An Amusement Park in Lake Orion? Yes It's True!

An Amusement Park in Lake Orion? Yes It's True!. . , From 1911-1930's we had everything from dancing, live music, lunch stands, souvenir shops, gaming like Japanese Rolling Ball, a $12,000 carousel, a roller coaster and Michigan's largest waterslide. , , It all started with John Winter in 1911 who owned Lake Orion Summer Homes Company. He purchased Park Island and quickly developed it into a destination thousands of people a week traveled to during the summer months. He also built many summer homes on the island that attracted vacationers who wanted the "up north" living. , , The Main Landing to the summer resort (now Green's Park) had easy access to the two main railroads passing through town; the Detroit Urban Railway and the Michigan Central Railroad. , , The Main Landing had a large lit entrance with arches inviting those to board the launch to their getaways and a day full of fun at the amusement park. , , The Main Landing also had the Lake Shore Cafe and The Lakeside Hotel owned by the Green family. , , On the island, the wooden roller coaster "The Thriller" and a large dance pavilion were main attractions for Park Island. The Thriller lived up to its name because at one point, the coaster tracks extended out over the lake making it an exciting ride! , , The dance pavilion attracted major talent like Logan's Lansing Orchestra and Butler's Band from Detroit. The dance pavilion burnt down twice; it was rebuilt each time lasting into the 1940s. , , Visitors enjoyed the penny arcade, especially the popular Japanese Rolling Ball game. Simply roll pool-sized balls into certain holes for points and prizes. Also, they had open-air markets, souvenir shops, food and drink stands as well as a dining room. , , Chautauquas of Bellevue Island , Bellevue Island (also known as Assembly Island) was the scene of many popular "Chautauquas" in the early 1900s. Thousands of people would travel to the island to participate in assemblies and hear prominent evangelists and political speakers such as Billy Sunday, Homer Rodeheave and William Jennings Bryan. They could also attend lectures, church services, concerts and plays. Classes were offered in music, theater and dramatic speaking. An auditorium on the island was built to seat 2240 people, and the island was also the setting for 2 hotels (the Bellevue and the Lakeview) as well as a number of cottages. The island could be reached by a wooden footbridge built in 1897. , , In 1900 a room at the fine Bellevue Hotel rented for $5.00 a night, a considerable sum of money! The less expensive Lakeview Hotel rented rooms for $2.50 per night.