Courtesy of Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park Facebook page. Photo apparently taken in late 1920s - early 1930s. The main gate. Truly grand gate! I love this. Truly huge. One thing you may notice the photo may have distorted a bit because of age. look at the arch and the architectural feature above the arch. A little distortion there.
Courtesy of Historic Louisville. This was the front of a house- like place where they had the roller rink.
Front door was on one side as the other the exit like a movie theater apparently. Maybe I am wrong but the set up apparently looked that way with the center as ticket booth windows. They had painted sign on the canopy while they also had a sign saying ROLLER SKATING above it. I believe that is a neon light sign for patrons at the park to see during the evening.
Front door was on one side as the other the exit like a movie theater apparently. Maybe I am wrong but the set up apparently looked that way with the center as ticket booth windows. They had painted sign on the canopy while they also had a sign saying ROLLER SKATING above it. I believe that is a neon light sign for patrons at the park to see during the evening.
Courtesy of Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park Facebook page. As you already saw above this photo was a close up. This is zoomed out. You can see the name of the rink on the wall above the canopy seen on the right of this photo. The width extension from one end to other was likely eating area, snack bar, bathrooms, coatroom, rentals, office, and admission. Taken in 1943.
Both courtesy of Historic Louisville. The roller girls. They did not have any names of the group but they were apparently like the Rockettes at Radio Hall.
Courtesy of Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park Facebook page. An advertisement in a professional trade magazine in 1950. Page 154. The group did not say what magazine. They were the same owners of 4th Avenue Roller Rink!
Fontaine Ferry Roller Rink 230 South Western Parkway, Louisville, KY
Ghost Town on the River Skating Rink 230 South Western Parkway, Louisville, KY
River Glen Park Skating Rink 230 South Western Parkway, Louisville, KY
Ghost Town on the River Skating Rink 230 South Western Parkway, Louisville, KY
River Glen Park Skating Rink 230 South Western Parkway, Louisville, KY
Originally, the Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park was opened in May 1905. Before that, the park was built on land part of Captain Aaron Fontaine's estate and ferry landing, which Aaron Fontaine bought in 1814, and later, sold in 1887 to Thomas Landenwich. Thomas then built a hotel and other attractions eventually and this, it opened in May 1905.
Before May 1905, it was a bicycle (racing?) track but when the park was opened in 1905, it was replaced with a dancing pavilion then converted to roller skating rink in 1930s but in 1937, it was converted to medical and housing for people during the flood. Since the park was sitting on an island, the park remained dry while the city was in flood and only part of the park-- Velvet Racer's flood damaged ride.
It was a steamboat ferry park like some other parks similar to trolley park. They are so called "Electronic Parks" but I believe it is truly called Trolley/Steamboat Parks as they are most commonly known. Differ than the "White City" Parks which are more of.. true Electrical Park because of the electricity was heavily used to light up at night decorated. Kind of like part of the world's largest theme park near Orlando, Florida or Las Vegas.
Anyway, Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park was a hybrid name named after Fontaine's Estate (land) and the Ferry Landing where ferries would arrive nearby.
Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park became famous around the country, attracting musicians like Frank Sinatra. Historians believe a gorgeous fountain in the park's swimming pool led most visitors to call it "Fountain" Ferry because of the name is so closely spelled and the water fountain.
They had roller skating shows. That is having an audience there watching skaters. Kind of like we had for ice skating-- Ice Follies/Holiday on Ice/Ice Capades. They had Roller Girls. Not derby but figure skating. Like the Radio Hall has their ongoing Rockettes. They had theirs on the rink.
Several ownerships of this amusement park came and went but most known were the Singhisers. They even owned the 4th Avenue Roller Rink.
First was Thomas Landenwich who began by building a hotel and several attractions there from 1887 till he sold it in 1940s to the Singhisers. Then sold in 1969 to someone else then another again for the last time.
A WORD OF CAUTION-- READ WITH CARE AND UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING. AND A PARTIAL OPINION.
This was the amusement park everyone knew because it was the main amusement park Americans went before Disney World. However, because of the riots and protests, it literally destroyed the Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park forever. History repeated in 2020 nationally.
