1912 Season - Revision history

Parkadmin at 20:47, 7 June 2026

2026-06-07T20:47:29Z

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	\| year = 1912		\| year = 1912
	\| image =		\| image =
	\| management = The Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, president<br />William J. Dusenbury~~, manager<br />Jacob F. Luft~~, manager		\| management = The Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, president<br />William J. Dusenbury, manager
	\| season = April 28, 1912 - Sept. 21, 1912		\| season = April 28, 1912 - Sept. 21, 1912
	\| postseason = Sept. 22, 1912 - Oct. 20, 1912		\| postseason = Sept. 22, 1912 - Oct. 20, 1912

Parkadmin: Added staff

2026-06-07T20:47:06Z

Added staff

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:47, 7 June 2026
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	\| year = 1912		\| year = 1912
	\| image =		\| image =
	\| management = The Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, president<br />William J. Dusenbury, manager		\| management = The Olentangy Park Company<br />Joseph W. Dusenbury, president<br />William J. Dusenbury, manager<br />Jacob F. Luft, manager
	\| season = April 28, 1912 - Sept. 21, 1912		\| season = April 28, 1912 - Sept. 21, 1912
	\| postseason = Sept. 22, 1912 - Oct. 20, 1912		\| postseason = Sept. 22, 1912 - Oct. 20, 1912

Parkadmin at 01:39, 19 December 2025

2025-12-19T01:39:27Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:39, 19 December 2025
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	[[Category:Seasons]]		[[Category:Seasons]]

	{{#seo:\|description=The 1912 season at Olentangy Park opened on April 28, 1912, and closed on October 20, 1912.}}		{{#seo:
	~~{{#seo:~~\|keywords=1912 Season, Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Olentangy Park Columbus, Columbus amusement park, amusement park, Clintonville, defunct amusement park, Olentangy Theater, Olentangy Theatre, Vaudeville, Zoo}}		\|description = The 1912 season at Olentangy Park opened on April 28, 1912, and closed on October 20, 1912.
			\|keywords = 1912 Season, Olentangy Park, Olentangy Amusement Park, Olentangy Park Columbus, Columbus amusement park, amusement park, Clintonville, defunct amusement park, Olentangy Theater, Olentangy Theatre, Vaudeville, Zoo}}

Parkadmin at 03:51, 20 November 2025

2025-11-20T03:51:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:51, 20 November 2025
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	''For ride and attraction changes, see the Rides and Attractions section.''		''For ride and attraction changes, see the Rides and Attractions section.''

	==Annexation Plans==		=== Annexation Plans ===
	There were plans for the City of Columbus to annex the park, but some parkgoers pushed back.<ref>"To the Editor of the Dispatch: As To Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' March 21, 1912. Page 4.</ref> Clintonville residents filed a complaint because they wanted the annexation to force the park to remove slot machines. The city had already annexed a strip along the west side of High Street, but Park Manager J. W. Dusenbury opposed annexing the rest of the park. Dusenbury agreed to remove the slot machines and other devices that violate the city ordinances, except for the theater, which gives a Sunday performance.<ref>"Demand City Annex Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 31, 1912. Page 3.</ref>		There were plans for the City of Columbus to annex the park, but some parkgoers pushed back.<ref>"To the Editor of the Dispatch: As To Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' March 21, 1912. Page 4.</ref> Clintonville residents filed a complaint because they wanted the annexation to force the park to remove slot machines. The city had already annexed a strip along the west side of High Street, but Park Manager J. W. Dusenbury opposed annexing the rest of the park. Dusenbury agreed to remove the slot machines and other devices that violate the city ordinances, except for the theater, which gives a Sunday performance.<ref>"Demand City Annex Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 31, 1912. Page 3.</ref>

