Holyoke, Mass
Written by Jay Ducharme
Produced by Bret Malone
Welcome to Mountain Park! You are about to take a
wonderful journey through the past in what is a sorely missed, defunct
Amusement Park that had a great legacy of outstanding Dark Rides and Fun
Houses. After reading the opening paragraph below, simply transverse the rides
in order by clicking on the page links, starting with number one, The "Mystery
Ride" then move from left to right in order to travel back in correct
order in time. We hope you enjoy your journey! Now......... kick back with your
favorite beverage of choice and enjoy what was once a great Amusement Park, and
beware, your Journey will be a long, long one, so get ready to go back in time
to the past! |
Mountain Park in Holyoke,
Massachusetts began life in 1894 as a trolley stop at the halfway point up to
Mount Tom. It was a simple place with gardens, a carousel, roller coaster and a
few concessions. In 1952 John
Collins, who owned Lincoln Park in Dartmouth, Massachusetts, purchased Mountain
Park from the Holyoke Street Railway. This was the beginning of the park's
renaissance and would lead to its golden years. The dark rides and fun houses
that were installed there were integral to the park's success. Between 1953 and
the park's closing in 1987, the small midway featured no less than six different
fun houses and dark rides! In the late 1970's through the early 1980's, there
were two dark rides and a walk-thru fun house operating simultaneously. All of
the rides were designed and themed by three individuals. One was Edward Leis
of National (and later International) Amusement Devices. In the 1950's, Mountain
Park needed new trains for their roller coaster and bought them from N.A.D.
Leis went to the park many times and assisted with renovations for the
coaster. He also lended his expertise on the construction of several buildings,
including the pavilion and the "Out-Of-This-World" walk-thru. |
Use the links below to enjoy all the Dark Rides and Fun Houses
that Mountain Park
had to offer!
EDITORS NOTES: Mountain Park Memories 1 & 2 -- About the Author
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