1921 Season

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1921 Season
Leadership The Olentangy Park Company
Joseph W. Dusenbury, president
William J. Dusenbury
Joseph F. Luft, manager
Pre-season April 24, 1921 - May 22, 1921
Season Began May 23, 1921
New Attractions Amphitheater
Band(s) "Saxy" Strahl's Orchestra
Frank Carbone's Band
Park Size 90 acres
Tagline "The Big Park"
"The People's Pleasure Park"
"The People's Play-ground"

Olentangy Park opened its 1921 season on Sunday, April 24, 1921,[1] after being postponed for two weeks due to bad weather the first week[2] and icy weather the second week.[3] After a year-long battle, the management of the park returned to Joseph W. and William J. Dusenbury.[2] The park was only open on Sundays for its pre-season until May 22, 1921,[4] when it opened for daily operation.[5] The park closed on ...

The park was reportedly the largest in the country, spanning 90 acres.[6]

Park Improvements

A terrace was constructed along the entire front of the Dancing Pavilion, featuring a brick walkway. Crushed stone and gravel were added to the walks and drives. The parking space was made mud-proof. New stands were added while others were moved to better locations, and more lights were installed.[7]

Lawsuits

Judge Rogers of Franklin County courts formally turned the park back over to the Dusenbury Brothers after a year-long fight, after canceling their lease with Will D. Harris and W. N. Ferguson over permitting gambling in the park. The receivers of the park reported receipts of $43,000$696,548 in 2025 dollars during the summer of 1920 and a balance after paying some debts of $27,000$437,368 in 2025 dollars.[2]

In May, Columbus Railway Power & Light Co. sued J. W. Dusenbury and the Olentangy Park Co. for $15,968$289,008 in 2025 dollars for the land the railway company leased from Henry T. Chittenden to Dusenbury and the park company. The agreement for the ground rent was $200$3,620 in 2025 dollars per month. The railway company claimed that the park did not pay between 1908 and 1916 and sought reimbursement.[8]

Rides and Attractions

Canoe House

Main Article: Boathouse

The Canoe House was enlarged and included 200 canoes.[9]

Swimming Pool

Main Article: Swimming Pool

The Dusenburys applied for membership in the American Athletic Union (A.A.U.) and held amateur swimming races at the Swimming Pool.[10] The Olentangy Park Swimming Club was organized with Roger Addison as president. The organization applied for membership in the Allegheny Mountain Association.[11]

List of Rides and Attractions

Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances

Music

"Saxy" Strahl's Orchestra of 10 men performed in the Dancing Pavilion and Frank Carbone's Band gave open-air concerts during the afternoon and evening during the first few weeks.[12]

Activities

List of Activities

References

  1. ↑ "Park Is to Open." The Columbus Dispatch. April 23, 1921. Page 12.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Park is Transferred." The Columbus Dispatch. March 28, 1921. Page 18.
  3. ↑ "Ice Drive Closed Park." The Columbus Dispatch. April 18, 1921. Page 22.
  4. ↑ "Park Open Sunday Only." The Columbus Dispatch. April 8, 1921. Page 42.
  5. ↑ "Park is Opened Today." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 10, 1921. Page 7.
  6. ↑ "Ninety Acres of Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 24, 1921. Page 6.
  7. ↑ "Improving Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 17, 1921. Page 8.
  8. ↑ "Street Car Company Sues for $15,968." The Columbus Dispatch. May 5, 1921. Page 7.
  9. ↑ The Columbus Dispatch. April 28, 1921. Page 29.
  10. ↑ "Sports Briefs." The Columbus Dispatch. April 1, 1921. Page 38.
  11. ↑ "Sports Briefs." The Columbus Dispatch. April 13, 1921. Page 22.
  12. ↑ "Opening Promised Today." The Columbus Dispatch. April 17, 1921. Page 10.
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