1920 Season: Difference between revisions

From Olentangy Park Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
← Older edit
VisualWikitext
mNo edit summary
 
(122 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Notice underconstruction}}
{{Infobox season
{{Infobox season
| year          = 1920 Season
| year          = 1920
| image          =  
| image          =  
| season        =
| management    = Park Amusement Co.<br />Jacob F. Luft, manager<br />Joseph D. Cleary, assistant manager<br /><br />The Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, president<br />William J. Dusenbury<br /><br />
| management    = J.D. Cleary (manager)<br />Park Amusement Company<br />Joseph W. and Will J. Dusenbury<br />a.k.a. Dusenbury Brothers<br />The Olentangy Park Co. (owners)
| preseason      = April 4, 1920 - May 23, 1920
| openingday    = April 4, 1920 (Sundays)<br />May 30, 1920 (Daily)
| season        = May 30, 1920 - Sept. 6, 1920
| closingday    =  
| newattractions = [[Bandstand (3)|Pool Band Shell]]
| newattractions =  
| band          = The Winter Garden Jazz Orchestra<br />Frank Carbone's Fourth Regiment Band
| band          =  
| tagline        = "The People's Place of Pleasure"<br />"The Wonder Play Grounds of All Ohio"
|stockmanager    = }}
}}
 
Olentangy Park opened its 1920 season on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1920.<ref name="parkopens">"Park to Open Today." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 4, 1920.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Opens Easter." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 1, 1920. Page 4.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Open Tomorrow." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 15, 1920. Page 11.</ref> Operated first by the Park Amusement Co., J. D. Cleary was the manager at the opening. Joseph Katona served as the park florist. The opening day featured Sammy Stewart's famous orchestra in the Dancing Pavilion and free band concerts in the afternoon and evening by the Fourth Regiment band, directed by Frank Carbone.<ref name="parkopens" /> Almost 7,000 patrons visited opening day.<ref>"At the Park Opening." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 5, 1920. Page 20.</ref> The park was only open on Sundays for its pre-season until Decoration Day (now known as Memorial Day) on Sunday, May 30, 1920, when it opened for daily operation.<ref>"Park's Formal Opening." ''The Columbus Dispatch.''  May 29, 1920. Page 12.</ref><ref>"Weather Right for Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 30, 1920. Page 6.</ref> The swimming pool opened on June 5 with 10,000 new suits.<ref>"Pool to Open Saturday." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' June 4, 1920.</ref><ref>"Motto is Safety First." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' June 5, 1920. Page 12.</ref><ref>"Pool Is Open to Public." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 6, 1920. Page 6.</ref> The park closed on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6, 1920, for the season, and the park did not have a post-season.<ref>"Park Open Through Labor Day." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Aug. 22, 1920. Page 7.</ref>
 
A north entrance was added in July for swimming parties arriving via autos, along with an additional parking space. This was to make it easier to access swimming and swimming lessons without having to walk through the entire park.<ref>"North Entrance Popular." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' July 27, 1920. Page 24.</ref>
 
The Retail Grocers' Association decided to change the location of the annual Grocers' Outing to Indianola Park because the receivers of Olentangy Park did not want them to do a "Country Store" stunt, which is a raffle for goods like flour, sugar, etc., but was seen as some as a form of gambling.<ref>"Grocers Will Hold Outing at Indianola." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' June 22, 1920. Page 19.</ref>
 
