1899 Season - Revision history

Parkadmin at 20:58, 7 June 2026

2026-06-07T20:58:01Z

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	\| year = 1899		\| year = 1899
	\| image =		\| image =
	\| management = Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, manager<br />Eli West, president<br />Charles C. Higgins, vice president<br />William J. Dusenbury, secretary~~<br />Jacob F. Luft, manager~~		\| management = Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, manager<br />Eli West, president<br />Charles C. Higgins, vice president<br />William J. Dusenbury, secretary
	\| season = May 28, 1899 - Sept. 24, 1899		\| season = May 28, 1899 - Sept. 24, 1899
	\| newattractions = [[Crystal Maze]]<br />[[Olentangy Park Theater\|Theater and Casino]]		\| newattractions = [[Crystal Maze]]<br />[[Olentangy Park Theater\|Theater and Casino]]
	\| theatermanager = George L. Chennell		\| theatermanager = George L. Chennell<br />Jacob F. Luft
	\| band = Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra		\| band = Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra
	\| size = 50 acres		\| size = 50 acres

Parkadmin: added staff

2026-06-07T20:39:59Z

added staff

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:39, 7 June 2026
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	\| year = 1899		\| year = 1899
	\| image =		\| image =
	\| management = Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, manager<br />Eli West, president<br />Charles C. Higgins, vice president<br />William J. Dusenbury, secretary		\| management = Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, manager<br />Eli West, president<br />Charles C. Higgins, vice president<br />William J. Dusenbury, secretary<br />Jacob F. Luft, manager
	\| season = May 28, 1899 - Sept. 24, 1899		\| season = May 28, 1899 - Sept. 24, 1899
	\| newattractions = [[Crystal Maze]]<br />[[Olentangy Park Theater\|Theater and Casino]]		\| newattractions = [[Crystal Maze]]<br />[[Olentangy Park Theater\|Theater and Casino]]

Parkadmin at 22:36, 18 December 2025

2025-12-18T22:36:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:36, 18 December 2025
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	[[Category:Seasons]]		[[Category:Seasons]]

	{{#seo:\|description=The 1899 season at Olentangy Park opened on May 28, 1899, and closed on September 24, 1899. This was the first year the Dusenbury Brothers managed the park.}}		{{#seo:
	~~{{#seo:~~\|keywords=1899 Season, Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Olentangy Park Columbus, Columbus amusement park, amusement park, Clintonville, defunct amusement park, Olentangy Theater, Olentangy Theatre, Vaudeville}}		\|description = The 1899 season at Olentangy Park opened on May 28, 1899, and closed on September 24, 1899. This was the first year the Dusenbury Brothers managed the park.
			\|keywords = 1899 Season, Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Olentangy Park Columbus, Columbus amusement park, amusement park, Clintonville, defunct amusement park, Olentangy Theater, Olentangy Theatre, Vaudeville
			}}

Parkadmin at 03:18, 18 December 2025

2025-12-18T03:18:32Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:18, 18 December 2025
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	[[Category:Seasons]]		[[Category:Seasons]]

	{{#seo:\|description=The 1899 season at Olentangy Park opened on May 28, 1899, and closed on September 24, 1899. ~~New attractions included~~ the ~~Crystal Maze, Kinetoscope, Stereopticon Views, and~~ the ~~Theater~~.}}		{{#seo:\|description=The 1899 season at Olentangy Park opened on May 28, 1899, and closed on September 24, 1899. This was the first year the Dusenbury Brothers managed the park.}}
	{{#seo:\|keywords=1899 Season, Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Olentangy Park Columbus, Columbus amusement park, amusement park, Clintonville, defunct amusement park, Olentangy Theater, Olentangy Theatre, Vaudeville}}		{{#seo:\|keywords=1899 Season, Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Olentangy Park Columbus, Columbus amusement park, amusement park, Clintonville, defunct amusement park, Olentangy Theater, Olentangy Theatre, Vaudeville}}

Parkadmin at 20:53, 12 December 2025

2025-12-12T20:53:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:53, 12 December 2025
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	Olentangy Park opened for the 1899 season on Sunday, May 28, 1899,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Theater\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 6, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and was called the "Fairyland of Columbus."<ref name="fairyland">{{Cite news \|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 6, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music throughout the season.<ref name="openingweek">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Opening Week\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 1, 1899\|page = 11}}</ref> Admission to the park was free.		Olentangy Park opened for the 1899 season on Sunday, May 28, 1899,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Theater\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 6, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and was called the "Fairyland of Columbus."<ref name="fairyland">{{Cite news \|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 6, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music throughout the season.<ref name="openingweek">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Opening Week\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 1, 1899\|page = 11}}</ref> Admission to the park was free.

