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{{Notice underconstruction}}
{{Infobox season
{{Infobox season
| year          = 1898 Season
| year          = 1898
| image          =  
| image          =  
| season        = 3 (under Olentangy Park name)
| management    = Columbus Street Railway Company
| management    = Columbus Street Railway Company
| openingday    = May 29, 1898
| season        = May 29, 1898 - Sept. 18, 1898
| closingday    =
| newattractions =
| stockmanager  =
| band          = Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band
| band          = Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band
}}
}}


The Columbus Street Railway Company opened the park for the 1898 season on Sunday, May 29, 1898, after being postponed a day due to rain.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 28 May 1898. Pg. 7.</ref>< It was the third year in operation after being named Olentangy Park. Prior to opening, all the buildings were cleaned and painted and the boats were overhauled. Fred Neddermeyer's band played throughout the season.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 26 May 1898. Pg. 6.</ref><ref name="opening">"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 27 May 1898. Pg. 11.</ref>
The Columbus Street Railway Company opened the park for the 1898 season on Sunday, May 29, 1898, after being postponed a day due to rain.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Olentangy Park|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = May 28, 1898|page = 7}}</ref> It was the third year in operation after being named Olentangy Park. Prior to opening, all the buildings were cleaned and painted, and the boats were overhauled. Fred Neddermeyer's band played throughout the season.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Olentangy Park|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = May 26, 1898|page = 6}}</ref><ref name="opening">{{Cite news |articletitle = Olentangy Park|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = May 27, 1898|page = 11}}</ref> The park closing day was Sunday, Sept. 18, 1898.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Olentangy Park|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = September 15, 1898|page = 9}}</ref>
 
Local sports teams practiced in the adjacent ball grounds after the park closed. The bowling alleys remained open for league practices, bowling parties, and special matches.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Olentangy Park Alleys|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = Oct. 14, 1898|page = 11}}</ref> Ice skating on the river was available during the winter months.
 
==Lawsuits==


===Forclosure Suit===
===Forclosure Suit===
H.T. Chittenden and his wife filed a foreclosure suit against the Columbus Street Railway Company in July 1898. The Columbus Street Railway Company leased the grounds of and near the park from the Chittendens. They originally agreed to let the railway company control the land for up to 20 years. The company was to have possession of the grounds from October 1, 1895, to February 28, 1901 (five years and five months) for a rental fee of $12,000 (about $422,600 in 2022) for the period made in monthly payments of $200 ($7,043) starting March 1, 1896. In case of a default payment for 30 days, the least would terminate and the Chittendens would assume control. The buildings that existed prior to the lease were a shed ($534), the western house ($750), the eastern house ($1,100), a barn ($700), and the mill property ($2,000). The agreement said the Chittendens would not pay more than $514,400 for buildings put upon the land afterward. The railway company could renew the lease upon written request if the first renewal is requested prior to 1900. Each renewal would be for five years lasting for 15 years after 1901. The lease was signed by Robert A. Lovell, Inzanne Freifien, P.V. Burington, secretary; E.K. Stewart, first vice president; and E.K. Stewart, Robert E. Sheldon, P.H. Bruck, and C.D. Firestone, the executive committee. The lessors were Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden. Land along the river on the west side was leased from Nora C. Ramlow and others for five years at a price of $150 per year. The company claimed the foreclosure suit only covered part of the grounds and did including the mill not affect the lease or reach north of the ravine.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 26 July 1898. Pg. 6.</ref>
H. T. Chittenden and his wife filed a foreclosure suit against the Columbus Street Railway Company in July 1898. The Columbus Street Railway Company leased the grounds of and near the park from the Chittendens. They originally agreed to let the railway company control the land for up to 20 years. The company was to have possession of the grounds from Oct. 1, 1895, to Feb. 28, 1901 (five years and five months) for a rental fee of {{Tooltip |text = $12,000|tooltip = $462,360 in 2025 dollars}} for the period made in monthly payments of {{Tooltip |text = $200|tooltip = $7,706 in 2025 dollars}} starting March 1, 1896. In case of a default payment for 30 days, the least would terminate, and the Chittendens would assume control. The buildings that existed before the lease were a shed ({{Tooltip |text = $534|tooltip = $20,575 in 2025 dollars}}), the western house ({{Tooltip |text = $750|tooltip = $28,898 in 2025 dollars}}), the eastern house ({{Tooltip |text = $1,100|tooltip = $42,383 in 2025 dollars}}), a barn ({{Tooltip |text = $700|tooltip = $26,971 in 2025 dollars}}), and the mill property ({{Tooltip |text = $2,000|tooltip = $77,060 in 2025 dollars}}).  
 