Parkadmin at 03:51, 20 November 2025

2025-11-20T03:51:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 03:51, 20 November 2025
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	==Annexation Plans==		==Annexation Plans==
	There were plans for the City of Columbus to annex the park, but ~~there was pushback from~~ some parkgoers.<ref>"To the Editor of the Dispatch: As To Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' March 21, 1912. Page 4.</ref> Clintonville residents filed a complaint because they wanted the annexation to force the park to remove slot machines. The city had already annexed a strip along the west side of High Street, but Park Manager J. W. Dusenbury ~~fought against including~~ the rest of the park. Dusenbury agreed to remove the slot machines and other devices that violate the city ordinances, except for the theater, which gives a Sunday performance.<ref>"Demand City Annex Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 31, 1912. Page 3.</ref>		There were plans for the City of Columbus to annex the park, but some parkgoers pushed back.<ref>"To the Editor of the Dispatch: As To Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' March 21, 1912. Page 4.</ref> Clintonville residents filed a complaint because they wanted the annexation to force the park to remove slot machines. The city had already annexed a strip along the west side of High Street, but Park Manager J. W. Dusenbury opposed annexing the rest of the park. Dusenbury agreed to remove the slot machines and other devices that violate the city ordinances, except for the theater, which gives a Sunday performance.<ref>"Demand City Annex Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 31, 1912. Page 3.</ref>

	==Notable Happenings==		==Notable Happenings==
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	===May Day / Chamber of Commerce Outing===		===May Day / Chamber of Commerce Outing===
	The North Side Chamber of Commerce Outing on Friday, May 17, featured Theodore Roosevelt as the speaker.<ref>"Large Crowds Are Expected to Hear Roosevelt Speak." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 17, 1912. Page 1.</ref> Schools were closed at noon to allow students to attend. Ten thousand new pennies by the Philadelphia Mint were distributed throughout the park for the children to find.<ref>"Olentangy Park: Chamber of Commerce Outing." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 12, 1912. Page 4.</ref> Five thousand were given out on the day of the event, and another 5,000 the following day.<ref name="mayday">"30,000 Attend May Day Outing at Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch." May 18, 1912. Page 3.</ref> Other parts of the program involved "Lil," the G.O.P. elephant with a band and escort; a circus parade; a parade of Woodmen Drum and Trumpet Corps; concerts by the Powers' Band, Purger's Orchestra, Old Guard Rifle and Drum Corps; free vaudeville in the theater; songs by Prof. Hoenig's choir of boy singers; acrobatic acts; balloon races; and a boxing match between Roy Glick and Harry Sully.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 17, 1912. Page 22.</ref> Between 25,000 and 30,000 people attended the event.<ref name="mayday" />		The North Side Chamber of Commerce Outing on Friday, May 17, featured Theodore Roosevelt as the speaker.<ref>"Large Crowds Are Expected to Hear Roosevelt Speak." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 17, 1912. Page 1.</ref> Schools were closed at noon to allow students to attend. Ten thousand new pennies by the Philadelphia Mint were distributed throughout the park for the children to find.<ref>"Olentangy Park: Chamber of Commerce Outing." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 12, 1912. Page 4.</ref> Five thousand were given out on the day of the event, and another 5,000 the following day.<ref name="mayday">"30,000 Attend May Day Outing at Olentangy." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch." May 18, 1912. Page 3.</ref> Other parts of the program involved "Lil," the G.O.P. elephant with a band and escort; a circus parade; a parade of Woodmen Drum and Trumpet Corps; concerts by the Powers' Band, Purger's Orchestra, Old Guard Rifle and Drum Corps; free vaudeville in the theater; songs by Prof. Hoenig's choir of boy singers; acrobatic acts; balloon races; and a boxing match between Roy Glick and Harry Sully.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 17, 1912. Page 22.</ref> Between 25,000 and 30,000 people attended the event.<ref name="mayday" />

	~~===Canoe Club Regattas===~~
	The [[boathouse\|Canoe Club]] held its first big regatta of the year on July 4. Races included: single man in stern, 100 yards; quarter mile, two men; half a mile, two men; swimming race, 50 yards; in and out; and tilting contest. Eighty canoes were entered into the event to win prizes. The races were free.<ref>"Canoe Club Regatta." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 21, 1912. Page 14.</ref> It held another regatta on Aug. 18.<ref>"Hold Canoe Regatta." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 14, 1912. Page 10.</ref>

	===Suffragist Speaks at the Park===		===Suffragist Speaks at the Park===
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	===The Dusenbury Brothers Lease the Colonial Theater===		===The Dusenbury Brothers Lease the Colonial Theater===
	Olentangy Park manager J. W. Dusenbury entered into an agreement with the Shubert Theatrical Company of New York to lease and take over programming at the Colonial Theater in August. The Dusenbury Brothers were also leasing the Southern Theater at the time, meaning they were in control of three of the seven theaters in Columbus.<ref>"Dusenbury Bros. Take Management of the Colonial." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 20, 1912. Page 3.</ref>		Olentangy Park manager J. W. Dusenbury entered into an agreement with the Shubert Theatrical Company of New York to lease and take over programming at the Colonial Theater in August. The Dusenbury Brothers were also leasing the Southern Theater at the time, meaning they were in control of three of the seven theaters in Columbus.<ref>"Dusenbury Bros. Take Management of the Colonial." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 20, 1912. Page 3.</ref>

			''For sporting events, see the Sports section.''