=== Legal Case Updates ===


Olentangy Park opened its 1920 season on Sunday, April 4, 1920,<ref name="parkopens">"Park to Open Today." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' 4 April 1920. Pg. 79.</ref> earlier than the original plan for Easter weekend.<ref>"Olentangy Opens Easter." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 1 April 1920. Pg. 4.</ref><ref>"Olentangy Open Tomorrow." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 15 April 1920. Pg. 11.</ref> Operated by the Park Amusement Company, J.D. Cleary was the manager. Joseph Katona served as the park florist. The opening day featured Sammy Stewart's famous orchestra in the Dancing Pavilion and free band concerts in the afternoon and evening by the Fourth Regiment band, directed by Frank Carbone.<ref name="parkopens" /> Almost 7,000 patrons visited opening day.<ref>"At the Park Opening." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 5 April 1920. Pg. 20.</ref> The park was only open on Sundays until Decoration Day (now known as Memorial Day) on Monday, May 30, 1920, when it opened for daily operation.<ref>"Park's Formal Opening." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 29 May 1920. Pg. 12.</ref> The swimming pool opened on June 5th.<ref>"Pool to Open Saturday." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 4 June 1920. Pg. 42.</ref><ref>"Motto is Safety First." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 5 June 1920. Pg. 12.</ref> The Winter Garden Jazz Orchestra of Piqua began performing in the Dancing Pavilion in late June.<ref name="trapeze">"On Forty-Foot Trapeze." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 29 June 1920. Pg. 31.</ref>
While the case in which Park Amusement Co. lost its lease to Olentangy Park due to having gambling at the park was pending appeal, Judge C. M. Rodgers of the county courts appointed receivers for the park. The park was returned to J. W. and W. J. Dusenbury, Jacob D. Luft, and Joseph D. Cleary. The bonds were fixed at {{Tooltip |text = $10,000|tooltip = $160,733 in 2025 dollars}} each.<ref>"Name Park Receivers." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 2, 1920. Page 21.</ref> In May, the receivers, Luft and Cleary, filed a complaint against Jerry O'Shaughnessy, the superintendent of the Columbus water works, when O'Shaughnessy threatened to cut off water to the park over a {{Tooltip |text = $100|tooltip = $1,425 in 2025 dollars}} water bill created before the park went into receivership.<ref>"O'Shaughnessy May Be Jailed If He Cuts Off Park's Water." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' May 7, 1920. Page 1.</ref> In June, it was planned that a resolution would be presented authorizing the director of the service to transfer to receivers for the park a claim of {{Tooltip |text = $1,116.91|tooltip = $17,952 in 2025 dollars}} against the Park Amusement Co. and Will D. Harris for water furnished to the park after the receivers made the payment.<ref>"Council May Consider Employing Engineers." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' June 7, 2910. Page 1.</ref>


The Retail Grocers' Association decided to change the location of the annual Grocers' Outing to Indianola Park because the receivers of Olentangy Park did not want them to do a "Country Store" stunt which is a raffle for goods like flour, sugar, etc., but was seen as some as a form of gambling.<ref>"Grocers Will Hold Outing at Indianola." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 22 June 1920. Pg. 19.</ref>
==Rides and Attractions==


=== Park Improvements ===
===New Band Shell===
''Main Article:'' [[Bandstand (3)]]


The Dancing Pavilion dance floor was enlarged for the 1920 season, making it the largest dancefloor in the state. Other additions to the building included a new check room and a lunch room with a fountain where soft drinks were available for purchase.<ref>"At the Dance Pavilion." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 2 June 1920. Pg. 28.</ref>
A large Band Shell was built at the end of the [[Swimming Pool]] featuring free performances.<ref name="Diving" />


A large grandstand was built at the south end of the swimming pool featuring free performances<ref name="Diving" /> and more swimsuits were purchased to be offered to up to 10,000 swimmers.<ref name="Swimmers" />
===Dancing Pavilion Enlarged===
''Main Article:'' [[Dancing Pavilion (2)]]


=== Performances ===
The Dancing Pavilion's dance floor was enlarged for the season, making it the largest in the State of Ohio. Other additions to the building included a new check room and a lunchroom with a fountain, where soft drinks were available for purchase. Twelve men worked the soda fountain to provide drinks quickly between dances.<ref>"At the Dance Pavilion." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' June 2, 1920. Page 28.</ref> Parkgoers were able to dance from 2 to 11 p.m.<ref name="openagain">"Park is Again Open Today." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' April 11, 1920. Page 9.</ref>