	The Olentangy Park Company was incorporated on May 17, 1899. According to Franklin County Recorder clerk C. D. Rarey, the Columbus Street Railway Company transferred its lease to Joseph W. Dusenbury and Eli West,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Conspiracy Charged By J. W. Dusenbury and His Friends\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 1, 1899\|volume = \|issue = \|page = 6}}</ref><ref name="guilty">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Simply 'Referred' Was That Long-Looked-For Report\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 8, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref>Hooper, Osman Castle. ''[https://columbusrailroads.com/new/pdf/clbs%20history%201920%20traction.pdf History of the City of Columbus Ohio From the Founding of Franklinton in 1797, Through the World War Period, to the Year 1920].'' Published by The Memorial Publishing Company. Accessed through ColumbusRailroads.com.</ref><ref name="started">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's\|pub = The Columbus Dispatch\|date = 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 name="historian">{{Cite news \|lastname = Barrett\|firstname = Richard E\|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun\|pub = Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1\|date = April 1984\|page = 8-9}}</ref><ref>Lentz, Ed. [https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/10/04/columbus-amusement-parks-once-were-entertainment-hot-spots/5886060001 "Columbus' amusement parks once were entertainment hot spots."] ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Last updated Oct. 4, 2021. Accessed on July 22, 2022.</ref> The Dusenbury Brothers also owned nearby Minerva Park and the Southern, Grand, and other theaters in Columbus.<ref name="historian" /> The directors of the Olentangy Park Company were Eli West, president; Charles C. Higgins, vice president; Charles E. Carter, counsel; and William J. Dusenbury, secretary.<ref name="sellout">{{Cite news \|articletitle = About to Sell Out\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 17, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> Dusenbury, serving as the Franklin County Director of Public Safety, had the largest shareholder stake in the park and was recognized as an active owner and manager of the park.<ref name="removed">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Director Dusenbury Ousted From Office\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5-8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Holding the Fort\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref name="opentomorrow">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: The Opening To-morrow\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 27, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> The company had a capital stock of {{Tooltip \|text = $100,000\|tooltip = $3,853,000 in 2025 dollars}} in 1899.<ref name="sellout" />		The Olentangy Park Company was incorporated on May 17, 1899. According to Franklin County Recorder clerk C. D. Rarey, the Columbus Street Railway Company transferred its lease to Joseph W. Dusenbury and Eli West,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Conspiracy Charged By J. W. Dusenbury and His Friends\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 1, 1899\|volume = \|issue = \|page = 6}}</ref><ref name="guilty">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Simply 'Referred' Was That Long-Looked-For Report\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 8, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref>Hooper, Osman Castle. ''[https://columbusrailroads.com/new/pdf/clbs%20history%201920%20traction.pdf History of the City of Columbus Ohio From the Founding of Franklinton in 1797, Through the World War Period, to the Year 1920].'' Page 233. Published by The Memorial Publishing Company. Accessed through ColumbusRailroads.com.</ref><ref name="started">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's\|pub = The Columbus Dispatch\|date = 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 name="historian">{{Cite news \|lastname = Barrett\|firstname = Richard E\|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun\|pub = Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1\|date = April 1984\|page = 8-9}}</ref><ref>Lentz, Ed. [https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/10/04/columbus-amusement-parks-once-were-entertainment-hot-spots/5886060001 "Columbus' amusement parks once were entertainment hot spots."] ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Last updated Oct. 4, 2021. Accessed on July 22, 2022.</ref> The Dusenbury Brothers also owned nearby Minerva Park and the Southern, Grand, and other theaters in Columbus.<ref name="historian" /> The directors of the Olentangy Park Company were Eli West, president; Charles C. Higgins, vice president; Charles E. Carter, counsel; and William J. Dusenbury, secretary.<ref name="sellout">{{Cite news \|articletitle = About to Sell Out\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 17, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> Dusenbury, serving as the Franklin County Director of Public Safety, had the largest shareholder stake in the park and was recognized as an active owner and manager of the park.<ref name="removed">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Director Dusenbury Ousted From Office\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5-8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Holding the Fort\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref name="opentomorrow">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: The Opening To-morrow\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 27, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> The company had a capital stock of {{Tooltip \|text = $100,000\|tooltip = $3,853,000 in 2025 dollars}} in 1899.<ref name="sellout" />

	A casino with a theater was built<ref name="casinoplans">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Casino\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 4, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)\|Dancing Pavilion]] was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Location is Changed\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 27, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> The park closed for the season on Sept. 24, 1899.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Theatric Bill of Fare\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = September 23, 1899\|page = 12}}</ref>		A casino with a theater was built<ref name="casinoplans">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Casino\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 4, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)\|Dancing Pavilion]] was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Location is Changed\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 27, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> The park closed for the season on Sept. 24, 1899.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Theatric Bill of Fare\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = September 23, 1899\|page = 12}}</ref>

Parkadmin at 20:52, 12 December 2025

2025-12-12T20:52:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:52, 12 December 2025
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	Olentangy Park opened for the 1899 season on Sunday, May 28, 1899,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Theater\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 6, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and was called the "Fairyland of Columbus."<ref name="fairyland">{{Cite news \|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 6, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music throughout the season.<ref name="openingweek">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Opening Week\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 1, 1899\|page = 11}}</ref> Admission to the park was free.		Olentangy Park opened for the 1899 season on Sunday, May 28, 1899,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Theater\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 6, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and was called the "Fairyland of Columbus."<ref name="fairyland">{{Cite news \|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 6, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music throughout the season.<ref name="openingweek">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Opening Week\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 1, 1899\|page = 11}}</ref> Admission to the park was free.

