LUNA PARK - The Encyclopedia of Cleveland History
LUNA PARK, often called "Cleveland's fairyland of pleasure," was created by Fred Ingersoll, a famous builder of amusement-park rides. The park was the 34th such construction project undertaken by the Ingersoll Constr. Co. of Pittsburgh. It was located on a 35-acre site bounded by Woodhill Rd., E. 110th St., Woodland Ave., and Ingersoll Ave. Construction began in 1904, and the park opened on 18 May 1905.
 
The Entrance to Luna Park, ca. 1910s. WRHS.
|
Many architectural styles (including Italian Renaissance, Egyptian, Gothic, and Japanese) characterized the midway, which was lit by thousands of incandescent lamps. A pool marked the center of Luna Park. In 1910 Ingersoll sold the very successful park to
MATTHEW BRAMLEY†, a paving contractor and an original investor, who subsequently installed many new rides. Favorites included a carousel, a ferris wheel, a Shoot-the-Chutes, Jack Rabbit and Pippin roller coasters, a funhouse, a roller rink, and a dance hall. Since the park had thrived on the availability of beer within the gates, its main source of revenue was removed with the beginning of Prohibition. Despite Bramley's many innovative ideas, attendance continued to fall. With the onset of the Depression, Bramley was forced to close the gates of Luna Park. In 1931 wrecking crews began razing the park. The roller rink, a last vestige of Luna Park, was burned on 12 Dec. 1938.
Last Modified: 27 Mar 1998 10:43:26 AM
- Related Article(s)
-
