 | | Palisades Amusement Park
The legendary Palisades Amusement Park was the grandaddy
of all amusement parks/penny arcades. Immortalized by the
hit Freddy Cannon record, "Palisades Park', it sat on a cliff
in New Jersey overlooking New York City and entertained
crowds from all over the world from 1898 until it was closed
and demolished in 1971 inorder to build a condominium
complex. I have very fond memories of my visits to Palisades
Park and recently was fortunate enough to meet Mr. John Rinaldi
who was the last superintendant of the park from 1964 until 1971.
Mr. Rinaldi had met his now wife while working at Palisades
Park, her family owned the Penny Arcade concession!
John Rinaldi very generously supplied me with several artifacts
from this magical place. I also obtained artifacts from former
park employee's and their relatives. On September 26, 1998 a small
park was constructed at the site of the former entrance to Palisades
Park. A permanent bronze plaque commemorating the park is located
at the site. During the dedication ceremony, a identical plaque
was used by officials for presentation. I am proud to now have this
plaque. The only existing dedication plaque other than at the park itself. The
plaque is pictured below. Also pictured are:
* The sign used at the guess your weight/age booth which hung at
the park for many many years.
* A sign from the Parking lot indicating directions to the shuttle bus.
* A collection of memorabilia from the park. The midway Dart Game darts,
Cards from Pat and Gary's Candy stand and Jewelry stand. A money bag for the park,
a money bag for Cliffside Caterers (who ran many of the concessions) and a
Palisades Park banner.
Palisades Park, oh how we miss you... |
Click here to view enlarged dedication plaque
Click here to view Guess Your Age Booth Sign
Click here to view Parking Lot sign
Click here to view Various Park Memorabilia
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 | | Original Side Show Banner.
Traveling carnival side shows, once the mainstay of midways everywhere have all but faded
into history. The great 10 in 1 shows featuring multiple acts as well as 'blow offs' which tried
to extract additional money from patrons for additional entertainment provided amusment for all.
Outside the side shows were hand painted colorful banners on canvas which visually announced the
wonders to be seen within. This banner 'Flamo, the fire eater' was painted by John Frazier, a third
generation show painter. John has been a circus performer as well as a owner of the
Royal Bros Circus and the Fisher Bros Circus. The banner was created in the traditional manner utilizing
oils on canvas. Modern show painters tend to use acrylics on vinyl which are not as durable.
This particular banner was custom made for the late Jim Nordmark, a well known producer in
the circus business to hang in the circus room of his Sarasota, FL home. Unfortunately, Mr. Nordmark passed away before
Mr. Frazier was able to complete the banner. I was fortunate to aquire this beautiful work of
art in 2004.
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Click here to view enlarged picture
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 | | Original Circus Sign.
This clown clock sign was hand painted by noted circus artist Harvey Copeland of Sarasota
Florida in the late 1960's. Copeland is known for his elaborate circus art. The
sign was painted for and used by the Hoxie Brothers Circus which toured the country
from the 1950's until the early 1980's. The sign was used at the circus's main entrance to
indicate the start time of the next show. In the early 1980's, the circus was sold
to Allen C. Hill who renamed it to Hoxie's Great American Circus. Later he
changed the name again to Allen C. Hill's Great American Circus. If you ever
attended a Hoxie Circus show at a fair grounds or parking lot you may remember
this sign.
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Click here to view enlarged picture
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