Memories Of Bronx Theme Park

Orlando’s Kevin Butler was raised in the northern portion of The Bronx, the only borough of New York City that Bronxites proudly claim is situated on the U.S. mainland.

Over the years, Butler has researched, conducted interviews and written about a unique time from his childhood. He is an historian about New York City’s children’s television from the 1950s and 1960s. New York baby boomers will recall the names of Officer Joe Bolton, Captain Jack McCarthy, Chuck McCann and many others from the city’s handful of television stations.

The historian’s work has appeared in books, in online publications and websites, and it has been featured in countless interviews. Now, his memories appear in a new book about Freedomland U.S.A., the American history theme park that was located in The Bronx from 1960 until 1964.

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.

The new book, Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History, provides the story about the park from conception to bankruptcy. It features 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 baby boomers who enjoyed the park's attractions, fun and excitement. Published by Theme Park Press, the book is available online from Amazon, eBay, Goodreads and Barnes&Noble.

The book served as the basis for the February 22 article -- Freedomland theme park was a 60s Apple slice of Americana -- in the New York Post.

Brewery Managed By Gnomes

The Little Old New York section of the park depicting the 1890s featured a recreation of an old time New York City brewery. Sponsored by Schaefer Beer, the brewery featured gnomes that crafted the brew. In the book, Butler suggests that the gnomes could have been the creation of famed puppeteer Paul Ashley, whose work was seen on children’s television programs at the time. Butler recalls that Ashley once told him that he had worked with artistes to create rides and attractions at Freedomland.

Butler supported the book’s author by reviewing the details about the children’s television hosts who appeared at the park. He also obtained the invitation that allowed the author to reach out to Bill Britten, who portrayed New York City’s Bozo the Clown on television.

Butler’s own fond memories of Freedomland also appear in the book.

“It was during the start of the summer of 1960 that my father took my brothers and me to this unique theme park that re-created events in American history. The three parts of the park that I remember fondly are Little Old New York, Satellite City, and the Civil War…There was also the rocket launch at Satellite City, which my brothers and I saw on film on a TV monitor, and the wagon ride through the re-creations of the War Between the States.”

The new Freedomland book, which includes the recollections of Sonny Fox, the host of television's Wonderama, will generate many more childhood memories among its readers. To arrange a group presentation about the history of Freedomland by the author, contact Freedomlandusa@yahoo.com .