Kiddieland Park, Rockford, Illinois. (1950-1962) - Sherwood Park Kiddieland, Loves Park, IL. (1962-1967) - Sherwood Park, Loves Park, IL. (1967-1977)

Kiddieland Park was founded by Ernest W Gutzmer, Leslie E Gutzmer and Ernest R Gutzmer in the late 1940s. It was located northeast of Rockford on Illinois Highway 173 adjacent to Loves Park and the River Lane Outdoor Theater. Illinois Highway 173 was later renamed Forest Hills Road, and the park's new address became 5810 Forest Hills Road. 

Kiddieland Park opened in 1950 and was billed as "fun for the whole family." Kiddieland Park was the first local area amusement park since the demise of Harlem Park in 1928 and Central Park's closure eight years earlier in 1942.

Amusements included children's auto, boat, and pony rides, and the featured attraction; the "Rockford Limited", one of the largest and most modern small gauge trains to be built in recent years. The train, which was highly detailed, was equipped with sway action springs and air brakes on each wheel which was powered by a 22-hp engine. The engine and train were completed after nearly two years of building in the shops of the “Miniature Train Company” of Rensselaer, Indiana. The train offered young and old a real thrill as it pulled in and out of the station. The engineer would blow the train's whistle. The train, which was 76 feet in length, traveled over 31,000 feet of track. They would also add a large merry-go-round to the park in September 1950, just north of the refreshment stand.

In 1951 Kiddieland Park featured seven rides, along with concession stands and other attractions, enlarging the park so that it could accommodate thousands of visitors nightly. The sound of carnival music and the smell of popcorn, cotton candy, and other foods were in the air. The park was open daily from 4 PM to 10 PM and Saturdays and Sundays from 2 PM to 10 PM during the summer months. The park would remain open on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the school year until the weather forced it to close for the season. Ticket prices at the time were 15¢ each or 2 tickets for 25¢.

There were several contests at Kiddieland over the years. In 1953 during the month of June, Kiddieland Park ran the ‘Name Me’ contest where you could win prizes naming the park's new arrivals, a pet Deer, Skunk and two Raccoons, or you could bring a box top from Wheaties (a General Mills breakfast cereal) which entitled you to a free ticket on any ride.

The park would eventually grow even larger and add more rides, including; Tubs of Fun, Tilt a Whirl, a Boat Ride, a children's Roller Coaster with an oval layout, a Rock-O-Plane, Scrambler, a Haunted House, a Merry-go-Round, Bumper Cars, live Pony Rides and of course the miniature train and other attractions like food and novelty stands. Two performing chimps, owned by the Kling family of animal trainers, named KoKo and Tico, were added to the park for side shows.

In 1957 the newest addition to the Rockford area's entertainment facilities was Sherwood Lodge, which was a part of Kiddieland Park, located just south of the park on Forest Hills Road. The spacious 5000 square foot lodge was functionally beautiful, featuring a modern kitchen, plumbing, heating, electricity, and a public address system that made it ideal for social or business purposes. The lodge was available on a rental basis for parties, banquets, balls, weddings, dances, and fundraising events. It was ideal for both small and large gatherings. Because of its design, combining log walls and an arched roof with sound cushioning tile, the building had perfect acoustics, excellent lighting, a dance floor, and a stage. Many family reunions, Christmas parties, business shows, wedding receptions, and other social functions were held here. During the 1960s and '70s, many "battle of the bands" contests were held at the lodge. 

Controversy arose in January 1962 when the city of Loves Park annexed the rural property on which Kiddieland was situated. Kiddieland Park owner Leslie Gutzmer stated that he would prefer not to be annexed to either Loves Park or Rockford. In addition to Kiddieland Park, the annexation also included Woodward Governor, Rockford Blacktop Construction Company, the Seven-Up Company Warehouse, and the American Chicle Company, who all opposed being annexed to Loves Park. 

