Lillian B. Williams was Riverview Amusement Park's most popular freak show draw ever.

Unusual human beings have been exhibited in public since antiquity. The first traveling "freak show" appeared in 1738 in Europe. Curiosity is the motivating factor of the audience.

For over 150 years, carnival and circus freak shows were immensely popular in America. At one time, there were 105 exhibitions of human freaks traveling the United States, as well as many featured in amusement parks.

The most unusual people were those in the Palace of Wonders, later known as the Freak Show, owned by Ray Marsh Brydon. People would stare at the tattooed lady, a contortionist, a sword swallower, a fire eater, or the "Human Blockhead" who would pound nails into his nose. There was the "Two-Faced" man who was promoted on the outside banner with two separate and distinct faces. The real two-faced man had only one face. One side was normal, and the other side was significantly deformed.

Chicagoan Marshall Brodien (1934-2019) worked the Freak Show stage at Riverview Amusement Park as a "carnival barker," enticing people to buy tickets to the show. He was a professional magician and later played Wizzo the Wizard on Chicago's Bozo's Circus and The Bozo Show. Marshall Brodien, the inventor of the TV Magic Cards, opened a magic shop in Old Chicago Mall in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and would perform a magic show in Old Chicago amusement park. All that ended when Old Chicago closed in 1981.

But the most notable Riverview Park "freak" was Lillian B. Williams ("Betty Lou"), the world's only "4-legged" girl. Born on January 10, 1932, she was the youngest of 12 children born to sharecroppers in Albany, Georgia. 

At age two, Betty Lou began to be exhibited by Ripley's Believe It or Not. According to Ripley's pamphlet, an X-ray revealed a perfectly developed head inside her chest. 

Lillian B. Williams ("Betty Lou")

While still a teenager, she had become quite wealthy, earning a handsome living, $1,000 a week during her heyday. Betty Lou put all 11 siblings through college and bought her parents a 260-acre farm, paying cash. She was known as a generous person, perhaps too generous, as her fiancé absconded with most of her money. She died in 1955 officially of asthma, but, as her friends believed, she died of a broken heart. 

Betty Lou lived her 23 years with a parasitic twin embedded in her torso with two legs and one arm protruding.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Harlem Irving Plaza, 4104 North Harlem Avenue, Norridge, Illinois, opened in 1956─

Harlem Irving Plaza (The HIP) is a shopping mall located at 4104 North Harlem Avenue, Norridge, Illinois. It was built on the site of a former stockyard and opened in 1956 as a 337,000-square-foot strip mall featuring approximately 45 tenants. 

The new Wieboldt's store in the Harlem Irving Plaza shopping center in Norridge circa 1957. The store was air-conditioned.

Original anchor stores included Kroger, Walgreens, Wieboldt's, W.T. Grant, and Woolworth.

In the 1970s, the mall was enclosed, and a parking garage was added.

BJ (Bill Jackson) and Dirty Dragon at Harlem Irving Plaza, May 16, 1970.

These were some famous events at Harlem Irving Plaza:

• BJ (Bill Jackson) and Dirty Dragon at Harlem Irving Plaza, May 16, 1970.
• Bozo at Harlem Irving Plaza, September 9, 1970.
• Free Circus at Harlem Irving Plaza in the 1970s.
• BJ (Bill Jackson) and Dirty Dragon at Harlem Irving Plaza, October 1973.

In 1979, Madigan's was added to the roster of department stores. In 1989, Kohl's acquired and converted all of the stores in the MainStreet chain; Carson Pirie Scott opened in the former Wieboldt's the same year. A food court was added in 1996, and Best Buy opened in the former Madigan's. Best Buy relocated to the mall's parking lot in 2001; its original location was replaced with a second parking garage.

The mall underwent a thorough renovation in 2004, gaining a 175,000-square-foot Target in August of that year. In honor of the mall's 50th anniversary in 2006, Harlem Irving Plaza hosted a meet and greet with the original Mouseketeers (Mickey Mouse Club).

