MEMORIES OF ELDRIDGE PARK
Elmira, New York

04-20-08 - Otto Coldiron, 1956 SRU High School - OttoC@earthlink.net
City Now: Masaryktown FL

When I was going to school in East Smithfield, PA in the 1950s, we would always go to Eldridge Park in Elmira on the last day of school. A school bus would take us from school and we would return to East Smithfield late at night – tired but laughing at all the fun we had. I would save my money for months before the end of school in anticipation of the trip, to make sure I had enough for all the rides and things to eat. My favorite ride was the Bumper Cars but I also liked the Ferris Wheel and Roller Coaster.

Things to eat – .... there was nothing like the soft ice cream cones. I would have at least three or four during the day and would budget my money to make sure I didn't run out before I'd had my fill. Going to Eldridge Park was an important event during these formative years of our lives. Most of us lived on farms so we didn't get to the big city much, so it was a real treat.

Going to Eldridge Park would be a simple trip by today's standards, but in the 1950s it meant a lot to us, and the good times we had have left fond memories that have lasted all these years.

04-07-08 - Debbie Cairns

02-16-08 - Dan Jackson, Candor - djcdrny@hotmail.com

I have VERY fond memories of the park. Dinner on the ground, the boat ride,
bumper cars. My dad and sister loved the roller coaster. Probably every week
or two my parents would load us up and off to the park we'd go, making the
trip to Elmira from Owego to the park, not to return til after midnight.
Usually it would be a Sunday. I remember one time, aunts, uncles and cousins
loading into our big truck and heading out for a day at the park! My parents
liked the stage shows. Of course we rode all the rides and played the games.
It is just great that you are bringing at least some of it back. I for one
cannot wait for the season to start so that I can take my grandchildren and
allow myself a little trip down memory lane as it was a huge part of my
childhood! Wish you all the success in the world!

01-29-08 - Wendy Herring

My two sons and I used to walk down through Eldridge almost every week. We lived in Elmira from 1994-1999. I always wished the park had been restored to original glory. The people who knew about the old days would tell us all about their memories. My favorite part of the park is having a place to go that my boys enjoyed. I am glad to see the park in well on its way back to its glory. Even though my boys Tim and Anthony are now 19 and 14, we may have to take a trip from NC to NY just to view all the hard work and dedication towards the restoration.

Hi. I'm 18 years old and grew up in Waverly, New York. I just wanted to say I love the site and what you guys are doing. I also wanted to know if anyone has any pictures of Fraley's Amusement Park in Waverly. My grandfather owns the land where the park was located. The park is almost completely gone although the original skate park/dance hall is still there. I grew up around hanging out at the old park as my grandfather had many businesses' going on. I would find it very interesting to see what the park used to look like. So if anyone has anything please let me know. Thanks!!

I have great memories of Eldridge Park! The Spook House, The Bumper Cars (One way around and no hard bumping!), The Flying Scooter, Skee-Ball, Penny Arcade. The Roller Coaster. The movies on Saturday night. Steve Cristie and "Name that Tune". the French Fries are still the best I've ever tasted. And with vinegar they were even better!

My first job was at Eldridge. In the game room with Tom and Jerry Weisenfluh. The Ring Toss. $1.25 an hour. I'd work Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and take home $26.58 every week. It was 1966, I was 15 and in "tall cotton".

My father worked at the Shooting Gallery. Early on Saturday mornings he'd drag my brother Tom and me out of bed to help him whitewash the targets. He'd pay us by letting us shoot the .22s. It was also a chance to see the Park empty except for the workers getting things ready for the crowds. And it always seemed crowded. What a great time. Maybe the "good old days" really were as good as I remember!

10-23-07 - Susan M. Cowger, La Mirada CA - smsimonian@yahoo.com

I was only about 6 or 7 years old at the time so I don't remember that much. But I do remember riding the ponies, that was so much fun!! Those were the best of times.

10-10-07 - Faith Vander Snow, Hewitt NJ - vandersnow@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: I bought a bottle of Bullyhill (Silver Label)

Mine was of Asbury Park!! I'm 54 and an only child, and so was my younger cousin..her folks would always go down to Ocean Grove for a week and they always took me along to keep Karen company. We'd have the beach during the day, but at night, the boardwalk at Asbury! Who needed Disney?? We sure didn't! There were two WONDERFUL carousels, one by the boardwalk casino and the other across the street in the Palace. It broke my heart to see the town fall into disrepair, but there are a LOT of great memories.

09-13-2007 - Pam Coyle, Trumansburg NY - plc12@cornell.edu
HeardOfUs: Former Patron

My Grandfather and Step Grandmother lived on Walnut St. Her daughter and husband used to be involved in some part of the management of the park back in the late 50's or early 60's. We enjoyed many outings there where I fell in love with the Roller Coaster and remember making myself keep my eyes open all the way through the spook house! What great fun we had!

08-26-07 - Ang - Angsaidso@aol.com

I found your web site and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed looking at it. While I was born in Elmira in 1966, most of the rides in Eldridge still were working in my earliest memories of the park. I do know that Jasper had been retired by then, but I still hold in my possession one of the brass rings from the merry go round!

I am very saddened that the park no longer plays the wonderful organ music and sells cotton candy. I miss going to play SpeedBall in the little strip arcade. And I truly miss the Speedway ... I was scared to death of it, but I did get one ride on it before it was closed for good. It stood for a long time thereafter and even though it was there and you could see and touch it, it was never the same.

It truly is too bad that the old rides and games could not be returned to the park. Even today when fast moving heart stopping roller coasters and crazy weird rides seem to be the "in" thing, I still think Eldridge Park, restored to it's original "oldness" would bring people in. Maybe at some point it stopped making money, but there are plenty of people with TONS of dripping nostalgia in their hearts - me, for one - who would give just about anything to see that park the way it used to be. Speedway, Whip, bumper cars ... everything. And I know that a local little park such as that would do well. Little kids nowadays don't have these things to remember. How terribly sad.

Thank you for a lovely site and a lovely evening of remembrance.

08-16-07 - Terrie Sherwood Menzies, Niagara Falls ON - terriemenzies@hotmail.com

I haven't visited this website in quite sometime and recently my son told me that the carousel had been resurrected, and,so here it is, wow, how heart warming. The memories will forever be in my heart and what a joy to know there will be new memories to be had for today's children/grandchildren. The old pictures sure did bring tears to my eyes as the old memories came flooding back. Looking at the picture of the grounds and archway, I could almost see my family walking thru the park. I also have those same fond memories of Joycrest skating rink and going on Thursday nights with the family. I loved the carousel and my dad was always my hero, to come away with a brass ring. I also remember the family picnics, the talent shows that often featured some of my talented cousins. In later years my parents took my children to the park before it closed in 89 and although they were young , those precious memories are a part of them, too. And I think a lil' bit of Eldridge Park went into all of us and serves to warm our hearts even today. Kudhos to all those who worked so hard to bring it back. Carry on & God's speed.

07-19-07 - Evalyn M. Townsend, Wellsboro PA - grameve47@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Internet
Rating: Superb

My father worked at Corning Glass Works in Wellsboro in the 50's and 60's. We went to Eldridge Park every summer for the Family Picnic that Corning Glass provided. It was the highlight of our summer. The rides were always so much fun. We had such a good time as a family and, of course, all of my father's co-workers and families were there. We had such a great time!!!

07-17-07 - Jim Griffing - jim7720@charter.net

My dad was employed at Strohman's bakery in Sayre, Pa during a time in the early through mid 60's when they had a company picnic there every summer. All the family members were invited and the men would do all the cooking. There would also be games for all ages to participate. After eating and games we would all spend the afternoon riding rides in the park. I remember the big coaster, grabbing rings as the carousel when around and tossing them in the bin, trying to get the one ring for a free ride, the big and little whip rides (which I've never seen anywhere else), the bumper cars were a favorite and the island in the middle made it so much more fun than the open free-style dodgem cars of today.

I also remember the miniature golf course, seeing some live acts from time to time, the shooting galley and the Haunted "spook" house. After going through it once to see the action a girlfriend and I took many rides through that place enjoying the darkness and privacy.The dragon boat ride around the lake was even fun back then. I moved away from the area in the late 60's and on my only return trip to the area in the late 70's I was sorry to see the park closed. It was nice to see this web site up and running.

07-04--07 - Kelly Samchisen, Elmira - tearsrundry000@yahoo.com
Rating: Excellent

I'm 19 now & I remember when I was really young going to Eldridge Park. It was so much fun. My favorite ride was the carousel. I was looking at pictures on your site & it looks like Eldridge used to be a really fun place. I think its great that the carousel is restored & I'm hoping we can rebuild the amusement park? I think we really need something like that in this town. We need a nice place that family, friends & children can come to and enjoy themselves for a fun thrilling day or a nice relaxing day. Thanks to those who helped rebuild the carousel, I hope it brings lots of new memories to many people in ELmira.

06-29-07 - Rev. Ruth Moderhak, Las Vegas NV - ruthjay2002@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Elmira Yahoo Group
Rating: Superb

Eldridge Park was always the favorite place to go in the summer during the 1950's. My father was personnel manager of National Homes Corp, and he'd rent the park for an employee picnic every summer. Free food, rides, and my father and the top executives, cooking and serving roast beef and other wonderful food to every employee and his or her family. And did they take a lot of ribbing (no pun intended) from the workers on those sun-soaked days! It was joyous...

06-28-07 - Jessica Grady, Austin TX - jessvillie@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Google
Rating: Superb

Eldridge Park! Where can one start? My father was in the military and we were stationed many places and didn't get to spend too much time in Elmira. When we did however get to go "home" to Elmira, we definitely had to go to Eldridge Park. I can remember just walking with my little doll stroller around the pond. My grandparents as well as my parents would take my brother and me there as much as possible. When my brother became older, he would do the fishing tournaments and many of the other fun activities. Anyone that is from Elmira knows that Eldridge Park holds many, many memories. My grandfather and father have now passed away, and whenever I get a chance to go "home," I go for a walk around the Park to bring back all those great childhood memories.

06-14-07 Lorna - New Milford CT - chazandlorna@charter.net
HeardOfUs: surfing
Rating: Superb

My dad used to play fast pitch softball and when his team would enter tournaments in the Elmira area, we loaded up the "green machine" (the term of endearment for our station wagon) and went together as a family. When we weren't watching dad pitch, you could find us at the park playing the games and riding the rides ... my favorites were riding the carousel with my dad and the boat ride with my eldest sister. My favorite memory is watching my mom and dad smooch on the Dragon Ride.

06-09-07 - Janet Peckens - jpeckens1@verizon.net

I am (soon to be) 48, and for me and my brother,the park was a regular summer treat for us. My parents wouldn't say where were going, but my brother and I knew as soon as Dad went under that underpass that a ride on the "Merry-go-round" was in store for us. He always beeped the horn when we went thru it and we would cheer.

My mother was crazy about the merry-go-round; she would have stayed on it all nite. I remember being helped up on an "up and down" horse and wrapping my hands around that pole with the swirls on it. My Mom riding side-saddle,(that was how the ladies rode) and my Dad usually sitting on one of the benches waving at us.

He liked the whip, and we rode that with him. He would put his head back on the seat and go "WHOOOOO!!!" when you whipped around the corner. What a blast!

Kiddieland- the boats, the firetrucks and the "beep-beep" cars - that's what we called them. I was sure I was really driving! Going up that hill and then under the bridge! What a wonderful time.

But the merry-go-round was my favorite(that's what we called it, never carousel). I remember finally being big enough to reach for a ring. I never got one, though.

I have so many more memories of the park. It was part of the wonderful childhood I was so lucky to have.

Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to bring it back to us.My twin grandsons are 2 years oldand I am looking forward to many years of riding the "up and downs" with them.

05-30-07 - Sally Peterson Clayton, Ithaca - spc8@cornell.edu

My dad, Charles Peterson was a friend and fellow Mason of Bob Long. When we were growing up in the '40's we would go to the park as a family and Bob would real off about 6 tickets for my sister and me to ride the Merry-go-Round. We would ride until we were dizzy and then walk around the park a while before going home. My mother, Naomi Peterson was a member of Alert Chapter, OES who had their annual picnic at the park. After dinner my girlfriend, Donna Kingsley (Fivie) and I would beg to stay until after dark to ride the Roller Coaster. What fun! I have many fond memories of the park and could go on for quite a while talking about them. Seeing the Merry-go-Round restoration was pure delight for me. The Eldridge Park carrousel is, to me and many others, the very best anywhere - even Disney World!

Thanks for such an interesting web site.

05-27-07 - Sheila F. Mills, Elmira Heights - sfmills2452@yahoo.com

What could be better than having your grandfather's retirement job (Curtis Raymond 'Ray' Butler) working at Eldridge Park. We would get a roll of tickets each season and on Fridays while my father was working at Alpert's Jewelers in Elmira, my mother and grandfather would take us to Melody Gardens for a fish fry and then into the park till time to pick up my father.

Food was fantastic and my father would also take us to the talent shows on Sundays while my mom worked at SJH. Company picnics were also a great day. I remember getting yelled at all the time because of being covered in dirt and grass stains from playing organized games or rolling down the hills in the green grass; and yes, I miss the trees and the picnic table atmosphere.

05-17-07 - Patricia Flaherty Dick, Big Flats - wdick@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: Visited the park as a child
Rating: Superb

My siblings and I spent many wonderful times at Eldridge Park. The Carousel was my favorite. I took my 2 girls there when they were small. Now this Summer I will take my Grandchildren to visit the place where their Grandmother spent so many wonderful days during her childhood. I will always have fond memories of Eldridge Park & look forward to our many visits this year and in the future. Thank you for bringing back this magical place.

05-14-07 - Diane E. Michaelis, Ft. Eustis, VA

I spent many good times at Eldridge Park during the late '50s up until I
left Elmira in 1966. It was so exciting to learn we were going to
Eldridge Park! We were a very poor family and it wasn't often that my
dad could afford to take us anywhere. More often than not, we went with
friends or relatives who had an extra dime or two to treat us. When I
was a sophomore at Southside High School in 1964 our science class had a
field trip to Eldridge Park. It was May 19th, my 16th birthday. My
older sister Linda went with me and she met the man who 6 weeks later
became her husband of 31 years. I can remember us whispering and
giggling trying to figure out how we were going to get away with
sneaking her out of the house to meet him. Linda finally went to my dad
and confessed her love for this man and he agreed that they could marry.
That man has since passed away, but Linda and I still giggle over those
few weeks we had that all started at Eldridge Park - May 19, 1964.

03-19-07 Dewey Bellows,Towanda PA - dewbellows2004@yahoo.com

I went to eldridge park when I was 2 years old i have always loved Eldridge Park. Imiss the way it used to be. Iwish that the park could be rebuilt and reopened and be like it used to be. I remember riding the carousel over and over. My mom could not get me off it. I will be up and ride the carousel this summer 2007. Iam very happy to know tha you reopened the carousel.

I remember going there and they gave away groceries. It was great riding the roller coaster.

03-01-07 Sue Cook, Chemung, NY - scook@idbooth.com

When I was a little girl my family went there lots. I lived on and loved all of the rides! But my best memory, but not the prettiest, was when as a teenager I had by front tooth broken on the roller coaster. Me and friends sitting in the last car going over that first BIG hill with our hands in the air, screaming, laughing and then -- the car lurched forward, and so did my mouth right into the hand bar that ran across the car that I should have been holding on to. Didn't realize what happened until I got off the ride. It was one small bad moment, but didn't hamper my return.

Miss it. It was a beautiful place back then and still is now. Walked on the paths around the lake and been on the new revamped carousel ride. Keep up the good work!

02-21-07 - Susan Gauss Ryan, Jacksonville FL - mikeryan@comcast.net

Eldridge park was the greatest! I remember one summer going there for my birthday, and the Banana Splits were there in person walking around the park, riding the rides, just acting silly. My father loved to take me on the whip, and it only cost 10 cents to ride the Merry-go-round. The spook house was great! So were those tasty waffles we used to eat. When we were done, we would walk to the arcade, with powdered sugar all over us.

01-11-07 Michelle Bourdette, Millerton PA - bourdett@npacc.net
HeardOfUs: I'm there every Friday for the car show!
Rating: Superb

I have no memories of the park back then, but I've got some great memories of it NOW!! I am thrilled to see Sylvia getting her face lift. I was just curious about what was wrong with her old tail? I see the picture is of her replacement tail. (for explanation of Sylvia's tail and more about her restoration, please check out this page).

01-31-07 Thomas J. Sullivan, Keuka Lake (Dundee) - lakeuka@webtv.net
HeardOfUs: Your Guest Book Page
Rating: Superb

I was born in Ithaca on August 20, 1926 and have two older brothers, 1 deceased and the other is 88 and was born in Elmira. My grandfather, John L. Sullivan, lived on the 1300 block of Lake Street. I loved to go to Eldridge when in Elmira during the 1930s. I used to collect brass rings from the original carousel. What a thrill! My great uncle, Joe Sullivan, owned Sullivan's Hotel by the railroad tracks. Could add more.

Had a good friend, Rod Prechtl, who owned Prechtl Dairy. He also lived on Lake and had a pony which we used to ride in the field at Lake and the street that went to Eldridge - can't htink of the name of it - began with a "d" - Now 4:10 a.m. and must get to bed. Lost my wife of 57 years so I stay up late, have 3 kids, 6 grandkids and 1 great. Nice talking to you - stay in touch as I know a lot of people in and around Elmira, as does my older brother, Walt. I like your unique home page.

01-18-07 Paul Drake, Tampa FL - paul.drake@paradisesaturn.org
HeardOfUs: Google
Rating: Superb

Although the carousel was great, probably my favorite memory was the little train with its real steam locomotive. I believe it was called "Little Toot." We would see it circling the park as we drove in and I would stand in line as many times as I could to ride it. I can still smell the steam mixed with oil & grease and hear the shrill whistle. Oh, and another favorite - the airplane ride that spun in circles - if you steered your plane's "wings" just right you could go out over the edge of the lake! Finally, don't forget the Spook House. "Where's Herman?" read the sign inside. Herman was one of the resident ghouls... I think.

01-01-07 - Patricia Flaherty-Dick, Big Flats - wdick@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: Visited park as a child
Rating: Absolutely GREAT!

Yes, I do have fond memories of Eldridge Park. My brothers and my sister enjoyed the park so much. The Carousel was my absolute favorite. Trying to get that brass ring was a challenge, but I did manage to get it a few times. We plan to bring our Grandchildren to the park so they can experience the joy and happiness I did many years ago. How wonderful to have our Eldridge Park back!! Thank you...

01-16-07 Phil DeRico - pderico@tampabay.rr.com

Thank you for your site on Eldridge Park. I remember as a kid in the early to mid 60's going there while on vacation to see my father's family. It was me, my sister, and my cousins (Sharon, Joanne and Paulie). We were all young between 6 and 9, I guess. My cousins lived there in Elmira, but my sister and I visited from Florida every couple years or so. Wow! What memories we have of the fun we had there at Eldridge Park. It was a kind of magical place for us. I remember like it was yesterday grabbing for the brass ring on the Eldridge Park Carousel. The bumper cars were always a favorite of mine as well. And then we had all the games. Good times! Thanks again for keeping the memories alive not just for me, but many, many others.

12-28-06 - Tom DiCinti, Voorhees NJ - tdicinti@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Did a Google Search, and saw my name from Bob Mihalich having written
Rating: Excellent

My father, Joe DiCinti, worked at the park at the shooting Galary summers for years. He would let us shoot the 22 rifles from time to time. Always enjoyed the park. I also have memories of fishing for carp in the lake. They always seemed huge...but since I was so little, a foot seemed like 3 feet.

12-05-06 - Elisee LaBrecque, Cambridge MA - elisee.labrecque@nemoves.com

I remember my mother taking us to The Parkview Inn Restaurant for the best fish fry. I know that the restaurant was in a house that was demolished for the Clemens Center Parkway. What ever happened to the owner and the recipe? Is there a family member still in the area that has any information?

My grandfather (Fred Wright) worked at the park in the little house where you bought the tickets. I would go to the park and my grandfather would give me lots of free tickets to ride all my favorites, the merry-go-round, spook house and the planes (or gliders) that would fly out way over the lake if you turned them just right to catch the wind. I remember going to the park for grade school outings, family picnics and always catching the fireworks. I was never quite big enough to grab those rings on the merry-go-round. Would love to have another shot at it!

10-21-06 - Ruth Moderhak, Las Vegas NV - bluskiesruth@hotmail.com

My father, B. Gordon Moderhak, was the personnel director for National Homes Corp. in the 1950's. One glorious summer day, he arranged to have Eldridge Park closed to all except company employees and their families. Free rides all day! Free food! I can still see my father carving a side of roast beef for people. The men who worked in the factory really got a kick out of seeing my dad in an apron! There was so much joy and laughter.

Daddy died a few weeks ago, and one of his last memories was of that magical day. He looked young again as we recalled it together.

There were other wonderful summer days spent at the Park, of course, and the marvelous merry-go-round was an all-time favorite of my brother and me. Mother, on the other hand, liked the Spook House!

Thanks for the chance to share the memories.

10-15-06 Janet Lynne Griffin Weiskopf, Shinnston WV - jancookswithgas@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: I was born and raised in the Elmira area
Rating: Excellent

I spent a good amount of time there while growing up. Enjoyed the park, the lake for fishing, paddle boats, the picnic area, ect...... I enjoyed it all ! I am hoping to come back to the area this next year for a visit. I will be the big 50 this next Sept. I cannot think of anywhere else I would want to be.

My family is originally from Candor, NY. I now live in Dryden with my husband and daughter. As a child (I believe around the age of five to eight) my entire family used to get together at Eldridge Park for picnics and reunions. I remember a train of some sort that we used to ride around on that went on the outside area of the park. I also recall the old picnic grounds where we'd all gather to eat when we'd spend the entire day there. A lot of fun times had at Eldridge Park!

It's so nice to hear this is open again, I now have a daughter of my own. I can't wait to bring her there! We also have a mustang club now and I am planning an event that includes a Rally so I am going to try to end up at Eldridge Park as the last part of the event.

Thanks again for helping me dig up old childhood memories, and giving my family the ability to have many more there!

09-04-06 Frances Scheid Osteen SHS '51 - Lenore910@aol.com

I loved Eldridge Park. My parents used to take me there in the late 30's and then I went to PA to live till the war was over. Came back in 1947 and spent a lot of time at the park. My favorites were the whip and roller coaster and of course the dragon boat. I took my children there, having two older ones and then 16 years later another one plus my granddaughter. Remember the picture booth?

And all the kiddie rides? That was a wonderful place to go on a weekend. My nephew lives in Las Vegas and when he saw the trees cut down and the picnic grounds gone he was aghast! He still can't believe what was done in the name of progress and neither can I. Hopefully it may come back even more now that the Carousal is such a success. I am going to be 73 soon. I hope I can see some more progress.

08-31-06 Kim Clifford Wood, Hornell - kimbee55@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: paper, search
Rating: Superb

I made it down there to see the Vietnam Moving Wall, and I was so happy to see and ride the Carousel after all these years. I felt like a ten yr old. How wonderful, and I hope to get there again before you close. Thanks to all the volunteers who brought this together. It is a wonderful park and a great thing you have done. God Bless and I was brought to tears seeing the Veterans riding the Carousel to the tune of "God Bless America" last Saturday night.

08-28-06 Barri Brown Hoffman, Silsbee TX - megabazon32@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Patty Zazinsky
Rating: Superb

My first memory is one of my father's company picnic at Eldridge Park. I think I was about 3 years old. I remember being scared to death to fly the airplane ride over the bottomless lake. I remember the rickety old wooden roller coaster, but my favorite ride was The Whip! Thanks for all of your hard work! It is great to relive those memories when I get to come home.

08-24-06 Charles Lawlor, Chesapeake VA- sdancechuck@yahoo.com
Rating: Superb

I remember the picnics, the Merry Go Round and reaching for the brass ring, the roller coaster, midway, lake, boats on the lake. I am originally from Corning and have many fond memories of the park. Will be in Corning next Wednesday (August 30) to Tuesday after Labor Day and plan on taking a ride into Elmira and to stop by to see the park site. It was a wonderful time.

08-23-06 Edna Elbertson - EElbertson@stny.rr.com

I remember Eldridge Park back in the 1950's. We sat on a blanket on the ground and listened to the Blue Ridge Quartet. I still have a cassette I bought of them. We rode on the bumper cars, and of course the carousel, and I was just tall enough to reach the rings if I stretched far enough. I loved Eldridge Park...

08-22-06 David Burrell - davginbu@sccoast.net

Memories of Eldridge? Most are really great. Remember going for the talent shows, the monkey cage. French fries with vinegar. Roller coaster, train and especially Jasper. I had many rides on Jasper, he was the best thing to hit the lake. Yes, I could carry on and on. Picnics on the "hill" were among the best parts of growing up. I can still "see" a lot of the regulars but just can't remember their names.

08-20-06 Caren Hill-Dunkleberger - kuntrigrl1021@yahoo.com

What I remember most about Eldridge Park is the Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital family picnics.(That was back before it was Arnot Ogden Medical Center) My father was an employee, and we all went as a family. I waited with such anticipation every year.

But, out of all the memories, the one that stands out the most is the day my Daddy asked, "who wants to ride the roller coaster with me!?" Now I was at the ripe old age of about four or five, and I didn't quite know what the roller coaster was exactly, but if Daddy needed someone to ride with I was up to the job. My baby sister just shook her head and said "no,no,no." Who knew that at two years old she had more sense than I? It didn't matter to me what ride I was going on as long as I was with my Daddy. Boy was I in for a surprise.

Now, because I was so young, this is where the memory gets a little fuzzy. I do remember the start of the ride and wondering what kind of ride was Daddy so excited to share with me. I felt like I was on top of the world. And then, I WAS ON TOP OF THE WORLD! I had never been so scared in all of my short little life. And the coaster looked so long. I thought we were going to be riding up and down forever. I remember thinking "WHAT was he thinking bringing me on this thing?"

And when I turned my head, brown pigtails flapping in the wind, I saw my Daddy with one of the biggest grins I had ever seen. It looked like he was actually enjoying it! He looked at me and put his arm around me and all of a sudden I felt safe. With that arm around me I nothing bad could happen, after all, I was with my Daddy. And in that moment, something changed. I was having fun. We were flying. The ride that had previously seemed like it was a gazzillion miles long, and hurtling us at eleventy trillion miles an hour, was suddenly much too short. I could've ridden with Daddy all day long. That day I became a thrill ride enthusiast.

I was only ten when the park was shut down and closed up. Even at that young, my heart was saddened at that news. I felt like it was the end of so much more than just the closing down of a small town amusement park, the demolition of some aging rides. I can't imagine that there was anyone in this town(or area) that didn't feel some sort of personal loss. The roller coaster isn't the only thing gone, we lost Dad in 1997. It was too much to lose, too soon. But I will always have that day, that ride, that time on top of the world.

Thank you Daddy, thank you Eldridge Park.

08-13-06 J Lindsay - jhlindsay@tekdata.net

Our family frequently picnicked at the pavilions at Eldridge. While we tossed horseshoes and slid down the banks of grass, the kids were just biding their time til we all packed off for the amusement rides.

The SkeeBall was a favorite - I still have many of the prizes that were labeled "Made in Occupied Japan." the Belgian waffles were enough to make us happy for the next year - or how ever long it was until we returned for a birthday party, a national holiday, or a family reunion.

The fireworks were the best. People only had to look from their parked cars - and the oohs and aahs quickly became blasts of horns. The reflection of the fire in the sky made the lake glitter. We kids never ambled from one ride to another. It was always run run to get in line for tickets.

As we got older we wondered why it was such a difficulty to grab the rings on the carousel. Sometimes we were heros when we could grab three in one pass. But the gold ring - now that was something to tell about at school. Circus animals were as close as the space between the cages on wheels and our courage to get as close as we could. Our first views of tigers and other feline relatives were from the entrance to the outdoor amphitheater. My first magician, the first acrobats, glittery costumes that sparkled in the spotlights - all memories of the ideal childhoods that Eldridge was a part of.

The bumper cars, the roller coaster, the screams of delight, the darts and balloons - I don't think any of us will ever forget the fun and excitement that Eldridge provided. Now that it's closed, I realize how lucky we were to have such a family attraction that unfolded as soon as we got through the tunnel. The outside world ceased to exist, and the world of amusementbecame all consuming.

My heart beats faster just reminiscing. How lucky we were.

08-13-06 - Janelle Funair - janelle@orangiausa.com

I loved Eldridge Park!! The memories I have are too funny. The roller coaster with the leather seat belts was so crazy. I was so tiny, 6 years old, that there wasn't a hole in the belt for me to adjust, so I loved the drops because I felt as if I was going to fly out!

The Spooks House was my favorite!! I would ride it over and over again with my brother. How i wish it was still open to ride again. The carousel was so much fun. Mom would scream at me, because I would jump off the horse every time to try to ring the bell! Lots of fond memories for me.

We plan to visit my entire family this Fall - September 2006.

08-13-06 Christel Shadle, Pine Grove PA - christel75@comcast.net
HeardOfUs: my mother
Rating: Superb

I have no childhood memories of this place but I have heard so much about it, July of this year I made the trip to see it. My grandmother grew up in New York so when my mother was a young girl, her grandfather, George Strong, took her there many times. Through the years she has told me many things of Eldridge Park and many things of Elmira; finally this past July at the age of 31 I finally got to see the park and the city.

08-08-06 LuAnn Zettlemoyer West, Apache Junction AZ - west2821@aol.com
HeardOfUs: I lived in Elmira for many years
Rating: Superb

Eldridge Park was the happiest place to go as a child. We would go for a picnic and stay all day riding the rides. I have very very fond memories of the time spent there. I am so happy to see the progress being made at the park. It truly warms my heart!!

08-06-06 James Webb, Rantoul IL - firedragon_49@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: born and lived in the Heights
Rating: Superb

I went to the park as a child and continued to go there in my teen years. I joined the Air Force and brought my family to Elmira Heights often to visit family.

We always went to the park. My daughter enjoyed the carousel and we all enjoyed the minature golf. My daughter also got to enjoy the fries with vinegar like I did as a teen. I would like very much to see the park restored someday for my three grandchildren to enjoy.

08-06-06 Barb Matteson, Jacksonville FL - Bamsong@aol.com
HeardOfUs: an email
Rating: Superb

When I was 5 years old (1968)my eyes barely made it over the bumper car waiting line wall so I could see the people racing and bumping about. This one lady got bumped from behind...hard... and her wig fell off her head backwards. It took years before I got the nerve to go on bumper cars for fear my hair would fall off.

08-05-06 Susan Muccigrosso Oberg, Atlanta GA - campgirlwsr@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: surfing for the park
Rating: Superb

My uncle Pete ran the penny arcade, and we spent a lot of time in the park. So many of my best childhood memories are there, it would take all night to relate them, so here is a scattering:

I used to ride the whip and the scrambler until I couldn't walk straight, then hop on the merry go round until someone came and peeled me off and took me home. The cotton candy was the treat of the day for me, but I remember my Mom always wanted one of those cones of French Fries with vinegar (best ever!) when we came and sat on the banks for the 4th of July fireworks.

My mom was riding the roller coaster with me the day she went into labor for my younger sister. My dad explained how lightning works while we stood in the seats in front of the talent stage watching a storm come over the park.

I fished in the lake with a safety pin tied to a broomstick (hey, I was six.. I thought it would work)and didn't catch a thing.

And when I was senior in high school, a friend and I launched an unsuccessful attempt to save the park. No one seemed interested, which broke both of our hearts.

I'm so glad to see the park coming back to life, specially the merry go round, because I've seen a lot of them, and the one at Eldridge was the most beautiful one I've seen.

Oh. yes I have many fond memories of the park. My family would sometimes picnic there drawing with us other family from Binghamton and Courtland area.

It was a treat for us to go to the park as we were not a rich family. Sometimes we would only have money enough for a merry-go-round ride and an ice cream and then we would just sit and watch the people. I never could get any rings as I was too short but my dad did get a few.

It was a great place for family to spend time together. My memories are forever in the heart.

My mother and I visited the park July 2006 and we were both amazed at the accomplishments of the restoration society and all involved in the task. It is just beautiful and of course brought tears to the eyes. We sat on the bench and just watched and remembered. We of course bought a few souvenirs. I am hoping the park can be brought back little by little to even a small piece of what it was. Today's society so desperately needs things of this nature to be able to say they have lived life. We need these things to bring the family back together.

Many thanks to all involved in the restoration. Being in the park again brought back a really special part of my life.

07-27-06 Gabriel Beeman (and mommy), Elmira - soap@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: newspaper
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I am so happy that the carousel has reopened! I ride it every weekend with my mommy, daddy, and brother. I will be 3 this fall and this has been my best summer yet! Eldridge Park is my favorite place!

07-21-06 Fred Thomas, Endicott - mrfred@stny.rr.com

I was raised in Nichols and I remember the bottomless pond at Eldridge and the dragon boat - back in the mid Sixties.

