originally posted on 6/17/2022
Coaster enthusiasts know Sandusky, Ohio’s Cedar Point. Those who have been around for a while probably have a good grasp of the park’s history. Much has been written.
A recently released book called Fun at the Old Cedar Point offers an entirely different twist. It isn’t a look back on Magnum XL-200, Mean Streak and Gemini. Author Glenn D. Everett worked at the park in his youth and shares what a day was like at the park in the olden days.
First, it should be known that this book was originally published in 1989. Since then, permission was given to republish the book, and this newer version has more historic images included in the layout.
The author’s plot device is to take readers back in time via a time machine to experience everything a person could do at Cedar Point in 1935. It would be easy for an ACEer to feel a little less interested in the park without its world-class lineup of coasters for which it is famous today. But those who are familiar with the park will find the trip back in time to be fascinating.
Back before the Cedar Point Causeway was built (or even before automobiles were that common), visitors arrived by boat, as do the readers being transported via the time machine. From that moment, the experience of someone in the 1930s is felt.
Picture this: it was a time before McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken. People visiting the park at the time were exposed to new tastes. Imagine never hearing of Belgian waffles, saltwater taffy or even pizza. These treats were often introduced to a person at an amusement park — in this case, Cedar Point.
Back then, the resort didn’t really own many of the rides at all. The midway was filled with concessionaires who tried to entice patrons to plunk down their change for the thrills they offered. Many of the early rides are described as the reader hops aboard them one by one.
Today, Cedar Point is known as the Amazement Park, America’s Roller Coast or A Place Like No Other. Before its typical theme park-style pay one price, a visit to Cedar Point was incredibly different from that experienced today. The current park management would probably prefer not to remember when demonic scenes were depicted in attractions, carnival games were “rigged,” girls’ skirts were endlessly blown up in the fun house and some less-than-savory practices were exhibited by the young, seasonal help. But the tales are here and shared with nostalgic amusement.
Avid fans know that Kennywood has a Noah’s Ark, but not everyone realizes Cedar Point had one too. Or an early Shoot-the-Chutes with Tunnel of Love-type scenes. There were coasters before Blue Streak, and the book takes a ride on attractions such as Leap The Dips and Cyclone.
A thorough review should probably point out that there are noticeable typos within the text, but this minor distraction hardly matters when one is reliving the thrill of what Cedar Point was like more than 80 years ago.
It’s fun to imagine going back there.
The book is published by 1970 Publishing Company and is available at local outlets, Cedar Point’s online store and Amazon. It is 162 pages and contains an assortment of historical pictures.
— Tim Baldwin, ACE News Editor
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