	==Injuries==		==Injuries==
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	* Zoological Garden		* Zoological Garden

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

	===Olentangy Park Theater===		===Olentangy Park Theater===
	''Main Article:'' [[Olentangy Park Theater]]		''Main Article:'' [[Olentangy Park Theater]]

	For the International Labor Day celebration on May 5, the Socialist Dramatic Club performed "Under the Lash," a labor drama by C. F. Quinn to benefit their party's campaign fund. Hon. Emil Seidel, ~~ex-~~socialist mayor of Milwaukee, and other prominent leaders spoke at the theater. The German Glee Club, "Forward," composed of twenty singers,<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 5, 1912. Page 4.</ref> sang between the two events and between the speeches.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 1, 1912. Page 14.</ref>		For the International Labor Day celebration on May 5, the Socialist Dramatic Club performed "Under the Lash," a labor drama by C. F. Quinn to benefit their party's campaign fund. Hon. Emil Seidel, the former socialist mayor of Milwaukee, and other prominent leaders spoke at the theater. The German Glee Club, "Forward," composed of twenty singers,<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 5, 1912. Page 4.</ref> sang between the two events and between the speeches.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 1, 1912. Page 14.</ref>

	On May 18, Senator Robert La Follette gave a speech about "Rights and Remedies."<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 18, 1912. Page 10.</ref>		On May 18, Senator Robert La Follette gave a speech about "Rights and Remedies."<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 18, 1912. Page 10.</ref>

	~~For preparation~~ for this season's stock program, two new dressing rooms were added to the balcony, Real Neth installed a new electrical room for electrical effects, and a new property room was arranged to allow Larry Antrim to handle and care for the stage properties. The paint frame, where the scenic artists work, was enlarged ~~so that~~ two "sets" ~~could~~ be painted simultaneously. Gus Schell, the Southern Theater's scenic artist, and Carl Amend, an artist from Schell's studios, were hired to help create the scenic art.<ref>"Stubbs-Mackay Players." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 23, 1912. Page 14.</ref>		To prepare for this season's stock program, two new dressing rooms were added to the balcony; Real Neth installed a new electrical room for electrical effects; and a new property room was arranged to allow Larry Antrim to handle and care for the stage properties. The paint frame, where the scenic artists work, was enlarged to allow two "sets" to be painted simultaneously. Gus Schell, the Southern Theater's scenic artist, and Carl Amend, an artist from Schell's studios, were hired to help create the scenic art.<ref>"Stubbs-Mackay Players." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 23, 1912. Page 14.</ref>

	The theater closed for the season on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, 1912.<ref>"Olentangy Park: Stubbs-Mackay Players." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Page 18.</ref>		The theater closed for the season on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, 1912.<ref>"Olentangy Park: Stubbs-Mackay Players." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Page 18.</ref>

	===Stubbs-Mackay Players===		===Stubbs-Mackay Players===
	~~-------------~~

	The theater opened for the season on May 27, 1912.<ref name="opening4" />		The theater opened for the season on May 27, 1912.<ref name="opening4" />
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	Week of Aug. 26: "The Private Secretary"		Week of Aug. 26: "The Private Secretary"

	===Outdoor ~~Acts=~~==		== Stunts and Outdoor Shows ==
	~~---------~~
	For the first two weeks, Professor Fink's Comedy Circus of mules, trained dogs, and ponies performed, and the first two Sundays featured the Aerial Derbys on the flying trapeze and Professor Raub and Captain Thomas Longo performing double balloon and double parachute leaps.<ref name="opening2">"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' April 22, 1912. Page 12.</ref><ref name="opening3" /><ref name="opening4" />		For the first two weeks, Professor Fink's Comedy Circus of mules, trained dogs, and ponies performed, and the first two Sundays featured the Aerial Derbys on the flying trapeze and Professor Raub and Captain Thomas Longo performing double balloon and double parachute leaps.<ref name="opening2">"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' April 22, 1912. Page 12.</ref><ref name="opening3" /><ref name="opening4" />

