Down and Out

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Down and Out
Type Other ride
Park Section Unknown
Built 1904
Opened 1904
Closed 1904
Designer Frederick Ingersoll

The Down and Out operated during the 1904 season at Olentangy Park. The Columbus Dispatch described it as "one of the most unique novelties" and that "all persons who love that which has a tendency to arouse excitement will devote part of their time to this device the use of which affords unlimited merriment and which is free for all."[1]

Description

The Down and Out was a tall spiral slide common at early amusement parks such as Coney Island and Steeplechase Park.[2] Although it was spiral, the main structure was mostly rectangular.[3]

Notes

The Columbus Zoological Company had an 85-foot-tall Down and Out built at their site by Frederick Ingersoll of Pittsburgh in August 1903.[4] A couple of the company's amusement features were sold to Olentangy Park after closing in 1905. It is unknown if this is the same ride that was sold earlier or if Ingersoll built a second ride. The height of the Olentangy Park ride is unknown.

References

  1. "Real Opening Day at Olentangy Park Today." The Columbus Sunday Dispatch. May 22, 1904. Page 4.
  2. Photograph. "Lower part of Down and Out ride." ClevelandMemory.org. Published by the Cleveland Memory Project. Retrieved Oct. 27, 2024.
  3. Zahorsky, Andrew. Photograph. Rocky Glen Park Memories Facebook Group. Feb. 1, 2024. Accessed Jan. 28, 2026.
  4. Roshon, Sam. "From Evolution to Extinction: An Early Zoo in Columbus." Unknown publication and date. Pages 16-17. Accessed through ClintonvilleHistory.com.