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Karl R. Josker | profile | all galleries >> Buffalo >> Crystal Beach tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Crystal Beach

The Crystal Beach Amusement Park was a very special place. As a small boy, I can remember taking the Canadiana from downtown Buffalo to the park. The boat ride was half the fun. I can remember taking my girlfriend there by highway. I can remember taking my children there when they were small. And I remember when it closed in September 1989. Two weeks before it closed, I took a nostalgic trip there for the last time, and took these photos.
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This was the dock the Canadiana arrived at...
This was the dock the Canadiana arrived at...		 The Comet
The Comet		 The Comet From The Lake
The Comet From The Lake		 The Comet Closer Up
The Comet Closer Up
The Comet From The Dock
The Comet From The Dock		 The Comet Entrance
The Comet Entrance		 Concession Building
Concession Building		 Crystal Beach Scene
Crystal Beach Scene
Ballroom
Ballroom		 Flying Bobs
Flying Bobs		 Giant Coaster
Giant Coaster		 Giant Coaster
Giant Coaster
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Mary Zavisca 25-Jun-2018 00:45
I spent summers at a different cottage in Crystal beach each summer with the same set of friends from 1973 thru 1983. This was the original party town- there was always something going on. We would walk through the park as often as we
could, but especially on Sundays. We loved the comet, of course, the wild mouse, the Loop de Loop, and my personal favorite, the rotor.

We would get hot dogs, loganberry, custard, sugar waffles and popcorn. Not to mention suckers. The supposed “crystal beach suckers” that exist now have flavors that were not the originals.

My dad, Dr. Ernest Zavisca, played saxophone in the Crystal Beach orchestra when he was young. I believe it was during the 1930’s.