In February 1962, papers were filed in court for the dissolution of Kiddieland Park. The park would continue to operate. In October of 1962, the park underwent a change in ownership, and the new owners were Milton W. Kling Sr., president, Ronnie L. Kling, vice president, and Milton Kling Jr., secretary-treasurer. They renamed Kiddieland Park to “Sherwood Park Kiddieland.” The Klings family were animal trainers; they owned several chimps who would entertain at Kiddieland Park and at other affairs. The Klings would obtain the chimps when only months old and raise them as one would a child, with diapers and baby clothes and kept them in a playpen until they were old enough to climb out on their own. The ride ticket prices increased for adults and children - 15¢ each ticket or 7 tickets for $1.00. You could buy a Budget Book of 30 tickets for $4.00.

When long-time owner Milton Kling Sr. turned the park over to his sons, the Sherwood Park Kiddieland name changed yet again by dropping the “Kiddieland” from the name to make it “Sherwood Park” for the continuation of its final years. 

In December 1967, with a major expansion planned, Sherwood Park planned to purchase the giant wooden racing roller coaster, the "Jetstream," including its colorful lighted sign, from the just-closed Riverview (Amusement) Park in Chicago. Because of insurance concerns, the roller coaster was never rebuilt. But... the Carowinds Amusement Park in Charlotte, North Carolina, opened a new coaster in 1968, the "Thunder Road," a racing wooden coaster with two trains (one for each side) from Riverview's Jetstream Roller Coaster. 

In 1977 the Warner-Lambert Company purchased Sherwood Park and Sherwood Lodge for an expansion project. Sherwood Lodge and the wooden buildings at Sherwood Park were donated to the Black Hawk Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts with the help of many volunteers, dismantled the buildings and moved them to another location. The rides were sold. And then... Kiddieland Park, Sherwood Park, and Sherwood Lodge were gone forever.

VISIT OUR SHERWOOD PARK KIDDIELAND SOUVENIR SHOP

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Naperville Kiddieland, Naperville, Illinois. (1956-ca.1975)

Naperville Kiddieland was founded by Fred and Mary Schuermann on the southwest corner of Route 34 (Ogden Avenue) and East New York Street (Aurora Avenue).

They started with a small petting zoo and pony rides and eventually added other rides, such as a Wagner miniature steam train, a hand-cranked pedal-car track, and a rocket ride, along with some other carnival-type rides. 

Naperville Kiddieland closed in the mid-1970s due to declining attendance. The property later became a golf driving range.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Joyland Amusement Park, Decatur, Illinois. (1954 to 1960)

Notice the Swingin' Gym ride on the far right.

Joyland Amusement Park in Nelson Park (Lakeshore Drive and South 22nd Street) was a small, independent amusement park owned and operated by Leroy Schrader and his wife, Nellie. 

On the left is the Rocket Ride.

Single ride tickets were 5¢ and 10¢. For $2.50, you could get an all-day pass. 

The park featured a merry-go-round, a Ferris wheel, a Tilt-a-Whirl, a Rocket Ride, pony rides, and a miniature train. The Igloo-shaped concession stand was popular to cool off from the summer heat.

Joyland was best described as a permanent carnival that pops up in parking lots and churches in the summer. Little kids loved this park. In 1960 the park sold its equipment because the park district didn't have the funds to repair the rides or operate the park any longer.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Joyland (Amusement) Park, Chicago, Illinois. (1923-1925)

Opened in 1923 located at 3301 South Wabash Avenue, Joyland Park brought the pleasures of Chicago's larger amusement parks to the city's rapidly growing South Side negro community. The park was the largest amusement park in the country owned and operated by negroes. Its financial backers included several of the city's leading businessmen and attorneys.

Joyland Park was much smaller than the city's premier amusement parks of that time; Riverview and White City. It occupied on a plot of land barely two acres in area and featured only four major rides; a merry-go-round, Venetian swing, the whip, and a Ferris wheel. 

