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Train Ride, 1970
My great grandmother, great aunt and grandmother
lived just blocks away from the beach and boardwalk for over fifty
years.
Us kids have spent all the summer months in Santa Cruz ever
since we were born. I have great memories of the Beach/Boardwalk and
wouldn't trade them for the world!!!
Paula B |
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The First Ride, 2001
When I finally got enough courage to
go on the Giant Dipper, I was terrified. I went with my dad through
the hall, wanting to turn back. We got on the middle of the long
train. When we took off, I was thinking, "What have I gotten myself into?" I closed
my eyes when we began to climb, and re-opened them when I felt safe.
Unfortunatly, we were just about to hurdle down the biggest drop!
Before I could shut my eyes once again we were flying down the track.
To my surprise, I loved it, even when I flew out of my seat and
my dad had to pull me back down! Afterwards, I wanted to ride it
over and over. For all of first time riders: Don't be scared
in the darkness or right before the drop. And never, ever ride in
the very front or back your first time!
Mari |
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The Greyhound Race
The Greyhound Race concession game was
owned by the Canfields. This was one of the greyhounds that used
to race against each other for prizes. It was eventually removed
and replaced by another game and a ride.
David & Erin O'Reilly |
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Laughing Sal
When i was a kid at Playland in San Francisco, Laughing Sal scared
the living daylights out of me, but of caurse I was only 6.
When i heard Laughing Sal was coming to the Boardwalk, I was estactic.
When I made it down to the Boardwalk and saw her laughing away in
front of Neptunes, it brought back so many memories. I just had
to stand there for a few minutes in total awe. Now every time
I hit the area I always have to pay her a visit.
Conjo |
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Live Ammo Shooting Gallery Rabbit
Here's a rabbit that came from the last
shooting gallery on the Boardwalk that used live ammunition. The shooting
gallery was owned by Ed Whiting and when he closed it, he gave this
rabbit target and another to me. The rabbit was repainted by Jim Padgett.
David & Erin O'Reilly |
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The Scarey Haunted House, 1986
When I was around 12 my family would always go to the Boardwalk
when we visited our Aunt, Uncle, and Cousin in San Jose every summer. We
would have a blast! There used to be a Haunted House ride and at
the end the bus would crash or something like that. I would
close my eyes at the end every time. At night we would make
little tissue ghosts and try to scare our parents and Grandma in
the middle of the night. Now I am preparing to take my 3 children
to the Boardwalk for the first time. The memories are coming
back. Thanks!
Lisa |
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Shutting Down the Hurricane, 1994
Working at the Boardwalk was my first job. I was there for about 6 years, starting with Whitings Foods in 1989 then when I was old enough to work the rides I went over to the Seaside company. This is me closing down the Hurricane at the end of the day. Many great memories, fun, people and friends.
Chayme Higgins |
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A Cruel Aunt, 2001
In 2001 my Aunt Samantha and I decided to head to the Boardwalk.
We rode lots of fun rides and I was having a good time until I heard
the deadly sentence that no six year old wants to hear. "Lets
ride the Giant Dipper!"
By the time we were
seated I begged, "Please don't make me go." She just said,"Awww,too
bad!" When we started to go up the hill, I started crying. "Why
didn't you tell me?" she asked.
I've ridden the Giant Dipper hundreds of times now,
so it's easy to look back and laugh.
Sari |
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Laughing Sal, 2005
It all started when I was a kid at Playland at the Beach in San Francisco. Laughing Sal scared the living daylights out of me, but of course I was 6. When I had heard about the Legendary Laughing Sal coming to the Boardwalk, I was ecstatic. When I saw her laughing away in front of Neptune's Kingdom, it brought back so many memories. I just had to stand there for a few minute in total awe. Now every time I hit the area I always have to pay my respects to her.
Conjo |
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