my grandpa took me to a youngstown sheet & tube picnic when i was very young. i hatd having to meet new adults, but even at age 6 i could feel the magic in the place.
Spent so many summers @ Idora Park...(sob) The memories are wonderful! Will always remember it! I make vinegar fries sometimes at home now, in honor of the first ones I tasted @ Idora Park. It was a memorable, great place for kids and adults. It was GREATER than any Great Adventure of today!
I love this video, i love how its touched so many people that have watched it on here. Seems you really struck a chord. I personally think this track is perfect, less obvious, leaves the viewer to come to their own sad conclusion, instead of telling them how to feel. You must tell me who the music is by, ive played it about 10 times!
This video is very haunting to watch yet its also very sad. No one can ever bring back those day of Idora Park. I just could not wait to get there as a youngster. Does anybody remember "Scwebel Day" at Idora ? You had to save over 200 bread wrappers and when you did - you would take them to the park on "Schwebel Day"
and get a free pass for all the rides. Boy what i promotion deal that was.
my mom worked in the ticket booth in 1946- it was her first job. i got to go there a couple of times in the 60's/70's- too bad it's gone. my dad got the hell out of youngstown and raised us in cuyahoga falls- cedar point was that much closer!
your video is beautiful... i have this odd care to look for abandoned places and try and save them but seems by the time i get there, it's too late. there should be an organization or something for places like this in distress... sad the local people dont help them even though they enjoyed years and years there...sigh... nice video and music - i like your outfit too.. okbye
rode the wild cat there is nothing left now just some foundations but the memories will never fall ty so much n great work n no one owns nothing earth in the end belongs to mother nature only !!!!!!!
@ronski52 never thought of it this way but ty makes total sense now I may find closure still have dreams about this place reopening but gain only that in my dreams
Youngstown should consider bringing Idora back. This area is so dead and an amusement park like Idora would bring some life back to this area. It would bring fun back, and create jobs, probably even help attract new business to this dying region.
I've watched this several times now. It's perfectly composed & really touching. I like the music. Madonna's song would be perfect; title, lyrics, music from when this wonderful park was still operating. But so is this, for different reasons. This conveys a deep reflective saddness - broken. And the discordant tones convey that sick-in-your-stomach feeling when you KNOW something is gone, but your entire soul aches for it . . & you just can't say goodbye. I hope someone brings back the Fries.
My heart's broken . . I never heard of Idora Park . . but my heart's broken. I once thought the saddest thing in the World was lost Love - human love. But I was wrong. Losing this park is so much Bigger than that. You've lost your Childhood. This place . . wood, nails, concrete, and French Fries . . gave you that pure bliss that makes our Childhood priceless. You've lost your childhood, and I'm crying for you. I wish the good people of Ytown would rebuild Idora. I'd be there on opening day.
I remember seeing the Pied Pipers at Idora on WHOT Day in 1970. They opened their set with "Had to Cry Today" by Blind Faith. That would be a good song for this video. If you could squeeze in "Can't Find My Way Home", it would be a real tear-jerker.
Hey this is a wonderful tear jerking video the persons that made this and the actress in the shots I would like to hear from you sometime to talk about Idora,you can find me here nexttraintoalto@yahoo.com Thanks Will
Awww. I ran into a video of yours when I was looking up Ohio LeatherWorks and I recognized your name from this Idora video....It was so much more of a tear jerker with the playground song. Still great pix though. I can watch it over and over.
I used to love going to this park for my grandfather's company picnic. God, so sad that we actually used to have an amusement park in this area. I was showing my 7 year old daughter clips of this park the other day.
Is it me or are the lights still on in the Ballroom at the time these photos were taken? It looks like the neon is still on, and some of the spotlights too. I remember reading about this on a website about Idora, it said the Ballroom was still hooked up to electric in the mid 90's, and the lights could still be turned on. What a damn shame... it's all gone now. Youngstown and Mt. Calvary Pentecostal Church and their so called "City of God" should be ashamed of themselves for this ! ! ! :-(
As a child, I loved Idora Park. My father was a member of Auti Mori Grotto, a shriner's organization, and they would have their picnic at Idora every year. I would be unable to sleep the night before. Ride all day for free. What none of these comments have said is that The Demise of Steel in the Valley was the beginning of the end of many things in Youngstown. Idora Park included. With no big industries coming to the park for their company picnics, and the rise in insurance prices That was it.
i remember idora as a kid as well as breaking into the property to see its demise as a ysu student. what happened to that church that vowed to rebuild it?
Do you all remember the talking trash can called Porky the Pig? I use to stick my hand in his mouth and feel the paper get sucked right out of my hand. Gosh those are great memories.
Schwebel Bakery and Pepsi Cola would have promotional days back then. You would have to save a large sum of bread wrappers and Golden Age/Pepsi bottle caps and bring them to Idora for a free pass on all the rides but drinks and food stands did not honor the ride passes. Anybody remember those days.
I use to go to Idora park ALL the time, my grandparents lived on 2nd street , off of steel street . I grew up going to Idora probably every other weekend..It break my heart to see it like this..THEY has the BEST FRENCH FRIES EVER!!!!!
@Alleykatt021 -I would love to have some of those delicious Idora park fries right now!!! They really were the best fries ever. I liked mine with salt and vinegar.
I think my sister and a friend went to see Bobby Sherman and David Cassidy, that would have been '70 0r '71. WHOT would sponser, how I miss Boots Bell.
@derek7521 : I can't even begin to tell You about all the fond memories that I have about Idora Park. I drove past there the last time I was in Youngstown while headed towards Mill Creek Park, ansd I almost broke into tears after seeing how run down that area is now. I feel so Bad for the Youngsters these days. They just Don't know what they are Missing.
