Mourning the loss of Kiddieland
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Monday, May 24, 2010
Even after the most horrible winter, summer in all its glory always returns to Chicago. But something is painfully missing from our landscape this time. Like Chicago's beloved Riverview, Kiddieland Amusement Park is now just a treasured memory of countless generations for Chicagoans who grew up riding the Little Dipper, Steam Engine Train and my favorite, the Tilt-A-Whirl.
The outpouring of sentiment surrounding the historic park's closing after more than 80 years confirms its significant presence in the area. While the individual stories and memories may be different, we are all the same in having a little piece of our history taken away.
Not only did I spend my childhood there, but who would think Kiddieland could transform my adult life? A Tilt-A-Whirl ride on a blind date spun into the backdrop for a future marriage proposal and a fun, private wedding day photo session. Our entire wedding party roamed the park on a cold, damp pre-season Saturday and posed on the ride that started it all.
Throughout the years, we made our pilgrimage to the park with our daughters, watching them grow up to love the same rides we did as youngsters.
Sunday, Oct. 4, 2009, was Kiddieland's last day. I was there for a fond farewell. As a 20th wedding anniversary surprise, my husband won the bid for the last ride on the Tilt-A-Whirl where our story began. Even blue sunny skies could not mask the huge cloud of sadness as each ride was closed down forever-from the ceremonial reading of its history to the starting and ending of the ride to the actual draping of the cars and closing of the gates. It was the end of an era and we were part of this historic event, unwilling accomplices in the shuttering of our favorite amusement park.
Summers won't be the same. Thanks for the memories, Kiddieland. It's been a great ride.
Lucy Latourette, Rolling Meadows
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What a Story on What a RideBy Julie Flannery on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 After reading your story I wanted one more ride on the Tilt a Whirl at Kiddieland. So much of that simple innocence is gone. Thanks for voicing-- so incredibly well --what so many of us are feeling. |
KiddielandBy L. Cullinan on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 What a special story the writer shared with the readers providing one last memory of a fun amusement park. |
ThoughtBy C. Dirk on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 With both Kiddieland and Santa's Village gone, is there a space in the market for a kiddie-park anymore? Do you think people would go? And, would they go often enough for a business to stay afloat? |
KiddelandBy B. Ricken on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 What a great story to share with all of us. Future generations won't even know that an amusement park with so many memories for so many people was replaced by retail development. So sad. |
KiddielandBy Leila Noelle on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 How wonderful that Kiddieland carried many treasured memories throughout the writer's life! And she was able to share the Amusement Park experience with her children. We'll miss you Kiddieland! |
MemoriesBy K. Fahey on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Thanks for the moving story. It is so sad that a Chicago area landmark is gone. It is comforting to know that all of our memories will live on. |
What a wonderful story!By J. Glatz on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 What a wonderful story this is! Kiddieland is a fond memory for me and my children as well. We will miss it!!! |
A great loss. . .By L. Schmidt on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 I was truly touched by this story. I, too, grew up with Kiddieland and will greatly miss it. Thanks for putting into words what so many of us feel. |
Missing Kiddieland
By Jane Bond on Tuesday, November 13, 2012
I drive past Kiddieland everyday and am saddened by its emptiness. At this time of year one can usually see preparations going on for the new season, but, alas, not this year. At least, we have Ms. Latourette's poignant rememberance.