Palace Amusements facts for kids
| Previously known as Palace Merry-Go-Round | |
Palace Amusements in 1997
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| Location | Asbury Park, NJ |
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| Status | Removed |
| Opened | August 17, 1888 |
| Closed | November 27, 1988 |
| Owner | Ernest Schnitzler (1888–1920) August Williams (1920–1939) Edward Lange & Zimel Resnick (1939–1986) Sam & Henry Vaccaro (1986–1988) |
| Theme | Indoor amusement park |
| Area | 0.9 acres (0.36 ha) |
| Attractions | |
| Total | 12 |
| Roller coasters | 1 |
| Water rides | 1 |
 Location in Monmouth County, New Jersey
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| Location | Asbury Park, New Jersey |
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| Built | June 1888 |
| Built by | Ernest Schnitzler |
| Architect | Ernest Schnitzler William B. Stout |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| Demolished | May 26, 2004 |
| NRHP reference No. | 00001406 |
| Significant dates | |
| Added to NRHP | November 22, 2000 |
Palace Amusements was a famous indoor amusement park located in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It opened its doors in 1888 and grew quite a bit over the years. Sadly, due to tough economic times in the mid-1980s, the park closed down in 1988.
Many people tried to save the building and its amazing features. These included a beautiful hand-carved carousel, cool murals, and other decorations. However, in 2004, experts checked the building and found it was unsafe. It had already been damaged in several places. Because of this, it had to be torn down. Luckily, a local group managed to save some important parts, like the well-known Tillie mural.
Contents
Welcome to Palace Amusements!
Imagine a fun indoor amusement park right by the beach! That's what Palace Amusements was. It was a popular spot in Asbury Park, New Jersey, where families and friends could enjoy rides and games. This park was special because it was mostly inside, making it a great place to visit no matter the weather.
A Look Back: History of the Park
Palace Amusements had a long and interesting history. It was a landmark in Asbury Park for many years.
Early Days and Growth
The park first opened on August 17, 1888. It started as the Palace Merry-Go-Round. Over time, it grew much bigger, adding more rides and attractions. The park was owned by several different people throughout its history, each adding their own touch. It became a beloved part of the community.
The End of an Era
After 100 years of fun, Palace Amusements closed on November 27, 1988. This happened because of economic challenges in Asbury Park and across the country. It was a sad day for many who had grown up visiting the park.
Saving Memories: Preservation Efforts
Even after the park closed, many people wanted to save its unique history. They worked hard to protect parts of the building and its art.
One of the most famous parts of Palace Amusements was the Tillie mural. This large, smiling face was painted on the side of the building. It became a symbol of Asbury Park. When the park was set to be torn down, a group of local people worked tirelessly to save this mural. They managed to rescue Tillie and other important pieces from the building. These saved items help keep the memory of Palace Amusements alive.
What Was Inside? Rides and Fun!
Palace Amusements was packed with excitement. It had a total of 12 rides for visitors to enjoy. This included one roller coaster for thrill-seekers. There was also one water ride, perfect for cooling off on a warm day. The park offered a variety of attractions, making it a fun place for everyone.
