Closed for the Season: 50 Years Without Euclid Beach Park
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- Опубліковано 11 лют 2025
- For decades, when summer faded into autumn, it meant that Euclid Beach Park was ‘closed for the season,’ much to the dismay of children and families from Cleveland and the surrounding neighborhoods. When autumn fell in 1969, however, that phrase took on a different meaning. For 74 years, on about 75 acres in the far northeast corner of Cleveland along Lake Erie, the beloved amusement park brought joy to the hearts of millions. When it closed for good 50 years ago, its patrons were devastated. On this anniversary year of the closing, we take a look back through the history and the memories of Euclid Beach Park.
Euclid Beach and Geauga Lake bring back such childhood Memories. Now sadly they are both gone. My dad's factory had it's summer picnics there.
Addressograph?
@@DreamGirl650 Many companies had their picnics there.
I went there often as a child . I’m over 60 and the park still haunts my dreams . The Euclid Beach park dream is a real thing
Thank you Euclid Beach for reminding me of when I was a little boy here in Cleveland. Looking forward to every summer to see if was tall enough to ride the big ride. I was there when the awful experience of a riot took place at the park I was not hurt . As a young black child not even understanding what the heck was going on. .I was only 8 years old, I always hope that was not the reason Euclid Beach closing. As a young black child I never felt bad about my experience at the park. As a child when we went back to school we brag about going to Euclid Beach. Thank You for the great summers and great memories over 50 plus years ago. Thank You so much.
I believe it was from declining revenue, competition from Cedar Point, but mostly their insurance rates jumped way up around 1969.
Thank you for taking me back to a time when Things where Simple and a lot more fun when i was growing up. My Dad took me there when I got big enough to ride the rides. Now I can smile again remembering those Days. Thank's !
Grew up here and loved Euclid Beach! Besides my parents,my grandparents took us there frequently on Nickel Days! We enjoyed Cedar Point but it just wasn't the same. Missed it when it closed.
Ran to get my favorite horse on the carousel. Always got the black one, always!!! Loved the frozen custard, never tasted anything like it since !! Wow, remembered all the taffy and popcorn balls we took home !!!!
Wish I could have gone there. This video is so touching. I'm so glad the carousel was restored.
This is where I had the most fun in my whole life!
Me too!
All the memories of the good times still linger in my heart.
Man I wish we still had this park
Yeah but you know, it's not exactly a good area now. Not at all.
@@1946lukethe park is still beautiful and safe. I spend many many days on the sand there! It's very private and well kept. Definitely my favorite place in Cleveland.
Loved the flying turns ride. Talked our mother into going on the ride. Screamed all the way down. Didn't speak to us the rest of the day. Funny back then. Mom a wonderful mother always.
My most intense memory of Euclid Beach from the mid-sixties, between the ages of 4&7, had to be standing there transfixed by Laughing Sal, as other people have commented on. Simultaneously fascinated and horrified, I couldn’t take my eyes off her, but still not wanting to get TOO close either. I somehow remember there being a male version of her at the other end of the Laff House, where she was situated in front of, encased in glass, same as her. Might’ve been named Laughing Sam - does anyone else remember this? I wish the video had shown more of her, and peoples’ reaction, (esp. kids’) instead of just at the very end. Back in 1998, my husband and I were in a small arcade/museum on the west side of San Francisco, (next to the ruins of the old public baths) and happened to find Laughing Sal propped up in a corner of one of the rooms -to this day, don’t even remember if she was activated/laughing, or just still, but either way, such a cool surprise to see her again - conjured up a lot of memories of the whole park at the time.. I think that particular arcade might’ve moved to Pier 39 some years later, but don’t recall seeing her there when we went to that one - wonder what happened to her after that...
I remember her! The laughing man was gone by the time I came along
She’s at Kennywood in Pittsburgh! Or atleast they have their own laughing Sal.
I grew up in that Park. Loved it. They had the best frozen custard.
Yes! ...see my comment above! Always search for it!
The best memories of childhood still vivid....
Euclid Beach rides and games went to Shady Lake and Geauga Lake.
All of which closed…way to go Ohio 🙃
Yes…was so yummy!
