Amusement Park Books List

List of published amusement park history books about specific parks and general amusement ride history.

Revised January 2013

Note: The list is arranged by date of publication. It might seem odd, but there weren't many books when I started the list in 1996.

GENERAL AMUSEMENT PARK & RIDE HISTORY

The Outdoor Amusement Industry - by William Mangels (Vantage Press) 1952
206 page Hardback with some photos.

A self-published book and the first history of various amusement rides by an amusement ride builder and inventor. Covers some rides like carousels and roller coasters in some detail, but minimal, several pages at best of others.
A Pictorial History of the Carousel - by Fred Fried (Vestal Press) 1964
231 page Hardback with many photos.

An important and comprehensive history of the carousel, its builders and carvers. He was the first to research this important topic and got most of his facts right, and some of them wrong.
The Great American Amusement Parks - by Gary Kyriazi (Cidadel Press) 1976
256 pages Hardback with hundreds of photos.

This was the first overview of historic amusement parks in the United States. The first third of the book is about Coney Island, and their are sections about Chicago's Riverview Park and the beach resorts on the Pacific Coast. The last third of the book is about the development of theme parks like Disneyland and others. There are many mistakes, especially with California's beach resorts, but there hadn't been any good books about them when Kyriazi wrote his book.
Fairground Art - by Geoff Weedon & Richard Ward (Abbeville) 1981
312 pages Hardback with hundreds of B&W and color photos.

This is a book that covers carousels, band organs, etc. in England.
Harry G. Traver: Legends of Terror - by Richard Munch (ACE / Amusement Park Books) 1982
175 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A biography of the designer of numerous amusement park rides, but became famous for his steel terror coasters of the 1920's. He was also the contractor for several of Fred Church's twister coaster, and the author believed at the time that Traver designed them. Unfortunetly the book was reprinted without the revision the author wanted to correct his errors.
Art of the Carousel - by Charlotte Dinger (Carousel Art) 1983
223 pages Hardback with photos.
Painted Ponies - by William Manns & Marianne Stevens (Zon International) 1986
256 pages Hardback with nearly all color photos.

This is a fabulous book on the history of the carousel and the men who carved them. A "must" purchase for carousel enthusiasts.
The Incredible Scream Machine - by Dr. Robert Cartmell (Amusement Park Books) 1987
252 pages Hardback and paperback editions with photos.

The first general history of roller coasters and their designers. Its weakness is that the author stopped doing research almost a decade before the book was published. Its weakness is in the 1920's, during the Golden Age of roller coasters.
C.W. Parker: Carnival King - by Bob Goldsak (Midway Museum) 1987
80 pages (paperback) with photos.

Larger than life character who produced carousels and other rides in Kansas.
Garb the Brass Ring - by Anne Dion Hinds (Crown) 1990
148 pages Hardback with photos

Book about American carousels.
The American Amusement Park Industry: A History of Technology and Thrills - by Judith Adams (Twayne) 1991
227 pages with some B&W photos.

Explains the origins of the amusement park industry, its development, and current status.
Ferris Wheels: An Illustrated History - by Norman Anderson (Amusement Park Books) 1992
407 pages Hardback & (paperback) with nearly 500 illustrations (photos, postcards & patent illustrations).

Traces the history of the popular amusement ride. The definitive book.
The Great American Carousel: A Century of Master Craftsmanship - by Fraley Tobin (Chronicle) 1994
132 pages Hardback B&W and color photos.

Illustrated history of the artists who carved the horses and animals for carousel manufacters.
White Knuckle Ride - by Mark Wyatt (Salamander) 1996
112 pages Hardback with B&W and color photos.

Book highlights many of the world's best roller coasters.
Roller Coasters: Wooden and Steel Coasters, Twisters and Corkscrews - by David Bennett (Chartwell) 1998
192 pages Hardback with color photos.

An illustated book about amusement park rides and roller coasters. Full of mis-information.
Roller Coasters, Flumes and Flying Saucers - by Robert Reynolds (Northern Lights) 1999
192 pages Hardback with photos.

Biography of Ed Morgan and Karl Bacon, founders of Arrow Dynamics, inventors of the tubular steel roller coaster.
The American Roller Coaster - by Scott Rutherford (MBI) 2000
160 pages Hardback with B&W and Color photos.

History of the roller coaster from 1884 to the 21st Century.
The American Amusement Park - by Dale Samuelson (MBI) 2001
156 pages Hardback with 175 B&W and color photos.

History of the development of the amusement park in America with an emphasis on roller coasters.
From Amusement Thrills to Summertime Thrills: The Rise and Decline of the Traditional American Amusement Park - by Jennifer Wismer 2001 (Queen's University - Kingston, Ontario.

Traces the rise of the traditional amusement park as workers in the 1890's and early 1900's obtained more leisure time. Also covers the industry's decline in the 1930's & 1940's.
Golden Age of Roller Coasters in Vintage Postcards - by David Francis (Arcadia) 2003
128 pages (paperback) with 216 small B&W postcards.

