Roller coaster thrills at Lakeside Park

In 1890, Lakeside Park opened on seven and a half acres at Gettysburg and Lakeview Avenues. It was quite a success. Visitors could dance at the Crystal Ballroom, which featured big bands, such as Glenn Miller. The park offered several different rides over the years. Shown here is the Derby Racer wooden roller coaster. In 1930 the Wildcat roller coaster was added. A huge carousel offered riders a choice of 48 horses hand carved out of apple wood. A water chute allowed people to ride down in a boat and splash into the man-made lake below. The Flying Turns ride, where single cars sped down a trough instead of a track, proved popular with couples since one of the riders had to sit on the other’s lap.