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.