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	Desperate Desmond performed the "Slide for Life" from the head to the foot of the [[Shoot-the-Chutes]] ride during July and August.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Aug. 4, 1912. Page 5.</ref> The name "Desperate Desmond" was also the name of a comic strip in the ''Columbus Dispatch'' at the time.		Desperate Desmond performed the "Slide for Life" from the head to the foot of the [[Shoot-the-Chutes]] ride during July and August.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' Aug. 4, 1912. Page 5.</ref> The name "Desperate Desmond" was also the name of a comic strip in the ''Columbus Dispatch'' at the time.

	The LaPlace Musical Comedy Company performed under a tent immediately north of the [[Dancing Pavilion (2)\|Dancing Pavilion]] in August and September. The performances featured various singing and dancing vaudeville acts, as well as exhibitions ~~of hypnotism~~ by Professor Clifford. Performances were {{Tooltip \|text = 10 cents\|tooltip = $3.31 in 2025 dollars}}.<ref>"Olentangy Park Attractions." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 21, 1912. Page 12.</ref>		The LaPlace Musical Comedy Company performed under a tent immediately north of the [[Dancing Pavilion (2)\|Dancing Pavilion]] in August and September. The performances featured various singing and dancing vaudeville acts, as well as hypnotism exhibitions by Professor Clifford. Performances were {{Tooltip \|text = 10 cents\|tooltip = $3.31 in 2025 dollars}}.<ref>"Olentangy Park Attractions." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 21, 1912. Page 12.</ref>

	==Music==		== Music ==

	The J. Wylie Powers Concert Band, Purger's double orchestra, and Woodman's Drum and Trumpet Corps ~~played~~ free concerts twice a day.<ref name="opening2" /><ref name="bands" />		The J. Wylie Powers Concert Band, Purger's double orchestra, and Woodman's Drum and Trumpet Corps gave free concerts twice a day.<ref name="opening2" /><ref name="bands" />

	The Channing Ellery Band performed in June.<ref name="ellery" />		The Channing Ellery Band performed in June.<ref name="ellery" />

			== Sports ==

			=== Canoe Club Regattas ===
			The [[boathouse\|Canoe Club]] held its first big regatta of the year on July 4. Races included: single man in stern, 100 yards; quarter mile, two men; half a mile, two men; swimming race, 50 yards; in and out; and tilting contest. Eighty canoes were entered into the event to win prizes. The races were free.<ref>"Canoe Club Regatta." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' June 21, 1912. Page 14.</ref> It held another regatta on Aug. 18.<ref>"Hold Canoe Regatta." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' Aug. 14, 1912. Page 10.</ref>

	==Activities==		==Activities==

Parkadmin: /* List of Rides and Attractions */

2025-11-17T05:24:24Z

List of Rides and Attractions

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:24, 17 November 2025
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	* [[Moving Pictures\|Motion Picture Exhibit]]		* [[Moving Pictures\|Motion Picture Exhibit]]
	* Palm Garden		* Palm Garden
			* [[Photographic Gallery (3)]]
	* Playground		* Playground
	* Pony and Camel Track		* Pony and Camel Track

Parkadmin at 23:44, 8 November 2025

2025-11-08T23:44:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:44, 8 November 2025
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	\| postseason = Sept. 22, 1912 - Oct. 20, 1912		\| postseason = Sept. 22, 1912 - Oct. 20, 1912
	\| stockcompany = Stubbs-Mackay Players		\| stockcompany = Stubbs-Mackay Players
	\| theatermanager = J. F. Luft		\| theatermanager = Jacob F. Luft
	\| band = J. Wylie Powers Concert Band<br />Purger's double orchestra<br />Woodman's Drum and Trumpet Corps		\| band = J. Wylie Powers Concert Band<br />Purger's double orchestra<br />Woodman's Drum and Trumpet Corps
	\| size = 125 acres		\| size = 125 acres
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	The theater opened for the season on May 27, 1912.<ref name="opening4" />		The theater opened for the season on May 27, 1912.<ref name="opening4" />

