Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Your Walda-History Lesson

Q: Ever wonder why the new Ravine Flyer II is called 2?

A: There was a coaster by the same name that ran from 1922 to 1938 until it was shut down. Okay, that was ridiculously easy: everyone knows there was a number 1 if there's a number 2 and 3 today. The RF II opened this season and the RF III (kids' coaster) opened a few years ago.

Q: Now for the big boy (or girl) questions. The original Ravine Flyer ran from 1922 to when?

A: The ride was torn down in 1938.



Q: Waldameer had an unusual attraction sometime before the late 50's. It included animals. What was it called?

A: Monkey Island. And yes, as the name implies, it did have monkeys and they were on an island. They frequently escaped their home and roamed the park. The monkeys were taken to be used as "spacemonkeys" for NASA space programs. Monkeys in space...hmm...where have I heard that before?



Maybe, but probably more like this:



Q: Okay, go back in time even more. Waldameer was originally a picnic grove called what?

A: Hoffman's Grove. The Erie Electric Motor Company leased the park in 1896 (this is our 113th season) and renamed it Waldameer.

Q: Back to the future! Your final question: Waldameer sold its original carousel in 1988 for how much money? What did they use that money for?

A: Over $1 million which was used to purchase a new carousel and new waterpark attractions.

Well, this concludes your first Walda-History lesson. Hopefully, you passed with flying colors (by actually knowing it or by cheating). If not, you should now be an expert. That's all for now, folks!

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