Very fond memories. I'll remember this locale. I grew up here during the summer. Remember the gravity ride, thrilling as a youngster.
My grandparent might have been in this video, they went to Euclid Beach when they were dating, they lived in the Collinwood neighborhood, thanks for sharing
My grandfather worked for Elwell Parker, which was the electricians of the park. They would have a yearly picnic for the retired employees and families. What a blast we had! Food, games, and rides! Loved every ride but fun house...Sal gave me the creeps. Miss the fun.
MY FATHER WORKED FOR GOODYEAR TIRE. EVERY SUMMER
GOODYEAR HAD ANNUAL PICNIC AT THE PARK. IT WAS THE GREATEST DAY OF SUMMER. I TRUELY MISS ALL THOSE OLD DAYS.
Many happy memories of euclid beach park all its charm and true welcome to many. Euclid beach park we really love you!
I spent a good part of my childhood there. Great memories! If you visit the Metro Park, you can still see remnants of the Turnpike ride.
Our school end-of-the-year picnic was always held at Euclid Beach Park. By early January, I was desperately looking forward to this yearly trip. The longing and anticipation helped me get through the regular school year. I would count the months on my fingers and say, “Only five and a half months and I will be sitting in The Dippy-Whipp instead of this school desk.”
The students would meet at the playground and get on the chartered CTS (Cleveland Transit System) bus to get to the park. The PTA ladies would bring their electric roasters loaded with baked beans, stuffed cabbage, chili, corn on the cob, and there would be trays of homemade cakes and pies. The school rented the pavilion so we could go in and out to have lunch and snack on all of that food. My mother was there with the PTA, and she would give me a strip of tickets while she worked in the pavilion. The park had a very safe atmosphere so I could run around by myself as long as I checked in with her every once in a while.
The last activity of the day was to buy boxes of popcorn and bags of candy kisses to eat at home. We carefully paced ourselves with them over the following days, so the memories of the park would last longer. The very last thing was I would get a helium balloon which was blown up by the clown over the helium tank. The string was tied around my wrist, and I held the knot at the bottom of the balloon tightly all the way home.
When I woke up the next day, I would look at my balloon floating up in the corner of my room and remember all of the fun I had experienced the day before. My balloon lasted about a week, and it gave me a connection until it faded and fell onto the floor. I graduated in 1969 so that was the last year for Euclid Beach. For our 40th high school reunion, the organizers placed a Euclid Beach popcorn ball next to each plate setting at our dinner.
Man I remember Geauga Lake more, too young to remember Euclid Beach but always heard stories of it and now both are gone. My dad used to have work picnics there where workers at his job could bring their families to Geauga Lake and have awesome time there in the summer. Crazy how time goes so fast and they are no longer here. Time goes on, but memories will always be here and thank God for pictures, Videos like this to keep memories going forever. Sad we live in society today where people just have no respect for others and for themselves at that, back in the good old days, sure there were little issues but I so wish I could be back in those days then be here today. Yeah technology is great. But just family traditions, things were simpler back then, so wish we had time travel today, I would love to go back in those days and see how Cleveland was growing from just grass lands to industrial to the railroads being built to seeing these parks being created, I love history. great video.
I as a kid remember that place...to me it was the best...the best fun house..coaster..what a cool place 😍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
As a child and being black I remember when my family went to Euclid Beach we could not go into the park. I remember thinking one day I will be back, and I am going to ride every ride and I did.
I wonder why
@@rustyshacklefordrefined5756are you retarded
I’m glad you got to ride all the rides! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I'm so sorry that happened to you. Even today we have a long way to go.
@@rustyshacklefordrefined5756Do you really?
I was there only once in about 1962 with my uncle Steve and his family. They lived in Maple Heights. Since we lived in Strongsville, Chippewa Lake wAs closer. I still do remember my trip to Euclid Beach, and how I felt there at age seven.
Before we moved to Virginia, I went back to Euclid Beach several times, and like the man said, I could remember how it was.
