Remembering Pleasure Beach

Once known as STEEPLE CHASE PARK and later called PLEASURE BEACH now lays baron with no evidence of all the rides and amusement and happiness it indeed brought our way years ago.Boy the memories of PLEASURE BEACH still linger in my mind as though it was just yesterday in reality a very long time ago.Folks of the surrounding communities sure can recall the pleasure that this beach provided.This playground was named PLEASURE BEACH in 1892 and sadly does not exist today.

I remember so well the wooden bridge that took us across the water to the island of great entertainment.The C.R.L.BUS LINES crossed the bridge quite a few times in the course of the day.BACK then you could swim,go fishing,eat at a choice of stands or simply enjoy the rides.

AS A youngster I remember riding the minature train that covered the outskirts of the park grounds.I remember the immense roller coaster as you first entered the park that thrilled many park visitors for years.There was a great airplane ride too for kids.Those were cherished moments spending the day there.Another favorite ride was THE SPOOK HOUSE as we called it with its'eerie interior and goblins awaiting riders whose screams filled the air as the ride took you around.

ALSO lets not forget the penny arcade where games of chance existed as well as getting your fortune told by a fake gypsy woman with a ugly expression on its'face exposed your future per say.For one dollar you can have so much fun.

For the adults besides rides was a ballroom where dancing was a fun time.The music played by the big bands era back in those days.SADLY those days are gone but hopefully not forgotten.IF we could only step back in time and do it all over again.This marvelous beach played a part in my life as well as others.I am sure but now its' gone and will never return.SO sad we no longer have the beach we so loved as kids growing up here but I at least I have golden memories of the good old days to hold dearly in my heart.

Written by AUTHOR RICHARD SATTANNI OF BRIDGEPORT,CT.

CONTACT RICH AT rsauthor00@gmail.com