Ye Olde Mill (1): Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
No edit summary |
mNo edit summary |
||
| (9 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 7: | Line 7: | ||
| opened = 1904 | | opened = 1904 | ||
| closed = 1911 (fire) | | closed = 1911 (fire) | ||
| manufacturer = Aquarama | | manufacturer = [[Aquarama Co.]] | ||
| architect = C. B. McDaniel and N. A. McDaniel | | architect = C. B. McDaniel and N. A. McDaniel | ||
| fires = May 1911<br />July 1911 | | fires = May 1911<br />July 1911 | ||
| vehicletype = Boat | | vehicletype = Boat | ||
| image = TheOldMill Photo BookColumbusPostcards.jpg | | image = TheOldMill Photo BookColumbusPostcards.jpg | ||
| replacedby = [[The Fun House]] | |||
| cost = {{Tooltip |text = $15,000|tooltip = $541,795 in 2025 dollars}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Ye Olde Mill''', also stylized as '''Old Mill''', '''The Old Mill''', and '''Ye Old Mill''', was a water ride and dark ride installed at Olentangy Park in [[1904 Season|1904]].<ref>"Olentangy Park, Theater and Zoological Garden." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch | '''Ye Olde Mill''', also stylized as '''Old Mill''', '''The Old Mill''', and '''Ye Old Mill''', was a water ride and dark ride installed at Olentangy Park in [[1904 Season|1904]].<ref>"Olentangy Park, Theater and Zoological Garden." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 1, 1904. Page 29.</ref> The ride was constructed under the supervision of C. B. and N. A. McDaniel of New York City and cost {{Tooltip |text = $15,000|tooltip = $541,795 in 2025 dollars}}.<ref name="coneyisland">"Olentangy Park, a Coney Island Rival." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 1, 1904. Page 4.</ref> It was created by the Aquarama Co.<ref name="sue">"Sue Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' Sept. 10, 1905. Page 1.</ref> and was first called "'''Aquarama'''" before becoming Ye Olde Mill. As was common with Old Mill rides around the country, it was also referred to by some park-goers as "The Tunnel of Love"<ref name="historian">Barrett, Richard E. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1.'' April 1984. Page 11.</ref> due to its pitch-black sections, allowing couples a chance to cuddle and kiss. | ||
A fire destroyed the original building in July 1911, and the [[Ye Olde Mill (2)|second version of the ride]] was rebuilt for the 1918 season<ref name=":0">"Lavish Park Plans." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch | A fire destroyed the original building in July 1911, and the [[Ye Olde Mill (2)|second version of the ride]] was rebuilt for the 1918 season<ref name=":0">"Lavish Park Plans." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Sept. 23, 1917. Page 56.</ref> further north with the [[Fun House]] and later, [[Joy Mill]] being built on the original site. | ||
Although the word "Ye" appears and sometimes is pronounced with a "Y" sound, the original pronunciation of the Y-like symbol is a "Th" sound, so "Ye" sounds like "The." | Although the word "Ye" appears and sometimes is pronounced with a "Y" sound, the original pronunciation of the Y-like symbol is a "Th" sound, so "Ye" sounds like "The." | ||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
The ride was a water ride where boats with upholstered seats carried riders through "gloomy caverns, fantastic grottos, and unsurpassed scenery" with a torrent of water by an immense water wheel. After floating through subterranean passages, they emerge into rooms containing electrically lit scenic effects in scenes showing cotton plantations and Black musicians playing banjos. The next scene was based on Dante's ''Inferno'' with weird and ghostly effects, followed by "The Rock of Ages," with water flowing around a rock with a center of natural flowers. From there, riders pass through Arctic regions, then under the sea with serpents and numerous "uncanny figures of every description." Mirrors were placed to enhance the immersive ride. The ride looped around to the start for the next set of riders.