Because it was owned and operated by negros, the park offered black Chicagoans freedom from the indignities and hostilities they often faced when visiting the city's whites-only amusement parks mentioned above. Despite this, the park only remained in operation for two seasons, closing in 1925.

ADDITIONAL READING:

Before Joyland Park there was the Chateau De La Plaisance Amusement Park at 5318-26 South State Street in Chicago which opened in 1907 but they closed in 1910. The Chateau branded itself as “The Only Amusement Park and Pavilion in the World Owned and Controlled by Negroes.”

African Americans at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, A People Without a Nation.

Negro Day, August 25, 1893, at the World's Columbian Exposition.

Reason Why the Colored American is not in the World's Columbian Exposition. published in 1893.

Removal of the racially charged "African Dip" game from Riverview Park, Chicago.

Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Highland (Amusement) Park, Quincy, Illinois. (1872-1919)

Quincy, Illinois, September 3, 1871 article - A natural grove of about twelve acres, lying between Eighteenth and Twentieth and Cherry and Spruce streets, and hitherto almost entirely unknown to the citizens of Quincy for want of access to it by way of any open and traveled street, will be reserved from sale. It will be suitably arranged for amusement and recreation and kept under such regulations as maintaining quiet and good order, making it a most desirable resort for individuals and families. This Park will soon be accessible by way of Eighteenth Street and of Twentieth street, and the public is invited to examine and become acquainted with its attractions.

The Park was created in 1872 and the stone pavilion was built in 1907. Highland Park was a happening place for entertainment and amusements including Public picnics, Boxing matches, Ice and roller skating, concerts and dances, many with prize money. 

There are no more advertisements, events or news of Highland Park after 1919.

The following are a few advertisements from the local newspapers. If this isn't amusement, I don't know what is. (Note the use of the English language):

The Quincy Herald, Tuesday, June 15, 1875:
The 23rd Annual Pic-Nic of the St. Aloysus Orphan Society will take place at Highland Park on Wednesday, June 23, 1875. 

Kuehn's and Grosch's Bands will be in attendance all day. No pepsins will be spared to entertain those who will favor us with their presence. Grand preparations are being made to have all the delicacies of the season. The public is respectfully invited to attend.

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The Quincy Whig, Thursday, May 24, 1883:
GRAND TURNFEST! Twenty-first Annual Turnfest of the St. Louis District, at Quincy, June, 9,10,11, and 12. 300 Turners to compete for prizes at Highland Park, Sunday and Monday, June 10 and 11. Reduced rates on all railroad and steamboat lines. Admission to Highland Park, 25¢.

NOTE: The first German gymnastic festival (Turnfest) was held in Coburg, Germany in 1860. The festival attracted affiliated Turnverein clubs and marked the beginning of the international competition, as the growing family of Turners outside of Germany were invited to participate in the sport.

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The Quincy Daily Whig, Friday, December 28, 1883:
Highland Park Skating Rink. The lake in Highland Park is now covered with a nice sheet of ice, and the rink is open to those who enjoy skating. Admission 10¢.

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The Quincy Daily Whig, Wednesday, September 03, 1884:
At Highland Park. Exercises by various classes and music by the band. Admission 10¢. Children in the company with parents free.

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The Quincy Daily Journal, Tuesday, December 13-15, 1892:
LATEST CRAZE! Roller Skating. The program this week at Highland Park: One delightful Roller Skating Party Wednesday Night. Another Party on Friday Night. And still another Saturday Afternoon. Rink open from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, when prizes will be awarded to the best Lady skater and best Gentleman Skater. SKATES FREE. Admission 15¢. On Saturday ladies will be admitted free. New Skates of the latest pattern just received. Go to Highland and enjoy yourself. No objectionable characters admitted. No liquors sold on the ground and ladies need to have no fear of toughe (as spelled in the ad).

