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====1896====
====1896====
* The Columbus Street Railway Company built the land the Villa Tavern stood at the end of one of the trolley lines.<ref name="historian">Barret, Richard E. 1984. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1,'' April 1984. Pages 5-9.</ref>
* The Columbus Street Railway Company built the land the Villa Tavern stood at the end of one of the trolley lines.<ref name="historian">Barret, Richard E. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1.'' April 1984. Pages 5-9.</ref>
* "The Villa" is officially named "Olentangy Park" when a volunteer wins a ''Columbus Dispatch'' naming contest.<ref name="historian" /><ref name="renamed">"The Villa Renamed at Last." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' May 2, 1896. Page 7.</ref>
* "The Villa" is officially named "Olentangy Park" when "volunteer"<ref name="renamed">"The Villa Renamed at Last." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 2, 1896. Page 7.</ref> or John R. Cook<ref>{{Cite news |lastname = Fairfax|firstname = Betty|articletitle = Betty Fairfax's Ready Advice|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = July 1, 1918|page = 12 }}</ref> wins a ''Columbus Dispatch'' naming contest.<ref name="historian" />
* The park opened for its first season on June 12, 1896.<ref name="illustrated1899-26">"Olentangy Park." ''Illustrated Guide to Columbus 1899.'' Page 26.</ref>
* The park opened for its first season on June 12, 1896.<ref name="illustrated1899-26">"Olentangy Park." ''Illustrated Guide to Columbus 1899.'' Page 26.</ref>
* The first [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]] and [[Merry-Go-Round (1)|Merry-Go-Round]] were built.<ref name="historian" /><ref name="opened">"Olentangy Park Opened." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' June 13, 1896. Page 5.</ref> The [[Boathouse]] and [[Bandstand (1)|south bandstand]] already existed on the site.
* The first [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]] and [[Merry-Go-Round (1)|Merry-Go-Round]] were built.<ref name="historian" /><ref name="opened">"Olentangy Park Opened." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 13, 1896. Page 5.</ref> The [[Boathouse]] and [[Bandstand (1)|south bandstand]] already existed on the site.
* Two [[Bowling alleys|bowling alleys]] were built into the Boathouse.<ref name="historian" />
* Two [[Bowling alleys|bowling alleys]] were built into the Boathouse.<ref name="historian" />
[[1896 Season|View 1896 season]]


====1897====
====1897====
* Kinetoscope views began to be shown to audiences every evening<ref name="ad">Advertisement, ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' July 31, 1897. Page 6.</ref>
* Kinetoscope views began to be shown to audiences every evening<ref name="ad">Advertisement. ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 31, 1897. Page 6.</ref>
 
[[1897 Season|View 1897 season]]


====1898====
====1898====
* After flooding destroyed the original [[Bowling alleys|bowling alleys]], four new alleys are built in the [[boathouse]].<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' May 27, 1898. Page 11.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park: The Band Concerts." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' June 9, 1989. Page 11.</ref>
* After flooding destroyed the original [[Bowling alleys|bowling alleys]], four new alleys are built in the [[boathouse]].<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 27, 1898. Page 11.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park: The Band Concerts." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 9, 1989. Page 11.</ref>
 
[[1898 Season|View 1898 season]]


====1899====
====1899====
* The Olentangy Park Company was incorporated.
* The Olentangy Park Company was incorporated.
* The Columbus Street Railway Company transferred its lease to Joseph W. Dusenbury and Eli West,<ref>"Conspiracy Charged By J. W. Dusenbury and His Friends." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' August 1, 1899. Page 6.</ref><ref name="guilty">"Simply 'Referred' Was That Long-Looked-For Report." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' August 8, 1899. Page 5.</ref><ref name="started">"Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' August 30, 1931. Page 18-G.</ref> but is often seen as being purchased by Joseph W. and Will J. Dusenbury or "The Dusenbury Brothers."<ref>Lentz, Ed. 2021. "Columbus' amusement parks once were entertainment hot spots." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' October 4, 2021. Accessed on July 22, 2022. https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/10/04/columbus-amusement-parks-once-were-entertainment-hot-spots/5886060001/</ref> The Dusenbury Brothers also owned nearby Minerva Park and the Southern, Grand, and other theaters in Columbus.<ref name="historian" />
* The Columbus Street Railway Company transferred its lease to Joseph W. Dusenbury and Eli West,<ref>"Conspiracy Charged By J. W. Dusenbury and His Friends." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 1, 1899. Page 6.</ref><ref name="guilty">"Simply 'Referred' Was That Long-Looked-For Report." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 8, 1899. Page 5.</ref><ref name="started">"Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Aug. 30, 1931. Page 18-G.</ref> but is often seen as being purchased by Joseph W. and Will J. Dusenbury or "The Dusenbury Brothers."<ref>Lentz, Ed. "Columbus' amusement parks once were entertainment hot spots." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Oct. 4, 2021. Accessed on July 22, 2022. https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/10/04/columbus-amusement-parks-once-were-entertainment-hot-spots/5886060001/</ref> The Dusenbury Brothers also owned nearby Minerva Park and the Southern, Grand, and other theaters in Columbus.<ref name="historian" />
* The [[Olentangy Park Casino and Theater]] was built just north of the ravine.<ref name="locationchange">"Location is Changed." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' March 27, 1899. Page 7.</ref><ref name="sanborn1901">''Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.'' Sanborn Map Company, Vol. 1, 1901. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn06656_003/.</ref><ref name="sanborn1901-2">''Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.'' Sanborn Map Company, Vol. 1, 1901, Sheet 63. Map. https://sanborn-ohioweblibrary-org.oh0057.oplin.org/viewer/?id=13464</ref><ref name="sanborn1922">''Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.'' Sanborn Map Company, - 1922 Vol. 3, 1922, 1922. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn06656_008/.</ref><ref>''General Map, The Olentangy Amusement Co., Columbus, Ohio,'' 1924.</ref>
* The [[Olentangy Park Casino and Theater]] was built just north of the ravine.<ref name="locationchange">"Location is Changed." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' March 27, 1899. Page 7.</ref><ref name="sanborn1901">''Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.'' Sanborn Map Company, Vol. 1, 1901. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn06656_003/.</ref><ref name="sanborn1901-2">''Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.'' Sanborn Map Company, Vol. 1, 1901, Sheet 63. Map. https://sanborn-ohioweblibrary-org.oh0057.oplin.org/viewer/?id=13464</ref><ref name="sanborn1922">''Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio.'' Sanborn Map Company, - 1922 Vol. 3, 1922, 1922. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn06656_008/.</ref><ref>''General Map, The Olentangy Amusement Company, Columbus, Ohio,'' 1924.</ref>
* The park's first funhouse, the [[Crystal Maze]] is built.<ref name="sanborn1901" /><ref name="sanborn1901-2" />
* The park's first funhouse, the [[Crystal Maze]] is built.<ref name="sanborn1901" /><ref name="sanborn1901-2" />
* A wing in the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|first Dancing Pavilion]] is closed and a [[Bowling alleys|bowling alley]] is installed.<ref name="locationchange" /><ref name="illustrated1899-26" />
* A wing in the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|first Dancing Pavilion]] is closed and a [[Bowling alleys|bowling alley]] is installed.<ref name="locationchange" /><ref name="illustrated1899-26" />
* Constables attempted to shut down the Sunday performance in the theater on June 18, 1899, resulting in a riot.<ref>"Torrid Was Olentangy Heat." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' June 19, 1899. Page 5.</ref><ref>"That Sunday Riot." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' June 19, 1899. Page 4.</ref>
* Constables attempted to shut down the Sunday performance in the theater on June 18, 1899, resulting in a riot.<ref>"Torrid Was Olentangy Heat." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 19, 1899. Page 5.</ref><ref>"That Sunday Riot." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 19, 1899. Page 4.</ref>
 
[[1899 Season|View 1899 season]]
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====1900====
====1900====
* The [[Bathing Pavilion]] and [[Water Toboggan]] were built on the river.<ref>"Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's." ''The Columbus Dispatch,'' August 30, 1931. Page 18-G.</ref><ref>"Bathing at Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' June 17, 1906. Page 2.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' May 20, 1900. Page 18.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park." ''The Democrat-Sentinel (Logan, OH),'' 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>
* The [[Bathing Pavilion]] and [[Water Toboggan]] were built on the river.<ref>"Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Aug. 30, 1931. Page 18-G.</ref><ref>"Bathing at Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 17, 1906. Page 2.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 20, 1900. Page 18.</ref><ref>"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>
* The park's first [[Shooting Gallery]] is built just south of the Crystal Maze.<ref name="sanborn1901" /><ref name="sanborn1901-2" />
* The park's first [[Shooting Gallery]] is built just south of the Crystal Maze.<ref name="sanborn1901" /><ref name="sanborn1901-2" />
* Stunts started to become a staple at the park.<ref name="costs">"Olentangy Features." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' May 18, 1900. Page 7.</ref>
* Stunts started to become a staple at the park.<ref name="costs">"Olentangy Features." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 18, 1900. Page 7.</ref>
 
[[1900 Season|View 1900 season]]


====1901====
====1901====
* The Columbus Street Railway Company builds a new steel trestle bridge to replace the wooden one that went from High Street to Olentangy Park, expanding it to two tracks.<ref>"Steel Trestle." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' May 28, 1901. Page 7.</ref><ref>"Bond was Filed." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' June 13, 1901. Page 12.</ref><ref>"The New Loop." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' July 10, 1901. Page 7.</ref><ref>"Real Estate Transfers." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' July 10, 1901. Page 10.</ref>
* The Columbus Street Railway Company builds a new steel trestle bridge to replace the wooden one that went from High Street to Olentangy Park, expanding it to two tracks.<ref>"Steel Trestle." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 28, 1901. Page 7.</ref><ref>"Bond was Filed." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 13, 1901. Page 12.</ref><ref>"The New Loop." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 10, 1901. Page 7.</ref><ref>"Real Estate Transfers." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 10, 1901. Page 10.</ref>
* J. W. Dusenbury secretly signs a 99-year lease on the park's property, renewal forever, beginning in March 1901 from Henry T. Chittenden and his ex-wife Henrietta B. Burgher, discovered through a land dispute. The Columbus Railway Company waives its lease on the property. This adds 27 acres to the park.<ref>"H.T. Chittenden Sued." ''Friday Columbus Dispatch,'' June 13, 1902. Page 7.</ref><ref>"Mrs. Burgher's Note." ''Wednesday Columbus Dispatch,'' July 23, 1902. Page 7.</ref>
* J. W. Dusenbury secretly signs a 99-year lease on the park's property, renewal forever, beginning in March 1901 from Henry T. Chittenden and his ex-wife Henrietta B. Burgher, discovered through a land dispute. The Columbus Railway Company waives its lease on the property. This adds 27 acres to the park.<ref>"H.T. Chittenden Sued." ''Friday Columbus Dispatch.'' June 13, 1902. Page 7.</ref><ref>"Mrs. Burgher's Note." ''Wednesday Columbus Dispatch.'' July 23, 1902. Page 7.</ref>
* A new dining hall and restaurant are added.<ref name="opening1901">"Olentangy Park: Opening of the Season." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' May 19, 1901. Page 12.</ref>
* A new dining hall and restaurant are added.<ref name="opening1901">"Olentangy Park: Opening of the Season." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 19, 1901. Page 12.</ref>
 
[[1901 Season|View 1901 season]]


====1902====
====1902====
* A major lawsuit by [[Hays-Mackey v. The Olentangy Park Co.|Otho L. Hays and Daniel H. Mackey]], owners of the [[Ball Grounds]], is filed against the park company over relocating fences on the east and south sides to cut through public streets and enclosing a roadway within the park. They wanted to also raise the rent for their land. The fences were removed.<ref>"Short Items." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 13 May 1901. Pg. 7.</ref>  
* A major lawsuit by [[Hays-Mackey v. The Olentangy Park Co.|Otho L. Hays and Daniel H. Mackey]], owners of the [[Ball Grounds]], is filed against the park company over relocating fences on the east and south sides to cut through public streets and enclosing a roadway within the park. They wanted to also raise the rent for their land. The fences were removed.<ref>"Short Items." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 13, 1901. Page 7.</ref>  
* The park's first mechanical ride, [[Figure Eight Toboggan]], is built.<ref>"Olentangy Then and Now." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' May 3, 1914. Page 46.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park—Tassin's New Comedy." ''Friday Columbus Dispatch,'' August 1, 1902. Page 7.</ref>
* The park's first mechanical ride, [[Figure Eight Toboggan]], is built.<ref>"Olentangy Then and Now." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 3, 1914. Page 46.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park—Tassin's New Comedy." ''Friday Columbus Dispatch.'' Aug. 1, 1902. Page 7.</ref>
* The [[Miniature Railway]] is built just north of the Figure Eight.<ref>"Geisha Girls are to be Attraction." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' January 2, 1905. Page 5.</ref>
* The [[Miniature Railway]] is built just north of the Figure Eight.<ref>"Geisha Girls are to be Attraction." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Jan. 2, 1905. Page 5.</ref>
* A fire destroys the mills of the [[Boathouse]] on June 13, 1902.<ref>Campbell, Alex. 2018. "Olentangy Park Chronology." ''Clintonville History,'' July 18, 2018. https://clintonvillehistory.com/wp-content/images/web-images-2018-07-18-alex-campbell/olentangy%20park%20chronology2.pdf</ref>
* A fire destroys the mills of the [[Boathouse]] on June 13, 1902.<ref>Campbell, Alex. 2018. "Olentangy Park Chronology." ''Clintonville History.'' July 18, 2018. https://clintonvillehistory.com/wp-content/images/web-images-2018-07-18-alex-campbell/olentangy%20park%20chronology2.pdf</ref>
 
[[1902 Season|View 1902 season]]