On Saturday, May 22, 1920, Navy Post No. 276 staged its Sea-Going Cabaret dance featuring a 10-piece jazz orchestra and many vaudeville acts.<ref>''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 22 May 1920. Pg. 2.</ref>
===List of Rides and Attractions===


Lottie Mayer and her female diving team performed twice a day at the park in June.<ref>"Grand Stand at Park Pool." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 12 June 1920. Pg. 12.</ref><ref name="Diving">"Diving Beauties at Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch''. 13 June 1920. Pg. 40.</ref><ref name="Swimmers">"For Swimmers and Spectators." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 17 June 1920. Pg. 30.</ref> Diving for 13 years, she was hired by the park to teach diving to women and children.<ref>"Diving Girl at Park Pool." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch''. 20 June 1920. Pg. 26.</ref>
* [[Arena]]
* [[Bandstand (3)|Band Shell]] '''NEW'''
* [[Bandstand (1)|Bandstand (South)]]
* [[Box ball alleys]]
* [[Boathouse|Canoe Club Boathouse]]
* [[Merry-Go-Round (2)|Carousel]]
* [[Circle Swing]]
* [[Colonnade]]
** [[Billiards]]
** [[Bowling alleys]]
** [[Penny Arcade (Colonnade)]]
* [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing Pavilion]]
* [[Double Whirl]]
* [[Electric Autos]]
* [[Ferris Wheel (1)|Ferris Wheel]]
* [[Figure Eight Toboggan]]
* [[Floral Conservatory|Floral Conservatory & Greenhouse]]
* [[The Fun House]]
* [[Gypsy Camp]]
* [[Merry-Go-Round (1)]]
* [[Merry-Go-Round (3)]]
* Millrace and Fish Pond
* [[Miniature Railway]]
* [[Motordrome]]
* [[Moving Pictures|Motion Pictures]]
* [[Ye Olde Mill (2)]]
* [[Over-the-Top / The Racer|Over-the-Top]]
* Palm Garden
* [[Oriental Palmistry|Palmistry]]
* Playground
* Pony and Camel Track
* [[Scenic Coaster]]
* [[Shoot-the-Chutes]]
* [[Shooting Gallery]]
* [[Snake Den]]
* [[Swimming Pool]]
* Swings
* [[Water Toboggan]]
* [[The Whip]]
* [[Whirlwind]]
* Zoological Garden


Chicago-based Flying Wards, a group of six trapeze artists who also traveled with the Ringling and Barnum and Bailey circuses, succeeded Lottie Mayer's group to feature two free performances per day on a 40-foot trapeze.<ref>"Free Act is Booked." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 25 June 1920. Pg. 40.</ref><ref>"An Act From Circus Rings." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 26 June 1920. Pg. 52.</ref><ref name="trapeze" />
==Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances==
On Saturday, May 22, Navy Post No. 276 staged its Sea-Going Cabaret dance featuring a 10-piece jazz orchestra and many vaudeville acts.<ref>''The Columbus Dispatch.'' May 22, 1920. Page 2.</ref>


=== Legal Case Updates ===
Lottie Mayer and her female diving team performed twice daily at the park in June.<ref>Cherrington, H. E. "Grand Stand at Park Pool." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' June 12, 1920. Page 12.</ref><ref name="Diving">Cherrington, H. E. "Diving Beauties at Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 13, 1920.</ref><ref name="Swimmers">Cherrington, H. E. "For Swimmers and Spectators." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' June 17, 1920.</ref> Diving for 13 years, she was hired by the park to teach diving to women and children at 10 a.m. daily for {{Tooltip | text = $5 | tooltip = $81 in 2025 dollars}}.<ref>Cherrington, H. E. "Diving Girl at Park Pool." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 20, 1920. Page 26.</ref><ref>Advertisement. ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' June 20, 1920. Page 7.</ref>
 