In recent years, the mall has faced some challenges, as many traditional department stores have closed their doors. However, the mall has been working to attract new tenants, including a number of popular restaurants. In 2020, the mall was purchased by a new owner, who has plans to invest in further renovations and attract even more new tenants.

Harlem Irving Plaza, 2022

Amusement Parks at the corner of North-West corner of Harlem Avenue and Irving Park Road, Norridge, Illinois:

Kiddie Park, 4200 North Harlem Avenue, Chicago-Norridge. (1938-1952)

KiddyTown Amusement Park, 4200 North Harlem Avenue, Norridge. (1953-1964)

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Highland Amusement Park, Freeport, Illinois (1905-1949)

Highland Amusement Park was a popular amusement park in Freeport, Illinois, which opened in 1905. It was located on the banks of the Pecatonica River, just south of downtown Freeport.

The park was initially called Freeport Park but was renamed Highland Park in 1912. 

This photo is a visual aid.

The park was opened in 1907 by John R. Highland, a local businessman. Highland Amusement Park quickly became a popular destination for families from all over the region. The park featured a variety of rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, an Allan Herschell carousel, a water slide, and other rides for young children. 

Highland Amusement Park was sold to a new owner, who invested heavily in new rides for young children and attractions in 1929. The park continued to grow in popularity throughout the 1930s and into the early 1940s.

The park's Midway featured a variety of games and food vendors. Some of the games offered included Skee-Ball (popular since the early 1900s), ring toss, and balloon darts, all winning small toys for performance. Some food vendors had a hot dog stand, a popcorn vendor, and a candy shop.

Highland Amusement Park closed in 1949 due to financial problems.

Krape Park, 1122 South Burchard Avenue, Freeport, Illinois, ended up with the Allan Herschell 20-horse carousel, which was completely refurbished and reopened on July 4, 1959, in the park. In 2018, the Carousel was completely disassembled and refurbished again.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Kiddyland Amusement Park, East Dundee, Illinois. (1953-1960); Funland Kiddie Park, East Dundee, Illinois. (1961-1972)

Funland Kiddie Park was located in East Dundee. It was south of Santa’s Village, both of which were located on Illinois Route 25. It opened in 1959. 

A lot of people called this place Kiddyland (or Kiddieland). This park was the original local amusement park. It was also inexpensive. The park started on the east side of Route 25. After one season, it was moved to the west side of the road. When the park closed in 1972, the land was used for a Chevrolet dealership.

One of the most popular rides was the hand cars, also known as the pedal cars. It was a grand day when you got the strength to ride one by yourself. Even experienced riders got stuck. There was an employee who would come to the rescue.

The first ride a person saw were the train, a caged Ferris wheel, and a larger Ferris wheel. You would have to cross the train tracks to get to the entrance. The train went around the perimeter and through a shed. It was an open-type train, and a uniformed engineer sat on top. The train was stored in another shed on the property.

Sometimes, people went just for one of the Ferris wheels. Birthday parties were held here too. Others went for the other rides, such as the roller coaster. The Bozo Show’s Sandy the Clown and Ring Master Ned made an appearance too. 

The park closed in 1972.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Hasting's Bathing Beach and Amusement Park, Fox Lake, Illinois. (1885-1963)

Hasting's Bathing Beach and Amusement Park was a popular summer destination in Fox Lake, Illinois. The park was initially named "Hasting's Grove." It was located on the shores of Fox Lake and offered various attractions, including a swimming beach, a dance hall, a roller coaster, and a Ferris wheel.

The park was founded by John Hastings in 1885. Hastings was a local businessman who owned a lumber mill on the shores of Fox Lake. He saw the potential for a summer resort on the lake and opened Hasting's Bathing Beach in 1885.

