Riverview Amusement Park: Historic Photos & Memories | Chicago Landmark Book | Perfect for History Buffs & Local Collectors

Labor Day, 1967, was the last day of operation for Riverview Park, located at the Northwest corner of Western and Belmont Avenues, stretching west to the Chicago river and north to its border with Lane Technical HS. There was no hint of its closing until a few months later so there was no way to say "Goodbye." My family lived on the north side of Chicago and Riverview was part of everyday life: open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and a fixture of the landscape even in Winter. Just looking at it as the snow fell was enough to bring pleasant thoughts that the weather would warm and the park would open in a few months.The memories for an old codger, such as I am, are still vivid: The clank of the chain pulling a roller coaster to the top of the first hill and the screams of the passengers as it whooshed down; the Shill calling the customers to check out the freak show, the smell of the River (not quite sewer like but, unpleasant), the tempting smell of hot dogs and popcorn, and the cheesy music played on ancient rides like the merry go round or The Whip.All of the sights and sounds are still in my memory and this book helps bring them back even more vividly. Alas, when my generation is gone, so will be any first hand witness to this garish, early 20th century park. I thank the author for bringing back the memories with the pictures and text; Riverview may be gone, but it's definitely not forgotten.