Chicago-based Flying Wards, a group of six trapeze artists who also traveled with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circuses, succeeded Lottie Mayer's group in featuring two free performances per day on a 40-foot trapeze between the [[Swimming Pool]] and [[Shoot-the-Chutes]] so swimmers could watch.<ref>Cherrington, H. E. "Free Act is Booked." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' June 25, 1920. Page 40.</ref><ref>Cherrington, H. E. "On the Flying Trapezes." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' June 26, 1920. Page 12.</ref> The group consisted of three men and three women.<ref>Cherrington, H. E. "An Act From Circus Rings." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' June 26, 1920. Page 8.</ref><ref name="trapeze">Cherrington, H. E. "On Forty-Foot Trapeze." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' June 29, 1920. Page 30.</ref>
 
The Flying Campbells, followed by the Marietta Troupe in a casting act, began a double performance on July 4 and continued through the following week. The Flying Campbells originally performed with the great Wallaco shows, and the Marietta Troupe had been with the Ringling Circus for four years.<ref>Cherrington, H. E. "A Double Free Attraction." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' July 4, 1920. Page 7.</ref>
 
The Fearless Greggs performed an auto race and triple somersault act, beginning their performances on July 11,<ref>Advertisement. ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' July 9, 1920. Page 15.</ref> near the [[Swimming Pool]].<ref>"Co-ed to Stage Diving Act." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' July 17, 1920. Page 2.</ref> The act involved Joe Gregg and his sister, Ethel, climbing to the top of the steep incline, 100 feet from the ground, where they entered racing autos held by a strong cable. The cable was released, and Joe, in a white car, would turn three complete somersaults in the air over his sister, who would pass under him in a red car, before landing on a heavy springboard. They would then race around a fenced-in area until stopping. Twice during the first week, the riders crashed into the fence.<ref name="daring">"Daring Autoists Retained." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' July 18, 1920. Page 7.</ref> It was reported in the ''Columbus Dispatch'' that two weeks prior to opening at Olentangy Park, one of the performers died while driving the loop-the-loop stunt in Toledo, Ohio. The ''Dispatch'' said Ethel replaced the fatally injured performer in time for the opening, and that three people had been killed within two years of the act.<ref>Cherrington, H. E. "Olentangy Free Act." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' July 11, 1920. Page 5.</ref> However, later in July, the publication said Ethel [or Edna] had been part of the act for five years.<ref>Cherrington, H. E. "Miss Gregg Likes Thrills." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' July 28, 1920. Page 24.</ref> The act was continued every week for a total of four weeks.<ref>Cherrington, H. E. "Greggs to Remain." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' July 30, 1920. Page 36.</ref> Driving parties in the afternoon involved driving near the pool.<ref>Cherrington, H. E. "Drive Near Park Pool." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' July 21, 1920. Page 25.</ref>
 
Sophia Cantor, an Ohio State University student and relative of Eddie Cantor, performed a series of diving feats on Saturday, July 17.<ref>"Co-ed to Stage Diving Act." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' July 15, 1920. Page 26.</ref>
 
Captain Joseph Flory performed the "Slide for Life" and high dives from a 75-foot platform at the south end of the [[Shoot-the-Chutes]],<ref>"Free Act Attracts Bathers." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Aug. 12, 1920. Page 2.</ref> holding on by his teeth, into a tank containing 5 feet of water on Aug. 8.<ref>"Slide for Life at Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Aug. 7, 1920. Page 14.</ref><ref>"New Daring Act at Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Aug. 9, 1920. Page 16.</ref> The act was continued for a second week with Capt. Flory performing the high dive and Mme. Flory performing the Slide for Life.<ref name="fouracts">Cherrington, H. E. "Four Acts for Olentangy." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Aug. 14, 1920. Page 12.</ref>
 
Marie Weintraub and her famous Diving Nymphs performed a series of diving stunts at the [[Swimming Pool]] starting Aug. 15,<ref name="fouracts" /> but the act was abruptly ended the next day.<ref>"Irish Day Tomorrow." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Aug. 17, 1920. Page 24.</ref>
 
==Music==
The Fourth Regiment Band, directed by Frank Carbone,<ref name="openagain" /> and Sammy Stewart's Jazz Orchestra played during the first few weeks<ref>Cherrington, H. E. "Music at Olentangy." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' April 10, 1920. Page 12.</ref> and at times throughout the season.
 
