Euclid Beach Park was built in 1895 on the shore of Lake Erie on Cleveland’s East Side. It was originally patterned after New York’s Coney Island and in 1901 Dudley S. Humphrey, Jr. led six members of his family in undertaking management of the park.
There were many attractions that made Euclid Beach Park popular such as the Dance Hall, Euclid Beach carousel, the wooden roller coasters including the Thriller, The Flying Turns and other rides.
And, of course, Laffing Sal.
As the lady in this short video says “Laffing Sal used to scare the hell out of me.”
There was also great park food like the Humphrey popcorn balls and Candy Kisses.
Euclid Beach Park closed for good on September 28, 1969. The Arch main entrance still remains and the Carousel is at the Western Reserve Historical Society.
I was very young when the Park closed but I remember going with my Mom and her friend and daughter to Euclid Beach Park in 1968 for a speech by then Vice-President Hubert H. Humphrey who was running for President. I recall the protestors with signs and chants saying “Dump the Hump.”
What do you remember? Let us know via this e-mail link.
Enjoy these other images of Euclid Beach from Euclid Beach Now, a local organization dedicated to preserving the memory of Euclid Beach.
The Carousel was a Philadelphia Toboggan
Company Carousel # 19
See more from Euclid Beach Park in Cleveland
Update: Euclid Beach Park Pier
On Wednesday May 22, 2019 the Cleveland Metroparks had a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the grand opening of the Euclid Beach Pier. The new pier is 315-feet long and 16 to 24 feet wide, extending 150 feet over Lake Erie. The newest park amenity was designed to improve accessibility and offers guests clear views of the downtown skyline and historic Euclid Beach shoreline. The pier features three custom archways that pay homage to the historic park and former Euclid Beach Amusement Park.
See more photos and a video tour of the new Euclid Beach Pier