<ref name="coneyisland" /><ref name="logan">"Olentangy Park." ''The Democrat-Sentinel (Logan, Ohio) | The ride was a water ride where boats with upholstered seats carried riders through "gloomy caverns, fantastic grottos, and unsurpassed scenery" with a torrent of water by an immense water wheel. After floating through subterranean passages, they emerge into rooms containing electrically lit scenic effects in scenes showing cotton plantations and Black musicians playing banjos. The next scene was based on Dante's ''Inferno'' with weird and ghostly effects, followed by "The Rock of Ages," with water flowing around a rock with a center of natural flowers. From there, riders pass through Arctic regions, then under the sea with serpents and numerous "uncanny figures of every description." Mirrors were placed to enhance the immersive ride. The ride looped around to the start for the next set of riders.<ref name="coneyisland" /><ref name="logan">"Olentangy Park." ''The Democrat-Sentinel (Logan, Ohio).'' June 14, 1906. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-democrat-sentinel-olentangy-park-pa/1634143/ Clip 1] | [https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-democrat-sentinel-olentangy-park-pa/1634148/ Clip 2]</ref><ref name="historian2">Barrett, Richard E. "More on Olentangy Park." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 3.'' May 1985. Page 37.</ref> | ||
== Fires == | == Fires == | ||
In May 1911, a small fire in the ride was discovered by "Duke," a dog with a prominent part in the [[Johnstown Flood]]. His barking led to the fire being quickly extinguished. It was feared that the fire could have destroyed a large portion of the park had the fire spread.<ref>"Fire at Columbus Park." ''The Billboard | In May 1911, a small fire in the ride was discovered by "Duke," a dog with a prominent part in the [[Johnstown Flood]]. His barking led to the fire being quickly extinguished. It was feared that the fire could have destroyed a large portion of the park had the fire spread.<ref>"Fire at Columbus Park." ''The Billboard.'' June 10, 1911. Vol. 23. Issue 23. Page 20. Accessed through the Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/sim_billboard_1911-06-10_23_23/page/20/mode/2up</ref> | ||
Although the water was used from the mill ride to protect the Dancing Pavilion in July 1907<ref>"Boy Leads His Two Sisters Out of a Fire at Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' July 5, 1907. Page 13.</ref>, a fire started in the ride on [[Midway Fire of 1911|July 16, 1911]], destroyed the building along with four other structures: [[Johnstown Flood]], [[Coney Island]], [[Wonderland]], [[Temple of Mirth]], and the [[Penny Arcade (Midway)|Penny Arcade]]. The buildings were wood-frame structures, and most were lined with burlap. According to the park manager at the time, J. W. Dusenbury, the buildings were not insured.<ref>"Fire at Olentangy Park." ''The News-Herald (Hillsboro, Ohio) | Although the water was used from the mill ride to protect the Dancing Pavilion in July 1907<ref>"Boy Leads His Two Sisters Out of a Fire at Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' July 5, 1907. Page 13.</ref>, a fire started in the ride on [[Midway Fire of 1911|July 16, 1911]], destroyed the building along with four other structures: [[Johnstown Flood]], [[Coney Island]], [[Wonderland]], [[Temple of Mirth]], and the [[Penny Arcade (Midway)|Penny Arcade]]. The buildings were wood-frame structures, and most were lined with burlap. According to the park manager at the time, J. W. Dusenbury, the buildings were not insured.<ref>"Fire at Olentangy Park." ''The News-Herald (Hillsboro, Ohio).'' July 27, 1911. Page 1. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1634174/fire-at-olentangy-park/</ref><ref>"Suspect Arson in Destructive Fire at Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 17, 1911. Page 1.</ref><ref>Photographs. ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 17, 1911. Page 1.</ref><ref>"Suspect Arson in Destructive Fire at Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 17, 1911. Page 1.</ref> | ||
