Mountain Park - Holyoke, MA

Mountain Park, Holyoke Mass., originated around 1890 as part of the Holyoke Street Railway Company. It was one of many New England Amusement Parks that had originated as a draw for the end of a trolley line. In 1929 the park was expanded to include the "Mountain Flyer', a long out and back roller coaster set at the top of the midway and built by P.T.C. and also P.T.C. Merry-go-round #80. Other new (for the day) rides like the "Whip" and "Dodgem" were added too, making "Mountain Park" a fun-filled place to go.

The park was eventually bought by Jay Collins who would also go on to purchase Lincoln Park in N. Dartmouth, MA. The park was again expanded into an art-deco wonderland.The park was painted in fun pastel colors and featured several Fiberglass animals and people adding to the charm. A large kiddieland gave the little ones a special place of their own and the park hosted several group picnics and booked many popular bands of the day.

Gradually though, things began to sour. Nearby Riverside amusement park grew into a Super Regional Park by adding several spectacular rides including the world class "Cyclone" coaster. Smaller, Family owned parks like "Mountain" were closing left and right as BIG business began to take over the Amusement industry. Mr. Collins sold Lincoln Park in the mid 1980s, then watched in horror as that park folded after even adding several new expensive rides. Mountain, on the other hand, wasn't loosing money yet, but the writing was on the wall. While the "Queen of the Mountain" still was excellently maintained and had several good rides, it wouldn't be enough. The public wanted Bigger, Faster, Newer, Better and Mountain couldn't provide those thrills. The train ride accident in 1987 finally sealed the parks fate. The "Flyer" had flew for its last time, The Merry-go-round played its last song, the Dodgem cars slowed to a halt and the park was put up for sale.

Winter slowly turned into spring and many people still held a distant hope that a buyer would be found, the park saved, but wishful thinking turned untrue. No one bought the park and, one by one, her rides and attractions were sold, never again to take their place as part of a truly beautiful park. The "Queen" of the Mountain had finally given up, it's pure and simple charms were not enough, society had passed her by.The lights were finally turned out for good, another Traditional Park Treasure lost for ever. For all of you out there that remembers the Grand Old Lady, the "Queen of the Mountain", may I hope that the following photos of a simpler time and life, spring fond memories of riding the "Flyer" in those great shiny trains, conversing with "Marvelous Minnie" in the Picnic Pavilion, of Park Manager "Walter"s never ending smile , of the "Drop Coin Here and Wait" gag near the arcade, of childhood laughter and Hot summer nights, of all the fun that was to be had, these photos are for you. We didn't really need "Bigger-Faster-Newer-Better" after all, did we?!? Bret Malone 1998

Photo Gallery II - after park closing in 1988
click on any picture to see it full size


Closed	View from the parking lot	Not even the Whip was spared

Kiddie Tumble Bug was in the foreground while the Pirates Den was in the rear	The Kiddie Merry-Go-Round and swing ride were once here	The Flyer is awaiting a new home

Between Flyer stationa and lift hill	Tilt-A-Whirl was here with the Dogem in the background	Bubble bounce was here with the Flyer in the back

Main Midway looking West	Kiddie "wet" Boats on left and Cute Caddies on right	Tempast Ride - Going, going, gone

Looking East into the remains of Kiddieland	Dark ride props and signs stored in Merry-Go-Round building	Park Arcade, formally a walk thru Funhouse

Miniature Golf Course near the train ride	Dinosaur Den awaits a new home	Midway looking South past Whip building

Sno-Cones and Merry-Go-Round building	Ride cars and park props stored in Picnic Pavilion	PTC horses await their fate

The last visit


Entrance to the Mountain Flyer	Back turnaround	Kiddie train ride

Going down the first drop	Tempest - main Midway near the office	Outside and upstairs on the Dinosaur Den

First drop	Looking into Kiddieland	Merry-Go-Round Horse

Second Drop	Dinosaur Den - a two story dark ride	Dinosaur Den with the Flyer in the background

Third drop and Flying Scooters	Pirates Den - A "Pretzel" dark ride	PTC Craftmenship of the Merry-Go-Round

Merry-Go-Round	Kiddie Tumble Bug (Turtles)	Satellite Jets - near the coaster entrance

Ferris Wheel