Navy Post No. 276 held a Sea-Going Cabaret dance on May 28. It featured a 10-piece jazz orchestra and many high-class vaudeville acts between dances.<ref>Cherrington, H. E. ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 22, 1920. Page 2.</ref>
 
Rudy Pruger and his orchestra performed in the [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|ballroom]] starting in June.<ref>Cherrington, H. E. "An Every-day Attraction." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' June 1, 1920. Page 26.</ref>


While the case in which the Park Amusement Company lost its lease to the Olentangy Park because of gambling was pending appeal, Judge C.M. Rodgers of the county courts appointed receivers for the park. The park was returned to J.W. and W.J. Dusenbury, Jacob D. Luft, and Joseph D. Cleary. The bonds were fixed at $10,000 (around $144,555 in 2022) each.<ref>"Name Park Receivers." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' 2 April 1920. Pg. 21.</ref> In June, it was planned that a resolution will be presented authorizing the director of service to transfer to receivers for the park a claim of $1,116.91 ($16,145 in 2021) against the Park Amusement Co. and Will D. Harris for water furnished the park after the payment was made by the receivers.<ref>"Council May Consider Employing Engineers." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch''. 7 June 2910. Pg. 1.</ref>
The Winter Garden Jazz Orchestra of Piqua began performing in the Dancing Pavilion in late June.<ref name="trapeze" />


==Rides and Attractions==
The Columbus Democratic Glee Club gave a program on Aug. 4 in connection to American Legion Week.<ref>"Glee Club to Sing at Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Aug. 4, 1920. Page 9.</ref>


===Rides===
The Citizens' Concert Band of Parkersburg, West Virginia, came to the park with the annual outing of the Painted Wooden Mills Co. employees on Sunday, Sept. 5.<ref>Cherrington, H. E. "Two Bands at Park." ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Sept. 3, 1920. Page 38.</ref>
*[[The Carousel]]
*[[Circle Swing|Circle Swing as "Flying Swing"]]
*[[Electric Express|Electric Railways]]
*[[Ferris Wheel]]
*[[Figure Eight|Figure 8 Toboggan]]
*[[Merry-Go-Round]]
*[[Ye Olde Mill (Second)|Ye Olde Mill]]
*[[Over-The-Top|Over The Top]]
*[[Scenic Coaster]]
*[[Shoot-the-Chutes]]
*[[The Whip]]
*[[Whirlwind]]


===Attractions===
==Activities==
*[[Colonnade]]
*[[The Fun House]]
*[[Joy Mill]]
*[[Museum of Ornithology]]
*[[Swimming Pool]]
*[[The Zoo]]


===Music and Performances===
===List of Activities===
*[[Band Shell]]
*[[Bandstand (South)|South Bandstand]]
*[[Dancing Pavilion (Second)|Dancing Pavilion]]
*[[Theater]]


===Activities===
* [[Billiards]]
*Arcade
* [[Canoe Club Boathouse|Boating]]
*Billiards
* [[Box ball alleys|Box Ball]]
*Boating
* [[Bowling alleys|Bowling]]
*Box-Ball
* [[Dancing Pavilion (2)|Dancing]]
*Bowling
* Dining
*Dancing
* Fishing
*Dining
* [[Oriental Palmistry|Fortune Telling]]
*Fishing
* General Games
*General Games
* [[Penny Arcade (Colonnade)|Penny Arcades]]
*Palmistry
* Picnics
*Picnics
* Pony Rides
*Pony Rides
* [[Swimming Pool|Swimming]]
*Swimming
* Tennis
*Shooting Gallery