I sincerely hope to see MANY people who remember Idora Park at Conneautville, PA's (Northwestern Pennsylvania, very near the Ohio border) CONNEAUT LAKE PARK in the summer of 2010!!!! The park is partially open this year and undergoing restoration for next year. It is one of the few remaining of the Ohio and Pennsylvania "Trolley Parks" opened in the 1890s at railroad junctions. Another one of these which is still open is Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh. I plan to visit Kennywood next week!!!
There IS still ONE park somewhat near Youngstown that CAN AND SHOULD BE SAVED if possible. Conneaut Lake Park in Conneautville, PA is still standing, partially open for 2009, and undergoing renovation to hopefully fully reopen and add some new attractions for 2010. I was there on 8/23/09 for an outdoor concert by an excellent local band. I'll be donating two engraved planks for the Boardwalk Renovation, one in memory of my late wife, Jan, and another advertising my Vintage TV business.
that is not funny at all this is so sad i live in the youngstown area and have seen where it once lied and it upsets me even though i ws born after it was destroyed what year was it destroyed in anyhow its depressing though cuz now there is nothing to do around here
at 4:56 on the brown back wall between the glass looks like a little ghostly looken dude. put it in HQ and enlarge your screen and as the video passes 4:56 the eyes kind of glow. spookie wookie. im skeered
yes its true, so did the monkeys and blue oyster cult to name a few. google idora park and go to the wikipedia write up on the park. in its history section it will tell you who all played there, hope that helps...
what a haunting video, to me there is something haunting to an abandoned amusement park. There is something about the thought of many people enjoying themselves, then one day there is nothing left but memories. you can almost see the ghosts of people walking around the park and the rides operating. it looked like such a beautiful park. a similar thing occurred to Whalom Park in Lunenburg, MA, the loss of amusement parks make sad stories
Unfortunately, when the Warner Music Group pulled all of their music, they pulled the Madonna track too. I really thought "This Used To Be My Playground" was a perfect song, but Time Warner couldn't strike a deal with YouTube to use their content. Free promotion, gee I never saw a company throw that away before. What losers.
This video had more of an impact when the original music was used by madonna.This used to be my playground! and the carnival sounds in the beginning.Why the change?
Excellent and interesting video! Very melancholy and moody! Excellent choice of music!! Does anyone know what song this is or what group performed it?
the madonna song is "this used to be my playground". it was disabled unfortunately. its from the motion picture movie a league of their own with madonna, geena davis and rosie o'donnell. I learned of the song watching this video when i was looking through videos of americas defunct amusement parks.
Wow this is really sad to me. I used to live in austintown. im 20 years old now so i didnt get to actually enjoy it, i have went and seen it after it was burned the first time. before demolished and everything. my mom has told me alot of stories of her going their when she was younger. she had alot of fun their. they ought to rebuild it but im sure they wont ever do that. anyways just wanted to share. its really great that this was made alot of people loved this place. sad its gone. :(
here i am watching this video again... when people reminicse about the past and its of a time when they were younger and having fun, itll always be a bit sad to look back on. this girl in the video has at least 3 different outfits on so this video must have been made up of different trips she took to the park after it closed. who is this girl?
i found the answer to my question. the girls name here is Ann. what a great video, i love the pics at 2.46 and 2.48 , gorgeous.. this madonna song is amazing too.
ive watched over 100 videos about defunct parks on you tube, and this video blows me away everytime i watch. such sadness, all these parks, but to see someone go back, and the sign she holds, absolutely blows me away... always hold onto the past..
I grew up here! So many memories, I would like to thank you for this the song and pictures brought back so many fond times! Graduated from Fitch 1963 and remember the dances every Friday night! Too sad that this is not around for the kids now, they really don't know what they missed. I'm just happy I had this in my life!
I cried when I saw this video. So many memories. I worked at the French Fry stand for two summers. It was the best time of my life. Still have friends from those days
It boggles the mind why so many folks click on the spam-laden, idiot-infested featured vids when with a little searching they'll come across a gem like this. Outstanding video!
One of the best tribute vids I've seen for any park. Great soundtrack. I admit this was hard to watch even for someone that didn't grow up in Ohio. Got to see the park around '01 after getting a copy of "Rediscover Idora Park." Sad that the Back Wabbit wasn't enough to keep her alive a little longer.
I Love that place! I am 37yo and live on the OTHER side of the WORLD now but was born and raised in Ytown and have many fond childhood/teen memories of Idora,Millcreek Park,etc...I remember when they used to run the Jack Rabbit backwards and called it the Back Rabbit! LOL! Also,that was the first roller coaster I even went on! My favorite ride was the airplanes up on top of that building! Anyway,sad to see it go...
I am 24 and grew up less than 1/2 mile from there. I never got to enjoy that and my family when I am ready to start one, will probably never enjoy anything from Youngstown either, because I will not live here then. It is simply not safe, crime is on the rise on the west side, which used to be the "safe side" and now with the great idea of mixing all the schools together, who knows how things will end up. It is sad. My mom has so many great memories of this area, but I just dont. What a shame.
Sad to say, but the best thing you can do if you are starting a family is getting out of there first. I had to do it myself, my Dad had to do the same thing ten years earlier. This video is pretty symbolic of the entire area. It's all about what used to be, whether it's jobs, fun places to go, whatever. My old house on the north side is leveled just as Idora is now. I saw that last time we came home. Sad, sad stuff. No reflection on the great and tough people there, but that town is dead.
