Group,
On the way in to work today, a friend of mine alerted me to a book he found at the Ohio Book Store (Cincinnati, OH, a firm that deals in local history titles, as well as rare/out of print)
"Amusement Parks of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky" - published in 2002. Author is Robert Wimberg.
I haven't gotten to see a copy yet, but the synopsis states that it gives biographical sketches of Chester Park, Coney Island (OH), LeSourdsville Lake Park, Ludlow Lagoon, and the Cincinnati Zoo Amusement Park. States that it includes information on 40 other parks in the area. 208 pages, paperback.
From what I understand the Ohio Book Store is publishing this book in-house, so it may not be available from other dealers. They want $28.00 for it. They also have on-line ordering.
I have a hunch that the following link will be killed as advertising but further details at:
http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=178667402
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David Bowers
Mayor, Coasterville
David, They had the guy (Robert Wernberg) On one of the local morning news shows about two weeks ago.
He said the book was available from Joseph Beth bookstores and also available at Cincinati Museum Center gift shop.
Chuck, who does not have the book yet but stopped into Barnes and Noble and they definetly don't have it.
P.S. I recently went on a discovery trip to find the remnants of Chester Park. Sad to say, There are none except for a Road. called Chester Av in the parks former location at Clifton Ave and Spring Grove in Winton Place OH.
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Charles Nungester.
Confirmed, Lesourdsville Lake opening for 2003 details soon at Lesourdsville.com
I own the book. I purchased it back in December from the Cincinnati Museum Center gift shop.
To be honest, it is not very good. Although it chronicles the history of local parks pretty well, it has a slapped-together feel. It does not seem to go into the great detail that I personally prefer. Worst of all, the limited amount of pictures have no captions.
Don't get me wrong, I am glad I own this book. I love having as much reference material as possible. However, if I had to choose between this and, say, a Charles Jaques historical park book (like his fantastic book on Cincinnati's Coney Island) I would definitely go Jaques.
Shaggy
*** This post was edited by Shaggy on 1/28/2003. ***
The Joesph Beth had 'inventory' problems last night. Their computer said they have copies, but none could be found in the store. They are special-ordering me one.
Coming from a small local press, my expectations aren't as high as coming from Jacques. Whatever it is, it will beat what is currently on the market for most of the parks chronicled.
I am eager for parts 2 and 3 of Jacques Cincinnati series.
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David Bowers
Mayor, Coasterville
Shaggy, Does the book chronicle the name, Location and some of the rides each park had?
I know that prior to WWI both Chester park and Ludlow park in Ludlow KY. were far more visited than Coney Island.
What about parks like Kissel Brothers park, Fantasy Farm (Which I am still trying to get the coasters added to the track record) :) Read Dave Bowers review of Fantasy Farms Monster Mouse here http://www.coasterville.com/ff.htm All I can remember is that it swayed alot and I was terrified of that Herschell Giant Mouse. The park also had a Schiff Kiddie coaster that had old scrambler eagle decals on the train. For more photos from park visitors of Fantasy Farm click here http://www.godtoday.com/FantasyFarm/
Chuck, who thinks he is going to get this book for the documentation value.
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Charles Nungester.
Confirmed, Lesourdsville Lake opening for 2003 details soon at Lesourdsville.com
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