====1903====
====1903====
* The Dusenburys remove the fences in the Hays-Mackey dispute and saw the old dining hall in half as well as part of the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]]. A row of posts leading from High Street to the park grounds are removed, and the holes are filled in.<ref>"Roadways Cleared Up." ''Monday Columbus Dispatch.'' 2 November 1903. Pg. 7. </ref>
* The Dusenburys remove the fences in the Hays-Mackey dispute and saw the old dining hall in half as well as part of the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]]. A row of posts leading from High Street to the park grounds are removed, and the holes are filled in.<ref>"Roadways Cleared Up." ''Monday Columbus Dispatch.'' Nov. 2, 1903. Page 7. </ref>
* The Columbus Railway Company leases 5 acres south of the park, extending it as far south as Dodridge Street, affording new walks and picnic grounds.<ref name="preparing">"Olentangy Park." ''Wednesday Columbus Dispatch,'' April 1, 1903. Page 9.</ref> As part of the remodeling of all the buildings, calcium light effects are added to the theater and 1,000 additional lights are installed to the park.<ref>"Beautiful Olentangy." ''Monday Columbus Dispatch,'' May 18, 1903. Page 12.</ref>
* The Columbus Railway Company leases 5 acres south of the park, extending it as far south as Dodridge Street, affording new walks and picnic grounds.<ref name="preparing">"Olentangy Park." ''Wednesday Columbus Dispatch.'' April 1, 1903. Page 9.</ref> As part of the remodeling of all the buildings, calcium light effects are added to the theater, and 1,000 additional lights are installed to the park.<ref>"Beautiful Olentangy." ''Monday Columbus Dispatch.'' May 18, 1903. Page 12.</ref>
* Improvements were made to the [[Ball Grounds]], and the Modern Woodmen baseball team changes its name to the Olentangy Athletic Club.<ref>"Amature Notes." ''Friday Columbus Dispatch,'' June 12, 1903. Page 11.</ref>
* Improvements were made to the [[Ball Grounds]], and the Modern Woodmen baseball team changes its name to the Olentangy Athletic Club.<ref>"Amature Notes." ''Friday Columbus Dispatch.'' June 12, 1903. Page 11.</ref>
* The [[Cave of the Winds]], [[House of Trouble]], [[Laughing Gallery]], and [[Ferris Wheel (1)|Ferris Wheel]] are built. The [[Cave of the Winds]] and [[House of Trouble]] are open for just one year.
* The [[Cave of the Winds]], [[House of Trouble]], [[Laughing Gallery]], and [[Ferris Wheel (1)|Ferris Wheel]] are built. The [[Cave of the Winds]] and [[House of Trouble]] are open for just one year.
* The Dusenburys open the [[Zoological Garden]]. The collection consists of buffalo, dromedaries, elk, deer, lions, leopards, bear, wild hogs, wild cats, foxes, fowls, and more.<ref name="zoo1">"Olentangy 'Zoo.'" ''The Sunday Columbus Dispatch,'' January 24, 1903. Page 6.</ref>
* The Dusenburys open the [[Zoological Garden]]. The collection consists of buffalo, dromedaries, elk, deer, lions, leopards, bears, wild hogs, wild cats, foxes, fowls, and more.<ref name="zoo1">"Olentangy 'Zoo.'" ''The Sunday Columbus Dispatch.'' Jan. 24, 1903. Page 6.</ref>
* Naturalist Oliver Davie moves an extensive collection of mounted birds and animals from Minerva Park to Olentangy Park's new [[Museum of Ornithology]].<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''The Sunday Columbus Dispatch.'' May 3, 1903. Pages 8-9.</ref> An aquarium is built in the center of the building - the first of its kind in Columbus.<ref>"Birds and Fish." ''Saturday Columbus Dispatch,'' February 28, 1903. Page 11.</ref>
* Naturalist Oliver Davie moves an extensive collection of mounted birds and animals from Minerva Park to Olentangy Park's new [[Museum of Ornithology]].<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''The Sunday Columbus Dispatch.'' May 3, 1903. Pages 8-9.</ref> An aquarium is built in the center of the building - the first of its kind in Columbus.<ref>"Birds and Fish." ''Saturday Columbus Dispatch.'' Feb. 28, 1903. Page 11.</ref>
* The [[Crystal Maze]] closes after four years in operation.
* The [[Crystal Maze]] closes after four years in operation.
[[1903 Season|View 1903 season]]


====1904====
====1904====
* J. W. Dusenbury leases a tract of the Mackey land on the west side of High Street adjoining Olentangy Park for 10 years, and a Hays plot of land on the west side of High Street adjoining the land also for 10 years.<ref>"Olentangy Leases Filed." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' 12 June 1904. Pg. 7.</ref>
* J. W. Dusenbury leases a tract of the Mackey land on the west side of High Street adjoining Olentangy Park for 10 years, and a Hays plot of land on the west side of High Street adjoining the land also for 10 years.<ref>"Olentangy Leases Filed." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 12, 1904. Page 7.</ref>
* The park expands to comprise over 100 square acres.<ref name="opening1904">"Grand Opening Olentangy Park, Theater and Zoo." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' April 24, 1904. Page 4.</ref>
* The park expands to comprise over 100 square acres.<ref name="opening1904">"Grand Opening Olentangy Park, Theater and Zoo." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 24, 1904. Page 4.</ref>
* The [[Ball Grounds]] are enclosed.<ref name="opening1904" />
* The [[Ball Grounds]] are enclosed.<ref name="opening1904" />
* A large grandstand is added.<ref name="opening1904" />
* A large grandstand is added.<ref name="opening1904" />
* The [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]] and [[Bowling alleys|bowling alleys]] are enlarged and improved.<ref name="opening1904" />
* The [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]] and [[Bowling alleys|bowling alleys]] are enlarged and improved.<ref name="opening1904" />
* The [[Colonnade]] replaces the restrooms and refreshment stands across from the theater.<ref name="opening1904" /><ref name="coneyisland">"Olentangy Park, a Coney Island Rival" ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' May 1, 1904. Page 4.</ref><ref name="newgreenhouse">"New Greenhouse, Baby Elk, Enlarged Zoo and Landscape Gardening." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' September 13, 1904. Page 7.</ref>
* The [[Colonnade]] replaces the restrooms and refreshment stands across from the theater.<ref name="opening1904" /><ref name="coneyisland">"Olentangy Park, a Coney Island Rival." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 1, 1904. Page 4.</ref><ref name="newgreenhouse">"New Greenhouse, Baby Elk, Enlarged Zoo and Landscape Gardening." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Sept. 13, 1904. Page 7.</ref>
* New funhouses are added: The [[Mystic Castle]], also called the Castle Mystic, the [[Palace of Illusions]], and the [[House That Jack Built]], <ref name="opening-ad">Advertisement, ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' April 24, 1904. Page 4.</ref> constructed by J. W. Zarro.<ref name="billboard0423">''The Billboard,'' 16 (17): 8. April 23, 1904.</ref>
* New funhouses are added: The [[Mystic Castle]], also called the Castle Mystic, the [[Palace of Illusions]], and the [[House That Jack Built]], <ref name="opening-ad">Advertisement. ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 24, 1904. Page 4.</ref> constructed by J. W. Zarro.<ref name="billboard0423">''The Billboard.'' Vol. 16. Issue 17. April 23, 1904. Page 8.</ref>
* The [[Circle Swing]] is installed near the Figure Eight.<ref name="coneyisland">"Olentangy Park, a Coney Island Rival" ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' May 1, 1904. Page 4.</ref>
* The [[Circle Swing]] is installed near the Figure Eight.<ref name="coneyisland">"Olentangy Park, a Coney Island Rival." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 1, 1904. Page 4.</ref>
* The first [[Ye Olde Mill (1)|Ye Olde Mill]] or Auquarama opens.<ref name="newgreenhouse" />
* The first [[Ye Olde Mill (1)|Ye Olde Mill]] or Auquarama opens.<ref name="newgreenhouse" />
* The [[Zoological Garden]] expands to three times the size. One of the additions includes a large pressed brick animal house.<ref name="coneyisland" />
* The [[Zoological Garden]] expands to three times the size. One of the additions includes a large, pressed-brick animal house.<ref name="coneyisland" />
* The [[Down and Out]] slide is added and only lasts a year.<ref>"Real Opening Day at Olentangy Park Today." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' May 22, 1904. Page 4.</ref>
* The [[Down and Out]] slide is added and only lasts a year.<ref>"Real Opening Day at Olentangy Park Today." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 22, 1904. Page 4.</ref>
* The [[Boathouse]] boats are swept away in a July flood over the dam, landing near residences. Only 19 of the 22 boats are recovered by the next day.<ref>"Out for Salvage." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' July 8, 1904. Page 3.</ref>
* The [[Boathouse]] boats are swept away in a July flood over the dam, landing near residences. Only 19 of the 22 boats are recovered by the next day.<ref>"Out for Salvage." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' July 8, 1904. Page 3.</ref>
 