	The Olentangy Park Company was incorporated on May 17, 1899. According to Franklin County Recorder clerk C. D. Rarey, the Columbus Street Railway Company transferred its lease to Joseph W. Dusenbury and Eli West,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Conspiracy Charged By J. W. Dusenbury and His Friends\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 1, 1899\|volume = \|issue = \|page = 6}}</ref><ref name="guilty">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Simply 'Referred' Was That Long-Looked-For Report\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 8, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref name="started">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's\|pub = The Columbus Dispatch\|date = 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 name="historian">{{Cite news \|lastname = Barrett\|firstname = Richard E\|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun\|pub = Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1\|date = April 1984\|page = 8-9}}</ref><ref>Lentz, Ed. [https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/10/04/columbus-amusement-parks-once-were-entertainment-hot-spots/5886060001 "Columbus' amusement parks once were entertainment hot spots."] ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Last updated Oct. 4, 2021. Accessed on July 22, 2022.</ref> The Dusenbury Brothers also owned nearby Minerva Park and the Southern, Grand, and other theaters in Columbus.<ref name="historian" /> The directors of the Olentangy Park Company were Eli West, president; Charles C. Higgins, vice president; Charles E. Carter, counsel; and William J. Dusenbury, secretary.<ref name="sellout">{{Cite news \|articletitle = About to Sell Out\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 17, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> Dusenbury, serving as the Franklin County Director of Public Safety, had the largest shareholder stake in the park and was recognized as an active owner and manager of the park.<ref name="removed">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Director Dusenbury Ousted From Office\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5-8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Holding the Fort\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref name="opentomorrow">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: The Opening To-morrow\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 27, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> The company had a capital stock of {{Tooltip \|text = $100,000\|tooltip = $3,853,000 in 2025 dollars}} in 1899.<ref name="sellout" />		The Olentangy Park Company was incorporated on May 17, 1899. According to Franklin County Recorder clerk C. D. Rarey, the Columbus Street Railway Company transferred its lease to Joseph W. Dusenbury and Eli West,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Conspiracy Charged By J. W. Dusenbury and His Friends\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 1, 1899\|volume = \|issue = \|page = 6}}</ref><ref name="guilty">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Simply 'Referred' Was That Long-Looked-For Report\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 8, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref>Hooper, Osman Castle. ''[https://columbusrailroads.com/new/pdf/clbs%20history%201920%20traction.pdf History of the City of Columbus Ohio From the Founding of Franklinton in 1797, Through the World War Period, to the Year 1920].'' Published by The Memorial Publishing Company. Accessed through ColumbusRailroads.com.</ref><ref name="started">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's\|pub = The Columbus Dispatch\|date = 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 name="historian">{{Cite news \|lastname = Barrett\|firstname = Richard E\|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun\|pub = Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1\|date = April 1984\|page = 8-9}}</ref><ref>Lentz, Ed. [https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/10/04/columbus-amusement-parks-once-were-entertainment-hot-spots/5886060001 "Columbus' amusement parks once were entertainment hot spots."] ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Last updated Oct. 4, 2021. Accessed on July 22, 2022.</ref> The Dusenbury Brothers also owned nearby Minerva Park and the Southern, Grand, and other theaters in Columbus.<ref name="historian" /> The directors of the Olentangy Park Company were Eli West, president; Charles C. Higgins, vice president; Charles E. Carter, counsel; and William J. Dusenbury, secretary.<ref name="sellout">{{Cite news \|articletitle = About to Sell Out\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 17, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> Dusenbury, serving as the Franklin County Director of Public Safety, had the largest shareholder stake in the park and was recognized as an active owner and manager of the park.<ref name="removed">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Director Dusenbury Ousted From Office\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5-8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Holding the Fort\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref name="opentomorrow">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: The Opening To-morrow\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 27, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> The company had a capital stock of {{Tooltip \|text = $100,000\|tooltip = $3,853,000 in 2025 dollars}} in 1899.<ref name="sellout" />

	A casino with a theater was built<ref name="casinoplans">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Casino\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 4, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)\|Dancing Pavilion]] was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Location is Changed\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 27, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> The park closed for the season on Sept. 24, 1899.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Theatric Bill of Fare\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = September 23, 1899\|page = 12}}</ref>		A casino with a theater was built<ref name="casinoplans">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Casino\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 4, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)\|Dancing Pavilion]] was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Location is Changed\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 27, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> The park closed for the season on Sept. 24, 1899.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Theatric Bill of Fare\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = September 23, 1899\|page = 12}}</ref>

Parkadmin at 04:40, 20 November 2025

2025-11-20T04:40:38Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:40, 20 November 2025
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	''Main Article:'' [[Crystal Maze]]		''Main Article:'' [[Crystal Maze]]

	The Crystal Maze was a funhouse structure. Measuring {{Tooltip \|text = 27 by 40 feet\|tooltip = 8 by 12 meters}}, 60 huge plate glass mirrors (each {{Tooltip \|text = 4 by 7 feet\|tooltip = 1.3 by 2.3 meters}}) made the building appear much larger than it was. It created several reflections of the visitors ~~that move~~ in all directions. There were false doors, causing other visitors to laugh when someone ran into a pane of glass. Before being installed at the park, a version of the amusement was at Cleveland's Euclid Beach for three years.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: The Crystal Maze\|pub = The Columbus Sunday Dispatch\|date = June 30, 1899\|page = 11}}</ref>.<ref name="crystalmaze">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: The Theater\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 1, 1899\|page = 12}}</ref>		The Crystal Maze was a funhouse structure. Measuring {{Tooltip \|text = 27 by 40 feet\|tooltip = 8 by 12 meters}}, 60 huge plate glass mirrors (each {{Tooltip \|text = 4 by 7 feet\|tooltip = 1.3 by 2.3 meters}}) made the building appear much larger than it was. It created several reflections of the visitors, which moved in all directions. There were false doors, causing other visitors to laugh when someone ran into a pane of glass. Before being installed at the park, a version of the amusement was at Cleveland's Euclid Beach for three years.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: The Crystal Maze\|pub = The Columbus Sunday Dispatch\|date = June 30, 1899\|page = 11}}</ref>.<ref name="crystalmaze">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: The Theater\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 1, 1899\|page = 12}}</ref>

	=== Dancing Pavilion ===		=== Dancing Pavilion ===
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	* Wheel of Fortune '''NEW'''		* Wheel of Fortune '''NEW'''

	== Theater, Vaudeville~~, and Stunt Performances~~ ==		== Theater and Vaudeville ==

	=== Olentangy Park Theater ===		=== Olentangy Park Theater ===
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	* Master Tom Carroll, 5-year-old clog dancer		* Master Tom Carroll, 5-year-old clog dancer
	* Frank Morrell and Florrie Evans, burlesque operetta or ragtime opera		* Frank Morrell and Florrie Evans, burlesque operetta or ragtime opera
	* Edwin and Kittie Deagon, novel comedy act ~~and~~ illustrated song and stereopticon pictures		* Edwin and Kittie Deagon, novel comedy act, illustrated song, and stereopticon pictures
	* The Nondescript Trio, high-kicking		* The Nondescript Trio, high-kicking
	* Bicknell, "the lightning clay modeler"		* Bicknell, "the lightning clay modeler"
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	* Mlle Leontine Vegara, the Columbus soprano		* Mlle Leontine Vegara, the Columbus soprano
	* The Six Sennetts in a new acrobatic act		* The Six Sennetts in a new acrobatic act
	* Dan Allman, the blackface humorist in a new specialty		* Dan Allman, the blackface humorist, in a new specialty
	* The Athene Brothers, acrobats		* The Athene Brothers, acrobats
	* Tioko's Imperial Japanese troupe in a change of the program		* Tioko's Imperial Japanese troupe in a change of the program

