Central Park

Central Park was the "other" well known park in the Allentown area (Dorney Park is still operating). The most well known feature of the park was the Derby Racer racing coaster. This ride was said to have cost $50,000 when it was built in 1912. It was a side friction ride when built. Since John Miller was involved with the ride, it is very possible that it was converted to under friction.

Warning: all photos are copyrighted
DO NOT COPY

Opened: ?

Closed: ?

Location: Hanover / Eaton Ave. Part of site is now an auto dealership

Remains: Little. Footers and small items in woods behind auto dealer

Trolley Park: Yes - Lehigh Valley Transit Company

Book - "Central Park the Beautiful" - A book of postcard and other reprints by Berkemeyer, Keck & Co. - Allentown, PA

Rides and attractions Following is a list of rides and attractions that were present at one time or another in the park. Roller Coaster - Toboggan Slide Roller Coaster - Derby Racer by Ingersoll/Miller Side Friction (1912-1951) Roller Coaster - Skyclone/Cyclone (1929-1957) Shoot the Chutes Carousel Circle Swing Frolic Miniature Train Rigamarole Japanese Ping Pong Bowling Alley Shooting Gallery Dancing Pavilion Open air pavilion Photograph Gallery Japanese Pagoda
Remains Little remains of the park site. Behind the auto dealership is a woods. I am told there are footers still visible and that small items can still be found for those who look hard enough.
Postcard Gallery
Entrance Eric Schultz collection	Street view Eric Schultz collection	Central Park at night - Circle Swing Eric Schultz collection
Derby Racer roller coaster Eric Schultz collection	Dip on Derby Racer Eric Schultz collection	Roller coaster Eric Schultz collection
Entrance Eric Schultz collection	View from Central Park Eric Schultz collection	Grounds Eric Schultz collection
The Grove Eric Schultz collection	Tall trees Eric Schultz collection	The Pavilion Eric Schultz collection
View of a pond in the park Eric Schultz collection	Sand Pit & Carousel building Eric Schultz collection	The fountain Eric Schultz collection
Afternoon crowd leaving the theatre Eric Schultz collection	Carousel - note spelling in picture Eric Schultz collection	Coaster entering the station Ralph Decker collection

¹Information provided by Joel Styer Eric Schultz for sharing his Central Park postcard collection John A. Millington for scanning Eric's postcards Ralph Decker, Jr. for providing the coaster station postcard John Moyer for Roller Coaster information Additional information and help provided via: "Central Park the Beautiful" - A book of postcard and other reprints by Berkemeyer, Keck & Co. - Allentown, PA Warning: all photos are copyrighted - DO NOT COPY
Defunct Amusement Parks wishes to thank everyone listed above for sharing their information

Rittersville (Allentown/Bethlehem), Lehigh County, PA

Rides and attractions

Remains

Postcard Gallery