07-17-06 Danny Pasielski, Lovettsville VA - Pasielski@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Friends from up"North"
Rating: Superb

We used to walk to the Park from W. MCann's Blvd..Merry go Round was our favorite. Loved Bob Long, Sammy and Kathleen. (Kitch) is still one of my favorite people (where ever you are). My mom used to take my "lil ones" there later in life

I am an Elmira Heights girl. Back in 1959 my dad did repairs and painting on the roller coaster. Also that year, my mom helped. I had never been on the coaster until 1961. That was my first ride and then every weekend, my best friend Joanne Ogershok went to Eldridge Park every weekend. We would walk to and from 14th Street in the Heights. Then when the park closed I had to purchase a large picture of the Merry-Go-Round and I have it hanging in my living room. I oved to North Carolina in 1990. I am so glad to hear that the park is opened again as I love my home town and Eldridge Park. They are the best memories anyone could have. Thank you for making the best of Elmira alive again.

07-09-06 Johanne (McClelland) Noyes, Ft. Lauderdale FL - noyes1jmn@aol.com
HeardOfUs: From Ed Kriner
Rating: Excellent

My favorite memory of Eldridge Park is the Merry-go-round, and waiting for the elusive brass ring for another free ride.

07-08-06 Bob Mehalick, Arlington TX
HeardOfUs: Email from a fellow Elmiran in Texa
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I remember going there quite often as a child. We had picnics and a family reunion there back in the Sixties. I lived within a mile of there at 1320 Baldwin St. I grew up with Bruce Randall and graduated from EFA when he did in 1967.

I worked at the park in 1966 and 1967 for Al Wisenfluh in the games where you had to knock down 3 cats. I met my wife there in July 1967 and we married in July 1971. We moved to Texas and are still married 35 years later. I also made friends with Dave Randall as he lived in Arlington and now lives in Tyler, Texas. Where are Tommy Wisenfluh and Tom Dicinti?

07-02-06 Bob Besanceney, Jr. - elmbobflo@comcast.net

All of my memories relate to the time that I spent with my father at the park. He would certainly be very excited about this web-site. We always went to the roller ball game. Those certainly were the good old days.

07-02-06 Marilou Besanceney, Webster - BesanMar@frontiernet.net
HeardOfUs: my Mom sent the e-mail
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I used to go to the park with both my mom and dad. My dad worked in the ski ball area when I was a little girl. I had my best experience watching fire works there one Fourth of July. My dad was good at getting the rings on the merry go round. He use to give them to me. I was afraid of the horses that went up and down so I would get on the ones that were still. I still remember the smell of pop corn, cotton candy and hotdogs. I enjoyed the band stand too. Those were the days. Thank you for those wholesome memories.

06-29-06 Cheryl Owlett Ross, Tarpon Springs FL - ElvisFan34689@aol.com
HeardOfUs: my aunt, Judy Owlett Cruttenden
Rating: Excellent

Going to Eldridge Park used to be the most fun thing when I was a kid. I liked the Whip I think the best but it was all fun. Going to school in Wellsboro PA, our bus driver took us all to the park for a end of the year treat and it was the most fun night. We could usually bring some friend too as long as we had the room on the bus. I lived in Elmira a few years after that and it was around that time that the park closed. I worked at Thatcher Glass which was right by there and it always made me sad to see the coaster unpainted and unkept and closed down. My kids never got to experience the park much. Although I do remember taking them there a couple of times and riding kiddy rides and the boat on the lake there. Thanks for the memories.

06-26-06 Suzanne Guinn, Westphalia KS - librarian@calvary.edu

The name “Eldridge Park” evokes memories of home, family and roots. Although I have lived in the Midwest since age 8, Eldridge Park holds a special place in my heart. We would go there for rides, family reunions and picnics. Every year when we would return, we would always try to include a trip to the Park.

My roots in the area go back for many, many generations, (depending which line you chase). In the mid 70’s my husband and I returned for a visit with our first two children. One of the “must-see’s” was “EP.” We packed our lunch and went out for a picnic with my grandfather, for the new generation to experience. I made a return visit in the 1990’s with two of my children, nearly grown by this time. I was heartbroken when I learned that the Carousel, roller coaster and so much else was gone. It looked like a ghost town. But we still drove around as I shared my memories with my own children that never had that privilege.

To this day, when there is a fair in town, or we visit an amusemark park I always want to ride the “merry-go-round” (or carousel), as I hark back to my days as a child growing up in Horseheads and visiting Eldridge Park and the carousel. I wish you much continued success, and I hope that the people of Chemung County realize what a jewel they have in their midst and make use of it to strengthen their family bond and memories their chidlren will never forget.

Eldridge was my first visit to any amusement park. By time I visited during Corning Glass Works' employee picnic in 70's, the park was showing its age. Last Isaw before this page was a commercial spot that ran on local tv in late 70's. memories: the older bumper cars were the best, speedway roller coaster was fun (even tho someone told us a story about copperheads under it(?)), and the airplane ride(?)(carousel-type ride that had suspended box seats w/air vanes that riders could manipulate to change the orbit path) which was fun becaause - as kids - we actually "had control" of the ride. The spook house with "Herman" was okay. Remember the slimy thing that dragged through your face and the compressed air "goose" at the end? The carousel was world class and original - i've never again seen a brass ring machine with a lit display. Haven't been in that area in almost 30 years, but can certainly appreciate all the time and effort spent on restoring & preserving.

06-25-06 Delores (Caparula) Hogancamp , Chattanooga TN - Delores309@webtv.net
HeardOfUs: Used to live in Elmira and my brother Bob told me what was going on
Rating: Superb

Yes, Eldridge Park is very dear to me and my brothers Art & Bob Caparula. Tom, You know who I am. I can't wait to get home in 2007 for my 50th high school reunion. and then I will definitely plan on making a visit to the wonderful park. Hope to see you then.

My family lived in Northern PA. Eldridge Park was that special place for special occasions. I loved what we called the Merry Go Round. It was very important to choose just the right horse and it had to be one that went up and down. I loved the sights sounds and smells.......*sigh* a trip down memory lane!!!

06-12-06 Amy Pine, Waverly - mystique14892@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: In the newspaper
Rating: Superb

Growing up I remember going to the park with my family as well as with various groups that I belonged to in the early 80's. I could ride the Carousel all day long if they would have let me. I think it's actually that carousel that has me addicted to them, I will go anywhere to ride one. I even made my Mom take me to the Chemung County Fair one year to ride a double decker one. I was heart broken when it closed. I have since been to the Carousel since it opened this year and it's amazing. I got to take my son there and show him what it is like to ride it. On top of that of all things my fiancee caught me a brass ring this last Sunday. Thank you for reopening it, and I will keep that ring close to me forever.

I was at the park today with a few friends to ride the carousel. I just want to thank everyone for what they did, it is amazing. As a member of the last generation to have Eldridge Park in my life, today was a step back in time. As I rode the carousel (we did 3 times)I felt the years melt away, it felt as if Eldridge had never left. I could see the Whip, I could see the Spook House, I could see it all. Reaching for the brass ring today felt so good, it had been since the mid 80's since i rode it last and can't believe how "right" it still feels. I had to fight back the tears, and at the same time I could feel my face widen with the biggest grin. It was purely a magical day. Thank You Dr. Lyon, for stepping foot in that park on Sept. 11th that year. Without you and all the volunteers it would of never been possible. Now I want to help....What can I do for you folks?? Do you need volunteers at the park??

I've only been in the area since '98 but my grandparents are still here. My mom grew up here and I have always heard the "legend" of the brass rings from the carousel. Mom still has her 2 brass rings.

The park has always been around for me but just through stories. When the restoration first started my husband decided to lend his time and skills as a journeyman electrician. I was so proud of him! As time went on, I found out that my Grandparents met at the park. Grandma worked the bumpercars and Grandpa "just kinda liked her"! Grandma passed away in January of this year.I wish she could be here to see it run again. In Memory of Fannie (Sopp) Card

06-06-06 Carol [Clair] Fudge, Elmira - cfudge1@verizon.net
HeardOfUs: newspaper
RATING: Superb

06-06-06 Terri Smith - ksmith@odyssey.net

When we were kids, the highlight of every year was the company picnic at Elbridge Park. The Spook house, the Speedway Roller Coster, the bumper cars, and of course, the Merry Go Round were the favorites.

After we were all grown up, my brother went up one weekend and found out the park " wasn't there" anymore. I relived the memories of the fun we all had there many times in the pictures I had.

I just happened to pick up an advertisment paper last week and saw the ad for the the Merry Go Round Grand Reopening. The memories that were stirred from that ad on Eldridge Park were very emotional. I remember when my brother had told me that the Park wasn't there anymore and how downcast I was about that.

I have called my family members and told them about the story behind the Merry Go Round reopening. We are all looking forward to reuniting this summer at Eldridge Park.

Although the park is not the same, when I finally get to walk through what was the Midway towards the Merry Go Round, to me, it will all be like it was 28 years ago. My memories will take care of whatever is missing.

06-02-06 Melvin Lewis, Newport News VA - mel54@cox.net

I was born in Elmira. I have so many memories  of Eldridge Park, I do remember  back in the Fifties  when my mom &  dad took me & my sisters there. We went on the children's rides in Kiddie Land.
The red fire truck  - I remember it well (it went all over the park), cuz my sister and I went on that ride, the lights were flashing  & we were ringing the bell. And so many years after I have always wondered what ever happened to that fire truck.

But when  Eldridge  recent had a grand opening on May, 29, 2006, I was looking  at  Elmira's web site, and came  across the photo gallery of Elmira. And was looking  at the pictures taken at Eldridge Park. And I said wow, there is the  Little Red Fire Truck.  And it still did look the same. Just like the day when my sister and I rode on it.

Deep down in my  heart I want to say thank you  for restoring the carousel.

06-01-06 - Karen Hardy, Elmira - winddancer@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: Bob Lyon
Rating: Superb

I remember attending shows at the park. A man being shot out of a cannon sticks in my mind.The roller coaster, bumper cars and the french fries with vinegar.

05-30-06 Annette (Bryson) Olofson, Westfield PA - kn_annetteolofson@webtv.net

During the 50's, our family made a day of picnicing and rides at
Elmira's Eldridge Park. I am so glad that it has been revived and
hopefully I will be able to bring my granddaughters to visit. I do not
remember the other rides other than the roller coaster and perhaps
bumper cars. I remember it was always cool and shady and a very pleasant
place for a picnic. We were not a family of great income, but the prices
at that time were reasonable so that my parents could afford to take us
for the day.

Congratulations on a successful journey!!!!! Your achievements are heartfelt and you should be proud of what you've given to this community, my hope is that the community gives back that gift with much support. Thank You for all you do!!!

Eldridge was a great place to hang out when we were teenagers. I took my children there when they were very young. I had my sweet sixteen party there and my graduation party there. Eldridge park was a safe place for dates and for teenagers to hang out and also very inexpensive to ride the rides and play the games. I really miss it.

Hi. I have been following the opening of your wonderful carousel and I am so excited even though I could not be there Memorial Day weekend. I have such wonderful memories of Eldridge Park. We had all of our family reunions there. The wonderful picnic area, and then the rides! The "baby" whip was my favorite when I was real little, then to go on the big whip!

One year, and one of our last reunions, my cousin won a key from the treasure chest contest you had one year. He won prizes and tickets for rides. One of the prizes was a record called "Elmira, I Love That Town". Does anyone remember that song? Well, we all learned the music and to this day, can still sing it at our family reunions.

Is the carousel going to be opened all summer on weekends? thanks for the memories and a wonderful web page.

Editor's Note: Please check here for carousel summer hours.

Yes, I had some wonderful memories. My first boyfriend, Billy, took me to the park on on one our first dates. He was braver than I was and enjoyed the roller coaster, where I was terrified. But I LOVED the carousel. I still remember Billy reaching for the Brass Ring.

The Saturday Event was FANTASTIC! And I will cherish it always.

05-28-06 Liz Hatton
Rating: Superb

To everyone involved in the restoration of the Eldridge Park Carousel:

I can be recently quoted stating that "the only time I cry is when I'm really mad or someone really hurts my feelings." That was until Friday May 26th, I'm not angry at all and no one hurt my feelings and I haven't stopped crying yet. It started the night before the Grand Opening of the Eldridge Park Carousel, they turned off all of the lights in the building, turned on the lights of the carousel and dedicated a ride to the three people who volunteered their time and efforts during the restoration project but passed away prior to the completion of the endeavor. The carousel was spinning the soft music that was chosen just for the occasion was playing and I pictured those three spirits on the beautiful horses - smiling - and realizing that life is more than work and money and cleaning the house. That is when the tears started.

At first, I thought Bob Lyon was nuts (if you know Bob, there are occasions that you wonder) when he announced that he was going to restore the old carousel that was dismantled and abandoned about 20 years ago. But knowing Bob - we also knew he would do it - and in a BIG way.

I have known Bob and Mary Lyon for many years and consider them dear friends. I had never been to Eldridge Park or even heard of it before 2002. I do not live in Elmira. Every time we saw Bob and Mary they were working on some part of the restoration; fundraising, building, planning, traveling. I said "if you need any help let me know - I'd love to help" and although having a large family and working full time, I really didn't know what I could do. I became involved here and there in very small ways, not for any sentimental reasons - only because Bob and Mary were such good friends. I knew that the hours, the work, the money, the effort put forth by all of the people involved in this restoration project was immense, I felt guilty just watching, and I feel guiltier now that I didn't do more.

Later on Friday night when I saw the carousel in it's full glory and realized the work that went into the project, the toil, the effort, the monetary donations, resulting in the accomplishment that was achieved...I cried again.

On Saturday at the Grand Opening it became worse. When I saw the older generation's eyes light up as they lined up to buy tickets. With tears in my eyes I watched a frail older woman struggle to lift her leg over a horse to ride the carousel (I resisted the urge to run over to help her). As I watched her twirl by me - she was beaming - and with each turn she became younger and younger by the time the ride came to an end she honestly looked like a ten year old girl - beaming with joy, (by the way she had no problem dismounting that carousel horse when the ride was over.)

Through those tearful eyes I saw Mr. Pefferly the carver of some of those marvelous carousel horses - riding on his creation, just imagine the sense of accomplishment that he must have.

When I looked over at Bob and Mary and saw two people that worked so many seconds, minutes, hours, days, nights, months and years to see their dream realized - the tears came again.

I watched people standing with smiles and tears as they reminisced about their childhood. I listened to the stories - one man telling another remember when we were 19 and we were so drunk we could just lean on the horses - then they laughed. Others were saying - "remember our children" - "remember our parents" - "remember sneaking over to ride the carousel". They had their favorite animal - they knew those horses, lions and tigers by name. It amazed me that Bob was onto something that I hadn't realized until that weekend. They not only restored a carousel, they restored memories in peoples lives that could have been lost, and they created memories for a new generation that would otherwise never have been. I watched my own children twirling by me and realized that the carousel has just created a moment in my life and in my children's life that would never have happened if not for all of the people involved in the project. Of course I took pictures - everyone did - but the feeling can not be duplicated by a camera, those emotions cannot be shown to other people. It's not just a Carousel - it is a life changing entity.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mary and Bob for allowing me to become involved in ever so small a way in this project. I have a renewed sense that time has been given to us so that we can accomplish things - to change the world in a better way.

I want to let everyone that worked on the project know that all of their efforts are appreciated, not only by the generation that almost chalked their memories up to just memories, and by all of the people that will enjoy their efforts in the future, but also by me who has found a new sense of meaning for life. That carousel has forever changed my life in a way that I'm not sure I can relay to anyone that has not yet found that feeling.

I want to thank all of the smiling faces that I met during the few times that I was involved in the project, people that I would not have known had it not been for this endeaver. I want to thank the spouses and children of everyone involved in this project. I want to thank everyone who donated items, time, and money in big ways and small. I want to thank everyone who has enjoyed the Carousel in the past and those who will in the future. I want to encourage everyone to help out on any project, big or small, or start some projects of your own, to help out the community. You have no idea the lives that you will be affecting. Even if you think no one will ever notice or care, believe me it makes a difference. Every time you do something good you change someone's existence in a better way, someone, somewhere - even if it's a person that you have never met or will never meet, you might never know who or how, but doing the right thing is never wrong. This is something that I did not realize until this weekend.

Thank you to all and CONGRATULATIONS for the grand accomplishment that you have achieved.

05-28-06 Tim Carpenter, Heights
HeardOfUs: search
Rating Superb

Wow am I glad to see something being preserved at the park. I have so many memories i could never list them all here, but I'll give a few. I was probably the youngest person to semi-work there as I started running errands to the concession stands for the workers when I was 4 or 5. They were brutal to me - sending me through crowds that were elbow to elbow and ordering drinks with no ice just to see if I could get back without spilling any.

I grew up at the park. Was there everday till closing when good ole Tom MacCormick (an ex cop that took me under his wing) would take me home via detour to Carrol'ls Hamburger on Miracle Mile.

Tom & Jim must of missed him on their list. Afew more they missed was Scott & Greg Bitler who became my best friends.

Through the years i worked for every owner one way or another. Al Weisenflue was the first to hire me.

When i look back its a miracle that i didnt kill myself back then with some of the stunts Scott, Gregg & I did like running through the spookhouse grabbing people when there were 3 or 4 cars moving in there and it was so dark you literaly could not see your hand in front of your face.

Looking through the list and this guestbook Isee names i havent seen in years. Thanks for the memories. It brings a tear to my eyes.

05-27-06 Elisabeth Fuller Mobbs, Brisbane - the Land Down Under
HeardOfUs: from my son, James Appleton who lived there
Rating: Superb

My sister, Sylvia and I grew up during WWII times. Dad was janitor at the Telephone Co. in Wisnor Park and didn't make the BIG war time money. So a $.05 ride on the Merry-go-round on a Sunday afternoon was the high light of our lives. We did enjoy the Glider Grounds on Harris HIll, spent summer at the Youth Camp up there. Exploring the Revolutionary War Battle Grounds at Willawanna finding many arrow heads. HUGE thanks to all for restoration of memories. Long may Eldridge Park re-live!!!!

05-27-06 Coraetta M. Babroski, Owego
HeardOfUs: used to visit as a child, then with my children & family.
Rating: Superb

I loved the roller coaster, whip and the bumper cars. Wish Eldridge Park was still like it used to be. Hope to visit it again real soon. I'm 61 now, but still remember the good times that I had there. Best of luck in your future endeavors.

05-26-06 Donna Ameigh, Dundee

My parents Ernest and Evelyn Haflett met at the park in 1946 when my father was home on leave from the Army. They are both gone now. They lived on Main Street in Elmira for 49 years. I can remember going to the park with them as a child. I will be there tomorrow for the opening and I know my parents will be there with me.

Congratulations on your grand opening! Wish I could be there for a spin on a "new" old carousel. Great job and many happy years for the carousel and its presence in the community. Editor's Note: Ms. Largent is President of the National Carousel Association.

I too, as with all the other writers in this guest book, have wonderful
memories of Eldridge Park. I was born and raised in Elmira Heights and
still reside there today. Favorite memories for me start with Kiddieland
and all the fun rides there. Then, as we got older, the bigger rides down the
midway. The carousel and the whip were my favorites but I loved all the
rides!

Every time family friends would come to town or we got together with
cousins, it always resulted in begging our parents to take us to Eldridge
Park. They always said yes, and as I think about it now, they wanted to go
as bad as we did! When my oldest daughter Jennifer was little we enjoyed
taking her there for the Hardinge's family outing and she has fond memories
of the park too. But, my youngest daughter Vicki was only 5 when the park
closed. Sadly she doesn't remember too much about it.

Just a few years ago my father shared a memory he had of the park. He was always too scared to ride the roller coaster but one day a buddy of his managed to get him on it. He said it cost a dime to ride. After the first ride he was so scared he couldn't let go of the bar so his friend ended up paying for four more rides each before he could get off! We have enjoyed that story many times!

Now I have three little Granddaughters, 7, 5, and 2. On nice days my daughter Jennifer and I take the kids over to the park and walk around. We reminisce about how the park used to be and picture where all the attractions were located. Then we take a walk around the lake. I am impressed at how
beautiful the park looks and how many people enjoy walking, biking, rollerbladeing and fishing there. We couldn't help noticing how beautiful the carousel building looks and could only imagine what the new horses and other animals would look like.

I will be out of town for the first time on a Memorial Day weekend this year. My family thought I was a little crazy for having second thoughts about going away. But I looked so forward to the opening day of the new carousel, as I have been reading about all that the Preservation committee has been doing and I too wanted to be a part of the celebration!

Today, May 19, 2006 as my daughter and the two youngest granddaughters were driving up Grand Central Ave. out of habit, I turned to look over at the carousel building. I noticed that one of the doors to the carousel was open! I turned the car around and told my daughter we had to check it out! As we pulled into the parking lot we could see that the carousel was running! We asked a couple of men if it would be possible to park and go over and take a peek at the horses. They said "of course!"

One of the guys we talked to in the parking lot asked me if I wanted him to ask if we could take a ride on it, of course I said "YES". They were checking the mechanism of the carousel to make sure it was ready for next weekend. The men working on it said yes come on in and take a ride!Well I can't tell you how it felt to take my granddaughters on that beautiful carousel! So many memories came flooding back and to see the smiles on their faces and my daughters too almost made me cry! When we were leaving the building I told the 5 year old that we had just experienced a piece of history being reborn and she looked up at me and said, "I want to come here every day!"

Thank you Dr. Lyon and the rest of the preservation committee for your dedication and hard work to make this dream a reality. I think the carousel is even more beautiful than I had picture it would be. I know my granddaughters will come to love it as much we all have! I hope that more of the park can be brought back to life, as we need a place like this for our grandchildren to enjoy! This was a special day for me, one I will never forget! God Bless you all!

I grew up in Elmira Heights and "the park" was the place to go for fun! Riding the whip was a blast, as was the thrill of the wooden roller coaster. But, the carousel was absolutely the best for me! I can recall one warm Sunday afternoon I grabbed the brass ring so many times that my parents couldn't get me off! What wonderful memories from the rides, the games and the smell of cotton candy and cooking food!

I remember going to see movies at the stage, playing putt-putt golf, riding the train around the park, and most of all...riding the carousel for 25 cents. I must have spent hours riding the carousel every time we came to Eldridge Park. I was so sad when I heard that the carousel was closing down. I was even more upset when I heard they were auctioning off the best horses. It was like they were taking away my childhood memories, and selling them to the highest bidder.

05-24-06 Virginia McElroy, Southport
HeardOfUs: newpaper, tv
Rating: Superb

Wonderful website. Glad to see the carousel back. Spent many fond times there and watching the free movies at night and the special musical concerts. Plus, naturally, the rides.

05-23-06 Bob Caparula, Davenport IA
HeardOfUs: my brother is mayor of the Heights.
Rating: Superb

You are about to accomplish something on the 27th that I would never have believed could happen. Whenever I visited Elmira, I would make it a point to go to the park and peek between the cracks to get a glimpse of what was left of the Carousel. It would still conjure up many childhood memories.

All of you who made this happen are to be congratulated. Eldridge Park is the place to be on May 27th. I plan to be home for my EFA 55th. reunion next summer. I look forward to catching the brass ring again after 40 plus years.

05-22-06 Kathleen, Franklinville - bjelmira@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: just on a search
Rating: Superb

My memories are of going to a big family reunion with my best friend's family. They had hundreds of relatives, great food and spending the day at your park. Lots of wonderful memories especially of the whip and the spook house. Is the park open anymore?

05-19-06 Linda Patoni Diorio, Winston-Salem, NC
HeardOfUs: family members
Rating: Superb

I was born in Corning and lived in Painted Post until we moved to Florida when I was 14. Most summer Sundays were spent at Eldridge Park. We would picnic, ride the rides, and have a wonderful time. When I was small, my dad used to lift me up so I could catch a ring on the carousel. My "right of passage" came at my 8th grade class picnic when finally, after being afraid to get on it for so many years, I rode the roller coaster, terrified at first, but it was so much fun I rode it about 10 times that day. By the end of the day, it held no more fear for me, and at the top of the first big drop, I got my first kiss. My favorite rides were the Whip and the Dragon Boat on the "bottomless" lake! Sweet, sweet memories.

05-19-06 Dave Tallman - tallmans@verizon.net

I have restored a bumper car from Eldridge Park. it is on display in my shoe store in Painted Post NY. It is in the kids' shoe area and a number of parents have had to take their screaming kids out of it to go home. They did not want to leave it.

05-15-06 Debra Flickinger - elphtlvr@superpa.net

I grew up in Bath NY area and we would have our family reunions on my Mother's side every year at the park. I remember having the picnic up on the hill and playing ball then all of us would go down into the park. I remember the roller coaster, the boat, the whip and the merry go round and, of course, the bumper cars!

The cotton candy and such a relaxing time for all of us. A place where we could be on our own without any fear of wrong doings to any of us. That park has left many a good memory in my life.

I had been thinking about it and wondered if it was at all possible for it to still be open. Editor's Note: It is reopening as we speak on Memorial Day Week-end 2006.

There is a small park near us, that is simalar, that I have heard is closing this year. it really is a shame that these smaller parks have to close.

Hershey Park and other bigger ones just aren't the same as these little parks.

05-13-06 Penny Wingert Boris - boris21@warpdriveonline.com
HeardOfUs: My dad, Thomas H. Wingert
City Now: Carlsbad NM
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I remember just about living at the park. We always had something to do, some place to go. My favorite rides were the roller-coaster and the whip. My father is helping with the restoration on the Merry-Go-Round (he is one of the three Tom's), and it looks wonderful. When dad called and told me that you lost one of the Tom's I wanted to cry, but the two remaining Tom's are still working away. Can't wait to come home for a visit and see the park once again.

05-12-06 Retha Barrett - retha@wedco.net
HeardOfUs: internet
City Now: Phoenix AZ
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I still look for the brass ring to be pulled upon at every merry go round I ride on today with my kids. I have not found one yet, of course. When I was little and living in Elmira, I remember being able to get the ring, but the last time I went I think I was in 5th grade. They did not have the brass ring there anymore because they said it was dangerous. But I loved going to Eldridge park myself. I attended Hoffman school (now gone) and Ernie Davis.

04-20-06 Mary Baumgartner - maryroseb@earthlink.net

I was born in Elmira in 1954, my sister, Dianne, in 1956. Our family moved away from Elmira in 1966. Our memories of Eldridge park are the highlights of our childhood.

We lived on 3rd st near Davis, then later on 5th near Davis. Went to Booth, then Washington elementary schools.

Once in a great while, as children we were treated to a trip to Eldridge Park. It never seemed often enough. We didn't have a car, so anytime we went there, someone else took us. One time, our older brother Dan, took us, but we walked all the way there, and back home. It seemed like such a long distance to walk at the time. My feet hurt so bad, but oh, how we enjoyed the rides at the park.

I remember the first time I went into the Spook House (remember "where's Herman"). It took a few years to gather the courage to do that, only to find it was fun, and not scary at all. It also took several years to find the nerve to ride the roller coaster, only to find that was a lot of fun as well.

But, my favorite was the Merry Go Round. I would ride that thing over and over until I mastered the art of grasping the rings. One year, I got the brass ring, and with it came a free ride. What a treat that was! Then, one summer while my sister, mother and I were visiting my aunt who lived on 1st Street, my uncle drove up in his brand new baby blue convertible, gave us each a 5 dollar bill (wow, as a child, I never before held that much money in my hand), and said, "Come on, hop in, I'm taking you both to Eldridge Park". I thought I was in Heaven! Approaching the park, seeing the lake in front of you, and entering under the archway to me was like entering the Pearly Gates.

Then, several years later, as adults, my sister Dianne was working as a flight attendant, and living in Miami. when she struck up a conversation with a passenger who also lived in Elmira at one time. Her passenger told her, "Close your eyes and hold out your hand". When she opened her eyes, in the palm of her hand was a brass ring from the Merry Go Round. She still has it.

I went back to Elmira to visit relatives in the mid 1980's, took a visit to Eldridge park to find it in shambles, the carousel being sold to someone in NYC. It was like walking through a ghost town of memories.

Sorry, I don't have any photos, I wish I did. I now live in Ohio, Dianne still lives in Miami, and Dan lives in NYC. I will be visiting Elmira again this summer, and will make Eldridge Park one of my destinations once again.

04-20-06 Jennifer (Gee) McCarthy - jmccarthy1@stny.rr.com

We lived in Fassett PA, and it was a real treat to come into Elmira and go to Eldridge Park when I was a child. I remember all the rides in Kiddieland like I just rode them yesterday. The Boat Ride was my favorite, and the Train that went around the park was always my second favorite ride.

We always got french fries with vinegar and a fried sugar waffle. I used to do real well on the Skeeroll, and always won lots of little toys that drove my mom and grandparents nuts, because they would find them all over the house! As I grew up, and was able to ride the bigger rides. I found news\ thrills on the Airplane ride because you never knew when your plane would fly away into the bottomless lake. All my friends and I would talk about it, because we were so knowledgable about everything back then!

Then there was the dreaded roller coaster, my mom forbid me to ride. I would stand in line forever waiting for my turn, and relished every minute on it! Of course, we all knew someone who had ridden it when a board fell off, which added to the excitement of the experience. I could never reach the rings on the Carousel, but I tried every turn.

All of our family reunions were at Eldridge as well, under one of the big pavilions on the hill. As kids we would roll down the hill over and over while we waited for the grill to heat up.

I became so facinated with the park, I spent an entire Summer, when I was 13 years old, looking up information about the park in the Circular Section at the Library. I would look at the old photos from the turn of the century, with the ornate gardens, walking paths and sculpture, and imagine what it must have been like to live in Elmira then. I also looked up the dates when all the rides were added to the park, and would marvel at how well they had withstood the test of time. My grandmother would tell me about going to dances ad roller skating in the old railraod station, and I was fascinated that you could ride the Eire-Lackawana and get right off at Eldridge Park! Wow, Elmira was something back then!

Unfortunately, I also saw the park deteriorate. I remember the dance hall being torn down, and the rides falling into disrepair. I cried when they leveled the picnic area and sold off the carousel horses. It has been heart-wrenching to see the changes. Of course I try to make the best of it. I still honk the horn when I drive into the underpass to park, and I now use the walkway around the lake. We still picnic there in occasion, but it just isn't the same. I am very privileged to have been able to grow up with an amusement park in my town, and I thank you so much for this web-site. It brings back a lot of old forgotten memories.

04-19-06 Cheryl M. Boyd (Randall), Charleston WV - mboydski@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: My family worked at Eldridge Park
Rating: Superb

It is exciting to see the progress that has been made to bring back the merry-go-round at Eldridge Park. I have special memories of seeing my grandmother, Geraldine Randall, and my grandfather, Herb Randall, as they worked at the merry-go-round. It was fun going on a boat ride around the lake with my uncle Ralph Randall and getting candy apples and ice cream from my Aunt Ruth Randall.

I was always a little nervous going into the spook house but learned to put my feet up right before going back outside so the blast of air wouldn't get to me. Those are special days in my memory that I will always cherish. I hope to be back in Elmira on opening day of the merry-go-round to show my daughters what it was like when I was growing up. Eldridge Park, and especially the merry-go-round, mean a lot to me, and I am happy to see this part of history restored for generations to come.

04-12-06 Ken Borden, Hesperia CA - Twin1026@verizon.net
HeardOfUs: Looking for Arnot Hospital Address
Rating: Superb

As I lived a block away on Thurston Street, Eldridge was our playground all year long. Even winter time was fun, playing on the pond and sliding down the hills around the area.

All my "gang" also loved to put pennies on the tracks at the underpass and wait fot eh trains to much them into copper toekns. I was so afraid we would derail the train!

My mother and father often talked of the Dance Hall near the underpass are which was their "Love Nets" in the early Twenties.

I have lived and worked all over this world and still miss the fun we had all those years at the park.

03-26-06 Bonnie Lucarelli Smith, Horseheads - geminibls1@aol.com
HeardOfUs: my Aunt Joyce Polovick through her son Randy
Rating: Superb

When I was a kid my, uncle George Polovick worked at the park. I remember the many days and nights we were at the park and rode the rides. It was a magical time for me as a small girl. Never having brothers or sisters, I spent a lot of time with my cousins, Kathy and Danny Polovick, Uncle George's kids. We rode all the rides and played all the games a lot and it was so much fun. The french fries with vinegar were the best and the waffles, too. I was always afraid of the roller coaster and still am. Never liked heights even though I did ride it a few times. When I grew up I worked at the park for Al Wisenfluh in the gift shop and also worked the skee roll and hoops, duck pond, etc. it was a wonderful experience to see all the kids enjoy the park then as I did as a child. The wonderful memories I have of Eldridge park will forever be in my heart. What a wonderful part of my childhood.

03-25-06 Robert Boyce, La Plata MD - info@somdcarousel.com
HeardOfUs: My Vice President
Rating: Superb

We are beginning to carve our first animals for our new carousel in the La Plata, MD area. It will be in Laurel Springs Park located outside La Plata. We did have a carousel here in Marshall Hall Amusement Park that was closed in the late 70's. We are going to replicate some of those original animals that were on that carousel.

We are also trying to locate any of the animals that were on that carousel. They were carved by Charles Carmel. We have located two so far. Any help or info you can provide on how you do this would be greatly appreciated. We are in touch with NCA, Carousel Magic & Carousel Works, also CN&T Mag. We have had excellent help from the Salem, Oregon Carousel folks.

