WPCNR THE DAILY BAILEY. By John F. Bailey. September 27, 2007: It was a drizzly day at Playland last Saturday, with showers closing some of the outdoor rides. So I took my companion on two rides that are on Playland’s “endangered rides list:” The Zombie Castle and The Flying Witch.
I rate the Flying Witch as the scarier of the two rides, and both it and its companion, The Zombie Castle are living history—actual odes to the past when the concept of horror and gore was new brought on by the motion pictures of the thirties which introduced America to the chills of being threatened by the supernatural. Frankenstein, The Wolfman, Dracula, from the crypts of Universal Studios created this need on the part of the public to be scared.
The Flying Witch Ride: You ride in a cart into the dark encountering horrors at every lurch and turn.
The two rides are the direct result of that era – and also were great romantic aids at the time. It was not easy to find places to hold your girl tight in the 1930s except in balconies of movie theatres and backseats of Packards. The Flying Witch and Zombie Castle were a means to that end. As you and your main squeeze rounded a corner in the dark and a scene of absolute bloody gore of goblin, vampire, torture master raised their menacing swords or held out severed heads with a hideous roar this would have the desired effect on the female.
The scenes encountered on these cart rides in the dark are classic creations of crypts, graves, graveyards, torture chambers, electric chairs at work, creatures of lovingly chilling detail with green skin, red eyes, dripping blood. They rear up at you out of the dark. They are masters of marionette artistry in the days before digital. The tableaus are especially giddy to small children, creating many a nightmare.
These two “houses of horror” are apparently classified as anachronisms now by the Playland Management and are on Playland’s Endangered Rides List because they are not listed as historical landmark rides, according to Playland Director Peter Tartagila.
Tartaglia told WPCNR that no decision has been made as to whether the Flying Witch and the Zombie Castle were going to be shut down. He declined to name the rides under consideration for replacement. He said they were “in the process of discussion, and negotiations (with manufacturers of other rides).”
When asked if the facades of the rides could be preserved and interior scenes saved, Tartaglia said no decision had been reached as to whether the rides would “go.”
The Fabulous Ice Casino and Collonades at Playland.
There are only 7 rides that are designated Historical Landmarks at Playland: The Dragon Coaster, The Derby, The Carousel, The Old Mill, The Whip, the Kiddie Carousel and Kiddie Coaster, Tartaglia said. Tartaglia explained Playland received its Landmark status based on its art deco era architure that consists of the Tower, the Ice Casino, the Collonades.
The Dragon Coaster, Playland, Circa 1928. Photo, WPCNR News
That raises a question in this reporter’s mind: Part of the joy of Playland is that it takes you back in time and treats its patrons of all races, ages, creeds, and income levels to activities of pure fun in an atmosphere of architectural design and old time honky tonk midway ambience that puts every one who goes in a good mood.
When a child stumbles and falls, people come up to you and ask if you’re o.k. Everybody is smiling. Part of that is the outlandish art and murals that dazzle the senses.
The Murals of the Flying Witch and the Zombie Castle are part of that history. Replacing old rides just to bring in supposedly more profitable rides, I think defeats the purpose of the County running Playland.
One could make the case that the only essential good thing that County Government does that is successful is Playland. The County consistently complains about the deficit Playland runs, which I believe was $3 Million at last look. Well that is $3 Million well spent for the happiness Playland provides every year and has since 1929.
If the Witch, and the Castle must go, their art and interior displays should be saved at the very least. But should they? Should the County even be looking at changing the Playland ride mix at the expense of this living historical amusement park, the only one of its kind left in the country?
Playland is a museum of the past and closing old rides just because they are old does not preserve that legacy. It takes away from the je ne sais quoi, the Playland mystique.The Custard’s Last Stand, the refreshment stands, Funnel Cakes, cotton candy stands are part of the experience. I can go to Burger King (at Playland) any time, but a funnel cake – that’s eating.
And another thing, the Witch and Castle, along with the wonderful KiddieLand Train are inexpensive rides. (2 tickets each). Bringing in more expensive thrill rides, if this is the plan does not appear constructive to me, and makes the park that much more expensive. Is the the county plan to gouge more money from the public with more expensive rides?
And another thing: Playland is one of the safest places you can go. I am tired of Playland being hammered for accidents that are essentially due to the misjudgments of individuals, not necessarily the safety of the rides. Major for-profit amusement parks have serious accidents every summer and they open the next day. No media write hand-wringing editorials asking for the big commercial parks to close. When did the Orlando papers call for shutting down Disney World?
The County has a gem in Playland. One thing that makes Westchester County unique. It does little to advertise it. Does not promote it like they should. Remember the old time ads for Palisades Park (“Palisades has the rides, Palisades has the Fun, so Come on over…”). Where are those spots on New York radio?
(A reader reminds of the rest of the Palisades Park jingle...
Ride the coaster get cool in the waves in the pool!
You'll have fun! so come on over! Doo doo doo doo doo!
Palisades Amusment park---swings all day and after dark!
