| |
| Location |  |
| Status | Defunct |
| Operated | 1899 to 1915 |
| Owner | Glen Haven Railroad Company |
| Operator | Irondequoit Park Railway |
| Area | Irondequoit |
Glen Haven was an amusement park located on the shores of Irondequoit Bay in Rochester, New York, USA.[1][2]
Origins
Hotel
In 1839, with the expansions of trolley tracks and railroads into the area, the Glen Haven Railroad Company constructed a leisure hotel along the shores of Irondequoit Bay. The hotel's grandeur, including a dining room that was said to have enough room for 400, was a draw for tourists from the local community and surrounding areas. With its success and growth as well as mounting competition from nearby Seabreeze Park, Glen Haven sought to expand on their hotel and enter into a full fledged bayside resort.[1][2]
Resort
As time progressed, the needs for expansion rose with continued success at Glen Haven. Around 1889 A large dance hall featuring a spectator's balcony and events stage was constructed on the grounds.[1][2]
Amusement Park
In 1895 due to a slight economic recession, the Glen Haven Railroad suspended service temporarily due to costs. However, in 1899 the rails were electrified. Glen Haven's new railroad company now known as the Irondequoit Park Railway, would now not only carry guests to a hotel, but also to an amusement park. On September 11, 1899 the railroad company began construction and leveled out a large hill to use portions of it for filling in a large area of marsh land next to the hotel. This 6 acre area would house a variety of concessions, a midway, attractions, and amusement rides surrounded by a large fence and an admission gate. The rides present included a ferris wheel, miniature railway that utilized the terrain of the area for a scenic view, and a roller coaster.[1][2]
Closure
By 1910, the resort had added a carousel and a few other small attractions to the amusement park. By 1923, Glen Haven fizzled out as trolley lines were abandoned and nearby competition of Seabreeze on Culver Road (a main route) far outpaced the small off the beat park.
In 1928 the Glen Haven hotel caught fire and burned to the ground. As times began to change, competition increased, and the future Great Depression was nearing, it was decided that the hotel would not be rebuilt, marking the end of an era.[1][2]
Roller coasters
Past
| Name | Manufacturer | Type | Opened | Closed | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Figure 8 | Unknown | Wooden | 1899 | 1910 | Scrapped |
Rides
Past
| Name | Manufacturer | Type | Opened | Closed | Fate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carousel | Unknown | Carousel | 1899 | 1910 | Scrapped |
| Miniature Railway | Unknown | Miniature Railway | 1899 | 1910 | Scrapped |