The same feelings were there one time when after being closed for over ten years, I was able to walk through what was left of Chippewa Lake. The rides were still there minus the carousel. By the way, the same year I went to Euclid Beach, I almost fell out of “The Worlds Fastest Ferris Wheel” at Chippewa Lake while it was turning. To this day, I have a deep fear of Ferris wheels.
My parents went to Euclid Beach Park on their first date in the early 60's. They were married 45 years.
All that is said here is true. The view of the lake from the first drop of the roller coaster was spectacular. I believe the park first started out as a swimming park on Lake Erie. The amusement park evolved from that. The park declined in the late 60’s and was unsafe. I loved going there as a child. Some of the rides are now at Cedar Point. Thank you for the upload.
Euclid Beach was the park of my childhood. I'll never forget the feeling when my Grandma said we are going to Euclid Beach tomorrow. Oh the excitement! I'll never forget the sounds and the smells. And those popcorn balls! My first coaster was the Thriller, and then the Racing Coaster. Of course I loved Over the Falls, Laff-in-the-Dark, the Bug, the Whip, and The Rocket Ships too! The only thing I feared was the Laughing Lady! Once I got past her I was fine. And I will never forget the graciousness of the Humphreys and I am forever grateful to them for the fun they provided to all of us. My beloved park closed in 1969 and my family moved to Cincinnati in 1970 due to dad's job. There has never been another park like Euclid Beach. We have an appreciation for both Kennywood and Holiday World to which we have taken our kids, but I wish they could have experienced The Beach!
I was born way after this park closed but it's still sad. 😢
I lived on the west side of Cleveland but almost every year starting in the mid 1950’s we went to Euclid Beach. I got to see some of my first concerts at Euclid Beach, the Four Seasons, Jan and Dean among others. My dad worked at Warner & Swasey Company and they had their company picnic each year at Euclid Beach. The last time I went was after high school (West Tech) graduation in 1969. I didn’t have any idea that was the last year for the park.
i saw those concerts too!!! There was the Capitols, Mitch Ryder/Detroit wheels--u name it Future Pres Kennedy was there. The demise came from the riots of hough, glenville, e cleve--an i spilled over to the park. There was violence, burnt buildings, you name it. I left n 77 for what they calld WHITE FLIGHT
I'm much too young to have experienced EBP, but I go there often to walk around and relax on the absolutely pristine beach there nowadays and wonder what it would have been like to experience the amusement park. Regardless, EBP as it is now is my FAVORITE place to relax in the greater Cleveland area, no matter what season it is!
I know all the old racists would say otherwise, but I love that neighborhood and I love the gem that still is EBP! We are so lucky to still have a space there to think about the memories and create new ones.
EBP forever!!!!
Hmm, old racist, do you live in a black neighborhood or white. I lived in a black neighborhood, and I didn't see many whites living there. I remembered seeing some suburbanites driving thru the neighborhood, very few. I guess they wanted to see where their families lived before the white flight.
I'm making these comments as I remember them. I am 82 years old (for reference).
The Park used to have Nickel Days. I went to parochial School in Cleveland, and I sort of remember they had these days in May before the Summer
months began. I had an incident where we went to EBP in late May on Nickel Days and as others have stated I slept little the night before in anticipation.
I had been in the Park awhile and it was probably late morning near noon. And while standing near the Rocket Ship I just suddenly lost consciousness, and fell over and cut my chin.
(I still have the noticeable scar) People came to help me, and took me to some kind of infirmary (clinic) the Park had, and patched me up, called my Mom at home as she was not there.
Asked me if I had eaten yet that day, of which I had not, and decided that was what caused me to faint.
If it was possible to go back in time and be in the Park as it was, I could take you to the very spot this incident happened.
I as all Clevelander's, Loved Euclid Beach Park.
I lived a few blocks away. My best friend and I would go there every day in the summer when school was out. Free to get in and you only paid for what you wanted. 5 cents a ticket was not bad. The closing of the park broke my heart. It was like losing a good friend. I have the first editions of the books
"Euclid Beach Park Is Closed for the Season" & "A Second Look"
i have the first book, closed for the season , sooo sad, i also have a VCR tape, havent looked at in in some time, too sad., so many memories for sure ♥ Euclid Beach Park ♥
Going on 79, and yes I remember. 😥 Excuse me, I think I've got something in my eye.
