KAPOH

Norwood

Norwood
KAPOH, Apr 21, 2020
Description:
My hometown used to have 4 amusement parks. The first, Minerva Amusement Park began in 1895. It featured a zoological garden, water slide, and dance hall, among other attractions. The dance hall burned down in 1896 and was replaced by a "casino" that wasn't for gambling. It featured "high-class" entertainment. It closed in 1902 because of competition from Olentangy Park. The Village of Minerva Park is named for this attraction.
Olentangy Park, a family-friendly attraction, opened in 1899 and featured a theater, Ferris wheels, and "many other thrills..." During its heyday, it was reportedly the largest amusement park in the country. It closed in 1938, a casualty of the Great Depression. Its Mangels/Illions carousel, with horses carved by Marcus Illions, the "Michelangelo of carousel carvers", lives on at the Columbus Zoo.
In addition to the usual "thrill" rides, Indianola Park featured a "huge" swimming pool, dance hall, and stage for music groups. It opened in 1905 in the "University District" and also fell to the Depression, in 1937. A shopping center was later built on its site.
Norwood Amusement Park is the one that still lives in a young girl's memory. Slightly more than 2 miles from my childhood home, it is perhaps the least-known of the Columbus amusement parks. I delighted in the carousel, and its still my favorite type of "ride" today. There was an airplane ride, a boat ride, "dodge-em" cars, carnival games, a small Ferris wheel, and, for me the scariest ride - the train. This small train circled the entire property clock-wise, but it was when it "disappeared" into the heavily wooded area on the east side of the property next to Alum Creek that it took on a sinister feel for this shy little blonde girl no more than 10 years old. I can still remember feeling so relieved when it finally came back out into the "light" of the carnival grounds. Norwood just disappeared in the late 1950's to make way for a freeway entrance ramp, the last of the Columbus Amusement Parks.
Photo: site of Norwood Amusement Park. That line of trees on the left is part of where the train “disappeared.”
CREDITS: PHOTO: by me; KITS: "Mary's Popping By" and "Watercolor Backkground People" by Rebecca McMeen; FONTS: Ostrich; Comic Sans; HISTORICAL INFORMATION: from Columbus Navigator
    • flowersgal
      What interesting details about the amusement parks. Fond memories of special days and your magical layout with the rides and castle is adorable. Nice work!
      Apr 21, 2020
    • mcurtt
      Thanks for including the journaling. It was nice to read. You have quite the history documented on the amusement parks. And it is so sad that "your" park was razed for that freeway entrance ramp. Progress? I think not.
      Apr 21, 2020
    • Angela Toucan
      fabulous story telling, and a beautiful page
      Apr 22, 2020
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  • Category:
    Art Journaling
    Uploaded By:
    KAPOH
    Date:
    Apr 21, 2020
    View Count:
    301
    Comment Count:
    3

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