Ohio's Coney Island celebrates 125th anniversary

Posted | Contributed by Jeff

Coney Island, the 75-acre amusement park on the banks of the Ohio River, is marking its 125th anniversary this year - and its status as the sixth-oldest amusement park in the country.

Read more and see historic photos from The Cincinnati Enquirer.

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Coney Island

Ah, so it was a steamboat park as opposed to a trolly park. Other than Boblo Island, which is no longer with us, I wonder if there are or were other steamboat parks.

"I go out at 3 o' clock for a quart of milk and come home to my son treating his body like an amusement park!" - Estelle Costanza

Cedar Point was originally a steamboat resort. There was several lakes steamers that made scheduled runs from both Cleveland, Toledo and Detroit up through the 1930's.

Cincinnati's had several steam boats over the years but the culmination was the Island Queen that severed in the 40s till its death by fire in pittsburgh. Mom said they had dancing live bands and games on board.

Moonlight Gardens was always the heart of Coney Cincy. Big Bands with Big Names were regular staples. Since Taft left the site for KI Sunlight Pool has been the staple with picnics, Rides and even a semi restored Moonlight Gardens returning. I believe there is no more NON Compete clause at Coney since CF owns KI now. Time for a WOODIE! :)

...would really love to see Coney drag down the Screechin' Eagle. That, or re-create the Shooting Star.

Unfortunately, Coney management has in the past expressed reluctance to build a wood coaster because of the flooding.

--Dave Althoff, Jr.

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Dutchman said:
Cedar Point was originally a steamboat resort. There was several lakes steamers that made scheduled runs from both Cleveland, Toledo and Detroit up through the 1930's.

So... Cedar Point was at the forefront of Cleveland Steamer technology? Good to know.

Flooding is certainly an issue right down there on the river. The simple solution is to build a woodie with steel supports, as has been done many times in recent years. It might be more of a front-loaded investment, but it should repay itself over the years in the form of reduced annual maintenance costs.

My author website: mgrantroberts.com

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