== Arrests == | == Arrests == | ||
In 1907, ride managers John H. Leonard and William Manning were arrested for embezzlement. They were charged with embezzling about $15 to $20 | In 1907, ride managers John H. Leonard and William Manning were arrested for embezzlement. They were charged with embezzling about {{Tooltip |text = $15 to $20|tooltip = $510 to $680 in 2025 dollars}} by taking the riders' tickets and then selling them back to the cashier, who divided the money. The cashier, an unnamed woman, provided witness testimony and avoided prosecution. The arrest was made by John K. Good.<ref>"Managers of 'Old Mill' Arrested." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 27, 1907. Page 9.</ref>. Manning pleaded guilty to embezzling {{Tooltip |text = $10|tooltip = $340 in 2025 dollars}} and was fined {{Tooltip |text = $25|tooltip = $851 in 2025 dollars}} and court costs. Leonard pleaded not guilty and was given a bond fixed at {{Tooltip |text = $15|tooltip = $510 in 2025 dollars}}.<ref>"Makes a Confession." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 29, 1907. Page 6.</ref> | ||
==Lawsuits== | ==Lawsuits== | ||
The Aquarama | The Aquarama Co. sued Dusenbury in 1905 for not paying its agreed-upon percentages derived from the operation of the Old Mill ride.<ref name="sue" /> | ||
== Related Patents == | |||
* Pleasure canal. (Jan. 2, 1900) U.S. Patent No. 640,439 [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X1lYy5m8g3q-vGrz0FPtMVmww7tCu-ou/view?usp=sharing PDF]<ref>Boyton, P. 1900. "Pleasure canal." U.S. Patent No. 640,439. Accessed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X1lYy5m8g3q-vGrz0FPtMVmww7tCu-ou/view?usp=sharing PDF]</ref> | |||
* Pleasure canal. (Dec. 18, 1900) U.S. Patent No. 664,179 [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X2eieOaJswT8T_IbC4KiGi8Cw8ZIYhRA/view?usp=sharing PDF]<ref>Schofield, G. W. 1900. "Pleasure canal." U.S. Patent No. 664,179. Accessed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X2eieOaJswT8T_IbC4KiGi8Cw8ZIYhRA/view?usp=sharing PDF] Note: Also spelled Scofield.</ref> | |||
* Canal boat operating mechanism. (Jan. 8, 1901) U.S. Patent No. 665,765 [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X-8Cl9_vCrlSXXzG5SNHKQtMgqYJPP7x/view?usp=sharing PDF]<ref>Thompson, La Marcus A. 1901. "Canal boat operating mechanism." U.S. Patent No. 665,765. Accessed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1X-8Cl9_vCrlSXXzG5SNHKQtMgqYJPP7x/view?usp=sharing PDF]</ref> | |||
== Gallery== | == Gallery== | ||
Latest revision as of 01:28, 4 July 2025
Ye Old Mill
| Other Name(s) | The Old Mill Old Mill Ye Olde Mill Aquarama First Old Mill |
|---|---|
| Type | Water ride Dark ride |
| Park Section | Midway |
| Built | 1904 |
| Opened | 1904 |
| Closed | 1911 (fire) |
| Fires | May 1911 July 1911 |
| Manufacturer | Aquarama Co. |
| Architect | C. B. McDaniel and N. A. McDaniel |
| Vehicle Type | Boat |
| Cost | $15,000$541,795 in 2025 dollars |
| Replaced By | The Fun House |
Ye Olde Mill, also stylized as Old Mill, The Old Mill, and Ye Old Mill, was a water ride and dark ride installed at Olentangy Park in 1904.[1] The ride was constructed under the supervision of C. B. and N. A. McDaniel of New York City and cost $15,000$541,795 in 2025 dollars.[2] It was created by the Aquarama Co.[3] and was first called "Aquarama" before becoming Ye Olde Mill. As was common with Old Mill rides around the country, it was also referred to by some park-goers as "The Tunnel of Love"[4] due to its pitch-black sections, allowing couples a chance to cuddle and kiss.
A fire destroyed the original building in July 1911, and the second version of the ride was rebuilt for the 1918 season[5] further north with the Fun House and later, Joy Mill being built on the original site.
Although the word "Ye" appears and sometimes is pronounced with a "Y" sound, the original pronunciation of the Y-like symbol is a "Th" sound, so "Ye" sounds like "The."
