|
|
|
The beach was one of the park's first attractions. (Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress) |
Something I realized last summer was that although there were a few sites that mentioned Euclid Beach, it really did not have a "home" on the Internet that talked about this park's unique history. That is the reason for these six pages. This piece of webwork is not intended to give a complete history of Euclid Beach. First, it is a story that is too big to be contained within a small webpage like mine. Second, I feel that any attempt at encapsulating the park's history in a richly detailed manner could never be done as well as the book Euclid Beach Park is Closed for the Season. Authors Lee O. Bush, Edward C. Chukayne, Russell Allon Hehr and Richard F. Hershey got it right the first time with exacting detail. I can only hope to help a few more people learn about "the Beach" and perhaps share a story or picture visitors have not seen before. These pages will serve as a hodge-podge of images, information and memories that will help to give this long-gone park a home. If you have any images or memories you would like to share please email us- we would love to hear them!
|
|
|
The Hippodrome showed movies. According to a 1907 ad in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, "This was the first Theatre in the country devoted exclusively for Moving Pictures. It has a large seating capacity and allows bright, clear, entertaining, instructive, funny but clean pictures only. Include it in your trip." (Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress) |
According to author Dale Samuelson, Euclid Beach Park opened in 1895 under local politician, entrepreneur and "man about town" William R. Ryan, Sr. Like many owners around the country Ryan felt that the debauchery found at parts of Coney Island was the ideal way to draw customers. He had , "a beer garden, freak shows and gambling operations." The Humphrey family had operated concessions at the park for a few years but left because of dissatisfaction with the owner's morals. They took control of the park in 1906 and changed it into a place that catered to families and served as an affordable way for many to leave the city for a weekend getaway. It was the exact opposite of the George C. Tilyou's Steeplechase Park and was more like an elaborate garden with rides, such as Denmark's Tivoli. But, the Humphrey family prided itself in the restricted atmosphere. They did not allow the sale of alcohol within the park and kicked out anyone that left the park to enjoy a beer at the nearby bar. In addition, there were signs throughout the park that read "CHILDREN ONLY ALLOWED IN SHORTS" because the family believed that the proper dress promoted the correct amusement park atmosphere.
|
|
|
Looking down the midway a coaster (I believe the P.T.C. Figure-Eight) and the Hippodrome in the distance. Notice the men's suits and the ladies long Victorian dresses. (Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress) |
As time progressed Euclid Beach became a park a beloved by the people of
Cleveland who spent entire days there. This allowed the Humprheys to
invest back into the park. With time they added lots of rides,
including several roller coasters. The unique thing was that the
look the park acquired by the 1920's was one which, for the most part, was
kept until it closed in 1969. Euclid was born a picnic park that
grew under the trees. Those people who were lucky enough to arrive by ferry from 1895 to 1901
got a unique view of the island. The vista that
unfolded before them was breathtaking- even by today's standards.
Miles of trees lined the shore of Lake Erie as a few buildings poked
though the treetop to make a broken and soft skyline. Even visitors
who later trekked out to the pier's end in the 1960's saw an amazing
combination of nature and that did not seem possible, especially since it
was not far from the industrial city that was Cleveland. Take time
and look through the five sections we have on many different facets of
Euclid Beach. Click on one of the links below or on the specific
ride in the overhead view.
|
|
|
|
 |
Euclid Beach Links (off-site): |
|
|
Park
& Industry HistoryAdam Sandy, Copyright 2002.