Love your web site. Ours is: somdcarousel.com - will try and visit when in New York. Bob Boyce, Pres. Somdcarousel

03-22-06 Tommy Pryslak, Cincinnati OH - TPRYSLAK@cinci.rr.com
HeardOfUs: Friend
Rating: Superb

"The Park" was a magical place in the Fifties that was a rare treat for some poor folks on the east side of Elmira Heights. But as a boy, my mom would love to go shopping (just lookin')to downtown Elmira and since we had no car, we'd take the bus. On our way down Grand Central Avenue, she'd watch me as I waited for Eldridge to come up on the right. Once in a while, if there was a spare buck and I'd do well in school, she'd pull the bus string and we'd walk to the park. We'd share coned french fries and a cola, watch the movie and walk the park. It was an amazing place and very special to me.

As I got into high school, I had a really good friend. Her name was Mary Lou, and one summer, we'd walk to the park together as she lived near by. She was my really true first love and when the summer was over, we were, too! But, Eldridge gave us a home, somewhere you could go and smile, see the goodness in life. When I graduated high school, it was the place that my friends and I went to celebrate. Its not just a memory, its truly part of being. How I wish I could take one more bus ride with my mom or take a walk with Mary Lou! I'm an old fool now, but I can still close my eyes and dream of what was so right and good.

03-11-06 Jennifer McCarthy, Elmira - mcjgee@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: surfing the web for Eldridge Park sites
Rating: Superb

I remember going to Eldridge Park as a small child and riding all the rides in Kiddieland. The boat ride was my favorite because it was the only ride I had ever been on that was in a tank of water! The train that all the way around the park was great, too! It was a real treat when my mom would take me. As I got older, I enjoyed going with family and friends to ride the bigger rides. The tea cups were fun, and the planes that went out over the lake made me feel like a daredevil!

My all tme favorite ride was the Whip. I would ride that over and over again! I was always too short, stubby and uncoordinated to reach the rings on the carousel, but my friends would always try to grab one for me. Those horses were beautiful!

Eldridge was also the site for family reunions, we would get one of the big pavilions up on the hill, and have picnics. When my husband and I were dating we would go to Eldridge every Friday in the summer and eat Jean's Beans' fish and share stories about Eldridge when the rides were open, and all the fun we had as children. We try to enjoy the park now, but it's really not the same. Now we walk around the park and talk about where each ride used to be, and the fun we had. I was truly blessed to have been raised in Elmira, and to experience Eldridge Park. They are memories I hope to pass on.

03-10-06 Judy Cloman, Webster MA - dreamweaver52@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: just looking
Rating: Superb

Originally from Horseheads, I remember going there on the weekends. My mom, years ago, along with her sisters and used to sing and do Acrobat Acts on the stage years ago, Maybe around 1931? I was hoping to find some information on them.Maybe you could research this also. I remember her stories of the man who put his head in the lion's mouth during Sat performances then also.

03-10-06 Steve Piasecki, Horseheads - spiasecki@peoplepc.com
HeardOfUs: grew up in the park
Rating: Excellent

Would like to know more about the history. Like who the park was named after?
Editor's Note: check out the Star Gazette's website at :
http://www.stargazettenews.com/multimedia/flash/eldridgepark/

03-08-06 Sandy Scrivener, Sayre PA - sandy54@epix.net
HeardOfUs: Went there when I was a child
Rating: Superb

My Mom use to take me and my brothers & sister there on Friday Nights, waiting for my Dad to get out of work, at a trucking company close by. We loved Fridays! I still go to Elmira now and then, and it just seem like it's empty now without the park being there. I loved the carousel the best, and I'm so glad it coming back! I would love to show my grandkids what a wonderful park we use to go to! I can remember it like it was yesterday, because it does have all great and happy memories!

03-01-06 Diane Lintz Pryslak, Spring Hill FL - dpdh@aol.com
HeardOfUsS: Elmira Star Gazette
Rating: Superb

My grandfather was the night watchman at the park, so on Friday night he had my grandmother and my sister, Linda, and me walk to work with him. We got to see the rides when they were still and walked the park when no one was there. We sat in the office and ate our lunch and we could see the park from all views. Jasper was the only moving thing in the park--

As a family, we spent many happy times in the park when it was open. I remember Merrill's ponies out beside the roller coaster--that was a real treat to ride a pony.

I especially liked the waffles and the french fries with vinegar at the food court.

But then there was the arcade--SkeeRoll!!! My own children were able to enjoy the park before its demise and they often recall SkeeRoll!!

Those were the days. I am looking forward to the rebirth of the Carousel and hope there is intent to do more to make this a lasting endeavor.

02-27-06 Mrs. Joella Milner (Moffe), Binghamton - teddyjo67@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Family Member
Rating: Superb

I used to come here with my brothers all the time. It was a ritual when there was no school. I was crushed when it closed. Now when I visit home it feels like something's missing. I share this experience with my husband.

02-19-06 Charlie Mochrie, Las Vegas NV - tigerlover1@earthlink.net
HeardOfUs: surfing the net under "Elmira"
Rating: Superb

Touring your site and photos brought back a thousand memories. I LOVED the french fries and would eat them while sitting on the hill overlooking the miniture golf course. Ski-ball was my favorite and as an adult remember some wonderful outings held by A&P in the trees on the hills overlooking the park. When I last visited Eldridge Park in 2004 I leaned against the front of my car with tears running down my face after seeing what the city had done. Elmira's heart was torn out in the flood of 1972 and with it any potential of remaining the great city that it once was.

01-12-06 Nancy Beam (Woodhouse) - njbeam2002@yahoo.com

When I was a child of say nine or ten, my Mom and I would sit on the bench and watch the talent shows outside there along the viadock entrance. We would drive up and my Mom would have to slow when down before going under the viadock as it was never certain that this one car passage way would meet head on with another vechicle entering or leaving Eldridge park. We would sit close on the cooler nights and observe the talent shows. Snacks in hand. It was a special time I spent with my Mother. Wow where did all that time and closeness go....It has been forty years!

Mom passed away in 2004 and I know that the stage is not really gone, the actors grew up and grew older and some passed on. I am grateful for being a kid that loved that park, Mom and I even rode the Merry-go-Round in 84' , when my daughter was a baby. Mom and she had their special time there also. Though I don't think my daughter would remember this, again, I do, and cherish this kind of Mother daughter, granddaughter memory.

02-10-06 Bob Lintz, Rochester - mailmanbob@gmail.com
HeardOfUs: Surfing the web
Rating: Superb

My favorite ride was always the spookhouse even though I couldn't keep my eyes open through it until I was probably 12. Where's Herman? We used to go to the park almost weekly when I was a kid. I also loved the arcade, the real before video games arcade, the bumper cars and the whip. Then get some fries and douse them with vinegar. OOh happy days! .

02-10-06 Robert L Barber, Addison

I Liked the picnics as well as all the rides, It was great place to have our family reunions and spend the day.

01-27-06 Irene Patros Fadis - renaalto@verizon.net

My dad was the late Bill A. Patros from the M&M Bar and Grill. When we were little kids we would often go to Eldridge Park as a family. We would have a picnic at the picnic area and then spend an entire day going on the rides, having treats, and staying for the shows. My mom's favorite treat was the roasted peanuts, that my dad got for her every time we went. My sister and I liked the ice cream the best.

My middle sister and I loved to go on the Merry-Go-Round ( So happy to hear about its restoration. ) every time we visited the park. We also enjoyed the whip. I also remember one scary visit to the Spook House that left me crying and everyone laughing at my cowardice. Eldridge Park was a beautiful part of my childhood. A few years ago when my husband, grown children, and I visited Elmira I cried because the park was not there anymore. The park was a place that held many memories of my father for me. It was a disappointment not to find it the way I remembered.

When I was a little girl my dad would put me on the carousel and he would watch me go around, and he would wave at me every time I came around to where he was standing. I remember never being satisfied just going around once, so he would always let me go on two or three times. It was "sooooooooooo" much fun. Even to this day I love carousels. Every time I go on one I can imagine my father just standing there and smiling. Somehow it brings him a little bit closer to my heart. Anyway, I enjoyed the website on Eldridge Park, in particular the news about the merry-go-round.

The boat ride was definitely another memorable experience of Eldridge Park.I remember buying candy apples, eating some of the apples, and then throwing the rest into the water. Each time I would comment that the lake had no bottom, and always asking if the apple was going to sink all the way down and reach hell. (Of course I would get in trouble for that comment.) Ah the innocence of childhood! Anyway, someone might want to consider restoring the boat ride to the Eldridge Lake, just a thought.

Best wishes to everyone for a successful completion of the merry-go-round project.

My memories are all good. I more or less grew up in Elmira nad we always went to the park for a lot of outings from school to birthday parties and when I moved, I still went back. My favorite ride will always be the Carousel. I love horses so I rode it as much as I could. The roller coaster was my least favorite. I remember going on it for the first time and came off as white as a ghost. The plane rides were not a favorite either. I remember the stories that went around that a plane came off and they never found it because the lake was bottomless. I did go on the planes when I was a lot older. Eldridge Park will always be with me in my memories and I can't wait to ride the carousel again.

01-08-05 Marjorie Messick - dmessick@shentel.net

I was raised in Elmira and lived 2 blocks from the park. We used to get there through the underpass near College Ave. I went there as a kid in the 1940s and also worked at the root beer and popcorn stand for the Valegos (Johnny and Aggie in the Fifties) and rode the Merry-Go-Round every week. Those were childhood memores that I'll never forget.

I just heard about rebuilding the carousel from my sister who still lives in the Elmira area. We used to watch all the acts and movies and played on the playground and played the Penny Arcade and rode The Whip and the Roller Coaster.

In those days my name was Novak and I lived on Doane Street. Those were happy days.

JOHN BENEDICT, SHS61 - johnbene@verizon.net

I live in Polk City, Florida (just outside Lakeland) and I grew up enjoying Eldridge Park in the Fifties and early Sixties. What a great place to visit!

I remember Eldridge Park for many reasons, my family used to have reunions there every summer and relatives from all over N.Y and Penn. would come to Eldridge for a BIG PICNIC and hours of fun in the Park. There was a large pavilion in the back of the park near the fence between the park and Thatcher Glass Plant where we could watch them move the glass piles (cherished glass for reprocessing). The picnic was always a "real big deal" because you would always get to see your cousins and other family that you didn't get to see for the rest of the year. There was always too much food to eat but when we were finished there was always the rides and entertainment
to keep us going for the rest of the day and evening when they showed movies. After a full day of FUN you were really worn out and most times somebody always fell asleep on the way back to the Southside.

Mentally I can see myself walking up and back the midway. The Roller Coaster was a Big attraction then. The Merry-Go-Round where you could ride and catch rings, especially looking for the Brass Ring. Always had to watch Jasper glide around the LAKE with NO BOTTOM. Used to feed the ducks on the lake and watch for the fish.

Sometimes we even got to ride Jasper and admire his long neck and dragon head and wonder who would get to ride up front. Then there was the Bumper Cars and Tea Cups and other rides. How many times after eating all we did then riding those rides, turning and twisting around, did we "get sick"? I'll never tell.

I used to be fascinated by some of the entertainment, The Magic Acts, The Hypnotist that could make people do funny things and those amazing acrobatic acts where people could fly through the air and catch others hands and feet and not fall. There were always the big nets underneath to catch anyone who would fall. Then there was always the talent shows where the local kids could show there stuff. Several talented people got their start there. There was all those green benches they would line up so everyone could sit and watch what ever was going on.

Also there was the arcade machines, Skee Ball, Ball throwing, Balloons and Darts to win a Cupie doll, Pick a duck for a number to win a prize and the post card machines where you could get a picture of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, Tom Mix, Tonto, and many more. Somewhere I still have a penny in a token from Eldridge Park from sometime in the 50's. Remember also the glass dishes you could win and fancy horses made of ceramic painted so pretty that it was a real prize to take home. I always seemed to win a Chinese Finger trap and get caught.

What a trip down memory lane. Those responsible need many KUDOS for what they have done and are doing to preserve a piece of nostalgia. Eldridge Park is alive and well in OUR HEARTS and Minds, Thanks to your efforts.

01-05-05Tom Burhyte, Horseheads - tburhyte@stny.rr.com

Well, ever since November 5th. I have been hammered with E-Mails asking what it’s like to give Brian Williams, Tommy Hilfiger and Jeanne Pirro a ride on the Merry-Go-Round. The answer is "Fantastic as can be!" It was like watching the Twilight Zone on TV. where the old people went back and played kick the can as kids again. Jeanne Prior riding a jumper just looking toward the roof with her eyes closed and a big smile on her face just going back in time to the good old days when Eldridge Park was in it’s prime. Brian Williams father had tears in his eyes for he was probably thinking about when he brought son Brian here when he was a kid putting him on a horse. Brian Williams was probably thinking, Boy, I would just like to catch just one Brass Ring, but it wasn’t to be - at least not on this day. Tommy Hilfiger’s eyes were big as marbles and a smile that went from ear to ear.

It just sent goose bumps up and down my spine clean to the top of my head. I never had an experience like that in my whole life! There was not one person on the merry-go-round that wasn’t smiling or laughing and probably thinking how much greater can this day be ! When the ride was over they gave us a big hand for the ride back in their own trip to the Twilight Zone as kids once again, for sure! As they left the building the old era left with them. A dream came true as it did for me also giving that first ride on that day November 5th. 2005.
Editor's Note: You can read more about Tom's experiences at Eldridge Park by visiting his home age at EldridgePark.US.

12-21-05 Beth Shavalier - bshavalier@chemchildcare.com

I grew up in the Heights. My brother, sister and I went to the park a lot. The Carousel was a favorite hang out for my sister and me. I have terrific memories and I even used to jump on and off it while it was moving because I was somewhat of a show-off. I still have 2 original brass rings and bought one of the new ones.

I was saddened deeply by the park's closing and will never understand why we didn't improve the park instead of closing it. All the kids from the area used to hang-out there and it made it easy on parents because they knew where we were. I wish they would rebuild the whole park now and put in a bigger roller-coaster (for the thrill seekers and to help pay for the insurance). I know it could thrive again under the proper conditions.

12-20-05 Wayne DeForest, Perry GA - yankeendeforest@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: paper
Rating: Excellent

I have fond memories of Eldridge Park. I worked the rides and games on the Midway back in 1988. I think that was the year. I had a great time meeting all of the kids and families that came out for a little fun. I have a picture of me reaching for the brass ring when I was a kid. I always hoped that people would take an intrest in a historic Merry Go Round and revive a little of the past.

12-20-05 Anne Roeske Rehagen, Eugene MO - riskyr@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: Web Search
Rating: Superb

OMG! I LOVED the pictures! I have often wondered what happened to Eldridge Park...

I have so many great memories there. With the teacups... tho' I don't think I ever rode them - a bit too wild for a kid my age. I was always scared of the Spook House, but had to make my yearly ride thru (and then thinking "Why do I always do that, I'm not gonna do it next year!".) And the clack, clack clack of the wooden rollercoaster, but that too, was an annual event.

For several years in a row, I remember having my birthday there. Mom and Dad could give us each a couple of bucks and send us on our way, and not see us for at least a couple of hours! I think they enjoyed it as much as us kids did!

But I'd have to say my favorite memories of EP are 1. Skee Ball - always trying for one of the prizes, and having contests with each other (comparing each roll, to see how we did against each other) and 2. The carousel - For a while, I didn't realize "what" the big kids were doing with the Brass Ring Holder, but soon I was able to reach it and give it a try. I can't remember ever getting a ring, but do remember hanging onto the poles and stretching as far forward, and then backward as you could trying, and flicking at it...

What wonderful memories!! I hate to see that it has closed down, but what can I expect...it's only been about 30 +/- years since experiencing Eldridge Park. By the way, I always called it Eldridge Park, but Mom and Dad tried to convince me that it was Eldred Park.

Thanks for the warm fuzzy....!

12-12-05 Sharon Heath - gramlovesall@yahoo.com

My brother, Gary Comfort, worked at the park in the Sixties. Boy, do I have memories. Thanks for the site.

My Mom, Lois, took my sisters and me there when I was 4, 5 and 6. I remember the carousel, roller coaster, haunted house ride and the dragon boat ride and so much more. We lived in Horseheads and had friends in Elmira. This was about 55 years ago.

I want to order the DVD for my Mom. Please send me info. She lives in up state Pa near you, and you are good news!

12-05-05 Mary-Lou Frisk - Ithaca - marylou.frisk@flfcc.com
Rating: Superb

Our mother & dad were both from Elmira. Dad worked in the composing room at the Star Gazette for nearly 30 years. He passed in December 1993 and our beautiful mother passed just this last March.

We all remember the fun rides and excitement of going to Eldridge Park as kids. Visiting the web site and learing about the plan to restore the carousel brought to the surface many memories of a long time ago. Times that were seemingly forgotten reappeared in our minds as if it was yesterday. Thanks for the moment back in time and the smile it put in our hearts.

Please accept our family donation in honor of our beloved mother & dad - Marjorie Ann & George F. Donahue.

Their loving children:

Patricia M. Ehret, Col. Joseph T. Frisk,
John M. Frisk, George J. Donahue, Timothy M. Dayton & Mary-Lou Frisk.

12-03-05 - Patricia Nikulich, EFA 81 - PNIKU6@AOL.COM
HeardOfUs: I live in Elmira
Rating: Superb

I was born and raised in Elmira, so Eldridge Park was a part of all my family. I moved back here after being away for 18 years. Not a lot has changed. I'm glad the carousel is being restored and hope the whole park will be also.

I went on all the rides except the roller coaster and the planes. I'm scared of heights. Thanks for the great site.

12-01-05 Donna Hughes, Stamford CT - donnahuz@aol.com
HeardOf Us: Friend of Bob Lyons
Rating: Superb

11-10-05 Sonja Williams, Dumfries VA - ladywilly66@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Family
Rating: Excellent

Eldridge Park will always hold a place in my heart. The park is where my family would gather every summer for Family reunions. I really miss those times. We had a great time riding, eating and then riding some more. I will cherish those memories forever. Thanks Eldridge Park!

I sent this site to my mom and thought I'd share her response:

"I have so many memories of Elridge Park - from the time I was very little until my teen years when Deb and I would go there boy hunting. We met some cute Elmira boys there from time to time. They would take us on all the rides, etc. and then we would never see them again. Those rides were so tame compared to what is out there today, but it was all we had. We loved it because we didn't know any different. Ah, the good ol' days!! My grandmother even went there 100 years ago. We used to have the Wetherbee reunion there every summer. All the relatives would come and us kids would have a blast. Thanks for sending me this - it brings back a lot of memories."

I have such fond memories of ELDRIDGE PARK. We used to travel to Elmira to have our Sunday School picnics at Eldridge Park. It was a long ride ( it seemed as a child) but the anticipation of getting to the park and riding on the roller coaster, merry-go-round, bumper cars and going in the "OH SO SCARY SPOOKSHOUSE!" I loved the little yellow ducks, seeing what great prize you would win by picking just the right duck. I would be so excited and happy that I wouldn't even want to eat our picnic lunch! One very precious memory is of how my Mother and I always took a ride together on the carousel. My Mother would always try for a brass ring, but was always too short to catch one! I'm so glad to hear about the refurbishing, and please email me with the opening date, so I can attend.

Editor's Note: details about The Grand Opening will be posted at the website well in advance so that everyone can make plans.

As the carousel nears completion, I can't wait to see all of the beautiful new animals and chariots. I would like to say thank you to all of the community leaders and business's that got behind this project and made it happen. It shows that there is a real sense of community in Elmira yet. Perhaps with this kind of spirit we can help to rekindle the fires which are now but embers in the city's past.

I was privileged to take the maiden ride on Saturday, November 5th, 2005. It was outstanding. I cannot wait to take another spin! What a great moment to share with my 3-year-old daughter, Isabel.

I remember the year 1966 very well for I lost my best friend Herb Randall that fall. It was Fair Week that summer and things were slow when three little girls came into the merry-Go-Round Building and sat on a bench on the the SpooksHouse side. They had dirty faces were bare footed, and their dresses were torn in places. About the time I saw them Bob Long came out the office door and saw them, too. He had a conversation with them I couldn't hear. He called me out and told me to give them a ride and that they didn't have any money and had followed the sound of the music, winding up at the park. That was the kind of person Bob long was.

Come to find out they had walked all the way from Division Street, which was about four blocks. I let them ride five times and off they went down the Midway. I didn't think I would see them again that day or ever again. About two hours later, here they come again and are headed straight for the Merry-Go-Round building. They took a bench and just watched the people ride. They were over there talking with one another, then one of the girls stood up and held her left hand up and was waving for me to come and look what she had.

Off I hopped and she gave me a Tootsie Roll, which was two for a penny back then and said thanks for the free rides. Boy, did my eyes water. Never in my lifetime I would have ever thought that someone, let alone a little girl, dirty faced and bare footed and probably about three, or younger would do anything like this. Now I was thirty years old back then. I never saw them again, but if they read this it would be nice if they are still in the area, and would let me know? Now these little girls would probably be in the forty's or older. Every time I go to the Merry-Go-Round building, I can still see that little girl waving that Tootsie Roll at me.

Editor's Note: Tom Burhyte practally grew up at the park and worked for Bob Long, the owner and manager of the Eldridge Merry-Go-Round, as a young boy and then well into his adult years. You can read some of his stories at his web page here.

11-06-05 Clinton Howland Holmes - Howyatop@aol.com
HeardOfUs: your dvd
Rating: Excellent

Trying to grab that brass ring would ride and ride and ride and try try try .Another park visited was Roseland in Canandaigua.

11-06-05 Shiela Stahle, Elmira - sstahle@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: It's been in the news alot .
Rating: Superb

When us kids were younger we had our family picnic there. My mom and dad worked at the Ann Page plant and every summer we couldn't wait to go to our annual picnic. I remember my parents had to make sure all of us kids had our dinner and then we couldnt wait to get down on the mid-way to get our ride tickets. My favorite was always the Roller Coaster. But I loved the merry go round too. I did catch the brass ring just once. That was so much fun I was very excited. And I also loved to play all the games. Skee roll was my favorite. Back in those days it was 10 cents. I'm so glad the carousel is coming back. I'm going to be waiting to the day they reopen. It will be fun.

11-01-05 Al Baccile, Horseheads - abaccile@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: Word-of-mouth
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

Thanks for the memories. I remember the merry-go-round and bumper cars as well as the SpooksHouse. I could never get enough time with doing everything that was so much fun and cost so little. I really do think it's great to go back and remember when!

10-22-05 Jennifer Bess Keller, Horseheads - jkeller1@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: Bob, the best dude dentist in the world.
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I am so happy that I could help in this whole restoration, please, go to the the Auction Website and BID BID BID on item number 52. I donated it to Bob and this society, as it is one of the best causes that have actually touched my heart in a long time, that isn't some sort of tragedy. I have been getting letters from all over from people that know me and read my attached letter at the auction site. So many want me to meet them at their sponsored table at the ball in November, but it is sold out.....think you can sneak me in Bob? Anyway, please, everyone work on this, it is very important, and a big kudos to Dr. Bob Lyon, a good man with a big heart. I am proud that I know him and that he has allowed me to donate a little part of our local history. I know I am off to bid on an item in a few hehehheeh. I can't wait to ride that carousel again. Let's all make this happen OK? Hugs to all that are involved.

10-21-05 Ruth Kester Gleason, Sanborn near Buffalo - rearlessruthie@aol.com
HeardOfUs: From my sister,Mary Sullivan
Rating: Superb

I have fond memories of Eldridge Park, Sullivan's Monument and Harris Hill. Also I remember the Strand, Regent, Keeney, and Capitol theaters. I went to school at Coldbrook Park and the old Southside High School. Our class helped choose the colors green and white for Southside. We used to ice skate on Miller's Pond which was behind where I lived in Sheridan Court off Maple Ave. I also remember the Elmira Market Place in Langdon Plaza. It was owned by John Gieschen and run by him and his son Alvin. That is where I met my husband, Dick. We have been married 53 years and left Elmira in 1955 but have many fond memories of our old home town.

10-12-05 Edward Ripley, Deltona FL - ripl5345@bellsouth.net

I grew up in Elmira. As a kid it was so cool to go up to Eldridge Park and ride the Roller Coaster, I must have rode it a thousand times. Then there was the Airplanes that was so great to fly over the lake at Eldridge Park and then as a kid the spook house was so scary, lets not forget the Whip. Oh then they had the Bands on stage.

The whole park was great for us, it was a place to meet up with friends an girls too but it was a place where you could pick up the ducks and win a prize, or the skee roll man. We use to save up the tickets and see who could get the biggest prize. I am so thankful that I got to grow up in the time that Eldridge Park was there. I'm now soon to be 51, it's too bad the kids of Elmira today are not going to have these kind of memories. Oh, don't get me wrong the Park looks really nice but the thrill of all the things are gone. Thanks for letting me remember to all of you. Youth at a glance of the past

10-13-05 Dr Willard & Mary Donald-Nagle, Devon PA - wfnagle4520@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: My Children
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

The most special place in Elmira where I was born in 1929. Big achievment was to grab 4 rings on one attempt, not easy. Fondest memory: July 4th 1985, one of my first dates with Mary Donald. Joined most Elmirans downtown to watch fantastic Fireworks show. Took her to see the Merry Go Round, which was running and it seemed like a miracle, NO ONE else was there! We had the entire carousel to ourselves, still locked in our hearts as very special place. Broke our hearts then when it was dismantled, Now we are exhilirated with joy and want to help preserve.

10-12-05 Mary Monroe, Elmira - mmonroe3@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: I was looking for a song about merrygorounds and this came up
Rating: Superb

My mother, who grew up in Elmira Heights, had happy memories of Eldridge Park and I and my brother and two sisters spent lots of time there, in the days of the live bear. We loved going there and when the time came my four children loved it, too.I was taken there fairly often with friends when I was a little kid, and I was quite good at catching brass rings on the merrygoround. I wonder whether at almost 80 I can still do that! I'd like to.

10-12-05 Sean Foster, Horseheads - truker233@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Star Gazette
Rating: Excellent

I remember many picnics there as a child. I also have many memories of my grandmother taking me and my sister there. Sure miss the park.

We spent every Sunday at Eldridge Park on picnics with our entire families, and then, we were allowed to spend the rest of the day on all the rides, watch the entertainment, and just have a great time being with all of our friends. Whip and carousel were terrific plus the boat ride.

10-12-05 C. S. Brown, Tennessee - cfimages@wk.net
HeardOfUs: Star-Gazette on line
Rating: Superb

Wonderful to hear that the carousel will be up and running again, it will make memories for new generations of children and bring back special memories for us "older kids".

10-05-05 Karen Comstock, Wellsburg - kcom31@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Bob Lyon
Rating: Superb

I remember going for our class trips from Beecher Elementary, picnics and rides. One year in third grade I was on the teeter-totters with my father and fell off and broke my arm, but I still had fun and a lot of great memories, Thank you.

10-01-05 Tim Hayes, Elmira Heights - ADSDelivers@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Deb (Holchuk) Southard & Bob Lyon
Rating: Superb

I never saw the Eldridge Park Carousel, but I'm looking forward to seeing the restored version! I'm originally from Rochester, NY, but I do have fond memories of the carousel at the amusement park I went to as a kid, Olympic Park, which is now just a distant memory after closing down years ago.
I'm looking forward to the Brass Ring Ball, which I will be attending with Deb Southard. It should be a great time, and hopefully raise lots of money for this awesome cause - thanks Bob!

09-27-05 Steve Greatsinger, Langley SC - geman1120@MSN.COM
HeardOfUs: from nephew in Elmira
Rating: Superb

We would take the bus to the park and walk down to the park. I remember the free movies, the monkey cage, all the places to get food. My favorite - steamed clams, riding the merry-go-round and the bumper cars. Spent a small fortune at the shooting gallery. Rode the boat almost everytime I went. Most of the time I spent all my money and had to walk home. Thanks for the memory.

09-20-05 Penny (Wingert) Boris, Carlsbad NM - boris21@warpdriveonline.com
HeardOfUs: my father, Thomas H. Wingert
Rating: Superb

Growing up in Elmira and having Eldridge Park to go to was the bomb. I am glad to hear that things are looking up for the park. My father Tom Wingert is working on the Merry-go-round with the other Tom's and gang. So glad to know that there are still people out there that care. God bless.

09-14-05 Mary Beth May, Alexandria VA - marymay@gwu.edu
HeardOfUs: Online
Rating: Superb

My mother, Elizabeth Personius, grew up in Elmira, then moved to Washington, DC where she married my father, John May. We visited my grandmother, Anna Gaughan Thompson, on the Southside every summer. I have very happy memories of Eldridge Park as a small child. I loved the "Spooks House" - (not too) scary creatures would jump out at you. Thank you for helping to preserve these wonderful childhood memories.

09-14-05 Mike George, Charlotte NC - michaelgeorge@clearchannel.com
HeardOfUs: Searching
Rating: Superb

Used to love Eldridge Park when I was a kid - never got the brass ring but had so much fun there. My favorite ride was the whip - also loved the roller coaster, and the French fries with vinegar on them.

09-12-05 Darice Rickes, Bayonet Point FL - treblemaker@ij.net
HeardOfUs: John Kohena & Rodney Kerrick (cousins)
Rating: Superb

My mom, Ceteria Amoratis grew up in Elmira. She got married and moved to NJ. When we would go back to visit relatives in Elmira, my parents would take my sister and me to Eldridge along with my cousins and their parents. I was very young, but I have vague memories of the lake and the swan boats. I also remember a kiddie ride with horses. We have pictures of me riding this ride. I loved going there as a child. It's sad, like in the song "They paved paradise and put up a parking lot."

09-11-05 Lucille Sekella Frasier, Seneca Falls - lfrasie1@rochester.rr.com
HeardOfUs: Blair Bollow
Rating: Superb

My fondest memories of Eldridge Park was parking in front of the Merry-Go-Round Building to watch the people go by - my introduction to being a "people watcher." That was my family's entertainment. My dad didn't like us to get out of the car and ride the merry-go-round because Ruth Long would always give us free tickets which my dad thought was charity - which he was too proud to take.

My family lived 3 houses down the street from the Long's. Bob Long was not only the owner of the merry-go- round but very interested in electronics. He had one of the first televisions in Elmira in his basement - a round tube with no cabinet. Especially on Sunday night I'd ask my mom if we could go watch television at the Long's. Because she didn't want to bother them, more than once she said "No". So I would walk up the street, lie on my stomach in the driveway (not a wise decision) and watch TV through the cellar window. Couldn't hear the sound but just watching was fascinating.

09-11-05 Kathy Chapman, Elmira - kathyrc@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: Star Gazette
Rating: Superb

09-11-05 Bob Cau, Erin - rgcau@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: lived in Elmira and saw the new merry go round being worked on
Rating: Superb

Oh you bet. My foster parents used to drop us off in the morning and pick us up before supper time. No threat of being molested or abducted. Seven years old, little money and lots of dreams. Wonderful rides and lots of excitement. My sister Beverly won a new Shelby bicycle there. Great to spend the day or even just a few hours. They had a great playground too.

Thanks for the memories.

09-10-05 Kim Clifford Wood, Hornell - kimbee55@infoblvd.net
HeardOfUs: surfing net
Rating: Superb

Our childhood days and Eldridge Park go hand in hand! Our yearly Ames/Overton Reunions were held there every August. And all of us cousins...tons of us, would save all our money all year to go to Eldridge Park. I loved Peppy the Clown in the Arcade game (10 cents to play it). I loved the Whip the best and the spook house. And I caught a ring on the carousel once...I loved Eldridge Park. Sure do miss those good ole days....

09-07-05 Colleen Bachert Marlett, Greenfield IN - colleen.marlett@otis.com
HeardOfUs: Was looking for Rorick's Glen - I am from Elmira
Rating: Superb

I remember going there with my brothers and sister, my brothers taking me on the roller coaster and, well, loosing my cookies. But, I always had the cotton candy.

09-01-05 Thomas W. Burhyte, Horseheads - Tburhyte@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: I am a volunteer at Eldridge Park Carousel
Rating: Superb

I check the Guest Book at least once a week and I see people that I used to know or their children have entered something that brings back memories of Eldridge Park as it was back in Twenties thru the late Eighties. So Jim Rice, who worked with me for Bob Long and the Randall family at Eldridge, and I , decided to make a list of everyone we knew way back then. These are people that we had direct contact with daily or worked for. I know there are a lot of people you will recognize and some maybe you won't. We hope that you will enjoy going thru this list of names, for these were the truly the good old days at Eldridge Park in Elmira, N.Y. To see the list, click here.

08-30-05 Gary L. Holland, Dade City FL - gbholl717@cs.com
HeardOfUs: My sister still lives in Elmira and I used to.
Rating: Superb

I was surpised by my mother when I had my 16th birthday. She had all my friends meet over there and we had a picnic on the grounds. I remember there was a mucky ditch next to the roller coaster and one of the girls in our group fell in it. What a mess. We did have alot of good times at Eldridge Park. I liked the bumper cars and the merry-go-round. Boy, the pictures really take me back to those good years. Thanks

08-29-05 Elizabeth Dayne, Alameda CA- bdayne@firstam.com
HeardOfUs: Parents
Rating: Excellent

08-28-05 Gloria LaLonde, The Heights - gbuttrflkisses6@juno.com
HeardOfUs: advertisement
Rating: Superb

Eldridge Park is a place I recall my parents taking us to many times while growing up. We loved going there. I especially loved the carousel. I can remember the shows they had there. I can recall monkeys putting on a show. I think I loved that one the most. I always dreamed of Eldridge coming back. Thank You so much for all of your hard work. I can't wait to see the new the carousel.