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The Quincy Daily Journal, Monday, September 23, 1895:
ELECTRIC WATERFALLS - Fifty-Five Feet High. Highland Park, September 25 to 29, Inclusive. This is positively the first successful manipulation of coloring falling water in one body. The transformation object effects are astounding, even to the most learned. These blended with color make the Grandest Spectacular ever exhibited here. Admission 10¢ - All can go.

The Quincy Herald, Monday, September 30, 1895:
ELECTRIC LUMINOUS WATERFALLS! Highland Park, October 1 to 6. The only Falls of the kind in America, Finest thing ever yet seen. Admission 10¢.

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The Quincy Daily Whig; Wednesday, June 06, 1900:
HIGHLAND PARK A.J. Beamer, Proprietor, and Manager. Big Specialty Show Every Night. Harry D'Esta; America's Funniest Ventriloquist. Sam-The Kelleys-Ida; The funniest (again how the ad spelled it) of fun makers. Comer; The great slack wire performer and juggler. Mrs. Comer; Smoke Picture Artist. Wm. H. Rhoads; and his royal English mannikin theater. Prize dancing Wednesday and Friday nights. Matinee Saturday and Sunday.

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The Quincy Daily Whig, Tuesday, July 10, 1900:
Pain's Gigantic Military and Fireworks Spectacle. THE BATTLE OF SAN JUAN. Pain's latest and Greatest Outdoor Historical Production, at Highland Park, Quincy, Three Nights only. Commencing Tuesday, July 10, TONIGHT. Military Band Concert, Superb Specialties, the Most Thrilling Battle Scene Ever Depicted, Concluding With $1,000 Display of Pain's Fireworks. Gates open at 7 o'clock. The Performance begins at 8:30. Ample car service. Admission, including seats, 50¢ and 75¢, Box chairs, $1. Children, 25¢. Seats now selling at Christie's and Dashwood's pharmacies.

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The Quincy Daily Whig, Sunday, August 16, 1903:
At Highland Park, this afternoon admission free, dancing 10¢. Tonight, admission 10¢, and dancing free after the Performance. 

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The Quincy Daily Whig, Saturday, December 28, 1907:
Jack Benuschulte, of Quincy, and Jack Root, the ex-champion lightweight of the World, will box three rounds at Highland Park tonight after the Polyscope pictures, same as shown at the Empire (Theater) last night. Admission, Performance begins at 8 o'clock.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Glenwood (Amusement) Park, Batavia, Illinois. (1900-ca.1928)

The Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Electric Line had built an Amusement Park called Glenwood Park in 1900 at their stop in Batavia, Illinois. It was competing against Laurelwood Park in Batavia. The park included a Steam launch that took park visitors for a journey on the Fox River, a large merry-go-round, a dining hall, swings, tables, and a covered pavilion.

Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Glen Oak (Amusement) Park, Peoria, Illinois. (1895-early 1930s)

Work began in April of 1895 on Glen Oak Amusement Park. It was dedicated September 7, 1897, with an estimated 30,000 people in attendance. More than 2,500 public school children attended the first Field Day held in 1897. It is located on Prospect Avenue. The formal sunken gardens along Perry Avenue  were added in 1911. The park had a miniature railroad and a petting zoo. The petting zoo evolved into the Peoria Zoo, which is located in the park to this day.

Grand View Drive – A linear park that is really a drive along the top of the bluffs in what was at the time Prospect Heights. It broke ground in 1903 and was completed in 1905. It was put on the National Register in 1996.

Grand View Drive at the top of the bluff had a path (Gibson Pathway) down the bluff to Al Fresco Amusement Park.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.                            