...I don't mean that as a slap in the face to anyone still living there. It's my hometown too, and I am proud to say so to others mainly because of the SALT OF THE EARTH folks from Ytown. The city just got left behind in the late 70's and eventually the things that went unattended to began to crumble and look the way they do today. You can still be proud of your Youngstown heritage without having to stay there and starve. You can't go back in time. If you could it'd be a great place to live
This video is exceptionally well done and very respectful of the memory of the park. Your friend Ann is lovely, reminds me of someone from my past. The image of her beside the fry stand pillar as if kissing the building "Goodbye" and the one of her atop the Ferris Wheel pillar like the Hollywood widow throwing herself upon her lover's casket are haunting. I've never been much of a Madonna fan, but I liked this song and it was an excellent choice and fitting tribute.
"Free Trade" and "Diversity" were what killed this part of our childhood!!! The surrounding area turned into a ghetto, cheap foreign steel killed the industry that supported the local economy, and young girls couldn't go into the Funhouse without being surrounded and sexually assaulted by thugs! I went to Idora many times as a child and saw it deteriorate between then and the last summer I went there (a rock concert in 84). There were rumors of a rape in the Funhouse that day by area thugs.
Spartan Drive 44512 in the house! I moved from Youngstown in 1979 when I was a little kid. I remember Idora Park with love. I'm not sure why this happened. Was this park victimized by more than one arson? Perhaps it could have survived one fire but how many fire incidents did this place endure?
Sad video. I worked parking cars at the ballroom lot in high school and we had our senior prom there in 1960. Sorry to see I dora gone. I have so many memories. Live in San Diego now.
Just thought I'd mention to you that there are 3 copies of an Idora Park DVD someone is selling on ebay right now for 25 bucks with no shipping charge. It's the 72 minute long one made up of old home movies and tells the entire history of the park. I own a copy myself. Just thought you'd like to know.
I was born and raised in Austintown and would go to Idora Park about 5-6 times each year -- to either ride the rides or attend a concert at the ballroom. How many times did you see The Michael Stanley Band there? I now live in central Pennsylvania and there is an amusement park called Knoebels that reminds me of Idora Park. For those who loved going there, you make a trip to Knoebels and see for yourself.
I stopped by to see Idora when we went home over the Thanksgiving weekend. I saw the old bus pickup awning at the Parkview entrance. The steel posts across the street that used to line that parking lot, the gate doors, the post where the smaller Idora sign used to hang, the stone base to one of the water fountains...that much is still there. I just wonder how many younger people in Ytown drive right past it and have no idea what it was or what it meant to so many people.
I am from Warren originally and moved to the Cornersburg area in 2001. My wife and I had a conversation about Idora this past summer. I was telling our kids about it and said hey, I bet that property is just a few miles away so we took a short ride down there and I saw exactly what you are discribing.This and other videos has given me some idea where things used to be. They should have made the park a part of Mill Creek so it would have had some preservation as well as security.
My 21 year old Daughter is a Senior film student at Penn State and I can appreciate the time you spent here! Thank you again... this has been a an awesome ride into the past, our past, which while not perfect... we had this "playground" as your score indicates where we could go and transcend many of the outside worlds hang ups... at least for the time there. Thank you again.... Sorry to take 3 posts... but like others.. I had some tears too.
We would go yearly and it was the highlight of our lives... meeting friends there, and when it got dark you would have thought you were in Cedar Point! The House that you could ride through on the right as you entered the park! This was beautiful, I have downloaded it a shown it to all of my family. I love the music and the work that you put in.
That was very good and I watched the entire thing...I did not spend my childhood in Ytown but I do know that many people love the legend of this park...Your piece helped me to understand why so many people still love the memory of Idora Park!!!....Thanks
The white coaster was the Jack Rabbit, the Wild Cat was yellow. They had "Spring Things" not spring flings. I had to double check this one by pulling out old photos of my friends and I with our "Spring Thing" t~shirts on.
Awesomely done!!! I so miss the Spring Things. Polka day was always fun as a kid. My friends dad was in a polka band and we would go and dance sing and have free run to the rides because there were few kids there. Able to ride the Jack Rabbit and Wild Cat over and over without getting off. The coasters were my fav. followed by the Rock~O~Wheel and the fun house. Thanks for the memories as sad as they are now.
Thanks for the Memories. I used to go to the park every year with my shop my dad worked for a picnic in the large pavioloin but kiddie land. I is great to see others hanging on to the past like this. THANK AGAIN
Idora closed sometime in the Late 80's and they finally demolished all of it sometime in 2005 or 2006 i may be wrong I know it was sometime in the 2000s There's nothing left the amish people who own the land had the rest of the rides and buildings bulldozed so they can build some penacostle (sp?) or something. Again I may be wrong but that's where i had read somewhere :)
Wow! Great job Ive never been there. How sad!! What happened there?When did it close?Is there anything left in the present day?The girl is beautiful in the video!the madonna song is a perfect choice
Thanks soooo much for this video. It brought tears to my eyes. I was there so much as a kid and teenager. Just last night I went to the Canfield Fair and they had a display of a Wildcat car, Jack Rabbit car. One of the rocket ships, car from the Kooky Castle, bumper car, ferris wheel car, and a Hooterville Highway car. I took photos of them all!!
I see the Wildcat in these clips, ALOT. What was the name of the other White coaster in the backround? The demise of my childhood Amusement park Bob-Lo Island took the same turn for the worst, only mine wsa a victim of crimes and gangs, See Boblo island Amusment park on You tube.
