Waldameer New Comet Roller Coaster 1951

"Erie's famous, colorful amusement park has been under the guidance of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Moeller for the past 37 summers. It had been in operation for 20 to 25 years as an old fashioned picnic center before the Moellers transformed it into the beautiful amusement center  it is today. The park boasts completely paved midway, expert landscaping with gay flower gardens, sanitary rest rooms and every convenience for your greater comfort. 

Truly, Waldameer is one of the nation's finest amusement parks.

Pictured (left), the newest of Waldameer's thrilling rides, 'The COMET' put into operation for the first time this season. Other big rides include: Ye Mill Chute, a scenic boat ride; Dodgems, Tumble Bug, a beautiful wood carved Merry-Go-Round and flying scooters." -ad in Erie Dispatch, August 15, 1951.

The Comet is one of the finest wooden roller coasters in North America.

Kiddie Land, featured below, includes a small boat ride and a other rides scaled down to the size of young riders.

Here is a link to the Top Ten Rides at Waldameer in 1941: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/08/waldameer-park-top-ten-rides-from-1941.html

Enjoy more historic Erie, PA facts and photos at: oldtimeerie.blogspot.com

Waldameer Park Opening Day 1924

Boating at Waldameer Park, postmarked 1919. Postcard courtesy of Michele H.

Ten to fifteen thousand people visited Waldameer Park in Erie, PA on May 30, 1924. And that was just in the afternoon! About 5,000 people were there in the evening. It was estimated that about one thousand tourists drove from Pittsburgh, PA to enjoy the park, filling every available spot. (Waldameer and Presque Isle State Park have long been favorites of Pittsburgh natives.)

"The kids were given a new treat yesterday in the 'Custer Car.' The miniature automobiles are run by storage batteries and go around a small track. The kids were so tickled at the new racing cars which they drive themselves that at times they were lined 50 deep waiting for a vacant car.

As usual, the Ravine Flyer was popular with young people seeking thrills and a great many of the more timid got their thrill on the Figure-Eight. The Merry-Go-Round was popular with almost everyone. The introduction of new horses and animals, including the elephant, made everybody want to ride the new ponies or the basket on the elephant." -Erie Dispatch-Herald, May 31, 1924.

Waldameer Park and Water World, located at 3100 West Lake Road in Millcreek Township, Erie County, PA, has long been a favorite with many generations of amusement park fans. The park is a favorite for fans of old style wooden roller coasters.

Here is a link to the Top Seven Rides at Waldameer Park in 1941: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/08/waldameer-park-top-ten-rides-from-1941.html

Friction Rocked Rainbow Gardens on New Year's Eve

You and me we're goin' Rockin' Tonight at Rainbow Gardens, where Friction will help ring in the New Year. But not tonight.

In the 80s and early 90s, we had a Love to Live By, courtesy of Friction. Sure, we were younger then, but as we said, we ain't bad kids, we're just tryin' to fake it. So when the ball drops, At Midnight I Go Punk. It's Too Late to Cry, and this ain't no Broken Heart Charity Ball.

Rockin' my baby on the tree top, Baby Talk. You couldn't turn on the radio and not hear a Friction tune, especially if you listened to K-104. Nobody was Down & Lonely when these guys were around.

Bob Michel, Marty Scott, Marlon Coe and the boys in Friction packed them in at Rainbow Gardens at Waldameer Park, and at practically any other gig they played in Erie, PA and the Tri-state area. If you followed the band you always had a chance to Wave Goodbye to a Friend at the end of the night.

Friction performed a reunion gig at Rainbow Gardens in 2008.

Enjoy more fun and puns about Erie, Pennsylvania at: Old Time Erie

Waldameer Tin Can Day July 15, 1927 Erie, PA

Waldameer Amusement Park ad in the Erie Dispatch-Herald from 1927.

This ad from the Erie Dispatch-Herald made me laugh. Tin Can Day at Waldameer Park in Millcreek Township, PA.

"Boys and Girls Save Your Tin Cans! Any old can and 3¢ entitles you to a ticket good on any ride. The more tin cans you bring to Waldameer the more rides you get!

One can and 3¢ for one ride.

No limit to the number of cans you bring, so put your cans on a string and come to Waldameer Friday, July 15th, 1927."

Can you imagine some kid dragging twenty tin cans behind him on his way to Waldameer? I wonder what the park did with all the tin cans?

Here is an ad which includes the Top Ten rides at Waldameer Park in 1941: Top Ten Rides at Waldameer Park in 1941.

Find more fun ads and fascinating photos of Erie, Pennsylvania at Old Time Erie