[[1904 Season|View 1904 season]]


====1905====
====1905====


* To make room for the growth of the [[zoo]], the park grounds are extended to Doddridge Street, making the park around 100 acres.<ref name="opening1905">"Opening of Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' April 16, 1905. Page 6.</ref>
* To make room for the growth of the [[zoo]], the park grounds are extended to Doddridge Street, making the park around 100 acres.<ref name="opening1905">"Opening of Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' April 16, 1905. Page 6.</ref>
* "[[Fair Japan]]," a Japanese Village exhibit is built on 10 acres<ref name="opening1905" /> at the park.<ref name="historian" />
* "[[Fair Japan]]," a Japanese Village exhibit is built on 10 acres<ref name="opening1905" /> at the park.<ref name="historian" />
* New [[Floral Conservatory|Greenhouses]] and a [[Palm Garden]] are built.
* New [[Floral Conservatory|Greenhouses]] and a [[Palm Garden]] are built.
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* The [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]] closes after nine years of running to be replaced with a much larger building.
* The [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]] closes after nine years of running to be replaced with a much larger building.
* The [[House That Jack Built]] closes at the end of the season.
* The [[House That Jack Built]] closes at the end of the season.
[[1905 Season|View 1905 season]]


====1906====
====1906====
* The park grows to more than 100 acres, extending a half mile north from Dodridge Street on "both sides of the Olentangy River" and east to North High Street.
* The park grows to more than 100 acres, extending a half mile north from Dodridge Street on "both sides of the Olentangy River" and east to North High Street.
* The Forest Toboggan is purchased from the Columbus Zoological Company and erected along High Street and to the north. It opens as the [[Scenic Coaster]].<ref name="opening1906" />
* The Forest Toboggan is purchased from the Columbus Zoological Company and erected along High Street and to the north. It opens as the [[Scenic Coaster]].<ref name="opening1906" />
* A new [[Merry-Go-Round (2)|Carousel]] is placed in the structure of the old [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]].<ref name="opening1906">"Olentangy Park Opens on April 29." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' April 15, 1906. Page 7.</ref><ref name="auspicious">"Auspicious Day for Park Opening." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' April 30, 1906. Page 6.</ref>
* A new [[Merry-Go-Round (2)|Carousel]] is placed in the structure of the old [[Dancing Pavilion (1)|Dancing Pavilion]].<ref name="opening1906">"Olentangy Park Opens on April 29." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 15, 1906. Page 7.</ref><ref name="auspicious">"Auspicious Day for Park Opening." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' April 30, 1906. Page 6.</ref>
* The park's first [[Roller Skating Rink (Building)|Roller Skating Rink]] was added near the southeast entrance with an approach from High Street.
* The park's first [[Roller Skating Rink (Building)|Roller Skating Rink]] was added near the southeast entrance with an approach from High Street.
* Several attractions are added including [[Fantasma]], [[Creation or The Great Hereafter]], [[Photographic Gallery (2)|Photographic Gallery]], [[Moving Pictures|Theatorium]], and [[Tours of the World]].
* Several attractions are added including [[Fantasma]], [[Creation or The Great Hereafter]], [[Photographic Gallery (2)|Photographic Gallery]], [[Moving Pictures|Theatorium]], and [[Tours of the World]].
* [[Temple of Mirth]] was added to a new [[Midway]] north of the planned Dancing Pavilion.
* [[Temple of Mirth]] was added to a new [[Midway]] north of the planned Dancing Pavilion.
* [[Egyptian Mystery]] and [[The Third Degree]] are added to the [[Colonnade]].<ref name="colpost">Postcard. "Olentangy Park, Columbus, Ohio." Published by The Valentine & Sons Publishing Co.206.966 JV Accessed through Columbus Metropolitan Library Digital Collections. https://digital-collections.columbuslibrary.org/digital/collection/postcard/id/41463</ref> The latter for only a year.
* [[Egyptian Mystery]] and [[The Third Degree]] are added to the [[Colonnade]].<ref name="colpost">Postcard. "Olentangy Park, Columbus, Ohio." Published by The Valentine & Sons Publishing Co. 206.966 JV Accessed through Columbus Metropolitan Library Digital Collections. https://digital-collections.columbuslibrary.org/digital/collection/postcard/id/41463</ref> The latter for only a year.
* J. W. Dusenbury closes Minerva Park to focus on Olentangy Park.<ref>"Plea for Minerva Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' September 29, 1906. Page 4.</ref>
* J. W. Dusenbury closes Minerva Park to focus on Olentangy Park.<ref>"Plea for Minerva Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Sept. 29, 1906. Page 4.</ref>
* The first wireless telegraph sent in Columbus is sent from the park to the State Institution for the Deaf and Dumb.<ref>"First Wireless Message in Columbus." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' May 17, 1906. Page 1.</ref><ref>"First Wireless Message in Columbus." ''The Deaf-Mutes' Journal,'' May 24, 1906. Page 2. Accessed through the Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/TheDeaf-mutesJournalmay.241906/page/n1/mode/2up</ref>
* The first wireless telegraph sent in Columbus is sent from the park to the State Institution for the Deaf and Dumb.<ref>"First Wireless Message in Columbus." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 17, 1906. Page 1.</ref><ref>"First Wireless Message in Columbus." ''The Deaf-Mutes' Journal.'' May 24, 1906. Page 2. Accessed through the Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/TheDeaf-mutesJournalmay.241906/page/n1/mode/2up</ref>
* [[Mystic Castle]] and [[Laughing Gallery]] close  to make room for the next [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]].<ref>"Resorts are Planning Many Improvements." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' February 11, 1906. Page 7.</ref>
* [[Mystic Castle]] and [[Laughing Gallery]] close  to make room for the next [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]].<ref>"Resorts are Planning Many Improvements." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Feb. 11, 1906. Page 7.</ref>
* Construction begins on the new [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]] near the [[Ye Olde Mill (1)|Old Mill]] at the north end of the park.<ref name="opening1906" />
* Construction begins on the new [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]] near the [[Ye Olde Mill (1)|Old Mill]] at the north end of the park.<ref name="opening1906" />
[[1906 Season|View 1906 season]]