==References==
==References==
Line 85: Line 130:


[[Category:Seasons]]
[[Category:Seasons]]
{{#seo:|description=The 1920 season at Olentangy Park opened on April 4, 1920, and closed on Labor Day, Monday, September 6, 1920.}}
{{#seo:|keywords=1920 Season, Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Olentangy Park Columbus, Columbus amusement park, amusement park, Clintonville, defunct amusement park, Olentangy Theater, Olentangy Theatre, Vaudeville, Zoo}}

Latest revision as of 01:58, 23 October 2025

1920 Season
Leadership Park Amusement Co.
Jacob F. Luft, manager
Joseph D. Cleary, assistant manager

The Olentangy Park Company
Joseph W. Dusenbury, president
William J. Dusenbury
Pre-season April 4, 1920 - May 23, 1920
Season May 30, 1920 - Sept. 6, 1920
New Attractions Pool Band Shell
Band(s) The Winter Garden Jazz Orchestra
Frank Carbone's Fourth Regiment Band
Tagline "The People's Place of Pleasure"
"The Wonder Play Grounds of All Ohio"

Olentangy Park opened its 1920 season on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1920.[1][2][3] Operated first by the Park Amusement Co., J. D. Cleary was the manager at the opening. Joseph Katona served as the park florist. The opening day featured Sammy Stewart's famous orchestra in the Dancing Pavilion and free band concerts in the afternoon and evening by the Fourth Regiment band, directed by Frank Carbone.[1] Almost 7,000 patrons visited opening day.[4] The park was only open on Sundays for its pre-season until Decoration Day (now known as Memorial Day) on Sunday, May 30, 1920, when it opened for daily operation.[5][6] The swimming pool opened on June 5 with 10,000 new suits.[7][8][9] The park closed on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6, 1920, for the season, and the park did not have a post-season.[10]

A north entrance was added in July for swimming parties arriving via autos, along with an additional parking space. This was to make it easier to access swimming and swimming lessons without having to walk through the entire park.[11]

The Retail Grocers' Association decided to change the location of the annual Grocers' Outing to Indianola Park because the receivers of Olentangy Park did not want them to do a "Country Store" stunt, which is a raffle for goods like flour, sugar, etc., but was seen as some as a form of gambling.[12]

While the case in which Park Amusement Co. lost its lease to Olentangy Park due to having gambling at the park was pending appeal, Judge C. M. Rodgers of the county courts appointed receivers for the park. The park was returned to J. W. and W. J. Dusenbury, Jacob D. Luft, and Joseph D. Cleary. The bonds were fixed at $10,000$160,733 in 2025 dollars each.[13] In May, the receivers, Luft and Cleary, filed a complaint against Jerry O'Shaughnessy, the superintendent of the Columbus water works, when O'Shaughnessy threatened to cut off water to the park over a $100$1,425 in 2025 dollars water bill created before the park went into receivership.[14] In June, it was planned that a resolution would be presented authorizing the director of the service to transfer to receivers for the park a claim of $1,116.91$17,952 in 2025 dollars against the Park Amusement Co. and Will D. Harris for water furnished to the park after the receivers made the payment.[15]

Rides and Attractions

New Band Shell

Main Article: Bandstand (3)

A large Band Shell was built at the end of the Swimming Pool featuring free performances.[16]

Dancing Pavilion Enlarged

Main Article: Dancing Pavilion (2)

The Dancing Pavilion's dance floor was enlarged for the season, making it the largest in the State of Ohio. Other additions to the building included a new check room and a lunchroom with a fountain, where soft drinks were available for purchase. Twelve men worked the soda fountain to provide drinks quickly between dances.[17] Parkgoers were able to dance from 2 to 11 p.m.[18]

List of Rides and Attractions

Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances

On Saturday, May 22, Navy Post No. 276 staged its Sea-Going Cabaret dance featuring a 10-piece jazz orchestra and many vaudeville acts.[19]