	==== ~~Other Acts ====~~		== Stunts and Outdoor Shows ==
	Other acts throughout the season included Lockhart's act of six performing elephants. It was one of the highest-priced vaudeville attractions at the time, costing Burt {{Tooltip \|text = $8,000\|tooltip = $308,240 in 2025 dollars}} and transportation bills for eight weeks in his circuit -- one of which was to be in Columbus. Theatrical performances included "Aladdin, Jr." and "Robinson Crusoe," each carrying 30 drops, transformations, and 40 people.<ref name="forecast2" /> The Witney Brothers and Club Swinger also performed.<ref name="historian" />
			Other acts throughout the season included Lockhart's act of six performing elephants. It was one of the highest-priced vaudeville attractions at the time, costing Burt {{Tooltip \|text = $8,000\|tooltip = $308,240 in 2025 dollars}} and transportation bills for eight weeks in his circuit—one of which was to be in Columbus. Theatrical performances included "Aladdin, Jr." and "Robinson Crusoe," each carrying 30 drops, transformations, and 40 people.<ref name="forecast2" /> The Witney Brothers and Club Swinger also performed.<ref name="historian" />

	== Music ==		== Music ==

Parkadmin: /* Olentangy Park Theater and Casino */

2025-11-09T04:11:16Z

Olentangy Park Theater and Casino

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:11, 9 November 2025
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	Packard focused on safety, comfort, and "perfection of arrangement." The original cost was to be {{Tooltip \|text = $25,000\|tooltip = $963,250 in 2025 dollars}}<ref>''[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107104081/a-new-casino-at-olentangy-park St. Louis Post-Dispatch].'' April 16, 1899. Page 37. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> and would include the largest theater capacity in Columbus. The entrance was "a splendid archway rising from artistic flying buttresses of Mansfield stone and [was] surmounted on either side by a belfry where the electrician's art will manifest in dancing colored lights at night." "Easy steps" lead to the loggia or main piazza. The width was so broad that "50 ladies may stroll abreast, arm in arm, from the eastern to the western end and back and have covered two-thirds of the distance an athlete runs in a hundred-yard dash." Each side had a promenade and a balcony above it off the mezzanine floor of the theater. Each balcony and nook had a table and comfortable benches where cooling liquids were served, called by electric bells, from the refreshment rooms at the southwest corner of the building. The promenade on the eastern side of the theater led to the ladies' retiring rooms and toilets.<ref name="casinoplans" /> The interior color scheme was red and cream.<ref name="theater" /> The curtain was a dainty spring scene, entitled "Apple Blossom Time." The interior was filled with electric lights; 200 incandescents were located in the proscenium arch alone.<ref name="opentomorrow" />		Packard focused on safety, comfort, and "perfection of arrangement." The original cost was to be {{Tooltip \|text = $25,000\|tooltip = $963,250 in 2025 dollars}}<ref>''[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/107104081/a-new-casino-at-olentangy-park St. Louis Post-Dispatch].'' April 16, 1899. Page 37. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> and would include the largest theater capacity in Columbus. The entrance was "a splendid archway rising from artistic flying buttresses of Mansfield stone and [was] surmounted on either side by a belfry where the electrician's art will manifest in dancing colored lights at night." "Easy steps" lead to the loggia or main piazza. The width was so broad that "50 ladies may stroll abreast, arm in arm, from the eastern to the western end and back and have covered two-thirds of the distance an athlete runs in a hundred-yard dash." Each side had a promenade and a balcony above it off the mezzanine floor of the theater. Each balcony and nook had a table and comfortable benches where cooling liquids were served, called by electric bells, from the refreshment rooms at the southwest corner of the building. The promenade on the eastern side of the theater led to the ladies' retiring rooms and toilets.<ref name="casinoplans" /> The interior color scheme was red and cream.<ref name="theater" /> The curtain was a dainty spring scene, entitled "Apple Blossom Time." The interior was filled with electric lights; 200 incandescents were located in the proscenium arch alone.<ref name="opentomorrow" />

	Within 60 days, 600,000 feet of lumber were used to create the theater.<ref name="opening2" /> It was an octagonal plan with a bowling floor dropping 10 feet from the entrance to the stage. The actual seating capacity was 3,000, but it was made to be comfortably wider, lowering it to 2,248. It seated 1,200 people on the main floor, 600 in the balcony, 400 in the gallery, and 48 in the boxes.<ref name="opentomorrow" /><ref name="historian" /><ref name="guide1899-30">"Olentangy Park Theatre." ''Illustrated Guide to Columbus 1899.'' Page 30-31.</ref> Each row of chairs was 32 inches from back to back and 20 inches wide. Larger chairs were available halfway back and across the theater. There were five aisles, and no row was larger than 10 chairs across.<ref name="casinoplans" /> The folding opera seats had iron frames with gold bronze decor.<ref name="opentomorrow" /> Four boxes were on either side, beginning at the stage and running back diagonally to the main walls and decorated with Turkish draperies.<ref name="theater" /> The mezzanine and balcony had 850 seats. The stage was 40 by 60 feet<ref name="historian" /><ref name="guide1899-30" /> - as large as the one at the Great Southern Theater at the time, and had six large, airy dressing rooms underneath. There were nine full sets of scenery. The orchestra pit was the largest in the city at the time.		Within 60 days, 600,000 feet of lumber were used to create the theater.<ref name="opening2" /> It was an octagonal plan with a bowling floor dropping 10 feet from the entrance to the stage. The actual seating capacity was 3,000, but it was made to be comfortably wider, lowering it to 2,248.<ref name="pamphlet1900">The Columbus Railway Company. "Park Excursion Arrangements." ''[https://tile.loc.gov/storage-services/public/gdcmassbookdig/columbusohio190000colu/columbusohio190000colu.pdf Columbus, Ohio, 1900 Illustrated Guide to the City and Pleasure Resorts with Map and Street Railway Directions].'' 1900.</ref> It seated 1,200 people on the main floor, 600 in the balcony, 400 in the gallery, and 48 in the boxes.<ref name="opentomorrow" /><ref name="historian" /><ref name="guide1899-30">"Olentangy Park Theatre." ''Illustrated Guide to Columbus 1899.'' Page 30-31.</ref> Each row of chairs was 32 inches from back to back and 20 inches wide. Larger chairs were available halfway back and across the theater. There were five aisles, and no row was larger than 10 chairs across.<ref name="casinoplans" /> The folding opera seats had iron frames with gold bronze decor.<ref name="opentomorrow" /> Four boxes were on either side, beginning at the stage and running back diagonally to the main walls and decorated with Turkish draperies.<ref name="theater" /> The mezzanine and balcony had 850 seats. The stage was 40 by 60 feet<ref name="historian" /><ref name="guide1899-30" /> - as large as the one at the Great Southern Theater at the time, and had six large, airy dressing rooms underneath. There were nine full sets of scenery. The orchestra pit was the largest in the city at the time.