====1907====
====1907====
* Otho L. Hays from the earlier land dispute goes bankrupt and sells his land. The park gains a portion of the land, growing the park to more than 100 acres.<ref>"Notice of Sale." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' June 22, 1907. Page 9.</ref>
* Otho L. Hays, from the earlier land dispute, goes bankrupt and sells his land. The park gains a portion of the land, growing the park to more than 100 acres.<ref>"Notice of Sale." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 22, 1907. Page 9.</ref>
* A fire in July destroys the [[Moving Pictures|Theatorium]], [[Photographic Gallery (2)|Photographic Gallery]], and [[Tours of the World]] in the north end of the park.<ref>"Olentangy Park Fire Not Destructive." ''The Marion Daily Mirror (Marion, Ohio),'' July 29, 1907. Page 8.</ref>
* A [[July 1907 Fire|fire in July]] destroys the [[Moving Pictures|Theatorium]], [[Photographic Gallery (2)|Photographic Gallery]], and [[Tours of the World]] in the north end of the park.<ref>"Olentangy Park Fire Not Destructive." ''The Marion Daily Mirror (Marion, Ohio).'' July 29, 1907. Page 8.</ref>
* The new larger [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]] is completed and opens to the public. It is the largest dancing pavilion in Ohio.<ref name="opening1907">"Olentangy Park to Be Opened April 28." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' March 29, 1907. Page 16.</ref><ref name="climbers">"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' June 20, 1907. Page 4.</ref>
* The new larger [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]] is completed and opens to the public. It is the largest dancing pavilion in Ohio.<ref name="opening1907">"Olentangy Park to Be Opened April 28." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' March 29, 1907. Page 16.</ref><ref name="climbers">"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 20, 1907. Page 4.</ref>
* The [[Igorrote Village]] exhibit opens and runs for two years.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' August 20, 1907. Page 4.</ref>
* The [[Igorrote Village]] exhibit opens and runs for two years.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 20, 1907. Page 4.</ref>
* The [[Gypsy Camp]] opens featuring Queen Stella, the "genuine gypsy fortune teller."
* The [[Gypsy Camp]] opens featuring Queen Stella, the "genuine gypsy fortune teller."
[[1907 Season|View 1907 season]]


====1908====
====1908====
* The [[Loop-the-Loop]] opens as one of the first three operating looping coasters in North America<ref name="historian3">Barrett, Richard E. 1985. "More on Olentangy Park." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 3.'' May 1985. Page 37.</ref>
* The [[Loop-the-Loop]] opens as one of the first three operating looping coasters in North America<ref name="historian3">Barrett, Richard E. "More on Olentangy Park." ''Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 3.'' May 1985. Page 37.</ref>
* The [[Scenic Temple]] opens, showing "Battle Scenes of the Republic"<ref>"Olentangy Park, Theater, and Zoo." ''Dispatch Daily Magazine,'' May 29, 1908. Page 12.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Dispatch Daily Magazine,'' April 23, 1908. Page 14.</ref>
* The [[Scenic Temple]] opens, showing "Battle Scenes of the Republic"<ref>"Olentangy Park, Theater, and Zoo." ''Dispatch Daily Magazine.'' May 29, 1908. Page 12.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Dispatch Daily Magazine.'' April 23, 1908. Page 14.</ref>
* The [[Hindoo Mystery]] replaces [[Egyptian Mystery]] in the [[Colonnade]] before closing at the end of the season.<ref>"Olentangy." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' June 19, 1908. Page 18.</ref><ref name="colpost" />
* The [[Hindoo Mystery]] replaces [[Egyptian Mystery]] in the [[Colonnade]] before closing at the end of the season.<ref>"Olentangy." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 19, 1908. Page 18.</ref><ref name="colpost" />
* The [[Infant Incubator]] opens in the [[Colonnade]] and runs for a year.
* The [[Infant Incubator]] opens in the [[Colonnade]] and runs for a year.
* The [[Moving Pictures|Motion Picture Exhibit]] is rebuilt.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' April 12, 1908. Page 5.</ref>
* The [[Moving Pictures|Motion Picture Exhibit]] is rebuilt.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' April 12, 1908. Page 5.</ref>
* The [[Museum of Ornithology]] closes after five years of operation. The mounted bird display is purchased by the Audubon Society and was installed in the Sullivant School six years later.<ref>"Bird Lovers Will Meet." ''Ohio State Lantern (Columbus, Ohio),'' October 1, 1914. Page 3.</ref>
* The [[Museum of Ornithology]] closes after five years of operation. The mounted bird display is purchased by the Audubon Society and was installed in the Sullivant School six years later.<ref>"Bird Lovers Will Meet." ''Ohio State Lantern (Columbus, Ohio).'' Oct. 1, 1914. Page 3.</ref>
 
[[1908 Season|View 1908 season]]