It is so nice to see the beaches preserved on Lake Erie by this collaboration with the metro parks. I only live an hour west of this area and had no idea that this lakefront treasure still existed in some form. I wish more Lake Erie communities were able to save their treasures. The recession and caving to revenue vs destination visiting in the 80's & 90's certainly set back places like this to exist. Euclid Beach seems to have thrived and shown other LE communities you can do the same and have a revenue to stay in business so to speak.
I'll never forget going there as lil kid growing up. I can still smell the popcorn balls! And I'll never forget when mom finally took me on the old carosel in the center of the park as a lil guy. And then riding that strange rollercoaster like a bobsked shute. and candy kisses on the way home. went there with my parents, God parents, aunts and uncles. The park lives now...only in my memories.
Some of my best childhood memories z The popcorn balls!
As a kid in the 60s, going to Euclid Beach was like going to heaven.
Here in Canton, Ohio, we had Myers Lake Park that closed in 1973. It had the scariest roller coaster ride built on a wooden structure. It also had several other rides one being a cage that you could get to swing back and forth and after enough swing get it to go over the top and keep going over the top constantly.
Yes, Euclid Beach had those during its final years. They were called the Swingin' Jims (Gyms?) at Euclid Beach.
The cage ride! I lived in Willowick and every year the carnival would come and it had that ride. I remember getting blisters on my hands from grabbing that bar and trying to get the cage to go over. Fun times!
My family used to got to Euclid Bch in the 50's and early 60's but like Chippewa lake park and Mars lake park none exist now. I worked at Chippewa Lake park in 69-71.
My grandmother took my mom her as a child, she had wonderful memories here, laughing Sal, unfortunately he closed before I was born but my mother to visit and we found the wading pool that was buried under sand on the beach. I was sad that I missed it.
Awesome video! ❤❤❤ Never heard of this park(Probably because I grew up in MD but! I’ve been to Ceder Point! Loved it!❤) You know, I used to wonder if other families have a finish to the trip stop? For me? Me & my family always went to Wildwood NJ)Several times during the Summer) & it was always cool & sad that our end to the trip/vacation was this one restaurant on the bay leading in or out of Wildwood depending on if well leaving or coming in lol I can still smell the water mixed with a hint of a Seafood smell ❤❤❤ I’m 57 now & appreciate this kind of stuff more then ever now! 😊❤❤
This was a TRUE "amusement park". The rides were thrilling enough and not deadly dangerous stupid. I also remember my Mom (my Daddy didn't grow up here) telling me all the stories and fun times. I have loved white not yellow popcorn ever since. Custard. Skee Ball. The big carousel horses scared me.
Hello don't you just know it thank you very much for your reply and for the added information I really appreciate that. I went there as a kid and I had a lot of fun.. it was good memories and I was sad to see it go have a really nice day and evening.. thanks again for your reply.❤💙💚💜😁
I loved Euclid Beach.
I remember walking by Laughing Sal wondering why she was in that glass box, and I took the widest path possible to get by her (to my father's amusement), but I was fixated and couldn't take my eyes off of her. An early 60's memory of being frightened to death.
I loved watching her. I never knew she had a name. I just called her the laughing lady.
I remember her too as a young child. I stared at her strange movements and laughter not knowing what to think.
That was my favorite ride.
Flying Turns was my favorite.
I remember the ice cream there. I've never tasted anything quite like it since.
My Dad took me there got on the ride the rotor loved the taffy the laughing lady was a gas loved her wooden roller coaster was the best 50 years ago it's been since I been there was so close to home to go there those where the days
Fond memories from the '50s and '60s.
THAT WAS AWESOME TO WATCH.
NOT FROM CLEVELAND, I'M FROM YOUNGSTOWN.
I FEEL YOUR PAIN THOUGH.
WE HAD A SIMILAR PARK.
IDORA PARK.
IT CLOSED ALSO.
YOU REALLY HAVE TO ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE AS NOTHING LAST FOREVER.
WISH I COULD OF EXPIERENCED THE CHARM OF EUCLID BEACH.