08-26-05 Penny Golden, Horseheads - pphillips3@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: family
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

My grandparents who are Rocelia & Harold Empet met at the Merry-Go-Round. My grandfather gave my grandmother a ring from the Merry-Go-Round. And when My grandmother passed away my husband had a ring from there and made a little saying and put the ring with it and now it is with her. So that way my grandfather can be there too. And us as a family, I remember going there for a firemen's outing, then going and riding the train and the whip and the merry-go-round. We had a lot of fun. And as a family we put a star up in my grandparents' name.

08-25-05 Bonnie & Craig Seymour, Elmira Heights - cseymour5@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: bought a star
Rating: Superb

Hi! in 1937-38, my father, Harold Empet, worked at the park on the Roller Coaster and the Carousel. in 1938 he proposed to my mother, Rocelia Durham. on the Merry-Go-Round with the brass ring. He fed the rings in the slots, and made sure she got the brass ring. That was the beginning ofover 60 years of marriage. They brought my sister, Sue Corey) and myself, Bonnie Seymour, to the park often, as we did our children. My husband and I continued going till the day they closed. Ihave a pole from the carousel and gave it to my dad and mom on one of their anniversaries. Now they are gone, Ikept the pole. Thank you for bringing it back. A lot of memories.

08-14-05 Milton Adams, Horseheads - madams1@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: from my dentist
Rating: Superb

Regular Saturday night. Several carloads raced to Elmira to skate at the Grotto. From there to Eldridge until in closed. Great memories.

08-08-05 Sherry Simbaliski, Des Moines IA - sherrryssgs@aol.com
HeardOfUs: aunt sent me newspaper article
Rating: Superb

My dad was from the Heights and we went up there regularly to visit our family! The nights at Eldridge Park were some of my best childhood memories! I still have a brass ring that I was lucky enough to "catch" that i carry daily on my key ring! I'll be back next summer and I cant WAIT to come back up to Eldridge Park!

08-05-05 Sam Piegdon, Elmira - pjpieg1@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Garnet Lyon is my best friend
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I just want to say that you guys are doing a great job.

08-04-05 Cheri Burbage Roberts, Big Pond PA - iluvsnow3@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: A friend in Florida sent me this site
Rating: Excellent

I can remember my mom taking all 6 of us kids to Eldridge Park. I loved the Whip, the Merry-go-Round and especially the Spooks House!! I remember my brothers talking me into going on the roller coaster ONCE and I was scared to death, I have never ridden one since!! In later years I went to Eldridge for company picnics. It was always a good time there. Its memories will forever warm my heart!

08-03-05 Laurie, Knoxville PA - fiveboyers@msn.com
HeardOfUs: Internet
Rating: Superb

Eldridge Park was not too far from home - around an hour drive. I remember family picnics, the photo booth, the free shows you would be able to watch on stage, the carousel and the wooden rollercoaster, that you better hang onto because you would come out of your seat when you went down the hill. Wish we had a park around here again..........

08-03-05 Sylvia Skolny, Port Orange FL - sskolny@cfl.rr.com
HeardOfUs: I was raised in Waverly NY
Rating: Superb

I spent many hours at Eldridge Park while I was growing up. I remember the talent shows they had. My brother, Ed, was a young teenager and he and his "band" won one week. the following week they lost to a man who sang "the Lords Prayer". It was an emotional time.

08-03-05 Gerald W. Hardiman, Ocala FL - ghardiman@earthlink.net
HeardOfUs: By chance on the Star Gazette page
Rating: Excellent

Used to work at the soda and ice cream concession stand in the sumer of 1940. Lived next door to the Bittlers who operated the roller coaster at the park. It was a good place to go in the summer and the movies, tho old, were free.

08-01- 05 Brenda Ames Michaels, Simpsonville SC - Bedah@charter.net
HeardOfUs: From my sister, Robin
Rating: Superb

First of all, thank you SO much for this website! Going to Eldridge Park was a big deal when I was a kid! I used to love the scrambler, the whip, cups and saucers and of course, the merry-go-round! The Speedway is the only roller coaster I have ever been on! My sister reminded me of this fact when she sent me the link to this site! As I look at the pictures and see how small it really was, compared to the coasters of today,I can't believe that I was afraid to go on it! I will always remember the fun I had here. I am also very happy that I was able to share it with my daughter before it was torn down. She doesn't remember much about how it was.

Last summer, my husband and I took a walk through the park with her. We told her about the rides that used to be there. It was fun, but sad at the same time. Anyway, thanks again and good luck with the preservation.

Great job on this web page and in the park rebuilding. I know they are putting up a new sign entering the park near Robinson Lumber. I'd love to see a pic of the old one that I remember growing up. Does anyone have one? I'm sure a lot of us who remember the way it was would enjoy seeing it.

07-31-05 Cindy Melbie, Austin TX - cjmelbie@texas.net
HeardOfUs: From a relative
Rating: Excellent

Too numerous to cite here. But, mostly the Airplane ride as it flew you over the lake, the Haunted House, Bumper Cars, food, prizes, summer-time musicals and dramas on the stage and, of course, the Carousel and catching the brass ring! How sad, when I was in Elmira September '04, to see it all dead and gone! What a shame! I'll carry those memories with me forever! Thanks for your website. It's great.

I really miss the old park. I still take my kids when I go every year for vacation. My daughter went fishing in the bottomless pond this year for the first time. That was scary. My best memory was of having my high school graduation party there in 1984. We had a great time. My Mom was also the Queen at the beauty pagent many years ago. She still looks great. (Maxine Thurston/Palmer)

07-30-05 Judy Stevens, Lakeland FL- JudyAs48@aol.com
HeardOfUs: friend
Rating: Superb

I remenber when I was a child my parents would pack a lunch and we would spend Saturday afternoons there. Trying to get the brass ring was a biggy then. Eldridge park was always a grand memory because it was the place for spending quality family time.

I am not a native of Elmira or this area. But I grew up in Willow Grove PA. At that time there was a great park, called Willow Grove Park. I have many fond memories of that park, which was much larger than Eldridge. Part of that park was torn down in the Sixties to build, at that time, the largest bowling alley in the world. Later that also was torn down to build a shopping mall area and the rest of the park was torn down then. I think any of us that grew up with parks like that will always remember the fun we had there. I am looking forward to seeing the Merry-Go-Round when it starts to run again.

I haven't taken the time yet to read the guestbook, but I think my favorite memory of Eldridge Park is the myth of the bottomless lake. I sure hope that allusion still exists!

And, is there some beast - never caught - living in the lake still? I certainly hope he has not been captured yet. . .

Cheers to those Elmirans working to preserve the memories. Thank you for the wonderful site.

We watched the show the other night and it brought back so many wonderful memories, that we wanted to donate a little towards your goal.

Yes, I have very fond memories of Eldridge Park growing up in the Fifties. Every summer we had our Blauvelt family reunion there. The picnic area was always beautiful. I remember the knolls of beautiful green grass and the coolness under the pavillions. We didn't get to come to the park often, being from the Aayre area. It was along way back then. I always loved the talent shows. As a child I loved horses and not owning one, the carosuel was very special to me. I never caught a brass ring. I don't remember Jasper, but I remember always having fun at Eldridge Park. I also remember Fraley's Park in Waverly and Skyline Park.

I loved going to the park riding all the rides, especially the Airplanes (flying over the lake) and the Carousel and, on the 4th of July, watching the fireworks.

07-29-05 Donald Thomas, Stuart FL - donald-thomas@webtv.net

Hello from sunny Florida. My word, what a fantastic web site! My fondest memory of Eldridge Park was the day I was able to reach out on that magnificent merry go round and snatch the brass ring. For years I could not reach it, but when i finally did, I was the happiest kid in the world. I really liked the airplanes that flew out over the water and skimmed the tree tops. Many, many fond memories that for some crazy reason I've never forgotten.

Thanks for this web site, it brings back the 60's and early 70's for me. i now reside in Stuart FL and must tell you we have nothing as precious as Eldridge Park. Nor in my 20 years here have we ever.

07-29-05 Maria Shimer - Rea@stny.rr.com

I remember taking my little brother to Eldridge Park when he was 5. My sister and I wanted him to go on the roller coaster, but he wouldn't go. Finally after a lot of coaxing, we got him on, near the front sitting between the two of us. We insisted that he keep his eyes on the flag at the top of the first big hill. He was quite nervous, but loved it and wanted to go on again and again after that first ride!

Eldridge Park was the best get together place I remember! My friends and I would go there to ride the Merry-Go-Round and Roller Coaster over and over again!! I still have a couple brass rings from the Merry-Go-Round!!! We even road the horses before going to our Senior Prom!!!!! I miss those days!!!!

Looking forward to seeing the park alive again!!

07-28-05 Blair Bollow, Lancaster PA - bbollow@aol.com

I remember Police Safety Patrol day at the park when the rides were free and 30 or so bicycles were given away from the stage where the movies were shown. This was the biggest crowd I had seen to that date anyplace. While my father was in service during WW II, my mother would pack us kids into the car and we would park in front of the whip, or nearby, and watch the people walk by. I remember Jeff, the policeman who always seemed to be on duty.

A big disappointment would occur when there was a train at the crossing, prohibiting us from getting to the park. Many times we had to return home without entering the park because it was now past our bedtime.

We lived across the street from the Randalls, who operated the Merry-go-round. Everyday during the summer, we watched as they drove off in Mr's truck to go to work. I remember how much work they put into the ride such as polishing the brass. Phil and Dave operated the ring slide, while Mrs. sold tickets.

The high wire acts were always a thrill, especially the high diver who ended up in a small water tank below.

It's hard to believe Eldridge Park has gone the way of The Langdon Home and Rorick's Glen long house. Elmiran's had better recognize Dunn Field, downtown Elmira and the many other important traditions.

Congrats to the people involved in the Carousel. May others follow.....

07-28-05 Rose Criss - rcriss@stny.rr.com - I just watched the documentary on the carousel. I was reading about all the people they were thanking. My dad, Mike Hartford was one - he worked for Dimon and Bacorn and went to get some pieces for the carousel. He passed awaay on January 19 of this year. Thanks for making him a part of it.

07-28-05 Walter W Steiner, Jr, Pine City - wajean@infoblvd.net
HeardOfUs: Radio,TV,Newspaper
Rating: Excellent

Many fond memories, till it was invaded by the unwashed youth of the 60s.

07-28-05 Dave & Nancy Johnson, Corning - djohnso1@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: TV & Newspapers
Rating: Superb

We are both life long residents of Corning. As little kids in the 50's we can remember our parents taking us to the park to ride the rides. Our fondest memories are of the Carousel, and trying to get that elusive brass ring to get a free ride. We can also recall the "spooks" house, bumper cars, Dragon boat, rollercoster, band stand, etc. What great fun.

07-28-05 Charles E. "Chip" Coleman, Horseheads- whatayear1955@yahoo.com
Rating: Superb

I remember back in the late fifties or early sixties, my dad and mom would take us to the park. We each got a dollar and man, you could ride all of the rides in the park and have money left over for cotton candy or skee ball. Of the merry-go-round my outstanding memories are of the kid who would sit in the rigging of the ring dispenser and pour in boxes of silver colored rings so everyone could get a ring. Hundreds of those rings were strewn all around the floor of the ride. It wasn't until I was older and it became LIGHT THE LIGHTS that I ever managed to get my first BRASS ring. What great times those were. I believe that my daughter may have been one of the last to ride the merry-go-round in 1987 or 1988. I'm so glad that she got to experience it before it was sold. Keep up the great work! I look forward to the day when it will be open once again!

07-26-05 Lydia (Tengstrand) Brennan, Mansfield PA - brenn16@ptd.net
HeardOfUs: Star-Gazette
Rating: Superb

I used to love going to the park in the 60's - riding the rides and hearing the stories about my grandfather's band (Curley Johnson) playing in the dance hall. I worked at the park during that short time it was open during the 80's and loved it then too!

07-26-05 Jo Ann Whiteman Mayes, Smyrna GA - a46geema@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: sister
Rating: Superb

1959 Thomas K Beecher Science Club party(Mr Willis) we were given paper bracelets for free rides. To this day it has been the most rides I have ever been on. I also remember seeing the movies there and the talent shows.

07-25-05 Gail Pratt Clymo, Painted Post NY - 1tweety@lightlink.com

Picture this, You are 9 months pregnant and you are watching your mom, son, and a friend on the carousel when all of a sudden you feel this pain. You think, oh no, it isn't now. You make the motion to your mom that you are going for a walk. Your idea isn't for a walk, it's for the policeman you saw upon entering the park. You don't say anything to anyone, you stop for dinner on the way home. After you get home, you call your mom to your room and say your labor started at the park. So my memory was going into labor at the Eldridge Park Carousel.

All my other memories of the carousel are when I was younger and I would wish I could get one of those brass rings for a free ride. Of course, I never did get one. My mom did a few times but always gave it to someone else who couldn't afford to ride the beautiful horses.

I can't wait to see the carousel back in motion and my grandchildren enjoying the horses and growing up to maybe get that brass ring that always evaded my grasp.

Thank you for refurbishing the grand carousel of Eldridge Park.

07-25-05 Gary L. Sekella, Lake Forest CA - GLSekella03@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Grew up in Eldridge Park - Lived at 3331/2 East Center Street - 6 blocks away!!!
Rating: Superb

07-24-05 Dusty Williams - krikaley@ptd.net

Dear Memories: I cannot believe someone sent me this! Memories aren't the half of it!!! My Father worked at The I.R. in Athens, Pa. & each summer, would give tickets to all their workers & their familes & we'd have a wonderful picnic on that particular summer day...way back then!

I'm a 56 year-old grandma, now. But, going to Eldridge Park was one of the greatest hi-lites of my whole young world. LOVED everything about the place! Sights! Smells! Sounds! Being the oldest of my siblings, I always was appointed by Mom & Dad to "watch your brother & sisters" while at Kiddy-Land on the rides.

But, my favorite ride was that great Merry-Go-Round with the horses, lions, tigers & you name it!!! A horse-lover, even still, I can remember climbing up on one of those mythical steeds with whinny permanently etched in its wide opened mouth & just ride the day away! And, you couldn't beat the music! I'd pretend I was everything from a cowgirl to the queen of a foreign land somewhere, far away!

In later years, while riding in the boat that rode the waves of the large pond in the park, it was there, that a fine young man told me that he loved me... for the very first time.

And, so, I will totally enjoy this Website & much success to you!

07-24-05 Penny Piston, San Francisco CA - Penny@PennyPiston.Com
HeardOfUs: My Sister, Tina Freas, emailed the link
Rating: Excellent

Wow! I moved away 23 years ago (at 17) to see the world. That I have done, but some of my most wonderful memories are right there at that park. I remember being so afraid of those planes that flew over the lake. I was never brave enough to go on them for fear of falling into the lake. My Mother always told us that the lake had no bottom! I was terrified!

My favorite thing about the Park? Well that would have to be the fries with vinegar. By the way, people in California think that is disgusting.

07-24-05 Gayle (Whiteman) Cook, Dahlonega GA - edgaylecook@earthlink.net
HeardOfUs: reading Star-Gazette on net
Rating: Superb

Thanks for a great site that has brought back so many wonderful memories. I was raised on Sullivan St. in Elmira (EFA class of 1955). As a child I loved the monkeys in the big circular cage in the middle of the park. I would stay there and watch them for hours. I loved riding the boat but hesitated to put my hand in the water for fear something would get hold of it. As I got older my cousin Gail (McDonald)Watts and I spent many evenings riding the bumper cars and trying for the brass ring on the Merry Go Round. I can still imagine the sounds of the roller coaster going up the first incline. I hated to hear that the park had closed and am so happy to hear of any efforts to restore it.
Thanks for the memories.

07-24-05 Phyllis Dunbar Mitchell, Savannah GA - jsmitchell1@worldnet.att.net
HeardOfUs: Elmira Star-Gazette Internet
Rating: Superb

It was a big treat for me to go to Eldridge Park when I was a child. My favorite ride was the carousel and the whip. I cannot count the times collecting the rings hoping to get the brass one. I still had one of these up until the time we moved from Horseheads to Savannah in 1979. Thank you for this website and all of the wonderful moments of nostalgia. It is wonderful to think that future generations may be able to experience choosing the right horse and share what we had. Thank You!!

07-24-05 LeVon Roblyer Ketter, Mosherville PA - levket@npacc.net
HeardOfUs: StarGazette
Rating: Superb

My first memory of Eldridge Park was celebrating my 5th Birthday there with family friends, Bob and Norma Phillips. Later our "End-of-the-year" Mosherville Elementary School bus trips were so exciting. Going to the big city to spend the evening at the Park was something we all looked forward to for the whole year. One time Ray Kerr and I missed the bus that would take us back home. We were scared to death to be left in the "City". We walked to the house of relatives of his on Lake Street and called our parents to come get us. We were sure we'd be grounded for months!

Thank you for all the hard work to get this carousel and hopefully the park too reopened someday.

07-24-05 Judy Owlett Cruttenden, Middlebury Center - tigger@quik.com
HeardOfUs: Elmira Star-Gazette
Rating: Superb

I celebrated my birthday there nearly every year with family and friends when I was young

07-24-05 Kathy Harris, Waverly - KHarris530@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Sister Gail sent it
Rating: Excellent

Many memories of Eldridge Park...SCARED TO DEATH OF THAT "SPOOK HOUSE"! The rest of the park was a JOY.

When we would visit my GREAT GRANDMOTHER MORTON on Sunday's, we would sometimes go to the park. And oh, yes, the stories of the bottomless lake, and what lurked in its belly.

As far as the favoite ride..I'll take the Merry-Go-Round. Never had much luck in getting that BRASS RING. Someone in front of me always got it. I think it was my oldest brother. The bumper cars were off limits, cause I was too young. And I was too big for the kiddiland rides.

Loved the games...the ducks with the numbers on them was a favorite. They floated by on water.

Enjoyed taking my little sister there....she just loved the KiddieLand rides. Glad she remembers and told me about this great site.

Oh, Happy Days!

07-24-05 Charles "Dick" and Nancy Evans, Elmira - nkcdevans@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Dr. Lyon
Rating: Superb

Nancy and I had many dates in high school which included Eldridge Park. Graduated from EFA in 1955 and remember the carousel, the brass ring, the ske-ball and bumper cars. Back then it was a good place for a date that didn't cost a lot of money. My father knew Bob Long which made riding the carousel fun.

As youngster, my family would go to Eldridge Park on the weekends to see the stage shows and before I was tall enough to grab for the brass ring. I continued the practice with my two sons Jim and David.

07-24-05 Bob Comfort, Elmira - rdino292@AOL.COM
HeardOfUs: Newspaper
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

i worked for Mr. Long for 25 years.

07-24-05 Kathy McCall Morse, Attica - keukadew@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: website for Star-Gazette
Rating: Superb

What memories. I loved the whip and the merry go round. I have a photograph of the carousel that I purchased a few years ago at a craft show at Letchworth Park. Also remember the stage shows. Especially remember a show with a hypnotist.

07-24-05 Jeannie Parrillo, Horseheads - dbparrillo@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Elmira Star-Gazette
Rating: Superb

Eldridge Park was the only park to go to when I was young. The entrance to the park, going through the tunnel, would always delight me because of the excitement that awaited me on the other side of the tunnel. A spectacular park - the intoxicating smell of french fries and cotton candy. The thrill of riding the Roller Coaster and hearing the screaming of people as the reached the top of, what I thought, was the largest structure in the world. Then rushing to get in line to go into the scarey Spooks House.

The wonderful music that could be heard through out the park from the amazing Carousel. The beautiful horses, lights and, of course, the challenge of getting the brass ring without falling out on the sidewalk. Eldridge Park was the best summer adventure any child could ever ask for. Those summer days were the best! I'll never forget the best summers of my childhood.

07-24-05 Michele (Walsh) McDonald, Richmond VA - shlbeemcd@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Star-Gazette Website
Rating: Excellent

Reading the guestbook, each and every one of you brought back some memories that i had forgotten! Growing up in the 60's and living in Bentley Creek, Pa., we didn't have a lot of money and to my parents, it was almost a "day trip" to Elmira. But, when we did go to Eldridge Park, it was a wonderful day. Going on the sailplanes over that "bottomless" lake where the monster lived, was pretty scary. But, you had to go on it, and be brave. I sweated everytime over that water! I think this is where I had my first vinegar french fries, which were wonderful. I do remember when we used to save soda bottle lids and when we had so many, we got in free or at a reduced price.

Thankyou for a wonderful website!!!

I helped my father "Red" Cleary run the outing for Moore Business Forms every summer for many years. My boyfriend at that time (my husband of 50 years now) Rod Norgren and I would be enlisted to help a few hours, but that was well worth it because our food was free as were unlimited tickets to the carousel and the bumper cars.

07-24-05 Martha Viele, Clearwater FL - flakefromfla@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Star Gazette item
Rating: Superb

I went there a lot with a friend when I was a teen ager and loved the merry-go-round best of all. Then when my daughters were 13 and 11, we spent a lot of time there - they liked the movies and the rides and the french fries with malt vinegar. Then one year when my grand-daughter was here on a visit, I took her to the park. That was in the 80's and there wasn't much going on. We plan on coming to Elmira next summer and hope the park is open again.

07-22-05 Terrie Golden - terrybus54@stny.rr.com

My grandmother used to run The Whip - Evelyn Bauman. What a great time we had at the park. I remember the animal acts and the rides, but most of all just the home town fun feeling that we all experienced. What a great place to visit.

07-21-05 Della Ann Harris Giovanni, Jacksonville FL - gobuffalo@comcast.net
HeardOfUs: Sister Joann
Rating: Superb

There's no place like home!!! Eldridge Park was like our home away from home. We had family reunions at the Pavillions, my mother entered my sister and I in the talent shows, the roller coaster rides will always be unforgettable.

I remember my first time ever on a ferris wheel was at Eldridge on a school field trip with Kevin Long. My father, Delbert, was a truck driver, so whenever he was home, our family time was as Eldridge Park. We would spend time going down the midway playing the games, getting cotton candy. We used to sit on the trunk of the car to see the fireworks displays. I even have a picture as a toddler being at Eldridge Park.

To me, it was the funnest part, getting the brass ring on the carousel. I remember getting one and giving it to my young cousin whom I was babysitting at the time, so she could have a memory of our time together. I am looking forward to the grand re-opening, my family will be gathering again as a family reunion for old times sake!!! Bringing our next generations with us so they too can make memories at Eldridge park. It was the hangout for kids as we got older, and a safe place to go.

Thank you to everyone on the resoration committee for bringing the park back to us. When I shared with my teenagers the story of the brass ring, they've never rode a carousel with a brass ring, they looked at me like I was strange. I can't wait for them to experience the carousel at Eldridge Park! I pray that you can bring families back together to spend family time, as you did in year's past.

07-20-05 Chuck Pribulick, Eldersburg MD - Janyoyoman@Yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Lived in Elmira & from my sister
Rating: Superb

Spent many, many, many, days & nights at Eldridge. Eating the french fries with vinegar on them, playing skeetball, riding the roller coaster, watching fireworks and softballs games, family get togethers and so much more. I do miss it.

07-19-05 Scott Stanbro, Elmira - scott_stanbro@msn.com
HeardOfUs: just by surfing
Rating: Superb

My favorite ride when I was little were the little cars on the track that went over the little bridge. I would ride those all day if I could! I thought I was really stearing! Long After the roller coster was shut down, my buddy and I walked the entire track in the middle of winter. This was probably the dumbest thing i have ever done!

07-17-05 Jeffrey P Bell, Painted Post NY - jpbnuangel@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: TV
Rating: Superb

I worked at the unmentioned Miniature Golf course located on the northside of the former park. From the booth I can see the stage to my right, food stands straight ahead along with the large flower bed I help weed and maintain with the direction of E. Gene Callihan, the man who got me the position.

To my left, the Kiddieland, the train, the east loop of the rollercoaster, the roof of the carousel. I helped maintain the golf course, water and weed the surrounding flowerbeds there, and I remember officer Bill Catlin who patrolled the park at night, he would stop and chat awhile.

I always dreamed of buying one of the last buildings to go by the tracks, and turn it into a 50's era restaraunt, but I was too late.

Thank you Eldridge Park, Mr. Long, Mr. Bittler, Mr. Blim, and of course Gene Callihan, I'll see you all someday again..

07-16-05 Terry (Sherwood) Menzies, Niagara Falls ON - terriemenzies@hotmail.com

Wow, what a trip down memory lane. I stumbled on this reminiscant site while looking for info for the Star Gazette...

I stayed up hours, reading and going back to my days on the merry-go-round and leisurely strolls throught the park with my Mom and Dad. Growing up in the 60's with places like Eldridge Park, Joycrest skating rink, Lovell's soda shop, makes me truly grateful to have experienced childhood in that era and to be blessed with so many fine memories. If we could only go back in time and share this with our kids and grandkids, (what a joy it would be).

Thanks for the memories.

My favorite memory. Was harassed to ride the roller coaster, finally
agreed. ended up staying on, & staying on, & staying on....

Thanks for the memories. What a nice warm blast of nostalgia your site provides. It was such a pleasure to sit and read all the reminiscant recalls of days gone by. The fondest memory I have is.... what a hero my Dad was to me when he'd catch the brass ring and my mom sat and watched for my smile and a wave as we'd go round and round. I loved the leisurely strolls on a warm summer evening at the park with my Mom and Dad. We'd end the evening with a sugar waffle and a drive around the lake. Eldridge park, Joycrest skating rink and Lovell's soda fountain provided great years of family memories for so many. What a blessing to have grown up in that era. "Those were (truly) the days. Thanks for sharing.

07-15-05 Mary Ann Clark, Arnot PA - MaryAnn.Clark@acpmfg.com

I remember many a Sunday afternoon spent at Eldridge Park; making my poor mom go on the big whip and roller coaster because I was to small to go alone. Since I was an only child she always got dragged onto the big rides. I can still remember riding the Little Whip, and when I would come around to where my mom was standing I would slap her hand. My mom has been gone now for many years but I can still feel her hand as I go around on the Whip. Later in life (summer 1974) my boyfriend now husband of 29 years took me there for the A&P Company picnic. In 1976 when I worked for Citizens & Northern Bank in Wellsboro we had our bank picnic at Eldrige. Eldridge was always a great little amusement park. I was really surprised when we moved back home from Texas to find out the park had closed. I would have liked to have been able to share the park with my kids and now the grandchildren. The fond memories I have for Eldridge Park have lasted me a lifetime

I really don't remember the park - just what my parents told me. Every year I go there when we have the carnival. I am a parent now and I think it is good that they are bringing the carousel back.... Although I wish it could be more. Kids these days need a place to go just to hang out and have fun and maybe then they will stay out of trouble. I hate to travel just to take my kid to an amusement park. It would be nice to have one in this town.

I have very fond memories of going to Eldridge Park as a kid and as a young adult. I have often told my son about the park. i wish something like that was around now for our children to enjoy.

I worked for Ralph Randall in the cotton candy booth and on Jasper. Barney, I used to call him. A better man I have never known. Taught me more about mechanics and life in general than anybody. Ruth was a sweetheart, she taught me to run the cotton candy machine. So many stories it would take forever to tell them all. Also worked for Bob Long on the Merry-Go-Round. Many fond memories of the Park. You are doing wonderful work and it is important work to preserve the parks history. Thank you. Keep up the good work.

Was able to visit the Park this summer. Talked to Tom! Was good to see the progress.

07-10-05 Sharon Decker (Barnett) (Brewer), Horseheads - rdecker16@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: friend
Rating: Superb

As a young teenager, I spent a lot of time there. As a 'regular', I was called upon to ride the Speedway when there weren't enough riders to make the hill. I vividly remember being stuck in the middle of the first incline on a misty day. But the merry-go-round had OLDER teenage boys as ring boys and operators. I learned how to get three rings at once and how to mount and dismount the moving carousel. I also received my first "real" kiss in the spook house - but that's another story!

07-10-05 Patti (Rouse) Sherfey, Snow Hill NC - bostonbird2005@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Star Gazette
Rating: Superb

Will they ever bring the park back for us who remember it so we can bring our children there to enjoy what we did growing up!a At least Harris Hill is still there and Mark Twain's study. My son loves to visit there when we are in Elmira because he comes home and tells everyone in Snow Hill that he visited Mark Twain's study and where he is buried. Great site. Keep up the great job!!!!!!!!

07-09-05 - Renee Waschezyn - Rwaschezyn@aol.com

I was born in the late '60's and grew up on W. Second Street and am the daughter of Howard and Pamela Landmesser. I remember Eldridge very well, especially the sail planes that we could drift way over the water. I did not see any pictures of those and would've liked to see them again. They were my Dad's favorite, along with the Ferris wheel.

The first and last time I went on a Ferris wheel was at Eldridge Park with my Dad. We got stuck parked right and my dad was rocking the thing back and forth going 'isn't this great'. I, being just a little tike did not enjoy the same humor and was scared senseless. Because of him scaring me half to death I have not been on a Ferris wheel since. I will never forget it.

I loved Eldridge especially the carousel where I spent a lot of time riding. The last time I saw the display of some of the horses, a man took a picture of me as the tears flowed. It was so beautiful to see a piece of my childhood alive again. My husband and I still frequent the park to fish and to fly my 6 foot kites, and I still love the park.

07-09-05 Elisabeth Fuller Mobbs, Park Ridge, Queensland, Australia - twomobbs1@optusnet.com.au
HeardOfUs: My son in USA E-mailed me
Rating: Superb

My dad and I MEASURED the Lake one winter when it was frozen. Picture in Star Gazette bout 1935 - 6. My dad was Jonas Fuller if any one remembers those ancient days! I remember the park WELL!!

07-09-05 Gary J Heuser, Virginia Beach - uncletiny58@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Judy Bradley, my sister
Rating: Superb

I grew up at Eldridge Park. I had a girl friend in high school and we used to go to the park to make out (lol). When I was younger we would spend our summers in the park. My oldest brother, Clark, used to play baseball at the park. My younger brother, Tracy, used to play softball there. We always had fun on the play ground, and we learned a lot from the people who would teach us - projects to do. We used to go to Joycrest Skating every Sat. i'm so happy you created this page. Keep up the good work on the Merry Go Round. Thank you.

07-08-05 Jeff Miller millers@mindspring.com

For many years the Dance Hall pictured was the workshop and storehouse for the Parks Dept. I worked for that department for many summers at Brand Park Pool and later with the Parks crew cutting grass and repairing. When I worked for the dept FT in the early 60s, we would fix the park's equipment during the winter months when we were not flooding skating rinks or clearing walkways of snow in the various public parks such as Wisner. We had a little room partitioned of in the dance hall with a pot belly stove for heat when we were painting or repairing playground equipment. .....It was colddddddddddddddd.

07-08-05 Lisa Golden, Elmira - lgolden@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: TV
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

Eldridge park was the only park we could get to for the rides there was nine in our family. It wasn't easy to come up with money for all of us to go. We would pack a picnic lunch and eat up at the tables, then come down and ride the rides and watch the free shows on stage.

07-04-05 Cindy DeFilippo Schiller, Venice FL- gramycindy@comcast.net
HeardOfUs: Mike Matuszak e-mailed me.
Rating: Excellent

I actually caught the gold ring from the carousel...it was great!!

07-03-05 Andrew Grover - rboone1@tampabay.rr.com

The Spooks House and the rollercoaster were great. I am in my early 30's and live in Florida, but will never forget it. Thank You!

07-03-05 Mike Matuszak Sr (TAE64), Jacksonville Beach FL - m_matuszak@msn.com
HeardOfUs: from my son
Rating: Excellent

Eldridge Park and the "merry-go-round" were part of growing up in Elmira Heights.

07-02-05 Jennifer Bush, Ashville NC - zen_violet@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Web Search
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I was born in Elmira, and lived in Horseheads until I was three years old. When sent to visit my Grandparents one of the highlights of my visit was always a trip to Eldridge Park to ride the carousel. My Grandfather loved to tell me about the history of the carousel as well as the park and would ride along beside me as I sat like a princess upon the hand carved horses being taken on the most memorable, magical ride in my memory. I remember fondly the year I was tall enough to reach for the brass ring, and the feeling of excitement when I finally caught one I could have stayed on the carousel forever. My first roller coaster ride was on the coaster at the park, once again with Grandpa at my side, and Grandma watching from the grass.

Unfortunately I remember when I found out that the carousel had been taken apart and the animals auctioned. I was heartbroken to hear that I wouldn't be able to put my children on the carousel, and faithfully retell the history as my Grandfather had with me. Luckily there are folks out there who want to bring that feeling to more children. I was very happy to read that the Preservation Society is restoring the Carousel. Thank You for the wonderful site where I can relive childhood memories, and perhaps create more for the future.

07-01-05 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Roberts, Pine City - rrobert5@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: News/Newspapers
Rating: Excellent

The thought of the merry go round coming back is a thrill to my husband and myself. We spent many a happy day at Eldridge Park. And now that we are Grandparents for the first time we are very excited to think that soon we will be able to take our Granddaughter for a ride on a very old memory! Thank you for all of the hard work that you are all doing.