And here the history in brief:
Sadly, the park was segregated. They did not allow anyone else other than Caucasians to enter the park. They did this for 59 years from the very start with the opening in May 1905. It lasted till the park became integrated in 1964, and was vandalized heavily during racial unrest on May 4, 1969. Neighborhood where the park was had various of issues during 1950s and 1960s that has to do with the Civil Rights, White Flights, Segregations/Integrations, riots around the country, and a number of assassinations to leaders. (Wikipedia)
This situation actually hurt the business. On May 4, 1969, it was heavily vandalized by [REDACATED DUE TO RACIAL LANGUAGE fOUND on that website] youths in a flurry of robbing, looting and destruction. The park owners decided to immediately close the park forever rather than put their employees at risk with riots occurred. The park was sold later in 1969 and was remodeled and re-opened as Ghost Town on the River in 1972. It was later known as River Glen Park. 1975 was the last season for the park. Following several fires, the city purchased the property in 1981. (Historical Louisville)
The park actually closed but the riots and protests were still targeting already closed amusement park. Anger they wanted to continue to vent was not the answer. "Why beat on a dead horse"? That is not the solution. However what was done was done. The history repeated on national level in 2020.
Currently, it is the site of a residential development called Fontaine Estates, the first homes being sold in 1996. The Shawnee Park Sports Complex was built on part of the former Fontaine Ferry site in 1997. Also large portion became Shawnee Park.
The Interior.
Maple floor, unknown appearance due to no photo.
The Exterior.
It was a Dutch Gable Free-Span Wood Truss Wood-Walled Large House - like Building. It had a canopy front of the building for admission and exit. They also had the name of the rink painted on the wooden built building and a neon sign above.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Clear coated Maple. Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A. Built: 1905. Demolished: 1975ish due to series of fires.
Type of Building: Free-Span Wood Truss Wood-Walled Large House - like Building.
Roof: Dutch Gable.
Acres: 64.
Operated: (Overall)-- May 1905 to May 3, 1969, May 1972 to end of summer season of 1975.
(Overall roller rink) -- Early 1930s to 1937, May 1937 to May 3, 1969.
Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park: May 1905 to May 3, 1969
Fontaine Ferry Roller Rink: Early 1930s to 1937, 1938 to May 3, 1969
Ghost Town on the River Skating Rink: May 1972 to end of season 1974
River Glen Park Skating Rink: May 1975 to end of summer 1975 (only one season).
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park: Closed for safety of staff and employees due to riots.
Fontaine Ferry Roller Rink: in 1937, became medical and emergency shelter due to city flooding, then closed for safety of staff and employees due to riots.
Ghost Town on the River Skating Rink: Riots still bothering them and they lost money.
River Glen Park Skating Rink: Riots still bothering them and they lost money.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources: Facebook group; Wikipedia; Historic Louisville - 5 Amusement Parks; Wave 3 News - Revisiting the park; Memories of Fontaine Ferry Park;
Date of issue: 13 March 2021.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:16.
Before May 1905, it was a bicycle (racing?) track but when the park was opened in 1905, it was replaced with a dancing pavilion then converted to roller skating rink in 1930s but in 1937, it was converted to medical and housing for people during the flood. Since the park was sitting on an island, the park remained dry while the city was in flood and only part of the park-- Velvet Racer's flood damaged ride.
It was a steamboat ferry park like some other parks similar to trolley park. They are so called "Electronic Parks" but I believe it is truly called Trolley/Steamboat Parks as they are most commonly known. Differ than the "White City" Parks which are more of.. true Electrical Park because of the electricity was heavily used to light up at night decorated. Kind of like part of the world's largest theme park near Orlando, Florida or Las Vegas.
Anyway, Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park was a hybrid name named after Fontaine's Estate (land) and the Ferry Landing where ferries would arrive nearby.
Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park became famous around the country, attracting musicians like Frank Sinatra. Historians believe a gorgeous fountain in the park's swimming pool led most visitors to call it "Fountain" Ferry because of the name is so closely spelled and the water fountain.
They had roller skating shows. That is having an audience there watching skaters. Kind of like we had for ice skating-- Ice Follies/Holiday on Ice/Ice Capades. They had Roller Girls. Not derby but figure skating. Like the Radio Hall has their ongoing Rockettes. They had theirs on the rink.
