Transplanted New Yorkers Will Recall Freedomland U.S.A.

Florida often is referred to as New York South, with so many people relocating from the northern metropolitan area to various points in the Sunshine State. At one time during the 1960s, more than just people were considering the move to warmer climate. But, moving an entire theme park finally would be considered more difficult, and, in the end, Freedomland U.S.A. folded with its various parts sold to the highest bidders.

Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History is a new book that documents the entire story from conception to bankruptcy (and the potential Florida move) of one of the most innovative and beloved theme parks in America. It is available on Amazon at the suggested retail price of $24.95.

Published by Theme Park Press, the world's leading independent publisher of books about the Disney company and its history, its films and animation, and its theme parks, the 300+-page tale includes first-time interviews with park employees and never before published photographs.

_______

Photo: The new book about Freedomland U.S.A. covers the complete story about the park and features profiles and interviews of many character actors. Unfortunately, the name of the actor who portrayed this police officer in Freedomland’s Little Old New York section remains a mystery. Courtesy Michael R. Virgintino Collection

_______

Located in The Bronx on land occupied for the last 50 years by the Co-op City housing development along with its neighboring shopping center, Freedomland U.S.A., when it opened, was celebrated as the “Disneyland of the East.” It survived just five seasons (1960-1964), yet many residents of Florida and elsewhere retain fond memories of its American history-themed attractions.

Disney Connections

Freedomland U.S.A. (visit the Facebook group) was conceived and built by C.V. Wood. Known to many as Woody, he was Disneyland’s first employee and he brought Walt Disney’s imagination to life by leading the team that built that park. He then created Marco Engineering to build theme parks and other venues across the country.

Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History provides the personal stories of park employees through interviews with character actors who portrayed gunslinger Billy the Kid and cowgirl star Annie Oakley (both former New Yorkers), hospitality hosts, restaurant staff and parking attendants, and those who operated some of the attractions. A chapter of the book includes memories from many who enjoyed the park’s attractions, fun and excitement.

_______

To arrange a group presentation about the history of Freedomland along with a memorabilia display, contact Freedomlandusa@yahoo.com .

_______

Joseph Fahey now lives in Venice, but he was born and raised in The Bronx. Before he became a professor at Manhattan College, Fahey paid his way through college as a laborer.

“I worked in construction as a wire lather (reinforced concrete) in the summer of 1969 to help pay for graduate school at NYU,” said Fahey in the Freedomland book. “After completing a construction job in Manhattan, I went to the union hall to ‘shape’ for another assignment. My name was called and I went to the window and the guy told me, ‘You're being assigned to Freedomland, kid.’

“Freedomland? I said, It was torn down.

“'Yeah, I know, said he, but they still call it that. They're building a massive housing complex. Plenty of work for us, too.’”

So, Fahey went to the Freedomland site that day and learned about the layout for the 20+-story apartment buildings.

“I remember talking to the guys on the job site about the tall buildings being built on swampland in the northeast Bronx,” added Fahey, “and they all expressed concern that the buildings were not going to be safe. Well, the engineers and workers they did such a good job that the buildings built on the former Freedomland site are still standing tall.”

Dunedin Looses To Orlando

Plans were floated and then collapsed to move all or part of Freedomland to Dunedin. With Walt Disney already eyeing Orlando, Freedomland’s attractions were sold or auctioned and sent packing to other parks.

Some attractions, along with salvageable construction materials and other items, went to parks in Lake George, New York. Cedar Point in Ohio and Clark’s Trading Post in New Hampshire also obtained attractions and materials. A couple of attractions traveled to Pirate’s World in Dania. Today, all but a few Freedomland buildings and attractions have been mothballed, disassembled, or destroyed.

One part of Freedomland that has lingered all this time in New York and wherever New Yorkers have established new roots has involved the New York World’s Fair. When addressing the demise of the park, the book puts to rest an often repeated urban legend – the closing of Freedomland U.S.A. had nothing to do with the arrival of the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair.