Freedomland

Images of America: New York

by Robert McLaughlin, Frank R. Adamo

Billed as New York's answer to Disneyland, Freedomland opened on June 19, 1960. Designed by Marco Engineering of Los Angeles for the International Recreation Corporation, Freedomland transformed a former landfill, lowlands, and farms into an exciting theme park in the shape of the United States. Through photographs, Freedomland recalls boat rides on the Great Lakes, putting out a fire in Chicago, dancing under the stars at the Moon Bowl, or taking a train ride all the way to San Francisco. Entering Freedomland was like walking into a history book of America for both young and young at heart. Open for five seasons, Freedomland gave its guests and cast members memories that have lasted a lifetime.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2010

Reviews

[Kristi Schoonover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed the IMAGES OF AMERICA series, but this one on the subject of Freedomland--also known as the "Disneyland of the East"--is particularly good due to the fact that it was co-authored by someone who had a hand in both building and working at the park during its short life. Specific dates for many of the photos are given, and locations of attractions are described in detail so that the reader gets a complete sense of the park; in addition, former employees have chimed in with info on what it was like to work there. There is also a section at the end which is a "then" and "now." If you're a theme park junkie, don't miss this one.

[Nick Vantangoli · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty decent read.

I was hoping for more text and history. The place seems like it was quite the attraction. It is a crying shame that it is now no more.