The swimming beach was a major draw, and the park also offered a variety of other activities, such as boating, fishing, and picnicking. In the early 1900s, the park added several amusement rides, including a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a midway with food concessions and games.

This photo is a visual aid.

Hasting's Bathing Beach and Amusement Park reached its peak popularity in the 1920s and early 1940s. The park was open from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year, attracting visitors from all over Chicagoland.

However, the park began to decline in popularity after World War II. The rise of television and other forms of entertainment led to a decline in attendance at amusement parks. Hasting's Bathing Beach and Amusement Park closed for good in 1963.

The park is now a residential development, but the swimming beach is still open to the public. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Gould Amusement Park, Morris, Illinois. (1903-1967)

Gould Amusement Park was a popular amusement park in Morris, Illinois. The park was located on the banks of the Illinois River and was named after its owner, William Gould.

The park was founded by William Gould, a local businessman. Gould purchased a 60-acre plot of land on the riverfront in 1903 and began the construction of the park the following year. The park opened in 1904, featuring a variety of rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, a carousel, and a petting zoo. There was also a dance hall, a swimming pool, and a hotel with a restaurant on the grounds.

Gould Park was a popular destination for families, and it hosted various events throughout the year, including picnics, dances, concerts, school and day camp field trips, and company picnics. The park also hosted several special events, such as the annual Morris Firemen's Carnival and a few professional wrestling matches.

The park hosted famous entertainers, including Al Jolson, Sophie Tucker, and the Andrews Sisters.

Gould Park's popularity declined rapidly in the 1960s as people began to travel to larger amusement parks. Gould Amusement Park closed in 1967 after 64 years of operation. 

The park sold its rides. Today, the nature park is called Goold Park

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Henry Amusement Park, Murphysboro, Illinois. (1905-1961)

The park was initially called "Diehl's Park" but was renamed "Henry Amusement Park" in 1912.

Henry Amusement Park was a popular amusement park in Murphysboro, Illinois. The park was located on the banks of the Big Muddy River and was named after its owner, Henry E. Diehl.

Diehl opened the park in 1905 with a few rides and attractions, but it quickly grew in popularity. By the 1920s, Henry Amusement Park was a popular amusement park in Southern Illinois. 

The park featured a variety of rides and attractions. The park's most popular ride was the "Henry Flyer" roller coaster, built in 1922. Other rides included a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a swimming pool with a water slide. The park also had a dance hall, a restaurant, a beer garden, a roller skating rink, and a midway with games and food vendors.

This photo is a visual aid.

The park also hosted several special events, including concerts, dances, and beauty pageants. Henry Amusement Park was a popular destination for Negroes, who were often excluded from other amusement parks, like Chicago's White City and Riverview Park in Illinois.

The park closed in 1961 after Henry Diehl died. The land was sold, and the park was eventually demolished. 

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Lincoln Lagoon Amusement Park, Richton Park, Illinois. (1929-1934); Lincoln Lagoon (1935-1984)

Lincoln Lagoon Amusement Park was a 160-acre amusement park at 2611 111th Street in Richton Park, Illinois, known as Lincoln Park. The park was renamed Lincoln Lagoon in 1934.

Lincoln Lagoon was a popular destination for families from Chicago and the surrounding area. The park featured a variety of rides, including a roller coaster, Shoot the Chutes water slide built in 1934, and a Ferris wheel. 

This photo is a visual aid.

There were also games of chance, a petting zoo, and a swimming pool.

Lincoln Lagoon closed in 1984. The park was sold to a developer.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Hilltop Amusement Park, Richton Park, Illinois. (1926-1974)

Hilltop Amusement Park was a popular amusement park at 22500 Governors Highway, Richton Park, Illinois, from 1926 to 1974. It was built on the site of the former Hilltop Race Track, which had closed in 1925.

Charles A. Schmidt, who also owned the nearby Lincoln Lagoon Amusement Park, opened the park.