The agreement said the Chittendens would not pay more than {{Tooltip |text = $514,400|tooltip = $19,819,832 in 2025 dollars}} for buildings put upon the land afterward. The railway company could renew the lease upon written request if the first renewal is requested prior to 1900. Each renewal would be for five years, lasting for 15 years after 1901. The lease was signed by Robert A. Lovell, Inzanne Freifien, P. V. Burington, secretary; E. K. Stewart, first vice president; and E. K. Stewart, Robert E. Sheldon, P. H. Bruck, and C. D. Firestone, the executive committee. The lessors were Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden. Land along the river on the west side was leased from Nora C. Ramlow and others for five years for {{Tooltip |text = $150|tooltip = $5,780 in 2025 dollars}} per year. The company claimed the foreclosure suit only covered part of the grounds and did not include the mill, not affecting the lease or reaching north of the ravine.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Olentangy Park|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = July 26, 1898|page = 6}}</ref>


==Rides and Attractions==
==Rides and Attractions==


===Kinetocope and Stereopticon===
===Kinetoscope and Stereopticon===
The first kinetoscope exhibition took place on June 16, showing views of Famous Battleships, Troops Embarking, "Old Glory," Cuban Flag in Colors, and more.<ref>"First Kinetoscope Exhibition To-night." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 16 June 1898. Pg. 7.</ref> In July, views of Camp Thomas at Chickamauga taken by S.W. Miller, assistant to the superintendent of motive power; and F.E.L. Schumuekle, Jr., clerk; and printed by W.W. Bowman, secretary; were displayed in High Street windows and the more popular ones were shown on the park's Stereopticon.<ref>''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 5 July 1898. Pg. 2.</ref>
The first kinetoscope exhibition on June 16 showed views of Famous Battleships, Troops Embarking, "Old Glory," the Cuban Flag in Colors, and more.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = First Kinetoscope Exhibition To-night|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = June 16, 1898|page = 7}}</ref> In July, views of Camp Thomas at Chickamauga taken by S. W. Miller, assistant to the superintendent of motive power; and F. E. L. Schumuekle, Jr., clerk; and printed by W. W. Bowman, secretary; were displayed in High Street windows and the more popular ones were shown on the park's Stereopticon.<ref>{{Cite news |pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = July 5, 1898|page = 2}}</ref>


===Living Pictures===
===List of Rides and Attractions===
An exhibit called "Living Pictures" by Mrs. Walruff and her daughter Margaret, was displayed in August. It involved lighting effects and drapery and the program changed nightly.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 3 August 1898. Pg. 9.</ref>


===Rides===
* [[Bandstand (1)|Bandstand]]
*[[Merry-Go-Round]]
* [[Boathouse]]
*Swings
* [[Bowling alleys]]
* Cafe
* [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]]
* Kinetoscope and Stereopticon
* [[Merry-Go-Round (1)|Merry-Go-Round]]
* Swings


==Music and Performances==
==Music, Performances, and Exhibitions==
Fred Neddermeyer's band played throughout the season with two concerts every Sunday.<ref name="opening" />
Fred Neddermeyer's band played throughout the season with two concerts every Sunday.<ref name="opening" />


The Ohio State University Quartet performed a musical program during the Franklin County Boxwell commencement ceremony on June 14.<ref>''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 7 June 1898. Pg. 8.</ref>
The Ohio State University Quartet performed a musical program during the Franklin County Boxwell commencement ceremony on June 14.<ref>{{Cite news |pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = June 7, 1898|page = 8}}</ref>
 
===Living Pictures===
In August, an exhibit called "Living Pictures" by a Mrs. Walruff [or Warroff] and her daughter Margaret was displayed. It involved lighting effects and drapery, and the program changed nightly.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Olentangy Park|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = Aug. 3, 1898|page = 9}}</ref>


===''From Fireside to Battlefield''===
===''From Fireside to Battlefield''===
The living pictures, kinetoscope views, and stereopticon lantern slides were combined with Neddermeyer's Band to create a musical performance called "From Fireside to Battlefield." It was performed free for audiences during the week of August 8, 1898.<ref>Ad. ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 11 August 1898. Pg. 9.</ref> The sixth and final presentation of the exhibit included a picture of President McKinley and one of James Calhoun, the French ambassador at the time under the word, "PEACE." The success led the park management to present it for an additional week.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 15 August 1898. Pg. 9.</ref> It continued into September.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 2 September 1898. Pg. 11.</ref>
The living pictures, kinetoscope views, and stereopticon lantern slides were combined with Neddermeyer's Band to create a musical performance called "From Fireside to Battlefield." It was performed free for audiences during the week of Aug. 8.<ref>{{Cite news |type = Advertisement|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = Aug. 11, 1898|page = 9}}</ref> The sixth and final presentation of the exhibit included a picture of President McKinley and one of James Calhoun, the French ambassador at the time, under the word "PEACE." The success led the park management to present it for an additional week.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Olentangy Park|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = Aug. 15, 1898|page = 9}}</ref> It continued into September.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Olentangy Park|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = Sept. 2, 1898|page = 11}}</ref> Music and new images were implemented on Sept. 9.<ref>{{Cite news |lastname = |articletitle = Olentangy Park|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = Sept. 10, 1898|page = 12}}</ref>
 