Someone will probably call me (and losky1) "racists" for saying that "crime and gangs" had anything to do with the demise of Idora or Boblo Island or Idora Park, but FACTS cannot be "racist" and I remember the gang attacks at Idora. The last time I went there was in 84). Black thugs from the surrounding ghetto had cornered a teenage girl inside the Wacky Shack, partially undressed, sexually assaulted, and reportedly raped her, and had lookouts posted with knives in case some "hero" stepped in.
Even the first "accidental fire" sounds suspicious to me. Park attendance had suffered since 79 and there's a heavy Mafia presence there. How prescient of the former owner, when asked what would happen to the park, to have said "It'll probably be torched." shortly after the failed attempt to find a buyer at auction.
How sad to see Idora go. Are these pieces from the video that you used to be able to rent for free at Coccoa's video? The history is very interesting.
No, these were not part of any released video...just original photos that I took with my friend Ann. I may be putting all of the photos, along with an hour of footage from inside the ballroom on DVD soon.
The Jack Rabbit closed in 1984, it had been renamed the Back Wabbit, as the tracks had been reversed to add more thrill to the only coaster left in the fire ravaged park.
my grandpa took me to a youngstown sheet & tube picnic when i was very young. i hatd having to meet new adults, but even at age 6 i could feel the magic in the place.
swimmerB0B 3 months ago
i was just there today..what a mess it was.. i hate it that park was so nice..
cheywee1 4 months ago
Spent so many summers @ Idora Park...(sob) The memories are wonderful! Will always remember it! I make vinegar fries sometimes at home now, in honor of the first ones I tasted @ Idora Park. It was a memorable, great place for kids and adults. It was GREATER than any Great Adventure of today!
dggd 6 months ago
I love this video, i love how its touched so many people that have watched it on here. Seems you really struck a chord. I personally think this track is perfect, less obvious, leaves the viewer to come to their own sad conclusion, instead of telling them how to feel. You must tell me who the music is by, ive played it about 10 times!
empresstattoo 7 months ago
This video is very haunting to watch yet its also very sad. No one can ever bring back those day of Idora Park. I just could not wait to get there as a youngster. Does anybody remember "Scwebel Day" at Idora ? You had to save over 200 bread wrappers and when you did - you would take them to the park on "Schwebel Day"
and get a free pass for all the rides. Boy what i promotion deal that was.
kippy1040 8 months ago
my mom worked in the ticket booth in 1946- it was her first job. i got to go there a couple of times in the 60's/70's- too bad it's gone. my dad got the hell out of youngstown and raised us in cuyahoga falls- cedar point was that much closer!
swimmerB0B 8 months ago
What's the music?
socrates1818 9 months ago
sucky
highclasshobo1 9 months ago
your video is beautiful... i have this odd care to look for abandoned places and try and save them but seems by the time i get there, it's too late. there should be an organization or something for places like this in distress... sad the local people dont help them even though they enjoyed years and years there...sigh... nice video and music - i like your outfit too.. okbye
VNVgirl 10 months ago
rode the wild cat there is nothing left now just some foundations but the memories will never fall ty so much n great work n no one owns nothing earth in the end belongs to mother nature only !!!!!!!
bolmsp 1 year ago
rode the wild cat
bolmsp 1 year ago
I think we found ourselves an all-american PSYCHO boys,if u miss it so much b*tch y don't u go hump the wildcat?
rrrjjjmmm100 1 year ago
It was a beautiful park.....I enjoyed it as a kid, it's unfortunate we can't bring her back to life...but that's already been decided.
ronski52 1 year ago
Let it go, people die and so do parks...let it go
ronski52 1 year ago
@ronski52 never thought of it this way but ty makes total sense now I may find closure still have dreams about this place reopening but gain only that in my dreams
bolmsp 1 year ago
Youngstown should consider bringing Idora back. This area is so dead and an amusement park like Idora would bring some life back to this area. It would bring fun back, and create jobs, probably even help attract new business to this dying region.
dalemccartney 1 year ago
I've watched this several times now. It's perfectly composed & really touching. I like the music. Madonna's song would be perfect; title, lyrics, music from when this wonderful park was still operating. But so is this, for different reasons. This conveys a deep reflective saddness - broken. And the discordant tones convey that sick-in-your-stomach feeling when you KNOW something is gone, but your entire soul aches for it . . & you just can't say goodbye. I hope someone brings back the Fries.
AllllllllRightyThen 1 year ago
My heart's broken . . I never heard of Idora Park . . but my heart's broken. I once thought the saddest thing in the World was lost Love - human love. But I was wrong. Losing this park is so much Bigger than that. You've lost your Childhood. This place . . wood, nails, concrete, and French Fries . . gave you that pure bliss that makes our Childhood priceless. You've lost your childhood, and I'm crying for you. I wish the good people of Ytown would rebuild Idora. I'd be there on opening day.
alllllllllrightythen 1 year ago
I remember seeing the Pied Pipers at Idora on WHOT Day in 1970. They opened their set with "Had to Cry Today" by Blind Faith. That would be a good song for this video. If you could squeeze in "Can't Find My Way Home", it would be a real tear-jerker.
Janko1492 1 year ago
Sad..very sad. I have such memories of this place especially the Fortune Teller.
BALGALLERY 1 year ago
Hey this is a wonderful tear jerking video the persons that made this and the actress in the shots I would like to hear from you sometime to talk about Idora,you can find me here nexttraintoalto@yahoo.com Thanks Will
willhazyblue 1 year ago
I like the plastic jug of urine sitting on the snack bar. The piano makes it all ten times more creepy.