Native Americans at Sauk Trail Pageant, July 1926.

Hilltop Amusement Park featured a variety of rides and attractions, including a wooden roller coaster, a carousel built in 1910 and featured 54 hand-carved animals, a kiddieland for preschoolers, a miniature train, a swimming pool, and a large dance hall. The park also hosted various events, such as concerts, picnics, and festivals.

This photo is a visual aid.

Hilltop Amusement Park was a popular destination for families all over Chicago. The park was trendy during the summer months when it drew crowds of up to 10,000 people daily.

The park closed in 1974 due to financial difficulties. The site of the park is now occupied by a housing development.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Hopkins Amusement Park, DeKalb, Illinois. (ca.1920-1968)

Hopkins Park was 32 acres at 1403 Sycamore Road, DeKalb, Illinois. Judge Jacob H. Hopkins donated the parkland to the city in 1893. The park was initially designed as a passive recreation space with walking paths, a bandshell, and a pond. 

In 1915, the park district added a swimming pool to Hopkins Park, a major draw for families during the summer months. In the early 1920s, the park began offering various other attractions, including a carousel, a roller coaster, a Ferris wheel, a miniature train, and an 18-hole miniature golf course.

Hopkins Park Swimming Pool, ca. 1945.

The park also hosted various events, such as concerts, festivals, and corporate and family picnics.

Hopkins Amusement Park reached its peak of popularity in the 1950s. As the popularity of amusement parks began to decline in the 1960s, Hopkins Amusement Park began to fall on hard times.

Hopkins Amusement Park closed in 1968, and the park was eventually turned into a more traditional city park focusing on passive recreation. The rides were ultimately sold off.

However, the park retained some of its amusement park history, including the carousel, the bandshell, and the pond.

In 1989, the DeKalb Park District built a community center in Hopkins Park. The community center includes a swimming pool, a gymnasium, and meeting rooms. The community center is a popular spot for residents of DeKalb and the surrounding area, and it is also used by several local organizations.

Today's Hopkins Park Swimming Pool.

Hopkins Park is a valuable asset to the DeKalb community. The park provides various recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and is also a popular spot for special events. The park's history as an amusement park is a reminder of its rich history, and it is a testament to its ability to adapt to the community's changing needs.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Joyland Amusement Park, Urbana, Illinois. (ca 1954-1988)

Joyland Amusement Park was opened in the early 1950s by George Mallow on the Champaign County Fairgrounds, although there were ongoing legal skirmishes between the fair association and Mallow.

It later moved to a site on North U.S. 45. 

In 1960 new owner Frank Stewart, who also owned the two drive-in theaters in Champaign-Urbana, announced that he had purchased Joyland from Mallow and that it would have entertainment "for every member of the family, no matter what the age may be." Instead of just a merry-go-round, train and other rides for small children, there would be a go-kart track, a driving range, a rifle range and an indoor trap shooting range, Stewart said.

Stewart sold the park two miles north of Urbana in 1961 to Mr. and Mrs. B.V. Phelps, who had operated a Joyland Park in Wichita, Kansas. In 1962 they said that hours would be 6 to 10 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. An adult-sized Ferris wheel was installed, and a boat ride was planned. Kiddie rides cost 5¢ apiece.

This Octopus ride photo is a visual aid. It was not at Joyland Amusement Park, Urbana.

In 1963 a "Tilt-a-Whirl" and an Octopus ride were added to the amusements that included the kiddie train, roller coaster, merry-go-round, ferris wheels and kiddie rides.

By 1964 Phelps proposed moving much of Joyland back to Urbana, this time at Crystal Lake Park. But a few days later, the Urbana Park Board rejected the idea. Ted Brash, president of the park board, said kiddie rides are "not in character with the park." 

The park added the Scrambler, Bumper Cars, a 19-hole miniature golf course, and a variety of food concessions.

