range from a vintage 1920 Jack Rabbit roller coaster and a tree-lined midway to a kiddieland and waterpark. George Long Sr. came to the shores of Lake Ontario as a concessionaire in 1904, and his son assumed ownership of the park by the 1940s. Over the years, the Long, Norris, and Price families have propelled the park through changing times and perilous fires. In 1994, fire destroyed the heart of the park, its carousel. Recognizing the damage as an opportunity to revive the cherished ride, the family relied on more than a century of experience to inspire and hand-craft a new antique carousel. In an age of corporate theme parks, Seabreeze Park endures as one of the country's favorite family-owned and -operated parks.
During a lifetime in professional sports, Jim Finks touched nearly every rung on the ladder. As a player during the National Football League's Golden Era of the 1950's, Finks suffered a broken neck making a tackle and later survived to become a Pro Bowl quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He coached Paul Hornung to a Heisman Trophy at Notre Dame in 1956 before cutting his teeth as general manager of the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League. From Canada, Finks headed south to help build Super Bowl teams as GM of the Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears. He even brought his winning touch to baseball as president of the Chicago Cubs in 1984 before rescuing the New Orleans Saints from pigskin purgatory and elevating them to playoff respectability. Finks spent 26 years as an NFL general manager and was a strong candidate to replace Pete Rozelle as commissioner in 1989 while earning NFL executive of the year awards in 1973 and 1987. Jim Finks was admired for his honesty and integrity in a business where the shafts and knives often fill the air. Finks was a unique individual, and "It's Been a Pleasure" will impart even more of that wisdom.
Waldameer Park overlooks Lake Erie in northwestern Pennsylvania. This area has been a popular retreat for people since opening in 1896. As one of the last surviving trolley parks in America, Waldameer Park has a story of growth and survival. Originally, the park s main attraction was its beach on the lake; it was a popular destination in Erie for people to go and escape the heat of summer. Over the years, Waldameer Park changed significantly. In the early 20th century, rides like Dip the Dips, Ravine Flyer, and Mill Run grew to be the main attractions at the park. Over the past three decades, Waldameer Park has grown into a modern amusement park, while maintaining its beloved nostalgic atmosphere. Today, visitors cool off in the Water World water park and enjoy thrill rides like the Comet, Steel Dragon, X-scream, and Ravine Flyer II.
America's first theme park, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, is one of the largest family-owned and -operated independent parks in the United States, and its success is no accident. From moving Interstate 64 closer to the small town to introducing free unlimited soft drinks, four generations of the Koch family have amplified the legacy of this iconic Indiana attraction. Holiday World & Splashin' Safari celebrates the history of the Koch family and Santa Jim Yellig; the origins of Santa Claus, Indiana; and the early years of Santa Claus Land. The story continues with the expansion from Santa Claus Land to Holiday World, the addition of the park's famous trio of top-ranked wooden roller coasters, and the development of Splashin' Safari Water Park, ranked one of the top water parks in the country. For three-quarters of a century, the Koch family has launched the park into worldwide renown and national recognition. Featuring over 100 color illustrations, Holiday World & Splashin' Safari relives this joyous past while looking forward to the thrills fans can expect in the next 75 years.
This comprehensive guide profiles 17 major amusement parks in the Garden State. Complete information on rides and attractions is accompanied by dozens of vintage photographs and postcard scenes. Featured parks: Steel Pier, Atlantic City; Keansburg Amusement Park, Keansburg; Clementon Amusement Park, Clementon; Jenkinson's Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach; Casino Pier, Seaside Heights; Playland, Ocean City; Bowcraft Amusement Park, Scotch Plains; Land of Make Believe, Hope; Storybookland, Cardiff; Funtown Pier, Seaside Park; Wild West City, Netcong; Gillian's Wonderland Pier, Ocean City; Morey's Piers, Wildwood; Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson; Fantasy Island, Beach Haven; Blackbeards Cave, Bayville.