The book's text is contained in the detailed captions.
Scary Dark Rides - by Doug Higley ( ) 2004
104 pages (paperback) with 100 illustrations.

History of dark rides at amusement parks, carnivals and theme parks.
The Kid of Coney Island: Fred Thompson and the Rise of American Amusements - by Woody Register (Oxford) 2001
400 pages Hardback with 35 B&W photos.

Fred Thompson founded Luna Park at Coney Island. However, the author was much more interested in his career in theater productions, so it may be a disappointment if one is interested in amusement parks.

HISTORY OF SPECIFIC AMUSEMENT PARKS

Sodom by the Sea - by Oliver Pilat & Jo Ransom (Doubleday) 1941
334 page Hardback with some photos.

A history of Coney Island, New York. While a general history, delves on the seedier aspects of the famous resort.
Good Old Coney Island - by Edo McCullough (Scribners) 1957 (REPRINTED 2000 - Rutgers Univ.)
344 page Hardback with some photos

McCullough, a ride operator and relative to the Tilyou family, who owned Steeplechase Park, wrote a very entertaining portrait of Coney Island's development. Interesting accounts of the resort's three turn of the century parks and the 1911 Dreamland fire.
Walter Knott- Twentieth Century Pioneer - by Norman Nygaard 1965
118 page
Books covers the life of Walter Knott, founder of Knotts Berry Farm in southern California.
Goodbye Coney Island, Goodbye - by Paul Hyinsky & Dick Perry (Prentice Hall) 1972
125 page Hardback with many photos but a sketchy history.

This is a look at the Cincinnati's "Coney Island" amusement park built on an island on the Ohio River. It was difficult to get to, impossible to expand, and prone to periodic flooding. It was torn down after the 1972 season, and replaced by King's Island which was considerably larger and built in the suburbs.
Memories of Columbia Gardens - by Frank Quinn
44 pages with B&W photos.

History book about Columbia Gardens in the mining town of Butte Montana.
By the Beautiful Sea - by Charles Funnell (Knopf) 1975
214 page Hardback with photos.

A history book about Atlantic City, New Jersey and the development of its amusement piers by George Tilyou and others.
Riverview: Gone But Not Forgotten - by Chuck Wlodarczyk (Shori Press) 1976
136 page (paperback) with many photos.

A good look at historic Riverview Park in Chicago, but not much history text..
Trillium & Toronto Island - by Mike Findley 1976
(Peter Martin Assoc) 96 pages (paperback)

Covers the history of Hanlan's Point amusement park which was on the island.
Euclid Beach Park is Closed for the Season - by Lee Bush & others (Amusement Park Books) 1977
331 page Hardback with numerous photos, blueprints and maps.

This history of Euclid Beach, Cleveland's largest park was one of the best histories of an amusement park when it was published.
Pen Mar Story, The - by Judith Schlotterbeck
250 pages with B&W photos.

History of the Maryland amusement park from 1877 -1943..
Amusing the Millions: Coney Island at the Turn of the Century - by John Kasson 1978
120 page (paperback) with many photos.

This is a history of popular culture, in this case Coney island, New York at the turn of the century. Nicely researched text, but brief.
Once Upon a Century: History of the "EX" - by John Robinson

144 pages with B&W photos.
A History of the Canadian National Exposition in Toronto, Ontario.
Euclid Beach Park - A Second Look - by Lee Bush & others (Amusement Park Books) 1979
229 page Hardback with many photos.

This sequel about Cleveland's defunct amusement park uses photos not in the earlier edition.
Atlantic City: 125 Years of Ocean Madness - by ........ (Ten Speed Press) 1979 &1994 (reissued)
??? pages Hardback with photos.
Early South Jersey Amusement Parks - by Shirley Baileys (South Jersey Publishers) 1980
56 pages with photos.

History of 19 smaller amusement parks in the area.
I Remember Sunnyside - by Mike Fineley (Brownstone Press) 1981
144 pages Hardback with photos.

History of Sunnyside, located on Lake Ontario, west of Toronto, Canada.
Pike, The (Past Its Peak) - by Stephen Brown
62 pages (paperback) B&W photos.

A very weak book with second rate photos and no text but captions.
The Pike on the Silver Strand - by the Long Beach Historic Society. 74 pages (paperback) B&W photos.

Better photos than the previous book Pike book, but the history is in the captioned photos only.
A Pictorial History of Revere Beach - by Peter McCauley 1981
62 pages (paperback) with B&W postcard reproductions.

A look back at the history of Boston's seaside park.
Revere Beach's Wonderland - by Edward Nazzaro 1982
??? pages (paperback)

Another look back at the history of one of Boston's seaside parks.
The Elitch Garden Story - by Jack Gurtier (Rocky Mountain Writer's Guild) 1982
100 pages (paperback) with B& W photos.

History of Denver's garden amusement park.
Kennywood: The Roller Coaster Capital of the World - by Charles Jacques (Vestal Press) 1982
201 pages (Hardback) with photos.