Joyland Amusement Park in Urbana, Illinois, closed in 1988. The park cited declining attendance and rising costs as the reasons for the closure. The park's land was sold to a developer, and the rides were auctioned off.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Joyland Kiddie Rides, Franklin Park, Illinois. (1952-1956)

Joyland Kiddie Rides in Franklin Park, Illinois, located at 1280 Mannheim Road, Franklin Park. It was open from 1952 to 1956. Joyland Kiddie Rides was owned and operated by George Thompson of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. 

This photo is a visual aid.

The park featured five rides, including a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, a tilt-a-whirl, a miniature train, and pony rides. Tickets were 10¢ and 15¢ for the pony rides.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Kiddieland Amusement Park, Springfield, Illinois. (1945-1977)

Kiddieland Amusement Park was located on 30 acres at 3833 East Harry Street. It was owned and operated by the Consolver brothers, George, J.L., B.G. (Tex), and N.C., who also owned several other businesses in the area. 

This photo of a 3-across carousel is a visual aid.

The park featured a variety of rides and attractions for young children, including a carousel, a miniature train, a Ferris wheel, a paddle boat pond, a miniature golf course, a driving range, a swimming pool, and a skating rink.

It was a popular destination for families with young children and was used as a venue for day camp, boy/girl scout field trips and other events.

Kiddieland closed in 1977 due to financial difficulties.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Lindbergh Amusement Park, Upper Alton, Illinois. (1927-1972)

Lindbergh Amusement Park was located in Upper Alton, Illinois, on the banks of the Mississippi River. It opened in 1927 and was named after Charles Lindbergh, who had just completed his historic solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. The park featured a variety of rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, a carousel, a water slide, and a midway with games and food. It was a popular destination for families and tourists alike.

This photo is a visual aid.

Lindbergh Amusement Park was one of Southern Illinois's largest and most popular amusement parks during its heyday. The park featured a variety of rides and attractions, including a roller coaster, a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a petting zoo. There were also several restaurants and shops in the park. The park would host concerts, festivals, and other special events.

Lindbergh Amusement Park closed in 1972 after 45 seasons. The park's closure was due to several factors, including declining attendance, competition from other amusement parks, and rising maintenance costs.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Midway Kiddieland, Spring Valley, Illinois. (1946-1972)

Midway Kiddieland was a small amusement park located in Spring Valley, Illinois. 

"The Steel Brothers Shows" (Harry and Frank), from the early-1900s to mid-1960s, was a traveling carnival company that opened the "Midway Kiddieland" with carnival rides. Midway Kiddieland became known for its family-friendly rides, such as the 3-across carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a simple kiddie train. The park also had several games of chance, food stands, and an area for parents to wait and watch their children.

More new rides and attractions were added in 1950, including a roller coaster and bumper cars. The park offered a "Kiddieland Club" membership program, which gave members discounts on rides and food.

The park featured a variety of rides and attractions, including a golf putting course, aka miniature golf. It also had several games and food stands. Midway Kiddieland was for preschoolers and young children.

By the 1970s, Midway Kiddieland was beginning to show its age. The park's rides were outdated, and the entire park needed repair and a massive renovation. By 1978, the Steel Brothers Shows decided to close the park and focus on their traveling carnival business.

The demolition of Midway Kiddieland in 1978 marked the end of an era for the Spring Valley community. Small family-oriented amusement parks like Midway Kiddieland began to fail as the neighborhood changed and no longer had many young children.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Palace Gardens Amusement Park, Peoria, Illinois. (1870-1915)

The Beaumont Institute was founded in 1870 by Dr. William Beaumont, a surgeon best known for his experiments on digestion with Alexis St. Martin. Beaumont built his Institute on the site of his former home, located on the banks of the Illinois River. 

The Beaumont Institute was renamed the Palace Gardens in 1876, paying homage to the Palace of Versailles in France. 

