Pleasure Gardens—the forerunner of Amusement Parks
Commercialized Leisure
The expansion of the urban middle class in Europe led to a rise in “commercialized leisure.” The result of their increased earnings led to a change in socializing trends. Consequently, paid entertainment, particularly in cities like London, experienced a surge in popularity. Known as Pleasure Gardens—the forerunner of Amusement Parks. Outdoor spaces that required an entry ticket were a popular form of entertainment during this period. Pleasure gardens began as parks or gardens open to the public for entertainment and recreation. The added attractions such as amusement rides, zoos, concert halls, and bandstands.
They are distinct from other public gardens which do not usually offer such facilities. In the past, the term referred to private gardens with flowers, shrubs, or wooded areas. The depiction of entertainment in nature has been documented as far back as 1500 BC.
The Oldest Amusement Park In The U.S
Did you know that Lake Compounce in Bristol, Connecticut is the oldest amusement park in the U.S.? It’s been around since 1846 when Samuel Botsford organized a public demonstration of electricity experiments on Gad Norton’s property. It drew thousands of spectators. Norton was inspired to install picnic tables, and set up a path around the lake. These enhancements, including swimming and row boats, allowed people to more fully enjoy the property.
Knott’s Berry Farm, America’s first theme park, began as “The Knott’s Berry Farm” in 1889. During the 1920s, Walter and his wife Cordelia sold various berry products. These included fresh berries, preserves, and pies, from a roadside stand.
The Ferris Wheel
The name “Ferris wheel” originated from its creator, George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. He built one of the first examples for the “World’s Columbian Exposition” in Chicago in 1893. First known as “Pleasure wheels,” its passengers rode in chairs suspended from large wooden rings. The rings were turned by strong men, the attraction may have originated in 17th-century Bulgaria.
George was a structural engineer from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While he was inspecting steel for the fair when he came up with the idea for a massive metal wheel. He presented it to Daniel Burnham, the lead architect for the fair, who had requested a standout structure. Burnham and his colleagues hoped that the Ferris wheel would be as impressive as the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower had been built for the 1889 Exposition in Paris.
Of the numerous proposals for Chicago’s spectacular attraction, nothing captured the imagination quite like the “Chicago Wheel.” George’s enormous vertical structure rotated around a center axle. It featured 36 gondolas capable of holding up to 60 people each—for a total capacity of 2,160 people. Although it wasn’t the first amusement wheel, Burnham was skeptical about the feasibility of constructing such a large-scale structure. George had to conduct numerous safety studies, which he financed himself, before finally convincing Burnham that the structure was achievable. Eventually, in 1893, George succeeded in building the attraction, giving birth to the iconic Ferris wheel.
The 1920’s
During the 1920s, amusement parks expanded throughout the United States. As the middle class expanded, the demand for leisure and entertainment, particularly thrilling rides, increased. This led to the establishment of amusement parks like Cedar Point in Ohio, Kennywood in Pittsburgh, and Hersheypark in Philadelphia.
Mickey Mouse Village Amusement Park
The decade of the 1950s saw the peak of the amusement parks industry in America. New rides such as the Wild Mouse roller-coaster, Tilt-a-Whirl spinning cars, and Scrambler thrilled visitors. Disney opened its California and Florida theme parks during the 1950s. This changed the face of the amusement park industry forever, with innovations in rides, themes, and storytelling concepts. Disney had initially set out to build what he called a “Mickey Mouse Village,” which eventually became Disneyland.
The company’s artists, designers, and engineers were bringing to life. Walt Disney’s vision of creating an amusement park with themes, such as Adventureland, Fantasyland, Frontierland, and Tomorrowland. Disney was involved in every detail and pushed to make sure visitors could experience walking into their favorite Disney films.
In the 1970s and 1980s
Theme parks built bigger, faster rides. Rides like The Beast at Kings Island with the longest wooden roller coaster in the world! For nearly five decades, the Great American Scream Machine has stood as a beloved symbol at Six Flags Over Georgia. This timeless wooden roller coaster has become an iconic landmark, delighting countless riders with its thrilling and unforgettable experience. Disney opened Epcot Center in Florida, based on the concepts of Internationality and progress. Universal Studios also opened its first theme park in California. Today, the amusement park industry continues to flourish, with technology revolutionizing the rides and attractions. Parks have evolved beyond mere roller coasters.Now offering a plethora of water-based rides, virtual reality experiences, and captivating animatronics attractions.
The Amusement Park, An American Tradition
Amusement and theme parks have become an American tradition, enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. We hope this brief journey of amusement and theme parks in America has brought back many happy memories!
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