Cedar Point

Images of America: Ohio

by David W. Francis, Diane DeMali Francis

In 1870, Louis Zistel began ferrying passengers from Sandusky to the Cedar Point Peninsula's beer garden and sandy beaches. In 1888, the Grand Pavilion was built, housing a massive theatre, bowling alley, photographic studio, and kitchen, and shortly thereafter, the resort's first roller coaster was installed. George Boeckling transformed the resort into a self-sufficient city and amusement park, but the park suffered badly in the 1930s economic depression. However, after Cedar Point changed hands several times in the 1950s, it became one of America's leading amusement parks. Today, the park is best known as the world's largest amusement park and the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World."

Genres: History, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 26, 2004

Reviews

[Mom · Rating 2 out of 5]

These Images of America books have great historic photos and general information from the past, but I find there are gaps of information missing. Not really worth the epic price they charge for them. I thought they were out of reach at $18.99, but now they have risen to $21.99. I will have to ponder whether it's really worth it and whether I will ever purchase another one.

[Pug · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good one: not too dry, as these Images books so often are. A deep dive into the history of CP supplemented with lots of cool pictures. Beside the introduction, the captions told the whole story. My favorite parts are the pics of things I recognize (of course) like the train, old cars, Blue Streak, and Cedar Downs. Unfortunately, it stops with the 1970s. I mean, there's been lots of changes since then; I think its time for an update!

[David Fulmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book describes a hundred years of the history of Cedar Point, a resort, vacation spot, and amusement park in the Midwest. It starts with picnicking in the 1870s and goes up through the roller coasters and carousels of the 1960s, all amply illustrated with historical photos and described by the two knowledgeable authors. It covers the wide variety of leisure activities popular at Cedar Point, some of the business history of the locale, transportation to and from Cedar Point by steamers and transportation within the amusement park by train. This is a very interesting history of Cedar Point.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for looking at the past (pre 70s). There is nothing about "new" Cedar Point or how it transitioned to a gated, single price amusement park.

[Evan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical photos, but the book suddenly ends in 1970. The book is titled Cedar Point, not Cedar Point 1870-1970. False advertising!

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but wish it were updated and a little more detailed.

[R.D. Pires · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay visual history I read earlier this year, I thought this brief photographic foray into one of America's most thrilling and popular destinations was interesting but incomplete. I was left wanting more. There was some interesting history in the park's earliest days, but I felt like once the book got into what could be considered the modern theme park era, the details were a lot more scant. This is baffling because I'm sure there are just as many if not more photos of the park post 1960s.

Anyway, it was fun to see how Cedar Point survived throughout the ages, but if you are someone coming at this wanting an in-depth dive into their coaster history, this may not be the right book for you.

[Garry Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these Arcadia Publishing books. 128 page treasures of devotion to place, topic, etc at hand in that particular volume. This one covers Cedar Point and Amusement Park in Sandusky, OH.
Great assortment of images highlighting the history, changes, and growth of the park over the years.
I worked there one summer in college (1972) and this brings back lots of good memories.
Take a look at it; you won't be disappointed!