Memories of Eldridge Park

MEMORIES OF ELDRIDGE PARK
Elmira, New York

Editor's Note: Tom Burhyte used to work at the park and this page contains some of his memories, in his words about what it was like to work at the park as a young boy each summer, and continuing on, well into his adult years. Memories of Bob Long and Ralph Randall and other wonderful people influenced him greatly during those young years as a boy. He worked at the Merry-Go-Round, on the Dragon Boat and learned just about every skill one could imagine from welding alumninum horse halves together to making the scary smoke breathing Dragon's Eyes glow at night. He has sent us many photos which you can click on to view an enlargement and/or a story about the park in Tom's words. We are very appreciative of Tom's sharing these memories of Eldridge Park with us.

ell, I probably remember more about Eldridge Park than the average person from having worked there some 20 plus years both part and full time. I worked for the late Robert A. Long, Jr., and what I enjoyed most was helping to do the painting of the Merry-Go-Round horses. We used to paint them about every ten years.

I started working for the late Ralph Randall on Jasper, the dragon boat, at ten years old for fifty cents a week. We were open til way after midnight every weekend. In my day that was really the only place to go.

Another thing about Eldridge Park, you met a lot of people. Working at Eldridge Park for Ralph Randall, and Robert A. Long Jr., was the best job a boy could have back in the Forties and Fifties. Truly they were the good old days!

How about you? Do you remember Eldridge Park?
What was it like when you went? Any favorite memories?
Please write to us.