Happyland was the greatest place on earth for a 1970s kid. Yes, the 18th century organ band (built in 1911 and still around in Virginia with a private owner) was a childhood wonder and longtime memory. Outside train, Trabant, mini roller coaster, bumper cars, rockets, and inside boats were all great memories. Carousel was my favorite. Plus, remember the games in the pre-video game era??? I had many birthday parties there for other kids and many an outing there and at Nunley's in Baldwin.
Just remembered this also: When I was about 5 years old, I wrote my name on the back of the stall door in the men's room, along with the other graffiti. About 7 or 8 years later, I was in there and saw my name still there, faded but still there. Shows how often they painted the bathroom.
Incredible footage at Jolly Roger. I especially remember my fascination with the ornate calliope with the animated 18th century band. I also remember rummaging through my mother's bedroom drawers searching for the Smiley's Happyland ticket booklets, and when I'd find them, I'd use the remaining coupons as the perfect excuse to get my mother to take me there. That little roller coaster was a thrill, and later, the baravdo required to ride the Trabant showed I'd really gotten big. Thanks for this!
I agree. I was born 1966 so I imagine I went to Happyland/Jolly Roger from about 1968 until about 1980/81 when it closed. That carousel band organ that you noted was built in 1911 and is still around and functioning. A private owner from Virginia - Gavin McDonough - has it.
Happyland was the greatest place on earth for a 1970s kid. Yes, the 18th century organ band (built in 1911 and still around in Virginia with a private owner) was a childhood wonder and longtime memory. Outside train, Trabant, mini roller coaster, bumper cars, rockets, and inside boats were all great memories. Carousel was my favorite. Plus, remember the games in the pre-video game era??? I had many birthday parties there for other kids and many an outing there and at Nunley's in Baldwin.
ScottEssman 2 years ago
Wow, very cool! I grew up a few blocks from Jolly Rogers / Happyland. Good times!
KennyWrites 3 years ago
Just remembered this also: When I was about 5 years old, I wrote my name on the back of the stall door in the men's room, along with the other graffiti. About 7 or 8 years later, I was in there and saw my name still there, faded but still there. Shows how often they painted the bathroom.
whoyodanny 3 years ago
Incredible footage at Jolly Roger. I especially remember my fascination with the ornate calliope with the animated 18th century band. I also remember rummaging through my mother's bedroom drawers searching for the Smiley's Happyland ticket booklets, and when I'd find them, I'd use the remaining coupons as the perfect excuse to get my mother to take me there. That little roller coaster was a thrill, and later, the baravdo required to ride the Trabant showed I'd really gotten big. Thanks for this!
whoyodanny 3 years ago
I agree. I was born 1966 so I imagine I went to Happyland/Jolly Roger from about 1968 until about 1980/81 when it closed. That carousel band organ that you noted was built in 1911 and is still around and functioning. A private owner from Virginia - Gavin McDonough - has it.
ScottEssman 2 years ago
Wow! Jolly Roger and Smiley's Happyland. I grew up in Levittown in the 70's. Great to see the place I knew so well in my youth.
Thanks for posting this.
JimR541 4 years ago