They are two mystery photos. Sure, I can see that the place is called "Adventure Village", but I have no clue where it was. There's something sad about pictures being taken through a chain link fence. The park was clearly closed, possibly for good. Notice that there are some weeds growing over the train tracks in front of the little depot; if there was a train running regularly, those weeds would be cut right off. Notice the old-timey fire engine in the distance.
Or maybe the place was only open seasonally. When I look at this metal helical slide, all I can think of is how hot that steel must have become on a sunny day. Children slid down accompanied by the sizzle of frying bacon. The cute li'l building behind the slide has artwork showing folks on old-fashioned bicycles. Wonder why?
Or maybe the place was only open seasonally. When I look at this metal helical slide, all I can think of is how hot that steel must have become on a sunny day. Children slid down accompanied by the sizzle of frying bacon. The cute li'l building behind the slide has artwork showing folks on old-fashioned bicycles. Wonder why?
Vegetation looks vaguely Southern but I'm no expert.
ReplyDeleteThe building with the old time illustrations also sez 1890; perhaps there were "old-fashion" type stuff inside?
The paint and roofing are good. Seasonal or recently closed I suppose.
That's Adventure Village, South Jersey, Egg Harbor Township, beside Route 40, near Storybook Land, which is still there. Adventure Village was built in 1959 closed in 1969.
ReplyDeleteHere's some recentish pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinhooa/sets/72157603578499625/
D Ticket beat me to it lol
ReplyDeleteHere are some "happier times" pics.
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/1517353706017298203VsODUp
http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/1517353359017298203MYvZzV
Wow, those pics of it today are interesting....especially the one of the train depot taken from almost the same angle. Some of those weeds became trees! So if the park closed down in 1969, why are the buildings still standing today? Kind of creepy!
ReplyDelete@ TM!, The photog says it has been demolished since the photos were taken. There's now a used car business on the property.
ReplyDeleteChiana, It's funny, I also thought that this place might be in the South, somwhere. Oh well...
ReplyDeleteD ticket wins a chocolate cigar! Awesome, and thanks for the links to the photos! The interior with the filthy armchair does make it seem like somebody spent time in there.
Chiana, part two: Those postcards are awesome, it looks like Adventure Village was a cute little park in its day. Notice the misspelling of "Hippodrome"!
TM!, I kind of wish my photos were a bit more interesting, but I'm glad I posted them; the readers helped to make this a much more entertaining post!
Chiana, part three: yes, somebody says that "Auto Lenders" is now in that location.
So, does the (almost) current state of the property qualify as "art imitating life" or the other way 'round-?
ReplyDeleteEvidently the buildings here have full-scale 2nd floors, as opposed to those of Disneyland's Main Street, U.S.A., with their 5/8's 2nd & 1/2 3rd floor scales. (Sorry - No Vacancies at Main Street, U.S.A.)
Thanks Chiana, I didn't notice that info. But I think it said those pics were taken in 2007, so it's still fascinating to see that the buildings survived that long if the park closed in 1969.
ReplyDeleteMajor, I like these kind of pics. And yeah, it almost always seems like someone out there knows the location or is able to figure it out. Fun stuff!!!
Some of the articles stated that before demolition, the buildings were actually used as apartments, if you can believe that. That would explain the lived-in look in some of the photos. Not exactly "Dream Suites" though.
ReplyDeleteit is always sad to see things when they are neglected like this. tho, i do think it would be a very cool place for a "Haunted Village" for the Halloween season! ;-)
ReplyDeleteSad pictures.
ReplyDeleteI knew someone would know the story, but getting it by the second post, pretty awesome.
Thank you for the trip back.
JG
More info I have gathered on this park on my facebook site.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/126501337386296/