Classic Tumble Bug Rescue?

[porterm]

Hi all,

Just seen this posted on the European Coaster Club's e-mail list. Apparently the former Chippewa Lake Park in the USA was finally being demolished last month, after years of natural neglect. I just wondered if the Tumble Bug did get salvaged for possible restoration, and if they do not want it, possibly we could put a bid in. (Although I guess it would be less costly to rebuild a modern day version over here as Blackpool appear to have trashed their former ride).

The pictures are here; http://sbno.illicitohio.com/chippewa/demolition1.html


Martin :D

[Nick]

It would be nice to have a tumble bug, and we do show one on our masterplan (Dreamland featured a tumble bug for many years and it is high on our 'wish list'), but I don't see the rescue of the one in the US as being feasible over the next few days unless somebody could provide us with all the finance to get it over here. I note that the cars are still on the ride, but whether any of it could be salvaged is not known.

[porterm]

Yes - maybe I can make a quick trip over there when I'm off work soon!

Calling San Fran Jim; any thoughts or ideas on whether it would be feasible (assuming the ride's not been trashed) to get hold of this classic ride, or remains, and whether you know any contacts for the former Chippewa Lake Park (or salvage/demolition people involved).

I guess it's a long shot, but you never know. We can but try, however, I should imagine the place has been levelled by now sadly. In hindsight, I suppose we should've tried to contact someone in the area way before this latest clearing suddenly began.

I'll try to do some research/ e-mail chasing. If anyone else is interested the former parks's location is Chippewa Lake, Ohio 44215, USA.

Martin

PS The above address according to www.rcdb.com where they stated the park closed in 1978. I find it somehow quite morbidly interesting viewing pictures of overgrown parks; I like to imagine how they were in their heyday I suppose.

[kevinashe]

it would be good to save it ,would the margate regeneration trust fund it as it would probably fit into 2 steel containers when dismantled and perhaps the demolition company may dismantle it

[porterm]

Hi all,

I made an enquiry regarding this ride, however things do not sound very good as its condition was said to be very poor. I do not know if anything actually still remains now anyhow.

There's quite a poignant film on YouTube at present of this deserted park. It's at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiU4FC0TM58&NR=1

Regards

Martin

[faro]

isn't there a perfectly good tumble bug(turtle chase)tucked away in blackpool pleasure beach somewhere??
as they aren't using it i'm sure they would offer it to dreamland,it was in perfect working order up until a couple of years ago,i can't understand why they removed it to be honest.
they never replaced it with anything,there was even a plaque outlining its historic importance if iremember rightly!!

[Nick]

Another US park has just bitten the dust, which appears to have a few classic rides in it:

http://cbs2chicago.com/topstories/kiddi ... 13956.html

[zamfir]

Such a shame, I am going to Ohio next month.... was gonna take a look round the old Chippewa Lake site, but I'm guessing there's no point now

[Nick]

Apparently the owners are contemplating restoring the Tumble Bug because it is intact.

[Jim Douglas Jr.]

Hi.
No, I don't have any contacts there. I used to live in Ohio, but nowhere near there.
OK, who contacted them and how do we know it's being considered for restoration? Nothing more frustrating than vague posts!

It's a rarity for sure. Be a shame to see it scrapped.
As for Blackpool, an earlier reference in this same topic says they trashed it.

At least someone got the rare Century Flyer trains out of there off the roller coaster a while back.

[porterm]

Hi all,

Zamfir - you (and others) might be interested in the park's redevelopment company's website, which contains a contact function. (I have already contacted them but am still awaiting a response; if you are travelling to Ohio soon, and you also make contact with them then it might be worth a look in at the former park to view the Tumble Bug if we get a favourable response).

Their website is at; http://www.chippewalandingohio.com/

I was considering jetting off over there if I got a successful response. It could be useful if a few people from here also contacted them to communicate our interest in this classic ride. (They could be aiming to restore it for another stateside park though). Still worth the contacts though I reckon.

Martin

[Jim Douglas Jr.]

I sent this:

Hello.
Just wanting to let you know you may have, or may be receiving a few inquiries about the remains of the Tumble Bug ride in the former Chippewa Lake amusement park.
This historic artifact is one of only 3 or 4 known to still exist, and I know Save Dreamland would be very interested in acquiring it for addition to their heritage amusement park.
They already have a small collection of vintage amusements ready to be refurbished and installed at the current Dreamland site. This park is in England, but they are quite serious about saving similar amusement artifacts for future generations, and have already dismantled and moved several.
I'm just a peripheral member of their message board (I live in San Francisco), but I've previously been involved both politically and in their local media campaigns.
Please consider any offers made by the Save Dreamland staff. They have the attention and support of their government on several levels and have a keen knack for securing funding for such projects.

One way or another, the Tumble Bug is a precious part of amusement heritage and I hope every effort is made to make sure whatever remains ends up in the hands of someone who will restore it. Photos of the 'Bug have been circulating for several years and i know the world is awaiting word of it's fate.

The Save Dreamland site can be seen here.
http://www.savedreamland.co.uk/

Thank you kindly for your time.
Kyle W. Sund.
Born and raised in Maumee, Ohio.

[porterm]

Well done for your efforts there Jim - an excellent response I thought.

I have re-sent my e-mail just in case my original went astray.

Martin

PS My effort, if any others need any inspiration is below:

Dear Sirs,

Please forgive the rather unusual approach, however I noticed that someone I know in the European Coaster Club has recently e-mailed you with reference to the classic Tumble Bug ride that you have on the former Chippewa Lake Park property.

I am an active member of a Campaign group which has been fighting to save one of our historic seaside amusement parks called Dreamland in Margate, Kent, England (UK). We are now, hopefully, reaching a situation that will allow us to relaunch the park as a historic amusement park, after more than six years battling since the original park owner put the park up for sale, claiming it was unviable.

Our original relaunch masterplan included a Tumble Bug ride, and we would therefore be very interested, should the one on your property become available for possible restoration. (Sadly, we did have our last remaining version of such a ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach until a few years ago when the park suddenly decided to trash the ride).

If you could be of any assistance in this situation please could you e-mail me back, or alternatively, you could contact Nick Laister, our Save Dreamland Campaign Chairman at nick@joylandbooks.com

You can also contact him via the "Press" contacts on the right column of the welcome page of our website, www.savedreamland.co.uk

I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards

Martin Porter

[Vince, Charlie and Sam]

Such a shame, I am going to Ohio next month....

That is just so cool (as people of my age say ). Have a good time!

[Jim Douglas Jr.]

Can't believe (well, knowing who owns Blackpool PB, I guess I can) they just junked their Tumble Bug.
That's so awful.

I've ridden one. They're a blast. Way more fun that you'd suspect looking at it.