My dad took my 3 brothers and me to Crystal beach Park several times every summer until I was about 13 years old and I could go on the bus with my friends. I have so many wonderful memories of this place!! What a shame it’s no longer there!
Guest 02-Apr-2018 02:34
I couldn't sleep the night before in anticipation of visiting this great park. I am from Welland Ontario and we used to go to the atlas steelers picnic every year held at the park. The best times of my childhood and I am still so sad they tore it down for developement. Why take everything great away from us by greedy people.
MARILYN DALE 26-Jul-2017 01:58
Hi; my name is Marilyn Dale. I have fond memories as a child spending my summers at Crystal Beach. We often took the Canadiana to Buffalo and back on numerous occasions. I enjoyed having hot dogs and loganberry frequently. As a child I retrieved the coins that passengers would throw off the pier into the lake. My heart breaks knowing everything has vanished forever.
MARILYN DALE 26-Jul-2017 01:39
Hi; my name is Marilyn Dale. I spent most of my summers as a child in Crystal Beach. I have fond memories of going to the amusement park and taking the boat ride from the pier to Buffalo and back on numerous occasions. I remember people on the pier throwing coins into the lake and as kids we would retrieve them. I remember the loganberry stand and the hot dogs that we so enjoyed. My heart is broken knowing that everything has vanished forever.
Guest 05-Sep-2016 22:25
Nights at "The Beach" were some of the most memorable of the summer. Stumbling around Bay Beach with a bunch of boys was a weekend ritual for me and my girl friends. One particular night, a friend and I fled from my cottage, snatched up our bicycles from the corner of the garage, and went out for a two AM spin around Crystal Beach. We encountered a skunk, nearly flipping off our bicycles, flirted with a few boys outside the candy shop, and spent the night swimming with strangers in nothing more than our pajama shorts. Those were the glory days of Crystal Beach, the days spent lounging in the sand and the nights spent out in Wasted Acres. If you were lucky, you had a local friend who had a house right by the beach entrance, so you could be up early to watch the crowds file through those gates.
Debra Kroening 05-Aug-2016 23:13
I am trying to find a map of the park and area from the late 50s or early 60's. Trying to determine where the entrances were to the park and trying to maybe find a house my parent stayed in during that time. Does anyone know where I can find a map or photos showing the area outside of the park?
John White 07-Jun-2016 22:26
I remember going in 1961, 63, 65. Loved riding the "caterpillar" over and over - screaming when the top came over me. My mom wouldn't let me ride the "Comet" because there was a story that someone had gotten killed on it. But my dad snuck me on. That figure eight at the bottom of the first hill was wicked! And I remember the "Magic Palace" as the very best funhouse I was ever in - and I've been to many parks. I was wearing shorts when I sat on the "shock bench" ! Great times
Suzy 24-Apr-2016 15:39
Thank you! We had a cottage by Crystal Beach, where we spent our summer weekends, growing up. These pictures help recapture the magical memories.
Susan Mutton 04-Apr-2016 00:16
I still miss this place. I think about it a bunch. Thank you for the pics. My whole life growing up was so crystal beach oriented.
West Side Johnny26-Feb-2016 21:52
What a great blast from the past! My CB memories start in the 60's as a kid to the 70's as a pain in the butt college student summer cottager, and continues as a frequent visitor up to the park closing in1989. I agree with previous commenters....what a waste having the park replaced by the sterile, cramped, overpriced gated community. The older we get the farther in the past these wonderful days become. Thanks Karl for keeping the memories alive and fresh. BTW, I still show up for the CB memorabilia show in the summer (when the buffalo news decides to announce it) It's great talking old times with the folks who attend.
Jack from the West Side 26-Feb-2016 21:27
This is a much appreciated blast from the past! So many of us have wonderful memories of Crystal Beach, the CB and Ridgeway area, these days long past, and the friends and loved ones we shared these times with. My memories "only" go back to the 60's, but from the 60's to the closing of the park in 1989, CB was like a reliable old friend...a fun friend! I still visit the CB memorabilia show each summer and enjoy talking old times with the visitors that show up. Hopefully the show continues.....as we all know, the older we get, the more years have passed since our CB days. Thanks for posting this Karl.
SHELDON LOKASH 15-Sep-2015 23:10
ON labor day weekend 1942 my parents met at crystal beach . SO I . am a product of crystal beach. We always stayed at Mrs. HARDY's cottage. DOES anyone remember her ???? THANKS SHELDON oakwoodava@yahoo.ca
Guest 05-Sep-2015 19:08
Many great memories. Went there in the late 50's from grammar school. Rode the comet over and over, loved it. Great suckers and waffles too. Places like that just don't exist today.
Sara 09-Apr-2015 19:18
I went with my family every summer throughout the 80s! It was so much fun! I wish it was still here!
DanceHistorian27-May-2014 08:38
CALLING ALL JEEPERS/SHAGGERS!
If you or anyone you know danced at Crystal Beach or surrounding areas in the 1923-1945 PLEASE contact me. I'm am the ONLY dance historian that is documenting The JEEP or even knows it existed. Please help me save this part of American History for future generations and preserve this unique Swing era dance. Don't hesitate to pass on this message or my contact information. Sincerely
Forrest Outman forrestoutman@gmail.com (727)320-4001
Donna 01-May-2014 20:10
A lot of memories here in crystal beach.
.my parents ..patents parents aunt's uncles cousins all had cottages ...The fun time was taking the shutters off the cottage..getting it ready to stay all summer..seeing all my friends that I haven't seen all winter...cottages rented with no care in the world..could walk up and down with a beer ..parties all night long... hanging out every day at the beach..having a boat and every night hanging out with best friend Mary Jo...getting on the rides free...going down the beach at night..walking the board walk with someone new you met...of course we had to hit the Merry go round ever night to sing I can't get no satisfaction with Dave that ran it....then walk home getting are 15 cent French fries with vinger and salt..oh I so miss those days..I could just go on and on..My children were lucky they enjoyed those days like I did ..wish my grandchildren could of..those were some very special years of my life..sad they had to close it down..I do go pass are old cottage when I'm in town and it still looks the same...lol
Paul Goencz 01-May-2014 03:45
I loved going there in the early 70's to the Firestone picnic with my uncle Len and aunt D from Hamilton.
The rides, free stuff, ice cream and races where also the best..
I wish the place never closed so I could have taken my kids for a swim and a ride at the beach. So many good times locked in all our hearts forever.
Nina Lane 05-Feb-2014 01:58
I use to go to Crystal Beach every summer with my Grandparents and family. We would rent a small cottage by the name Eileen. What great memories. I will be coming back to Buffalo this fall to visit my family and will try to get over there again. Thanks for all the pictures.
Guest 05-Jan-2014 04:38
Dad loved amusement parks and my brother and I were only too happy to indulge him! We loved Crystal Beach! My parents' best friend, Dottie, promised my girlfriend and I that if we stopped biting our fingernails over the summer, she would take us to Crystal Beach! Not so sure we held up our part of the bargain, but she came through and I'll never forget her climbing on the Comet with me and hearing her laugh, laugh, laugh......!
Guest 05-Jan-2014 02:59
I remember back in the summers of the 60s and 70s they had different promotions like Riverside Days, Black Rock Days, or whatever town you happened to live in. You could buy discounted tickets and bus rides to C.B. I remember Super Duper in Riverside would give free tickets based on your final report card grades of A or B. Of course you got more tickets if you got As. Good times and memories. I use to love the cinnamon suckers.
Jim Degenhart 14-Aug-2013 16:20
As a young 10 year old in 1952 the trip to Crystal Beach was the absolute highlight of the summer.The excitement started as soon as one boarded the Canadiana and by the time the Comet came into view you were almost besides yourself with anticipation.The rides were great,the food was great and the entire experience spelled "SUMMER" at its best in Western New York.
Guest 09-Aug-2013 14:12
These photos have brought back so many wonderful childhood memories. I grew up in Buffalo and my family and i would go to Crystal Beach every summer. I remember the Comet and the wild mouse ride. The Sky Ride was a bit scary, but i always wanted to go on it because it went over the water and my dad would always go with me. This is such a beautiful memory for me since my dad has since passed on. Loved the laughing fat lady at the "Laff in the Dark" ride (she always scared us) and the skeleton in his pj's playing the piano with the spit bucket next to him on the floor. Thanks for posting these beautiful pictures. Wish i could go back in time just to get on the Comet one more time!
John 01-Jul-2013 15:25
When I was young Crystal Beach was the most magic place in the world, I wish my children could have experienced it, love to go on Kenmore Day it was a great start to the Summer
Rick Bevan 20-Apr-2013 03:56
What memories! Dad took me over there on the Canadiana once. What a blast! Used to go for Kenmore Day, ride the bus with friends. Got crazier as I got older.
Summer of '62 my folks rented a cottage in Thunder Bay for a week. I became friends with the locals pretty quick, and we used to hang out at the "Bunkhouse" Anyone remember THAT? After the week, my aunt and UNCLE rented the same cottage, and I became a real pain I imagine because I would hitch a ride to Thunder Bay anyway I could. Then I "Couch Surfed" the rest of the summer. Suffered my first heartbreak there (I was all of 14 and she CRUSHED me. I had to get in line for any sympathy as a few of my buds had the same experience. :-(
Revisited in 89 with my ex wife and son, did the Park, and was just appalled at the way the place had deteriorated and the trash that were disorderly, cutting in lines, and the park doing nothing for fear of a disturbance. Broke my heart. Ohhh but the memories. Who ever put this together, THANK you so much, and I just got to relive a piece of my childhood.
Sharon Stott 30-Mar-2013 03:50
Hi My family owned the Imperial Hotel in the Beach for everal years in the 50's and 60's. If you have or could get any pics of the Imperial Hotel before it burned down I would be very appreciative.
Thx
Guest 25-Jun-2012 03:42
my family had a cottage on the corner of thunder bay and bernard about 3 milrs from the park. not only was the park agreat place to play but the whole area was something you will never see again . i cherish the memories and thank god i was a part of that area. anyone who grew up there in the summer should consider themselves lucky .thanks for all the memories.
Guest 01-Apr-2012 15:16
Crystal Beach was the best. We still have our cottage there, after 40 years!!! If you lived there all summer do you remember beach dimes??? We got a dime everyday to go to Eli's snack shop. And who could forget all those nights on HOT DOG ALLEY?? Miss it, sure widh there was something similar for my own kids...
Sandy 19-Mar-2012 14:47
Sure do miss that park! Some of my honest childhood memories were made here. The good times, never bad...always happy, and only sad when my sisters had to drag me on to the comet for the first time....scared to death! I got over it quick! :)
guest 27-Jan-2012 23:41
I have a photo of my mother (born 1903) as a young girl before boarding the boat, standing at the dock with the name "Canadiana" immediately behind her. My memories of taking the boat from Buffalo to CB are still vivid. Just a tragic loss of both the Canadiana and Crystal Beach. Dear friends sent me a VCR of the baron land when the park was gone, my two children and I cried in disbelief. Tragic tragic loss.
Guest 03-Jan-2012 04:15
I think I want to move back to Buffalo.....thanks for bringing my childhood alive again! I am so grateful I was a child then and there. What a great New Year's gift.
Alan Wrobel 31-Dec-2011 00:18
Such an intensely romantic place, Crystal Beach mackes me tear up every time I see pictures like these. I'm 53, and me and my 3 younger sisters would head down from my grandmother's house a 1/2 mile away for such fun times. My mom would complain about the kids 'buckin' her to death since a dollar would get some treats and ride tickets and, with a swim at the beach, would last most of the day. Wouldn't it be great if someone with $ would buy the housing development there now, flatten it, and rebuild the park and pier!?!
chapelhill1128-Dec-2011 17:11
could not wait for kensingtom day at crystal beach loved the boat ride over
richard 28-Dec-2011 16:51
could not wait for kensington day at cyrstal beach
Kathleen Herman 08-Dec-2011 02:22
These pictures confirm my memory. I traveled to Crystal Beach from Erie with some friends the year I was sixteen, 1953. I fearlessly boarded the Comet for my first rollercoaster ride. It seemed to me that when we came over the first hill, we were headed straight for the Lake and I couldn't see the track. We were in the first car.
I was so scared I vowed to never ride a rollercoaster again. I am going to be 75 in a few weeks and that was my last ride.
Bill Kae 26-Oct-2011 01:44
New book on Crystal Beach just released. "Crystal Beach Park: A Century of Screams" explores the development, growth and ultimate demise of the park. The 263 page volume includes hundreds of rare and archival images, with 20 pages in full color.Fully researched, the book dispels many Crystal Beach myths considered historical fact with over 300 references to period newspapers, census records, real estate transaction records, amusement industry journals. For more information, please visit www.crystalbeachhistory.com
Maurice Beauregard 03-Aug-2011 00:34
Many memories from all these photos. Many people from the Port Colborne area worked at Crystal Beach Park . Myself as a Port Colborne High School student worked at the Park also during the summer months of 1964 till 1969. The work schedule was six days a week and long hours but it was fun and enjoyable. I really miss those days and it is sad to see the amusement park no longer exist..
Kerry Langan 15-Jul-2011 22:57
These are lovely photos of a place that will always have a hold on my heart. My short fiction collection, Only Beautiful and Other Stories, contains a story titled "The Comet" in honor of the iconic roller coaster at Crystal Beach. This site makes me wistfully nostalgic, and I so enjoyed reading the comments.
Gary Stearns 14-Jun-2011 15:06
Having set up a Web site for my 50th HS reunion in 2013 (West Seneca High), I came upon these photos while searching Crystal Beach. They have brought back many many good memories of the park back in the mid fifties when we were in grade (elementary) school. Thank you Mr Josker. Your efforts are much appreciated.
Dennis Mazza 31-May-2011 01:32
If anyone from West Seneca, South Buffalo, or Lackawanna is old enough to remember this event, please let me know if it was actually what I saw or some other band. At the Abbott Road Plaza sometime from June-August 1967, I swear I saw John Kay and Steppinwolf perform on stage in the parking lot. I was 9 at the time, but I did recognize the song, "Born To Be Wild". BTW, I do miss the Wild Mouse, The Comet, Laff in the Dark, the Magic Carpet, and those sour lemon suckers at the Crystal Beach Amusement Park.
Kathy Ciesielski 17-May-2011 13:39
Does anyone recall a psychic who told fortunes named "Lady Salem"at Crystal Beach? She worked at U.B. many moons ago. I'm looking for her today.
Bettina Sara 18-Mar-2011 00:17
Early 7o's found my 16-year-old sister, wearing bright green bellbottoms and white, billowy cropped shirt waiting at the neighborhood DairyQueen for the bus that would take her and a load of other teens over the boarder from Buffalo to that fantastic, boy-enriched, hormone-driven place that I, as a 1o year old could only shake my head at. The BubbleGum music blasted from transistor radios and the groove was heavy. She never slept the whole week before the trip and the morning of, was a bit dazed and confused, but anxious and excited. She left in the AM and returned home tenish. Crystal Beach was THE place for her. Cute guys running the rides. Great music blasting out of huge speakers all through the park. Later, for myself and the end of the 7o's, it became my mecca of choice. What a thrill Crystal Beach was. How sad it all ended. Note of joy: Comet was relocated. She still lives! VIVA LA MEMORIES...
Gail 15-Mar-2011 16:15
Yes Crystal Beach was a fantastic place to take your family and have a great time.My son used to work there , his job was the famous COMET. He found his un iform that they wore. He is going to get rid of it. If you can recall what it looked like, it was a red short sleeve shirt navy pants with red stripes down the side.Is anyone interested.
Neal 26-Feb-2011 02:28
