Silver Beach Amusement Park
Below the bluffs of downtown St. Joseph there was once an amusement park. Years ago on Silver Beach, carnival rides and games of chance entertained crowds on the midway.
The Silver Beach Amusement Park that graced the shores of St. Joseph, Michigan from 1891-1971 meant something special to every one of its millions of patrons through the years -- regardless of age. To some the Silver Beach Amusement Park meant an afternoon of carnival rides, snacks, and games of chance and skill. To others it meant a family picnic, a swim in the big lake, or just a moonlight stroll along the boardwalk. Still others saw Silver Beach Amusement Park as a way of life.
Though the Silver Beach Amusement Park
was closed more than 30 years ago, memories
of that popular place are still vivid.
The sound of the old band organ booming
down the boardwalk and the way the wind
whipped through your hair when you rode
the roller coaster, the smell of the ozone
from the bumper cars and the "pinging"
of the penny archade machines still live
on in the memories of thousands of residents
and visitors.
The Silver Beach Amusement Park was first opened on the shores of Lake Michigan in 1891, when two men, who were partners in the boat building business, decided they could make more money by opening a boardwalk. It started small with concessions and games. Then came the carnival rides.
For less than $2, a family could take a dip in Lake Michigan, gobble up sweets, and play games of chance. They could spend the day riding the toboggan slide or the roller coaster called Chase through the Clouds which was a main attraction. As the 1920’s roared on, Silver Beach kept climbing. The last improvement was made to the park in 1927. It was called the Shadowland Ballroom.
As the years passed tourism slowed at Silver Beach and in 1971 the park was closed as was the carousel. Forties years later Silver Beach still draws a crowd. Most days it's a quiet place to take in the sun. Some say if you listen closely to the summer breeze you'll hear the old band organ, playing a song of years gone by.
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