===Other Music===
 
*[[Dancing Pavilion (First)|Dancing Pavilion]]
*Phonographs


==Stunts and Exhibitions==
==Stunts and Exhibitions==


===Balloon Ascensions===
===Balloon Ascensions===
Albert Patenaude, known as the "Spider," ascended several thousand feet in a hot-air balloon and parachuted down with a Columbus bicycle during an Independence Day exhibition.<ref>''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 27 June 1898. Pg. 7.</ref><ref>"Very Elaborate." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 2 July 1898. Pg. 5.</ref> He performed this stunt again on July 8 and 10. Returning on July 26 and 28, he performed a trapeze act in the air and descended from the balloon via parachute and hanging by his teeth. Later, in August, he returned to jumping with his bicycle and the shows ended August 14.
Albert Patenaude, known as the "Spider," ascended several thousand feet in a hot-air balloon and parachuted down with a Columbus bicycle during an Independence Day exhibition.<ref>{{Cite news |pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = June 27, 1898|page = 7}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Very Elaborate|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = July 2, 1898|page = 5}}</ref> He performed this stunt again on July 8 and 10. Returning on July 26 and 28, he performed a trapeze act in the air, descended from the balloon via parachute, hanging by his teeth. Later, he returned to jumping with his bicycle, and the shows ended Aug. 14.


==Activities==
==Activities==


===Boating===
===Boating===
Boating options at the park included Naptha launches as well as safe and speedy clinker-built row boats. Boats would run north of the boat house. The rebuilt pontoon bridge connected the west and east parts of the park.<ref name="opening" />
''Main Article:'' [[Boathouse]]
 
The park's Boating options included Naphtha launches and safe and speedy clinker-built row boats. Boats would run north of the boat house. The rebuilt pontoon bridge connected the west and east parts of the park.<ref name="opening" />


===Bowling===
===Bowling===
The four bowling alleys that were destroyed in the spring floods were rebuilt for the opening.<ref name="opening" />
''Main Article:'' [[Bowling alleys]]


===Other Activities===
The four bowling alleys destroyed in the spring floods were rebuilt for the opening.<ref name="opening" /><ref name="guide1899-32">"Boat House." ''Illustrated Guide to Columbus 1899.'' Page 32.</ref>
*Baseball
 
*General Games including lifting machines and shooting gallery
===List of Activities===
*Picnics
* [[Ball Grounds|Baseball]]
*Refreshments
* [[Boathouse|Boating]]
* [[Bowling alleys|Bowling]]
* [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing]]
* General Games, including lifting machines and shooting gallery
* Picnics
* Refreshments


== References ==
== References ==
Line 65: Line 75:


[[Category:Seasons]]
[[Category:Seasons]]
{{#seo:|description=The 1898 season at Olentangy Park opened on May 29, 1898, and closed on September 18, 1898. It was the third year that the park was called Olentangy Park.}}
{{#seo:|keywords=1898 Season, Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Olentangy Park Columbus, Columbus amusement park, amusement park, Clintonville, defunct amusement park}}

Latest revision as of 22:46, 2 July 2025

1898 Season
Leadership Columbus Street Railway Company
Season May 29, 1898 - Sept. 18, 1898
Band(s) Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band

The Columbus Street Railway Company opened the park for the 1898 season on Sunday, May 29, 1898, after being postponed a day due to rain.[1] It was the third year in operation after being named Olentangy Park. Prior to opening, all the buildings were cleaned and painted, and the boats were overhauled. Fred Neddermeyer's band played throughout the season.[2][3] The park closing day was Sunday, Sept. 18, 1898.[4]

Local sports teams practiced in the adjacent ball grounds after the park closed. The bowling alleys remained open for league practices, bowling parties, and special matches.[5] Ice skating on the river was available during the winter months.