I remember Crystal Beach as if it were just yesterday. I was there on the last before it closed in 1989. My friend and I went on the Comet 11 times! My parents always took us kids to Crystal Beach every summer. I remember the laughing fat lady, the horror wax museum, Paul Bunyan statue, Ski lift (which took you over the water). I also remember these huge circus carts with animals faces painted on the sides. Their mouths were open and had some sort of vacuum system attached to suck in your trash. There were so many rides, attractions and games. (Many places to grab something to eat, too) I miss those huge, red candy apples. Blue, as well and caramel. There was loganberry, tasty suckers and sugar waffles. Crystal Beach was such a fun place. I really miss it. The pics posted are great. This was a great trip down memory lane.
Brian Green 14-Feb-2011 14:57
Looking for info regarding a psychic or fortuneteller at Crystal Beach.Her Name was Lucy Scot Galley.She was my mothers aunt or great aunt
Murray S. 21-Jan-2011 19:29
Thanks for the super photos. I grew up in CB and worked my summers at the park. My first job was setting pins in the "5 cents a game" bowling alley under the ballroom. Next, I became the "penny boy" and delivered bags of pennies and rolls of tickets to the gals in the ticket booths. Lots and lots of walking but managed never to get robbed, which almost happened had it not been for Mr. Roth, park superintendent. I graduated to half a season on the wild mouse. Transferred to the Comet for the next two seasons with Mr. Teal as my supervisor. I recall the old gentleman oiling the tracks every morning and walking the whole track to double-check it for safety. We usually ran two trains, but one weekend, it got so busy, we put on three trains to deal with the crowds. That was scary as we really had to time the trains perfectly. We found lots of stuff on the comet. Coins, purses, wallets and one day, I found a Buffalo police officers badge. I remember him jumping over the turnstile on his way back onto the ride to find it. Didn't even get a thank-you from him!! Some days it seemed like us locals, the workers, were invisible. Lousy pay, long hours and all the free rides that you wanted....yes, we had lots of fun but when the park closed for the year, it was back to school and heading to Buffalo for a beer and a sub sandwich. Ah, the memories of that little town and park are both sweet and sour for the locals.
Guest 21-Nov-2010 20:39
I am in my 60's and grew up spending summers at the beach. My parents met at Crystal Beach in 1940. My dad is about to turn 99 and is still sharp as a tack.He worked on the boats going from Buffalo and I found your site as I was looking for pictures to make him a book. His memories include the dance hall, and mine include the Swing-In! Thank you for these photos.
Cece 16-Nov-2010 21:37
What wonderful memories! First with my parents and like all of you couldn't wait for the first day each summer!!! I remember holding my dad's hand as we entered always by the "MAgic Carpet." The later in high school, one of my very best firend's family owned a cottage and I couldn't wait to be asked to go up with her and spend a few days. We would sun ourselves all day and then look for guys in the park at night. I am smiling just thinking about how silly that sounds now, but that's what we did! Loved the comet, sugar waffles and the loganberry. Broke my heart when it closed. My kids never got the chance and nothing we have now...Darien or Fantasy Island comes close to CB!
joe wheee 15-Nov-2010 19:18
Really miss this park went only 2 times as i did not drive at the time. took the bus from toronto w a friend and then hitch hiked to the park from ft erie. I actually want to remake this park on rollercoaster tycoon 2 or 3 Does anyone have a park map or a really good recollection of where things were. thanks in advance joe
Guest 19-Oct-2010 23:14
We are all very fotunately that you have been kind enough to document this for us. Thank you for your work!
Bob Snyder 24-Sep-2010 13:54
Like some of the posts on here I do remember Crystal Beach very well. I was born in 1963 and have the wonderful memories of going to Crystal Beach each summer.
I grew up in the Kensington & Bailey area of Buffalo. I remember my father being the soul provider and my mother doing what she could to keep me and my 4 other siblings amused in the summer. She would skimp the money and buy the ride tickets from a little print shop called the Compu print shop. There use to be a dedicated day where the neighborhood association would provide buses and we would all load them up and head to Crystal Beach.
All the wonderful things I remember such as the horse rides when you first entered, the little boats you could drive, the bumper cars and of course the larger rides. the comet and the wild mouse.
I remember my brother eating lunch which we always packed because there wasnt enough money to buy from the booths, he didnt wait long enough and got onto the ride where the bottom drops out, I believe they called it the devil hole, and he lost his lunch on everyone next to him.
I now tell my two kids all about Crystal Beach. i will probably be telling my grandkids in the next couple of years.
Thanks for posting the pictures. They brightened my day.
Guest 13-Sep-2010 18:17
Thanks for the pictures and comments. I grew up in Buffalo and was privileged to spend one summer in a cottage at Crystal Beach. It must have been 1952. Anyway, I was in Buffalo recently and found, in Wegman's, "authentic Crystal Beach" lollipops. I bought two flavors, cinnamon and peanut, but they had at least a dozen flavors. The lollipops (or "suckers") I bought were wonderful and seemed like what I remembered but I didn't remember the multiplicity of flavors. Does anyone else remember them? I also have a vague memory of "all day suckers." Does that register with anyone?
Anyhow, I shared the experience of the ice deliveries for our icebox -- no refrigerator. Opening all the windows to let the breeze blow through. The miniature train from the park passed just behind our backyard, so we would go out back and wave to the conductor and the riders. Fireworks over the lake for both July 1 (Canada Day?) and July 4. And so on.
Michael Isaacs 10-Sep-2010 20:03
I was little but went just about every year for the Iroquois gas picnic wish I could find a picture of charmin' charlie the skeleton piano player and the plate-lipped native cooking the man in the pot from the jungle boat ride...there was that certain smell of the place too!! it will live in my heart forever...
Linda Zohner 20-Aug-2010 16:46
I am still looking for a picture of the Twin Cities beauty contest around 1934
at Crystal Beach. My Mom is 93 yrs old and we often talk about her winning
Her name at that time was Alberta Davidhazy (her maiden name)
If you locate the picture, please call me at 717-304-8469
Reggie/Jean 11-Jul-2010 16:24
I am 81 yrs. old now but remember this magical place as if it was yesterday. Not having much $ for tickets, my days were spent in the Fun House. My favorite rides as I got older were the HeDay, Caterpiller, and Ferris Wheel.
The Crystal Ballroom was where we danced to Tex Beneke leading the Glenn Miller Band during WW2 and met Canadian guys who came to Buffalo to see us.
After I had children it was their turn to experience the joy and laughter of Crystal Beach. Oh! How I wish I could go there again!
Mark Munro 29-Apr-2010 01:54
Awesome pictures remind me of all the summers from 66 to 79. My sisters and me grew up during the summers on Schooley Road. I'm paying for the summer burns with trips to the dermatologist (too much time on the sailfish) now. I saw Greg MacKinnon's post, I too miss CB Euchre tournaments and the Pig Roasts and the families he mentioned. Shout out to the Reinagles, Flynns, Schlehrs, Kellys, Kellys more Kelly's, Okeefes too. "The Park" taught us to think ouside of Buffalo. The townies (sis married one) and the Torontonians.
guest jl 17-Apr-2010 06:06
yes what memories .... grew up in west seneca in the 70"s use to camp there often {belonged to the double d camping club}
Dodie 03-Apr-2010 08:00
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I grew up in Port Colborne but many a day at the park during the 1970s and early 80s. I worked there for a few seasons in the row of games near the Magic Carpet. Those days still bring a smile to my face. We rode those rides soooo many times over and over again. Going to see Steppenwolf play in the ballroom, and sliding down the water slides on a hot and sunny day. I moved out to BC shortly before the parked closed and when I returned for my first visit some 12 years later, I took a trip to Crystal Beach. It was sad to see the park gone; the streets so quiet where so many young people once 'hung out' in the arcades and on the streets with music heard everywhere and now only a closed gate to the new condo's and homes where all the games and rides once stood. I would have loved to bring my son to the park just as my mom had first introduced me to it. In all my travels I have not yet found anything that compared to that place in those days.
Great times 10-Mar-2010 02:18
Loved that Park . Born in 1964 we always looked forward to the TRW Thompson Products picnics with the family. What a waste of a great Canadian heritage site. Greedy land developers and politicians with no vision. Too bad no one could put together financing to save the park. One of the greatest parks ever - so sad to see it gone now almost 23 years later. I can still invision the sights and sounds of entering the park. I really wish my kids could of experienced the park that can never again be duplicated. If only they could of kept it going, man would that be great.
Angie Arends 14-Dec-2009 16:07
I really enjoyed looking at the old pictures of the Crystal Beach park. I grew up in Crystal Beach my parents still live there. Went to the Crystal Beach public school, graduated in 1961. It would be fun seeing my old class mates. I also worked in the park where they made Hall's suckers, candy apples and floss.
harry elliott 30-Sep-2009 02:36
I have just read many of the posts, all bring back memories to a native of crystal beach. Just few names that may jog some memories, old mill (my grand father run this ride at one time) cyclone, comet, hey day, caterpillar, pony track (run by Tom Dillon), cronfelts, smeaders, kims donuts (my employer in high school)swing inn, Bordens ice cream store)Company picnics,(always said best looking girls came from Kenmore N.Y.). Lots of good memories. All the life guards in the 50s.
sandy nolan miller 18-Sep-2009 01:49
sandy nolan i lived in fort erie and spent most of my summers in the park moved to thunder bay on. went back a few times in my life things were never the same once i left it was a good part of my life
sandra100104-Sep-2009 06:07
This site has brought back some pleasant memories snd the thought of one of my most embarrassing experiences. I went to Crystal Beach about 30 times when I lived in Buffalo. The first time that I went was in 1972 when I was 18 years old. I quickly learned the thrill of my first ride on a roller coaster. The merry go round was even wonderful. After a walk around the park, the potatoes and junk food tasted wonderful. I had the most embarrassing experience in my life also that day. I was wearing a dress in the funhouse and when I walked out of one of the rooms to the outside, a gush of air shot out of the floor and lifted my dress above my waist. I could not get my dress under control because of the hissing sound as well as all of the yells and whistles making me absolutely startled. That was my first and last time to wear a dress there--so my other trips were more enjoyable.
guest 19-Jun-2009 03:13
We spent our summers at Crystal beach. We had a cottage on ashwood 2 blocks from the main entrance to the beach (not the park). If we did our chores or allowance was ride tickets to the amusement park. In the late 60"s we rented out the cottage by the week, mosty to Collage kids. Would have given anything to have been old enough to have been to those parties. Most looked foreward to weekend was going to Sherkston. Finally jumped off the high tower, but always loved that old slide
Linda Wozniak 21-Apr-2009 02:01
What a delight to find this website! As a former Buffalonian who grew up in Kaisertown from the late 50's to early 80's, the stories and pictures of Crystal Beach bring back very fond memories. Every year, the start of summer vacation was marked by a trip to the Acme Grocery Store - with report card in hand. Straight A's meant I could get the maximum number of free tickets - who cared about the grades - it was the tickets that counted! I have so many memories and stories - but one that stands out was my cousin's first trip to Crystal Beach. I convinced her that she HAD to go on the Comet. This was the 60's - and swearing (in our house anyway) was taboo. Here was my cousin, terrified, holding on for dear life - and all everyone on the ground could hear was her screaming repeatedly at the top of her lungs..."HOLY SSSHHHH*******". She stepped off the ride, with her hair all windblown and her face beat red. I still remember our parents laughing - despite the language! Thanks for the memories!
gordon 06-Feb-2009 02:18
Grew up in Crystal Beach , every summer from age 4 to 17 ..live on oakwood avenue..1st yerars we have ice delivered to our ice box ..didnt have refrigeratore in early 40's they only had 25 cycle electrical power. toast was maide over flame from the gas stove..expanded the cottage..when we finally received our refrigertor purchase in port colburne ...back then not allowed to bring state side items over...we had milk delivered 3 times a week..allow 1 chocolate milk per week...there 3 of us children,,a brother and sister..we went to the beach everyday...cost 10 cents...when my dad caome home from work he had a store in niagara falls we always visited the amusement park..we would walk up to the news stand every night to purchase the courier express...i remember the drug store had my favorite candy licorce nibs...on weekends we had parties at the cottage and always did the amusement park on saturday night ...always bought the suckers,,,and walked over to cronfelts for french fries ad the famous loganberry..as i grew older i worked at the ballroom bowling alleys and did peel potatoes for french fries,,,we did roller skating on cloudy days or rainy days ..or we went to a movie..we also went to buffalo on bus to offerman stadium to see baseball...and every sunday it was a must to go to mass...or else....the waffles were delicious at the park...those were wonderful days ..the new generation may have all the tech and juiced up theme parks and rides,,,,bur we had very very good times..watching the boats coming in from buffalo ....i use swin underneath the pier tp the other side of the pier.....and watch the comet from the water...sure miss those days...but oh well time marches on....neighbors were from toronto canada...wonderful people ....their name...mr.and mrs goldman...donny and allen ....me daonny had a lot fun together visiting girls he knew
Beth 04-Feb-2009 03:27
I grew up in Acton, Ontario.My grandmother lived in Port Colborne and we spent every summer there until 1985. I looked forward to Stelco Steel Day when my uncle John would take all us kids to Crystal Beach. I can rememeber the summer when I was tall enough to ride The Comet. I waited in line thinking I was sure to die but after that one ride I was hooked. The summer I turned 16 I was lucky enough to get a job at the park and for that wonderful summer I spent everyday there.
I went back to the park before it was demolished and it was so sad but not as sad as is it now.It is now a gated community for the rich. I would give anything to hear laughing Sal and the call of the games attendents and especially the sound of the Comet heading up that hill above Lake Erie.
Thomas Mierzwa 28-Jan-2009 15:32
My aunt had a cottage in Thunder Bay - off Dominion Road. We used to go to Crystal beach through Ridgeway, Ont. I recall the golf course just being built, masses at St George's church, seeing that big green and red grandstand, a parking lot by the daytime. The yellow structured Giant coaster, Laugh in the Dark and its blow up dolls, the spark of the power pickup in the floor, girls screaming, the guy pushing the air button when ladies passed by in skirts, the go-carts, the diesel train, the waffles and the powdered sugar, the day the Canadiana stopped running, the steel gray Comet coaster. The Comet is now at Glens Falls theme park. The kids boats with their canvas cabin, bumper boats, the fishing concession, the steel floor and screen ceiling of the bumper cars, the smell of ozone,
Mike Lanane 02-Jan-2009 04:01
I would like to thank you on behalf of my 96 year old mother. Her Father (my Grandfather) lived in Buffalo on Garner Avenue in the 30's thru 50's. He had a cottage or what he called it was a shanty that he would go to when it was warm and he did a lot of fishing in that area.
My Mother who is in a hospice situation and confined to bed, absolutely lit up when she saw your Crystal Beach Amusement area on my sister's laptop. She mentioned that she had danced in the ballroom but was afraid to ride the coaster. The pictures brought her back to her youth which I was very happy to see.
If she is alert enough tomorrow I plan on having her look at the outstanding pictures you have of the buildings in the downtown area of Buffalo.
I have been reading her several hundred letters the past few weeks that her Father sent her in the 30's 40's and 50's. This helps me visualize a lot of what he was writing about.
Thanks Again for making my mother's face smile again.
Mark Oship 30-Dec-2008 14:32
Did anyone watch the program WNED (Channel 17) aired this past fall on Crystal Beach? It was a pretty good program, but I have seen better videos on Crystal Beach. My favorites are:

The Life and Times of Crystal Beach - An hour-long documentary on the park's history

I Remember Crystal Beach - Filmmaker Tim Wagner's 65-minute film that is pretty much Tim's personal recollections of the park over its' final decade of operation.

The Canadiana and Crystal Beach - Another Tim Wagner film that tells the story of both the Canadiana and the park. It includes some amazing color operating footage of the infamous Crystal Beach Cyclone roller coaster in operation.

Books on Crystal Beach that I would recommend would be:

Crystal Beach: The Good Old Days by Erno Rossi
Crystal Memories by Rose Jankowiak-Hirsch

MARK
Kenny Meeks 22-Dec-2008 17:08
Fantastic memories. I was born in Buffalo in 1964. Crystal Beach and Beaver Island were the highlights of my summers. I remember always being the youngest kid from my street and having to watch my friends get on the Comet. To this day, I still remember the feeling of reaching that first summit on my first Comet ride, looking to the right and seeing the lights flickering on the water. Pure magic.
Nick Ortolano 24-Oct-2008 04:30
Boy do I remember Crystal Beach. We used to rent a cootage every summer and live it up CB style. Most of all the rides and the food from the concession stands, fries with vinegar, the suckers, ice cream and SCOTTIES restaurant for fish fryy's. THE bALLROOM WAS OUR SPOT EVERY fRIDAY night we would dance to the big band music. (I wish I could recall the band names. The boat ride on the Cnadiana was athrill in itself, especially when the weather made the lake rough. The dancing on the boat had a sign stating "NO JEEPING". I guess the were afraid of us rocking the boat. I could go on and on but there is one closing word...... Thankyou.
Sandy 16-Oct-2008 02:36
I remember going there on Kaisertown day every summer in August. I went with my friend, Karen, and we'd spend the day riding the rides. We thought our parents were so strict, but when I think of how they allowed us to go by bus and spend the day there at 13 yrs. old, with $5 in our pockets and no ID, I guess they trusted us!
H.A. Ezra 26-Sep-2008 03:59
Dropped by out of nostalgia and to my surprise found what used to be the free beach entrance open, filled with beautiful sand and inviting water, and filled with families enjoying themselves as I did so many many years ago.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to turn it back into a resort town?
Honey (Abramowitz) Ezra
Catherine B. Joyce 25-Sep-2008 19:00
I was 2 years old when The Crystal Beach Amusement Park Closed. My parents took me there the last weekend it was opened. Now 21 years old I cant remember being there, but recently are local channel 3 came out with a program all about the park and the many years it was open I watched this with my dad. As we watched I couldn't help but get a bit teary eyed as I herd my dad talk about all the wonderful times he had at crystal beach and the time he and my mom took me there and how him and i went on the merry-go-round together. It is sad to know it is gone it sounded like a great place to go i wish it was still around so i can have memories of it. I feel kind of honored tho that i got to go there once in my life even if i cant remember it i wish i could tho it looks wonderful from the photos an movies i have seen.

PS- If you ever go to Anderson's Custard in the winter to get a x-mas tree or just driving by look at the paul bunun in the lot, it's a blast from the past he is the original one from crystal beach that you all remember seeing. I work at this location so i know he is the original from are great tree guys that bring him every year.
Vineca 14-Sep-2008 20:02
My mother Violet shared many fond memories of dancing at the Palace and sun bathing on the beach.. I have a beautiful photograph of her elegantly reposed at the beach on a plaid blanket with her Samsonite 'day bag', wearing a very chique 'one piece' bathingsuit - 1954. Simpler times when romance was flamed at the Crystal Ballroom and memories created to last forever.
Linda Zohner 08-Sep-2008 17:28
Would anyone have pictures from 1932-34 of Miss Tonawanda/Miss North Tonawanda
beauty contests at Crystal Beach? My mother is soon going to be 92 years old and would love to see that picture of her. Not sure of the year. Her name at the time was Alberta
Davidhazy.
Georgette 06-Sep-2008 16:55
I've never been to Crystal Beach, but my mom, who was born in Buffalo, met her first husband there when she was about 16. She moved Canada after her marriage. She's 80 now.
Jackie (Denz) Burns 03-Sep-2008 15:09
My dad worked at General Mills and I remember going to Crystal Beach every summer on General Mills Day. The rides were great, but I also remember the great picnic lunches our parents packed and all the fun it was to see everyone each year. When I got older and could go with my friends on the "Crystal Beach Boat" I felt so grown up. One of my favorite memories. Thank you.
Karen Richards Marshall 30-Aug-2008 21:48
Karen Richards Marshall - Tonawanda HS Class of 1963
We spent at least one day at Crystal Beach every summer when I was growing up in Tonawanda. It was great!! Later I moved to Malone NY and was a high school math teacher. In 1995 I took some math and physics students to Great Escape, near Lake George. To my suprise, the Comet is there! There is a sign and a little history about how it was brought there from Crystal Beach. I rode it 5 times that day and returned several times over the following years. It is still a great roller coaster!
Joanne 29-Aug-2008 15:07
I remember long summer days on the beach and in the park. Riding the Comet over and over again. Some childhood memories can make you young again!!
Louie Aronica 22-Aug-2008 17:00
I remember going there with my family every summer !
One ride i rememeber was jungle ride where rode in a canoe through Africa.
I use to go up there on North Buffalo Days as well and freshman year trip was to there as well. Crstal Beach is truley missed!!!!!
Carolyn 21-Jul-2008 18:58
+I went to Crystal beach every summer with my parents..Cannot forget lose great suckers they have. It was so enjoyable at crystal beach .. those were the good years
James Mancuso 18-Jul-2008 11:23
I remember many a good time to be had at Crystal Beach. The first time I rode the Comet, I had just got done downing an icecream cone- big mistake if one were to ride the Comet without the icream coming back up. Luckily I kept it down and enjoyed the ride. Then there was the Canada Coach Lines bus which was just as much of the Crystal Beach experience as the park itself. Those buses dated back to the 1950s and, like the park, were something of a time machine unto themselves. The boat ride was before my time, but Canada Coach Lines made up for it with the buses they ran on the route. For a long time, the timetable called for departures from Buffalo Greyhound Terminal at 15 minutes past each hour with similar intervals on the return trip. Unlike so many of today's amusement parks, Crystal Beach was truly affordable and with the fine service of Canada Coach Lines, you did not need a car to get there.
Jerry Finaldi 10-Jul-2008 14:49
Wow-These photos were sent to us in the Dallas area from our best friend Jim V. My family and also my wife Judy's family, had homes at Crystal Beach and Bay Beach when we were both born. From 1937 to 1978 Crystal Beach was our summer home. First with parents and then, after we both met at Crystal Beach and had married, at our own cottage on the lake about a half mile east of the Comet. The memories are uncountable and wonderful - the big bands in the Ballroom in the forties and fifties, the bathing beach, sights, sounds, events, aromas, the sense of sadness at the end of summer, signalled by fireworks as the Canadiana sailed away on Labor Day's last run of the season. I have often wondered if there was any other place quite like it in North America.
Chuck 08-Jul-2008 22:09
Amazing memories of a place that never leaves your heart. Crystal Beach was
not just a park ,but a state of mind. I remember not only the park, but the people
with whom I shared all those great times with. Thanks for many, many memories.
Sue 05-Jul-2008 02:22
My Dad worked at Thompson Products (later TRW).....my first visit to Crystal Beach was in a stroller. We went every year for the companies summer picnic. I remember Dad coming home with our tickets - oh how happy it made my brothers and I. My Uncles also worked at the plant and my cousins and our entire families went!! What wonderful and fond memories....I still get teary thinking its all gone. The early morning races and wonderful prizes....waiting for the gates to open - then off for a great day of wild fun - our parents never worried about us going off on our own - it was safe!! My first ride on the "Comet" - with my Dad:) These pictures make me both happy and sad !! Thanks for the memories:) Gone too soon!!!
John F. Kendall 20-Jun-2008 21:59
OH... I forgot. Did you know that a very close relative of Bob Hope worked at the center where you could get towels after swimming? [ Please add this into my last comment]
John F. Kendall 20-Jun-2008 21:56
Every year, at the end of school, the Atlas Steels plant in Welland, Ontario, would host what it called "The Atlas Steels Picnic". This event was held at the Crystal Beach Amusement Park and I went with my mom and dad every year through the 50's and early 60's. All of us who had family who worked at the plant eagerly looked forward to the event. Atlas Steels sold discounted tickets to employees and we all took out large picnic baskets to the tables provided at the picnic grounds. Cups of vanilla ice cream were distributed to the kids -- of which I was one.