RIP.
I also am from Youngstown and I miss Idora Park like most Youngstown folks but have lived in the Cleveland area for the last 24 years work with the elderly the people here miss Euclid Beach more than anything even New Yorkers with the old Coney Island you even mention Euclid Beach they get so emotional.
I guess I'm lucky, I used to go to euclid beach and Idora park as a kid .
@@robertw4230 You sure were!
Most of these amusement parks around the Cleveland are gone now. remember Geauga Lake Park ? Most fell in disrepair. A real shame.
Back then we called her the laughing lady. She scared me, but I could not stop staring at her !!!!!!!!
My first memory is from that park.
I live on the West side so Euclid Beach was kind of far away but we had Puritas Springs and Chippewa Lake on the West side and Geauga Lake wasn't too far to the East. Then of course there was Cedar Point which is the only one left. I remember going to all of them but my favorite was Geauga Lake and of course Cedar Point. The closest to me was Puritas Springs which was small but a very cool park with a very high roller coaster hill that went down into the valley. Tacos were introduced to the NE Ohio area at Cedar Point. I had my first there and have been loving them ever since.
I know that feeling of loss. I'm a Clevelander, but my park was Conneaut Lake Park in PA. Euclid was before my time. I chose CLP over Cedar Point any day. RIP CLP😢
My family loved Conneaut Lake Park, too. The Devil’s Den was so much fun. I got a concussion on the Hell Hole ride though. And just looking at that double Ferris ride they had would scare me silly.
Was a great place to have grown up in .Best toffee etc.
I remember going to the park with my family for picnics and to meet all kinds of people from the area and play with kids for the fun of being a kid. We'd stay all day and tried to get a ride on the Triller but we were too little. But the Dodge 'Ems cars were the greatest to get a ride on and always loved crashing into my sister and making her cry. Lol. Laughing Sal scared the crap out of us little kids too!
Everyone talks about euclid beach park, but know one brings it back, all of are amazement parks are disappearing ,we need to bring them back
My family left Ohio in 1960 when I was 10 years old. We visited the Beach every year till we left. Years later, when I heard that the Beach had closed it was if my best friend had died.
I was born in Cleveland the year you left Ohio. I know what you mean- nothing will ever compare to that park- there was just something about it, wasn’t there… Was 9 when it closed down, and felt the same way. 😔
In the late fifties my brother and I would take two buses from the westside, #22 and then transfer to the lakeshore express downtown. We generally went on "𝙉𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙡 or 𝘾𝙤𝙘𝙖 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙖" days as money was tight in our family. Sadly, by the time I had kids 𝗘𝘂𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 had closed so they never got to realize the ambiance of the park and the thrill(er) and excitement of the various roller coasters and other rides in the park.....or the iconic miniture 𝗦𝗹𝗲𝗲𝗽𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆.
Chicago had Riverview Park, Cleveland had Euclid Beach Park.
Good times. ☺️
I was raised on the other end of Ohio. We used to go to LeSourdsville Lake. It was pretty nice, not very expensive. Then Kings Island opened (72?) and ate their lunch. Went to KI, mostly you just got to stand in line. By dint of hard work and good timing, I was able to ride 6 rides over an entire day. Went back to LL. It was nearly deserted, you just walked up to anything and got on. Was great while it lasted, but it closed a year later IIRC.
My dad used to talk about this. It took me there where the gates are now. I could feel something in their air. Truly sad that things like this who change lives, impact lives, create the best memories, are always the victim of either greed, change, or a neighborhood that goes down hill. This place is right next to the ghetto. Really disgusting now.
I remember the Salt Water taffy!
The Laughing Lady. I can see and hear her. I can still taste the salt water taffy.
i used to ride my bike there and spend the day
Sadly it was gone before I was born but man it looked like a good time.
My mom Jackie Lynn used to sing at Euclid Beach Park in the early 50’s she later went on to host her own show called Good Morning Bandwagon. I have a few photos of her on the stage there, I saw she is mentioned in the first book but no photo, I wonder if they would want a picture to add. If anyone has the contact info let me know. I grew up with her stories of singing there but never got to visit.
