Remembering Euclid Beach Park

Sunday, September 25, 2011, at the 7th annual "Remembering the Sights and Sound of Euclid Beach Park" held at Euclid Beach State Park. It is estimated that 2,100 individuals attended the event which ran from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The event was co-sponsored by Euclid Beach Park Now (EBPN), Ohio Department of Natural Resource (ODNR) Cleveland Lakefront State Parks, and the Euclid Beach Boys.

This year's event wa special for a number of reasons. First, for one day Euclid Beach Park was again "Open For The Season". Second, the Artizan Style "A" 46 keyless band organ that stood and played under the loading platform of The Rocket Ships was present, returning to the park after 42 years. Owned by the Euclid Beach Boys, it was recently restored. A proverbial "basket case" when found, it took two members of the Carousel Organ Association of America (COAA) three years to restore the band organ. Martin Anderson of Pennsylvania with the support of his wife Mary Jane with the assistance of Howard Kast, EBPN board member and resident of Euclid, OH, with the support of his wife Jan. Martin and Howard received advice from members of COAA. Third, a permanent informational marker commemorating the site where Euclid Beach Park's Grand Carousel stood was unveiled (see the related article by Carol G. Ward).

The State Park's picnic pavilion was the hub of the day's activities. Event patrons could pick up information on EBPN membership, purchase current Euclid Beach Park mementos and buy famous Humphrey popcorn balls and candy kisses. Chuck Russell was present, selling DVDs produced by Keller, Russell and Young that allow viewer to relive the operating days of the old amusement park. James Toman co-founder of "Cleveland Landmarks Press," was present to sell and autogragh his book. "A Euclid Beach Album," which cronicles the park during its last season, 1969. Dick Hershey, one of the authors of the original books on the park, "Euclid Beach Park is closed for the season" and "Euclid Beach Park - a Second Look," wa available to autograph event patron's copie of the books. This year an employee sign-in area was established where former park employees were given a special ID badge in the hopes that event attendees would engage them about their memories of working at the park. Information was available on EBPN's book projecta with Arcadia Publishing and their "Images of America" series. EBPN is seeking Euclid Beach Park photos from individuals, so as not to use images that have appeared in other publications about the park. A survey was taken to help determine the next commemorative marker to be placed in the State Park, hopefully at the 8th annual event in 2012. Raffle tickets were sold for a gift basket containing Humphrey treats plu gift certificate donated by eateries along East 185th Street: Bistro 185, Cebar's Euclid Tavern, Chili Pepper Fresh Mexican Grill, Muldoon's Saloon & Eatery, and Scotti's Italian Eatery. Proceeds from the raffle will go toward the purchase of the next commemorative marker. Also in the pavilion was the grand lady of Euclid Beach Park, "Laughing Sal".

Near the picnic pavilion information could be obtained on membership into Cleveland's Euclid Beach Park Carousel Society and the current effort to see the Euclid Beach Park carousel return to operation within the campus of the Western Reserve Historical Society. Architectural renderings of the proposed pavilion that will house the carousel in University Circle were on display. A large mural of the carousel, painted by students from the Cleveland Art Institute hung on the back wall of the picnic pavilion.

North Coast Classic Park had a display of Geauga Lake memorabilia. Geauga Dog and Dandy Lion, two costumed character that served as macot during a period in Geauga Lake's long history, made an appearance. Other organizations making their first appearance at the event were the Collinwood Nottingham Historical Society, Neighborhood Connections, and Manor Care Health Service. Returning with a display or information was Adopt-a-Beach, which has been involved with the clean-of the beach at Euclid Beach State Park, and Northeast Shores Development Corporation.

The traffic circle at the State Park once again hosted the car show, "Cars We Drove to Euclid Beach." Again this year, with thanks to the City of Mayfield Heights, the Kiddie Hook and Ladder stood among the antique cars and truck. Thanks also to Excalubur Auto Body, Inc. for donating the hook and ladder's tranportation and to Chubby Rascal Cruisers for their assistance with the car show. The Rocket Ship Car and Thriller Car were in close proximity to give attendees a chance to take a spin along Lakeshore Boulevard.

Food concessions expanded this year. Besides Weber's Premium Custard and the availability of Humphrey popcorn balls and candy kisses one could purchase lemonade from Celetial Treats. kettle corn or roasted nuts from Buckeye Conncessions, or a hot dog, chips, and/or soda from ZogDogs.

Thanks to all who attended and a big THANK YOU to the event sponsors.

Corporate Sponsors:

Jergens Industrial Supply, Manor Care Health Services, Chubby Rascal Cruisers, Neighborhood Connections, Polonye Consulting Services LLC, Excalibur Auto Body, Inc. Chili Pepper Fresh Mexican Grill, and Affordable Coins & Supplies of Wickliffe.

Supporters and Friends:

Cleveland's Euclid Beach Park Carouel Society, Bistro 185, Muldoon' Saloon & Eatery, Scotti's Italian Eatery, Cebar's Eudlid Tavern, City of Mayfield Heights, Adopt-a-Beach, Collinwood Nottingham Historical Society, Northeast Shores Development Corporation, North Ohio Classic Parks, and Jakewear