Lockbar 1 year ago
if i was there I would of dared you to climb on to the wildcat Lol
legoman6986 1 year ago
Awww. I ran into a video of yours when I was looking up Ohio LeatherWorks and I recognized your name from this Idora video....It was so much more of a tear jerker with the playground song. Still great pix though. I can watch it over and over.
ss6com 1 year ago
I used to love going to this park for my grandfather's company picnic. God, so sad that we actually used to have an amusement park in this area. I was showing my 7 year old daughter clips of this park the other day.
mkultra138 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Oh my... I know that girl... I went to high school with her... Ann... what's she up to now?
illumnat 1 year ago
Oh my... I know that girl... I went to high school with her... Ann... what's she up to now?
illumnat 1 year ago
Is it me or are the lights still on in the Ballroom at the time these photos were taken? It looks like the neon is still on, and some of the spotlights too. I remember reading about this on a website about Idora, it said the Ballroom was still hooked up to electric in the mid 90's, and the lights could still be turned on. What a damn shame... it's all gone now. Youngstown and Mt. Calvary Pentecostal Church and their so called "City of God" should be ashamed of themselves for this ! ! ! :-(
kennywoodjoe 1 year ago
what song is this?
flaversham 1 year ago
As a child, I loved Idora Park. My father was a member of Auti Mori Grotto, a shriner's organization, and they would have their picnic at Idora every year. I would be unable to sleep the night before. Ride all day for free. What none of these comments have said is that The Demise of Steel in the Valley was the beginning of the end of many things in Youngstown. Idora Park included. With no big industries coming to the park for their company picnics, and the rise in insurance prices That was it.
pgnorgan 1 year ago
I remember those talking trash cans. There was always about 100 bee's around the mouth. Good times.
bmxpacman 1 year ago
i remember idora as a kid as well as breaking into the property to see its demise as a ysu student. what happened to that church that vowed to rebuild it?
mistershizzy 2 years ago
Do you all remember the talking trash can called Porky the Pig? I use to stick my hand in his mouth and feel the paper get sucked right out of my hand. Gosh those are great memories.
7drakkar1 2 years ago
Schwebel Bakery and Pepsi Cola would have promotional days back then. You would have to save a large sum of bread wrappers and Golden Age/Pepsi bottle caps and bring them to Idora for a free pass on all the rides but drinks and food stands did not honor the ride passes. Anybody remember those days.
kippy1040 2 years ago
I use to go to Idora park ALL the time, my grandparents lived on 2nd street , off of steel street . I grew up going to Idora probably every other weekend..It break my heart to see it like this..THEY has the BEST FRENCH FRIES EVER!!!!!
Alleykatt021 2 years ago
@Alleykatt021 -I would love to have some of those delicious Idora park fries right now!!! They really were the best fries ever. I liked mine with salt and vinegar.
7drakkar1 2 years ago
@7drakkar1 Omg ME TOOOOO! SALT AND VINEGAR...yum..IDORA FOREVER!!
Alleykatt021 1 year ago
@Alleykatt021: I hear that there is some place in Warren that has The Famous IDORA PARK french fries. One of these days I am going to find the place.
7drakkar1 1 year ago
Dident the song used to be like " this used to be my playground, this used to be my childhood dreams"??
Ncp546 2 years ago
Like POP Pacific Ocean Park in Santa Monica Venice
Now just a wonderful memory
These parks should last forever
TL250Rider 2 years ago
Oh,the memories. Does anybody remember Spring Thing?
7drakkar1 2 years ago
I think my sister and a friend went to see Bobby Sherman and David Cassidy, that would have been '70 0r '71. WHOT would sponser, how I miss Boots Bell.
morleygrey 2 years ago
@morleygrey -Those were the good ol' days.
7drakkar1 2 years ago
@7drakkar1 I sure do !!
derek7521 6 months ago
@derek7521 : I can't even begin to tell You about all the fond memories that I have about Idora Park. I drove past there the last time I was in Youngstown while headed towards Mill Creek Park, ansd I almost broke into tears after seeing how run down that area is now. I feel so Bad for the Youngsters these days. They just Don't know what they are Missing.
7drakkar1 6 months ago
@7drakkar1 Things change ... what can ya do ? Would be nice if someone reconstructed Idora Pk. Might turn some bad things around in Y-town
derek7521 6 months ago
I sincerely hope to see MANY people who remember Idora Park at Conneautville, PA's (Northwestern Pennsylvania, very near the Ohio border) CONNEAUT LAKE PARK in the summer of 2010!!!! The park is partially open this year and undergoing restoration for next year. It is one of the few remaining of the Ohio and Pennsylvania "Trolley Parks" opened in the 1890s at railroad junctions. Another one of these which is still open is Kennywood Park near Pittsburgh. I plan to visit Kennywood next week!!!
jshorva65 2 years ago
There IS still ONE park somewhat near Youngstown that CAN AND SHOULD BE SAVED if possible. Conneaut Lake Park in Conneautville, PA is still standing, partially open for 2009, and undergoing renovation to hopefully fully reopen and add some new attractions for 2010. I was there on 8/23/09 for an outdoor concert by an excellent local band. I'll be donating two engraved planks for the Boardwalk Renovation, one in memory of my late wife, Jan, and another advertising my Vintage TV business.
jshorva65 2 years ago
yea some black people burned it down kus they thout it would be funny but it is not
utfb09 2 years ago
that is not funny at all this is so sad i live in the youngstown area and have seen where it once lied and it upsets me even though i ws born after it was destroyed what year was it destroyed in anyhow its depressing though cuz now there is nothing to do around here
clccutie1997 2 years ago
at 4:56 on the brown back wall between the glass looks like a little ghostly looken dude. put it in HQ and enlarge your screen and as the video passes 4:56 the eyes kind of glow. spookie wookie. im skeered
12wsatye 2 years ago
Is it true the Eagles once played the ballroom at Idora? Very curious.
redrockerdude 2 years ago
yes its true, so did the monkeys and blue oyster cult to name a few. google idora park and go to the wikipedia write up on the park. in its history section it will tell you who all played there, hope that helps...