I can't tell you how many times I've ridden the coasters there -- I had to get "big enough" to ride the Comet but it was a thrill every time! The other smaller wooden coaster was a hoot too and important to us kids because it was next to the picnic grounds and when it started to run the rides were open!

I dearly loved the look of the Magic Palace and the stuff in the arcade. It was like a living link to the people who came before me. I was born in 1950 so I never got to see the dances of the '40's but I loved the hall.

Although I think Disneyworld and the like are wonderful, Crystal Beach was a window into the world of my parents and grandparents. When they closed it down, they closed down a significant part of my youth.

Great pictures! God bless you and all of the folks who remember what I do...

JFK.
Gary Acker 15-Jun-2008 14:53
Wow what a time machine. Spent lots of time there many years ago. Left Buffalo in "68". I guess you can take the person out of Buffalo, but you can't take Buffalo out of the person. There was no place better to spend your summers.
Michelle Alkerton 11-Jun-2008 22:59
I worked in the Floss Stand beside the Magic Palace for Hall's Candy. I spent six summers with my Grandma from the time I was 13 years old (1979-1984). Our stand made the caramel corn and fudge for the entire park as well as candy apples, popcorn and cotton candy. Those were awesome years and I was lucky to be able to work at such a 'hopping' place. Hot Dog Alley was always filled with people until all hours of the night. We would get busloads of people coming for their work picnics and they always stopped to buy the caramel corn. My Grandma worked there for over 40 years until it's closure in 1989. In it's hey day it was amazing.
Jeff Kolovrat 09-Jun-2008 18:00
I was born in Buffalo in 1958 and grew up in Syracuse, but spent many summers at my Grandparents on Stevens Ave and later in Cheektowaga. We would go to Beaver Island and Crystal Beach. Remember the french fries in the paper cone with lots of salt and malt vinegar? The Magic Carpet with the wall of crates that would "almost" fall on you? And smuggling fire crackers back over the border? I wish my kids could have had just a glimpse of those times!
Cathy Smith 07-Jun-2008 01:06
Been down here in South Carolina now for 33 years, but the fond memories of childhood never seem to leave. I can remember Kenmore day, and how my parents finally let me ride the bus up there, while they went by car. Remember the waffle cones, how my Mom always wanted to get them last thing before we left the park. I miss those days when we could run free, and my parents wouldn't worry about anything happening to us. My sister, Pam, sent this to me, and reminded me of the time our Dad had to take her off Laff in the Dark because she was crying. She was just a little thing trying to keep up with me. Makes me miss Buffalo.....
jackieh04-Jun-2008 16:49
Boy do I remember this place!! The wonderful suckers, waffles, and loganberry. The fun house where the guy use to blow the air, what a hoot! My mom remembers the boat ride and when they had a fire and it all burned down. What memories. How sad its all but just that a memory.
Tom Wenzka 19-May-2008 19:16
Fun photos and comments. Today, I just happened to sand and re-woodburn an image of the Canadiana that I originally woodburned in 1977 on a slab of driftwood from Lake Erie. The News had published an anniversary photo of the ship, based on 20 years since its last crossing to Crystal Beach.

That led to curiosity, Google, and here. Touching comments here and on the Canadiana finis page.

My favorite memories of the park are of early morning arrivals to get ice and food while camping with pals at Sherkston while on college summer breaks. Before shopping, we got the first rides of the day on the Comet in the cool of early morning. Fantastic!
Guest 17-May-2008 17:47
Today I was nostalgic about Buffalo and my childhood. Stumbled upon Crystal Beach sites. Dad worked at the Ford Stamping plant and I remember about 5 summers of going to Crystal Beach between the ages of 7 and 12 during Ford Family days. I got my first childhood crush over an an Italian looking girl and looked for her every Summer. It's sad to see what everyone fondly remembers disappear. This place should have been saved. Age 48
Bill 15-May-2008 22:04
I moved to Colorado 30 years ago but have fond memories of Crystal Beach. In fact in the early 80's took my family to experience a little of what I had.
H.A. Ezra 06-May-2008 01:20
Fantastic Pictures - Memories of wonderfully innocent summers full of fun. I was fortunate enough to spend 10 unforgettable aummers here from 1950 - age 12 to 1960 - Met many great guys & gals from Buffalo - 6 gals had a cottage called The Sextets - very riske for that era - and they were totally sweet. Often wonder how they have fared. In the posts I read - no one seemed to mention the delicious Coconut Milk at the Derby Corner Stand - or the fun meals at Nats Restaurant - The "jitterbugging" at the Swing-Inn on Elmwood - the tiny strip of beach that was free - WOW - what memories. Would love to hear from anyone I knew back then - like Gayle - Jay R. - Yutch M. - would be great - Honey - hurricbub@yahoo.ca
Greg Hansen 02-May-2008 01:57
Wow. We went every year for Westinghouse day.
Stopped at KFC on the way and had the run of the place.
I remember long lines, andall my favorite rides.
I bet I walked into the door of The Magic Castle a thousand times.
Closng it was a real tragedy in my life.
One of the things I'd do if I could travel time would be to go to Crystal Beach again and ride the Laff In The Dark!!
Hacker 29-Apr-2008 03:09
Kenmore Bob. How many of us got our first real kiss in the tunnel of love boat ride. I sure would like one more time through with Pat Mc
Ted Malinowski 23-Apr-2008 01:44
Our family literally grew up in Crystal Beach. Just after we ended the school year, we moved up to our cottage in Crystal Beach since we were little kids. Our grandfather owned Kolipinski Bros. furniture, and they had a beautiful summer home on Maplewood. Our cottage was next door.
We spent the days on the beach, then, in the evening, we went to the penny arcade and played the games. When we went to bed at night, you could hear the cho-cho train, the giant coaster, and even the comet; if the wind was blowing right. They used to have a fireworks display from the pier on Decoration Day (Memoriial Day), on the 4th of July, and on Labor Day. The fireworks started as the Canadiana left the pier on the late trip back to Buffalo. You could hear the echo from each firework explosion, as it traveled up to Point Abino and back. When the boat left every night at 11:00 P.M. you could clearly hear the boats horn.When we were in our early 20's, we rented cottages throughout Crystal Beach, and had some amazing parties. Pajama parties, toga parties etc. were very well organized by Ed Smith, who later ran Melody Fair. Beer was only $5.00 per case, and there were probably close to 50 or 60 cottages like ours.........all good party people. The Crystal Lodge, Thor's (named after my German Shepherd), the Brewery, Sticky Fingers, The Farkle Family, Mag 7 were only some of the names of the cottages.
We own the same cottage that I grew up in on Maplewood, and we still spend all our summers up there. Now, it's our grandkids who are forging their own memories. The park is long gone, as are the dozens of American cottages.......but the beach is there, spotless, and as pristine as ever.It is peaceful, and quiet........but we still remember all the noise we used to make, going from party to party. Sometimes we wonder, just how did we do it?? That was the magic of Crystal Beach.
Becky 15-Apr-2008 18:09
I was born in Buffalo, and spent summers in Canada. Crystal Beach was truly magical for me as a child. I only have happy memories of the place. I liked the magic carpet ride best, but
braved the roller coaster a few times (not my favorite). My family moved from Buffalo when I was
nine years old, however, as an adult I happened to meet the granddaughter of the man who
owned Crystal Beach. We shared lots of memories. I was so excited to see these pictures! Thanks for posting them.
KATHLEEN 10-Apr-2008 21:00
I WOULD RIDE THE CANADIANA ALMOST EVERY DAY BY MYSELF SINCE I WAS 7 YRS OLD. I LIVED RIGHT BEHIND THE CONCESSION STAND ON THE WAY TO THE BUFFALO DOCK IN 1950. THOSE WHERE BETTER TIMES WHEN YOU COULD TRUST PEOPLE. CRYSTAL BEACH WAS MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME. IWOULD MAKE A P&B SANDWICH AND GO TO THE BEACH FOR THE DAY. IN THE PARK THIER WAS ALWAYS SOMEONE I NEW WHO WOULD GIVEME TICKETS FOR THE RIDES AND MOST OF THE WORKERS NEW ME AND WOULD ALLOW ME TO RIDE FREE. AHHH THOSE WHERE THE DAYS..
kathi osborne 10-Apr-2008 17:42
I still get teary thinking of Crystal Beach.It was the best time riding the boat,the Comet,Magic Carpet.I can hear my Moms laughter,my sisters yells and my sheer joy at being there.It spawns at least 15 years of my life.The 1st about 4,the last {with a boy named Vic Dunn}at 17.I never saw him again.!!!I did go back in my 30s to see it,but,to my sadness it had closed several days before.It will always have the Echo of laughter and joy..Kathi{Lang}Osborne
psmith10200604-Apr-2008 22:47
Crystal Beach was the best place ever. I use to like the Magic Carpet before it became the Magic Palace. Bounce down the carpet was neat. The Hey Dey, Tumble Bug, Caterpiller and Wild Mouse were so much fun.