A photo history of Kennywood Park, Pittsburgh, PA's last remaining amusement park.
Smile: A Picture History of Olympic Park: 1887 - 1965 - by Alan Siegel (Rutgers) 1983
176 pages Hardback with photos

History of another lost park in Irvington, New Jersey that lasted 79 years..
Revere Beach - A Last Look at Yesterday - Vol II - byFred Nazzaro
62 pages (paperback) with B&W photos of many rides.
Coney Island: A Postcard Journey to the City of Fire - by Richard Snow ( ) 1984
???? pages (paperback) illustrated with color postcards.

Color postcards of New York City's seaside resort combined with elaborate descriptions, give a capsule history at the turn of the 20th century.
More than Merry-Go-Rounds: A History of Lake Lansing Park - by John Hayek.
52 pages (paperback) B&W photos.
Goodbye Westview, Goodbye - by Charles Jacques (Amusement Park Journal) 1985
124 pages (paperbound) with 216 B&W photos.

History of Pittsburgh's other amusement park on its north side from 1906 to its last 1977 season.
Myers Lake Revisited - by Jeffrey Brown (Daring Books) 1985
192 pages Hardback with photos.

Historic photos and text of this defunct Ohio amusement park.
Chippewa Lake Park - by Sharon Kraynek 1986?
??? pages Hardback with photos.

Text of this defunct Ohio park is in diary form.
Venice of America: Coney Island of the Pacific - by Jeffrey Stanton (Donahue Publishing) 1987
176 pages (paperback) with over 200 photos.

Book's strong text, historic photos (some in color), and 3D aerial perspective maps of its two historic amusement pier districts, details Venice and Ocean Park, California's resort life. Only book that covers the famed Pacific Ocean Park that existed briefly from 1958 - 1967.
Meyers Lake: A Second Look - by Jeffrey Brown (Daring Books) 1988
154 pages Hardback with photos.

More photos of this defunct Ohio amusement park.
Chippewa Lake Park - 1800 - 1978 by Sharon Kraynek 1988
156 pages (paperback) with many B&W photos.

History of Chippeawa Lake, Ohio's popular amusement park.
Wenona Beach Story, The - by James Watson 1988
80 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

History of the Bay City. Michigan amusement park.
Cedar Point: Queen of American Watering Places - by David and Diane Francis (Daring Books) 1988
176 pages Hardback with photos.

A history with photos of the development of this Lake Erie resort in Ohio into America's finest amusement park.
Fun at Old Cedar Point - by Glenn Everett 1989
156 pages with a few B&W photos.

History of Ohio's popular Lake Erie amusement park.
Memories of Revere Beach -The Playground of New England by
Peter McCauley 1989
76 pages (paperback) B&W photos.

History of popular Boston area beach resort.
San Franciscina Photographs of Playland - by Marilyn Blaisdell 1989
Spiral bound 57 pages of photos.

A book of historic photos of San Francisco's seaside beach and Playland , the amusement park that faced the ocean.
Fun at Old Cedar Point - by Glenn Everett (Academy Books) 1989
154 pages with some B&W photos.

Journey through Ohio's lakeside park on a day during the 1930's.
Santa Monica Pier: A History from 1875 to 1990 - by Jeffrey Stanton (Donahue Publishing) 1990
176 pages with 230 photos.

A history with photos of Santa Monica, California's amusement pier. Also covers the development of the city's North Beach resort in the 1890's, its beach clubs in the 1920's and its famed Muscle Beach in the 1940's and 1950's.
Early South Jersey Amusement Parks - by Shirley Bailey and Jim Parkhurst 1990
56 pages (paperback) B& W photos
Memories of Fontaine Ferry Park - A Pictorial History by ??? 1990
64 pages with B&W photos.

History of the popular Louisville, KY amusement park.
History of Lakemont Park 1894 - 1989 by Lakemont Park Historical Museum. 1990
128 pages (paperback) B&W plus color photos.

History of the popular Altoona, PA amusement park.
The Giant Dipper: A Pictorial History - by Eric Young
(Amusement Park Publications) 1991
Thin (paperback) with B&W and color photos.

History of the Prior & Church 1925 roller coaster at Mission Beach, California, and its restoration in the early 1990's.
Scranton's Luna Park: 1906 - 1916 - by Jack Hiddlestone 1991
36 pages (paperback).

Very brief history of this short-lived Pennsylvania amusement park
Excelsior Amusement Park - From Rise to Demise 1924-1974
-by Excelsior-Lake (Minnesota) Minnetonka Historical Society 1991
66 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.
Conneaut Lake Park: The First 100 Yearsof Fun- Lee Bush & Richard Hershey (Amusement Park Books) 1992
175 pages with B&W photos.

A history of the Pennsylvania amusement park published for its centennial.
Venice California: Coney Island of the Pacific - by Jeffrey Stanton (Donahue Publishing) 1993
232 pages (paperback) with 300 photographs.

