 |
|
|
|
While the park was successful right from the start, the money to really
expand the park into Chicago's premier amusement park came when
Nicholas Valerius and Paul Cooper came into the company in 1907. That
year alone, $550,000 worth of attractions were added to Riverview
including the classic front gate, the Hellgate ride, and two roller
coasters.
The
first coaster was named the Top, because it was spiral-shaped like a
top and the coaster trains revolved around it. As the trains went
around it, the whole coaster structure wobbled like a top. The second
coaster was the Velvet Coaster, named for its gentle dips.
In
a new section of the park called Fairyland, Riverview built one of its
signature rides, the Shoot-the-Chutes. Note in the picture at right,
the Aero-Stat has not yet been moved from the front of the park to its
later position next to the Chutes. This ride was immensely popular, and
on busy days you could expect to wait a long time for a ride, with no
re-rides permitted.
|
|
|
|
|