	A unique feature of the theater was how the walls opened to the outdoors. Sliding sides and curtains were operated from the stage to obtain the desired darkness.<ref name="casinoplans" /> There were six large exits upstairs and six downstairs to allow evacuation within two to three minutes. <ref name="opentomorrow" /> The structure of the theater was made of wood instead of the common brick or stone, and the scenery was painted by P. J. Toomey of St. Louis.<ref>{{Cite news \|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 22, 1899\|page = 4}}</ref> Numerous large ventilators were in the ceiling to provide circulation and fresh air.<ref name="opentomorrow" />		A unique feature of the theater was how the walls opened to the outdoors. Sliding sides and curtains were operated from the stage to obtain the desired darkness.<ref name="casinoplans" /> There were six large exits upstairs and six downstairs to allow evacuation within two to three minutes. <ref name="opentomorrow" /> The structure of the theater was made of wood instead of the common brick or stone, and the scenery was painted by P. J. Toomey of St. Louis.<ref>{{Cite news \|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 22, 1899\|page = 4}}</ref> Numerous large ventilators were in the ceiling to provide circulation and fresh air.<ref name="opentomorrow" />

Parkadmin at 19:58, 6 November 2025

2025-11-06T19:58:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:58, 6 November 2025
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	\| management = Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, manager<br />Eli West, president<br />Charles C. Higgins, vice president<br />William J. Dusenbury, secretary		\| management = Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, manager<br />Eli West, president<br />Charles C. Higgins, vice president<br />William J. Dusenbury, secretary
	\| season = May 28, 1899 - Sept. 24, 1899		\| season = May 28, 1899 - Sept. 24, 1899
	\| newattractions = [[Crystal Maze]]~~<br />Kinetoscope<br />Stereopticon Views~~<br />[[Olentangy Park Theater\|Theater and Casino]]		\| newattractions = [[Crystal Maze]]<br />[[Olentangy Park Theater\|Theater and Casino]]
	\| theatermanager = George L. Chennell		\| theatermanager = George L. Chennell
	\| band = Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra		\| band = Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra

Parkadmin: Updated theater links

2025-11-06T17:43:28Z

Updated theater links

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:43, 6 November 2025
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	\| management = Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, manager<br />Eli West, president<br />Charles C. Higgins, vice president<br />William J. Dusenbury, secretary		\| management = Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, manager<br />Eli West, president<br />Charles C. Higgins, vice president<br />William J. Dusenbury, secretary
	\| season = May 28, 1899 - Sept. 24, 1899		\| season = May 28, 1899 - Sept. 24, 1899
	\| newattractions = [[Crystal Maze]]<br />Kinetoscope<br />Stereopticon Views<br />[[Theater\|Theater/Casino]]		\| newattractions = [[Crystal Maze]]<br />Kinetoscope<br />Stereopticon Views<br />[[Olentangy Park Theater\|Theater and Casino]]
	\| theatermanager = George L. Chennell		\| theatermanager = George L. Chennell
	\| band = Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra		\| band = Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra
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	A casino with a theater was built<ref name="casinoplans">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Casino\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 4, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)\|Dancing Pavilion]] was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Location is Changed\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 27, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> The park closed for the season on Sept. 24, 1899.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Theatric Bill of Fare\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = September 23, 1899\|page = 12}}</ref>		A casino with a theater was built<ref name="casinoplans">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Casino\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 4, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)\|Dancing Pavilion]] was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Location is Changed\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 27, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> The park closed for the season on Sept. 24, 1899.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Theatric Bill of Fare\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = September 23, 1899\|page = 12}}</ref>

	=== Olentangy Park Casino ~~and Theater~~ ===		=== Olentangy Park Theater and Casino ===
	''Main article:'' [[Olentangy Park ~~Casino and~~ Theater]]		''Main article:'' [[Olentangy Park Theater]]

	Rumors of a casino at the park began in December 1898, and plans were drawn up by March 1899. Architects Joseph W. Yost and Frank L. Packard designed the building to have a "combination of towers, and turrets and pinnacles, that will rise from broad piazzas, balconies, terraces and a capacious theater." The original location was west of the park entrance, overlooking the Olentangy River {{Tooltip \|text = 56 feet\|tooltip = 17.1 meters}} below. It was to face north and have its entrance at the northeast corner, just before the bridge that spans the ravine.<ref name="casinoplans" /> The Columbus Street Railway company said they decided to move the location nearer to the center of the park grounds due to the original location being too crowded.<ref name="locationchange" /> It was later revealed that it was moved to make the majority of the park outside of the city limits, which ended around the south part of the ravine.<ref name="kidsgloves">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Without Kids Gloves\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 27, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> The final location was just past the bridge and just west of the refreshment hall (later to be known as the [[Colonnade]]). The building would now face the south, with the theater toward the north. This location allowed the balconies to look over the river and the park.<ref name="locationchange" />		Rumors of a casino at the park began in December 1898, and plans were drawn up by March 1899. Architects Joseph W. Yost and Frank L. Packard designed the building to have a "combination of towers, and turrets and pinnacles, that will rise from broad piazzas, balconies, terraces and a capacious theater." The original location was west of the park entrance, overlooking the Olentangy River {{Tooltip \|text = 56 feet\|tooltip = 17.1 meters}} below. It was to face north and have its entrance at the northeast corner, just before the bridge that spans the ravine.<ref name="casinoplans" /> The Columbus Street Railway company said they decided to move the location nearer to the center of the park grounds due to the original location being too crowded.<ref name="locationchange" /> It was later revealed that it was moved to make the majority of the park outside of the city limits, which ended around the south part of the ravine.<ref name="kidsgloves">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Without Kids Gloves\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 27, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> The final location was just past the bridge and just west of the refreshment hall (later to be known as the [[Colonnade]]). The building would now face the south, with the theater toward the north. This location allowed the balconies to look over the river and the park.<ref name="locationchange" />
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	=== Local Pushback Against the Theater ===		=== Local Pushback Against the Theater ===
	''Read the full details:'' [[Olentangy Park ~~Casino and~~ Theater#Local Pushback Against the Theater\|Local Pushback Against the Theater]]		''Read the full details:'' [[Olentangy Park Theater#Local Pushback Against the Theater\|Local Pushback Against the Theater]]

	There was a major pushback against the theater due to the park holding Sunday performances. It was against the City of Columbus law to have theater performances on Sundays, but the theater was built just outside the city line. Manager Joseph W. Dusenbury also served as the Columbus Director of Public Safety at the time and was expected to follow Columbus law. Instead, he assigned special police to help keep Columbus constables from arresting the actors. After several arrests, case dismissals, and local religious groups calling for Dusenbury to be fired or to resign, there was a major violent riot on June 18.		There was a major pushback against the theater due to the park holding Sunday performances. It was against the City of Columbus law to have theater performances on Sundays, but the theater was built just outside the city line. Manager Joseph W. Dusenbury also served as the Columbus Director of Public Safety at the time and was expected to follow Columbus law. Instead, he assigned special police to help keep Columbus constables from arresting the actors. After several arrests, case dismissals, and local religious groups calling for Dusenbury to be fired or to resign, there was a major violent riot on June 18.
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	=== Motion Pictures ===		=== Motion Pictures ===
	Kinetoscope and Stereopticon views were shown weekly in the [[Theater]]. Olentangy Park was the first amusement park to feature motion pictures as an attraction or exhibit.<ref>Page, W. J. [https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/The_Billboard_1915-03-27-_Vol_27_Iss_13_%28IA_sim_billboard_1915-03-27_27_13%29.pdf"Motion Pictures as a Park Attraction."] ''The Billboard.'' March 27, 1915. Page 23.</ref>		Kinetoscope and Stereopticon views were shown weekly in the [[Olentangy Park Theater\|Theater]]. Olentangy Park was the first amusement park to feature motion pictures as an attraction or exhibit.<ref>Page, W. J. [https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3e/The_Billboard_1915-03-27-_Vol_27_Iss_13_%28IA_sim_billboard_1915-03-27_27_13%29.pdf"Motion Pictures as a Park Attraction."] ''The Billboard.'' March 27, 1915. Page 23.</ref>

			=== Bowling Alleys ===
			''Main Article:'' [[Bowling alleys]]

			The Dancing Pavilion was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange" /><ref>"Pavilion and Bowling Alley." ''Illustrated Guide to Columbus 1899.'' Page 26.</ref>

	=== List of Rides and Attractions ===		=== List of Rides and Attractions ===
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	* [[Bowling alleys]]		* [[Bowling alleys]]
	* Cafe		* Cafe
			* [[Olentangy Park Theater\|Casino]] '''NEW'''
	* [[Crystal Maze]] '''NEW'''		* [[Crystal Maze]] '''NEW'''
	* [[Dancing Pavilion (1)\|Dancing Pavilion]]		* [[Dancing Pavilion (1)\|Dancing Pavilion]]
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	* Stereopticon views		* Stereopticon views
	* Swings		* Swings
			* [[Olentangy Park Theater\|Theater]] '''NEW'''
	* Wheel of Fortune '''NEW'''		* Wheel of Fortune '''NEW'''

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	=== Olentangy Park Theater ===		=== Olentangy Park Theater ===
	''Main Article:'' [[Olentangy Park ~~Casino and~~ Theater]]		''Main Article:'' [[Olentangy Park Theater]]

	A new casino was built with a theater (see info above).<ref name="casinoplans" /> Vaudeville performances began on Sunday, May 28, 1899, and were held twice per day.<ref>{{Cite news \|type = Advertisement\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 20, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> Manager Frank Burt of Burt's Theater booked the performances for the theater's first season.<ref name="forecast1">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Theatrical Forecast\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 11, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> A local manager, George L. Chennell, who worked with Burt in Cleveland the past summer as assistant manager of Euclid Beach Park,<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-goes-to-columbus/163630196 "Goes to Columbus."] ''The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio).'' April 17, 1899. Page 1. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> helped run the theater during the season.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = \|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 18, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref><ref name="forecast1" /><ref name="forecast2">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Theatrical Forecast\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 25, 1899\|page = 14}}.</ref><ref name="fairyland" /> Most of the Columbus theaters closed for the summer due to the lack of air conditioning, drawing theatergoers to the park.<ref name="historian" />		A new casino was built with a theater (see info above).<ref name="casinoplans" /> Vaudeville performances began on Sunday, May 28, 1899, and were held twice per day.<ref>{{Cite news \|type = Advertisement\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 20, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> Manager Frank Burt of Burt's Theater booked the performances for the theater's first season.<ref name="forecast1">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Theatrical Forecast\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 11, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> A local manager, George L. Chennell, who worked with Burt in Cleveland the past summer as assistant manager of Euclid Beach Park,<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-goes-to-columbus/163630196 "Goes to Columbus."] ''The Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio).'' April 17, 1899. Page 1. Accessed through Newspapers.com.</ref> helped run the theater during the season.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = \|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 18, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref><ref name="forecast1" /><ref name="forecast2">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Theatrical Forecast\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 25, 1899\|page = 14}}.</ref><ref name="fairyland" /> Most of the Columbus theaters closed for the summer due to the lack of air conditioning, drawing theatergoers to the park.<ref name="historian" />
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	''Main Article:'' [[Bowling alleys]]		''Main Article:'' [[Bowling alleys]]

