1921 Season
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| Leadership | The Olentangy Park Company Joseph W. Dusenbury, president William J. Dusenbury Joseph F. Luft, manager |
|---|---|
| Pre-season | Began April 17, 1921 - May 22, 1921 |
| Season | Began May 23, 1921 |
| New Attractions | Amphitheater |
| Band(s) | "Saxy" Strahl's Orchestra Frank Carbone's Band |
| Tagline | "The Big Park" "The People's Pleasure Park" |
Olentangy Park opened its 1921 season on Sunday, April 17, 1921,[1] after being postponed a week due to bad weather.[2] After a year-long battle, the management of the park returned to Joseph W. and William J. Dusenbury.[2] The park was only open on Sundays for its pre-season until May 22, 1921,[3] when it opened for daily operation.[4] The park closed on ...
Park Improvements
A terrace was constructed along the entire front of the Dancing Pavilion, featuring a brick walkway. Crushed stone and gravel were added to the walks and drives. The parking space was made mud-proof. New stands were added while others were moved to better locations, and more lights were installed.[5]
Lawsuits
Judge Rogers of Franklin County courts formally turned the park back over to the Dusenbury Brothers after a year-long fight, after canceling their lease with Will D. Harris and W. N. Ferguson over permitting gambling in the park. The receivers of the park reported receipts of $43,000$696,548 in 2025 dollars during the summer of 1920 and a balance after paying some debts of $27,000$437,368 in 2025 dollars.[2]
Rides and Attractions
Swimming Pool
Main Article: Swimming Pool
The Dusenburys applied for membership in the American Athletic Union (A.A.U.) and held amateur swimming races at the Swimming Pool.[6] The Olentangy Park Swimming Club was organized with Roger Addison as president. The organization applied for membership in the Allegheny Mountain Association.[7]
List of Rides and Attractions
- Amphitheater NEW
- Arena
- Band Shell
- Bandstand (South)
- Box ball alleys
- Canoe Club Boathouse
- Carousel
- Children's Playground
- Circle Swing
- Colonnade
- Dancing Pavilion
- Double Whirl
- Electric Autos
- Ferris Wheel
- Figure Eight Toboggan
- Floral Conservatory & Greenhouse
- The Fun House
- Gypsy Camp
- Merry-Go-Round (1)
- Merry-Go-Round (3)
- Millrace and Fish Pond
- Miniature Railway
- Motordrome
- Motion Pictures
- Ye Olde Mill (2)
- Over-the-Top
- Palm Garden
- Palmistry
- Pony and Camel Track
- Scenic Coaster
- Shoot-the-Chutes
- Shooting Gallery
- Snake Den
- Swimming Pool
- Swings
- Water Toboggan
- The Whip
- Whirlwind
- Zoological Garden
Theater, Vaudeville, and Stunt Performances
Music
"Saxy" Strahl's Orchestra of 10 men performed in the Dancing Pavilion and Frank Carbone's Band gave open-air concerts during the afternoon and evening during the first few weeks.[8]
Activities
List of Activities
- Billiards
- Boating
- Box Ball
- Bowling
- Dancing
- Dining
- Fishing
- Fortune Telling
- General Games
- Penny Arcades
- Picnics
- Pony Rides
- Swimming
- Tennis
References
- ↑ "Olentangy Opens Tomorrow." The Columbus Dispatch. April 17, 1921. Page 12.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Park is Transferred." The Columbus Dispatch. March 28, 1921. Page 18.
- ↑ "Park Open Sunday Only." The Columbus Dispatch. April 8, 1921. Page 42.
- ↑ "Park is Opened Today." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 10, 1921. Page 7.
- ↑ "Improving Park." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. April 17, 1921. Page 8.
- ↑ "Sports Briefs." The Columbus Dispatch. April 1, 1921. Page 38.
- ↑ "Sports Briefs." The Columbus Dispatch. April 13, 1921. Page 22.
- ↑ "Opening Promised Today." The Columbus Dispatch. April 17, 1921. Page 10.