larrygator Posted January 4, 2020 Author Share Posted January 4, 2020 (edited) The Rides I had a little bit of time to talk with Jeremy last week also. He owns all the current rides and is always on the lookout for used rides that can be picked up at steep discounts. Going into 2010 the park will have one of its legacy kiddie rides return. Their 1940s Mangels dry boat ride has been refurbed and the cars look sweet. The park also bought a second train ride, a high revenue ride since families can ride it together. The next two rides will probably be the The Whip and the Scooters. All the parts are in place to start working on the Whip, after Hilarity Hall is finished. A little history, Whips were only sold in 8 and 12 car models. However, Bushkill Park always operated a 10 car Whip. It turns out that the park could never get the ride to function properly with all 12 cars so they just removed two cars. Jeremy is confident that after some research (and new parts) they now have the knowledge to run all 12 cars. I only ask that they get their Whip to run properly and Whip into and out of the turns like Rye Playland and Camden Park. Scooters - I'm not sure how many of their old Lusse Cars or parts are left. I know spare cars and parts are expensive and probably out the park's budget. I'll follow up with Jeremy on that in the future. Next up, I'm going to talk about a clandestine group of dark ride afficionados living in Eastern Pennsylvania Edited January 4, 2020 by larrygator Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canobie Coaster Posted January 4, 2020 Share Posted January 4, 2020 Great updates! It's exciting to see this park be reborn with such care. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScreaminNewEngland Posted January 15, 2020 Share Posted January 15, 2020 So exciting to hear that the Skooters and Whip will be returning as well!!! I can't wait to visit! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted January 17, 2020 Author Share Posted January 17, 2020 Chuck always knew of the rich history of amusement parks in Pennsylvania, but he did realize that the passion still burns in the hearts of quite a people in the area. After speaking at the historical society in November, Chuck is meeting people who know people who know other people and has created a network of locals who have knowledge of past rides in the areas. Not only do the locals have knowledge of the rides and parks they also have relics, parts and rides. Chuck has seen many items that were thought to no longer exist This upcoming weekend Chuck will have a Guys Day (brandy and Cigars) with some gentlemen who want to support Chuck's projects at Bushkill Park. These supporters have formerly worked in the dark ride and sideshow business. One of the gentlemen introduced himself to Chuck as the person that Chuck "stole" the Williams Grove dark ride from. Now Chuck didn't actually steal the dark ride. After Williams Grove closed, Chuck was hired to paint their Music Express for an upcoming rides auction. Chuck learned the dark ride was bring sold, made an offer and the owner removed it from the auction and sold it directly to Chuck before Chuck's new supporter could make a bid at auction. I don't know there will be anything immediately sharable that comes out of these meetings but I thought many would find it interesting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted February 7, 2020 Author Share Posted February 7, 2020 I just got word from Chuck that America's Oldest Funhouse will have its Grand Re-opening on July 3rd, 2020. I'll have fres h picture of the facade and more news to print soon. I might also visit during the week of February 17th, since NYC schools are closed that week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Canobie Coaster Posted February 7, 2020 Share Posted February 7, 2020 ^ That'll be nice before the 4th of July weekend! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScreaminNewEngland Posted March 20, 2020 Share Posted March 20, 2020 So glad to hear that the park is finally reopening the fun house!!! Any new updates on the Whip and Bumper Cars? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larrygator Posted March 21, 2020 Author Share Posted March 21, 2020 Here is what the general manager on the ride side posted on the Bushkill Facebook Page "Yes we will have a few adult rides operational this summer. We have 16 rides in total with 8 scheduled to be open for opening weekend. Last year we had 5 rides open. The remaining rides will be restored and back in service as soon as possible. We will post a list of restoration priorities shortly. Thanks." I'm focusing on Chuck's work at the park on Hillarity Hall and The Pretzel, but will also share what I hear on the ride side. My understanding is that the focus for the adult rides is on The Whip. There are only 7 permanent Whips still running in the US. (Rye, Hershey, Knoebels, Dorney, Kennywood, Lakeside, Camden). Since Chuck is doing must of the prop and decorative work at his workshop only, the virus will not effect has pace. Here are some photos I took when I visited him last month. These pictures of Hilarity Hall are over one month old, just awaiting new photos. Internal work continues Decorative touches More ornamental details I'm too lazy too crop the picture, but since it is art, I have no shame in sharing it. The pretzel cars awaiting their day in the sun, even though they will run indoors and never shine in the sun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nrthwnd Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 Great update, Larry. Thanks for sharing it, and the photos! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScreaminNewEngland Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 So glad to hear about the whip! It looks like its a little bit smaller than the others but I'm sure it packs a punch. Does anyone know what happened to their carousel? There was a rumor that its been in storage in Ohio but I never got a definite answer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hershey_flags Posted May 9, 2020 Share Posted May 9, 2020 I just drove by the park today to see if any changes were made. To my surprise, it looks like they have a new ride ready for us once they open up for the season! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScreaminNewEngland Posted May 10, 2020 Share Posted May 10, 2020 What rides looked like they could be reopening? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
adamico2 Posted July 15, 2021 Share Posted July 15, 2021 It sounds like there is a feud going on between the owner and director of operations. This does not sound like good news. https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/news/2021/05/bushkill-park-manager-accused-of-fraud-in-civil-court-filing-the-owner-wants-him-out.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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