Lost Amusement Parks of Staten Island
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Establishment of railroad service to Staten Island's South Beach and Midland Beach areas in 1882 set off a wave of development. Hotels, dance halls, concessions, carousels, roller coasters, beer gardens, shooting galleries, bathing pavilions, theaters and Ferris wheels sprung up at both places. By 1890, ferries, trains and trolleys were filled to capacity with vacationers and day-trippers trying to reach Staten Island beaches. In the 1920's, Staten Island beaches saw as many as 40,000 people each day during the summer months. A boardwalk was built in 1892 followed in 1906 by an amusement area called "Happyland". Taking full advantage of the summer closings of most Broadway theaters, Happyland's amusements, stage productions, and vaudeville shows attracted thirty-thousand visitors on opening day. It was a large park and lasted until 1927. This book also include the amusements that were on Sand Lane, South Beach, which included, The South Beach Amusement Park, Beachland Arcade and The Fun House. Included are over 140 historical photographs of all the amusement parks.