====1909====
====1909====
* The park expands in the north to 125 acres.<ref>"Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' October 23, 1909. Page 10.</ref>
* The park expands in the north to 125 acres.<ref>"Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Oct. 23, 1909. Page 10.</ref>
* The Olentangy Canoe Club holds its first annual regatta at the [[Boathouse]], where there were 22 canoes.<ref name="canoe">"Canoeists Will Organize a Club." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' August 26, 1909. Page 2.</ref><ref>"Canoeists Have Fine Sport in a Regatta." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' August 29, 1909. Page 8.</ref>
* The Olentangy Canoe Club holds its first annual regatta at the [[Boathouse]], where there were 22 canoes.<ref name="canoe">"Canoeists Will Organize a Club." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 26, 1909. Page 2.</ref><ref>"Canoeists Have Fine Sport in a Regatta." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Aug. 29, 1909. Page 8.</ref>
* The new north [[Midway]] opens with [[Arcadia]], [[Automatic Vaudeville]], and [[Love's Voyage]].<ref name="opening1909">"Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch,'' April 11, 1909. Page 5.</ref> It was built around the [[Temple of Mirth]] and just north of the [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]].
* The new north [[Midway]] opens with [[Arcadia]], [[Automatic Vaudeville]], and [[Love's Voyage]].<ref name="opening1909">"Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' April 11, 1909. Page 5.</ref> It was built around the [[Temple of Mirth]] and just north of the [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]].
* The [[Shoot-the-Chutes]] was built at the most northern part of the park.<ref name="pano">"Panoramic Views of Olentangy Park Showing Many New Amusement Structures Being Erected on Newly Acquired Tract of 25 Acres to North." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' March 28, 1909. Page 1.</ref><ref name="opening1909" />
* The [[Shoot-the-Chutes]] was built at the most northern part of the park.<ref name="pano">"Panoramic Views of Olentangy Park Showing Many New Amusement Structures Being Erected on Newly Acquired Tract of 25 Acres to North." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' March 28, 1909. Page 1.</ref><ref name="opening1909" />
* Across from the Midway, the [[Whirlwind]] coaster, [[Ocean Wave]], and Ferris Wheel were built north of [[Fair Japan]].<ref name="pano" /><ref name="opening1909" />
* Across from the Midway, the [[Whirlwind]] coaster, [[Ocean Wave]], and Ferris Wheel were built north of [[Fair Japan]].<ref name="pano" /><ref name="opening1909" />
* The [[Panama Canal Exhibit]] is added to the [[Colonnade]] for a year.
* The [[Panama Canal Exhibit]] is added to the [[Colonnade]] for a year.
[[1909 Season|View 1909 season]]
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====1910====
====1910====
* A 6-foot (possibly meant 60-foot) cement sidewalk is added that went from the main entrance to the north end of the ravine and a space at the attractions.<ref name="april31910">"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' April 3, 1910. Page 5.</ref><ref name="april101910">"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch,'' April 10, 1910. Page 5.</ref>
* A 6-foot (possibly meant 60-foot) cement sidewalk is added that went from the main entrance to the north end of the ravine and a space at the attractions.<ref name="april31910">"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 3, 1910. Page 5.</ref><ref name="april101910">"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 10, 1910. Page 5.</ref>
* A new automobile and carriage entrance with a fancy gateway entrance is constructed on High Street just north of the ravine. A space at the west end of this driveway is set aside for parking automobiles.
* A new automobile and carriage entrance with a fancy gateway entrance is constructed on High Street just north of the ravine. A space at the west end of this driveway is set aside for parking automobiles.
* The [[The Destruction of Johnstown|Johnstown Flood]] replaces [[Automatic Vaudeville]] and [[Dear Old Coney Island|Coney Island]] replaces [[Love's Voyage]] in the [[Midway]].
* The [[The Destruction of Johnstown|Johnstown Flood]] replaces [[Automatic Vaudeville]] and [[Dear Old Coney Island|Coney Island]] replaces [[Love's Voyage]] in the [[Midway]].
* The [[Bandstand (2)|North Bandstand]] and a [[Merry-Go-Round (3)|merry-go-round]] are added.
* The [[Bandstand (2)|North Bandstand]] and a [[Merry-Go-Round (3)|merry-go-round]] are added.
[[1910 Season|View 1910 season]]
====1911====
* New cement walkways are laid, and new globe lamps and fancy light poles are added throughout the park.<ref>"Olentangy." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch." March 26, 1911. Page 10.</ref>
* The [[Crazy House]], [[Double Whirl]], [[Electric Autos]], and a [[Millrace and Fish Pond|millrace and fish pond]] are added.<ref>"Olentangy." ''The Columbus Evening Dispatch." April 22, 1911. Page 10.</ref>
* In July, a major fire destroys five (or seven<ref name="oakland">"Fire Causes Panic." ''Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California).'' July 17, 1911. Page 5. Accessed through Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/oakland-tribune-1911-07-17/page/n3/mode/2up?q=%22Olentangy+Park%22</ref>) attractions along the Midway, including the [[Ye Olde Mill (1)|Ye Old Mill]], [[The Destruction of Johnstown]], the [[Arcadia|Penny Arcade]], [[Dear Old Coney Island]], and the [[Temple of Mirth]].
[[1911 Season|View 1911 season]]
====1912====
[[1912 Season|View 1912 season]]
====1913====
* The [[Fun House]] replaces [[Crazy House]].
* The North Side Chamber of Commerce holds a major May Day Outing<ref name="mayday">"Strenuous Billy Given Vociferous Welcome By Many Local Admirers." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 23, 1913. Pages 1-2.</ref> featuring the famous Rev. "Billy" Sunday<ref>"Sunday Will Discuss 'Butterfly Chasers'." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 16, 1913. Page 8.</ref>, speeches by local politicians, and musical performances. "Movie photographers" are stationed at one of the park's entrances to film the thousands of parkgoers passing through the gates as well as the day's events.
* A wedding is performed at the park with 10,000 attendees.<ref>"Are Married at Park While 10,000 Look On." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 26, 1913. Page 2.</ref>
* A Civil War reenactment takes place in a field north of Olentangy Park. The battle performance is by the Old Guard and the National Guard<ref>"Sham Battle." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 19, 1913. Page 14.</ref> soldiers from the Columbus Barracks, with the barracks soldiers posing as the Confederates. President Woodrow Wilson presses a button at the White House at noon, Central Time, to trigger the show.<ref name="seesbattles">"Columbus Sees Battles." ''The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio).'' Aug. 21, 1913. Page 5. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-columbus-sees-battles/160451759/</ref>
* Thousands of ballots with those running for mayor are printed and given to men and women during an outing on August 27 as part of an event explaining and practicing voting before women had the right to do so.<ref>"Suffragets Will Show That They Can Vote." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Aug. 24, 1913. Page 13.</ref>
[[1913 Season|View 1913 season]]
====1914====
* The [[boathouse]] is torn down, and a new one is built.<ref name="torndown">"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 26, 1914. Page 5.</ref>
* The [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]] is enlarged.<ref name="torndown" />
* [[Fair Japan]] is rebuilt<ref name="lanternopen">"Olentangy Park Opens." ''Ohio State Lantern (Columbus, Ohio).'' April 29, 1914. Page 4.</ref>, but lasts about a year.
* A new steel bridge was constructed across the ravine north of the theater.<ref name="lanternopen" />
* Leo Haenlein is arrested in June for exhibiting a gambling device at the [[Penny Arcade]].<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Slot Machine Seized|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = June 15, 1914|page = 9}}</ref>
* Motion Pictures are shown in the open air every evening.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Olentangy Park|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = July 11, 1914|page = 10}}</ref>
* The [[Loop-the-Loop]] closed around this season.
[[1914 Season|View 1914 season]]
====1915====
* A [[Motordrome]] is erected in the northern part of the park.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Motordrome at Olentangy|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = June 18, 1915|page = 22}}</ref>
* A [[Roller Skating Rink (Portable)|Kenyon Portable Roller Skating Rink]] was built just north of [[The Fun House]]<ref>"Park Opening." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 11, 1915. Page 43.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 18, 1915. Page 45.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 25, 1915. Page 44.</ref> and serves parkgoers for about a year.
* The [[Sea-Land-Whirl]] is moved from Fairlawn Park in Coshocton to Olentangy Park.<ref>"Has Proposition for New Factory." ''The Tribune (Coshocton, Ohio).'' Sept. 16, 1914. Page 1. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80087755/has-proposition-for-new-factory/.</ref>
* The Retail Grocers' Association holds two massive parades and an outing at Olentangy Park in June.<ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Prizes for Parade|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = June 15, 1915|page = 10}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |articletitle = Grocers to Have Two Automobile Parades|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch|date = June 16, 1915|page = 9}}</ref>
* The North Side Merchants Association holds an auto parade and outing at Olentangy Park in June. The event has drawings with automobiles as prizes.<ref>{{Cite news |type = Advertisement|pub = The Columbus Sunday Dispatch|date = Jan. 3, 1915|page = 20}}</ref>
[[1915 Season|View 1915 season]]


==References==
==References==
<References />
<References />

Latest revision as of 17:33, 8 August 2025

This page is under construction. Please remove this notice when complete.

Timeine

Below is a timeline of major events at Olentangy Park:

1890-1899

1896

  • The Columbus Street Railway Company built the land the Villa Tavern stood at the end of one of the trolley lines.[1]
  • "The Villa" is officially named "Olentangy Park" when "volunteer"[2] or John R. Cook[3] wins a Columbus Dispatch naming contest.[1]
  • The park opened for its first season on June 12, 1896.[4]
  • The first Dancing Pavilion and Merry-Go-Round were built.[1][5] The Boathouse and south bandstand already existed on the site.
  • Two bowling alleys were built into the Boathouse.[1]

View 1896 season

1897

  • Kinetoscope views began to be shown to audiences every evening[6]

View 1897 season

1898

View 1898 season

1899

  • The Olentangy Park Company was incorporated.
  • The Columbus Street Railway Company transferred its lease to Joseph W. Dusenbury and Eli West,[9][10][11] but is often seen as being purchased by Joseph W. and Will J. Dusenbury or "The Dusenbury Brothers."[12] The Dusenbury Brothers also owned nearby Minerva Park and the Southern, Grand, and other theaters in Columbus.[1]
  • The Olentangy Park Casino and Theater was built just north of the ravine.[13][14][15][16][17]
  • The park's first funhouse, the Crystal Maze is built.[14][15]
  • A wing in the first Dancing Pavilion is closed and a bowling alley is installed.[13][4]
  • Constables attempted to shut down the Sunday performance in the theater on June 18, 1899, resulting in a riot.[18][19]

View 1899 season

1900-1909

1900

View 1900 season

1901

  • The Columbus Street Railway Company builds a new steel trestle bridge to replace the wooden one that went from High Street to Olentangy Park, expanding it to two tracks.[25][26][27][28]
  • J. W. Dusenbury secretly signs a 99-year lease on the park's property, renewal forever, beginning in March 1901 from Henry T. Chittenden and his ex-wife Henrietta B. Burgher, discovered through a land dispute. The Columbus Railway Company waives its lease on the property. This adds 27 acres to the park.[29][30]
  • A new dining hall and restaurant are added.[31]