06-30-05 William Joseph Brown, Elmira - downtownbillybrn@aol.com
HeardOfUs: I lived close to the park
Rating: Excellent

I won my first bicycle as a child at Eldridge Park about 1952. Now I'm a part of the reconstruction of the carosoul money wise and Dr. lyon is my wife's dentist. I have pictures of the park as it was once, lined with trees and heard stories of the dance hall on the north west hill by the tracks. Many nites spent at the park on the rides, and if I could, I would like to replace the dragon boat. I own two big boats now but that one was special to me. I rode the rollercoaster many times and have still got brass rings in my archives.

06-29-05 Debbie Kosloski, Elmira - debbiek8@juno.com
HeardOfUs: Newspaper and local businesses
Rating: Superb

My fondest memory is of my sixth grade class picnic that was held at Eldridge Park. It was such a grand day of celebration with my fellow classmates. We all enjoyed the rides and our picnic was held in the pavilion that was located on top of the knoll at the park. It was a beautiful sunny day and a good time was had by all!! To this day I often think of that great day in June.

Other wonderful memories are times that my sister took me to the park. She just loved to catch the brass ring; and she was good at it too! On other occasions, my mother also rode the carousel with me or watched me from the sidelines where I would laugh and wave to her as I went by! Those were definitely "the good old days"!! Memories like those are such keepsakes.

My Grandpa used to take us to the park to ride the merry go round. I could not wait untill I was big enough to try to get the brass ring. Great site.

06-26-05 Dawn Manoogian, Elmira - angeleyes33_3@msn.com
HeardOfUs: TV
Rating: Superb

I moved to Elmira in 1975 and remember going to Eldridge Park and riding all the rides. It was a fun place to go. It's great that the merry go round is coming back. Sure would like to see the park come back to life.

06-20-05 Cindy Sheldon, Beaver Dams - sindee46@htva.net

I have been watching on TV about the merry-go-round and my parents used to go there every year as Corning Glass used to have their family picnic there. I was always afraid to ride the planes out over the lake because everyone always said it was bottomless and really scared me.

I do have something that is original that belongs on the merry go round. I have a brass ring that when I finally did get it after riding it over and over I took the ring home with me so that next time we went back I could get my free ride, And time passed and I never got back and then I grew up and the park was gone. And I kept that brass ring in my jewerly box all these years and I would like to give it to you for when the merry go round runs again.
It has a special place in my heart, but it belongs on the merry go round, and I will always have my memories of that first time I got the brass ring.

06-20-05 Meara Smith, Elmira - geminimeara@aol.com
HeardOfUs: television commercial
Rating: Superb

I remember riding the carousel with my brother and sister. I always wanted to get the brass ring. I didn't even know what it was for but I wanted it. I never got it. I was still a young child when the rides were closed down.

06-19-05 Sandra Shakespeare, St. Petersburg FL - sandurham@msn.com
HeardOfUs: surfing for carousels
Rating: Superb

One glimpse into my life and anyone could see the joy the carousel has brought to me. I have ridden many throughout my life. From gentle farm animals to the exotic sea creatures they stir our imagination. Someday, I would love to own one of my very own to leave to my children and grand-children. These websites are wonderful and I thank you for sharing a part of yourself and your great talent. We live in such a throw away society and without a few that treasure life's fleeting moments, it would all be lost. Thank you for caring.

06-17- 05 Robert J. Hotaling, Baltimore
HeardOfUs: Google search
Ratiing: Superb

I have so many great memories. We would visit my G\grandparents for 2 weeks every summer. My Grandpa took my sister and me many, many times. It was around 1977 or 78 that I remember going and catching the brass ring. I kept it and told him about it later. He was mad but I wanted something to remember Eldridge. It is on my keyring.

I loved the coaster, the whip, flying the planes and best of all, the Merry-go-round. I can still see my Gramps on the bench seat waving at me everytime I went around.

He told me how he got in trouble for painting the horse statue (near the race track) like a zebra. I don't remember what year it was, probably the 30's.

Not to plug another park but my wife and I go to Kennywood in Pittsburgh almost every year. They have the Whip and the merry-go-round looks similar to the one in Eldridge. It was build in 1924. Often when I am tired, I will sit and watch it go round and feel like I am in Eldridge. I miss the simpler times.

Thank you for this site and working to restore the park. I look forward to coming up to Elmira soon.

06-15-05 Mary Lou Bauman - Circlekgirl@aol.com

I remember the Park, My Mother-in-law worked there for years. Her name was Evelyn Bauman, she sold tickets at the whip.I loved playing the Skeeter Ball and minature golf riding the carousel too.My mother-in-law lived until she was 89 years, she passed away in 1980.Bumpber cars were fun too.

06-15-05 Carolyn Buczkowski, Erin - cbuczkowski1012@aol.com
HeardOfUs: This site was emailed to us by relatives.
Rating: Superb

Some of my fondest memories of Eldridge Park was riding around the lake in Jasper. What ever happened to the boat. Also, riding on the Merry-go-round and attempting to catch a brass ring.

06-15-05 Al Affeldt, EFA 52 - aaffeldt@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: my daughter
Rating: Superb

I worked at the French Fry Stand (or the O'Leary's). I also worked for Al Weisenfluh at the games. He also owned the French Fry Stand after the O'Learys sold it. Sometimes he couldn't make up his mind to have work the games or the French Fry Stand. I had a hot sauce recipe that I made up to go with the clams. I worked there in the early Sixites when my kids were babies. My son worked for Al when he got old enough also. I can remember going there as a kid many, many times. We went cruisin' thru the park on Friday and Saturdaynites during the Fifties looking for girls. Lots of fun in those days.

06-13-05 Charlene Crand Murdock, Sarasota FL - char890@aol.com
HeardOfUs: from classsmates from Elmira
Rating: Superb

Yes, I spent many summers at the park when my parents ran Crans Park Drive Inn Ice Cream store just out side the park. Also my Great grandmother ran the park. I loved the games and the movies and the rides in the 60's.

06-13-05 Richard J. Butts, Flagstaff AZ - torahone@worldnet.att.net
HeardOfUs: My brother in Elmira
Rating: Excellent

06-10-05 Carroll Ann (Moffe) Lynch, Elmira - cajalynch@verizon.net
HeardOfUs: commercial
Rating: Superb

I have many fond memories of Eldridge Park. Although I was too young to enjoy the park in it's "Hey Day", it was just as magical in the 70's and 80's.
I remember my older brother taking me in the Haunted House for the first time and when the air blew on my legs at the end of the ride, it freaked me out.

I also remember the roller coaster. I rode on that for the first time and I was screaming "Mommy!" because I wanted off. I was 7 years old then and didn't ride another roller coaster again until I was about 14, and now I ride them any chance I get.

How about that plane ride? Every time that plane went over the lake I thought it would be my last ride, because I would fall into the "bottomless lake". As much as I disliked the Scrambler because I would always end up pushed against the side of the car and bruising my leg, I would love to have it back in the park.

The Whip Rocked! I'd like to have one more chance to catch the brass ring on the carousel. I was too little to reach it before.

One year I was allowed to have my birthday party there, instead of Harris Hill. I was so excited. I think it was the year I turned 8 and I took my 2 cousins and 2 friends. :-) I was saddened to find out the city of Elmira was taking all of the attractions away to build a "sports park". I think it would be wonderful to bring the park and rides back. I would love to show my children how much fun I had.

Thank you for this website and letting me re-live my childhood at Eldridge Park.

06-08-05 Mary Daddona Sullivan - MSullivanMooey1@aol.com

My dad ran a restaurant near the entrance of the park and the members of the acts (that performed at the park) would visit the bar after the park closed. A chimp came in with his owner and loved my poor little brother. We still tease him about the very sloppy kiss he was given. Dare Devil Bluffy was a friend and would spend time with us after every show. We never missed the movies and the show. That is how we spent our summers.

06-08-05 Arlene Daddona Liberatore, Elmira - parkview3@aol.com
HeardOfUs: TV
Rating: Super

The park was the place to go every summer. My parents owned Park View Tavern located at the south entrance of the park, so I lived at the park. Having 50 cents you could spend all day there going on all the rides and eating the best french fries with vinegar in the world. Every nite they showed movies or had some act to entertain whole families - all for free! Always spent most of the money riding the lion trying to catch the brass ring. My husband still has one of the brass rings on his key ring. Yes, the park is still one of my favorite childhood memories.

06-08-05 Mari Cayouette, Ft. Lauderdale FL - andymari@andyciprowebs.com
HeardOfUs: the internet
Rating: Excellent

I am a former resident of Elmira. Through my growing years of the 1940's &1950's, Eldridge park was the most fun place to go, in the summers.. to ride the merry-go-round and get that elusive brass ring,, and the roller coaster gave my stomach butterflies, especially the 1st drop... Those were the days.

06-07-05 Graham, Elmira - glmartin@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: news
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

My people i didn't live in the age of Eldridge but I must say there's no reason it shouldn't come back. This town is going to hell... and I think this is the thing to save it. We need to add color and happiness to this town to try and regain its respect. Our town needs this and we must pull togther to make it happen. Let this town be what it used to. Let it live.

06-06-05 John Sardo Jr. and Angie Sardo, Clearwater FL - angelsardo27@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: Bobby Sardo and Google.com
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

John: I ran the projection booth at Eldridge Park with Ernie Sardo and my father growing up.

Angie: I used to ride the merry go round and the whip all the time. I have the best memories of growing up at the park.

06-05-05 Tim Smith, Elmira - kustomgadget@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: Brian Williams Promo
Rating: Excellent

My favorite ride was the air planes. I could ride all day long. Remember Pepsi Day when you could trade bottle caps for ride tickets? It's hard to think all the old trees are gone and one of the finest parks in Elmira was reduced to a flat wasteland.

If the companies left in Elmira could sponsor one small ride or event the experience may be something our grandchildren would cherish and create a family place in the city again. Or we could pretend it's a golf course or hockey arena and our local government could pour profuse amounts of money into it.

06-02-05 Gerald Forsburg, Mt. Jackson VA - gerald_forsburg@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: web search
Rating: Superb

My mother's side of the family was from Elmira and we used to go to the park for family reunions. I loved it as a kid. Don't have particular memories except that it was always a fun time. I hope there are plans to re-open the park. It would be fun to visit with a new generation.

I was thrilled to find this Web site. I lived in Horseheads as a child from the time I was 3 years old until I was 8 years old (1964 - 1969). Some of my fondest memories are from Eldridge Park. My husband and I went to Eldridge Park in 2000, and I found a piece of wood I believe may have been from the old Roller Coaster. I have it at home in my shadow box. It was wonderful to show my 10 year old son and my husband the pictures of the coaster on your Web site. Thanks for the memories.

05-25-05 Mike Flaherty, Huntersville NC - mrf1713@msn.com
HeardOfUs: Classmate
Rating: Superb

05-24-05 Daryl Osgood, Daytona Beach FL - odtozzy@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: internet
Rating: Superb

05-24-05 Rich Schornstheimer, Life-long Elmiran - RichS@IDBOOTH.COM
HeardOfUs: Walter Booth
Rating: Superb

When I was growing up, Eldridge Park was the place to go. I will never forget going to the park and enjoying endless hours of entertainment. At the time my father was a union prsident at Moore Business Forms, I remember him taking us to the outings being held in the picnic area and just how crowded the park was with happy, smiling people having a good time. Anymore, you travel around Elmira and all you see is run down buildings and people with unhappy forwns on their faces. Elmira needs the carousel to come back - a place for people to go and have some fun without having to travel 2-3 hours and spend a month's salary just for a day at an amusement park. Keep up the good work - you're doing a great thing!

05-18-05 Barbara Penley, San Francisco area - sfobarbie@aol.com
HeardOfUs: my dad who grew up in Elmira
Rating: Superb

What a beautiful city Elmira is. People like to brag about the concrete jungles we have now. Elmira and Eldridge Park are what childhoods and nature should be. I hope to come back and visit soon.

05-17-08 Matthew R. DiPetta, Horseheads - mdipetta@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: Bob Lyon
Rating: Superb

Many fond family memories that are still talked about when we all get together. I wish my grandparents were still with us to see it evolving once again. Bring back the fireworks.

I participated in the Talent Shows, which were a great way to get a little extra stage training, although we knew that if there was a baton twirler, no one else stood a chance of winning! I became a professional dancer/singer and now perform, direct, choreograph, and teach in the NYC suburban area.

When I was in high school, I used to spend hours in the Steele Memorial Library reading all about Eldridge Park, from its days as a pleasure garden with a casino through its war era donations of the lions that used to stand at the gates to the present day. I still think there is a mermaid fountain at the bottom of the lake (formerly controlled by a switch in the casino), and someone should make a film documentary about the raising of the mermaid. I'd volunteer to work on it!

I remember a couple of DJs sitting on a swing trying to get into the Guinness Book of World Records, school picnics at the park, and later fending off amorous advances from a high school sweetheart while looking at the lake at night!

I remember when my father would take me in the spook house and on the roller coaster to teach me not to be afraid of anything.

The closest thing I've found to the Eldridge experience is at Rye Playland in Westchester County, where they still have a whip, a scrambler, a Charles Carmel carousel, and a museum that features one of the flying boats of the kind Eldridge used to have.

Thanks for this site.

05-16-05 Meghan Prunier, Elmira - mxpxchick127@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: Garnet Lyon II
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

My Aunt Colleen would take me there for the Farmer's Market and the view was awesome!! I can't wait to see the final product of the carousel !

05-12-05 Lisa Sindelar, Yardley PA - lisa.sindelar@dot.state.nj.us
HeardOfUs: surfing the net
Rating: Superb

My memories of Eldridge Park are so wonderful. I only wish that when I come to town for family visits my children could experiece the same fun and excitement that I did as a child. My favorite rides were the carousel and roller coaster. i will always remember Eldridge Park with smiles.

05-12-05 Jack and Ann Kay, Horseheads - annekay@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: friends -Jim and Zubie Rice
Rating: Superb

I remember riding the whip, rollercoaster, watching the movies at nite with my parents and siblings and having family picnics there and just walking around the park. It was a fun place to go to! My husband, Jack, worked at the park when he was a kid!

05-07-05 Jan Bowdish, Lake Wales FL
HeardOfUs: Internet
Rating: Superb

Oh, what memories your site has brought back to me. My first "driving" experience in the bumper cars. Catching the rings waiting to finally catch the elusive brass one. (think I might still have a few around somewhere) Soaring over the bottomless lake in the flying scooters. Unfortunately by the time my kids were old enough to enjoy Eldridge, it was falling into a state beyond repair. I, too, remember the stage shows and Jasper. Jasper was the only thing tame enough for my Mom to ride. The first coaster ride with my Dad cause he was the only one that would take me. Actually brings tears to my eyes, knowing that such a great place is now just memories and what kids today are missing out on with the demise of Eldridge Park.

And just a quick "Hello" to Dr. Brooks who delivered both my boys at Arnot.
Living in central Florida in the midst of all the super attractions here, still doesn't compare with my memories of Eldridge.

05-05-05 Mike George, Charlotte NC - mikamagic@worldnet.att.net
HeardOfUs: Email
Rating: Superb

Still visit the old Park when getting to Elmira once in awhile - what a wonderful place to spend my youth. Loved the merry go ground and the Whip and of course everything else. Saw where Bill Tryon (The world famous Princeton football player) is on your committee - he sold me my first life insurance policy.

Keep up the great work.

04-25-05 Joe Barnelby - jbarn@hotmail.com

Old Eldridgio. The ol' Ridge as we used to call it. Yes siree. I used to love going to the Ridge when I was a young lad of only 10. Oh the memories, the memories. It was great.

04-17-05 Lisa Wieland, Breesport
HeardOfUs: searching the web for things to do
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

My mother worked as a nurse's aide at the Arnot (then the Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital) and they always had their company picnics there which included tickets for the rides. I remember that rickety old roller coaster, the whip and the spooks house. My best friend and I got stuck in the spooks house once when we were about 10 or 11! It was hilarious! Anyway, great memories!

04-15-05 Charles Mochrie, Las Vegas - tigerlover1@earthlink.net
HeardOfUs: searching internet for Eldridge Park
Rating: Superb

My favorite memories are of the Company picnics at Eldrige Park when there were hills, trees and grass. I was SHOCKED to see what the city had done when I last visited. Eldridge Park and all that went with it from the wonderful french fries to the skeet ball room will forever warm my heart.

04-14-05 Joan Gush, Elmira - jogu444@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Was thinking about my childhood and looked for this website
Rating: Superb

Whenever my brother and I were good, this was our treat from Mom and Dad. Even though it may have been only a couple of hours, it seemed like we had spent the whole day going on the rides over and over again and feeding our faces all day long. If we were extra special, we would get to go at night. God, it was great and such a wonderful memory.

04-13-05 Judy (Seymour) Hunt, Pigeon Forge TN - LittleRed56@bellsouth.net
HeardOfUs: Mom owns M&M RED HOTS
Rating: Superb

I grew up in Elmira Heights and I loved going to Eldridge Park and especially the carousel!! I have a straw hat from the last hat day at the park, and a card that says I rode the carousel with Jim Miller-Go-Round for MDA at Eldridge Park 8/17-9/1 1986. I now live one mile from the main gate of Dollywood, in Tennessee.

Great web site, Thank You!!!

04-05-05 Peggy (Brown) Hambrick, Cumming GA - PeggyHambrick@adelphia.net
HeardOfUs: E-mail from former classmate
Rating: Excellent

We, (my siblings and I), were born in Elmira but moved to Montour Falls when I was 5 years old. We used to picnic at Eldridge, ride all the rides and eat all the "junk foods" that were so good (we didn't know they were bad for us at the time). Since our Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins still resided in Elmira, we visited often.

Class picnics were held there, family reunions, etc. As we became teen-agers, "Eldridge" was "THE" place to go in the warmer months - Joycrest in the winter. Meet with friends, play the games, ride the roller coaster, boat, train, bumper cars, even try to catch the brass ring, or just walk around. A wonderful place to grow up...sorry that we don't have more "quaint" Eldridge Parks for people to enjoy today.

Thank you Eldridge Park for so many, many cherished memories.

04-03-05 Hugh Warfle, Geneva - hwarfle@rochester.rr.com
HeardOfUs: found the web site
Rating: Superb

I was brought up in nearby Wellsboro Pa, and we did all our shopping in downtown Elmira, and my favorite was the Planter's Peanut Store. But if the trip was extended, we went to the amusement park - Eldridge Park.

Like many that have shared their memories of this park, my most pleasant ones are riding the carousel, trying to get the elusive brass ring. Like someone else commented, lucky we did not fall off, reaching way out.

My first boat ride was on the lake on Jasper, and oh, the roller coaster.

What a a great site.

When I moved from the area in the Fifties, I spent much time at Crystal Beach Park in Canada, which is also gone. The roller coaster was saved and is somewhere in New York State, and has been rebuilt.

04-02-05 Elaine (Underwood) Golden, HHS'56 - Burgaw, NC - dixiedancer38@aol.com
HeardOfUs: by chance
Rating: Superb

My fondest memory is of the Speedway. My mom and sister were afraid to ride it but my dad and I rode it every time we went to Eldridge. It was our special thing. Of course, we rode the other rides, too. I am so glad to see the merry-go-round being restored and look forward to 2006 when I will be in NY and will be sure to visit Eldridge.

03-23-05 Ronda, Chemung County - rsavey2000@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Raymond Kline
Rating: Superb

Yes. My dad worked for Tanner's building construction and we had a picnic there one year. I remember the rollercoaster! I was scared but I went on it! I was a little kid!

03-22-05 Berba-Lu, TAE61 - Oldsmar, FL - aprlady@yahoo.com
HeardfFUs: surfing
Rating: Superb

I too remember the roller coaster altho I never rode it. Too scared, but I did ride The Whip, the bumper cars, and, of course, the merry go round. Tried several times to get the elusive brass ring. Never did get it but had fun trying. And, of course, Jasper and the tales of it being a bottomless lake. Too bad those days are long gone but we have the memories. Plan on going to the park's location this spring when I will return after 30 years.

03-21-05 Allen C Fulmer, Southside - fulmer1949@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: a friend
Rating: Superb

03-20-05 Ro McNeil, Pennsylvania - Rokrazym@aol.com
HeardOfUs: cousin
Rating: Excellent

Having family reunions at the park.

03-20-05 Maryann, Murfreesboro TN - mareannie@yahoo.com
Rating: Excellent

I was an adult when we moved to Elmira, but I worked at the Arnot and we had our picnic there. It was great.

03-20-05 John Wolfe, Kernersville NC - jgwolfe@jgwolfelaw.com
HeardOfUs: a friend
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

There was nothing more dangerously exciting for me as a 10-year-old kid living in Elmira in the mid-fifties than to stand up, lean, stretch, and dern near fall off a horse trying to grab a ring...any ring... but oh, that elusive brass ring! I have absolutely wonderful memories of the carousel, the bumper cars, and all the amusements. I applaud your efforts.

03-19-05 Pat Hicks(Watkins) - Zephyr Hills FL - pattee1216@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Elmiran forwarded to my site
Rating: Superb

When I was in grade school, we had our yearly picnic at the end of the year at Eldridge Park and we all looked forward to all of the fun we would have there. Also, our family, when we would have the type of outing where they would come from all over the country to gather, would come to Eldridge. Many wonderful memories.

03-19-05 JoAnn Green, Elmira - arizkitten3@aol.com
HeardOfUs: sent to me in e-mail
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I remember the roller coaster, we use to get on rides with Pepsi caps people. were elbow to elbow walking the Midway, movies, stage acts. It's something I'll never forget and my children never had a chance to see . what a shame...

03-19-05 Jacqueline (Colburn) Reid, Lancaster CA - pumkin_2@msn.com
HeardOfUs: a classmate
Rating: Superb

Eldridge Park was my family's favorite fun area. As kids we always rode the ponies (I remember one Welsh pony I always like to ride). The Merry-Go-Round was a favorite too. We would have picnics in the picnic/playground area. I'm thrilled you are restoring at least a part of the park. I was so disappointed to see it in a state of disarray. I do have some pictures that were taken and will look for them.

03-19-05 Ray Kline, Winston-Salem NC - RKline8723@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Internet
Rating: Superb

Was very sad when I heard that the park was closing, so the return of the carousel is a positive in my book. It will give the kids in the area something to enjoy that us older people had, minus the rest of the park.

I guess the one thing that stands out in my mind about the park, as it's a sad time in my life, is the fact that my mother passsed away in the stage area of the park. At least I know that she was happy being she was at the park, a place the whole family enjoyed for years.

There was so much to do at thepark back then. It probably kept a lot of us kids out of trouble. The food tasted great. All the rides. the arcade. Miniture golf. picnic area. and the great shows put on in the stage area.

Thanks, Eldridge, for all the great times and fond memories.

03-16-05 Gwen MECUM Hunt, Templeton CA - Gwen@AmericanServiceCo.com
HeardOfUs: A school mate forwarded
Rating: Superb

Oh yes, the thrill for an Elmira Heights girl was to ride the carousel and try to catch the brass ring.....grew up in the Heights and went to Cohen School and TAE for a short while before moving to California around 1951. I loved the carousel so much I now have a black inside jumper horse in my living room that we bought at an antique auction- what a conversation piece - and all the grandkids have had their portraits taken atop him over the years.

03-16-05 Joy Carlyle, Tyrone NY - tobahanicsue@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: referral from Ron Kline (former classmate TAE)
Rating: Superb

The close for almost every date was a promenade of the park and vinegar french fries.

03-15-05 Rosemary Cacciotti Cummings, Irmo SC- rcummings1@sc.rr.com
HeardOfUs: someone sent website address
Rating: Excellent

As a child it was the center of amusement to me and my family in the summer time. Many hours were spent on the carousel trying to get that brass ring as we sail by the arm that held the rings. The many stories of the monster that lived in the lake kept many a kid from swimming in it. The new addition of the airplanes was exciting as the park did not too many new additions while I was growing up. It was a great city to gtow up in, a great park to be at.

03-14-05 Susan Moulton Witkowski, Wildwood MO - NxDoorGirl@AOL.com
HeardOfUs: My husband found the web site
Rating: Superb

Eldridge Park was one of the highlights of my summer. My brother Jeremy and I spent every summer with my grandparents in Elmira, NY. My grandparents were Doug and Helene Moulton of Kiwanis Road (my grandfather use to run the power plant in Horseheads.) My father grew up in Elmira and my mother is from Sayre, PA. We were so fortunate that my grandparents took us most every weekend we were with them.

Our favorite was the rollercoaster - - the first one for both of us. We were convinced it would collapse while the car climbed the first hill. The merry-go-round was a must -- how could you not try for the brass ring! I still have a white sailor's cap that says Eldridge Park. My daughter plays with it to this day and tolerates my stories of the good old days. I am 38 years old now and would love to bring my daughter back for a walk down memory lane.

03-14-05 Lisa Kerbein Dever, Goldsboro NC - ldever40@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Eldridge Carousel Search
Rating: Superb

I have both of the beautiful prints of the carousel and my husband had them professionally framed for me. They hang in our living room so I get to reminisce anytime I feel the urge.

As a child I spent many days at Eldridge with my family riding the rides, playing the games, and eating the food. We usually had family picnics there with aunts, uncles and cousins several times every summer. My sister 2 years older than I wouldn't ride the rollercoaster so I always had to find someone to go with me. My parents wouldn't let me ride it alone. Once she made me ride the cups 'n saucers with her - knowing I suffered from motion sickness. Need I say the result?

The carousel was always my favorite because I could pre-occupy my stomach with trying to catch the ring instead of the round and round motion of the ride. The bumper cars and spookshouse were about the only other rides that didn't just spin and make me sick. Regardless I'd beg to go there and beg to stay when it was time to go home. My mother loved to get a cone full of french fries and douse them with vinegar. The snow cones seemed to take care of my upset tummy.

I, too, recall the story of the bottomless Eldridge Lake and the sea monster that lived in the lake that came in from Seneca Lake. I can't wait to come up this summer for my nephew's graduation and come visit the carousel.

03-08-05 Jon Siverling, Lockport NY - jksiverling@powersystems.rockwell.com
HeardOfUs: Brent Barron at Hilliard
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I am working with Hilliard to supply the bearings in the drive system. It looks like we will be able to do it with Tom Makovitch at Kaman Industrial Technologies in Elmira.

I have no memories of the amusement park...I'm 32 and grew up in Albany, but as a native upstate New Yorker, things like this project are important to me. Projects like this are a catalyst to improving the general community.

03-05-05 Dan Rose, NYC - DanRoseMusic@AOL.COM
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

Your site brought tears to my eyes. I was born in Elmira in 1947 and lived in Hawthorn Court. I lived to go to Eldridge Park when I was young. Memories are too numerous to mention but your site begins to capture a lot of them.

02-27-05 Theron Andrews - Elmira & Largo FL - tman1945@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: From the Elmira Group Message Board
Rating: Superb

There's not much more that can be said. I also enjoyed the Fastpitch softball tourneys.

02-22-05 Robin Iller, Central Florida - Iller3257@cfl.rr.com
HeardOfUs: a friend
Rating: Superb

The wooden rollercoaster was the FIRST coaster I ever rode on! I was very scared at first but after the first dip I was hooked!

ahhhh Eldridge Park, what a great place :)

02-19-05 Margaret LaBarr, Athens PA

I remember going to the park from the valley with my parents and younger brother. I loved to ride the merry-go-round. I liked to try to grab the brass ring. I think I rode the rolla coster one time and turned white as a ghost. I am really glad that they are restoring the carousel. I wish they could bring back some of the other rides also. Like the whip, and the bumper cars. Also the arcade was a lot of fun .

02-13-05 Al Houghton, Chemung - emt2captal216@aol.com
HeardOfUs: computer
Rating: Excellent

I remember the hot peanuts. The free movies and talent contest. Boat ride, miniature golf course. But, what I remember the most is all of the times that my family had lunch at the park - almost every Sunday.

02-11-05 Linda MacAuslan, Gillett PA - Lmacauslan@aomc.org
HeardOfUs: Newspaper and ArnotGrams (Arnot Ogden newsletter for employees)
Rating: Superb

Our Elementary School always visited Eldridge Park for our year end School trip. It was the best day of the year. In 4th grade we delighted in bringing up the trip to Eldgridge Park. Our teacher would let us talk about the trip and we forgot the lessons. It was great to talk about the rides, especially the roller coaster.

02-05-05 Dayna (Moss) Schreckengost, Ithaca - moss@ithaca.edu

Hello and greetings from Ithaca. I was born and grew up in Elmira and my
family still lives there. I visit about once a month. I've lived in Ithaca
for about 7 years now.

I would just like to say how wonderful your site is. I sat there going
through all of the pictures and tears came to my eyes as I looked at
Eldridge park. I am 32 years old and remember going there as a child with
my folks or on church outings back in the 80's. What times those were!!

What I didn't see were any pictures of the picnic grounds....remember the
baseball fields and the "back entrance" where you drove in and saw the
statue of the horse? oh my gosh....those summer days, riding the roller
coaster, the dixie cups, the whip, the spookhouse... I also remember the
midway. The last time I was at Eldridge park was when they use to have a
farmers/flea market there in the early to mid 90's.

Thank you so much for giving me those good memories; it's funny actually,
how I came across your site.

I was having a bad moment of remembering highschool (EFA grad 1991) and
went looking for criminal records of former classmates that I am POSITIVE
are in prison or were at some point. They made some days of my high school
years just miserable. Anyway, I didn't find them, but I did find you and
what a nice surprise. I had no idea that there was restoration going on of
the carousel, it's funny too, because I collect miniature ones. I'm
guessing now that I must have had a yen for them because of my memories of the park. They're all in my curio cabinet downstairs.

Again, many thank you's. The pictures are great!

02-01-05 Mark Polovick, Elmira & Shrewbury PA - markpolovick@msn.com
HeardOfUs: found it on the web
Rating: Superb

My Dad's family grew up a block from Eldrige on Thurston. The home is still in the family. My Uncle worked on the Merry Go Round and the Bumper cars for years. I remember the stage and the talent show's, 60s and 70s and the shooting range with the 22's you couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with. We were lucky to have the greatest pleasures the world had to offer. Our children will never understand having 50 cents in your pocket and spending the day away from home at Eldrige with friends having simple and safe FUN. God bless you for your work. I will drive over and relive some memories next week when I am back in Elmira. I still go to soccer games behind the Roller Coaster. My heart will always be in Elmira.

01-24-05 George F. Sproul - BTCElec@msn.com

My big thing was the boat ride. What a nice little park it was. Big trip for me to go there at 6... Used to live in Watkins.

01-17-05 Judy Smith Mann, Elmira - klemjam1@msn.com

I spent many nights at Eldridge Park in the Fifties. I have many wonderful memories of it. I especially remember the waffles and the tangerine sherbert ice cream they had. I also remember in a building near the arcade there was a mechanical fortune teller in a glass case. You put your money in and out came your fortune.

12-27-04 Jim Griffing, Whitehall MI - yesterdaysgone@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: Browsing for the park
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I lived in Sayre, PA and Waverly, NY until leaving the area after graduation in '65. My family went there many times for picnic's with Stroehmann's Bakery where my dad was employed for 17 years. I have countless fond memories of the amusement park. It was so sad to return years later and find the park no longer in operation.

12-25-04 Sam Leonard, Sarasota, FL - samflhomes@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Member
Rating: Superb

I am happy to hear that you have got the American Girl pieces and will restore her.

12-05-04 Beverly Porter, Sarasota FL - Porterb44@aol.com

Originally from Elmira Heights, NY, I remember the park and the Merry-Go-Round and the rings I use to catch, a lot of the times the gold ring to get a free ride. What great memories. I used to work in one of the concession stands. What great times. Thank you for the page.

12-01-04 Evelyn(Morter) Westbrook, Piedmont AL - ehair7162@aol.com
HeardOfUs: My aunt
Rating: Superb

I went to Troy High School and we always went there at the end of the year courtesy of our school bus driver. I believe his name was Gene Gurnett. It was one of the most wonderful memories that I have of growing up. Reading all of the memories of others brings back all of my own. I especially remember the waffles and the roller coaster. Oh, yeah. the Merry Go Round and the brass ring was another one and Oh, yes, The Whip. Gee. So glad to find this site.

11-20-04 Judy (Lewis ) Kirch, Watertown - CrabLady@A-ZNET.COM
HeardOfUs: jeeves search site
Rating: Superb

My friends and I would walk down to the park almost every Fri. and Sat. night and hang around. I use to love to ride on the merry-go -round and the airplanes and go out over the water.

I enjoyed this site very much, Even saw some notes on here from folks I went to school with. Thanks for the memories !!

11-10-04 Tammy (Coe) Bretherick, Gainesville GA - tsb514@msn.com
HeardOfUs: Internet
Rating: Superb

My older brother and I looked forward at the end of every school year to that "special" day at Eldridge Park. I remember the Heights, Lincoln School, perogies on Fridays and the candy store! What wonderful childhood memories which included great times at the park, we couldn't wait for all the rides and fun times. Our family moved away in the early 70's but we still talk about Eldridge Park to this day! We are blessed!

10-05-04 Justin DeMember, Corning - DememberJ@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: I was searching for flood info for school
Rating: Superb

I used to go to the fishing competitions. then I got older and used to go there for the fire works and soccer games.