By the way, does anybody have pics of Glen Amusement Park in Wiliamsville, or Fun N Games Park? Remember Dealings Rides on Niagara Falls Blvd?
TIM GLAZ 09-Mar-2008 08:49
JUNGLE LAND....LOL....I remember that cannibal dunking that man in and out of the cooking pot all the while he's screaming and crying....OOOOOWWWWW...LOL...and that goofy lion garbage can that sucked the garbage out of your hand. Laff in the Dark had that skeleton with a dress on playing the piano outside on the corner of the building.....scared the heck out of me when I was about 5. Seeing a clog here and there floating in the water below the Sky Ride. And that GIANT guy standing out there by the Slide. I think he's still out there someplace , someone bought him , anybody know ? Those dang bees hanging all over the suckers...lol...I could go on forever...best days of my youth hands down !
TIM GLAZ 09-Mar-2008 08:09
geesh....looking at these pics bring back some fond memories. I remember as a kid growing up in Kaisertown on the south side of Buffalo just waiting for East Clinton Day and Westinghouse Day at CRYSTAL BEACH. Dad would buy strips of tickets from work at Westinghouse and what a day we would have ! East Clinton Day would find me going there on a bus with all my friends. Jungle Land , Magic Palace , Laff in the Dark , The Comet , Sky Ride, Spider , Flying Bobs , The Scrambler , Bumper Cars , Giant Coaster and always ended the day with the Train Ride. And those suckers to take home were the best I ever had ! We would go out of the park to eat at one of the restaurants just outside the gate and as we were leaving I kept looking back anticipating my next visit. What I would give for just one more day there ! I miss it dearly.
Diane 08-Mar-2008 18:01
Memories of my childhood on the westside of Buffalo always include Crystal Beach and Fort Erie. We lived near the Peace Bridge and could catch a bus or ride within minutes. It wasn't another country to us then, you didn't even need to carry ID.
Anticipation of getting free ride tickets from Loblaws was a great motivator to get good grades, since the higher the grades, the more tickets you were given. That was back when communities and businesses cared to work together for the benefit of the children. You never hear of programs like that anymore. Too bad.
Thanks for the wonderful pictures - especially on this very snowy, cold day!
Mark 07-Mar-2008 16:50
I live in Crystal Beach, Fl which I understand our community was named after the park. My wife is from Buffalo so this is really a neat thing for her and her family.

We love CB, FLA and definitley my wife has great memories of CB Canada!
Cindi Ricigliano-Cramer 07-Mar-2008 16:13
Wow what great memories of fun, family and great friends. Thank you.
Jackie 02-Mar-2008 07:53
My family cottage is still up and running on Elmwood.
But, of course, it's not the same without the park.
We fill up our time there, wandering about, reminiscing about
old memories of what used to be there.
Sadly, this generation won't know what they've missed.
Ellen Ahearn 23-Feb-2008 03:00
I actually smelled the french fries with salt vinegar when I viewed the pictures. The 40s and 50s were made all the more magical having cb in our lives: family picnics, the comet, dancing (then skating) in the ballroom, riding the Caterpillar with my grandmother, flirting with the boys from Port Colburn at the Arcade, taking a moonlight ride on the Canadiana, listenening to Woody Herman on the dock when pulling away. Audrey, thanks for being my best friend. I'm crying!!!
Beverly Estrach Weinstein 22-Feb-2008 16:40
WOW what great pictures and memories. Had a cottage on Elmwood Ave (up the hill from the Swing Inn) till 1958 The park was so special not only for the rides, but the suckers and loganberry drink. Ski ball prizes filled my room. The french fries (and sand and vinegar) at Bay beach were the best.Meeting great friends from Canada;, buying English bone cups and Scottish wools for school in Ridgeway every Aug.
Paul Anderson 19-Feb-2008 23:56
The town ,the park , the beach,what a place and time to growup. I used to cruise The Beach every day in the summers in my car.. There was always a party ,friends to meet,friends to be made good fun to be had.I tell my kids I had the best youth ever.In Fort Erie we used to walk from the highschool across the tracks downtown to Jarvis St. just to get fries fresh off the Chip-wagon.I think just about everyone looking at these pics would all get aboard that timemachine and go back to Crystal.
Nancy Thines 17-Feb-2008 21:35
Crystal Beach Memories, ya gotta love it! Alwayslooking to find old friends from Crystal Beach. Drop me a line if you were in Omega Delta Psi or hung out with any of us at the beach from 1967 to 1970. Would love to hear for you. email me at nancyt622@msn.com
Guest 15-Feb-2008 18:43
Hi all you Crystal Beach Lovers. Over the next few months, I am producing a nostalgic documentary project for the Western New York and Southern Ontario region about Crystal Beach for WNED-TV. I would love to hear your stories and am especially interested in those who have old photos or hom emovies they are willing to share for the project. Please contact me with any info at (716)845-7000, ext. 251 or by email at lbader-gregory@wned.org.