This is an expanded edition of his earlier 1987 book about Venice and Ocean Park, California's amusement piers. More photos and a partially rewritten and expanded text.
A Century of Fun: A Pictorial History of New England Amusement Parks - by Bob Goldsack (Midway Museum Publications) 1993
138 pages with B&W and some color photos

Covers Savin Rock, CT; Old Orchard Beach, Maine; Canobie Lake Park; Quassy, and many other defunct amusement parks.
Savin Rock Memories - by Gil Johnson & Bennett Dorman (1993)
350 pages (paperback).

History of the Connecticut seaside amusement resort.
Summit Beach Park: Akron's Coney Island - by Diane and David
Francis (1993) (Summit Beach Historical Society) 178 pages (paperback)

A history of the popular Ohio amusement park.
Brandywine Springs Amusement Park - Echoes of the Past 1886 - 1923 by Mark Lawlor (M&M Publishers) 1993
164 pages (paperback) few B&W photos.

History of the Wilmington, Delaware amusement park.
Meyers Lake Remembered - by Jeffrey Brown and Ray Fete (J&K Printing) 1993
324 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

History of the Canton, Ohio entertaiment center.
Chippewa Lake Chronicles 1800 - 1969 by Sharon Kraynek 1994
208 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Collection of newspaper articles and oral interviews about the Medina, Ohio amusement resort.
Butte's Pride - The Columbia Gardens - by Pat Kearney 1994
132 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

History of a beautiful floral amusement park that copper king William Clark built for the town.
Smile: A Picture History of Olympic Park 1887 - 1965 by Alan Siegel
1995 (Rugers University Press) 176 pages (paperback).

History of one of New Jersey's most popular amusement parks. Unfortunately the quality of the photos is poor and the text is bland.
Cedar Point: The Queen of American Watering Places (125th Anniversary Edition) 1995
by David Francis & Dianne DeMali (Amusement Park Books) ???
222 pages Hardback with over 200 B&W photos.

Updated version of the history of this famous Ohio amusement park.
Palisades Amusement Park: A Century of Fond Memories - by Vince Gargiulo (Rutgers) 1995
220 pages Hardback with 203 B&W photos.

While this is a comprehensive history of the New Jersey park that overlooked the Hudson River opposite Manhattan, it was written by an author who had a minimum knowledge of amusement rides. Most of the photos are poor to fair since many are directly from newspapers; includes several pages of color.
Luna Park: Cleveland's Fairyland of Pleasure - by David & Dianne Francis (Amusement Park Books) 1996
157 pages Hardback with B&W photos.

History of one of Cleveland, Ohio's larger amusement parks that operated from 1903 - 1929..
Blackpool Pleasure Beach: Century of Fun - by Peter Bennett 1996
152 pages Hardback with photos.

A wonderful book on England's largest seaside amusement park.
Salem NH - Trolleys, Canobie Lake & Rockingham Park - by Douglas Seed & Katherine Khalife 1996 (Arcadia).
128 pages with B&W photos.

Brief history of two New Hampshire amusement trolley parks
Gravesend, Brooklyn: Coney Island and Sheepshead Bay -
by Eric Ierardi 1996 (Arcadia)
160 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A history of the founding of the village of Gravesend, which owned the nearby Atlantic Ocean beach, and how it developed into the seaside resort of Coney Island.
Chippewa Lake Revisited - by Sharon Kraynek 1996
94 pages (spiral bound) many B&W photos

A history through newspaper articles, oral interviews, and photos.
Bay Beach Amusement Park - A Pictorial History - 1996
24 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A history of the Green Bay, Wisconsin amusement park.
Midway Park - A Century of Fun - by Ron Gustafson 1996
62 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A history of a small park in Maple Springs, NY.
Trolleys, Canobie Lake and Rockingham Park - by Douglas Seed & Katherine Kahlife (Arcadia) 1996
128 Pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A history that transformed tiny Salem, NH into a recreational destination.
I Remember Sunnyside - The Rise and Fall of a Magical Era - by Mike Filey 1996 144 pages with B&W photos.

History of Toronto Canada's Sunnyside Amusement Park which operated from 1922 to 1955.
Hershey Park: The Sweetness of Success - by Charles Jacques (Amusement Park Journal) 1997
224 pages (paperback) 483 photos with 36 color photos.

Through history of the popular Pennsylvania amusement park.
Rocky Point - A Rhode Island Treasure - by Donald Wyatt 1997
78 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A history of the popular Rhode Island seashore amusement park.
My Buckeye Lake Story - by Donna Fisher 1997
194 pages (Spiral bound) with only a few grainy B&W photos.

History of a popular Ohio amusement park.
More Kennywood Memories - by Charles Jacques (Amusement Park Books) 1998
217 pages (paperback) 645 photos with 105 in color.

This is a sequel to his earlier Kennywood book on this famous Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania amusement park.
Savin Rock: An Illustrated History - by Bennett Dorman
(Photo Restoration & Design) 1998
270 pages Hardback with B&W photos.

History of this defunct Connecticut seaside amusement park. The book's printing and photo quality are terrible and the text is full of errors - a waste of money.
Wildwood by the Sea - by David Francis & Robert Scully, Sr.
(Amusement Park Books) 1998
256 pages Hardback with 452 photos, 32 in color.