Lawsuits

Forclosure Suit

H. T. Chittenden and his wife filed a foreclosure suit against the Columbus Street Railway Company in July 1898. The Columbus Street Railway Company leased the grounds of and near the park from the Chittendens. They originally agreed to let the railway company control the land for up to 20 years. The company was to have possession of the grounds from Oct. 1, 1895, to Feb. 28, 1901 (five years and five months) for a rental fee of $12,000$462,360 in 2025 dollars for the period made in monthly payments of $200$7,706 in 2025 dollars starting March 1, 1896. In case of a default payment for 30 days, the least would terminate, and the Chittendens would assume control. The buildings that existed before the lease were a shed ($534$20,575 in 2025 dollars), the western house ($750$28,898 in 2025 dollars), the eastern house ($1,100$42,383 in 2025 dollars), a barn ($700$26,971 in 2025 dollars), and the mill property ($2,000$77,060 in 2025 dollars).

The agreement said the Chittendens would not pay more than $514,400$19,819,832 in 2025 dollars for buildings put upon the land afterward. The railway company could renew the lease upon written request if the first renewal is requested prior to 1900. Each renewal would be for five years, lasting for 15 years after 1901. The lease was signed by Robert A. Lovell, Inzanne Freifien, P. V. Burington, secretary; E. K. Stewart, first vice president; and E. K. Stewart, Robert E. Sheldon, P. H. Bruck, and C. D. Firestone, the executive committee. The lessors were Mr. and Mrs. Chittenden. Land along the river on the west side was leased from Nora C. Ramlow and others for five years for $150$5,780 in 2025 dollars per year. The company claimed the foreclosure suit only covered part of the grounds and did not include the mill, not affecting the lease or reaching north of the ravine.[6]

Rides and Attractions

Kinetoscope and Stereopticon

The first kinetoscope exhibition on June 16 showed views of Famous Battleships, Troops Embarking, "Old Glory," the Cuban Flag in Colors, and more.[7] In July, views of Camp Thomas at Chickamauga taken by S. W. Miller, assistant to the superintendent of motive power; and F. E. L. Schumuekle, Jr., clerk; and printed by W. W. Bowman, secretary; were displayed in High Street windows and the more popular ones were shown on the park's Stereopticon.[8]

List of Rides and Attractions

Music, Performances, and Exhibitions

Fred Neddermeyer's band played throughout the season with two concerts every Sunday.[3]

The Ohio State University Quartet performed a musical program during the Franklin County Boxwell commencement ceremony on June 14.[9]

Living Pictures

In August, an exhibit called "Living Pictures" by a Mrs. Walruff [or Warroff] and her daughter Margaret was displayed. It involved lighting effects and drapery, and the program changed nightly.[10]

From Fireside to Battlefield

The living pictures, kinetoscope views, and stereopticon lantern slides were combined with Neddermeyer's Band to create a musical performance called "From Fireside to Battlefield." It was performed free for audiences during the week of Aug. 8.[11] The sixth and final presentation of the exhibit included a picture of President McKinley and one of James Calhoun, the French ambassador at the time, under the word "PEACE." The success led the park management to present it for an additional week.[12] It continued into September.[13] Music and new images were implemented on Sept. 9.[14]

Stunts and Exhibitions

Balloon Ascensions

Albert Patenaude, known as the "Spider," ascended several thousand feet in a hot-air balloon and parachuted down with a Columbus bicycle during an Independence Day exhibition.[15][16] He performed this stunt again on July 8 and 10. Returning on July 26 and 28, he performed a trapeze act in the air, descended from the balloon via parachute, hanging by his teeth. Later, he returned to jumping with his bicycle, and the shows ended Aug. 14.

Activities

Boating

Main Article: Boathouse

The park's Boating options included Naphtha launches and safe and speedy clinker-built row boats. Boats would run north of the boat house. The rebuilt pontoon bridge connected the west and east parts of the park.[3]

Bowling

Main Article: Bowling alleys

The four bowling alleys destroyed in the spring floods were rebuilt for the opening.[3][17]

List of Activities

References

  1. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 28, 1898. Page 7.
  2. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 26, 1898. Page 6.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 27, 1898. Page 11.
  4. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. September 15, 1898. Page 9.
  5. ↑ "Olentangy Park Alleys." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Oct. 14, 1898. Page 11.
  6. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 26, 1898. Page 6.
  7. ↑ "First Kinetoscope Exhibition To-night." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 16, 1898. Page 7.
  8. ↑ Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 5, 1898. Page 2.
  9. ↑ Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 7, 1898. Page 8.
  10. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 3, 1898. Page 9.
  11. ↑ Advertisement. Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 11, 1898. Page 9.
  12. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 15, 1898. Page 9.
  13. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Sept. 2, 1898. Page 11.
  14. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Sept. 10, 1898. Page 12.
  15. ↑ Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 27, 1898. Page 7.
  16. ↑ "Very Elaborate." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 2, 1898. Page 5.
  17. ↑ "Boat House." Illustrated Guide to Columbus 1899. Page 32.


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