12wsatye 2 years ago
true... well, i read it in the comments in this video
WildWildfire2kk7 2 years ago
what a haunting video, to me there is something haunting to an abandoned amusement park. There is something about the thought of many people enjoying themselves, then one day there is nothing left but memories. you can almost see the ghosts of people walking around the park and the rides operating. it looked like such a beautiful park. a similar thing occurred to Whalom Park in Lunenburg, MA, the loss of amusement parks make sad stories
Dcournoyer1993 2 years ago
They were supposed to build nice fancy condos at Lunenburg,MA.20 years ago.I think they are going to finally start building soon but not sure?
HattieLovesCattie 2 years ago
they are not going to build them. they were cancelled or postponed indefinitely. they destroyed the park for nothing as far as i can see,
Dcournoyer1993 2 years ago
Unfortunately, when the Warner Music Group pulled all of their music, they pulled the Madonna track too. I really thought "This Used To Be My Playground" was a perfect song, but Time Warner couldn't strike a deal with YouTube to use their content. Free promotion, gee I never saw a company throw that away before. What losers.
rondiscscinema 2 years ago 5
I watched the video while listening to the song. Very sad and very appropriate.
Kerikali 2 years ago
@rondiscscinema Those Mother fuckin' bastards are so Unethical. Time Warner, they should be called Time Shit or Crap Warner.
SuperFlashDriver 6 months ago
This video had more of an impact when the original music was used by madonna.This used to be my playground! and the carnival sounds in the beginning.Why the change?
mgrella63 2 years ago
Is anything left of Idora Park now?I know some smaller local parks in the US are now being bulldozed down for condos.
HattieLovesCattie 2 years ago
i still watch this video..
just lovely....
WildWildfire2kk7 2 years ago
Excellent and interesting video! Very melancholy and moody! Excellent choice of music!! Does anyone know what song this is or what group performed it?
blabblab1212 2 years ago
wow ~ this video is sad but brilliant.
went there several times when i was young. thanks
tommydee7 2 years ago
Does anyone know which madonna song this is?
biojjk 3 years ago
the madonna song is "this used to be my playground". it was disabled unfortunately. its from the motion picture movie a league of their own with madonna, geena davis and rosie o'donnell. I learned of the song watching this video when i was looking through videos of americas defunct amusement parks.
WildWildfire2kk7 2 years ago
Wow this is really sad to me. I used to live in austintown. im 20 years old now so i didnt get to actually enjoy it, i have went and seen it after it was burned the first time. before demolished and everything. my mom has told me alot of stories of her going their when she was younger. she had alot of fun their. they ought to rebuild it but im sure they wont ever do that. anyways just wanted to share. its really great that this was made alot of people loved this place. sad its gone. :(
BabySnow06 3 years ago
my favoritr spot was the arcade
8261935 3 years ago
i cant believe teh music is now disabled to this vid.. i watched this everyday you know, and its not the same... dang it.
WildWildfire2kk7 3 years ago
Long live Idora.
CJSLMusic 3 years ago
here i am watching this video again... when people reminicse about the past and its of a time when they were younger and having fun, itll always be a bit sad to look back on. this girl in the video has at least 3 different outfits on so this video must have been made up of different trips she took to the park after it closed. who is this girl?
WildWildfire2kk7 3 years ago
i found the answer to my question. the girls name here is Ann. what a great video, i love the pics at 2.46 and 2.48 , gorgeous.. this madonna song is amazing too.
WildWildfire2kk7 3 years ago
ive watched over 100 videos about defunct parks on you tube, and this video blows me away everytime i watch. such sadness, all these parks, but to see someone go back, and the sign she holds, absolutely blows me away... always hold onto the past..
WildWildfire2kk7 3 years ago
My step Dad's band POOBAH played at Idora Park many times in the 70's. He says the Eagles played there, too!
SuperChic0022 3 years ago
Yes and the Byrds and many other bands as well. I actually went to school with Jim G. and Phil at Noardman High School. Give my regards to the guys.
helenmyork 3 years ago
screw your dad's band "Poobah"
pflueeb 3 years ago
Great vid. Must have been a wonderful place.
tanc83 3 years ago
I can almost taste the vinegar fries. Thank you for a sweet tribute to a place that should never have died.
janinjanuary 3 years ago 4
how sad
jeffshaw38 3 years ago
idora was always the fun place we went to on the last day of school how many memories do i have many
yoganandarita 3 years ago
I grew up here! So many memories, I would like to thank you for this the song and pictures brought back so many fond times! Graduated from Fitch 1963 and remember the dances every Friday night! Too sad that this is not around for the kids now, they really don't know what they missed. I'm just happy I had this in my life!
Lellis819 3 years ago 2
Edge. Where are you man? You o.k.?
irisheye801 3 years ago
I cried when I saw this video. So many memories. I worked at the French Fry stand for two summers. It was the best time of my life. Still have friends from those days
irisheye801 3 years ago 2
Thanks for sharing this video.
carousel19 3 years ago
we live close. remember it fondly. thank you !!
conanconquer 3 years ago
It boggles the mind why so many folks click on the spam-laden, idiot-infested featured vids when with a little searching they'll come across a gem like this. Outstanding video!
sjtom57 3 years ago
One of the best tribute vids I've seen for any park. Great soundtrack. I admit this was hard to watch even for someone that didn't grow up in Ohio. Got to see the park around '01 after getting a copy of "Rediscover Idora Park." Sad that the Back Wabbit wasn't enough to keep her alive a little longer.
tk0173 3 years ago
nothing left to save anymore.
bracemaker 3 years ago
we should save this place and fix it
humvee600 3 years ago
Nice hair.
richmach 3 years ago
:[ they could've saved it!!!
