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

Waldameer Park Top Ten Rides from 1941

-ad in Erie Daily Times, May 27, 1941.

Believe it or not, some of the Top Ten rides from the 1941 season at Waldameer Park are  favorites of kids today.  (Well, a couple of them still exist.) Let's see which rides you remember:

• Merry-Go-Round
• Old Mill Run
• Dodgems
• Loop-O-Plane
• Aerial Swing
• Fun House
• Ravine Flyer
• Ferris Wheel
• Kiddie Swings
• Blue Goose
• Custer Cars

This ad from the Erie Daily Times was for the May 29, 1941 grand opening of "The Joy Spot of Erie."

The Old Mill Run was replaced by Thunder River. The Ravine Flyer II replaced the old Ravine Flyer. The Sky Fighter is one of the older rides but it does not appear on the 1941 list.
Waldameer Park is the top amusement park in northwestern Pennsylvania.

Here is a very cool video of Waldameer Park from 1961 which was posted on YouTube by South Sierra Hikers: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3joRXpKvgk

And an ad for 'Tin Can Day' at Waldameer Park in 1927: http://oldtimeerie.blogspot.com/2012/07/waldameer-tin-can-day-july-15-1927-erie.html

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