Description
The ride was a water ride where boats with upholstered seats carried riders through "gloomy caverns, fantastic grottos, and unsurpassed scenery" with a torrent of water by an immense water wheel. After floating through subterranean passages, they emerge into rooms containing electrically lit scenic effects in scenes showing cotton plantations and Black musicians playing banjos. The next scene was based on Dante's Inferno with weird and ghostly effects, followed by "The Rock of Ages," with water flowing around a rock with a center of natural flowers. From there, riders pass through Arctic regions, then under the sea with serpents and numerous "uncanny figures of every description." Mirrors were placed to enhance the immersive ride. The ride looped around to the start for the next set of riders.[2][6][7]
Fires
In May 1911, a small fire in the ride was discovered by "Duke," a dog with a prominent part in the Johnstown Flood. His barking led to the fire being quickly extinguished. It was feared that the fire could have destroyed a large portion of the park had the fire spread.[8]
Although the water was used from the mill ride to protect the Dancing Pavilion in July 1907[9], a fire started in the ride on July 16, 1911, destroyed the building along with four other structures: Johnstown Flood, Coney Island, Wonderland, Temple of Mirth, and the Penny Arcade. The buildings were wood-frame structures, and most were lined with burlap. According to the park manager at the time, J. W. Dusenbury, the buildings were not insured.[10][11][12][13]
Arrests
In 1907, ride managers John H. Leonard and William Manning were arrested for embezzlement. They were charged with embezzling about $15 to $20$510 to $680 in 2025 dollars by taking the riders' tickets and then selling them back to the cashier, who divided the money. The cashier, an unnamed woman, provided witness testimony and avoided prosecution. The arrest was made by John K. Good.[14]. Manning pleaded guilty to embezzling $10$340 in 2025 dollars and was fined $25$851 in 2025 dollars and court costs. Leonard pleaded not guilty and was given a bond fixed at $15$510 in 2025 dollars.[15]
Lawsuits
The Aquarama Co. sued Dusenbury in 1905 for not paying its agreed-upon percentages derived from the operation of the Old Mill ride.[3]
Related Patents
- Pleasure canal. (Jan. 2, 1900) U.S. Patent No. 640,439 PDF[16]
- Pleasure canal. (Dec. 18, 1900) U.S. Patent No. 664,179 PDF[17]
- Canal boat operating mechanism. (Jan. 8, 1901) U.S. Patent No. 665,765 PDF[18]
Gallery
-
The Midway at Olentangy Park (c. 1904-1906) showing the original Ye Old Mill, Mystic Castle, and Laughing Gallery. -
A panoramic photo of new rides nearing completion in the Columbus Sunday Dispatch on March 28, 1909. Rides and attractions shown: Whirlwind, Shoot-the-Chutes, the Midway including the original Ye Olde Mill and second Dancing Pavilion.
See Also
- Second Ye Olde Mill - Opened in 1918, closed with the park in 1937
References
- ↑ "Olentangy Park, Theater and Zoological Garden." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 1, 1904. Page 29.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Olentangy Park, a Coney Island Rival." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. May 1, 1904. Page 4.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Sue Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch, Sept. 10, 1905. Page 1.
- ↑ Barrett, Richard E. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1. April 1984. Page 11.
- ↑ "Lavish Park Plans." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Sept. 23, 1917. Page 56.
- ↑ "Olentangy Park." The Democrat-Sentinel (Logan, Ohio). June 14, 1906. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com Clip 1 | Clip 2
- ↑ Barrett, Richard E. "More on Olentangy Park." Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 3. May 1985. Page 37.
- ↑ "Fire at Columbus Park." The Billboard. June 10, 1911. Vol. 23. Issue 23. Page 20. Accessed through the Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/sim_billboard_1911-06-10_23_23/page/20/mode/2up
- ↑ "Boy Leads His Two Sisters Out of a Fire at Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch, July 5, 1907. Page 13.
- ↑ "Fire at Olentangy Park." The News-Herald (Hillsboro, Ohio). July 27, 1911. Page 1. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/1634174/fire-at-olentangy-park/
- ↑ "Suspect Arson in Destructive Fire at Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 17, 1911. Page 1.
- ↑ Photographs. The Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 17, 1911. Page 1.
- ↑ "Suspect Arson in Destructive Fire at Olentangy Park." The Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 17, 1911. Page 1.
- ↑ "Managers of 'Old Mill' Arrested." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 27, 1907. Page 9.
- ↑ "Makes a Confession." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 29, 1907. Page 6.
- ↑ Boyton, P. 1900. "Pleasure canal." U.S. Patent No. 640,439. Accessed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office PDF
- ↑ Schofield, G. W. 1900. "Pleasure canal." U.S. Patent No. 664,179. Accessed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office PDF Note: Also spelled Scofield.
- ↑ Thompson, La Marcus A. 1901. "Canal boat operating mechanism." U.S. Patent No. 665,765. Accessed through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office PDF