The gardens were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, also known for creating Central Park in New York City. Olmsted's design featured a variety of plants and flowers from around the world, as well as several gazebos, fountains, and bridges. 

This photo is a visual aid.

The gardens included a zoo with large lions and bears. Visitors enjoyed four bowling lanes and a 'big-enough' dance hall. The gardens featured a variety of plants from around the world, as well as some exotic animals, like tigers. They also included a huge greenhouse, a museum, and a by-appointment private library.

Palace Gardens remained popular into the early 1900s. However, everything began to decline after Beaumont died in 1894 and eventually closed in 1915.

The site of Palace Gardens is now occupied by the Peoria Civic Center. However, a few remnants of the gardens remain, including the greenhouse and the museum. The greenhouse is now used by the Peoria Park District, and the museum is now a part of the Peoria Historical Society.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Starlight (Amusement) Park, (1952-1960); Star-Lite (Amusement) Park, (1961-1966), East Moline, Illinois.

STARLIGHT PARK

Starlight Park's first location was at 23rd Avenue and 41st Street, East Moline, from 1952-1959. Spot Mason, the Mason Trailer Sales & Service owner, owned the Starlight (Amusement) Park.

This photo shows the first location of Starlight Park, which was located at 23rd Avenue and 41st Street in East Moline. The amusement park operated for 8 seasons, from 1952 through 1959. The photo was taken from the top of the Ferris wheel.

THE STAR-LITE ERA BEGINS

Michael Fix bought Starlight Park in 1960 and changed the name to Star-Lite Park. The Grand Opening was held on Sunday, May 15, 1960, at a new location, 14th Street and Colona Road, in the Rock Island County Fairgrounds in East Moline.

Star-Lite Park featured a variety of carnival rides (quickly movable) for young children, including a 3-across Merry-Go-Round, a Ferris wheel, and a miniature 8-inch Gauge train. I found several online mentions of people fondly remembering these rides as a cherished part of their childhood.

A Starlight Park Ticket Booth, 1958

The park featured a variety of carnival rides (quickly movable) for young children, including a 3-across Merry-Go-Round, A Ferris wheel, and a miniature 8-inch Gauge train.

An 8-Inch Gauge Track

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The smallest size trains that amusement parks could use for toddler passengers are those with a track gauge of  5 inches. However, most amusement park trains have a track gauge of 12  to 15 inches.

Unfortunately, Star-Lite Park faced challenges securing a lease renewal with the Rock Island County Fairgrounds. Michael Fix ultimately relocated the amusement park along Illinois Route 2 at Route.92, about two miles from Silvis, for the 1965 season.

Star-Lite Park closed at the end of a slow 1966 season. The changing entertainment preferences of the time contributed to the park's decline. Michael Fix sold what rides he could, with the remaining rides donated to the Rock Island County Historical Society.

THE LEGACY OF STARLIGHT / STAR-LITE

Though the rides have halted and the lights dimmed, Starlight and Star-Lite Amusement Parks continue illuminating our hearts' corners with a warm, nostalgic glow. Through the collective memories shared within our vibrant online community of Defunct Illinois Amusement Parks, these cherished havens of joy live on. They remain a testament to the indelible mark left on countless Illinois kids, teens, and families, a beacon of the laughter and magic that once was.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Riverside (Amusement) Park, Havana, Illinois. (1904-1967)

Riverside Park was located in Havana, Illinois, along the Illinois River. It opened in 1904, featuring a variety of rides and attractions.

The "Midway" is a 'street' or lane with one or both sides having concession after concession with games of chance, refreshments, souvenirs, a beer garden, and 
entertainments.

The wooden roller coaster, the "Bass Bullet," was built in 1920 with three drops and a white-knuckle top speed of 30 mph. Other attractions included a carousel, kiddie rides, a dance hall, a concession stand and a picnic area. 

This photo is a visual aid.

