Forty Years of Stories from the World's Greatest Amusement Park.

In 1870, Louis Zistel began ferrying passengers from Sandusky to the Cedar Point Peninsula's beer garden and sandy beaches. In 1888, the Grand Pavilion was built, housing a massive theatre, bowling alley, photographic studio, and kitchen, and shortly thereafter, the resort's first roller coaster was installed. George Boeckling transformed the resort into a self-sufficient city and amusement park, but the park suffered badly in the 1930s economic depression. However, after Cedar Point changed hands several times in the 1950s, it became one of America's leading amusement parks. Today, the park is best known as the world's largest amusement park and the "Roller Coaster Capital of the World."

If you mention Cedar Point today to someone, their first thought is probably of the roller coasters. Cedar Point is called the Roller Coaster Capital of the World for a reason. The park has set more world records, holds more world records, and has set the standard for amusement parks across the world.But it hasn't always been like that.If you go back in time a hundred years ago, the roller coasters were an afterthought. Cedar Point in the early days was all about getting away to the beach, catching a live show in the Ballroom, socializing on the Hotel Breakers porch, or having a fine picnic with your co-workers. Sure, the resort had roller coasters. And Ferris wheels. And haunted houses. And carousels. But these weren't the focus. Rolling Through The Years is a look back across time at the development and changes at the Worlds' Greatest Amusement Park. Author Ken Miller has spent the last seven years exploring the history of the resort. Magazine articles, museum archives, and over 100,000 newspaper articles spanning 200 years were examined for this detailed history of Cedar Point. Over 75 historical maps of the peninsula and over 1200 images are included in this coffee table book.

In 1972, one of America's most beloved theme parks swung open its gates for the first time. Kings Island was the latest in the post-Disneyland boom, and it was big, beautiful, and instantly successful. Who could forget their first sight of the magnificent Eiffel Tower after passing through the turnstiles? Or the colorful flags flying proudly over the Royal Fountain? Now nearly fifty years later, the park is as amazing and grand as ever. Read the story behind this magical playground and how it has changed over time. Filled with personal recollections of park officials who were there, Kings Island: A Ride Through Time offers a first-hand account that is as fascinating as the attractions we've loved all our lives.

Northeast Ohioans who grew up visiting amusement parks in the 1940s through 1970s will cherish the memories and memorabilia captured in this vivid, nostalgic portrait of days gone by. Includes: Euclid Beach Park, Luna Park, Geauga Lake Park, Puritas Springs Park, White City, Memphis Kiddie Park, Geneva-on-the-Lake, and others.