View 1901 season

1902

View 1902 season

1903

  • The Dusenburys remove the fences in the Hays-Mackey dispute and saw the old dining hall in half as well as part of the Dancing Pavilion. A row of posts leading from High Street to the park grounds are removed, and the holes are filled in.[37]
  • The Columbus Railway Company leases 5 acres south of the park, extending it as far south as Dodridge Street, affording new walks and picnic grounds.[38] As part of the remodeling of all the buildings, calcium light effects are added to the theater, and 1,000 additional lights are installed to the park.[39]
  • Improvements were made to the Ball Grounds, and the Modern Woodmen baseball team changes its name to the Olentangy Athletic Club.[40]
  • The Cave of the Winds, House of Trouble, Laughing Gallery, and Ferris Wheel are built. The Cave of the Winds and House of Trouble are open for just one year.
  • The Dusenburys open the Zoological Garden. The collection consists of buffalo, dromedaries, elk, deer, lions, leopards, bears, wild hogs, wild cats, foxes, fowls, and more.[41]
  • Naturalist Oliver Davie moves an extensive collection of mounted birds and animals from Minerva Park to Olentangy Park's new Museum of Ornithology.[42] An aquarium is built in the center of the building - the first of its kind in Columbus.[43]
  • The Crystal Maze closes after four years in operation.

View 1903 season

1904

View 1904 season

1905

  • To make room for the growth of the zoo, the park grounds are extended to Doddridge Street, making the park around 100 acres.[52]
  • "Fair Japan," a Japanese Village exhibit is built on 10 acres[52] at the park.[1]
  • New Greenhouses and a Palm Garden are built.
  • Deep wells are built to provide cold drinking water to patrons.[52]
  • The Dancing Pavilion closes after nine years of running to be replaced with a much larger building.
  • The House That Jack Built closes at the end of the season.

View 1905 season

1906

View 1906 season

1907

View 1907 season

1908

View 1908 season

1909

View 1909 season

1910-1919

1910

  • A 6-foot (possibly meant 60-foot) cement sidewalk is added that went from the main entrance to the north end of the ravine and a space at the attractions.[76][77]
  • A new automobile and carriage entrance with a fancy gateway entrance is constructed on High Street just north of the ravine. A space at the west end of this driveway is set aside for parking automobiles.
  • The Johnstown Flood replaces Automatic Vaudeville and Coney Island replaces Love's Voyage in the Midway.
  • The North Bandstand and a merry-go-round are added.

View 1910 season

1911

View 1911 season

1912

View 1912 season

1913

  • The Fun House replaces Crazy House.
  • The North Side Chamber of Commerce holds a major May Day Outing[81] featuring the famous Rev. "Billy" Sunday[82], speeches by local politicians, and musical performances. "Movie photographers" are stationed at one of the park's entrances to film the thousands of parkgoers passing through the gates as well as the day's events.
  • A wedding is performed at the park with 10,000 attendees.[83]
  • A Civil War reenactment takes place in a field north of Olentangy Park. The battle performance is by the Old Guard and the National Guard[84] soldiers from the Columbus Barracks, with the barracks soldiers posing as the Confederates. President Woodrow Wilson presses a button at the White House at noon, Central Time, to trigger the show.[85]
  • Thousands of ballots with those running for mayor are printed and given to men and women during an outing on August 27 as part of an event explaining and practicing voting before women had the right to do so.[86]

View 1913 season

1914

  • The boathouse is torn down, and a new one is built.[87]
  • The Dancing Pavilion is enlarged.[87]
  • Fair Japan is rebuilt[88], but lasts about a year.
  • A new steel bridge was constructed across the ravine north of the theater.[88]
  • Leo Haenlein is arrested in June for exhibiting a gambling device at the Penny Arcade.[89]
  • Motion Pictures are shown in the open air every evening.[90]
  • The Loop-the-Loop closed around this season.

View 1914 season

1915

  • A Motordrome is erected in the northern part of the park.[91]
  • A Kenyon Portable Roller Skating Rink was built just north of The Fun House[92][93][94] and serves parkgoers for about a year.
  • The Sea-Land-Whirl is moved from Fairlawn Park in Coshocton to Olentangy Park.[95]
  • The Retail Grocers' Association holds two massive parades and an outing at Olentangy Park in June.[96][97]
  • The North Side Merchants Association holds an auto parade and outing at Olentangy Park in June. The event has drawings with automobiles as prizes.[98]