Lottie Mayer and her female diving team performed twice daily at the park in June.[20][16][21] Diving for 13 years, she was hired by the park to teach diving to women and children at 10 a.m. daily for $5$81 in 2025 dollars.[22][23]

Chicago-based Flying Wards, a group of six trapeze artists who also traveled with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circuses, succeeded Lottie Mayer's group in featuring two free performances per day on a 40-foot trapeze between the Swimming Pool and Shoot-the-Chutes so swimmers could watch.[24][25] The group consisted of three men and three women.[26][27]

The Flying Campbells, followed by the Marietta Troupe in a casting act, began a double performance on July 4 and continued through the following week. The Flying Campbells originally performed with the great Wallaco shows, and the Marietta Troupe had been with the Ringling Circus for four years.[28]

The Fearless Greggs performed an auto race and triple somersault act, beginning their performances on July 11,[29] near the Swimming Pool.[30] The act involved Joe Gregg and his sister, Ethel, climbing to the top of the steep incline, 100 feet from the ground, where they entered racing autos held by a strong cable. The cable was released, and Joe, in a white car, would turn three complete somersaults in the air over his sister, who would pass under him in a red car, before landing on a heavy springboard. They would then race around a fenced-in area until stopping. Twice during the first week, the riders crashed into the fence.[31] It was reported in the Columbus Dispatch that two weeks prior to opening at Olentangy Park, one of the performers died while driving the loop-the-loop stunt in Toledo, Ohio. The Dispatch said Ethel replaced the fatally injured performer in time for the opening, and that three people had been killed within two years of the act.[32] However, later in July, the publication said Ethel [or Edna] had been part of the act for five years.[33] The act was continued every week for a total of four weeks.[34] Driving parties in the afternoon involved driving near the pool.[35]

Sophia Cantor, an Ohio State University student and relative of Eddie Cantor, performed a series of diving feats on Saturday, July 17.[36]

Captain Joseph Flory performed the "Slide for Life" and high dives from a 75-foot platform at the south end of the Shoot-the-Chutes,[37] holding on by his teeth, into a tank containing 5 feet of water on Aug. 8.[38][39] The act was continued for a second week with Capt. Flory performing the high dive and Mme. Flory performing the Slide for Life.[40]

Marie Weintraub and her famous Diving Nymphs performed a series of diving stunts at the Swimming Pool starting Aug. 15,[40] but the act was abruptly ended the next day.[41]

Music

The Fourth Regiment Band, directed by Frank Carbone,[18] and Sammy Stewart's Jazz Orchestra played during the first few weeks[42] and at times throughout the season.

Navy Post No. 276 held a Sea-Going Cabaret dance on May 28. It featured a 10-piece jazz orchestra and many high-class vaudeville acts between dances.[43]

Rudy Pruger and his orchestra performed in the ballroom starting in June.[44]

The Winter Garden Jazz Orchestra of Piqua began performing in the Dancing Pavilion in late June.[27]

The Columbus Democratic Glee Club gave a program on Aug. 4 in connection to American Legion Week.[45]

The Citizens' Concert Band of Parkersburg, West Virginia, came to the park with the annual outing of the Painted Wooden Mills Co. employees on Sunday, Sept. 5.[46]

