1900 Season
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| Leadership | Joseph W. Dusenbury The Olentangy Park Company Frank Burt |
|---|---|
| New Attractions | Bathing Pavilion |
| Theater Manager | George L. Chennell |
Olentangy Park opened for the 1900 season on the afternoon of Sunday, May 20, 1900.[1][2] Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music throughout the season.[1][3] Frank Burt, general manager of The Olentangy Park Co., booked the performances and stunts and George L. Chennell managed the theater.[4][5][6]
Joseph W. Dusenbury managed both Olentangy as well as Minerva park. The operating company, The Olentangy Park Co., was a private company and was not connected to the Columbus Railway Company. The park grounds were leased by the park company and all the buildings, bridges, electric lighting plant, and other structures were the property of the park company. Performing artists' and musicians' wages increased 25 to 100 percent from the previous year. Due to these rising costs, the cost of admission was set at 5 cents ($1.76 in 2022) per person, except children, and included the whole park as well as the gallery in the theater.[3]
This season, a new bathhouse called the Bathing Pavilion was erected[7] and more lights were added.[1] Stunts became a staple this season as well.[3]
Rides and Attractions
- Bathing Pavilion NEW[7]
- Crystal Maze
- Merry-Go-Round
- Swings
Theater and Stunt Performances
Main Article: Olentangy Park Casino and Theater
George L. Chennell, returned to manage the theater for a second season.[6] The shows were mostly vaudeville acts.[7]
Opening Week (May 20)
Edna Bassett Marshall and company performed in the theater during the opening week,[1] while "Dare Devil" Charles Ellis performed an outdoor high bicycle dive stunt.[3] Other shows included the Faust Family, acrobats, and Colin's dog circus.[8]
Music
Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music twice per day throughout the season.[1] The band's cost increased by over $800 ($28,200 in 2022) more than the previous year and the total spent on music prior to opening was $4,000 (over $141,000).[3]
Dancing in the Dance Pavilion
Main article: Dancing Pavilion
Dancing in the park's dance pavilion was a popular activity. The Legretta Club held hops monthly.[9]
Activities
Off-Season Activities
During the winter months, bowling and trap shooting were available at the park.[10]
Other Activities
- Baseball[7]
- Boating
- Bowling alleys
- General Games
- Picnics
- Refreshments
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Olentangy Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. 13 May 1900. Pg. 21.
- ↑ "Olentangy Park: Opening of the Season." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 16 May 1900. Pg. 11.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "Olentangy Features." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 18 May 1900. Pg. 7.
- ↑ "Short Items." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 20 March 1900. Pg. 7.
- ↑ "Chennell Out of It." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 22 March 1900. Pg. 8.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Chennell and Lacy." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 28 April 1900. Pg. 7.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 "Park Improvements." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 11 May 1900. Pg. 7.
- ↑ "Olentangy Park." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 19 May 1900. Pg. 9.
- ↑ "Society." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. 6 May 1900. Pg. 24.
- ↑ "The Traps: Cresents Annual Shoot." Columbus Evening Dispatch. 5 March 1900. Pg. 9.