View 1915 season

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Barret, Richard E. "Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun." Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1. April 1984. Pages 5-9.
  2. ↑ "The Villa Renamed at Last." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 2, 1896. Page 7.
  3. ↑ Fairfax, Betty. "Betty Fairfax's Ready Advice." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 1, 1918. Page 12.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Olentangy Park." Illustrated Guide to Columbus 1899. Page 26.
  5. ↑ "Olentangy Park Opened." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 13, 1896. Page 5.
  6. ↑ Advertisement. Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 31, 1897. Page 6.
  7. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 27, 1898. Page 11.
  8. ↑ "Olentangy Park: The Band Concerts." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 9, 1989. Page 11.
  9. ↑ "Conspiracy Charged By J. W. Dusenbury and His Friends." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 1, 1899. Page 6.
  10. ↑ "Simply 'Referred' Was That Long-Looked-For Report." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 8, 1899. Page 5.
  11. ↑ "Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's." The Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 30, 1931. Page 18-G.
  12. ↑ Lentz, Ed. "Columbus' amusement parks once were entertainment hot spots." The Columbus Dispatch. Oct. 4, 2021. Accessed on July 22, 2022. https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/10/04/columbus-amusement-parks-once-were-entertainment-hot-spots/5886060001/
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 "Location is Changed." Columbus Evening Dispatch. March 27, 1899. Page 7.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. Sanborn Map Company, Vol. 1, 1901. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn06656_003/.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. Sanborn Map Company, Vol. 1, 1901, Sheet 63. Map. https://sanborn-ohioweblibrary-org.oh0057.oplin.org/viewer/?id=13464
  16. ↑ Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio. Sanborn Map Company, - 1922 Vol. 3, 1922, 1922. Map. https://www.loc.gov/item/sanborn06656_008/.
  17. ↑ General Map, The Olentangy Amusement Company, Columbus, Ohio, 1924.
  18. ↑ "Torrid Was Olentangy Heat." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 19, 1899. Page 5.
  19. ↑ "That Sunday Riot." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 19, 1899. Page 4.
  20. ↑ "Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's." The Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 30, 1931. Page 18-G.
  21. ↑ "Bathing at Olentangy Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 17, 1906. Page 2.
  22. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 20, 1900. Page 18.
  23. ↑ "Olentangy Park." The Democrat-Sentinel (Logan, Ohio). June 14, 1906. Page 2. Accessed through Newspapers.com Clip 1 | Clip 2
  24. ↑ "Olentangy Features." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 18, 1900. Page 7.
  25. ↑ "Steel Trestle." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 28, 1901. Page 7.
  26. ↑ "Bond was Filed." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 13, 1901. Page 12.
  27. ↑ "The New Loop." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 10, 1901. Page 7.
  28. ↑ "Real Estate Transfers." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 10, 1901. Page 10.
  29. ↑ "H.T. Chittenden Sued." Friday Columbus Dispatch. June 13, 1902. Page 7.
  30. ↑ "Mrs. Burgher's Note." Wednesday Columbus Dispatch. July 23, 1902. Page 7.
  31. ↑ "Olentangy Park: Opening of the Season." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 19, 1901. Page 12.
  32. ↑ "Short Items." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 13, 1901. Page 7.
  33. ↑ "Olentangy Then and Now." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. May 3, 1914. Page 46.
  34. ↑ "Olentangy Park—Tassin's New Comedy." Friday Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 1, 1902. Page 7.
  35. ↑ "Geisha Girls are to be Attraction." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Jan. 2, 1905. Page 5.
  36. ↑ Campbell, Alex. 2018. "Olentangy Park Chronology." Clintonville History. July 18, 2018. https://clintonvillehistory.com/wp-content/images/web-images-2018-07-18-alex-campbell/olentangy%20park%20chronology2.pdf
  37. ↑ "Roadways Cleared Up." Monday Columbus Dispatch. Nov. 2, 1903. Page 7.
  38. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Wednesday Columbus Dispatch. April 1, 1903. Page 9.
  39. ↑ "Beautiful Olentangy." Monday Columbus Dispatch. May 18, 1903. Page 12.
  40. ↑ "Amature Notes." Friday Columbus Dispatch. June 12, 1903. Page 11.
  41. ↑ "Olentangy 'Zoo.'" The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. Jan. 24, 1903. Page 6.
  42. ↑ "Olentangy Park." The Sunday Columbus Dispatch. May 3, 1903. Pages 8-9.
  43. ↑ "Birds and Fish." Saturday Columbus Dispatch. Feb. 28, 1903. Page 11.
  44. ↑ "Olentangy Leases Filed." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 12, 1904. Page 7.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 45.2 45.3 45.4 "Grand Opening Olentangy Park, Theater and Zoo." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 24, 1904. Page 4.
  46. ↑ 46.0 46.1 46.2 "Olentangy Park, a Coney Island Rival." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. May 1, 1904. Page 4.
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 "New Greenhouse, Baby Elk, Enlarged Zoo and Landscape Gardening." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Sept. 13, 1904. Page 7.
  48. ↑ Advertisement. The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 24, 1904. Page 4.
  49. ↑ The Billboard. Vol. 16. Issue 17. April 23, 1904. Page 8.
  50. ↑ "Real Opening Day at Olentangy Park Today." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. May 22, 1904. Page 4.
  51. ↑ "Out for Salvage." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 8, 1904. Page 3.
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 52.2 "Opening of Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. April 16, 1905. Page 6.
  53. ↑ 53.0 53.1 53.2 "Olentangy Park Opens on April 29." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 15, 1906. Page 7.
  54. ↑ "Auspicious Day for Park Opening." Columbus Evening Dispatch. April 30, 1906. Page 6.
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 Postcard. "Olentangy Park, Columbus, Ohio." Published by The Valentine & Sons Publishing Co. 206.966 JV Accessed through Columbus Metropolitan Library Digital Collections. https://digital-collections.columbuslibrary.org/digital/collection/postcard/id/41463
  56. ↑ "Plea for Minerva Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Sept. 29, 1906. Page 4.
  57. ↑ "First Wireless Message in Columbus." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 17, 1906. Page 1.
  58. ↑ "First Wireless Message in Columbus." The Deaf-Mutes' Journal. May 24, 1906. Page 2. Accessed through the Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/TheDeaf-mutesJournalmay.241906/page/n1/mode/2up
  59. ↑ "Resorts are Planning Many Improvements." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Feb. 11, 1906. Page 7.
  60. ↑ "Notice of Sale." The Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 22, 1907. Page 9.
  61. ↑ "Olentangy Park Fire Not Destructive." The Marion Daily Mirror (Marion, Ohio). July 29, 1907. Page 8.
  62. ↑ "Olentangy Park to Be Opened April 28." Columbus Evening Dispatch. March 29, 1907. Page 16.
  63. ↑ "Olentangy Park." The Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 20, 1907. Page 4.
  64. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 20, 1907. Page 4.
  65. ↑ Barrett, Richard E. "More on Olentangy Park." Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 3. May 1985. Page 37.
  66. ↑ "Olentangy Park, Theater, and Zoo." Dispatch Daily Magazine. May 29, 1908. Page 12.
  67. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Dispatch Daily Magazine. April 23, 1908. Page 14.
  68. ↑ "Olentangy." The Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 19, 1908. Page 18.
  69. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. April 12, 1908. Page 5.
  70. ↑ "Bird Lovers Will Meet." Ohio State Lantern (Columbus, Ohio). Oct. 1, 1914. Page 3.
  71. ↑ "Olentangy." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Oct. 23, 1909. Page 10.
  72. ↑ "Canoeists Will Organize a Club." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 26, 1909. Page 2.
  73. ↑ "Canoeists Have Fine Sport in a Regatta." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Aug. 29, 1909. Page 8.
  74. ↑ 74.0 74.1 74.2 "Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. April 11, 1909. Page 5.
  75. ↑ 75.0 75.1 "Panoramic Views of Olentangy Park Showing Many New Amusement Structures Being Erected on Newly Acquired Tract of 25 Acres to North." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. March 28, 1909. Page 1.
  76. ↑ "Olentangy Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 3, 1910. Page 5.
  77. ↑ "Olentangy Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 10, 1910. Page 5.
  78. ↑ "Olentangy." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch." March 26, 1911. Page 10.
  79. ↑ "Olentangy." The Columbus Evening Dispatch." April 22, 1911. Page 10.
  80. ↑ "Fire Causes Panic." Oakland Tribune (Oakland, California). July 17, 1911. Page 5. Accessed through Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/oakland-tribune-1911-07-17/page/n3/mode/2up?q=%22Olentangy+Park%22
  81. ↑ "Strenuous Billy Given Vociferous Welcome By Many Local Admirers." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 23, 1913. Pages 1-2.
  82. ↑ "Sunday Will Discuss 'Butterfly Chasers'." Columbus Evening Dispatch. May 16, 1913. Page 8.
  83. ↑ "Are Married at Park While 10,000 Look On." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 26, 1913. Page 2.
  84. ↑ "Sham Battle." Columbus Evening Dispatch. Aug. 19, 1913. Page 14.
  85. ↑ "Columbus Sees Battles." The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio). Aug. 21, 1913. Page 5. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-columbus-sees-battles/160451759/
  86. ↑ "Suffragets Will Show That They Can Vote." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Aug. 24, 1913. Page 13.
  87. ↑ 87.0 87.1 "Olentangy Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 26, 1914. Page 5.
  88. ↑ 88.0 88.1 "Olentangy Park Opens." Ohio State Lantern (Columbus, Ohio). April 29, 1914. Page 4.
  89. ↑ "Slot Machine Seized." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 15, 1914. Page 9.
  90. ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. July 11, 1914. Page 10.
  91. ↑ "Motordrome at Olentangy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 18, 1915. Page 22.
  92. ↑ "Park Opening." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 11, 1915. Page 43.
  93. ↑ "Olentangy Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 18, 1915. Page 45.
  94. ↑ "Olentangy Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 25, 1915. Page 44.
  95. ↑ "Has Proposition for New Factory." The Tribune (Coshocton, Ohio). Sept. 16, 1914. Page 1. Accessed through Newspapers.com https://www.newspapers.com/clip/80087755/has-proposition-for-new-factory/.
  96. ↑ "Prizes for Parade." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 15, 1915. Page 10.
  97. ↑ "Grocers to Have Two Automobile Parades." Columbus Evening Dispatch. June 16, 1915. Page 9.
  98. ↑ Advertisement. The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Jan. 3, 1915. Page 20.
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