10-03-04 Bob in Hawaii, bob@td-p.com
HeardOfUs: Searching for Genealogy facts
Rating: Excellent

I can remember the weekends spent running around in the park. Riding the coaster and the whip, then bashing into friends on the bumper cars. Also the weekend dates, riding through the spooks house and playing skee ball. It is nice to see someone trying to bring a little of it back. Wish it was possible to bring the whole thing back. Would be something for our children to enjoy.

09-23-04 Lois Scherer - Burlington, VT - Babblingbrook2@aol.com
HeardOfUs: A new AOL shopping site
Rating: Superb

If Eldridge is in the town near Syracuse, NY I spent over 13 years of my life there. I was born on LI and every weekend rode the PTC on Coney Island. At least I think it was a PTC since I was younger than 5. Now I have a wonderful painting called Evening Ride by Bob Byerley that is fantastic as well as a 1/3 size jumper which is all I can afford in these wonderful times. What is the cost of a horse like I think the name was Sugar Candy on your site? Hope you will email me with info, as well as any other carousel news you care to. If I won $10 million most would go toward preserving all these old wonderful machines with a little set aside for 1 or 2 reproductions for me. I bought 50 tickets for the carousel horse drawing but did not win. If I were back in Syracuse, NY I would live at the Carousel Mall & try to let them let me operate the carousel there or at least clean it. Thanks for listening. I really love them 50 years later.

09-15-04 Tom Valego, Key West - SAMKW1@aol.com
HeardOfUs: worked for Bob Long
Rating: Superb

YES! I have great memories of the park. Do you remember Jasper the boat? The Spooks House? Ralph Long and those great candy apples? The train? Kiddieland? That little rollercoaster? Then there was a little storm called Agnes. Can you imagine what that water did to that carousel? That is when I went to work for Bob Long. There was an apartment above the Spook House and Ruth ruled the roost! I have pictures of Bob in his workshop teaching me how to carve and paint along with his grandsons Scott and Greg. I also have photos of every horse and the Lion and the Tiger. How about that round sky blue room with those deco speakers? I could go on and on.

It was SO scary entering the park from the west (from College Ave). You would come thru the small underpass of the railroad, and "worry' that Mom/Dad driving would not turn in time and you would go right into the lake and the monster would GET you!

Also, I got my first "door prize" there.. when Iwas probably about 10 or so, Iwas at my mom's company picnic (Westinghouse), and in a drawing at the Band Stand, they called my number! I won a basketball! It is one of the few times in my life I remember WINNING anything!.. there were pictures around someplace.. maybe when and if I go thru my mom's stuff, I will find them..

08-29-04 Dora Lewis-Wassum, SE PA - teacup@nni.com
HeardOfUs: Google Search
Rating: Superb

I love and adore amusement parks but since Eldridge was my FIRST amusement park, it'll always have a special place in my heart. Nothing newer or better can replace it. For me, it'll always be the BEST! I loved your web page!!!!

As a child of the fifties, Eldridge was the scene of the yearly
IR (Ingersoll Rand) picnics. The excitement that would fill my heart
with such enthusiastic, unbridled childhood joy when the car passed
under the sign across the road proclaiming my family had arrived yet
again at the best place on earth, is something that I can not feel today
because I am too sophisticated, too jaded, too old, and too
knowledgeable but I can remember the feeling and for a few seconds
relive it in my mind's eye. My, it was superb!

It was difficult to sleep the night before the picnic. The family
conversations around the dinner table in the days before the picnic
consisted of challenges. My brother would ask if I was truly going to
go on the coaster and if so, would I keep my eyes open this year and let
go of the bar. I would counter that he'd never be able to tolerate the
Whip without throwing up! Maybe keeping one's eyes closed helped to
heighten the other senses and added to the mystical thrill of the
coaster and the Spook House, he'd never know with all his bravado!

My Daddy took me on the Speedway coaster the first time when I was
about eight or nine. I was white as a ghost when I stumbled off on
weakened, shaking legs and so totally appreciative of my father's
bravery as he'd let go of the bar and held me when we plummeted down the
huge hill to what I was sure was our impending and horrible death. I
don't think I could close my eyes for days after that first ride. I
vaguely knew he'd fought in World War II, but on that day, Daddy showed
me what a real hero was and now I had first hand knowledge of the
lengths that my father would go to to protect me. I'm certain it was a
couple of years before I dared the coaster again, hence my brother's
yearly jibes. The long lines at all the rides just helped to build the
anticipation. It also gave you extra time to lose one's courage. I'm
certain this factor added an extra year or two between my first and
second coaster rides.

The bumper cars were always a problem for me as well, once I grew
too old to be driven by Daddy. Reaching the little button required a
long stretch and turning that huge wheel, while pushing the button and
trying to avoid being hit as the attendant shouted helpful but confusing
directions at me once I was caught in a corner proved to be more effort
than it was pleasure. It was not my ride. Give me the planes which
seemed to soar out over the lake when you turned the flipper the right
way. It was the closest I would ever get to owning a pilot's license
but I'm sure I could pilot a glider today using my Eldridge flight
experience.

Daddy also took me on Jasper, the dragon boat. Mom always watched
from the shore being unable to swim and not nearly brave enough to get
into a boat. I would wave to her from the lake to include her in our
fun and she'd wave back enjoying our pleasure.

The Merry-Go-Round was also a right of passage. As one grew you
could advance from sitting with Mom on the benches, to being held on a
stationary horse by Daddy, to riding the jumping horses on your own, to
riding the outside horses and grabbing for the ever illusive brass
ring. Unfortunately, I never grew tall enough, or brave enough to be a
true competitor for the brass ring. I was happy to get any ring with my
short arms and my need to cling tightly to the horse's pole as well.
Still that first ring proclaimed that I had truly earned my right to be
considered "grown-up" despite the tightly closed eyelids in the Spook
House.

As a teenager, I visited the park on dates and loved the chance to
revisit my childhood all over again. As a young adult, I took my baby
brother back to the park to ride the kiddy rides and laughed as he spent
every cent I had earned on tickets for the automobile ride, his favorite
and only ride that day. I always brought home waffles that you couldn't
eat without getting powder sugar all over yourself as a way of sharing
the park with my family yet again.

My profession took me away from the area and the park in 1972 but it
lives today in my memories clearly and magically. Now-a-days, I
secretly smile when I visit stores who celebrate Christmas in July. I
knew what Christmas in July was as a child when we would go to the IR
picnic and I would experience all the anticipation, excitement, joy and
magic of Eldridge Park.

08-26-04 Nick Baccile, Coconut Creek, FL - npb52@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Cousin
Rating: Superb

It was a great place as well as a safe place for kids to meet unlike the big city where I live now. Can you think of a better place to meet a girl and invite her into the spook house. I cant think of any.I miss all my friends that I met their along with those fond memories. So far away now but the pleasant dreams are always their. Enjoy!

08-17-04 Kathy, Allentown PA - neonlites60@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: I looked
Rating: Superb

I only went to Eldridge Park once as a child. I grew up in Waverly, and my parents weren't too big on entertainment. I was too small to ride the roller coaster, and the screams coming from the Spook House scared my mother, so she wouldn't let me ride it. But I remember Eldridge Park with great fondness, and I love going through your site.

08-16-04 Kitty Mack Kuhn, Medina OH - kittysells@aol.com
HeardOfUs: looked up Eldridge Park on the internet
Rating: Superb

Eldridge Park! Oh the memories flood back. Field trips from Lourdes, family outings, the carousel, roller coaster (once I rode it 23 times in a row). It was always a special treat to spend a Sunday there. Never went into the SpooksHouse, but my bother Jack did. I remember the shows, smells, cotton candy and the lake with no bottom. Don't remember the name of the boat - an age thing. I'm thrilled that the carousel is open again and can't wait to make a trip to see it and walk down memory lane!

Still keep in touch with some ND/EFA girlfriends, think it would be great to have a reunion at the park/carousel. Great work to all that have worked on this project. Hi Sue! I used to babysit you girls!

I grew up in Elmira (Born 5/1/29) and spent many enjoyable evenings at Eldridge Park with my family. Carousel and Whip were favorite rides and getting rings on the carousel was great fun. Playing Ski-ball was another favorite. As an adult I worked for Dairylea and we always had our annual family picnic at the park.

08-12-04 Pam Mattone, Painted Post - pmattone@stny.rr.com
Rating: Excellent

08-08-04 Mary Jo Rohde (Johnson), Kansas City MO - stickholio@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: search engine
Rating: Superb

Eldridge Park. Wow. I lived on Doane Street from about age 5 until age 12. The thought of being so close to the park was too much for me! I remember getting a dollar or two and heading off for the park with my friends (on foot of course). I can't remember how many birthday parties my sisters and I had there or how many stories we heard about the lake being "bottomless". What I DO remember is riding the merry-go-round and how proud I was of myself the first time I could actually reach the arm that gave the rings!! I'm not sure I'll ever forget how thrilled I was the first time I actually got one! I can still see the man who ran the ride back then (wish I could remember his name). That's been 24 years ago and as fond childhood memories go, it's in my top two! Glad to hear you're trying to preserve "the old girl"!

08-07-04 Jeff Rosenheck, Pine City- cyberjeffr@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Family Member
Rating: Superb

08-04-04 Ruth Cleveland Palmer - Rudote42@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Jim Vannest
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

The amusement park we went to, growing up in Wellsboro, PA was ELDRIDGE PARK! We loved riding on the carousel, grabbing for the brass ring, riding on the roller coaster, boat rides and all the picnics. My three sisters and I always considered it a very special treat when our family took us to the park.

I have many memories of Eldridge Park. Family picnics, the rides, the arcade, bumper cars, spooks house, roller coaster, and, of course, the merry-go-round. I can remember trying to get the brass ring for a free ride and getting 2 rings on one passby was quite an accomplishment. I won a bike there in the Fifties and a putt-putt golf tournament in 1964. I think there were water shows on the lake as well. There were also some very good softball games played there.

07-25-04 - Ewe11111@aol.com

I, too, grew up at Eldridge and was sad to hear it was forced to close. Although I sadly expected it with the times the way they are today. I was very interested in Parker Zack's pictures and it brought back fond memories. I grew up in neighboring Horseheads (1978) and like Parker, now live near the Seabreeze Amusement Park. I live in Rochester, NY, but find myself thinking often of my youth when I was at Eldridge. The park is gone, but at least some pictures are still around. Thanks!

07-25-04 Margie Bennett, Lake City MI - lkcitygirl@netonecom.net
HeardOfUs: internet
Rating: Superb

I was fortunate to grow up in Berkley, Michigan, where we had access to several amusement parks: Walled Lake Park, Edgewater Park, and most importantly, Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park. To go to Bob-Lo you had to take a cruise (1 hr.) down the Detroit River on the most wonderful ferry boats. Capt. Bob-Lo welcomed all passengers. They had live bands and dancing, food and souveniers for sale. There was also a midnight cruise on the boat that did not stop at Bob-Lo island. Now the island has been sold for condos and the boats are anchored outside Detroit in need of some TLC repairs. Bummer.....

To many wonderful times at the park....one of my favorite is when we were rewarded for a being saftey patrol at J. Sloat Fassett school.
I can remember when $3.00 could buy you the whole day at the park....rides, food & everything. I used to ride my bike in the park early in the spring when the lake would flood the whole area....we had more fun hanging around there....Thank you....you are great!!!

07-11-04 Carol Cordner, Troy PA - cjc@CQservices.com
HeardOfUs: Star Gazette
Rating: Excellent

I'm a native of Smethport in McKean County, PA so never went to Eldridge Park or saw the Carousel there; however, I love carousel horses -- have been to the Herschell Carousel Factory Museum in N. Tonawanda, NY where many of the original carousel horses were made and have been preserved. I think it is a wonderful thing that you are preserving and restoring this great art and that it will be open to the public. Bravo!!

Fond memories of Eldridge. Family Reunions, gatherings plus SHS Reunion one year too! Like Bill Cook, I took my children until the park closed.
Back when (50's), my Dad worked for Bob Long and Oscar Bittler and ran the restaurant on the site. Before long, my mother, grandmother and I worked in the restaurant also.

07-06-04 Donna Wood, Horseheads - dwood2304@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Dr. Lyon and my sisters
Rating: Superb

My memories of Eldridge Park are meeting my husband on a blind date at Eldridge, and spending time there, and going there with my children's class when they were in school. Nice memories.

07-05-04 Anne Marie Jackson Bronson - AMB41654@aol.com

I was born & raised in Elmira. I spent many many happy fun times at the
park. One of my not so happy memories is the boat, Jasper. When I was small, I was terrified of this Monster boat. There it is in my computer staring at me. I have not seen this boat in years. I am laughing when I remember how I would stear clear of this Monster. What great memories!!!!! Where is Jasper now?????

I live in Niagara County. My children are now all grown. My grandchildren would of loved Eldridge Park. I have wonderful happy memories of the park & times with my family. I turned 50 this year. Thank you for
the memories. Keep up the good work. God Bless you.

Editor's Note: If you'd like to know what happened to Jasper, click here. It's a story you'll never forget.

07-05-04 Jim Scott, Horseheads - jimscott@alum.rit.edu
HeardOfUs: here and there
Rating: Superb

I think my first memory of Eldridge Park was in 1960. My parents had moved to Elmira around 1955 or 1956 and then to the Heights. This particular year I was starting the First Grade at Cohen-on-the-hill in the Heights in the Fall (we lived at just the bottom of the hill on 13th Street). That July 4th, we went to the Park and I remember the fireworks; lots of rockets and spinning things, noise and smoke. But the standout was a firework that appeared to be an American flag just floating in the air. Just blew my little mind away. Later, as a teenager, I spent as many summer days & evenings there as I could; skeerolling, riding the coaster, shooting ducks, riding the whip, sailing out over the lake's edge on the airships, and getting "green" in the cups. And that miniature train running around all the time! Not to mention grabbing for the brass ring for the nth time ... and a pretty dark-haired girl whose uncle was rumored to run the carousel or something like that. Since then we've played many games of softball on the various fields there.

But the most amazing thing was years after we left Edison and moved on when I came across some old photos (at the defunct pizza place where the coal pits used to be) showing buildings from the park in the early part of the last century. When I asked about them I was told of a casino and a dance hall and all kinds of other interesting things. Amazing, simply amazing.

07-05-04 Judy (Mitchell) Conklin, Gainesville FL - jec089@bellsouth.net
HeardOfUs: Grew up in Elmira Heights
Rating: Superb

I grew up in Elmira Heights and we spent many wonderful hours at Eldridge Park. My dad and grandfather both worked at Thatcher's and we always had the company picnics there. What great times we had. The talent shows, the outdoor movies, all of the rides and of course the Merry-Go-Round with the brass ring. What fond memories. How I wish it were still there for my children and grandchildren to see.

07-05-04 Karen (Weisenfluh) Moon, Phoenix - karen.moon@greatswmortgage.com
HeardOfUs: internet
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

This is such a great website. My grandfather was Al Weisenfluh and ran the gift shop, ferris wheel and games. I spent many years as a young kid, till highschool when I spent my summers working at the park. There were many perks having your grandfather part of the park. I, too, have a brass ring and many great memories. I found a friend that I worked with when 18 on this website. Have emailed her and caught up on 25 years passed. So thanks for the memories.

06-28-04 John Sleggs, Hornell - crosby54@usadatanet.net
HeardOfUs: Web search
Rating: Superb

My family moved from Elmira when I was eleven years old. One of my fondest memories was the hours of pure pleasure that I spent at Eldridge park. Today we were attending a soccer tournament at the park and I walked over to see the old Carousel building. I was delighted to see that the people restoring the Carousel were busy at work. They were most gracious to chat with my wife and I. We walked around and enjoyed looking at the restored animals. The happy memories came flooding back.Elmira is truly fortunate to have dedicated people working to restore a piece of history that is near and dear to so many. Thank you!

06-23-04 Bobbi Molettiere, Souderton PA - npa@netcarrier.com
HeardOfUs: Bob & Mary Lyon
Rating: Superb

The first 12 years of my life was living across the street from the world-famous Willow Grove Park. I loved the Merry-Go-Round, the music and the beautiful animals. It was only 25 cents to get in and I was there almost every day. I knew everyone that worked there and they would pretty much let me ride for free. The best memories of my childhood were at Willow Grove Park on my Merry-Go-Round.

06-18-04 Tom Burhyte, Horseheads - TBurhyte@stny.rr.com

You know they say dreams don't come true. That may be in the sleep mode, but in all reality the day dreams of working at Eldridge Park have come true for me 100 percent!

I wish other people could know and understand where I'm coming from. Maybe some do. I used to go to the park after it closed in 1989 and try to look thru the cracks in the building to just see the ride without the horses on it, but now I have my own key so I can go down there anytime and just sit and see it as it was back in the 40's and 50's and imagine. This makes my day - big time.

I can close my eyes and still see all the people I used to be associated with way back then. The thing about all of this is I still get all choked up when I'm down there. I worked with so many good and honest people like the late Bob Long, Herb Randall and his brother, Ralph. I truly believe that having worked there with them has had a big effect on my life and the way I have lived. The day this project gets done and we give that first ride again, I don't know how I'm going to be able to handle it, but I will some how!

So, nobody can tell me that dreams don't come true, because they do, at least for me they did!!!

Editor's Note: Thanks to Tom and the folks working on the Eldridge Park Carousel Project, thousands of Eldridge dreams are coming to true for all of us. To those of you who don't know who Tom Burhyte is, please read about some of his contributions to the carousel preservation project and the stories he has contributed to this web site by clicking here.

Your efforts to bring back the Eldridge carousel are fantastic, you should all be commended. The carousel is the one thing that I would always ride at any amusement park I visited, and the memories are so wonderful. You are re-creating a machine that will give future generations some of the same memories enjoyed by those of old. When people visit the Hershell Museum and tell me stories of visiting Crystal Beach and various amusement parks when they were children, their faces light up with fond memories. Thank you for giving our children the chance to experience this!

06-14-04 Tom Starkweather, Fredericksburg, VA - astrorock@gmx.net
HeardOfUs: internet
Rating: Superb

06-11-04 Vickey Kincaid Paggio, Tampa - vpaggio@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Cousin
Rating: Superb

Thanks for bringing back a lot of wonderful memories. My dad worked for Thatcher's and they had their picnic there every summer. Remember the playground with the old wooden slides, my cousin got a fanny full of splinters on one of those.

I can still smell the fries, candy apples and waffles while strolling down the Midway. And the talent shows were always a lot of fun. The fireworks across the lake on July 4th and trying to do everything on that last day before they closed for the winter - we wore ourselves out!

I met my husband, Tom, while he was working at Kiddieland. We have a lot of wonderful memories. It was a wonderful place to grow up. Family, traditions,and values are fading fast in America, so thank you for taking me down memory lane and letting me relive what probably were the happiest and best of times.

05-29-04 Donna M. Reynolds Ruhmel - ruhm4@aol.com
HeardOfUs: a friend
City Now: Lutz FL
Rating: Superb

In the mid sixties.... no matter what our original destinations.... we always ended up at Eldridge Park to end our evening out with a ride on the Merry Go Round...

Where are the safe places like Eldridge Park for our children? Looking back you really appreciate the times and places.

No matter who was visiting from where... my mother insisted on taking them to The Park.... It is such a nice park for our area"...and so we have many memories of The Park. I have always been sad my kids could not experience it.... And now.... they may get that chance.....

Thanks to all of you for your hard work and dedication.....

05-27-04 Betty (Locke) Baldock - RoadRunnerWoman@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: Been here, done this before
City Now: Elmira Southside (TAE 1987)
Rating: Superb

I also remember in the early 80's when my brother would come home from the Marine Corps on leave and the whole family would wind up at Eldridge Park. My brother was an expert rifleman (has the badge and all to prove it) and my mother would always challenge him to a shootout at the rifle range at the games area everytime. They would BOTH grab the rifles, and start shooting, and EVERY time, my mom would outshoot him. He would always get mad and say that he let her out shoot him because she was his mom.

But, I know better. Anyway, I miss being there with my family and watching mom outshoot my older brother each time. To this day, Raymond would deny it ever happened. but, my mom, dad, AND other family members can confirm that it did happen. Too bad they can not do that now. If they brought all of this back, my mom would do it again.

05-25-04 Don Montgomery - mutt@localnet.com

A trip to Eldridge Park from Waverly was a major affair back in the Fifties and early Sixties. Family reunions (we always seemed to be near the horse statue) and special days of any kind were spent at the park. We always saved a ride on the Dragon Boat for last, before we left for the very tired drive back to "The Valley". The park might have been in Elmira, but we felt is was our park too. My Dad worked at the old GE iron foundry on the other side of the tracks. Anyone remember the little steam switch-engine? Riding the merry-go-round again would be a dream come true. Good Luck!

05-19-04 Coni O'Shea - ConiO@em.cortland.edu

Please restore the park. I would love to hear about any plans that may be in process for opening the park again. I so want to bring my grandchildren to enjoy this wonderland of enchantments as much as I did.

05-12-04 Irene K. Diveris, Woodbridge, VA - dmcdavid3@comcast.net
HeardOfUs: my mother sent me a recent newspaper article from the Star-Gazette
Rating: Excellent

Yes, I had fun times there, loved the roller coaster, spooks house, & bumper cars. It was gone by the time I had children and came to visit my family in Elmira. My children had fun at Harris Hill and Watkins Glen.

05-10-04 Cindy Saparito, St. Louis - cynjohns@earthlink.net
HeardOfUs: childhood friend
Rating: Superb

I grew up in Elmira, NY. Elmira was and still is, a great place to grow up in. Maple and Oak trees still line the streets. I remember the Great Flood of '72. I remember the thick mud and the destruction it left behind.

Of all my memories of Elmira, Eldridge Park remains my favorite. There were family reunions and A & P Company picnics on those hallowed grounds. If I close my eyes, I can still remember the long, rickety ride up in the old, white, wooden roller coaster and the view looking back at Eldridge Lake. I also remember the brass rings I managed to get while riding the Merry-Go-Round at Eldridge Park and I wonder what ever became of my collection. When I rode the airplanes over Eldridge Lake, I knew for sure how it must feel like, to fly.

Eldridge Park was an experience that I have longed for over and over again.

I was born in 1958 and in the late Sixties and early Seventies my sister use to take me to Eldridge Park every weekend. I loved it, She use to let me steer the flying machines (planes) and drive the bumper cars. I loved the merry-go-round and to get the brass ring for a free ride. It was awesome. I wish it was still there for my kids to enjoy like I did.

My memories are told to my kids now age 29, 25, 22 all the time. My mom just passed away in April 04 at the age of 87 and lived in Elmira all her life and she use to take me to Eldridge Park and watch the enterainment on the stage through-out my teen years. We talked all the time about what fun we had together at Eldridge park. What a wonderful park it was.

05-04-04 Sheila, Horseheads - hairports8@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Friend of a friend
Rating: Superb

A wonderful place for a family to go and have fun in a beautiful area. I have a brass ring from back then. That was the goal to get the ring while riding a steed or other animal. After catching the ring I had my daughter. The park is still pretty. I am happy about the return of the Carousel and the ring is in my daughter's baby book.

05-03-04 Keith Oxley, Miami FL - nucmed7@bellsouth.net
HeardOfUs: web search
Rating: Superb

I was born in Elmira in 1960. I moved to Huntsville, AL in 1965. We visited Elmira/Horseheads often. I spent the summer with my grandparents in 1973 (I was 12). My grandfather, Joseph Nagy, knew the owner of the SpooksHouse and Rollercoaster. One day before the park opened, my grandfather took me in and I rode the rollercoaster non-stop at least 10 times all by myself. I have very fond memories of Eldridge and have a photo of the rollercoaster.

05-02-04 Kathleen (Nelan) VanScoter, Laconia NH - gvanscot@metrocast.net
HeardOfUs: Danny & Jenny Nelan who live in Pine City
Rating: Superb

Many happy memories from childhood at Eldridge Park. Love your site!

04-29-04 Deborah Wright Kopcho - bugnanny@bellsouth.net

I remember the Merry Go Round, in fact I still tote a ring from it on my keychain. Very fond memories of Eldridge Park. My children literally filled every seat on some of the rides (horse carts).

04-26-04 Gregory Erway, Canandaigua - eldridgepark@erway.us
HeardOfUs: Google search
Rating: Superb

This site is simply awesome. I feel sad every time I think about how Eldridge is gone. I absolutely cherish the days of old spent at the park. I first visited the park with my family in the late 1960s as a very young child. Over the years my favorites in the park changed. But the park always held a special place in my heart. The memories just come flowing back like...

• The train ride that traveled throughout the picnic area.
• The guys that tried (and possibly did) break the Guinness teeter totter record on the playground.
• The family reunions & birthday parties in the picnic area.
• The Kiddieland and rides that made me feel so big when I was so small - like the cars I could drive and the boats I could ride.
• The Raceway coaster and how you could swear boards had fallen off behind you as you rode on what you thought had to be the last possible time they could run that ride.
• The boat ride out into the lake and the stories we heard about sea monsters that lived there.
• The huge Carp you could see just off the dock seemed to support the idea of something even larger out in the lake.
• And the way people talked about how divers could not find the bottom of the lake in some areas. And that the lake was hooked underground with Seneca lake.
• The first time I ever saw or played Skeeball and the tickets you could win off them to trade for valuable prizes (I believe I still have a few of the tickets from the early 70s).
• The arcade with all those awesome electro mechanical games like the helicopter you could pay 10 cents to fly around the glass dome and the Stunt Cycle (made in 1976) video game where you could pretend to be Evel Knievel and jump over buses on a motorcycle. The arcade was a must stop on every visit. My memories of playing these classic games has even lead me to own 40 of my own early 80's video machines for personal use.
• The bumper cars that were so big and heavy you got to hit other people twice as hard as you could on any of the newer bumper cars rides you could find.
• Across from the bumper cars you could enter the Spooks House complete with cobweb, air blasts, and fake trains that threatened to run you over.
• The shooting gallery game.
• The game where you threw the balls to try to knock over the dolls.
• The mixer.
• The minature golf course.
• The Whip.
• The first taste in my life of birch beer.
• My favorite ride, the airplanes where you could try to scrape the willow tree.
• And even in later years when the park was all but gone, the go karts that gave me a reason to visit the park again and remember all the rides that had since been closed.

But most of all, through all the years, I remember loving to try to get the brass ring on the carousel. In some of the last few years the park was open, my best friend and I would head down to Eldridge to try to get some brass rings. The origional ring mechanism gave a ring everytime and if you got the brass one you won a free ride. If the ring you grabbed wasn't brass you could toss it in a tank on the back side of the ride. I don't remember this method myself as it was conveyed to me by my father from much earlier years. I have since seen this method in operation at Knobels Grove in Pennsylvania.

But by these later years, the mechanism was replaced with one where only one (and I think with enough people possibly two) rings would be released per ride. You tried to get your finger into the area where two spring loaded fingers could be clicked. When the ring was actually released your finger would come out of the mechanism with the prize on your finger. In the later years, a light board was added to give people the sense of doing something with their empty clicks for the ring. As you clicked away, the lights on the board would change colors to show that some progress was made.

We figured out that if we waited to ride when we were the only two people on the ride, we had a much better chance of getting at least 1 free ride from a brass ring. But we quickly found out that there seemed to be a magic number of clicks needed for a ring to be released. Unless we could get more clicks per ride we just were not going to get the rings. We quickly learned how to make multiple clicks per pass of the arm. We experimented with reaching as far forward as possible and while clicking the arm we would swing our body back to allow maximum time possible.

We got to know the ride operator that was frequently there who taught us the two hand technique where you would simply stand on the edge and use both hands to click the arm all the time trying to lean our bottoms back far enough to keep our balance and not fall off (as we did not hang onto anything during this method). Frequently the ring would be dropped due to the release coming in the middle of multiple clicks. We quickly learned the proper way to leave and rejoin the moving ride. I loved the feel of sliding my right foot along the floor of the ride was you looked for an opportunity to quickly step up and grab a bar all in the same motion to get back on.

My friend and I tried to count the number of actual clicks we were getting by watching the number of light square changes made per pass. I believe our highest number of clicks was around 8 per pass with the typical being 4 or 5. We also figured out the "magic number" of clicks needed for the first ring was around 200 or slightly higher. I still have many brass rings from Eldridge parks carousel and carry one with me every day on my keyring.

I think it's fantastic that there is an effort to bring the carousel back to life. I can only wish that this might grow in the future to include a resurrection of the whole park, a park I would be proud to bring my two sons to visit so that they might get to experience some of what I remember as some of the best times of my life.

04-23-04 Connie (Osborne) Gleason, Payson AZ -
conniegleason@cybertrails.com
HeardOfUs: Ask Jeeves search
Rating: Superb

04-21-04 Christine Harrigan, Tampa FL - tomchrissunshine@aol.com
HeardOfUs: relatives back home
Rating: Superb

I can remember going to Eldridge Park with my family EVERY Saturday night. Joe ran the "whip" and he was a friend of my dad's so we got to ride that several times for free! AND that brass ring on the Merry-Go-Round, it was really something when I would get it. When I got older I was allowed to go watch the fire works with my friends. Great memories I will never forget!

04-21-04 Jonell Campbell, Westfield PA - jjc_emf_2003@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: we love Eldridge Park
Rating: Superb

04-17-04 Bill Cerny, Ballston Lake - bc885@juno.com
HeardOfUs: Through a school buddy
Rating: Superb

My memories of Eldridge Park would cover picnics, all the rides, ball games, stage shows, & movies, including all of the good eating places that were available .

I`ve told many aquaintances about the place since leaving the area. It`s certainly too bad it`s gone.

04-14-04 - Karen Baker Irwin, Charlotte NC - kadti@webtv.net
HeardOfUs: my sister, Lorraine Price who lives in Horseheads
Rating: Superb

04-04-04 James Flaherty, Webster MA - jlflaherty@aol.com
HeardOfUs: My sister Gail told me about the site
Rating: Excellent

I spent a lot of time at Eldridge Park when I was young. Back in the late Fifties and early Sixties, we lived in Hathorn Court (another place of fond memories), and my mom worked at the Park running the Gift/Souvenir Shop, so I had to be there during the day while my dad worked. During the weekdays, business was slow, so the guys running the games would say, "Oh, your Betty's son, just go ahead and play." I got to know the Mini-Golf Course really well.

My best childhood memory was at age 5, meeting "Zippy the Chimp", who put on a great show. Someone in my family has an 8x10 of me shaking hands with Zippy. But yeah, the Scooter was awesome flying over the lake, the Coaster, the Whip, the candied apples, and, of course, the Mini-Golf Course. Thanks for having this web site!!! I'll be back.

Surprised by how many great memories your web page has stirred!
... such as the airplane ride, bumper cars, the Heights and of course
Lincoln School and Eldridge Park as that last day of school before summer (if anyone has any class picture from back then I would love to see it, I'm curious to know if how and who I remember is similar to how it really was). And I do have a very short Super 8 of Eldridge Park's children's roller coaster and boat ride from around 1959.

03-30-04 Tom and Shirley Thomason, Horseheads - tomshirl@lightlink.com
HeardOfUs: newspaper
Rating: Superb

I loved the airplanes that would sail over top of the lake. It was my favorite ride, after the carousel, of course! I had such a feeling of freedom my 1st airplane ride! Also I remember the fantastic firework displays, like no other I have seen, I wonder if it was just because I was a kid?

03-25-04 Jackie Matlock, Indian Trail NC - jmatlock@starband.net
HeardOfUs: Larry Pefferly's Website.
Rating: Superb

My memories are not about your wonderful park in Elmira but of the man who has created the wonderful animals for the carousel. Larry Pefferly was my classmate in elementary school. I can tell you he was talented then and I am thrilled to see his talents used to recreate memories for so many as shown in this guestbook. Cheers and accolades to the folks responsible for keeping part of what made our country great alive today.

My mom used to take my nieces and nephew and me at least once a year to the park. Usually twice a year through the 1950s and 1960s. It was the outing of the year for us and always looked forward to going. When I got older and was dating, that was the place to be on a Friday or Saturday night. I still have a brass ring from the Carousel somewhere in my accumulation of stuff. I hope the Carousel can be brought back. I would like to someday take my grandchildren to it. At least they would get a part of what I used to have.

03-20-04 Bob Wheaton, Crofton MD (near Washington DC) - bdwheaton@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: Just a lucky web search
Rating: Excellent

I grew up in the Fifties and Sixties in Painted Post. I remember many warm summer evenings, after a day of playing. Mom and dad would say to get ready...we were going to Eldridge Park. Wow...I can still recall the excitement and anticipation as we traveled to Elmira. I remember how exciting it was to go under the overpass and catch the first glimpse of all the lights and rides.

I was still too small ...or too chicken to tackle the "big" rollercoaster on my first visits. So I stuck to the reasonable facsimile in Kiddieland. I remember my first ride on the speedway...I had never gone so high or so fast in my life! I thought my stomach was going to float out of my throat! I remember fondly also...the whip, "Jasper" (how scary floating on the "bottomless" lake in a dragon) also....the spook house, the carousel, the "Scooters" that flew way over the lake shore so high!!! And...the bumper cars. To read these memories and see these pictures is truly a joy! Fond memories indeed.

03-13-04 Jamie Melville - Clayton NC - JGMelville@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Been here before.
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I read all about the Carousel, The Whip, the Roller Coaster, and even the Bumper Cars....but what about the Spooks House that sat next to the Carousel? I hope they are fixing that up too.