Kiddieland, 1721 N. Henderson St., Galesburg, Illinois. (ca.1950-1972)

Legend has it that in the early ’50s a traveling carnival, whose owner went belly up financially while setting up in Galesburg, abandoned the rides and flew the coop. Robert L. Green, known as the Traveling Welder, assumed ownership with his father and operated the amusement park for nearly 10 years. He designed many of the rides. The answer to hundreds of area children’s dreams included a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round (operated by Martha M. Morrison), flying swings and the very popular bumper cars.

In 1962 Saylor Conard, his entire family and a multitude of his friends took over the operation of Kiddieland. Conard’s daughter remembered that her father’s love for children was his motivation to keep the park alive. No child was ever left out, as free tickets were always available to those who couldn’t afford them. Conard considered Kiddieland the vacation spot for those who couldn’t afford the traditional vacation. The price per ride was maintained at 10¢ until much later.

The main marketing tool of Kiddieland was a giant beacon or searchlight that streamed a beam of light that circled the area skies. Many area youngsters would bug their parents to take them to the park when the giant searchlight roamed the skies. Although it has not been confirmed, the legend is that the searchlight was the beacon from the Galesburg Airport south of Kiddieland on Henderson Street.

Kiddieland was a family endeavor with Saylor’s wife, father, and children selling tickets, running the train, repairing rides and selling delicious concession food. Concession fare included hot popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy, Green Rivers and whatever graveyard ingredients included.

Much to both owners’ credit, many middle-aged folks and teenagers were afforded needed jobs at the local amusement park. Jim Spellman and Ralph Plympton were two full-time employees who remained loyal until the very end. Other employees included Tom Hinton, Ted Gregory, Kenny Wixforth, Sharon Bainter, Christine Barton, Mary Louise Hinton, Cindy Dama, and the Magnuson guys.

Unfortunately, in mid-August 1972 the nearly 20-year reign of Kiddieland came to a screeching halt. Soaring maintenance and rental costs forced Saylor Conard to turn out the lights for the final time. It was estimated that more than a hundred cars, carrying an average three kids, visited the park daily, however, the effort to maintain the low ticket price of 10 to 15 cents made it impossible to cover expenses.

Many attempts were made to move the operation to the Lake Storey area and partnership with the city of Galesburg. Although city officials were sympathetic to the cause, the City Council repeatedly voted down the requested relocation. It was reported that a local bank had agreed to extend a loan if the city agreed to move the rides to Lake Storey. More than 5,000 residents signed petitions urging the council to jump aboard. Members of the local Army Reserve Unit volunteered to disassemble, move and reconstruct the rides if the new location was approved.

The soul of Kiddieland is long gone. The voices of joy from area children, the light in the sky and spinning rides are nowhere to be seen, but will long be remembered.

By Tom Wilson, local historian, May 14, 2005.
Edited by Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Fun Valley Amusement Park, Springfield, Illinois. (1922-1959)

Fun Valley Amusement Park opened in 1922 in Springfield, Illinois.

The park was located at 2900 East Clear Lake Avenue (Rt 97), Springfield, at the intersection of South Dirksen Parkway. It featured a Ferris wheel, a miniature train, a teacup-style ride, pony rides, and other kiddie-type carnival rides. The park was popular with families and children. It was a popular destination for Day Camp field trips.

This photo is a visual aid.

The park closed in 1959 when City Water, Light & Power (CWLP) opened a dam on June 1, 1959, on the Sangamon River. The dam, 125 feet high and 1,200 feet long, flooded about 1,200 acres, and Fun Valley was submerged, destroying the park's rides and buildings. 

The park never recovered.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Elliott’s Amusement Park, Matteson, Illinois. (1890-1913)

Elliott's Amusement Park was on the corner of Lincoln Highway and Olympian Way. Four hundred acres were purchased by James Elliott. He was in the lumber business and this was public timber. Loads were taken by horses to the Illinois Central Railroad for shipping. The primary trees were not cut down, only the secondary ones.  He planted a row of evergreens along the highway (Route 30). These are all gone, but the Arbor Vitae trees are still there and are over 150 years old.