History of this New Jersey seaside resort and its many amusement piers..
Rhode Island Amusement Parks - by Rob Lewis & Ryan Young (Arcadia) 1998 - (paperback) 128 pages with B&W photos.

Short history of many small defunct amusement parks in Rhode Island.
Rochester's Lakeside Resorts and Amusement Parks - by Donovan Shiltine 1999 (Arcadia) (paperback) 128 pages with B&W photos.

Brief history of several Lake Ontario defunct parks.
Dixie Before Disney: 100 Years of Roadside Fun - by Tim Hollis

Book includes parks in Panama City.
Idora Park: The Last Ride of Summer - by Rick Shale & Charles Jacques (Amusement Park Journal) 1999
141 pages (paperback) 250 photos

History of this popular Ohio amusement park from 1899 - 1984.
Rochester's Lakeside Resorts and Amusement Parks - by Donovan Shilling (Arcadia) 1999
128 pages (paperback) B&W photos.

Photos of the city's amusement parks along the shore of New York's Lake Ontario.
Lincoln Park Remembered - by Joesph McCabe (Spinner Publications) 1999
200 pages (paperback) with 500 photos.

History of this New England amusement park from 1894 - 1987.
Laugh Your Troubles Away: The Complete History of Riverview Park - by Derek Gee & Ralph Lopez ( ) 2000
166 pages (paperback) with 265 photos and maps.

An excellent history of Chicago's famed amusement park.
Greetings from Bertrand Island Amusement Park - by Martin & Laura Kane (Arcadia) 2000
128 page (paperback) 200 B&W photos
Glen Echo Park - A Story of Survival - by Richard Cook & Deborah Lange (Bethesda Communications Group) 2000
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos

History of the Maryland amusement park in photos.
Old Rockaway New York - In Early Photographs - by Vincent Seyfried (Dover Publications) 2000
116 pages with B&W photos.

A brief history of Rockaway Beach, Long Island, NY, a popular seaside resort through 175 vintage photos.
Electric Park - Fort Smith, Arkansas - Summer Resort & Amusement Park 1905 - 1920 - by Stan Kujawa (Camelot Consulting) 2000
136 pages with B&W photos plus a few color postcards.

A history of the popular Arkansas amusement park.
All Aboard for Luna Park - by Patrica Filler 2000
48 pages with B&W photos.

History of Seattle's small amusement park from 1907 - 1913.
Gravesend: The Home of Coney Island - by Eric Ierardi (Arcadia) 2001
159 pages (paperback) with 120 B&W photos.

An illustrated history of the village of Gravesend and the beach resort it controlled.
Knoebel's: An Amusement Park with a Heart -by Harry Dietz 2001
217 page Hardback with 239 B&W photos.

Commemorates the 75th anniversary of this eastern Pennsylvania amusement park.
History of Sans Souci Park - 1893 - 1973 - by Charles Ciesla 2001 246 pages with many B&W photos.

History of a small Pennsylvania trolley park.
Omaha's Peony Park - An American Legend - by Carl Jennings (Arcadia) 2002
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

History of a popular Omaha, Nebraska amusement park.
Cincinnati's Coney Island - by Charles Jacques (Amusement Park Journal 2002
223 pages (paperback) several hundred B&W and color photographs.

A through history of Cincinnati's river island amusement park that closed in 1971.
Coney Island: Lost and Found - by Charles Denson (Free Press) 2002
304 pages (paperback) with 300 B&W and color photos.

Denson, who grew up at Coney Island in the 50's and 60's, and photographed it, covers the its later history in great detail. It is obvious that he is interested in property ownership and traced important parcels from its earliest days.
Coney Island: The People's Playground - by Michael Immerso (Rutgers) 2002
208 pg Hardback Over 100 B&W photos, some color.

An adequate, well balanced general history of Brooklyn's Coney Island beach resort.
Ohio's Amusment Parks in Vintage Postcards - by David & Dianne Francis (Arcadia) 2002
128 pages with B&W photos

Small captioned photos show Ohio's mostly defunct amusement parks.
Amusement Parks of Pennsylvania - by Jim Futrell (Stackpool) 2002
212 pages - small paperback with illustrated by postcards and photos.

A guide to 13 amusement parks in the State with their history in old postcards.
Early South Jersey Amusement Parks - by Shirley R. Bailey (South Jersey Publishing) 2002
56 pages - small paperback with illustrated by photos.

A history of 19 amusement parks in southern New Jersey.
Revere Beach - by Leah Schmidt (Arcadia) 2002
128 pages with B&W photos.

A history of the popular Boston area seaside resort.
Amusement Parks of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky - by Robert Wimberg (Ohio Book Store) 2002
212 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

History of Chester Park, Coney Island, Kings Island and Lesourdsville Lake near Cincinnatti and Ludlow Lagoon in nearby Kentucky. Also covers many smaller amusement parks.
Remembering Toledo's Amusement Parks - by John Hayek (Kendall Printing) 2002
96 pages with B&W photos.

