The Mysterious Case of the Missing Rollercoaster: What Happened to Edgewater Park?
Ah, Edgewater Park. The place where Detroiters screamed with delight (or maybe terror) on the Wild Beast rollercoaster, giggled in the Hall of Mirrors, and chowed down on greasy goodness that probably defied the laws of healthy eating. But if you cruise down Seven Mile and Berg roads today, you'd be met with a church instead of a Ferris wheel. So, what happened to this beloved amusement park? Buckle up, history buffs (and rollercoaster enthusiasts), because we're about to take a trip down memory lane (with a pit stop at the Fun-Fact Fun Fair!).
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| What Happened To Edgewater Park In Detroit |
From Humble Beginnings to Thrilling Heights
Edgewater Park wasn't always the king of thrills. It opened in 1927 with a measly seven rides – that's like a kiddie carnival compared to today's amusement park giants. But Detroiters, especially during the tough times of the Great Depression and World War II, flocked to the park for a cheap escape. A day of cotton candy highs and rollercoaster lows was just what the doctor ordered (though a real doctor might have questioned that cotton candy).
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
The park really hit its stride under the ownership of Henry Wagner, a man who knew a thing or two about fun (and probably funnel cake). He upped the ride count to a whopping 23, including the legendary Wild Beast coaster – a wooden beast that no doubt sent shivers (and maybe a few lunches) down spines.
Tip: Reread sections you didn’t fully grasp.
The Pay One Price Paradise (and the not-so-paradise ending)
Remember those unlimited data plans that seemed too good to be true? Well, Edgewater Park had a similar deal in the 1960s with their "Pay One Price" plan. For a measly $1.50, you could ride all the rides, all day long. Talk about a sugar rush for your inner child (and a potential sugar crash for your pancreas).
QuickTip: Reading twice makes retention stronger.
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But even the sweetest deals can't last forever. The rise of bigger, flashier amusement parks like Bob-Lo Island and Cedar Point chipped away at Edgewater's customer base. Eventually, in 1981, the music stopped, the lights dimmed, and the gates closed for good. The land was sold, and a church now stands where the screams of rollercoaster riders once echoed.
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
So, what's left of Edgewater Park? Memories, my friends, memories. There are some fantastic historical photos you can find online [Detroit Historical Society], and maybe, just maybe, if you listen closely on a clear night, you can still hear the faint chug of the Wild Beast carrying happy Detroiters on a bygone adventure.
How to relive the glory days of Edgewater Park?
- FAQ 1: How to ride the Wild Beast? Time travel machine highly recommended. Alternatively, visit Cedar Point for a modern thrill.
- FAQ 2: How to get that unlimited ride feeling? Channel your inner child at a local carnival (with a responsible adult, of course).
- FAQ 3: How to find out more about Edgewater Park? The Detroit Historical Society has a treasure trove of info [Detroit Historical Society].
- FAQ 4: How to build your own mini-amusement park at home? Cardboard boxes, blankets, and a healthy dose of imagination are all you need!
- FAQ 5: How to make your own funnel cake (without the Edgewater Park grease, hopefully)? Google to the rescue!
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