From 1890 to 1913, Moses and Freeman Elliott operated an amusement park, which included a merry-go-round with wooden horses, dance pavilion with a wooden floor (also used for roller skating), a polka band, miniature golf course, restaurant, ice cream tent, beer garden, horseshoes, a 30 count deer farm and a very large picnic grove. There were wagon races in the open areas. To attract children, Elliott’s Park had an animal enclosure with goats, chickens, etc..

Crowds of up to 30,000 people rode special Illinois Central trains from Chicago on the weekends to attend gatherings for various union organizations, including the Swedish-American union and the Chicago Scottish union. Kids got a free banana from the IC. There were four special picnic trains a day on the Illinois Central for special events and an open area for group meetings and forums.

There was a gateway entrance to the park with a bridge over the ravine to gain admission. There were little paths that were used by the railroad leading to the park. The park employed about 20 people, for Matteson that was a lot. Farmers came in to trade and barter. Grain was among the items traded.

Beer was bought in kegs. People would come over and buy a whole barrel of beer. The park served beer in violet glass mugs, which was evidently expensive for the area, so people would leave the park to go to the local tavern, Dettmering's, to get their tin containers (1 pt., with a handle) filled with beer and go back to Elliott’s Park. The violet beer mugs used at the park were molded with a raised bottom. The beer sold for 5¢ from 1890-1913. This was at a time when a man earned 10¢ an hour for a 10-hour workday.

A log cabin was built for ice fishing and ice skating in the winters.

Taxi service was operated from the park taking the park visitors by wagons into the Matteson business district patronizing local stores, adding to Matteson’s prosperity.  The park was a major source of employment for the local residents on Matteson at the time.

The Elliott’s raised horses. There was a considerable fire which destroyed the stables and killed many horses.

James Elliott had the Illinois State Legislature designate part of the Elliott property as a cemetery. The Lutheran Cemetery was also a part of the Elliott property. Six generations of Elliotts are buried in the cemetery. According to family member Dana Elliott, the only non-family person buried in the cemetery was a Negro Union soldier.  He happened upon the Elliott farm as he walked northward from the war looking for work. The Elliott’s hired him and he worked there for many years. He was treated as part of the family. When he died, Mrs. Elliott wanted him to be buried in the family cemetery, but all the other family members objected. He is buried there but does not have a headstone. A peony bush was planted to mark his gravesite.

Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.
*A special thanks to the Matteson Historical Society.

Electric (Amusement) Park Corners, Sycamore, Illinois. (1904-1931)

The area began as a settlement. Sycamore, Illinois, was incorporated as a village in 1858. Electric Park Corners  (aka Electric Park) was developed at 1325 South Old Route 23 (1325 South Dekalb Avenue, today) at South Peace Road. 

The name comes from the first electric amusement center that this area had. Henry Groves was the proprietor, and his son, George Groves, recalls some memories.

If you turn off the highway, the old settlement corner can still be seen. Take the first road to the right, Old Route 23, until it suddenly turns south. You've found the Electric Park Corner Settlement. 

The old electric trolley line, Electric Traction Company, connecting Sycamore and DeKalb encouraged the venture to stimulate business, even though the Park survived the trolley. At one time, the company advertised that you could leave DeKalb on the eight o'clock car in the evening and arrive at Electric Park to attend a vaudeville and motion picture show at the theatre at 8:15 PM and the total cost, including a reserved theater seat cost 25¢. The Park had a huge dance pavilion, a baseball diamond, a theater, and other attractions.

The ball diamond was said to be one of the best in the area. In the first decade of the century, even the Chicago White Sox came to play an exhibition game here. The famous Ed Walsh pitched. The baseball teams which used the diamond there had various names. The first was Grove's Colts. Another was called the Bug Six, named after a cereal factory that sponsored the team. 

