wiscsuzski

So you think that is it then? Seems you do! How exciting. He worked for Neenah Paper. I tried to find possible news of a company picnic there - as it seems that was common. You should be able to save the picture from here, if that is what you want. The original is only about 2.25 x 4. Thanks for sharing your story and information! my condolences for the loss of your mother. ~Suzanne

I saw that too, but didn't want to pin too much hope on a scrubby patch of land

what Wes said ... As I look through more old newspapers, I am learning there were many more roller coasters around Wisconsin than I ever knew. There is still a park in Green Bay (has the Zippin Pippin), but in 1930, they boasted the grand opening of The Greyhound - Wisconsin's Largest Roller Coaster. More surprising than that is the local "Waverly Beach" on Lake Winnebago, right there in Menasha, where those folks lived, had a rollercoaster in those days. (Not to be confused with Waverly Beach in Beloit, WI)(or anywhere else) Here is a description of the "Jack Rabbit" at Waverly Beach (first constructed in May 1924) "The coaster ... is known as a "figure eight" ... There will be about 3,000 feet of track ... about 95,000 feet of timbers will be required for its construction ... The drops or valleys into which the little tram cars descend will vary in depth, but the biggest drop will be 45 feet." and I found a historical photo - though most of the coaster is obscured The Jack Rabbit at Waverly Beach, Lake Winnebago c.1925

finding different reports of when the Tailspin originated. rcdb says 1951. Muskego Historical Society indicated it was new around 1968 . It occurred to me to look at old newspapers. I was trying to judge that nice aerial photo's age by the automobiles. I was pretty sure it could not be 1968, but 1954 makes it harder. I like what GwaziBSRider said noting similarities. a few news clippings about Muskego Beach before it was DandiLion Park

Thanks for all your help so far! I would say the world's fair (Chicago '34) has been ruled out. I still think Muskego Beach is a strong contender. a timeline: 1861 - The land where it was located was owned by the Schuet family, who operated the Muskego Lake/Resort Hotel 1927 - They then sold the property to William Boszhardt who made it into the Muskego Beach Amusement Park. 1927 - The park added the Cyclone roller coaster (built by Charles Rose. The Midwest's largest roller coaster with a drop of 75 feet) 1944 - Charles Rose, operator of Wisconsin State Fair Park purchased Muskego Beach Amusement Park. After World War II he reopened it. 1967 - Willard Masterson purchased the park. He renamed it, "DandiLion Park" 1967 - The roller coaster was rebuilt in a more compact design in 1967 (using a portion of the old Cyclone, as ernirocker said) 1977 - park closed There is a photo on Flickr of the Muskego Beach Cyclone c.1930 but not enough to compare to my old photo. There is this undated photo . I think it is from prior to 1967. Hard to say for sure. If there were aerial photos from 1968-75 showing the new coaster, that would help also, there is a site with virtual coasters you may know (negative g) that has some info, but it may be muddled between the 2 rides. not sure there.