Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania
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Book Overview
Pennsylvania is home to many classic amusement parks, several of which began operating as early as the late nineteenth century. Some of these parks maintain rides and amusements from their early years, preserving an atmosphere of nostalgia. Others have evolved with new trends in the industry, adding high-tech rides and water parks. This book begins with a concise history of the amusement park, and then surveys the industry in Pennsylvania. A comprehensive guide to 13 parks in the state and a selection of smaller ones, complete with information on rides and attractions, follows. Packed with vintage postcard images and photographs. Featured parks: Williams Grove Amusement Park, Mechanicsburg Idlewild and Soak Zone, Ligonier Dorney Park and Wildwater Kingdom, Allentown Conneaut Lake Community Park, Conneaut Lake Lakemont Park, Altoona Waldameer Park and Water World, Erie Kennywood, West Mifflin Bushkill Park, Easton Hersheypark, Hershey DelGrosso's Amusement Park, Tipton Knoebels Amusement Resort, Elysburg Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster Sesame Place, Langhorne.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0811726711
ISBN13:9780811726719
Release Date:May 2002
Publisher:Stackpole Books
Length:256 Pages
Weight:0.96 lbs.
Dimensions:0.5" x 6.1" x 9.5"
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Should Be Titled "History Of Amusement Parks Of Pennsylvania"
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
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.
Yesteryear and now of Pennsylvania's Parks
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
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.
Not just for PA residents
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
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.
Fun reading and focus on PA!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
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.
coaster riffic
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
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.
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