Some residents may still remember one of the interesting advertisements painted on the east end of one of the barns at the Park. It was painted by a man name Cheetham. Two men were on the scene. One of the men said, "Have a cigar, my dear Alphonso." The other replied, "Certainly, if it's Bell of Sycamore." The latter referred to a cigar manufactured in Sycamore long ago.

Groves says he was around six or seven when the Park started. The American Legion used to sponsor huge picnics on Independence Day, attracting 10,000 to 15,000 people. Labor Day was another important weekend.

Organizations used to hold big parties and picnics at the Park. C.H. Palmer had his own orchestra (he also played the trumpet and violin), which provided music for dances at the pavilion at Electric Park Corner. Organizations like the "Odd Fellows" would hold picnics at Electric Park Corners as a fundraiser. 

Groves remembers one Labor Day in 1910 or 1912 when a man was killed when jumping from a balloon. His parachute failed to open. His falling body missed some stacks of oat bundles, which might have saved his life. That was the last of numerous balloon releases. Those were in the days before helium and hydrogen had been discovered. They used to get the balloons in the air with fire and gas. Groves said that a tunnel was dug from the balloon to a fire, on which gas was poured. The hot air and gas flowed through the tunnel and into the balloons as a hundred men held on to the ropes until the jumper was in his basket and ready to go. The balloons would soar as high as 1,000 feet before the jumpers parachuted.

The original dance pavilion, 100 by 300-foot, at the Park burned down in the 1920s. It was rebuilt with a cement floor and then rebuilt by a man named Murphy, but when the last one built finally burned down in the early 1930s, that was the end of the amusement center.

Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Dreamland Amusement Park, Decatur, Illinois. (1905-1912)

Dreamland Amusement Park was established in 1905 by the Decatur Amusement Company with Fred Given appointed as manager. $40,000 was raised by a group of citizens. Ten acres were bought from E. S. Baker which were located on the Streetcar and Interurban lines, adjacent to Decatur, a city of 30,000.

The park included an artificial lake and a pumping station, a roller rink, a roller coaster, vaudeville theater, dance hall, merry-go-round, boating, a bathhouse and refreshment stand. For seven years the park was open, it never made a profit.

Dreamland Amusement Park was auctioned off on Tuesday, February 20, 1912, at the courthouse in Decatur, Illinois, and all items, which included an Edison picture machine, an organ, roller skates, lawn swings, park benches, chairs, and pool tables, sold in an auction. The city bought the property in 1919 for $15,000 ($221,000 today) and added it to Fairview Park.

Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.

Ebenezer Floppen Slopper's Wonderful Water Slides, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. (1980-1987)

Ebenezer Floppen Slopper's Wonderful Water Slides (aka Doc Rivers Raging Rapids Water Park) is an abandoned waterpark located on a large hill on Roosevelt Road and Route 83 in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois. 

It first opened on July 5, 1980, with two 800 foot concrete water slides and gradually added 5 additional slides and a wading pool. The water park became a major summer attraction for residents of surrounding towns and communities as people lined up for rides down the large winding slides.

When the two main slides first began operation, people slid down in groups of up to eight people at a time on rubber mats. The 5 other slides added to the park included 2 flat racer slides in which people slid down headfirst on folded rubber mats, 2 semi-enclosed tube body slides, and a smaller inner tube slide which emptied into a nearby wading pool. The slides were also unique in that they were lined with a blue rubber foam material which would prevent injuries from contacts with the slide walls. Due to the design of the 2 main large concrete slides, especially with the V-shaped configuration of their sidewalls, people could also slide quite high up the walls of the slides, especially when hitting a turn at high speeds.

Around 1987, the large concrete slides were resurfaced with flat bottoms with humps and bumps in which people went down solo, on inner tubes, getting bumped up and down and sideways as they went down the renovated slides and the park was renamed "Doc River's Roaring Rapids Water Park."

The park subsequently closed for good at the end of the 1989 season for unknown reasons.

Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.