In 1968, three businessmen left their jobs at Cedar Point in Sandusky to purchase Geauga Lake Amusement Park. Geauga Lake had been a summertime escape since the 1870s, but by the 1960s it had fallen on hard times. The businessmen's company, Funtime, Inc., transformed the aging facility into a modern amusement park and established a reputation as an innovative operator in one of the nation's most competitive amusement park markets. Geauga Lake became the first park with two looping roller coasters and the first to integrate a full-scale water park, Boardwalk Shores. The company broke even more new ground in 1988 when it resurrected a classic roller coaster design to construct Raging Wolf Bobs. Images of America: Geauga Lake: The Funtime Years 1969-1995 captures the park's transformation and some of the countless memories that resulted from Funtime's 26-year ownership.
This comprehensive guide profiles 16 major amusement parks in the Empire State and offers information on smaller parks as well. Offers complete information on rides and attractions, a history of each park, and best times to go. Features vintage photographs and postcards scenes.
The first-ever collection of interviews with this well-known, prolific writer whose books include twenty-two volumes of poetry, fiction, and nonfiction published over a period of thirty-six years
Compiled from the literary estate of the singer who brought a wildly lyrical poetry of the damned to the world of rock 'n' roll. Includes unpublished poems, drawings, photos, and a candid self-interview.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jim Davidson is a Christian businessman and a native of Gould in Southeast Arkansas. His career as a public speaker, author, and motivational consultant has spanned more than forty-five years. Some of his many awards and achievements include: Arkansas Salesman of the Year, Chairman of the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce's Diamond Club sales organization, Justice of the Peace in Pulaski County, Chairman of Speakers Bureau of the Pulaski County United Way, Leadership Gavel recipient as voted by members of his Dale Carnegie Class, and honorary member of the DECA & GCE Clubs of Arkansas. He has also been presented with the "Good Neighbor Award" by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce and is the 2010 "Distinguished Service Award" winner for Conway Public Schools. In November 2013, Jim was given a Senate Citation and the Conway Community Service Award by Senator Jason Rapert during a ceremony at the Faulkner County Library. In 1980, Jim began writing and producing a daily radio program titled "How to Plan Your Life." It has been broadcast by over 300 radio stations coast to coast and heard by thousands of people each weekday. Later, in 1995, he also began writing a weekly newspaper column for his hometown newspaper, the Log Cabin Democrat, in Conway, Arkansas. With over 375 newspapers in thirty-five states running his column since its inception, it is believed to be the most successful self-syndicated column in the history of American journalism. Jim was a staunch member of the Conway Noon Lions Club for over 20 years, holding every leadership position and winning all their awards, including twice being named a Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest award in Lionism. He also served as Chairman of the Annual Golf Tournament and the Harlem Ambassador Fundraiser Event. Publisher's website: http: //sbprabooks.com/JimDavidson
Unforgotten Hero tells the captivating life story of Second Lieutenant Jimmy L. Escalle, a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot who became missing in action during the Korean War. Growing up in a small farming town in California’s San Joaquin Valley during the 1930s and 1940s, Jim was a devoted son, a caring older brother, a talented athlete, and a young man of moral character who always put others first. He started high school as the Second World War was at its peak, and graduated during a time of transition within America and around the world. He had always wanted to fly airplanes someday, and with the introduction of jet propulsion during his high school years, he dreamed of becoming a jet pilot. Called to serve his country after the Korean War began, his dream became a reality when he joined the Air Force and eventually got the opportunity to fly the F-86 Sabre, regarded as the most advanced jet fighter of its time. Soon after arriving in Korea he went on his first missions, which were MiG Alley sweeps. However, since Jim was assigned to a fighter-bomber squadron, the majority of his combat missions were air-to-ground. These were the most dangerous missions. In Korea, more pilots had been killed or listed as MIA due to being shot down by ground fire rather than enemy aircraft. For Jim, this fact was realized only five weeks before the armistice was signed. He paid the ultimate price for freedom when he disappeared while on a combat mission over North Korea and was never seen or heard from again.
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