03-13-04 Ronda Allen, Pittsford - allenronda@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Dr. and Mrs. Lyon
Rating: Superb

Harding Bros. picnics, my grandfather watching me on the merry-go-round, my first dive down the roller coaster, the spooks house, yummy waffles with powdered sugar on top, watching "Abbott and Costello" movies at the pavillion, miniature golf when I was older, wondering if there was a bottom to Eldridge Lake.

03-09-04 Nick Fierro, Elmira - Nfierro@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: Email
Rating: Superb

How about the food at Eldridge? The French Fries & Vinegar were the "best" anywhere. I spent alot of hours in the Penny Arcade just from returning bottles to the store for deposits. Remember when you could actually "use" a penny for something. Keep up the good work with the Web Site. I'm enjoying it all.

I remember all the great rides and the mid-way, all the eating booths, and the band stand, but I also remember the great Fireworks display that was put on every July 4 right over that lake. I could sit on my porch and watch the beautiful display that filled the skies that night.

03-02-04 Maxine Butler - Gainesville FL - geekmax@cox.net
HeardOfUs: Was looking for info on Eldridge Park
Rating: Superb

My father's side of the family grew up in Elmira and all my uncles at one time or another worked at Thatcher's Glass. I was born at Arnot-Ogden Hospital. I remember a Butler family reunion held there when I was a child. I liked the Park and the Merry-Go-Round, but won't ride the roller coaster with my older siblings.

I have very fond memories of it and couldn't find out what happened to it until I found your website. I am so pleased.

02-29-04 Marie Ciuros Girardi, Sanford FL - elmeg41@aol.com
HeardOfUs: on the computer
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I grew up in Elmira - it will always be my home. Our family used to go ever Saturday night. Mom and Dad would watch the movies while my two brothers and I would go on the rides. We lived on Railroad Avenue, so sometimes we would walk to the park following the railroad tracks. I was there five years ago for a funeral and always go by the park. I miss it all still today. Just wish someone would bring Elmira back to life again.

02-29-04 - Randy Green, Elmira Area - Dream-Weaver5@stny.rr.com

I personally think the entire park should be rebuilt. I remember going there for years (I'm 37) for picnics and riding the rides.

The funnest time in my school years was when Watson school busses in Corning/ Painted Post School District would take an "end of the school year" trip to the park. Fond memories! I was very saddened to see the park go downhill and eventually go completely.

Remember the huge statue that was at the tunnel entrance to the park? What ever became of that? That was our way of knowing as a kid that we were near Eldridge Park and IF dad turned there, we all were totally thrilled beyond belief. It's too bad that someone with a kind heart (like you) wouldn't have come along before and saved "our" park before it was picked apart and destroyed.

My aunt has pictures - some dating back to the 50's and 60's) that I am trying to get (so I can scan them. She will not part with them for good (and I don't blame her) but if I can "borrow" them I will send you copies.

Maybe after the Carousel is done, the society can work on taking possession of the rest of the park for future preservation. Isn't the park a historical site or can it be considered to be placed on the list?

Thank you for all your wonderful work and keep moving forward!

Oh..... one last note.... I work at the Wal-Mart at Consumer Square and get the honors of seeing the Honey Bear everyday :)

02-27-04 Patti Rouse Sherfey, Snow Hill NC - cshe8@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: Edsonian 1972
Rating: Superb

I remembered growing up in Southport and when Thatcher would have their family picnics and going to have a great time on the Tea Cups, Spooks House, Merry-Go-Round and getting the brass ring, which I still have after all these years. My son asked where I got that from and I told him from Eldridge Park where I would go on weekends.

He asked me if he could go there when we went to Elmira and I told him that the park was gone. It was so sad to see it go. I wish they would open it back up. The fries with vinegar were fun. The roller coaster was the best to me. Riding it at least eight times in a row. Please bring back the park for our children to enjoy like we did for years.

02-27-04 Roy Kennedy, Lunenburg MA - mguzzi@webtv.net
HeardOfUs: The paper
Rating: Superb

Yes, I have, I had forgotten until I found this site. How much fun we had in the late Fifties & Sixties. I wish I had the brass rings I stole??? I'm sorry!!!! I was a kid !!!!!!!!!

PS. I grew up in Millerton, PA.

02-25-04 John Carleton, Port Orange FL - jecarleton@earthlink.net
HeardOfUs: Stargazette
Rating: Superb

Went there as a child. Loved getting the french fries with vinegar and riding The Whip.

As a child my parents took us there often. I always loved the airplanes and my favorite was the orange plane. As a teenager my friends and I always went there to socialize and ride the rollercoaster. I sure do miss dear Eldridge Park, I only wish my daughter could see it how it used to be. I also miss the beautiful tall trees in the used to be picnic area.

02-07-04 Leona Waters - glwaters@altamaha.net

My great Aunt Dorothy was a member of the Sky High Alcidos trapeze act. I was doing a web search on them just for fun when I came across the article about Jasper the Dragon Boat. I have a picture of Aunt Dorothy sitting on Jasper's neck. You can see his name "Jasper PV23" on the side of the boat. I always wondered where that was and what happened to it. The picture is labeled Elmira, NY. 1942.

02-06-04 Betty (Locke)Baldock, Elmira Heights - RoadRunnerWoman@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: In here again
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I remember another attraction that I had forgotten to mention in my last post. I remember seeing the Blue Ridge Quartet at the bandstand. They always played there. I have some of their records STILL.. Boy, THAT is something as a young girl you never forget.. But, of course, I still cant get over the amount of people that would pack the bandstand chairs just to hear the Blue Ridge Quartet sing.. And they didnt do just any songs, they also did some gospel songs as well.. Like i said, when my brother and I were younger, we would always be there to help them set up or tear down before and after their show. Good memory.. Thanks again for letting us tell our stories..

I had special memories of P.T.C #12 at Crystal Beach amusement park in Fort Erie. My favorite animal was the hippocampus. The Comet was also my favorite roller coaster. Crystal Beach closed in 1989 but my beloved carousel had already vanished in 1986!!

I am a self-employed artist who creates custom hand-embroidered T-shirts and other merchandise. Carousel horses and mengerie figures are my specialty subject.

01-30-04 Frances Osteen - Lenore910@aol.com

My favorite memories of the park are of all the park, but especially the roller coaster and of course, Jasper. I can still see us walking in the sunshine through the midway and always getting a candy apple or cotton candy. It was a wonderful place to take the kids and I still remember the free movies. I even remember the monkey cage and the shows on stage. People complain that there is nothing for kids to do anymore, so why did they let Eldridge Park just slip away? I'm 70 now, but would still go and enjoy it. I'm happy about the carousel and hope maybe it will lead to other rides and games. I can remember my dad telling about dancing there and rollerskating with my mother.

Since the Heights Theater has reopened and is doing well, I can only hope the future of the park will do the same.

01-23-04 Betty (Locke) Baldock, Elmira Heights - RoadRunnerWoman@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: Been here before
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I remember Eldridge Park back in the early Seventies because we always had our family reunions there. My cousins and my brother and I would run through EVERY exhibit (especially the games area). I remember the Spooks House more than anything because one time, my brother, Raymond would go with me. We would go through it and towards the end, a sign would pop up that read "DUCK!" and a duck would fly out. Now my brother was tall back then(Still is, but, a bit taller) and he was wearing his favorite baseball cap. Needless to say that "duck" knocked his hat off his head. He was so mad that they had to shut the ride down for about a half an hour just to find his hat.

I also remember the Whip. This isn't your ordinary ride. You sit there and get flung around like a rag doll. I got hurt one time on it. I was bruised and all. But, I still liked it. Then there was the Flying Planes that went over the lake. I liked that. It gave you a chance to see the WHOLE lake.

I am now 35 years old and have fond memories of the Putt Putt too. NOW, I look and there isn't anything there anymore. I would LOVE to see the Carousel back. I was at Walmart the other day and saw one of the new things that they are going to put on the Carousel. My mom collects anything with bears and she would LOVE to have that in her collection. Although, I have NO idea where she would put it. I want to see the Spooks House back also. But, with new things to enjoy that would scare us(or at least try). That would be a good one.

Thanks for making a GREAT site for us to go back down memory lane.

01-17-04 Charon, Oswego - kwaigoncainejinn@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: Saw A Display With Honey Bear At Wal-mart
Rating: Excellent

Childhood memories of Eldridge Park!? Which ones do I choose?

Do I choose the first summer I ever went there? Summer of 1975 and I had never seen such a small amusement park (my only other amusement venue was the State Fair, but I was too young to appreciate that). and how I tried to ride everything at last once, but couldn't because I got tired and sick?

Do I choose the summer my mother and her husband broke up, and everything was so bad at home I was at the park almost every day, even when I didn't have anything more than bus fare to get there?

How about when I was down to my last dollar and played one of the games there and actually won a decent prize (a set of four colored shot glasses from the game next to the Fun House), which I used as a Christmas present for my favorite Aunt? That was also the time I (much to my embarassment) went on the roller coaster with a soda in my hands. I still blush when I think of the soda I was dowsed with as we came down the big hill.

Then there's the time my mom spent her 36th birthday party at Eldridge Park, and me, my aunt, my two cousins, my favorite aunt, and my grandmother all went on the rides together.

I cry when I think of this, but up until my move from Elmira to Oswego, I still had the last Brass Ring I ever won from the carousel. I couldn't use it because we had to leave, and planned to use it later that summer. However, one summer became another, and then the park was closed. I wanted to keep that ring all my life, and somehow I lost it. I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for losing it, but at least I still have my memories.

One last memory . . . Eldridge Park also gave me a different kind of memory as well. When I was fifteen, My 89 year old aunt (the recipient of the glasses) spent an entire rainy afternoon regaling me with memories of the bandstand and dancing to various bands as well as her own memories of the park and how they got rides, how there used to be the dragon boat, and how the park changed over the years. She's gone now, but that memory is still with me, and will be forever.

Thanks for letting me relive some of the BEST times of my childhood!!

P.S. Why aren't there any pictures of the Tea Cups? I used to LOVE those!

01-14-04 - Kate Carsten, Horseheads - k8tedid56@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: saw the new bear at Wal-Mart
Rating: Superb

I just found the web site last week and boy oh boy! I'm spending a lot of time here. I can't wait for the Merry Go Round to be going around again! I can still see my mom reaching for those rings! And me waiting to get big enough to do that myself. I remember all the games, and, of course, the airplanes! The Whip, The Spooks House (particularly the Duck sign and then the Duck) HA! One weekend they had free admission for 2 days and the place was just packed. I remember looking down on the crowd and all you could see were people! I don't remember having to wait in line too awful long tho, and I guess it didn't bother me much anyway.

I just read the article on American Girl and I was just in tears after...I can't wait to see her come back as well. She'll even get to keep company with a whole herd this time! I just don't understand why people would destroy her the way they did....

I remember the stories about the lake too! As a matter of fact I just took my son there last week after discovering the honey bear at Wal-Mart, and as we sat there looking at the lake, I told him that it had no bottom...he responded with a sarcastic "yeah, right, Mom" then silence...then " is that really true "...I did manage to reply with a somewhat cryptic "YES" and well...I think he got the message.

God bless you for all your efforts! Hope to see you at the park Peace.

01-11-04 Jim Blackwell, Troy, PA - bwell@ptd.net

My father was John Blackwell who played organ for the Eldridge Park Talent Parade. I remember Jay and Ginny Parker who organized the shows. We were a family of five kids and always spent weekends at Eldridge. We always got complimentary tickets for the rides. I remember Bob and Ruth Long and the behind the scenes tour of the Spooks House. My rides were the Flying Scooters, the Bumper Cars, the Whip, and of course the Merry-Go-Round. I was afraid of the Speedway(roller coaster) at a young age, but in late years of the park I loved it! Who could forget those candy apples or the variety of sherbert, especially tangerine! The park also had a great mini golf. Thanks for giving me this opportunity to contact you.

12-26-03 David Zumchak, Rochester - dzum@rochester.edu
HeardOfUs: surfing
Rating: Superb

My father is from Elmira Heights, and we would come down from Rochester a couple of times a year to visit my Grandmother. If it was the summertime, we would inevitably go to Eldridge at least briefly. My grandmother had taught in the Heights for years, and it seemed like she knew everyone at the park.

I suspect that over the years I rode on all of the rides at least once -- except for the roller coaster. My parents and my grandmother were convinced its collapse was imminent and wouldn't let me ride (I'd sure that fact that I still don't like roller coasters has NOTHING to do with that).

Reading through the other memories posted, I notice a number of people remembering seeing The Banana Splits perform on the stage, and I remember that, too. I wonder how often they were there.

12-26-03 David Phillips, Celebration FL - popsnana@msn.com
HeardOfUs: Google search
Rating: Excellent

Fourth of July fireworks, going for the brass ring, many, many family reunion picnics.

I have great memories of Eldridge Park, All the kids from our neighborhood made it a weekly thing to do,in the summertime. It was a place of fun and excitement, the whip was my favorite. Loved the music of the merry-go-round, the ringing of the bell and finding just the perfect horse to ride on. ( We all had favorites) Went in the Spooks House, once. It was a scary place as I recall.

A lot of our family reunions were held at Eldridge Park, up on the "hill" where you could look down and see all that was going on. The movies put on at the park, were a big thing with us kids and the acts that came to perform at the park.

It was amazing how far a dollar would go at the park. The popcorn stand was my favorite place to find something to eat.

I am so pleased to hear of the restoration going on with the carousel and proud of those who are behind doing this.

12-13-03 Robert Frutchy - reliant85@hotmail.com

I really enjoyed the mini outdoor stage that use to be there and various acts performed for a usually small crowd or people coming from the Midway. The bumper car rides were awesome, the Carousel was fantastic, especially getting the rings out of the dispenser, throwing them back into a retreival box, but, maybe putting one in one's pocket for a souvenir.

The roller coaster was always fun to ride on, but, like the rest of Elridge Park, deteriorating with age and neglect by ?????. It was always great to visit, ride on Jasper and take in the scenery etc.,. Another facet was being able to drive all around the area, picnic, laugh and have a grand old time while at the park. "Ah, for the good old days"!!!

12-12-03 Ed Vallee, Phoenix AZ - EddieInPhx@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: GOOGLE
Rating: Superb

Some of my fondest childhood memories are of Eldridge Park. The sounds, the smells & the best candy apples in world! I especially remember playing Ski-Ball in the Arcade with my Dad and riding The Whip with my Mom.

Wow.....if I could only go back.

12-10-03 Linda (Austin) Congdon, Horseheads - lin1023@localnet.com
HeardOfUs: Was remembering Eldridge and searched online for it.
Rating: Superb

So many memories here when going through this site. I think it is wonderful that you are bringing back the merry-go-round. I remember when I finally got big enough to catch the brass rings. My parents took my sister and me there when the fair was in town. Eldridge was much nicer than the fair. We watched movies there, talent shows there, so many different shows.

My favorite rides were the merry-go-round, roller coaster and the gliders that went over the lake. My children also got to enjoy Eldridge for a few years, too! Candy apples were my favorite there. My mom loved the fries with vinegar. It was a shame to see it all close down. I have been to Seabreeze in Rochester and it is so much like Eldridge was. The memories are so good to have. This site is wonderful. Keep up the good work!

12-06-03 Barbara (Rahall) Penley, San Francisco Bay Area - LST334@sbcglobal.net
HeardOfUs: my dad
Rating: Superb

My father is from Elmira and as a child he took my sister and me to Eldridge Park. It was better than Disneyland. Now that I am older, I appreciate things more and wish more places on earth could be as lovely as Elmira, New York. I would trade places anyday to be there. Thank you for a great website.

12-02-03 Audrey H. (Burhyte) Comfort, Elmira
HeardOfUs: My brother Tom!
Rating: Superb

I did work at the custard stand for Ralph & Ruth, at the time they were showing movies! I had a real good time for I could work and at the same time eat all the "Chocolate Custard" I could handle!!

12-02-03 - Bill Cook, EldridgePark.US webmaster - memories@shs58.org

Okay, Bob Lyon, you finally got me good.

Nothing has affected me more than your news of the American Girl. Not Tom Burhyte's tears as he reinstalled the bell, not the wonderful welcome you and Mary and the rest of the crew gave Wynne and me at Eldridge this past summer, not even the joy of your letting me be a part of this good news project that you have so brilliantly orchestrated.

I am having a very difficult time as I write this note, keeping my own tears from blurring my vision of the computer screen. In sifting through my memories of the Park, the one sad moment for me always, was the story of the demise of the American Girl. Without getting melodramatic about it, let me just say that, to me, it says it all about the dark side of our humanity. And you and your crew are the antithesis of that. I knew that. It was obvious. But not obvious enough, I guess, for me to realize the impact that the news would have on me, that the City had over the years stored American Girl's remains somewhere, to one day be resurrected by this wonderful organization that you've so diligently crafted.

You are a wonderful inspiration to us all.

11-22-03 David Bartholomew, Clay, NY - dbartho5@twcny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: EFA79.com
Rating: Superb

I first went to Eldridge Park in the early sixties with my great grandmother and was not allowed to ride the roller coaster. I was very disappointed. I spent a lot of time on the merry-go-round and still have, in my posession, three brass rings. That was a big thrill. I also was fond of the cross-country car arcade machine. The object was to stay on the winding road and make it from New York to California.

This web page brings me back to my roots. The cherished memories of parents and family are relived at Eldridge Park. Eldridge Park meant fun, laughter,and excitement in sharing with my Dad, Mom, Sister,Gramma, Uncles, Aunts and Cousins.

Our family reunions in the summer were always held at Eldridge Park. Is there still a myth that the lake is connected to Seneca Lake by an underground channel? I always believed the stories to be true. Every time I looked at that lake with the dragon boat I wondered if the boat might end up in Seneca Lake with us on it!

I rate the Web page as Absolutely GREAT, EXCITING AND MEMORABLE!!!!!!

11-12-03 Richard Kay, TAE '62 - rkay@seminolesheriff.org
HeardOfUs: web search
City Now: Deltona FL
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I grew up in Elmira Heights. I went to elementary school at the old wooden #1 school next to the what was later called Mary Thurston High School. I graduated from TAE in 1962. As a child, TAE's present site was a large corn field for the "Reformatory".

I can remember walking from 13th Street, down College Ave, past the corn field and over McCann's Blvd tracks (at that time a very high ramp) and along Thatcher's plant (by the railroad creek) to get to the park. I remember needing to be there to watch the movies, the serials and the "hot rod movies"

The Merry-Go-Round was tops...get the brass ring. It was really a treat when I was old enough and big enough to lean off the horse and be able to touch the ring dispenser and get rings.

Candy Apples and cotton candy were our biggest treats.

The roller coaster was always a treat. I remember my mother saying that she went on this the night before I was born. (This would explain a lot of things!) I have a post card of the old Dance Hall that was atop the hill. That's gone now, as well as the hill. Many a picnic were held on that hill.

It is a shame that this park had to be destroyed. It could have been saved. Yes it was costly, but such a fantastic park and its amenities would have been a benefit for Elmira to keep. I remember when the Merry-Go-Round horses were sold. It broke a lot of hearts to see those magnificent carvings removed.

Eldridge Park will always be Eldridge Park to me, no matter what it looks like.
I hope my grandchildren will be able to envision what the park once looked like and understand why so many people talk about this landmark.

10-23-03 - Hinolah@wmconnect.com

I have many memories of the park, but there is one that stands out for me. I was a puny kid but still tried for the brass ring while riding the merry-go-round. On one such ride and having no luck as usual, Mr. Long came over and personally gave me a brass ring. What a special treat that was and it shows what a special person he was!

10-17-03 Larry L. Rice, Elmira Southside - lrice1@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: On a sign in Downtown Elmira
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I am disabled I have been disabled all of my life. I went to Eldridge Park mainly on the weekends with my family and we had picnics. When I was a little boy, I can remember the free movies, and the talent shows. My cousin John Rice use to work on the Merry Go Round, and I use to get free rides. And my Dad knew the man who ran the Whip and I got free rides on that, and they gave my family tickets for the other rides. I would like to get some pictures of the old Merry Go Rround & the new one so I can make post cards to sell. Keep up the good work.

10-15-03 Sandy (Tracey) Rollins, Livermore, CA - sjsew@aol.com
HeardOfUs: friend sent the website
Rating: Superb

I was born in 1942 in Elmira and grew up there. Eldridge Park was one of my favorite places to go, and I have many fond memories of it. Once, when they had a special event onstage, they were having drawings for different things, and I won a Schwinn bicycle, the biggest thing I've ever won!

As a small child, my mother would usually bring us to the park, and I remember being scared to death to ride the boat in Eldridge Lake because if I fell out, there was no bottom, and not even my body would ever be found. I even kept my hands in the boat! I had a love/hate relationship with the roller coaster. I went on it, but I was really scared of it, and to this day, I don't go on amusement park roller coasters. I loved the Whip and the Bumper cars,and my favorite food was a kind of waffle with powdered sugar all over it that I just adored. I've never seen anything like it anywhere else.

As a young teen, my group would often walk to the Park, even though we lived way over on the South side. In those days, it didn't seem all that unusual to walk many miles.

I left Elmira when I was 16, and the first time I came back for a visit, the park was already shut down. I was so saddened to learn it had been closed, and that the wonderful carousel horses had been sold off. What a tragedy! I can still hear the sounds and smell the great smells, and wish I'd had an opportunity to take my own children and grandchildren. I will never forget Eldridge!

10-13-03 Richard Hogan, Vienna, VA - rhoganjr@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: an evening times article
Rating: Superb

The best ride in the entire park was the Spooks House!! I would love to have my kids take a ride through it. The best ghost house I have found since is the one at Knobles in PA. My family went to Eldridge Park every year as part of the Athens Ingersoll Rand family picnic. We always had a great day.

I grew up in PA. Just outside of Elmira. I do not have any specific memories but I do woodcarving and know several woodcarvers. There is a guy in vermont that carved the carousel horses for Eurodisney. Looks like you have your plans laid out but they might be interested in watching or helping.

10-12-03 Jamie Melville, Clayton, NC - JGMelville@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Family in the Heights
Rating: Superb

10.5 hours to The Park - I see my brother Mike in Atlanta submitted an entry (6/13/03) that said he was afraid the roller coaster car would leave the the tracks because I probably told him that. Well.....I did tell him that! I also told him how the airplanes broke off and flew into the lake and how there was a monster in the lake that came from a hidden canal to Lake Seneca. We were kids and know better now. But I do look forward to telling his kids those stories when we meet after the Park is rebuilt and opens again.

10-09-03 Audrey J. Edger, Southside - audedg@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: was sent to me by a friend
Rating: Superb

I remember Eldridge Park from the late 30's. There used to be a den near the railroad tracks and in that den were bears. I remember in the 40's trying to catch the brass ring on the merry-go-round although I was too short to reach it. The old dance hall from the early days of the park sat up on a hill near the east entrance by the Erie Railroad tracks. It was boarded up and we were cautioned by our parents not to go near it.

The arcade games, especially the one where you threw balls up a carpeted machine(like the modern bowling games) were a big hit because you won beads, little cups, etc. just like at the fair. The Spooks House and the Rollercoaster were also exciting. On hot summer nights, my mother would take us for a ride on Jasper to cool off. It was great fun being able to reach over the sides and run your hand in the water.

The big trees on the playground gave such good shade on a hot summer afternoon. The swings, teetertotters, and the push merrygoround were always full. Then evening set in and we settled down to watch the movie being shown that evening and the stage acts that came to Eldridge Park. Most of us didn't care that the movies were old. Times were tough, money was short, and the movies and acts were free. It cost 10 cents to ride on the rides except for the Merry-go-Round and that was a nickel. For fifty cents, you could have a great time and have enough left over for a hotdog or icecream.

Remembering Kiddieland and the little train that circled out around and under the roller coaster, I used to take my daughter to Eldridge Park and she rode on all of the Kiddieland rides and the train. She also loved the merry-go-round and Jasper.

How foolish of our city fathers to sell off the original animals. They would be such a great treasure today. I have seen the work that has been done on the new animals and I must say they are every bit as nice as the originals.

Thanks for letting me express my memories of Eldridge Park.

Riding Jasper on the lake and live shows in the park. It was a family park with lots to do. Too bad it had to disappear.

10-02-03 - Frances (Scheid) Osteen - Lenore910@aol.com

Boy, did I love Eldridge Park. My children and grandchildren, too. My first roller coaster ride and my favorite, The Whip. I rode it just before they closed the park. Have to include old Jasper, too. Let's face it. I loved everything about the park and have never had a candy apple like the ones made there. Wish it was all still there. My mother and dad roller skated and danced there. They would be 103 now. Thanks for the wonderful memories which brought a tear to my eye as well as smiles.

09-30-03 Penny Brink, Columbus, OH - PBrink@alldata.net

I worked at Eldridge Park all 4 years that I was in College (1978-1981). I worked in the Gift Shop that was owned by Al and Priscilla Weisenfluh. They had an apartment in the back of the Spook house. I knew Al's family and also the Bittners: Scott, Greg and Doug. I also worked Skeeball once in a while. It was a perfect summer job. I got to ride most rides for free, especially the Roller Coaster since the Bittners worked it and the bumper cars after the park closed.

As a child, my grandmother's family always had their family reunion at the park. My grandfather would take all the grandkids on the swings - then to the rides. My favorite was the Roller Coaster. I was lucky sometimes and do have a few brass rings that I caught.

Mr. and Mrs.. Reese managed the park at the time and they would always come around and check in on the workers and chat.

The food was wonderful, the candy apples and french fries with vinegar were my favorites.

I have many photos of the park. I was sad when the Horse statue was broken, that was a landmark. I tell my kids about the fun times I had there. When we are in the Heights for the 4th of July, I take my kids to the fireworks there.

I live in Columbus, Ohio now, but I will never forget my childhood years at Eldridge Park, they were the best. I graduated from Thomas A. Edison in 1977. I heard about this web site from my sister Micki Stanley who heard about it from her friend, Debbie Southard.

I would love to see the park restored and I wish that I lived close enough to be a part of it. If you restore it, I will come.

Yes, my late husband, & I used to like the Merry Go Round, plus I was a nut for bumper cars. Just walking around & watching all the happy families. & of course can't forget the boat rides. My family, before I was married, had family reunions there every year. Wish they would bring it back, for my grandchildren to enjoy.

Oh yeah...unfortunately I was at the tail end of its hay-day, having been born in the early 60's. But I remember seeing the Banana Splits there when I was probably 8 or 9. My family always had family reunions at the park; the picnic area was so awesome...I actually cried the day I went there and discovered that that beautiful area had been leveled. I remember one Saturday when I was maybe 4 or 5, and my older sister took me to Eldridge for the day. And my AV club outing in 8th grade was at the park; must've rode that coaster 10 times that day!!!!

Your website is absolutely wonderful! I looked at everything and enjoyed it sooo much! Thank you for giving me the opportunity to reminisce about good things from my childhood!

09-23-03 - Renea "Bennett" Roussell, Elmira Heights - No1RangerGirl@juno.com

I remember when I was a kid being just terrified of the rollercoaster but I always rode on it if I wanted to or not my father was so proud of me and I wanted them to think that I wasn't scared about anything. Oh boy, was I ever scared. I can remember to this day that I when we started to go down that drop I would try to climb back up it - without success, of course. And to top it all off, we pitched a tent right behind the beast so there I was staring at it as though it was a nightmare and I had to sleep by it.

I was also scared to go into the Spooks House, I remember a time I went with a couple of friends, and my friend, Kelly Barton, wanted to go in the Spooks House and I was not going in. It would be the first time and I have lived here all my life and why would I want to go in now, after avoiding it all those years? I think it was 1983, I was in 8th grade. SO I raise a stink about not going in and the guy who ran the Spooks House that day overheard us talking and me saying that "I wasn't going to go in there it was too scary for me." He told us "To come here." and so we did, and he said to me "I will let you go on free" and here's the stupid part "if you are scared, after you ride this time" Even as a kid I found that statement rather stupid. Why would I want to go on for free another time when I didn't want to go on it ever? Well after that Kelly Barton said to me, what do we have to lose, if your scared he will let us on again for free. So I went in and closed my eyes shut the whole time, tricking the girls I was with to believing that I had my eyes open the whole time, we got out and I acted like I was not scared. All was good after that. But I didn't go on it again.

I always like the bumper cars and later they brought in the go-carts, I really loved them but seldom got to ride them because they "Cost too much." my parents would say to me. It was my first time "driving" and I couldn't wait for that.

I remember playing pool in the arcade, fireworks when my great grandma was alive. My first kiss with Tim was there, the father of my son, Christopher. Later, I had my wedding shower there, it was cold out and my father and his friends put plastic tarp up around the pavilion. My sister's graduation party was there. And a Brink family reunion we had there, when my great grandfather was alive.

I rode the carousel and I think that I caught only one ring, because before I was too scared to try, and when I did get one I was big enough to not fall off the ride. But my husband, Michael and my favorite ride (and I remember riding it like it was a religion) was the big whip. Boy, it was the greatest ride - it seemed to be hypnotic in the way it would make you feel.

Years later I heard that they had found old ride cars that were from Eldridge park in Seneca lake I thought how terrifying that was to hear. I remember thinking I rode the airplanes and they went right over the water and a couple of others did as well and I could have fallen in and gotten sucked down into the water and went all the way to Seneca lake. Wow, what a terrifying thought that, and that there is some connection underneath Eldridge pond and Seneca lake.

I loved Eldridge park and I will never forget it when it was the happening place to be here in Elmira. The other day I was at my father-in-law's and we were looking at some old picture's and there it was the old rollercoaster and I got a chill thinking about all the times I was "being brave" for my father and how I really miss those good and the bad old days at Eldridge Park.

09-15-03 Mike Ribble, West Bend, WI - wbcopper@aol.com
HeardOfUs: surfing
Rating: Excellent

As a child in the 1970's my family used to visit Eldridge park often. I recall the kids ride where you would fly the airplane. I also recall the carosel where you could get a brass ring. Great memories.

09-10-03 Alan Coldiron, Pittsburg - alan@coldironfamily.net
HeardOfUs: Surfing
Rating: Excellent

The feeling - excitement, joy, anticipation of going through the tunnel and there it was - the planes going over the lake. You knew it was going to be a great day!

In the late Sixties and early Seventies my father would perform in the Park on the main stage Memorial Day with his band Cliff Coldiron and the Countrymen (I have pictures somewhere). I remember other music shows at the park including the Blue Ridge Quartet and others. Although it embarrasses me to admit it, I begged my parents to take me to see the 'Banana Splits' once (from the Saturday morning kids show).

One of my fondest memories is my Hopkins Street School 6th grade picnic. It was the first time I rode the Ferris Wheel. I went on with school mate Jeff Fielding. After the first time around I started screaming "GET ME OFF". Oh well - what a wimp!!

A couple years ago I went to the site of the park and found it to be very sad that it's mostly gone. Today I find new happiness in knowing that another old school mate, Bob Lyon is involved in restoring the Merry Go Round. You can bet I'll be anxious to see it once completed!

09-09-03 Randy Personius - Campbell, NY - rockinrandolph@yahoo.com
Rating: Superb
HeardOfUs: SHS Class of 72

Waffles !!! My grandparents lived in the Heights. My fondest memories were going to the park and getting waffles. Of course I grew up in Kiddieland and graduated to the big rides. All but the Ferris Wheel were equally my favorites. I had forgotten about the machine gun on the jeep until I was reading through the long list of mail and read that someone had bought one and still has it. Probably I cranked that gun more than once.

I remember when the turnpike opened. Man, what a thrill it was going through the covered bridge and racing downhill at breakneck speed. Of course the Whip Jr and Sr were also thrilling . One memory that will never be forgotten is when the speedway was running without anyone at the brake lever and it ran around the track several times before someone got to the brakes. Man, that was scary watching the cars come in full speed and roaring around that first curve out of the loading area the whole track, wood and all bowed out when the cars went around it. I was waiting for my ride when that happened. I wonder if anyone who was on the coaster will read this and write in about that ride.

Skeeball with my mom and grandma was also a big highlight, my grandma was pretty sharp at it. Nobody seems to remember the scrambler but maybe it was too new for some people to get used to. I could not believe the city and politicians couldn't see the benefit to the community and surrounding areas and just basically turned their backs on it and made it die. I can not picture my childhood without waffles, etc. I only remember one thing about Roseland Park and that was the wild mouse ride. One time on that was enough . There was just no substitute for Eldridge Park then or now.

Of course the Merry-Go Round, the brass ring are vivid memories for me. I loved the old down and back wooden roller coaster and the Flying Airplanes that threatened to throw you into the lake. Who could forget the French Fries in the snow cone cup with ketchup and vinegar and of course the Waffles with powdered sugar.

All of it is a great memory, I was brought up on Oak St. in Elmira. I loved that park and never have understood why the city let it go. I am so pleased to see this project and only wish I was there to help.

09-05-03 - Barbara Schwartz, Mahwah, NJ - lilimax717@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Frank Messina
Rating: Excellent

09-02-03 Tom Dean, Elmira - ttoommdd49@yahoo.com

How would you like to hear Dr. Bob Lyon speak about the Carousel Restoration Project? Dr. Lyon, local dentist and spearhead of the Carousel restoration, will be speaking on the Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at the Horseheads Rotary Club. The meeting begins with a buffet lunch (optional) at 12:00 Noon at the Horseheads Holiday Inn. Program begins at 12:30. Interested in attending? Call me at (607) 734-1884 (eves) or Email me at ttoommdd49@yahoo.com - Tom Dean. I will have some Eldridge Park memorabilia on display including an old penny arcade machine called "What Am I Inclined To Be" in working order. Only a penny to play.

