Smile: A Picture History of Olympic Park, 1887-1965
In Smile, Alan A. Siegel chronicles the evolution of Olympic Park from a den of hedonism and intoxication in the 1880s into Essex County's most popular family entertainment site in the 1950s and 1960s. Under the fifty-year reign of Newark brewer Henry A. Guenther, millions of men, women, and children passed under the signs Smile and Learn to Play into what the legendary beer baron called a little bit of Coney Island, the circus, an old-fashioned beer garden, and Monte Carlo rolled into one. With its myriad games, attractions, performances, and restaurants, it was impossible to walk away from the park unsatisfied and not wishing for a return. Though the doors to Olympic Park have been closed for thirty years, it will forever reside in the memories of many as a towering monument on the cultural landscape of New Jersey in a simpler, more innocent, and less affluent time.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0813522552
ISBN13:9780813522555
Release Date:August 1995
Publisher:Rutgers University Press
Length:176 Pages
Weight:1.20 lbs.
Dimensions:0.4" x 8.5" x 11.1"
Related Subjects
Arts, Music & Photography History Industries & Professions Performing Arts State & LocalCustomer Reviews
5 ratings
It was nice to finally see what it looked like inside the gates
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I remember seeing Olympic Park many times as a child, through the windows of my parents' car as we drove past it. We were never able to go to the park because entry was restricted, but from the pictures in this book it must have been a fun experience if you were the right color.
A picture history of Olympic Park 1887-1965
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I grew up in Irvington, new Jersey where Olympic park was and never knew the history. Found it extremely interesting and may buy more copies for friends.
Oh the Times...There a Changin'
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Anyone that is interested in New Jersey History, or just to go back in time when times were not as complicated, then this Book is for you! It is about one of the Greatest Amusement Parks & all of the difficult times & mostly all of the Fun Times all the Visitors that went there had. This Book is a Must Have for your Collection. Long Live The Memory Of Olympic Park! Peace
It brings a smile to your face and tugs at your heartstrings
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Olympic Park was more than an amusement park with a big swimming pool. It was an experience shared by countless people who had a personal and often emotional attachment to it. This book brings back vivid memories and captures the essence of a time and place that will never be again. I would give anything to recapture what I had then as I did not know what I had lost until it was gone.
graet for anyone who remember the fun times at olympic park
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
i recommend this book very highly. if you know anyone who remembers olympic park this would be a great gift for any occassion.
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