The Riverside Grille served American fare overlooking the Illinois River. The Grille is well known for miles for the freshly caught Illinois River Black Bass with our recipes. Riverside Park hosted various events throughout the season, including company/family picnics, concerts, and weekend Fairs and Festivals. 

The park closed in 1967 due to financial difficulties. The land was later sold and developed into a housing subdivision.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Rainbow (Amusement) Park (1950-1971); Fun Harbor USA (1971-1981); Fun Harbour, Waukegan, Illinois. (1992-2016)

RAINBOW PARK

Rainbow Park, a small amusement park, opened in 1950 on Lakehurst Road in Waukegan, Illinois, by a group of local businessmen. Rainbow Park featured a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and other kiddie rides. It was a popular destination for families and quickly became a fixture in the Waukegan community.

The park continued to grow and expand in the years that followed. New rides and attractions were added, and the park became a destination in the Chicago area. 

In the early 1970s, the park added a few carnival rides, including a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and a Tilt-A-Whirl.

Rainbow Park was renamed Fun Harbor USA in 1971 and underwent a major renovation.

FUN HARBOR USA

The park's entrance was redesigned, and several new rides and attractions were added. A water park was added, which became a popular attraction for families during the summer months. Fun Harbor continued to grow and evolve over the years. The park added some new rides, including a roller coaster and a water slide. The park also added new food vendors and arcade games.

In the late 1970s, Fun Harbor began to face financial difficulties. The park struggled to compete with Dunes Kiddieland and other amusement parks in the area. They eventually closed in 1981.

ABANDONED

The park sat abandoned for 11 years before it was purchased by new owners Marc Klibanow and Jim Persino in 1990. 

FUN HARBOUR

Klibanow & Persino invested heavily in the park. The new and improved park reopened in 1992 under the name Fun Harbour. The amusement center had a large arcade with the latest pinball machines, video games, and Skee-Ball machines that dispensed tickets for performance in a "tickets-for-toys" system.

The variety of fun included batting cages and go-karts. An 18-hole, nautical-themed miniature golf course, rated by the US ProMiniGolf Association (USPMGA) at level 4 of 5 in difficulty.

Tokens Were Used Instead of Quarters for Pinball Machines, Video Games and skee-ball.

There were three birthday party rooms: The Dolphin, The Mermaid and The Pirate. The closure of Fun Harbour in 2016 was due to a combination of factors, including declining attendance, competition from other amusement venues, and financial difficulties. 

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Trout (Amusement) Park, Elgin, Illinois. (1890s-1922)

Trout Park in Elgin, Illinois, has a long and interesting history. 

The park was originally owned by Dr. P.W. Pratt, who enclosed a 70-acre parcel of land known as "Cedar Swamp" and began a fish hatchery on the site in 1872. It is situated on the east side of the Fox River, 1½ miles north of Elgin.

The hatchery was successful, and the park became known as "Trout Park." In the 1890s, the park was also home to an amusement park, which featured a variety of rides and attractions.

The park became a popular resort for pleasure seekers, especially Germans from Chicago. In 1895, the city of Elgin purchased the park and opened it to the public.

In the early 1900s, Trout Park was home to an amusement park, a botanical garden, and the Trails & Treasures Tea Room. The amusement park featured a carousel, a roller coaster, and other rides. The botanical garden was filled with various plants, including rare white cedar trees. The Trails & Treasures Tea Room featured a wall of windows with a view of the river and was a trendy spot for afternoon tea.

In 1910, Trout Park became home to Elgin's first semi-professional baseball team, the Elgin Kittens. The Kittens played their home games at a stadium in the park that could seat 3,500 spectators. The team played in the Northern Association, a minor league baseball league, from 1910 to 1912.

Trout Park remained a popular destination for Elgin residents throughout the 20th century. 

The park was designated an Illinois Nature Preserve in 1972 due to its rare white cedar trees and other natural features. Today, the park is still popular for hiking, fishing, and picnicking.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Galew, Ph.D.