Tyses 3 years ago
yes they could have even though i never been there before.
CoasterCrazy80 3 years ago
This video really told the story of once was. this is really Sad.
Stevesplace208 3 years ago
I hate to see something like this being destroyed
CoasterCrazy80 3 years ago
damn shame it's still not around
balone8671 3 years ago
I Love that place! I am 37yo and live on the OTHER side of the WORLD now but was born and raised in Ytown and have many fond childhood/teen memories of Idora,Millcreek Park,etc...I remember when they used to run the Jack Rabbit backwards and called it the Back Rabbit! LOL! Also,that was the first roller coaster I even went on! My favorite ride was the airplanes up on top of that building! Anyway,sad to see it go...
xYANKxINxOZx 3 years ago
This is so painful to watch - and I never even have been there. Very sad.
verdiviolin 3 years ago
i never got to see this park im about 30 seconds away from the old site ive heard many of good stories about it
xBILLET2012x 3 years ago
I am 24 and grew up less than 1/2 mile from there. I never got to enjoy that and my family when I am ready to start one, will probably never enjoy anything from Youngstown either, because I will not live here then. It is simply not safe, crime is on the rise on the west side, which used to be the "safe side" and now with the great idea of mixing all the schools together, who knows how things will end up. It is sad. My mom has so many great memories of this area, but I just dont. What a shame.
ratrodgarage 3 years ago
Sad to say, but the best thing you can do if you are starting a family is getting out of there first. I had to do it myself, my Dad had to do the same thing ten years earlier. This video is pretty symbolic of the entire area. It's all about what used to be, whether it's jobs, fun places to go, whatever. My old house on the north side is leveled just as Idora is now. I saw that last time we came home. Sad, sad stuff. No reflection on the great and tough people there, but that town is dead.
ytownteddy 3 years ago
...I don't mean that as a slap in the face to anyone still living there. It's my hometown too, and I am proud to say so to others mainly because of the SALT OF THE EARTH folks from Ytown. The city just got left behind in the late 70's and eventually the things that went unattended to began to crumble and look the way they do today. You can still be proud of your Youngstown heritage without having to stay there and starve. You can't go back in time. If you could it'd be a great place to live
ytownteddy 3 years ago
i still live here in Y-town and i feel cheated because all my sisters and brother were able to experience it and i was just a teeny baby
Millie12678 3 years ago
well done. Good music choice. Sad story behind these parks.
AJuner78 3 years ago
Well done!
I remember the good old days in our amusement park outside my city!
Shrekdonkey1973 4 years ago
This video is exceptionally well done and very respectful of the memory of the park. Your friend Ann is lovely, reminds me of someone from my past. The image of her beside the fry stand pillar as if kissing the building "Goodbye" and the one of her atop the Ferris Wheel pillar like the Hollywood widow throwing herself upon her lover's casket are haunting. I've never been much of a Madonna fan, but I liked this song and it was an excellent choice and fitting tribute.
jshorva65 4 years ago
"Free Trade" and "Diversity" were what killed this part of our childhood!!! The surrounding area turned into a ghetto, cheap foreign steel killed the industry that supported the local economy, and young girls couldn't go into the Funhouse without being surrounded and sexually assaulted by thugs! I went to Idora many times as a child and saw it deteriorate between then and the last summer I went there (a rock concert in 84). There were rumors of a rape in the Funhouse that day by area thugs.
jshorva65 4 years ago
Spartan Drive 44512 in the house! I moved from Youngstown in 1979 when I was a little kid. I remember Idora Park with love. I'm not sure why this happened. Was this park victimized by more than one arson? Perhaps it could have survived one fire but how many fire incidents did this place endure?
heymisterderp 4 years ago
Nothing more depressing than an abandoned amusement park.
jimmyhd1969 4 years ago 5
ugh just looking at these photos makes me sad
dakarus 4 years ago 3
Sad video. I worked parking cars at the ballroom lot in high school and we had our senior prom there in 1960. Sorry to see I dora gone. I have so many memories. Live in San Diego now.
osu1982 4 years ago
Just thought I'd mention to you that there are 3 copies of an Idora Park DVD someone is selling on ebay right now for 25 bucks with no shipping charge. It's the 72 minute long one made up of old home movies and tells the entire history of the park. I own a copy myself. Just thought you'd like to know.
ytownteddy 4 years ago
I was born and raised in Austintown and would go to Idora Park about 5-6 times each year -- to either ride the rides or attend a concert at the ballroom. How many times did you see The Michael Stanley Band there? I now live in central Pennsylvania and there is an amusement park called Knoebels that reminds me of Idora Park. For those who loved going there, you make a trip to Knoebels and see for yourself.
taylorbabey 4 years ago
I stopped by to see Idora when we went home over the Thanksgiving weekend. I saw the old bus pickup awning at the Parkview entrance. The steel posts across the street that used to line that parking lot, the gate doors, the post where the smaller Idora sign used to hang, the stone base to one of the water fountains...that much is still there. I just wonder how many younger people in Ytown drive right past it and have no idea what it was or what it meant to so many people.
ytownteddy 4 years ago
I am from Warren originally and moved to the Cornersburg area in 2001. My wife and I had a conversation about Idora this past summer. I was telling our kids about it and said hey, I bet that property is just a few miles away so we took a short ride down there and I saw exactly what you are discribing.This and other videos has given me some idea where things used to be. They should have made the park a part of Mill Creek so it would have had some preservation as well as security.