Our family was fortunate to know the managers of the restaurant: John & Leone Dissinger! We’d be able to get some free tickets which was a huge treat!My Father sold Roberts Coffee to this & many other restaurants in NE Ohio: Stouffers, Bowen’s, Manners, Kenny Kings among others.The frozen custard was THE Best! Soeder Milk Co recipe...I still search for it to this day!
my mom always talked about taking the street car to Euclid Beach and riding the Flying Turns
It seems like everything in these cities gets WORSE not better.
I know. It's very sad..
At least laughing Sal has a good home!❤❤❤
Fireworks on the pier, wrapped in a blanket.
Loved Euclid Beach Park. My father would takes us there on Nickel Day) all rides were 5 cents). My mother would pack lunch & we'd make a day of it. Also the Democrats would have a Steer Roast Day on the end of summer. It broker my heart when they closed the part. So many good memories.
Sad. Yes, good memories but little more than that remains. 🎢
Where is the new freeway ramp located in video at about 7:50
They should try to bring the park back.
Maybe do it with a re-imagining of the Racer by Rocky Mountain Construction or RMC for short.
Good memories going there as a kid from East Cleveland. They have destroyed that too. SAD. 👎
I grew up literally around the corner and been living back around there for about 7 years… I was salty when they finally took the remainder of the stuff down like the McDonald’s that’s been there for years…. Doesn’t even look the same over there
Like so many aspects of once great cities, people who didn't share family values, or saw the park as a place to squat, or commit crime, or vandalize too over and ruined the atmosphere of fun and family. It became a place of fear and violence too often....and the downward spiral began and continued until the pulling of the plug.
Does anyone remember laughing Sal. Or was her name Sally?? Where is she now. ????
It was Laughing Sal, not sure where it is now but Google says that it was made by a company that also made a Laughing Sam. They made several of each and sold them to amusement parks across the country.
@14:20
I was born in 1985 so i never got a chance to experience this park but I did go to Geauga Lake a whole lot 😊
But im black so they would not have let me in 😢😢😢😢
went as young child... hated laughing sal...but loved the park
I love sal
Nancy. . I'm sorry to read that you didn't like laughing Sal I liked her... but we can both agree that there was a lot of good memories from the park
As a kid I had nightmares after seeing Laughing Sal lol
@@xxxmelainetoxicu-u3106 Who is Sal, I keep coming across Sal involved in Mafia Nazi war Crimes or maybe "Sal" is asian trafficking victim through Ireland...
Vague memories, my dad had his picnic(s) there. Don't think we went the last year it was open, it was on it's downturn. Sad.
Believe I have 8mm movies of it packed away, Something when President Johnson was there.
Fortunate the be just old enough to enjoy. Found out inside info: due to wood rot damage from lakeside location, Euclid Beach couldn't get insurance a'more.
My Grant Grandma use to come to this park.
Eucs used to haul behind the house in the 80s….tough trucks
Beautiful Park for all of us in Cleveland then the 1965 Civil Rights Act was enacted and the Blacks were allowed to enter into the park..later on stabbings in the parking lot and and gunshots victims in the parking and the park as well as riots.
That isn't the same carousel, it is at Cedar Point.
Now you know who caused it to shut down. Right?
Or Riverview for that matter...right??
My brother and I went there but I never went on flying turns or thriller
I went to ShadyLake.
Clevelanders know why the park really closed.
They should call gravity group to make a new version of thriller
Sometimes, I think I was born about 100 years to late..
After Euclid Beach park..it was chi pawl lake....maybe i spelled that wrong...not a bad place.....i need a time machine....????
you never thought it was safe
not an amusement park anymore, just a rat hole down there. completely ruined
Totally false. Euclid Beach Park was taken over by the metroparks years ago. It is beautiful and safe. I spend as many days as I can there, often by myself. It's the most beautiful and underappreciated beach in the Cleveland area.
@@tessvavrek9565 wrong
@@clemclemson9259 I live here 😂
@@tessvavrek9565 I work there
Humphreys? Are they the same ones that lend their names to Humphreys popcorn balls?
Yep!