Historic Amusement Parks in Baltimore: An Illustrated History

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This volume presents the rich history of the old amusement parks and beach resorts frequented by Baltimoreans beginning in the 1870s and stretching into the late 20th century. Readers may recognise such popular amusement parks as Gwynn Oak, Carlin’s, and Tolchester Beach, and will learn about some of the more obscure places like Frederick Road Park and Hollywood Park. Each of the major parks is documented here, complete with a detailed history of the sites they were built on, the creative owners behind the parks’ inceptions, the individuals and companies who provided the rides and attractions, and, the people that happily travelled by boat, streetcar, train and automobile to reach their favourite park or resort. Like many sizable cities across the U.S. in the early 1900s, Baltimore offered numerous amusement parks and beach resorts for city residents to attend. Some sprang up along the trolley lines, others were beachside resorts typically reached by steamers departing from Baltimore harbor. Sadly, Baltimore is no longer home to a major amusement park. Most of the traditional amusement parks built in the early part of 20th century have disappeared, many falling victim to fire, changing social habits and rising land values.