09-01-03 Rick Rennells - rennellsr@prodigy.net

I was born at the Arnot Ogden Hospital in Elmira, NY in May 1954. Eldridge Park was a real highlight while growing up in Elmira Heights, NY.

Each summer, my father's employer, Hardinge Brothers would hold their annual picnic at Eldridge Park. My three sisters, one brother and I -- being the youngest would love the reunion! Those free tickets from Hardinge Bros. and all of the food they provided was a real blast to a little kid. The Dance hall was closed when I visited there, but I do remember the statue of that famous "horse" that stood at the entranceway from Horseheads Blvd. To this day, I cannot remember the story behind it? Anyways, once I got the nerve to go on the Speedway, I would have to go again and again!!

Remember the Spookhouse?? My Dad had told me that as a teenager when there were no cars along the tracks -- He and his friends would sneak in and grab peoples ankles as they walked along the rope guided tour. That sounded so fun to imagine the horror people felt!

I'll always remember the Lake that had "no bottom". Folks would say that (I suppose out of rumor) it would tow you away if you fell in and that you would be
swept all the way to Seneca Lake in Watkins Glen if you fell in!!! Oh, I stayed away from that and the Gliders that flew along side of it! I think I'm over that fear, but I'm not going to swim on it.

The last time I visited Eldridge Park, most of it was completely closed, I felt sad. Remember the Ring Toss, the Paint Wheels where you made your own design as it spun around? The deep fried Waffles that were made can never, ever be the same elsewhere, period! The cotton candy, the small Arcade which dazzeled us at a young age had one of the first Penny Stretchers ever where you could make a memory to take with you.

To sum it up, Eldridge Park in Elmira, NY was the best! We lived on Elmira Heights Blvd and a quick walk through Thatcher Glass's Plant made it so easy to go there.

Long live the memories of Eldridge Park and I hope the history will be shared with both young and old.

08-27-03 Deb Southard, Elmira Heights - Classyfied2U@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Newspaper and Robert Lyon
Rating: Superb

I spent almost everyweekend at the park. We had the best roller coaster for miles and I was always afraid it was going to fall into the swamp because it seldom got painted and looked so rickety.

The Merry-Go-Round was so beautiful and I spent all of my time trying to get the brass ring although my arms were never quite long enough to get any ring at all. My sister was a master at getting it and getting free rides. My favorite horse was a black stallion in the middle of the three rows, it moved up and down with the ride and music.

Those memories will always be cherished and ironically when I finially purchased my first horse 5 years ago he was a "Black Stallion"

Thanks to all who are bringing some of the memories back!

I have never been to Eldridge Park. I appreciate the dedication that you guys are putting forth, to preserve some good old fashioned fun. Kids these days are lost. I remember Roseland Park and Gaslight Village in Lake George.

08-24-03 Jack Koniski, Endwell - jfksu54@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Art and Bob Caparula
Rating: Superb

Having grown up on Roe Ave. most of my "formative years" the 1940's, a trip to Eldridge Park was an easy bike ride. I recall playing ball on the north diamond and trying to hit the Thatcher Glass Works - dream on.

In my too numerous to count trips to the park, I enjoyed all the rides except for the Roller Coaster which demonstrated to me that an astronaut I wasn't cut out to be - not that the term astronaut was even in existence in those days. The skee-ball got lots of my "hard earned" nickels and reminded me of my "boss" while working at the Mark Twain Golf Course at the time - Mike Rybak who practically cleaned the place out with all his high scores.

After college and the US Army, I moved to Endicott to work for IBM. My parents continued to live on Roe Ave. and as my family visited my parents, a trip to the park was a frequent event. In later years, my dad and I would watch the softball games at the field next to the lake. I certainly support your efforts to keep the memory of the park alive as well as your restoration activity. Keep up the good work.

08-19-03 Tina Vain, Bridgeton - tinamvain@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: search
Rating: Superb

Eldridge Park was like a second family to me and my family. Many fond memories.

08-17-03 Sam Leonard, Sarasota - samflhomes@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Classmate
Rating: Superb

This is an update of my February 2003 comments. I have purchased a "Brass Ring" from the wonderful organization working on restoring the "Merry Go Round". I urge others to do the same. I hope Elmira gets its' beautiful park back. It was a really special place.

08-16-03 Jo Ann Edwards Libby, Sun City, AZ- Gehler41@wmconnect.com
HeardOfUs: Native Elmiran
Rating: Superb

I grew up 4-5 blocks from the park and have many wonderful memories of Eldridge - from the absolute best candied apples ever to the thrill of my first roller coaster ride!!! Thanks for letting all of us "kids" still have those memories and thrills.

08-06-03 Donna (Dobson)Gott, Nesquehoning, PA - tgifri53@ptd.net
HeardOfUs: SHS CLASS 72 PAGE
Rating: Superb

My fondest memories is weekend trips to the park, doing  park rides, candy apples, french fries with vineger, and the best times of my childhood" I graduated in 1972. My sisters still live in Elmira/Horseheads area.

08-06-03 Mark Jones, Elmira
HeardOfUs: display at mall theater
Rating: Superb

I went to see Seabiscuit the other day and was pleasantly surprised to find a carousel horse in the lobby. It brought back so many great memories from years long past. Thank you.

08-06-03 James Benjamin, Riverview, FL - benjieb@exite.com
HeardOfUs: noticed a sign in Elmira while visiting hometown
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

07-30-03 - Donna Rose Dobson, SHS 72 - tgifri53@ptd.net

I lived all my life in Elmira, and Eldridge Park was part of my growing up. I have moved away from the area, but I have a twin sister Debbie (Dobson) West who still lives in Elmira and when I do get up there we go over by the park. My best memory although I have many , is the Spooks' House. And candy apples - yes, those where the days.

07-28-03 Deborah A. Randall-Hlubek, San Antonio - RandallHlubek@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: My Mother, Jean Ann Randall
Rating: Superb

Thank you for spending your time and energy providing this memorable web-site.

Family and friends have special memories of how they spent a significant part of their lives "experiencing" Eldridge Park. My Grandparents, Ruth and Ralph Randall gave a very significant part of their lives to the park. They operated the Cotton Candy/Candy Apple stand, the Custard stand and ran the boat(s)-including Jasper- on Eldridge Lake. Needless to say, their oldest grandchild has special memories of them and their/our lives in the park. Thank you again.

07-28-03 Barb, Naples - BBORREL1@rochester.rr.com
HeardOfUs: saw the display at the mall movie theater
Rating: Superb

I remember going to Eldridge Park in grade school for our annual end-of-the-year class picnics. My family used to love going to the Talent Shows in the summer. As a college student, I worked at Eldridge Park from 1981-85 and ran many of the rides that you have pictured on the Website.

I must editorialize here for a moment: The City of Elmira leadership at that time caused the demise of Eldridge Park. The owner of the park at that time tried desperately to return the Park to the status of its heyday - and the City blocked him at every turn. For example, he requested that a fence be put up with a nominal fee (1 or 2$) required to even enter the park - this would keep the gangs of kids and vandals out of the park and make it safer and more inviting for families. The city said no - so we had to constantly break up fights, chase away kids trying to steal tickets, etc. It broke my heart when I saw that the city bulldozed everything to the ground to make soccer fields - actually the City had already "buried" the Park in the mid-80's. Sorry to be so bitter - but Elmira had it's chance to save that Park and they chose not to at the time.

07-27-03 Jack Lacey, Lake Havasu City, AZ - jslacey@rraz.net
HeardOfUs: Elmira relatives
Rating: Superb

I was born and raised in Elmira, graduated from Elmira Catholic High School Class of 54, and have many memories of Eldridge Park from early childhood through high school.
Where else could one's imagination be so stimulated as during a ride in Jasper over the 'bottomless lake' or better yet, at the top of the roller coasters' first drop hill?
I learned on the carousel, at a very young age the meaning of 'grabbing the brass ring', and have always believed in that positive view of life. So, my thanks to Eldridge Park for that little bit of wisdom sent my way.

Thanks also for a visit to a great site. You've triggered a flood of wonderful fond memories.

07-22-03 Bob Wynne SHS'62, Denver - bob.wynne@sun.com
HeardOfUs: Former classmate Tom Dean
Rating: Superb

Crusin' this website is a trip down memory lane. From a toddler at picnics and family reunions to riding in the Spooks House in Junior High. Going to Eldridge was such a treat - loved the Roller Coaster, the Whip, getting the brass ring on the Merry-Go-Round. Will always remember the hot sugar waffles, the french fries with vinegar (not ketchup). A real special treat was to stop at Lovell's for a Lucky Monday on the way home.

Kudo's to the SHS Class of '58 - this website and the links to our favorite memories are "priceless".

Missed the SHS 40th Reunion, but saw some St. Mary's and SHS classmates over the 4th of July. Thanks to Linda for organizing a "get together" and thanks to Tom for sharing this website - terrific memories.

Wouldn't it be great to turn back the clock to the days at Eldridge when the "crimes of the day" were chewing gum in class or being told to "stand in the corner" for talking in class.

Would love to hear from my classmates.

07-07-03 Sue Beach - East Smithfield, PA - RSBeach@excite.com
HeardOfUs: Star Gazette Article
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I grew up in Ithaca and it was always a great treat to go to Eldridge Park. One of my fondest memories is winning the game where you had to shoot water into tubes and reach the top first. I didn't want one of the big stuffed animals, I wanted this tall, pink ceramic cat statue with some gold glitter on its front. Because of this my cousin who came in second also got to choose a prize. I still have that ceramic cat to this day. The Spook House was the scariest with the Airplanes that went over the lake coming in a close second. I have tried to describe the Dragon Boat to my daughter and, now, thanks to finding your wonderful website, I can finally show her what a REAL dragon boat looks like!

07-07-03 Deborah Knapp Golightly, Jacksonville - debbiejkg6@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: SHS class of 1972 web page
Rating: Superb

I remember the merry-go-round, and I caught the brass ring twice. Oh, the roller coaster, my friends and I have so much fun. I visited Eldridge park last July 2-7, I was in Elmira for our 30th class reunion, was sad to see that the merry go round was not there. Hope they get back soon. I grew up in Elmira, I miss it alot.
A great big thank you to the class of '58.

07-06-03 Bryan, Lake Worth, FL - dbharbol1@yahoo.com
HeardOfUs: e-mail
Rating: Superb

I still have a brass ring from the merry-go-round. Got it in the mid 80s before moveing to FL. I think I still have it someplace

07-02-03 Gerald S. Clark - Dade City, FL - HMCE7RET@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Got to you thru SHS site
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

Loved going to the park. Spent all my summers at Big Pond, Pa. but would somehow convince my mother and father to get me there at least five or six times a year. Loved the Merry-go-round, the roller coaster, the whip and, of course, the bumper cars, (kind of drive like that today!!). Liked the fireworks and of course the shows at the grandstand. Remember the waffels--great tasting!! Also a great place for picnics. Hope they get the merry-go-round refinished, would like to take my daughter there the next time we come to Elmira--if ever. Maybe for my 50th class reunion.

06-21-03 Barbara Jean (Northrup) Schwarting - barbnjs@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: found you showing my boss my hometown
Rating: Excellent

I have pictures of myself and my two cousins, Shawn and Dennis Northrup and my parents' friends, John and Jennie Semesky, and the twins, Marlene and Arlene, and brother Ted, all at the park. I remember riding the merry-go-round and getting the gold ring, couldn't go on the Whip because my dad got hurt on one when he was young, but loved the Roller Coaster! Loved it all! Thank you for the memories!

06-20-03 James Glassford, East Syracuse - jglassfo@twcny.rr.com

I worked for Bob Long on the Merry Go Round, Bumper Cars and Fun House in the 1950s and early 60s. I now live in East Syracuse NY. I will try to get some more information on people who worked there when I did.

Keep up the wonderful web site. I enjoy it very much.

06-19-03 John A. (Jake) Rathbone III - Keuka Lake & Bonita Springs, FL - jrbone3@aol.com
HeardOfUs: in the dentist chair
Rating: Superb

Oh to get the brass ring again

06-18-03 Al Howland, Johnson City - standardsman@stny.rr.com

My wife, Judy and I, were both raised on College Avenue and Woodlawn Streets and were often at the Park as kids. We are delighted that the merry-go-round is going to be restored. We drove through the park a couple of weeks ago and were appalled to see all the trees gone. We have so many memories of the park that we couldn't get them all into this note. All of them were good memories. I was especially interested in the article describing how the lake was dug. We always thought it had no bottom or was connected to Seneca as kids. That was probably to keep us away from it when we weren't supervised. It worked!!

Judy and I live in Johnson City now but spent our first 23 years in Elmira. Judy's dad owned the "little house" that is now John Jones museum.

One item of interest to you may be that we have hanging on our wall a 23 x 29 inch framed picture of the carousel with a couple rings and a ticket. It is one of our favorite memories. We'll be keeping track of your progress!! Thanks for undertaking the restoration.

06-17-03 Nancy Webb, Elmira
HeardOfUs: Former resident sent me the URL link
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

Speedball. I loved speedball. Could have played it all night! Ahh, and then there was the Whip. What a great ride! Could I keep my hands up the whole time on the roller coaster...you bet! Hands up...dinner down...click, click, click, click (up it went)...silence for a split second...and then screams and laughter as it made its way back down the tracks. Ya know, there's just something about an old wooden roller coaster - they had personality - the new fangled ones will never capture their spirit!

06-17-03 Bob Caparula, Davenport, IA - cappy@revealed.net
HeardOfUs: my brother is Mayor of Heights and told be about the Merry Go Round Restoration
Rating: Superb

Eldridge Park holds so many memories to numerous to mention. I grew up in the forties and fifties and spent practically every day during the summer playing baseball at the park and enjoying the supervision of Margaret Fisare and Jim Flynn as they passed out horseshoes, shuffleboard equipment, etc. from the little equipment shed located in the playground area. I remember the "scary" OCEAN WAVE childrens playground ride along with the swings, teeter-totters, etc. I would hope that a large outing would enter the picnic grounds during the week which meant that the rides would open.

A big day was 2 or 3 days before Memorial Day when the doors of the Merry-Go-Round would be removed and the task of moving Jasper the Dragon Boat out of its' winter home into the waters of Eldridge Lake.

I will be visiting Elmira again this summer. I can't wait to see the Merry-Go-Round and the progress being made. It sure will be different this year compared to previous years when I would attempt to see through the cracks between the doors to glimpse the Merry-Go-Round.

Keep up the good work and congratulations to all who are keeping the memory of Bob Long and his pride and joy alive.

Bob Caparula, EFA Class of "52

06-16-03 Mike Melville, Atlanta
HeardOfUs: Family in Elmira
Rating: Excellent

We went there often as children and had several family events there. I think bumper cars were my favorite and I think there were some boats that went around that you rode in. Of course, nothing was better than the roller coaster... I still remember riding it today! I was always afraid that the car would jump off the track at the bottom of the big hill. (My brother probably told me it would.) It was always a fun time!

06-16-03 Steve and Diane Pryslak, Romulus, MI - PRYS60@AOL.COM
HeardOfUs: a friend
Rating: Superb

Life seemed so simple back then for most of us in the 50's while our parents struggled to live the AMERICAN DREAM and in all reality we remember the happy moments and a lot of those occurred at Eldridge Park----the picnics with family and friends----the dates--the rides and those FRENCH FRIES with vinegar added----ELDRIDGE PARK represented part of that DREAM and to this day it will ""never be forgotten""----we have shown our grandchildren where we grew up in Elmira Heights---where we went to school and the PARK--our parents didn't need a 2000 sq.ft. home--three cars or a $100,000 dollar year salary to keep up with the Joneses--Life seemed so simple back then because when YOU really get down to it... It was the simplest things in life that brought us the fondest memories.

I would never trade those special moments at the Park. Take care and God Bless to All.

06-15-03 Charles F. Kakritz, Pine City - Freddy7@stny.rr.com
HeardOfUs: Bob Lyon
Rating: Absolutely GREAT

I spent many hours on the Carosal and the Bumper Cars and because I came from a very poor family, the free movies were always a great treat.

06-14-03 Cecil William Gee, Bath - shadrack@localnet.com
HeardOfUs: The Leader, todays visit to the carousel
Rating: Superb

I remember all the great times as a child in the mid 50's through the mid 60's at Eldridge Park. Every year my grandparents, Gladys and William Hardiman (Niagara Falls), would visit around the 4th of July and Labor Day weekends. Without fail we would go to Eldridge. My grandfather was the only person daring enough to take me on the Speedway roller coaster. I enjoyed the large train ride that took us around the park and under the roller coaster. I had one good picture of the carousel with my Aunt Bernita, my Brother Bob, and me. I sent it to her many years ago. Someday, I must go through all the old negatives I have (there are alot) and find the ones of Eldridge Park.

06-13-03 Charlene McCann - cmccann1@stny.rr.com

When I was a kid I lived with my parents in Lawrenceville, Pa. Actually, it was East Lawrence, out in the country and we were farmers, definitely not wealthy ones.
Every so often Daddy would say:"Hey Red. How'd you like to go to Eldridge Park"? My excitement was uncontainable and time would move way too slowly until we finally got there.

To me it was an "event" just as thrilling as Christmas morning, Santa Claus or Easter and the Easter Bunny. I rode everything at least once(except the bumper cars. I was too little for them for awhile). It was a 'given' to get a cotton candy and also a cone of the most delicious Sherbet. Dad would always say he couldn't understand how a dairy farmers daughter wanted sherbet instead of REAL ice cream, but I got it anyway and he'd laugh.And the last ride before leaving for home was, of course, the Merry-Go-Round.

I am now 55 years old and my heart aches for what 'used to be'. It was elbow-to-elbow people on the midway; lines were long and such fun was had by everyone. Eldridge Park is greatly missed and I am tickled pink to see that a part of it is being restored.

I am a collector of Carousels & Menagerie animals, not the big, life-size ones, I'm sad to say, but many, many porcelain, wooden, ceramic and pewter figurines; some quite large and other as tiny as a thumbnail. And every time I find one I really like, it brings back all those joyous times at Eldridge Park.

06-13-03 PJ - Majikhorse@wmconnect.com

Eldridge Park is a treasured part, I think, of anyone who was lucky enough to grow up in Elmira during it's run. My favorite was - and always will be! - the carousel. Never being "brass" or agile enough to actually grab one of the brass rings, I was in awe of my older cousin who could! When I got older I took my PAL (mentor organization) Jennifer to a picnic there and we rode the boat (not a dragon one - perhaps Jaspar's replacement) on the lake. I still have the picture I took of Jennifer on the boat. CONGRATULATIONS Preservation Society for restoring the carousel - and a BIG Thank YOU too!

06-13-03 Anne Shearer, Horseheads - MeMeAnne@cs.com
Rating: Superb

I'm all for preservation.

06-13-03 Robin (Dildine) Velez (SHS 90), Tampa
HeardOfUs: Tammy Brewer from Edison High School
Rating: Superb

I can't believe the countless memories this brought back and that I am now old enough to have these "good ole day memories." The 1st memory to come to mind was our 5th grade teacher Mr Squier (Parley Coburn). He took our entire class to Eldridge Park. Todd Brooks, John Hmiel and I road the speedway at least 12 times before they made us try another ride. What a great time, great teacher, great friends and mostly a great memory!

06-12-03 Jamie Smith, San Diego - smythe@lycos.com
HeardOfUs: web surf
Rating: Superb

I can remember being so scared to ride the Spooks House. I went through it many times, and NEVER saw a thing. I always had my eyes clamped shut and my head in my grandmothers arms. All I can remember is the noise, and that blast of air that scared the crap out of me. I also remember the coaster... today modern rides have huge padded bars to keep us in our seats. The coaster had a thin chain that clipped above your waist. I dont know how many times I thought I was going to fly out of my seat... but we ALWAYS went back for more!

I remamber one time my mother Elizabeth Smith was in the car directly in front of my cousin Jeffrey and myself. We began that first "drop" and I remember hearing shreaks of laughter from my cousin and the people behind us. When the ride came to a stop, we began making our way to the sidewalk where my grandmother was waiting for us. I was really small at the time so I was kind of lost among the adults.

Just then my cousin Jeffrey came bounding out of the swamp/pond area under the coaster waving a dripping brown hairy thing in his hands... It was my mother's WIG!!! It had flown off during the big drop, and she was left with this crown of hairpins and nylon material covering her head. She grabbed the wig from his hands and stormed off to the ladies room embarassed as hell!

Many years later I had the chance to visit that coaster one last time. After a late movie my best friend Ron Wilcox and I decided to go and walk around the park. It was a very cold rainy evening, and we were not ready to go home. I remember it being so quiet, everything was boarded up ( not for the season, but for good.) or just standing empty. We came to the coaster and decided to walk the tracks. I know it was a very stupid thing to do, but we did it. When we finally finished the walk, we sat on the huge gear that powered the chain to pull the cars to the summit. It was so very quiet, just wind and rain. The great beast seemed like a pile of bleached bones standing so white against the dark grey sky. It began to rain again, so we left... The coaster was torn down shortly after that. sad....

06-12-03 Shirley Pacheco - Toms River, NJ - tiffyebb@comcast.net
HeardOfUs: web search
Rating: Superb

As a child my whole family enjoyed many picnics at Eldridge Park. We are having a gathering in July and will be seeing siblings that we have not seen for many years. We were hoping to gather at the park for a picnic. As I no longer live in the area I have no idea as to whether there are still covered pavillions there. Is there anyone that could reply to this - I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

06-12-03 Robert Price Jr., Horseheads.- victrola160@webtv.net
HeardOfUs: Newspaper
Rating: Superb

I am so amazed to see that others care as much about this park as I do, I remember all the fun times my dad and I had on the planes that went out over the lake and also riding the coaster and also the caramel apples.

I am so proud of you guys for all the work you are doing and would love to be a part of it. Does anyone know where American Girl (I ithink that's her name) is?? She was the horse statue that was vandalized in the early 80's. Last I knew she was being restored. Can someone who knows please email me?? I remember being so devastated when it happened. I am so glad to have had Eldridge Park in my life, I just wish it was all still here, It was pure MAGIC!! Thanks...

06-12-03 Scott Brewer, Tampa - wreckastow@aol.com
HeardOfUs: stargazette.com
Rating: Superb

I went to Eldridge Park every chance I got. In the winters I would ride my bike through the park by the Spookshouse and the bumper cars. The roller coaster was awesome. I can still hear the clicks on the chain as it rose up towards the sky. I loved the airplane ride you could steer out over the lake. I loved trying to pull the ring out of the carousel ride and watching the lights change every time you clicked it. I remember as I got older, I could click it more than once. I also remember being too small to actually grab it! One of my favorite arcade games was the one with the airplane that you flew under the arch! Remember that one? I miss the old park. I'm glad to see it is being partially remembered by those who are rebuilding the carousel. Good job.

06-12-03 LouAnn Pritchard, Canandaigua, NY - lhayes4@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Star Gazette on line
Rating: Superb

My very first roller coaster ride was on the Speedway with my favorite aunt. She put us in the very front seat and then we rode again in the very last seat. I was about 10 years old and scared to death.

Another fond memory was of the Spookshouse. I jump everytime the air hit your legs.

I also remember taking my two girls there just before it closed down. I was so disappointed because it was a great place and very affordable to take your children.

I still ride the Merry go round whenever I get the change in other places.

So many wonderful memories of Elridge Park.

06-11-03 Bob Carpenter, Fernandina Beach, FL - carp980@bellsouth.net
HeardOfUs: SHS58.org
Rating: Superb

Can't pick just one, but the standout would likely be the water ski shows and the 4th of July Fireworks.

06-07-03 Jamie - Clayton, NC - JGMelville@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Relative
Rating: Superb

My family grew up in Elmira Heights, "right down the road" from the park.  The underpass was always the way in and out of the park for my family - you always had to blow your car horn to make sure no one else was coming through.  It was wide enough for only one car.

The Merry-Go-Round was always my favorite - my favorite horse had the confederate and union flags.  The Lion and the Armored Horse were a close second & third.

Then there was the creature that lived in the lake.  I remember the stories about the monster, sort of our own Loch Mess Monster - I even remember reading old newspaper clippings about the monster that my grandmother had saved.

Then there was the flood and the coaster was closed down. Years later, my good friend Jim was the DJ for WENY dances at the park, and Jim briefly set the Guiness World Record for living on the Carousel.

But through everything, there was always the carousel.  It was always there, and it will always be the symbol of the park for me.

06-02-03 Susan Luellen Hutto, Rochester - scl1958@aol.com
HeardOfUs: email from a friend
Rating: Superb

I loved Eldridge Park growing up.  My brother and I had lots of fun at the park.  He worked at the whip and the ferris wheel during summers and in junior high school won the talent show for his ventriloquism.

05-30-03 Kevin Todd, Rochester - chevroom68@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Web surfin'
Rating: Superb

I have GREAT memories of the park. It was a very anticipated visit every year. My Grandfather's Natural Gas Company held their yearly company picnic at Eldridge ever year. I was in attendance from about 1964 through 1971.

I can still recall many of the rides and the stage. I have some pictures and when I find them I will scan and send them. One is of my younger brother and me on the "Thruway" (I think thats what it was called.) It was at the picnic end of the Midway and had little rail-guided cars on a track. The picture is of us coming off the overpass.

Speedway was the first roller coaster I ever rode and I retain a very fond memory of it. I have to say the "Jackrabbit" at "Seabreeze" here in Rochester is VERY similar and the whole park gives me flashbacks of Eldridge.

I can also remember being young enough to not be able to reach the brass ring on the carousel. The "Spooks House" was a huge favorite of mine, as were the Bumper Cars. I also liked the train ride and the Whip too... The boat ride was a seldom done ride, but enjoyable.

The entrance through the underpass and around the lake seemed to be a great anitcipation builder because the rides were in view but not fully and it was like a reward to ride the rides after getting out of the picnic area.

05-28-03 Susan Newell, Elmira Heights- incubusatnight@hotmail.com

I went to the park several times as a child with my parents and two brothers. I was only 12 when the park closed. I remember how much fun we would have when we went. My parents would have to drag us to the car to go home. It seemed so large as a child,s o magical. It was so close to home but yet it had all the wonder of a amusement park. That was one of the many things which made the park so nice.

I have children of my own now and how I wish the park was still here for them to enjoy. I love living here, I have lived here my whole life. People loved the park and still long for its existence. Elmira should have taken the time, money, and effort to keep the park open. They had a rare jewel, if only they had cared to realize.

05-22-03 Lynn Dickerson Greatsinger, Horseheads - LDGMA@cs.com
HeardOfUs: web site is posted on Dr. Lyon's waiting room wall
Rating: Superb

What a great site. This has brought back many memories. I remember going to Eldridge Park for my third grade class trip in 1976 when I went to Coldbrook School. Actually, I think the whole school went that day because the school was closing after that year. My friend Becky and I were on the top on the ferris wheel when it decided to break down. It took a couple of minutes to get it going again, but we were scared and it seemed like forever that we were up there.

We rode the bumper cars and we both somehow got minor injuries. It's funny because she and I talked about this 3 years ago at our 15th year Southside High School class reunion. I never did like bumper cars after that.

Weren't there planes that flew out over the lake? I remember that I didn't want to ride on the dragon boat because I wasn't sure as a child if the boat was the dragon in the lake, or if there was another dragon in the bottomless lake.

I tried and tried to get a brass ring throughout the years and I never did get one. I really wish I had gotten one. I know of a couple of people who have their brass rings on their keychains today. I do remember the Spooks House and the Duck-Duck sign and the loud train noise. It was very scary. I played miniature golf there sometime around the year 1982 a few times. It's too bad that the park with all of it's rides couldn't have remained open. I have walked through the park on occasion trying to remember what was where and it's a happy/sad feeling. Thank God for memories.

Good luck with your restoration project! I bought one of those very large pictures of the carousel. Maybe I'll get a brass ring yet!

05-19-03 David B. Dailey, Wolcott, NY - wingpm1@aol.com
HeardOfUs: SHS58.org
Rating: Superb

I remember the Carousel - riding on the Horses and trying to get the gold ring fort a free ride on it again. That was pretty cool. Tough when you could only just reach the holder.

I remember a story about the Dragon in the Lake but thought it was a real one. And that the lake was bottomless, and tied to Seneca Lake somehow. The Airplane ride that swung out over the lake was pretty scary, thinking that if it broke you would shoot out to where the Dragon was and the lake with no bottom.

My families (Dailey, Wayne's & Moylan) enjoyed Eldridge Park so much. My father was wondering about the White House that was at one of the entrance. Whatever happened to that?

Thank you for letting us read so many great memories of this great place.

05-03-03 Joy Keller, Horseheads - NewYorkJoy@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Getting my tooth drilled
Rating: Excellent

05-03-03 Marty Stebbins, Altamonte Springs, FL - Martyvh2@aol.com
HeardOfUs: Ex- Classmate
Rating: Superb

I grew up in Odessa. It was always an exciting time to visit the park. Bumper cars were fun with the biggest kid the target.

05-01-03 Devon Darrow, Boston - dlkdarrow@sionex.com
HeardOfUs: surfing the net
Rating: Superb

I remember begging my Dad to take me there and he usually would.  Jasper, the Dragon Boat, was great and I truly believed that the lake was bottomless.  The Merry-Go-Round, a favorite for sure,  had to have an outside horse.  The Whip was great!  I remember not being allowed on the big roller coaster for a while and had to do the Kiddie one which was boring.

I remember the pick up a duck game and also some kind of soft ball pitch that I loved.  The soft ball pitch had cloth dummy heads that rotated in and out and around some doors and you had to try to knock them over.  They were really old and funny looking.

The Spooks' House was another favorite.  There was a sign that said DUCK! and then you’d hear QUACK QUACK.  I remember some rats running around a barrel, and some kind of whirling pinwheel or target that got closer and closer while you heard some scary loud noises.   A skeleton would light up and dangle dance around.  The skeleton was named Herman and before you got to him you saw a sign saying "Where's Herman?" Also, the noises that you heard when you saw the pinwheel target getting bigger and closer was a shrieking train whistle and railroad track sounds getting louder and louder as if you were going to get hit. This was an excellent effect and scared me every time. At the end some wind would whoosh on your legs.  What a blast :)

When I visited Elmira awhile ago and learned that the park was gone I was devastated.  Those were the best memories I have of my Dad.

04-29-03 Kim Watson, Colorado Springs - kim.watson@carson.army.mil
HeardOfUs: Surfing the web
Rating: Superb

Pulling the ring on the Merry-Go-Round and the ride that took you out over the water. What FUN!!

04-27-03 Wayne Ferguson, Williamson, NY - wsferg@hotmail.com
HeardOfUs: Corning Leader
Rating: Superb

It was considered quite an event, coming from Cameron Mills, a small village in the Canisteo Village, to visit the park in the Fifties. I remember the Carousel and the excitement of trying to get the brass ring which always eluded me, and it seems like there might have been a boat ride?

04-27-03 Duke Harrigan, Tampa - DukeDuke@TampaBay.rr.com
HeardOfUs: StarGazette.com
Rating: Superb

04-23-03 John "Jake" Fredericks, Flemington, NJ - jfre@att.net
HeardOfUs: my cousin, James Vannest
Rating: Superb

I grew up in Elmira in the late 30's and 40's (Southside High School Class of '49)and I too have so many fond memories of Eldridge Park. Picnics, family reunions, hoping to catch the brass ring, the Whip (my favorite), the movies (I am sure they were pretty bad, but...). My Grandfather worked on the grounds crew, my Aunt and my mother's cousin worked at one of the concession stands.

Often when I returned to Elmira in the late 60's to visit my parents, I would take my three children to the park and they too remember all the rides that have been mentioned by so many others.

Lastly, when you entered the park under the railroad trestle, there was a run-down pavillion on the left. My mother told me about all the dances she went to there.

04-23-03 Wendy Youmans-Teems, Palm Bay, FL - RTEEMS@CFL.RR.COM
HeardOfUs: Checking out Class web site
Rating: Superb

Even though I spent most of my life traveling with the military in one way or another, Elmira will always be with me. When I think of Eldridge Park, A lot of memories come back. The Carousel will always be my favorite. I wish my daughter could have experienced the same fun I had as a child growing up in Elmira. Thankyou for giving me the memories.

04-19-03 George Rahall. San Carlos, CA - usnww2@aol.com

I remember Eldridge Park  in the Forties & Fifties.  The low underpass to enter. The lake that "had no bottom"  Remember that? Rollercoaster was unique  - made me kinda scared. My daughters got to go there in the Fifties  What nostalgia. Charley Rahall's BBQ steaks filled the air...sighhh...

04-18-03 Bob Cramer, Skaneateles, NY- skaneastlake@msn.com
HeardOfUs: the SHS Class of 1958 website
Rating:Superb

04-15-03 Leo Shepard - Glen Aubrey, NY - Timberwolf0913@aol.com
HeardOfUs: searched the web
Rating: Super

I remember as a kid leaving early on Saturday mornings to come up and spend the whole day at the park. I truly enjoyed the Merry-Go-Round, the Merry