New Book 'Lost Wonderland' Sheds Light On Revere's Forgotten Amusement Park

Wonderland was one of dozens of amusement parks that cropped up in major cities across the United States after Coney Island became famous for its three parks (Steeplechase Park, Luna Park, and Dreamland). The concept of a more permanent county fair was new and not many people had relevant experience, but Wonderland’s management gained the support of Harold Parker (a member of the Massachusetts Highway Department and Massachusetts Forestry Commission), Rodolphe L. Agassiz (president of 10 mining companies and the grandson of Louis Agassiz, the “father of glaciology”), and a variety of other board members with backgrounds in industries ranging from baking powder, railways and theater. The parcel of land bordered the Rumney Marsh and was therefore in danger of being flooded; an ominous beginning which would be the first in a history of tough breaks.

It’s interesting to read about amusement rides that were precursors to modern-day equivalents: “Shoot the Chutes” was similar to a log flume; “The Foolish House” aka the “House of Mirth” aka “House of Follies” were early names for a fun house; the Velvet Coaster lacked the big drops and sudden turns that are now standards of roller coasters — but were only just becoming popular in 1907; and the “Circle Swing” hasn’t changed that much in over 100 years.