New Jersey has been referred to as the Amusement Park Capital of America thanks to our abundance of amusement parks (Morey’s Piers, Storybook Land, Six Flags, Keansburg…) but once upon a time there were others. So many of our iconic parks have closed down but today we remember an old favorite.

Olympic Park thrived in Irvington from 1904-1965.
YouTube/19King14
Originally named Hilton Park, rides were added and the name was changed following a 1904 makeover. One of New Jersey's largest amusement parks, it offered a free circus, roller skating, and one of New Jersey's finest pools. In addition to acts including Blondin, the Human Torch, who jumped enveloped in flame from a platform 75 high into a four-foot-deep tank of water, original rides included a roller coaster, carousel, and Venetian swings. You would also find a theater, dancing and dining pavilions, and a dress code. Eventually, the Palace of Fun became a major attraction, offering various fun house devices like a revolving barrel, a high alpine slide and a revolving social mixer that spun patrons off into the surrounding catch basin. Attractions continued to be added including newer coasters, a horror fun house, the Leaping Lena auto ride, the Jack Rabbit/Jet Star and the popular U Drive Auto Boats.

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Though the park has closed, part of it has lived on.
Flickr/George Thomas
The oldest ride in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom Prince Charming Regal Carrousel (yes, with two "R's"), located in a brightly decorated pavilion near Cinderella's Castle. Once known as the Liberty Carousel, the big merry-go-round spent nearly 40 years spinning guests at Olympic Park!

For a stroll down memory lane, check out the video of Olympic Park captured around 1964 and shared by YouTube user, 19king14 Film2Video Services:

Did you ever visit Olympic Park? What was your favorite ride/attraction? For a look back on other iconic parks in New Jersey, check out this article on Palisades Amusement Park or this one on Bowcraft.

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