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| Riverview Beach Archway |
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| Riverview Beach Lake |
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| Delaware River in the Background |
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| Riverview Beach Lake |
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| Lake and River |
It started in the late 1800's as Silver Grove picnic grounds. Picnicers could be served ice cream under a large pavilion. Concerts and festivals were held there.
In 1889, at the annual farmer's picnic a "man-powered" merry-go-round was enjoyed. The ride was such a hit, the 1890 picnic brought a horse-powered one.
In 1891, the park was enlarged to include a permanent merry-go-round, swings, picnic tables, a dance hall and movies.
In 1922, the park was again enlarged by purchasing an adjacent 30-acre farm. A slide, a water-slide, airplanes and a ferris wheel were erected.
In 1936, an olympic-size swimming pool was added to the park. It held 500,000 gallons of water and cost $150,000.
Excursion boats from the Wilson Line would ferry people from Philadelphia to the park along the Delaware River, a distance of 31 miles. Many Philadelphians would get away from the hot city and enjoy a morning cruise down the river, a warm afternoon at the park, and then a cool evening cruise back up the river to home.
It was always an exciting sight, to see the ferris wheel and roller coaster appear above the trees as you cruised down-river, approaching the park.
When the ferry would finally dock, there would be a sound like thunder wafting through the park as the children rushed down the wharf to secure a certain picnic table or a place in line at a favorite ride.
The Humming Bird was the main roller-coaster, with another called the Wild Cat being added later.
Other rides included the ferris wheel, a caterpillar, skooters, the whip, the bubble bounce, airplanes, the Old Mill, Custer Cars (small battery-powered racing cars), the Tumble Bug, pony and zebra rides, and a miniature railroad.
You could take a ride on the Showboat, a miniature version of a Mississippi showboat, on the large lake. Or rowboats could be rented.
The lake contained a few small islands with various colored flower gardens. Small footbridges were built between the islands, so visitors could take a relaxing or romantic stroll among the flowers along the lake.
There was roller-skating in the skating pavilion.
There were weekly dance nights in the beautiful Ballroom. The colored lights dancing from the reflecting ball inside, would try to compete with the beauty of the moonlight dancing through the trees outside.
On Friday nights there were fireworks from the wharf. Visitors would line the park's beach to watch the fireworks reflections 'dancing' on the rippling waters of the river.
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| Sally Starr |
In 1961, the Wilson Line ferry service was discontinued. Access to the park was now limited to car, bus or trolley.
In 1966 a fire destroyed the roller-coaster and the Old Mill. The park continued operating but without the coaster, it's days were numbered.
The park continued operating through 1967, but by the end of the season it was clear the park would not open for another season.
In 1968, the park was sold and all the amusements dismantled.
Today, the 63 acre park is again a picnic park with no amusements. Most of the lake is still there. A small children's playground has been added, along with tennis courts, a gazebo and a fountain.
The "Riverview Beach Park" archway still straddles the entrance to the park from Rte. 49. The Wilson Line pier is now nothing but rows of stunted pilings out into the river.
I understand that every Fall, there is a festival held at the park in remembrance of its history. Carnival amusement rides are brought in for the festival.
I have heard that the Riverview Beach miniature railroad was purchased by a local South Jerseyan and placed on his property on a section of track. And that he is happy to stop whatever he is doing to give children passersby a ride on the train, which he keeps operational.
Unfortunately, I do not know where he lives.
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| Bandstand | Pier Where Excursion Boats Would Tie Up | View of the Park |
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| Another View of the Park | Delaware Memorial Bridge | Jogging Path |
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| Riverview Beach Archway | Postcard of the Humming Bird |