Sincerely -
Lynne Bader-Gregory
Producer, WNED-TV
Corky Maraschiello 06-Feb-2008 15:41
As a kid My friend (Who Pass) Richard LoCastrie would go down to his fathers hotdog stand at the foot of main streetwhere we would greet the people going to and from the Canadiana , show them where to get hot dogs ,hamburgers ,fris and a drink. While people were waiting for the boat to return , Richards father would put on a vinquelist show sell hot dogs & hamburgers . We became good friends with the boats crue and caption as we would run up to the wheel house to bring then food and drink from the stand. we got many rides free on the boat back and forth to christal beach and spent nany hours in the wheel house pretending to stear the boat( we never did)
great memorys great times and long lasting friendships from day's gone by. Thank you for them.
Guest 03-Feb-2008 05:08
email, this is truly what it's all about. If you could stand up in your car at the very top of the comet with your hands pointing straight up as the cars were starting to decend... you were cool!!! Our friend Wendy was thrown out of the bob-o-link as it was at its fastest speed. She sustained a fractured arm and cuts and bruises. It could have been a whole lot worse. Growing up on Edison St. in Buffalo I remember the banners they would hang over major intersections ie:
Joe Nigrelli 23-Jan-2008 06:20
My heyday at Crystal beach was the 70's. We would save up money to prepurchase ride tickets to attend on South Buffalo Day. A bunch of rowdy but good kids from along South Park and Abbot road would pile int buses and go for the day and with minimal adult supervision. It was a safe and fun place. The COMET was the first ridet o hit followed by the smaller yelklow coaster . Every year we would go to the Jungle land ride with its funky green water, Laugh in the Dark, Magic Palace before checking out a new ride. WIld mouse was best after dark. Scared the heck out of the girls and they would huddle neck to you. AH! Sweet youth. I first experiencecd the joy of having vinegar on my fries there. What a treat. Even the Arcade with its cheesy cranky movies with is naughty girls were worth the nickel to view them. We would travel the whole park going on every ride at least once. Eat your fill of junk food. Go roller skating in the ballroom. By the time the buses left in the evening you were exhausted. Seeing the Buffalo skykline in the distance on the ride back across the Peace Bridge was beautiful at night. Lots of memories of Crystal Beach and unfortunately those who have passed on . Thanks for the pictures.
Marion 18-Jan-2008 14:45
These terrific photos bring back some wonderful memories of a lifetime ago!!! I remember going there with my mom and my grandparents when I was little, and I also took my own children there for my husband's company picnics when they were little. So four generations of my family enjoyed Crystal Beach!! I remember the fun of Cheektowaga Days and the bus ride to get there!! It was always so great to see so many others from Cheektowaga. That was the highlight of the summer!!! The beach was beautiful and the rides were fun. Every year I told myself that I would go on the Comet "next year"; I never did get up the courage to go on it! "Those were the days, my friend; we thought they'd never end"!! Sadly, they did. Wouldn't it be wonderful to go back to that era one more time!!! Thanks so much for taking me on a walk down memory lane!!!
BARBARA SCHAFER MOORE 18-Jan-2008 01:34
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE MEMORIES. IT WAS HARD TIMES DURING MY CHILDHOOD, SO MOM WOULD SAVE UP ENOUGH MONEY SO WE COULD GO BY BUS. WHAT A GREAT TIME !!! YOU NEVER WANTED TO LEAVE. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEND THIS TO MY BROTHER. I MOVED AWAY FROM BUFFALO IN 1978, HOW I HATED TO GO. THANKS TO YOU AND ALL WHO HAVE COMMENTED ABOUT THEIR MEMORIES .. CRYSTAL BEACH WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR ALL OF US !!
RAndy waz 12-Jan-2008 20:04
hey i grew up in orchard park ny, and can remember my first season when i was tall enough for the comet, IT WAS SO EXCITING , and those dam cars they had on the one \\'wild Mouse ride where they actually jumped off the trace, and mom and dad smuggling beer over the border, WHAT A GREAT CHILDHOOD, thaNKS FOR BRINGING BACK SOME WONDERFUL MEMORIES.. I LIVE ON THE WEST COAST OF FLORIDA SINCE 1972 SO ITS BEEN A VERY LONG TIME.!
Shirley 14-Dec-2007 22:46
Wow, thanks for the memories. I grew up in Fort Erie, Ontario and Crystal Beach was my refuge for most of my younger years. I braved the Comet and got sick on a few rides due to Mr Nice Guy who thought it would be fun to give a longer ride than usual. I learned how to roller skate there and spent many hours wondering around. I thought Crystal Beach would be there forever. Great part of my life. Thanks for the wonderful photos and memories.
Kim Curthoys McCaslin 08-Dec-2007 16:08
I graduated from Crystal Beach Public School in 1960. I am a teacher in Arkansas and would appreciate anyone providing me with the CBPS e-mail address so that I can contact them in hopes of visiting the school when I visit the area over the new year. Does anyone out there know Carol Elliott who married Larry Hannigan---Diane Rukavina, Paul Legris, Morris Brewster? I would love to contact them. I know that the area has changed tremendously and I will probably be shocked, but my memories will sustain me....Ridge Dairy with the BEST ice cream. I wonder who has that cow mannequin who chewed the same grass day after day?---a school that was way ahead of its time---scholastically (I still have my notebooks from 8th grade), architecturally, and the quality of the teachers---are Mrs. Brenner or Mrs Taylor still living? I chose teaching as a career because of the terrific start Ireceived at CBPS. THE PARK was my favorite place. We felt safe then. During the polio scare we were not allowed to drink from any of the water fountains. That was okay with us. We preferred the phosphates anyway. The Hall's suckers were to die for! I did not have a favorite ride. All were special.
Suzanne Bisson 07-Nov-2007 18:09
As a tennager in them days I remember all the fun to be had at the park. My family also had the opportunity of winning the largest family contest, put on by The Electirc Metals Company (1956). There were free rides for all of us that day and a free picnic. Thanks for the memories. FOREVER IN MY HEART
Dennis Harnisch 23-Oct-2007 22:58
WOW! How did my past find me? I think I am the little boy standing in front of the BALL ROOM photo! I'm 62 years old and can still out-ride my kids at the ride parks! Thanks to my parents who took me every year to Crystal Park with my cousins and sisters I still love ALL the rides!!
Dee 16-Oct-2007 03:47
Thank you to all involved with this web site. I grew up in Buffalo in the 40's & 50's and of course Crystal Beach was a great place, I danced on the Canadiana and rode the rides and have such geat memories of days gone by. Thanks for bringing them back.. Kids today should all go back in time to see what they are missing.
Life was good back then. Hi-Teen, roller skating, swimming at centenial pool, Ted's hot dogs at Front park. Thanks for the memories.
Victoria Plaskett 09-Oct-2007 03:42
I grew in Crystal Beach during the 60's, attended Crystal Beach Public School and spent every day of every summer at the beach, the blustery days were the best when we'd dodge the waves. As a 'resident' we got special yellow photo I.D. cards for free admission. We'd throw a towel over our shoulder, grap an orange and walk through the park, through the turnstyles, under the tunnel, and up onto the beach. The water was 'crystal' clear and the boys from Buffalo were cute. I remember every Labour Day going as a family on all the rides, getting tickets for good marks at school. Halls suckers were the best, and the garbage cans that sucked in your trash. When I got a summer job at Mitchener's Grocery on Rebstock, my carefree beach days came to an end. Good memories of carefree summers.
Donna Wickenden Thibodeaux 09-Oct-2007 02:32
What a great place! When I was 15 (1954) My dad and I spent the afternoon riding the comet. We would wait for the front seat on the coaster and have a ball for the rest of the afternoon. There were family reunions at Crystal Beach and my father's company picnics there. I was sad that it closed and appreciate the pictures.
I now live in the Utah Mountains but still remember the fun that was had at this place.
Guest 23-Sep-2007 16:30
What great memories - The Comet is now at The Great Escape in Lake George, NY. Took a nostalgic ride on it the summer it arrived there. Nothing like The Comet for a real roller coaster ride.
guest 21-Sep-2007 13:37
What a great place!! I met my husband of 25 years at Crystal Beach in the Summer of 1978, at the age of 16. I have so many memories of this place. My aunt used to take all of us one by one on our first ride on the Comet, and it was always the front seat, even if we had to wait. It was a right of passage - We were big kids now! We too were at the park the day it closed, right up to the last minute !! - I still have the sweatshirt I bought that day. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos.
Denis Coll 15-Sep-2007 19:29
I'm from Northern Ireland but evry summer from 81 to 87 I stayed with friends at Point Abino. Some of my fondest memories of spending the summer where at CB. I recently returned a few years ago to find the beach closed. I thank you for sharing these great photos. Can you still get those great suckers if so let me know at deniscoll@btinternet.com
Dave Patton 15-Sep-2007 00:38
I notice that all the pictures I have seen are great memory of a time when everyone young and old could ride all day for less than three dollars. I often wonder what ever happen to the pony rides that was right outside of the park next to the grandstand. I think it was call Toms Pony rides. I have never saw a picture of them.
Lars Braun 06-Sep-2007 09:47
The best memories of my youth are summer days enjoyed in the bay at Crystel Beach. Walking from the park to the Canoe Club and back. Our cottage was only a short walk from the park. When it was free entry, we would go there to walk around, but after they charged an entry fee we were only allowed to go about twice a year. However, skating at the rink and the arcades on Derby street recieved their fair share of my beach combing money!
Mary Hanley 01-Sep-2007 16:28
My family had a cottage behind Crystal Beach and we would go up there often. I use to LOVE the Magic Carpet. I can't wait to forward this to my sisters and cousin. It brought back wonderful memories. You can buy the suckers at Dashes market, they bring back part of childhood and the fun we had there. Mary (Williamsville)
Debbie See 29-Aug-2007 13:46
I've heard so many stories about Crystal Beach from my Mom, Dad, aunts... My Mom and her sisters will talk about when "Mama" would take them there and all the things they would do. These photographs really help to bring those stories to life. Thanks for posting them and sharing your memories.
MARIA 29-Aug-2007 05:13
THANKS FOR THE WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE. IT TOOK ME BACKTO SUCH A WONDERFUL TIME IN MY LIFE. THANK YOU FOR THINKING OF ME KVK.
Gary Clark 27-Aug-2007 20:15
ThanX Karl......growing up in Riverside near the Park in the 50/s60s [esp pre-Thruway] was a pretty kewl thing to be doing....but Crystal Beach was all-ways something extra.....maybe it was the distance...the mystery of taking the CB Boat...that somewhat "exotic" feel to everything once we were actually there, surrounded by all the rides and other kids.....it was like a dream....and still is .... inside of me.....thanX for the images...! Gary@GaryClarkART.com
T. Hastings 25-Aug-2007 01:58
Hey Dave, good to read your comment. Had some of the greatest memories of my teen years at Crystal Beach. I was lucky enough to have a best friend that owned a cottage right down the beach from the park. No matter what we spent our $ on, we always saved enough to buy 7 tickets to ride the Comet. Forward, Backward, No hands, Standing, (not on the seat) we were crazy enough to try it all. Then over to the Flying Bobs (always the best music)to check out the girls. What a great time with some great friends.
Susan Porter 23-Aug-2007 13:13
Oh yes, I remember crystal beach. When my friend and I skipped school which we did frequently, we visited there on many occasions. I think the last time I was there was when I left Buffalo in 1977 or so......Oh my, we did graduate, but that is because we were blessed with some smarts so that the antics we played in those days did not destroy our minds & bodies.(totally)....Oh, and what antics we did play. I remember the smell of juicy fruit gum so well in the 70's, of Bobby Dylan, of my 68 volkswagon and that I really never kissed a boy until I was 17. Just a little too shy....thought about it, had many of crushes.....I really have a vauge memory of many of the 70's "No Foolin"(not about what I did, but about who was there with me) but I remember the WILD MOUSE....I wanted to get off that ride in mid flight.......Not the comet though, I have been a fan of roller coasters my entire life....Please, don't spin me around unless you want those fries with vinegar ( yuch) on your lap, just give me the back seat of any roller coaster with a friend and I'm fine. Thanks for the memories Beverlee
Guest 23-Aug-2007 04:46
I received a link to this page yesterday from an old friend. Wow, did it bring back wonderful memories and I felt compelled to comment! I grew up in Buffalo and during the 70's and early 80's Crystal Beach was the trip I waited all school year for. I recall that a good report card had benefits and my mother got something for our good grades at Acme Supermaket before we would go. My earlist memories of the park are that of the Magic Carpet ( before the carpet was removed from the exit of the ride and name changed to "Palace"), the Auto Turnpike, and when all rides took tickets before the pay-one-price. I recall the first time I was tall enough to ride the Comet and how scared I was when I stood in line with my Dad only to be hooked for life on that rolleroaster after my first run. My mom and I would play "Skeet" ball ( that's what I recall it being called) in the arcade for a dime to win paper tickets to maybe get a prize later. Another comment mentioned fries and vinegar.......I can taste them now! I recall going down to see the Canadiana after I graduated high school when a group was looking for volunteers in an attempt to restore her in 1984 or so. It was a great park and it holds some of my fondest memories of childhood and family trips. Thanks!
Joyce Digati 22-Aug-2007 18:21
Wow !! Talk about a blast from the past. I loved going to Crystal Beach!! I'll never forget the magic palace when the shot of air would go up your skirt. I swear there was a guy watching and would get the girls on purpose!! The french fried with vinegar are still a smell I can remember. I now take my children to bay beach and they still sell them at the stand at the beach and they love the vinegar on them too. I was never on the Canadiana but my parents use to talk about it all the time. Dances at the Ballroom. What great memories for all. The Comet was the best hated it so much I went on over and over again. Screamed just as much the last time as the first. The first hill was a killer , click click click the just hang there. I can still feel it YaHoo! Thanks so much for the pictures! Joyce
D. Potenza 22-Aug-2007 02:18
Our family had a cottage about 200 yards from the beach enterance ...The Bath House for those in the know .... right down from Zak's Shack and the life guard stand. I can still here the click, click, click of the Comet as it climed the first hill and the screams that followed...... all day long until the whistle blew! And who could forget grabbing a bag full of suckers (the hot ones were my favorite) in a paper bag as the bees follwed you down the street to grab a box of frys w/gravey and a logenberry .......
LaurieG 22-Aug-2007 01:03
There will never be a place like that again. Wonderful place and time. I have so many happy summer memories from Crystal Beach. I agree with one of the other posts, there are tears in my eyes when I look at these photos.
Bernie Cummings 17-Aug-2007 23:31
We always remember nickel day at Crystal Beach, the last week in August. My mom would take my brother, 3 cousins and myself and spend $25.00, and that wasn't a person... it was all of us
Guest 16-Aug-2007 14:44
Those were the Days! As a pre-teen and teen, I went with my BFF's at least twice a week. We walked from the first ward to the foot of Main to catch the boat. They were great times. We were safe no matter what timeof day. What has happened to this world? It's a shame the new generations do not have this opportunity. I can still taste the Hall suckers, french fries with salt vinegar, Always brought home the waffles formy mother. (They always were crushed before I got them home) The loganberry, hotdogs, taffy,mallo cup ice cream.....Beam me back, Scottie!!!!! I loved the boat ride, sometimes we wentback and forth on it a fewtimes in one day. Danced up a storm on the boat.. These are memories I will never forget.
Kevin Weil 15-Aug-2007 18:18
I recall fondly my times there in the 60's and 70's. Wonderful pictures and great to see all these comments. I will never forget my grandmother taking us on "nickel" day which allowed rides for a nickel (or something like that). I remember going during Kenmore week and spending the day running from ride to ride. I loved the vacuum trash cans that sucked the garbage from your hands.

Someone commented on what was taken down will never be seen again. A few months ago I was in Sydney Australia. There across the harbor was an amusement park. It was called Luna park, although smaller than Crystal beach, this place had many of the same architectural highlights and leanings as Crystal beach. It may be a second cousin to our favorite park.
Richard Seitz 14-Aug-2007 00:40
AIRPLANE CRASHES IN TO THE CRYSTAL BEACH BOAT. Thats right I think I was was about 10 (late 40's). We were on the Crystal Beach Boat going to Crystal Beach, of course. There was a yellow plane that buzzed the boat and started doing acrobatic manuvers around the boat. It then crashed into the starboard bow. The pilot was never found. No one on board was hurt.