Toeknee42 4 years ago
My 21 year old Daughter is a Senior film student at Penn State and I can appreciate the time you spent here! Thank you again... this has been a an awesome ride into the past, our past, which while not perfect... we had this "playground" as your score indicates where we could go and transcend many of the outside worlds hang ups... at least for the time there. Thank you again.... Sorry to take 3 posts... but like others.. I had some tears too.
EricYoungstownNorth 4 years ago
We would go yearly and it was the highlight of our lives... meeting friends there, and when it got dark you would have thought you were in Cedar Point! The House that you could ride through on the right as you entered the park! This was beautiful, I have downloaded it a shown it to all of my family. I love the music and the work that you put in.
EricYoungstownNorth 4 years ago
Thank you for the ride. Whew... I can smell the vinegar from the fries, hear the static from the bumping cars, and you have captured it all.
EricYoungstownNorth 4 years ago
That was very good and I watched the entire thing...I did not spend my childhood in Ytown but I do know that many people love the legend of this park...Your piece helped me to understand why so many people still love the memory of Idora Park!!!....Thanks
frankbellamy 4 years ago
The white coaster was the Jack Rabbit, the Wild Cat was yellow. They had "Spring Things" not spring flings. I had to double check this one by pulling out old photos of my friends and I with our "Spring Thing" t~shirts on.
melzsunshine314 4 years ago
Awesomely done!!! I so miss the Spring Things. Polka day was always fun as a kid. My friends dad was in a polka band and we would go and dance sing and have free run to the rides because there were few kids there. Able to ride the Jack Rabbit and Wild Cat over and over without getting off. The coasters were my fav. followed by the Rock~O~Wheel and the fun house. Thanks for the memories as sad as they are now.
melzsunshine314 4 years ago
Thanks for the Memories. I used to go to the park every year with my shop my dad worked for a picnic in the large pavioloin but kiddie land. I is great to see others hanging on to the past like this. THANK AGAIN
manuelfnunez 4 years ago
Idora closed sometime in the Late 80's and they finally demolished all of it sometime in 2005 or 2006 i may be wrong I know it was sometime in the 2000s There's nothing left the amish people who own the land had the rest of the rides and buildings bulldozed so they can build some penacostle (sp?) or something. Again I may be wrong but that's where i had read somewhere :)
intoxicatingfantasy 4 years ago
Wow! Great job Ive never been there. How sad!! What happened there?When did it close?Is there anything left in the present day?The girl is beautiful in the video!the madonna song is a perfect choice
mgrella63 4 years ago
Thanks soooo much for this video. It brought tears to my eyes. I was there so much as a kid and teenager. Just last night I went to the Canfield Fair and they had a display of a Wildcat car, Jack Rabbit car. One of the rocket ships, car from the Kooky Castle, bumper car, ferris wheel car, and a Hooterville Highway car. I took photos of them all!!
Jimmysfox17 4 years ago
hey guys remember he wacky shack i was scared as fuck of that but it was so much fun
yoganandarita 4 years ago
I see the Wildcat in these clips, ALOT. What was the name of the other White coaster in the backround? The demise of my childhood Amusement park Bob-Lo Island took the same turn for the worst, only mine wsa a victim of crimes and gangs, See Boblo island Amusment park on You tube.
Joe in Michigan
losky1 4 years ago
The other coaster is the Jack Rabbit...also known as the Back Wabbit in its later years.
RETROvisions 4 years ago
Hey Joe, the other coaster (white) at Idora Park was the Jack Rabbit.
Jimmysfox17 4 years ago
Someone will probably call me (and losky1) "racists" for saying that "crime and gangs" had anything to do with the demise of Idora or Boblo Island or Idora Park, but FACTS cannot be "racist" and I remember the gang attacks at Idora. The last time I went there was in 84). Black thugs from the surrounding ghetto had cornered a teenage girl inside the Wacky Shack, partially undressed, sexually assaulted, and reportedly raped her, and had lookouts posted with knives in case some "hero" stepped in.
jshorva65 4 years ago
Even the first "accidental fire" sounds suspicious to me. Park attendance had suffered since 79 and there's a heavy Mafia presence there. How prescient of the former owner, when asked what would happen to the park, to have said "It'll probably be torched." shortly after the failed attempt to find a buyer at auction.
jshorva65 4 years ago 2
i love it !!your hour of footage from the ballroom is it during the spring fling?
cyndi1203 4 years ago
even i never been their, i cant believe it all got burnt down except the jack rabbit
CoasterManiac60 4 years ago
AND SAD
CoasterManiac60 4 years ago
How sad to see Idora go. Are these pieces from the video that you used to be able to rent for free at Coccoa's video? The history is very interesting.
ss6com 4 years ago
No, these were not part of any released video...just original photos that I took with my friend Ann. I may be putting all of the photos, along with an hour of footage from inside the ballroom on DVD soon.
RETROvisions 4 years ago
did the jack rabbit at this park close in 2001
CoasterManiac60 4 years ago
The Jack Rabbit closed in 1984, it had been renamed the Back Wabbit, as the tracks had been reversed to add more thrill to the only coaster left in the fire ravaged park.
rondiscscinema 4 years ago
i hate seeing amusement parks like this. it is so sad. soon clementon park will be like this and i do not want to imagine that.
CoasterManiac60 4 years ago
A well-done video, and I'm glad someone put a tribute to Idora on youtube. The young lady in the clip is very lovely too!
goldbergje 5 years ago