	Bowling was available for parties and leagues before the park's season opening~~. The Dancing Pavilion was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley~~.<ref name="locationchange" /><ref>"Pavilion and Bowling Alley." ''Illustrated Guide to Columbus 1899.'' Page 26.</ref>		Bowling was available for parties and leagues before the park's season opening.<ref name="locationchange" /><ref>"Pavilion and Bowling Alley." ''Illustrated Guide to Columbus 1899.'' Page 26.</ref>

	=== Ice Skating ===		=== Ice Skating ===

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:53, 12 December 2025
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	Olentangy Park opened for the 1899 season on Sunday, May 28, 1899,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Theater\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 6, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and was called the "Fairyland of Columbus."<ref name="fairyland">{{Cite news \|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 6, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music throughout the season.<ref name="openingweek">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Opening Week\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 1, 1899\|page = 11}}</ref> Admission to the park was free.		Olentangy Park opened for the 1899 season on Sunday, May 28, 1899,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Theater\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 6, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and was called the "Fairyland of Columbus."<ref name="fairyland">{{Cite news \|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 6, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music throughout the season.<ref name="openingweek">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Opening Week\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 1, 1899\|page = 11}}</ref> Admission to the park was free.

	The Olentangy Park Company was incorporated on May 17, 1899. According to Franklin County Recorder clerk C. D. Rarey, the Columbus Street Railway Company transferred its lease to Joseph W. Dusenbury and Eli West,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Conspiracy Charged By J. W. Dusenbury and His Friends\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 1, 1899\|volume = \|issue = \|page = 6}}</ref><ref name="guilty">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Simply 'Referred' Was That Long-Looked-For Report\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 8, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref>Hooper, Osman Castle. ''[https://columbusrailroads.com/new/pdf/clbs%20history%201920%20traction.pdf History of the City of Columbus Ohio From the Founding of Franklinton in 1797, Through the World War Period, to the Year 1920].'' Published by The Memorial Publishing Company. Accessed through ColumbusRailroads.com.</ref><ref name="started">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's\|pub = The Columbus Dispatch\|date = 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 name="historian">{{Cite news \|lastname = Barrett\|firstname = Richard E\|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun\|pub = Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1\|date = April 1984\|page = 8-9}}</ref><ref>Lentz, Ed. [https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/10/04/columbus-amusement-parks-once-were-entertainment-hot-spots/5886060001 "Columbus' amusement parks once were entertainment hot spots."] ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Last updated Oct. 4, 2021. Accessed on July 22, 2022.</ref> The Dusenbury Brothers also owned nearby Minerva Park and the Southern, Grand, and other theaters in Columbus.<ref name="historian" /> The directors of the Olentangy Park Company were Eli West, president; Charles C. Higgins, vice president; Charles E. Carter, counsel; and William J. Dusenbury, secretary.<ref name="sellout">{{Cite news \|articletitle = About to Sell Out\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 17, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> Dusenbury, serving as the Franklin County Director of Public Safety, had the largest shareholder stake in the park and was recognized as an active owner and manager of the park.<ref name="removed">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Director Dusenbury Ousted From Office\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5-8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Holding the Fort\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref name="opentomorrow">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: The Opening To-morrow\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 27, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> The company had a capital stock of {{Tooltip \|text = $100,000\|tooltip = $3,853,000 in 2025 dollars}} in 1899.<ref name="sellout" />		The Olentangy Park Company was incorporated on May 17, 1899. According to Franklin County Recorder clerk C. D. Rarey, the Columbus Street Railway Company transferred its lease to Joseph W. Dusenbury and Eli West,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Conspiracy Charged By J. W. Dusenbury and His Friends\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 1, 1899\|volume = \|issue = \|page = 6}}</ref><ref name="guilty">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Simply 'Referred' Was That Long-Looked-For Report\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 8, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref>Hooper, Osman Castle. ''[https://columbusrailroads.com/new/pdf/clbs%20history%201920%20traction.pdf History of the City of Columbus Ohio From the Founding of Franklinton in 1797, Through the World War Period, to the Year 1920].'' Page 233. Published by The Memorial Publishing Company. Accessed through ColumbusRailroads.com.</ref><ref name="started">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's\|pub = The Columbus Dispatch\|date = 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 name="historian">{{Cite news \|lastname = Barrett\|firstname = Richard E\|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun\|pub = Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1\|date = April 1984\|page = 8-9}}</ref><ref>Lentz, Ed. [https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/10/04/columbus-amusement-parks-once-were-entertainment-hot-spots/5886060001 "Columbus' amusement parks once were entertainment hot spots."] ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Last updated Oct. 4, 2021. Accessed on July 22, 2022.</ref> The Dusenbury Brothers also owned nearby Minerva Park and the Southern, Grand, and other theaters in Columbus.<ref name="historian" /> The directors of the Olentangy Park Company were Eli West, president; Charles C. Higgins, vice president; Charles E. Carter, counsel; and William J. Dusenbury, secretary.<ref name="sellout">{{Cite news \|articletitle = About to Sell Out\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 17, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> Dusenbury, serving as the Franklin County Director of Public Safety, had the largest shareholder stake in the park and was recognized as an active owner and manager of the park.<ref name="removed">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Director Dusenbury Ousted From Office\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5-8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Holding the Fort\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref name="opentomorrow">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: The Opening To-morrow\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 27, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> The company had a capital stock of {{Tooltip \|text = $100,000\|tooltip = $3,853,000 in 2025 dollars}} in 1899.<ref name="sellout" />

	A casino with a theater was built<ref name="casinoplans">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Casino\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 4, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)\|Dancing Pavilion]] was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Location is Changed\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 27, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> The park closed for the season on Sept. 24, 1899.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Theatric Bill of Fare\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = September 23, 1899\|page = 12}}</ref>		A casino with a theater was built<ref name="casinoplans">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Casino\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 4, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)\|Dancing Pavilion]] was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Location is Changed\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 27, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> The park closed for the season on Sept. 24, 1899.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Theatric Bill of Fare\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = September 23, 1899\|page = 12}}</ref>