Activities

List of Activities

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Park to Open Today." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 4, 1920.
  2. ↑ "Olentangy Opens Easter." The Columbus Dispatch. April 1, 1920. Page 4.
  3. ↑ "Olentangy Open Tomorrow." The Columbus Dispatch. April 15, 1920. Page 11.
  4. ↑ "At the Park Opening." The Columbus Dispatch. April 5, 1920. Page 20.
  5. ↑ "Park's Formal Opening." The Columbus Dispatch. May 29, 1920. Page 12.
  6. ↑ "Weather Right for Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. May 30, 1920. Page 6.
  7. ↑ "Pool to Open Saturday." The Columbus Dispatch. June 4, 1920.
  8. ↑ "Motto is Safety First." The Columbus Dispatch. June 5, 1920. Page 12.
  9. ↑ "Pool Is Open to Public." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 6, 1920. Page 6.
  10. ↑ "Park Open Through Labor Day." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. Aug. 22, 1920. Page 7.
  11. ↑ "North Entrance Popular." The Columbus Dispatch. July 27, 1920. Page 24.
  12. ↑ "Grocers Will Hold Outing at Indianola." The Columbus Dispatch. June 22, 1920. Page 19.
  13. ↑ "Name Park Receivers." The Columbus Dispatch. April 2, 1920. Page 21.
  14. ↑ "O'Shaughnessy May Be Jailed If He Cuts Off Park's Water." The Columbus Dispatch. May 7, 1920. Page 1.
  15. ↑ "Council May Consider Employing Engineers." The Columbus Dispatch. June 7, 2910. Page 1.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Cherrington, H. E. "Diving Beauties at Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 13, 1920.
  17. ↑ "At the Dance Pavilion." The Columbus Dispatch. June 2, 1920. Page 28.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 "Park is Again Open Today." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 11, 1920. Page 9.
  19. ↑ The Columbus Dispatch. May 22, 1920. Page 2.
  20. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "Grand Stand at Park Pool." The Columbus Dispatch. June 12, 1920. Page 12.
  21. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "For Swimmers and Spectators." The Columbus Dispatch. June 17, 1920.
  22. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "Diving Girl at Park Pool." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 20, 1920. Page 26.
  23. ↑ Advertisement. The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. June 20, 1920. Page 7.
  24. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "Free Act is Booked." The Columbus Dispatch. June 25, 1920. Page 40.
  25. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "On the Flying Trapezes." The Columbus Dispatch. June 26, 1920. Page 12.
  26. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "An Act From Circus Rings." The Columbus Dispatch. June 26, 1920. Page 8.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Cherrington, H. E. "On Forty-Foot Trapeze." The Columbus Dispatch. June 29, 1920. Page 30.
  28. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "A Double Free Attraction." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. July 4, 1920. Page 7.
  29. ↑ Advertisement. The Columbus Dispatch. July 9, 1920. Page 15.
  30. ↑ "Co-ed to Stage Diving Act." The Columbus Dispatch. July 17, 1920. Page 2.
  31. ↑ "Daring Autoists Retained." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. July 18, 1920. Page 7.
  32. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "Olentangy Free Act." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. July 11, 1920. Page 5.
  33. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "Miss Gregg Likes Thrills." The Columbus Dispatch. July 28, 1920. Page 24.
  34. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "Greggs to Remain." The Columbus Dispatch. July 30, 1920. Page 36.
  35. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "Drive Near Park Pool." The Columbus Dispatch. July 21, 1920. Page 25.
  36. ↑ "Co-ed to Stage Diving Act." The Columbus Dispatch. July 15, 1920. Page 26.
  37. ↑ "Free Act Attracts Bathers." The Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 12, 1920. Page 2.
  38. ↑ "Slide for Life at Park." The Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 7, 1920. Page 14.
  39. ↑ "New Daring Act at Park." The Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 9, 1920. Page 16.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Cherrington, H. E. "Four Acts for Olentangy." The Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 14, 1920. Page 12.
  41. ↑ "Irish Day Tomorrow." The Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 17, 1920. Page 24.
  42. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "Music at Olentangy." The Columbus Dispatch. April 10, 1920. Page 12.
  43. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. May 22, 1920. Page 2.
  44. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "An Every-day Attraction." The Columbus Dispatch. June 1, 1920. Page 26.
  45. ↑ "Glee Club to Sing at Olentangy Park." The Columbus Dispatch. Aug. 4, 1920. Page 9.
  46. ↑ Cherrington, H. E. "Two Bands at Park." The Columbus Dispatch. Sept. 3, 1920. Page 38.


Retrieved from "http://olentangypark.com/wiki/index.php?title=1920_Season&oldid=14431"