Cindy Beck, Age 5 ½ (Pictured)

Circa Early 1960’s

In today’s world this particular outdoor equipment could never exist but in the 1960’s that was a different story all together.  It was approximately 12 feet long and rose to a staggering 3 feet at its highest point.  There were no seatbelts and no safety systems to protect the riders but it was the most exciting 1.2 seconds a kid could have or adults for that matter.

As roller coasters go this was no “twister” but it was fun and it attracted all kinds of attention.  The rider sat on a flat “sled” with very small wheels and nothing to hold on to.  The ride started at the top, three feet off the ground and dropped slightly before rising up and over the first
hump.  Down a bit further to the second and last hump before screeching to a stop a mere twelve feet from the start.  If you were not paying attention you would arrive at the end, cart stopping in its tracks while the rider proceeded on until gravity did what it required and friction finished the job.

Kids would wait in line for their turn, bickering on whose turn it really was, for what seemed like hours.  The “coasting” was usually only interrupted buy an occasional accident with blood involved or by the proverbial, “bedtime.”  On some evenings when my parents had guests
over for dinner or drinks, the kids would soon find themselves relegated to other activities as the adults took on the “Coaster of Doom.”

I am not sure who actually got the roller coaster but I think it was actually a birthday gift for my brother.  But all of the kids and their friends had hours of fun.  Sure there were scrapes and bruises but none of us ever had to go to the hospital due to a derailment or other catastrophes.  One thing I am sure of is the fact that in today’s world a toy like this would come with all kinds of warnings and lawyer on retainer.