And Euclid Beach Park during wartime

Almost Memorial weekend as I write this. Cedar Point (where EBP’s Racing Derby now runs as “Cedar Downs”) has been open for a few weeks, but goes full time this weekend. Traditional parks like Waldameer in Erie, PA, & Conneaut Lake Park open for the summer this weekend (& they’re both close – definitely plan a trip sometime over this summer to them. Conneaut Lake Park especially feels like a “trip back to Euclid Beach”!)

But think back now, to the days when our Carrousel turned by the Lake at Euclid Beach, and summer was coming. Remember? The snow would (finally!) be gone, the Park’s sycamores would be leafing out, and the Lake would be actually liquid again!

But that’s not what Clevelanders were looking for, was it? What we were watching for told us that yes! Summer had FINALLY come to Cleveland!

Think Lakeshore Blvd, between E 156th & the “trailer park”. What was it that made it “summer in Cleveland”?

That glorious red “Open for the Season” sign!

Many of you will remember school picnics at Euclid Beach, usually sometime in June. I’ve heard many stories from so many of you about these days at the Park; what a different time it was, when you didn’t have to worry about the kids – or whether your picnic basket would still be there when everyone wanted lunch. Many (or dare I say “most”?!) companies held their picnics there as well – one way or another, just about everyone in Cleveland got to Euclid Beach at least once over the summer. Living in Collinwood simply made it easier to get to this magical place!

But what I wanted to talk about this time (& yes it’ll be after Memorial Day when you see this, but it’s still worth talking about I think) was Euclid Beach during World War II especially.

Now how did the Park cope with wartime? Without a doubt, it was a challenge – not only did the Park face a manpower shortage, but there was the material issue as well. Yet EBP thrived – as David & Diane Francis point out in their book Cleveland Amusement Park Memories, the fact that the streetcar system gave nearly every Clevelander access to the Park was huge. The Humphreys became ingenious with making materials stretch as well, keeping the coasters running, for instance, by swapping the less worn track for track that took more wear. They stayed open, and gave Clevelanders a very much-needed place to get away from the war, at least for awhile.

One of my husband, Frank, and my favorite pieces is an advertisement for Euclid Beach from 1942. Not sure where it’s from; it’s framed & we don’t disturb such things if we can help it, but it’s nearly 13 inches high by 10 1/2 inches wide. It announces that Euclid Beach Park was going to be open special hours, one night – looks something like this (can’t begin to replicate to wonderfully goofy logo they used – something we haven’t seen elsewhere!) and read:

"Euclid Beach Park will be open from 11:30 PM Tuesday, August 11, 1942 Unti 3:00 AM To Provide Amusement and Recreation for War Industries' Second Shift Workers. You can enjoy... Dancing and Roller skating, All Rides-- All Refreshments.  Meet Your Family At The Beach. Regular Prices Will Prevail.

Many parks experimented with different hours during this time, but I believe Euclid Beach was unique in doing this type of thing. You have to wonder how they staffed the place, but what a neat idea.

Hope your Memorial Day was fun!

And Miles? We’ll miss you here in Collinwood – always!

Elva Brodnick is the president of Euclid Beach's Carrousel Committee.

Euclid Beach's Carrousel Committee, PO Box 91162 –  Cleveland OH 44101, ebcarrousel@gmail.com or carrollsell@gmail.com, 440–942–1493, Facebook: Euclid Beach Carrousel Committee