Briefly covers many of Toledo, Ohio's nearby amusement parks.
Chippewa Lake Amusement Park: In the Beginning - by Sharon Kraynek (Medina Books Publishing) 2003
260 pages (spiral bound) many B&W photos.

A history of the defunct Ohio park.
Dorney Park - by Wally Ely & Bob Ott (Arcadia) 2003
128 pg (paperback) small B&W photos

A Visual history of the Allentown, Pa. amusement park from the 1880's to the present.
San Francisco's Ocean Beach - by Kathleen Manning & Jim Dickson (Arcadia) 2003
128 pages (paperback) B&W photos

This book covers more than Playland at the Beach (only 18 pages), with chapters on Cliff House and Sutro Baths, etc.
Coney Island (Portraits of America series) - by John Berman (Barnes & Noble) 2003
128 pages (paperbound) with B&W photos.

Mostly a book of over 100 B&W photos chronicling the history of the fames beach resort. The photos are from the Museum of the City of New York, but it is obvious that the author was unfamiliar with the material as 3 of the photos are not from Coney Island.
Quassey Amusement Park - A History - by Ron Gustafason 2003
50 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A short history of the Middlebury, CT amusement park.
Asbury Park - by Helen Chantel Pike (Arcadia) 2003
127 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of postcards and photos of New Jersey's Asbury Park and its Boardwalk fun zone.
Riverview - by Dolores Haugh (Arcadia) 2003
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of postcards and photos of Chicago's Riverview amusement park.
Bob-Lo Revisted - by Bill Rauscher 2003
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of postcards and photos of Michigan's Bob-Lo Island amusement park.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk - The Early Years - Never a Dull Moment - by Chandra & Richard Beal 2003
262 pages with B&W photos.

A history of the popular Santa Cruz, California beach resort.
Denver's Elitch Gardens - Spinning a Century of Dreams - by Betty Lynn Hull 2003
144 pages with many B&W photos.

History of Denver, Colorado's most popular amusement park.
Idlewild - by Jeffrey Croshore (Arcadia) 2004
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of postcards and photos of Idlewild Pennsylvania's amusement park.
Kennywood - by David Hahner (Arcadia) 2004
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of postcards and photos of Pittsburgh's Kennywood Park.
Cedar Point - by David & Dianne Francis (Arcadia) 2004
128 pg (paperback) small B&W photos

A visual history of the Ohio's Cedar Point amusement park.
Chippewa Lake Park - by David & Dianne Francis (Arcadia) 2004
128 pg (paperback) small B&W photos

A visual history of the Ohio's Chippewa Lake Park.
The Last Dance - Meyers Lake Park & Zoo 1869 - 1979 - by Jeffrey Brown & Raymond Fete 2004
372 pages (Hardback) with B&W photos & some color.

History of the popular Canton, Ohio amusement resort.
Walnut Beach & Myrtle Beach historical Association - Sand in Our Shoes 2004
546 pages with B&W photos.

History of two Milford, CT amusement resorts.
Indian Trail and Edgemont Amusement Parks - by Jason Rhodes (Arcadia) 2004
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of postcards and photos of Pennstlvania's Lehigh Township's historic amusement parks.
Lake Quinsigamond and White City (Massachusetts) - by Michael Perna, Jr. (Arcadia) 2004 - 128 pg (paperback) small B&W photos

A Visual history of two of Massachusetts historic amusement parks.
Sacremento's Oak Park - by Lee Simpson (Arcadia) 2004
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of postcards and photos of Sacremento's, California's Oak Park amusement park.
Amusements Park of New Jersey - by Jim Futrell (Stackpool) 2004
212 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of postcards and photos of various amusement parks of New Jersey.
Riverview Amusement Park - by Doulas Haugh 2004 (Arcadia)
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of Chicago Illinois' most popular amusement park.
Crystal Beach: The Good Old Days - by Erno Rossi 2004
(Western New York Books) 202 pages (Paperback) 100 photos.

History of the popular Canadian lakeside amusement park near Buffalo New York via interviws.
Crystal Memories: 100 Years of Fun at Crystal Beach Park - by Rose Hirsch (2004). (Rochester Institute of Technology).
206 pages with many B&W photos.

History of the popular Canadian lakeside amusement park near Buffalo through memories of people who enjoyed the park or worked there..
Cleveland Amusement Park Memories - by David & Diane Francis ( ) 2005
128 pages (paperbound) 8.5 X 10 inch

Covers various historic amusement parks in the Cleveland area, including many of the smaller little known parks..
Venice California - Coney Island of the Pacific (Centennial Edition) - by Jeffrey Stanton (Donahue Publishing) 2005
288 pages (Hardback) 367 B&W and color photos. Album format 12 x 9 inch.

This is a greatly expanded edition of the author's 1993 edition to celebrate Venice's 100th anniversary and its rich amusement resort history. Additional research enabled the text in Chapters 2,3,4 and 5 to be doubled, and the text in the final chapter to be quadrupled. About 60 additional photographs, many spectacular were added. Contains seven
3-D aerial perspective maps that details all the attractions on each of its amusement piers. Since it covers the rivalry between Venice and Ocean Park's pier districts, it contains the only history of Pacific Ocean Park that existed between 1958-1967. It is published as a hardback to make it a true coffee table book.
Palisades Amusement Park - by Vince Gargiulo (Arcadia) 2005
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of postcards and photos of New Jersey's Palisades Amusement Park.
Once Upon a Time in Playland - Shoreline Historical Museum 2005
40 pages with many B&W photos.

History of Seattle's popular amusement park from 1930 0 1960.
Asbury Park's Glory Days: The Story of an American Resort - by Helen Pike (Rugers) 2005
207 pages(paperback) with B&W photos.

Good account of the history of one of New Jersey's great seaside resorts and its faded glory. Excellent researched book.
Maryland's Amusement Parks - by Jason Rhodes (Arcadia) 2005
128 pg (paperback) small B&W photos

A Visual history of Maryland's many amusement parks.
Conneaut Lake Park (Pennsylvania) - by Michael Costello (Arcadia) 2005 - 128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of postcards and photos of Conneaut Lake Park in Pennsylvania.
Willow Grove Park - by Old York Historical Society (Arcadia) 2006
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of postcards and photos of Pennsylvania's Willow Grove amusement park.
Canobie Lake Park - by Douglas Seed 2006
130 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

History of the Salem, NH amusement park.
Amusement Parks of New York - by Jim Futrell (Stackpool) 2006
224 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of postcards and photos of various amusment parks in New York state.
Six Flags Over Georgia - by Tim Hollis (Arcadia) 2006
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of photos of the Atlanta amusement park since it opened in 1967.
Myrtle Beach Pavilion - by Lesta Sue Hardee (Arcadia) 2006
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of photos from this defunct South Carolina amusement park.
Savin Rock Amusement Park - by Edith Reynolds
2006 (Arcadia) 128 pages (paperback) with B& W photos.

Brief history of the Connecticut seaside amusement resort.
Willow Grove Park - by Old York Historical Society 2006 (Arcadia)
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of the eastern Pennsylvania amusement park.
Chippewa Lake Park - The Glory years 1930 - 1949 - by Sharon Krayneck 2006
236 pages with B&W photos.

History of the Medina, Ohio amusement park.
Hershey Park - by Pamala Cassidy Whiteneck (Arcadia) (2006)
128 pages with B&W photos.

History of the popular central Pennsylvania amusement park.
Hillside Pleasure Park - by Norman James Price 2006
104 pages with B&W and color photos.

History of the Belleville, NJ amusement park.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: A Century by the Sea - by Santa Cruz
Seaside Company 2007 (Ten Speed Press) 164 pages (paperback)
Color and B&W photos.

History of the California seaside amusement park in a nicely designed presentation. Excellent photo reproduction.
Forest Park Highlands - by Doug Garner 2007 (Arcadia)
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of the popular St. Louis amusement park.
Greetings from Roseland Park - Playground of the Finger Lakes 1925 - 1985 - by Lynda Hotra & Sherman Farnham 2007
158 pages with B7W and color photos.

History of the Canandaigua, NY amusement resort.
Memories of Crystal Beach Park, Vermillion Ohio -
by Sandra Mueller (2007)
136 pages (Hardback & paperback)

History of the popular Ohio amusement park that closed in 1965.
Just for Fun! Jimmy Johnson's Playland Park - by Ed Gaida 2007
152 pages with B&W and color photos.

History of a popular San Antonio, Texas park.
Harvey's Lake - by Charles Petrillo 2007
202 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

History of the Pennsylvania amusement park.
Mountain Park - by Jay Ducharme (Arcadia) 2008
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

A collection of photos from the Massachusetts amusement park.
Wisconsin Dells - by Bonnie Jean Alton 2007 (Arcadia)
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of the popular Wisconsin lake area with its small amusement parks and water parks.
Playland (Rye)- by Kathlyn Burke 2008 (Arcadia)
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of Westchester NY's Rye Playland.
Amusement Parks of Virginia, Maryland and Delaware - by Jim Futrell (Stackpool) 2008
214 pages with a few B&W photos.

History of numerous amusement parks in three states.
Lake Compounce - by Lynda Russell (Arcadia) 2008
130 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

History of the Bristol, CT resort.
Summer Dreams - The Story of Bob-lo Island - by Patrick Livingstone (Wayne State University Press) 2008
194 pages with B&W photos.

History of the island amusement park between Detroit and Canada.
Silver Sands and Golden Memories - The History of Silver Beach Amusement Park - by Daryl Schlender 2008
114 pages with B&W photos.

History of the St. Joseph, Michigan resort.
Wildwood Moments - New Jersey's Beloved Boardwalk - by Ian Mark Smith & Dean Davis 2008
100 pages with all color photos.
Springlake Amusement Park - by Douglas Laudenbak 2009 (Arcadia)
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of an Oklahoma City amusement park.
Lakewood Park - by the Guinan Family (Arcadia) 2009
128 pages with B&W photos.