	Harry O. Stubbs and Edward J. Mackay leased the theater and managed the stock company. J. F. Luft managed the theater ticket office.<ref name="may20">"Oletangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 20, 1912. Page 8.</ref>		Harry O. Stubbs and Edward J. Mackay leased the theater and managed the stock company. Jacob F. Luft managed the theater ticket office.<ref name="may20">"Oletangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 20, 1912. Page 8.</ref>

	The price of matinee and evening tickets started at {{Tooltip \|text = 25 cents\|tooltip = $8.29 in 2025 dollars}} and was no more than {{Tooltip \|text = 50 cents\|tooltip = $16.57 in 2025 dollars}}.<ref>Advertisement. ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 23, 1912. Page 11.</ref>		The price of matinee and evening tickets started at {{Tooltip \|text = 25 cents\|tooltip = $8.29 in 2025 dollars}} and was no more than {{Tooltip \|text = 50 cents\|tooltip = $16.57 in 2025 dollars}}.<ref>Advertisement. ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 23, 1912. Page 11.</ref>

Parkadmin at 23:09, 8 November 2025

2025-11-08T23:09:48Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:09, 8 November 2025
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	The J. Wylie Powers Concert Band, Purger's double orchestra, and Woodman's Drum and Trumpet Corps played free concerts twice a day.<ref name="opening2" /><ref name="bands" />		The J. Wylie Powers Concert Band, Purger's double orchestra, and Woodman's Drum and Trumpet Corps played free concerts twice a day.<ref name="opening2" /><ref name="bands" />

	The Ellery Band performed in June.<ref name="ellery" />		The Channing Ellery Band performed in June.<ref name="ellery" />

	==Activities==		==Activities==

Parkadmin at 17:57, 6 November 2025

2025-11-06T17:57:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:57, 6 November 2025
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	* [[Snake Den]]		* [[Snake Den]]
	* Swings		* Swings
			* [[Olentangy Park Theater\|Theater]]
	* [[Water Toboggan]]		* [[Water Toboggan]]
	* [[Whirlwind]]		* [[Whirlwind]]
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	===Olentangy Park Theater===		===Olentangy Park Theater===
	''Main Article:'' [[Olentangy Park ~~Casino and~~ Theater]]		''Main Article:'' [[Olentangy Park Theater]]

	For the International Labor Day celebration on May 5, the Socialist Dramatic Club performed "Under the Lash," a labor drama by C. F. Quinn to benefit their party's campaign fund. Hon. Emil Seidel, ex-socialist mayor of Milwaukee, and other prominent leaders spoke at the theater. The German Glee Club, "Forward," composed of twenty singers,<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 5, 1912. Page 4.</ref> sang between the two events and between the speeches.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 1, 1912. Page 14.</ref>		For the International Labor Day celebration on May 5, the Socialist Dramatic Club performed "Under the Lash," a labor drama by C. F. Quinn to benefit their party's campaign fund. Hon. Emil Seidel, ex-socialist mayor of Milwaukee, and other prominent leaders spoke at the theater. The German Glee Club, "Forward," composed of twenty singers,<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''The Columbus Sunday Dispatch.'' May 5, 1912. Page 4.</ref> sang between the two events and between the speeches.<ref>"Olentangy Park." ''Columbus Evening Dispatch.'' May 1, 1912. Page 14.</ref>

Parkadmin: /* List of Rides and Attractions */

2025-10-16T04:41:05Z

List of Rides and Attractions

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:41, 16 October 2025
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	* [[Box ball alleys]]		* [[Box ball alleys]]
	* [[Merry-Go-Round (2)\|Carousel]]		* [[Merry-Go-Round (2)\|Carousel]]
	* Children's Playground
	* [[Circle Swing]]		* [[Circle Swing]]
	* [[Colonnade]]		* [[Colonnade]]
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	* [[Moving Pictures\|Motion Picture Exhibit]]		* [[Moving Pictures\|Motion Picture Exhibit]]
	* Palm Garden		* Palm Garden
			* Playground
	* Pony and Camel Track		* Pony and Camel Track
	* [[Scenic Coaster]]		* [[Scenic Coaster]]