THE ARCH

In 1895, a group of five Cleveland business men secured an option on 63-6/100 acres of land on Lake Erie’s southern shore in Euclid Township. They incorporated the Euclid Beach Park Company on October 23, 1894. After making improvements to the parcel, Euclid Beach Park opened on Saturday, June 22, 1895. The structures built for the opening included a wooden Pier, Dance Pavilion, Bath House with an upper level used as a restaurant, and the Avenue Theatre. By 1897, a number of new attractions were installed, including a walk-through fun house called the Crystal Maze, a Ferris Wheel, the Switchback Railway and a Merry-Go-Round. As crowds grew larger more improvements were made to the Park.

The Humphrey family opened a Popcorn Stand at the Park in 1896. They viewed the atmosphere at Euclid Beach Park to be unsavory, as the park had a beer garden, sideshows, and gambling. They suggested to the park management to eliminate these features, but they refused. The Humphreys chose not to renew their lease because they were uncomfortable working where drinking, gambling, and questionable side shows were condoned. In 1900, because of the financial challenges the Park owners faced, the decision was made to close Euclid Beach.

Upon hearing the news of the closure, the Humphreys offered to lease the park from the owners. Their plan was to operate the park in accordance with their “New England” high moral values. The deal was made, and in the Spring of 1901, the park opened without the beer garden, fakers, gamblers, and questionable side shows.

Note: "VIEW FROM DOCK" The building in the background is the Pavilion Dance Hall. It was at the park on the last day, September 28, 1969. "THEATER EXTERIOR" "THEATER INTERIOR". This structure was at the park at the end although altered over the years. It was home to the "Dippy Whip" and then the "Coffee Break" a ride similar to the Disney Tea Cup ride. "BEACH AND BATH HOUSE" The Bath House was standing on that September day. On the left hand side of the photo you can make out the top of the Ferris Wheel.

Welcome Back to Euclid Beach Park

The Arch is Euclid Beach Park Now's Quarterly Newsletter

EUCLID BEACH PARK THE EARLY YEARS

Snapshots of the Past: A Gallery of Early Historic Images

2024 Issues of THE ARCH

Volume 35 - Issue 1 - Winter 2023-2024

Volume 35 - Issue 2 - Spring 2024

Volume 35 - Issue 3 - Summer 2024

Volume 35 - Issue 4 - Fall 2024

2023 Issues of THE ARCH

Volume 34 - Issue 1 - Winter 2022-2023

Volume 34 - Issue 2 - Spring 2023

Volume 34 - Issue 3 - Summer 2023

Volume 34 - Issue 4 - Fall 2023