History of the Mahony City, PA amusement park.
Pleasure Island - by Robert McLaughlin 2009 (Arcadia)
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

History of the first historic theme park in Massachusetts that wasn't finacial profitable..
Knott's Preserved! From Boysenberry to Theme Park - the History of Knott's Berry Farm - by Christopher Merritt & J. Eric Lynxwiler 2009 (Angel City Press) - 160 pages (Hardback & paperback)

Comprehensive history of the theme park with color and B&W photos
Santa Monica Pier: A Century on the Last Great Pleasure Pier - by James Harris 2009 (Angel City Press) 128 pages (paperback)

A general history of the Santa Monica Pier in California with color and B&W photos.
Knott's Berry Farm: The Early Years - by Jay Jennings (Arcadia) 2009 128 pages (paperback)

B&W postcard images of the theme park.
Rocky Point Park - by David Bettencourt 2009 (Arcadia)
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of the defunct Rhode Island amusement park.
Celeron Park on Chautauqua Lake - by Thomas Goodwill (Bookworm Printing) 2009
190 pages (paperback) with B&W and color photos.

History of the Jamestown, NY amusement resort.
Asbury Park - A Brief History - by Joseph Bilby and Harry Ziegler 2009
132 pages with B&W photos.

History of the New Jersey seaside resort.
Cascade Park - Anita De Vive (Arcadia) 2010
128 pages (paperback) with B & W photos.

Brief history of Pennsylvania amusement park.
Rock Springs Park - by Joseph Comm 2010 (Arcadia)
128 paes (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of West Virginia amusement park.
Freedomland - by Robert McLaughlin & Frank Adamo (Arcadia) 2010 128 pages with B&W photos.

History of the short-lived Bronx, NY historic theme park.
San Francisco's Playland at the Beach - The Early Years - by James Smith 2010
154 pages with many B&W photos.

History of San Francisco's beach resort.
Myrtle Beach Pavilion - Lesta Sue Hardy & Janice McDonald (Arcadia) 2010
130 pages with B&W photos.

History of a defunct amusement park in the heart of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
Cascade Park - by Antita Devito (Arcadia) 2010
130 pages with B&W photos.

History of the Newcastle, PA trolley park.
Lesourdville Lake Amusement Park - by Scott Fowler (Arcadia) 2010
130 pages with B&W photos.

History of Middletown, Ohio amusement park that became Americana..
Hunt's Pier (New Jersey) - by Rob Ascough (Arcadia) 2011
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of the Wildwood New Jersey amusement pier.
Seattle's Luna Park - by Aaron Naff (Arcadia) 2011
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of Seattle's defunct amusement park.
Western New York Amusement Parks - by Rose Ann Hrich
2011 (Arcadia)
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of Celeron and Glen Park plus Crystal Beach in Ontario, Canada.
Roton Point - by Roton Point History Committee
2011 (Arcadia) 128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of Connecticut seaside resort.
Riverside Park - by David Cecchi 2011 (Arcadia)
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of the popular Massachusetts park that became a Six Flags park.
Blackpool Pleasure Beach - More Than Just an Amusement Park - by Vanessa Toulmin 2011
146 pages in full color.

History of the famous English seaside amusement park.
One Minute to Puritas Springs Park - by Ralph Pfingsten & Gary Swilik 2011
202 pages with B&W photos.

History of a Cleveland Ohio amusement park.
Chicago's Great Amusement Parks: The Golden Age 1893 - 1933
by Stan Barker (2012) (Chicago Historical Society)

Includes Chicago's early amusement parks like Chutes Park and White City.
Crystal Beach Park: A Century of Screams (2012) (Cyclone Books)
264 pages (Hardback) B&W and Color photos.

History of Lake Ontario's Canadian amusement park from 1890 to 1989.
Euclid Beach Park - by 2012 (Arcadia)
128 pages (paperback) with B&W photos.

Brief history of the popular Cleveland lakefront amusement park.
Coney Island & Astroland - by Charles Denson (Arcadia) 2011
130 pages with B&W photos.

History of Coney Island's Astroland amusementment park.
Lost Amusement Parks of the Hudson Valley - by Westley and Barbara Gottlock 2011
180 pages with B&W photos.

History of Fort George Amusement Park, Woodcliff Pleasure Park, Electric Park (Kinderhook Lake), Orange Lake Park and others.
Fun Pier - 1957 to Adventure Pier - by Scott Hand & Dianne Pooler (Arcadia) 2012
130 pages with B&W photos.

History of one of Wildwood, NJ's amusement piers.
Trolley Parks of Maine - by Amber Tatnall & Randy LeClair 2012
58 pages (paperback) B&W photos.

History of historic parks like Riverton Park and Oak Grove Park, and many more smaller parks.
Riverview Park - Des Moines, Iowa - The Lost Summers - by Bill Kooker 2013

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