Several ownerships of this amusement park came and went but most known were the Singhisers. They even owned the 4th Avenue Roller Rink.
First was Thomas Landenwich who began by building a hotel and several attractions there from 1887 till he sold it in 1940s to the Singhisers. Then sold in 1969 to someone else then another again for the last time.
A WORD OF CAUTION-- READ WITH CARE AND UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY. THANK YOU FOR UNDERSTANDING. AND A PARTIAL OPINION.
This was the amusement park everyone knew because it was the main amusement park Americans went before Disney World. However, because of the riots and protests, it literally destroyed the Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park forever. History repeated in 2020 nationally.
And here the history in brief:
Sadly, the park was segregated. They did not allow anyone else other than Caucasians to enter the park. They did this for 59 years from the very start with the opening in May 1905. It lasted till the park became integrated in 1964, and was vandalized heavily during racial unrest on May 4, 1969. Neighborhood where the park was had various of issues during 1950s and 1960s that has to do with the Civil Rights, White Flights, Segregations/Integrations, riots around the country, and a number of assassinations to leaders. (Wikipedia)
This situation actually hurt the business. On May 4, 1969, it was heavily vandalized by [REDACATED DUE TO RACIAL LANGUAGE fOUND on that website] youths in a flurry of robbing, looting and destruction. The park owners decided to immediately close the park forever rather than put their employees at risk with riots occurred. The park was sold later in 1969 and was remodeled and re-opened as Ghost Town on the River in 1972. It was later known as River Glen Park. 1975 was the last season for the park. Following several fires, the city purchased the property in 1981. (Historical Louisville)
The park actually closed but the riots and protests were still targeting already closed amusement park. Anger they wanted to continue to vent was not the answer. "Why beat on a dead horse"? That is not the solution. However what was done was done. The history repeated on national level in 2020.
Currently, it is the site of a residential development called Fontaine Estates, the first homes being sold in 1996. The Shawnee Park Sports Complex was built on part of the former Fontaine Ferry site in 1997. Also large portion became Shawnee Park.
The Interior.
Maple floor, unknown appearance due to no photo.
The Exterior.
It was a Dutch Gable Free-Span Wood Truss Wood-Walled Large House - like Building. It had a canopy front of the building for admission and exit. They also had the name of the rink painted on the wooden built building and a neon sign above.
The Stats:
Rink Size: N/A. Floor: Clear coated Maple. Floor Layout: N/A.
Building Size: N/A. Built: 1905. Demolished: 1975ish due to series of fires.
Type of Building: Free-Span Wood Truss Wood-Walled Large House - like Building.
Roof: Dutch Gable.
Acres: 64.
Operated: (Overall)-- May 1905 to May 3, 1969, May 1972 to end of summer season of 1975.
(Overall roller rink) -- Early 1930s to 1937, May 1937 to May 3, 1969.
Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park: May 1905 to May 3, 1969
Fontaine Ferry Roller Rink: Early 1930s to 1937, 1938 to May 3, 1969
Ghost Town on the River Skating Rink: May 1972 to end of season 1974
River Glen Park Skating Rink: May 1975 to end of summer 1975 (only one season).
Reason for Closure: N/A.
Fontaine Ferry Amusement Park: Closed for safety of staff and employees due to riots.
Fontaine Ferry Roller Rink: in 1937, became medical and emergency shelter due to city flooding, then closed for safety of staff and employees due to riots.
Ghost Town on the River Skating Rink: Riots still bothering them and they lost money.
River Glen Park Skating Rink: Riots still bothering them and they lost money.
Wanted: Information regarding exact dates of open/closed, why closed, size of rink, rink materials. Also photos. Anyone knows or have photos, please let me know by emailing at [email protected]. Thank you.
Sources: Facebook group; Wikipedia; Historic Louisville - 5 Amusement Parks; Wave 3 News - Revisiting the park; Memories of Fontaine Ferry Park;
Date of issue: 13 March 2021.
© Copyrighted by Dead-Rinks. All Rights Reserved. Jn 3:16.