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	Olentangy Park opened for the 1899 season on Sunday, May 28, 1899,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Theater\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 6, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and was called the "Fairyland of Columbus."<ref name="fairyland">{{Cite news \|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 6, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music throughout the season.<ref name="openingweek">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Opening Week\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 1, 1899\|page = 11}}</ref> Admission to the park was free.		Olentangy Park opened for the 1899 season on Sunday, May 28, 1899,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Theater\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 6, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and was called the "Fairyland of Columbus."<ref name="fairyland">{{Cite news \|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 6, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> Fred Neddermeyer's Famous Band and Orchestra provided music throughout the season.<ref name="openingweek">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Opening Week\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 1, 1899\|page = 11}}</ref> Admission to the park was free.

	The Olentangy Park Company was incorporated on May 17, 1899. According to Franklin County Recorder clerk C. D. Rarey, the Columbus Street Railway Company transferred its lease to Joseph W. Dusenbury and Eli West,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Conspiracy Charged By J. W. Dusenbury and His Friends\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 1, 1899\|volume = \|issue = \|page = 6}}</ref><ref name="guilty">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Simply 'Referred' Was That Long-Looked-For Report\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 8, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref name="started">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's\|pub = The Columbus Dispatch\|date = 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 name="historian">{{Cite news \|lastname = Barrett\|firstname = Richard E\|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun\|pub = Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1\|date = April 1984\|page = 8-9}}</ref><ref>Lentz, Ed. [https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/10/04/columbus-amusement-parks-once-were-entertainment-hot-spots/5886060001 "Columbus' amusement parks once were entertainment hot spots."] ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Last updated Oct. 4, 2021. Accessed on July 22, 2022.</ref> The Dusenbury Brothers also owned nearby Minerva Park and the Southern, Grand, and other theaters in Columbus.<ref name="historian" /> The directors of the Olentangy Park Company were Eli West, president; Charles C. Higgins, vice president; Charles E. Carter, counsel; and William J. Dusenbury, secretary.<ref name="sellout">{{Cite news \|articletitle = About to Sell Out\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 17, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> Dusenbury, serving as the Franklin County Director of Public Safety, had the largest shareholder stake in the park and was recognized as an active owner and manager of the park.<ref name="removed">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Director Dusenbury Ousted From Office\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5-8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Holding the Fort\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref name="opentomorrow">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: The Opening To-morrow\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 27, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> The company had a capital stock of {{Tooltip \|text = $100,000\|tooltip = $3,853,000 in 2025 dollars}} in 1899.<ref name="sellout" />		The Olentangy Park Company was incorporated on May 17, 1899. According to Franklin County Recorder clerk C. D. Rarey, the Columbus Street Railway Company transferred its lease to Joseph W. Dusenbury and Eli West,<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Conspiracy Charged By J. W. Dusenbury and His Friends\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 1, 1899\|volume = \|issue = \|page = 6}}</ref><ref name="guilty">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Simply 'Referred' Was That Long-Looked-For Report\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = Aug. 8, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref>Hooper, Osman Castle. ''[https://columbusrailroads.com/new/pdf/clbs%20history%201920%20traction.pdf History of the City of Columbus Ohio From the Founding of Franklinton in 1797, Through the World War Period, to the Year 1920].'' Published by The Memorial Publishing Company. Accessed through ColumbusRailroads.com.</ref><ref name="started">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Started as Beer Garden in '90's\|pub = The Columbus Dispatch\|date = 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 name="historian">{{Cite news \|lastname = Barrett\|firstname = Richard E\|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Four Decades of Fun\|pub = Columbus and Central Ohio Historian No. 1\|date = April 1984\|page = 8-9}}</ref><ref>Lentz, Ed. [https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/10/04/columbus-amusement-parks-once-were-entertainment-hot-spots/5886060001 "Columbus' amusement parks once were entertainment hot spots."] ''The Columbus Dispatch.'' Last updated Oct. 4, 2021. Accessed on July 22, 2022.</ref> The Dusenbury Brothers also owned nearby Minerva Park and the Southern, Grand, and other theaters in Columbus.<ref name="historian" /> The directors of the Olentangy Park Company were Eli West, president; Charles C. Higgins, vice president; Charles E. Carter, counsel; and William J. Dusenbury, secretary.<ref name="sellout">{{Cite news \|articletitle = About to Sell Out\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = June 17, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> Dusenbury, serving as the Franklin County Director of Public Safety, had the largest shareholder stake in the park and was recognized as an active owner and manager of the park.<ref name="removed">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Director Dusenbury Ousted From Office\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5-8}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Holding the Fort\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = July 18, 1899\|page = 5}}</ref><ref name="opentomorrow">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: The Opening To-morrow\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = May 27, 1899\|page = 14}}</ref> The company had a capital stock of {{Tooltip \|text = $100,000\|tooltip = $3,853,000 in 2025 dollars}} in 1899.<ref name="sellout" />

	A casino with a theater was built<ref name="casinoplans">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Casino\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 4, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)\|Dancing Pavilion]] was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Location is Changed\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 27, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> The park closed for the season on Sept. 24, 1899.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Theatric Bill of Fare\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = September 23, 1899\|page = 12}}</ref>		A casino with a theater was built<ref name="casinoplans">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park Casino\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 4, 1899\|page = 6}}</ref> and the [[Dancing Pavilion (1)\|Dancing Pavilion]] was altered to have one of its wings closed and turned into a first-class bowling alley.<ref name="locationchange">{{Cite news \|articletitle = Location is Changed\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = March 27, 1899\|page = 7}}</ref> The park closed for the season on Sept. 24, 1899.<ref>{{Cite news \|articletitle = Olentangy Park: Theatric Bill of Fare\|pub = Columbus Evening Dispatch\|date = September 23, 1899\|page = 12}}</ref>