LA Times profiles the first Busch Gardens in SoCal

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

Long before the Anheuser-Busch brewery was built in the San Fernando Valley in 1954, Southern California had close ties with the brewing company that today is in the middle of an international takeover battle. Like many other wealthy industrialists of his time, co-founder Adolphus Busch adopted Pasadena as his winter home more than a century ago. There he built the first Busch Gardens, a vast outdoor attraction next to his mansion that he opened to the public.

Read more from The LA Times.

That's a pretty good story, and it sheds light on a legacy for the theme parks that I didn't know existed. Well done.

I agree. Great find!

My grandmother used to have a picture book of Southern California history. Great pix of local attractions like Busch Gardens and some of the old piers and trolley parks. I wonder if she still has that?

The Van Nuys Park was actually really nice

http://www.placesearth.com/usa/california/los_angeles/busch_gardens_vn/buschg1.shtml

Couple more images

http://themepark.sitesbyrob.com/images/busch/busch_gardens_aboveLA.jpg

http://themepark.sitesbyrob.com/images/busch/busch_gardens_viewmaster_1148.JPG

http://www.themeparkbrochures.net/maps/1972/bgla1972map.html

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