I will never forget it. The plane hit at the very front of the bow. I wasn't tall enough
to look over the side, but I do remember seeing the yellow tail section sink into the lake. Everyone was asked to go to the port side so the life boats could be lowered to look for the pilot. The boat listed way over on its left side .

If any one can remember the date or the incident please contact me.:emial: emaildickseitz@yahoo.com.
Megan Burmeister Full 07-Aug-2007 01:15
It seems like it was just a couple of years ago that we were waiting in line for the yellow roller coaster. Thank you everyone for sharing the memories. I had forgotten about some of the fun times. The magic carpet at the end of the castle,of course the air that was blown up as you walked by. Oh so many many laughs. I have spent over an hour and have not read half of the responses. Hello to all the Bailey-Delevan folks. St.Gerard's is having an all class & parishoners reunion on Sat. Oct 27 of this year. Contact the church to get your name on the list.!!!!
beverly mercer 06-Aug-2007 19:12
As everyone else says... Thanks for the memories!!! I wish I had a map to really remember where everything was. Don't forget about all the food stands outside of the park that served french fries and gravy. I never left the park without a cinnamon sucker and never ever finished one! As a teenager we rented cottages with our friends. "Suds City No Tell Hotel" We drank more Labattes Blue label and had parties with hundreds of kids and never had one problem with the police. Imagine that !! I found a video a few years back about the history of the beach and gave it to my brothers for Christmas. It was one of the most popular gifts that year. Well I will be sure to visit this site again just to read the commets and relive the past!!
John Kulikowski 02-Aug-2007 18:04
I haven't lived in Buffalo for a long time and am sad to hear one more thing from the past is gone forever; Crystal Beach. Yes I too stood on tip toes to try to make the red height line for the Comet, we would try to see who could ride it the most, boasts of 12 to 20 times in-a-row were common. We would be so excited as kids driving there from Buffalo we would practically jump out of our skins.
Thank you
Sue (Suhay) Budziszewski 31-Jul-2007 02:08
Each summer we reminice about Crystal Beach. My parents didn't have much money, so it was a real treat to visit this magical place once a year. My cousins moved to Phoenix over 25 years ago & even they still talk about it! When you mention Crystal Beach to someone else that shares your memories, thier eyes light up as if a child again. My parents have their own remembrances. Riding aboard the Americana & Canadiana, Roller Skating & Dancing & the ever popular Queeno Bottle Cap Day. My Dad would collect the bottle caps so that he could get in for free, otherwise he could not have gone. I remember standing on tip-toes so that I could finally ride the Comet! Can't explain to others how it feels to come down that big drop, hands in the air & sandflies in your face! Thanks for sharing these fabulous pictures.
Barry Stewart 28-Jul-2007 19:33
Thanks for the memories. I was born and spent the first ten years of my life in Buffalo. We lived on Kelvin Drive near Lincoln Park, just off Niagra Falls Blvd., and made the trip to Crystal Beach each summer. You are right - those were simpler, safer, more innocent times.
Linda (Ferri)Russell 28-Jul-2007 14:53
Back in the late ‘50’s, at age 13, the only way my sister Pat was allowed to go the Crystal Beach, was if she brought me along. I was all of 10 years old and it was a time when there was no worry about kidnappers or adults who did weird things. Being from Trenton Ave on the West Side, we walked to Dante Place to get the boat. Between the short walk and waiting in line to board the Canadiana, the excitement almost lifted me off the ground.

Once beyond the gang plank and onboard, I would stand along the railing, holding our towels, while the piped in rock n’roll played and the throngs of teenagers flirted and danced on the open air deck. They’d gyrate on the well worn, tan colored, hardwood floor, in their shorts or bathing suits, enjoying 1950’s teenage life and summer fun. The excitement easily carried us over Lake Erie, and in all too short and long a time, we would pour barefoot onto the waiting pier at Crystal Beach. We’d run along the long faded planks that led to the beach, holding our towels and shoes, while screams trumpeted off the Comet as it turned and licked the warm shore line.

Though Italian-American, my skin color is fair and the hot sun would soon start to color me lobster pink. The pain seemed never to come until late that day, at our house, and usually while sand flies made their final flight to light bulbs tucked under beige, scalloped lampshades.

But at the beach, as we hunted for the perfect parcel of space, we did a sort of Irish step dance over hot sand and crisscrossed around green, blue and red towels and faded hand me down blankets that splotched over the billions of beige grains.

We baked on the beach and then ran into the lapping lake. When hunger hit, I would stay with the blanket, while Patty went to the concessions for hot dogs and Coke a Cola.
By 3:00, it was time to catch the next boat back to Buffalo. If we had enough change left, Patty would get me a pink cotton candy for the trip home. The day in the sun often left me sleepy with eyes at half mast, and once on the boat home, I’d rest my head and under reddened eye lids, watched the sky line of Buffalo come closer and closer. Closer and closer.

From the throngs of comments on this site, it’s clear these are great memories for all of us. Many thanks to the site photographer – The photos are a gift!

Linda (Ferri) Russell

Guest 28-Jul-2007 12:42
What a place- What a treasure
LInda (Ferri) Russell 28-Jul-2007 12:37
In the late '50's, by the time I was 10 yrs old, my 13 yr old sister Pat could only go to Crystal Beach if she brought me too. (imagine that! No worry about kidnapping or adults doing weird things!!) Living on the lower West Side (Trenton Ave) we would walk to Dante Place for the boat. While standing in line, waiting to board the boat the excitement of today's adventure was mounting. And once onboard, as 10 yr. old Italian American kid who loved music, the ship's music and the reams of dancing teenagers were overwhelming. Maybe equal to what the kids on American Bandstand had felt. For me and so many others, the scene on the boat packed a high and carried us all the way to Crystal Beach shores. Coming up on shore in Canada, the view of the beach, sand and water poured over us like a melting delicious frozen custard. In the background your could hear screams coming from the Comet as it licked the shore line. You made your way onto the beach, careful not to step on the blue, red and green towels or the hand me down, sun faded blankets . Since these were the days of no sun screen, and that I have fair skin, I would immediately start to burn, but the whole place was so different than the West Side of Buffalo, I would never notice how bad the burn would become until that evening and my skin throbed, while sand flies danced on the lamp shade. After all, Crystal Beach was full of fun things to do - See your friends, dip into Lake Erie, eat a hot dog, and if you had enough money get a pink cotton candy. Funny how memories like this are not complete, but we have snipids of images left to call on. The photos in this gallery are a tresaure and from the comments by so many others, they help remind us and fill in the memory gaps, of what an incredible place Buffalo and Crystal Beach was in the '50.s. Many thanks to K Josker for lovingly making these images available.
West Side Gal
Gail (Tierney) Olivieri 28-Jul-2007 02:36
What baby boomer & anyone older than that from WNY couldn't remember Crystal Beach. We went there several times every year. We couldn't wait to get our report cards because Loblaw's would give you a ticket to get in free. The best was class day-8th grade from St. Gerard's-I rode the Comet 13 times-never did I try to beat that record-lines we always to long. Could never go home without a Crystal Beach sucker. The last time I was there my son was 2 & we took the boat over--it broke down & we had to be towed to shore--they had to bring us back to Buffalo by taxi. What great memories-another favorite place no longer around was Roseland Park-my Grandparents took us every summer.
Camille Devon 27-Jul-2007 16:46
What a great idea. I remember going to CB with my family and then on dates and finally with my own children, Everyone loved it Crystal Beach was a magical name for a magical place. Thank you.
John S 20-Jul-2007 01:40
Thank u Thank u Thank u for these memories. My father was a General Motors worker . They used to have their summer picnics there in the 60's. These photos are awesome. I wish I had thought of going there in 88 or 89 with a roll of film.
Dee Nasca 16-Jul-2007 19:33
We spent every summer at a family cottage at Crystal Beach from the age of 9 thru the age of 17. Then groups of us girls would rent a cottage each summer and had the best times. I to remember the penny arcade, listening and dancing to the juke box. Dancing to Stan Kenton and other bands, walking the beach at nite with my first boyfriend, partying at the various cottages. Dancing at the Swing Inn. We made life time friends those years, wonderful memories of rides to Point Abino in a convertable in our baby doll pj every morning with our friend Paul singing the pop songs and flirting with the boys. What bitter sweet memories of 1953-1960
Maureen 13-Jul-2007 04:55
Can you believe our parents let us take buses to Crystal Beach without adult supervision on Kenmore Day, for instance?
See missingbuffaloblog.com for more WNY memories.
guest 11-Jul-2007 15:37
Thanks for the special memories. Summer meant the beginning of nagging my father everyday to pick the day we would go to Crystal Beach. The day was magic!! We always brought our own food and giant thermos of ice tea. The day ended with each of us getting our Crystal Beach sucker to enjoy all the way back to West Seneca. I've been to many great parks, but nothing compares to CB. The day I was brave enough to ride the yellow roller coaster and the Comet was great. I felt like I could do anything!
ronald c. mazur 07-Jul-2007 13:08
the best time our family ever had was at cb.i still remember going to the neighbors to collect the coupons from the buffalo evening news for the boat and amusement tickets. we still live in the area. great memories.
Chris D. 06-Jul-2007 21:54
Well, I still live in the area and I work with a guy who has memorabilia all over his summer house at Crystal Beach. You should see it!! It would all come back to you.
He has the actual park bench that sat outside the Carousel. Oh those days when I first went there with the CYO group with my cousin. I was just a kid. I still am when I think of Crystal Beach. It isn't the same now but the memories always will be.
JoeD 02-Jul-2007 00:59
Love the pictures. One area that I've never seen a picture of was the grove.We had many family picnic's there. I still remember the stone bandstand with the kitchen underneath..
Zona Himmelsbach 01-Jul-2007 03:49
Passage on the Canadiana from Buffalo was a thrill for me. Listening to Harlem Nocturne was a delightful memory; I was just 13. around '47 or '48. My first job was at Crystal Beach that summer; I dusted waffles with powdered sugar and served up drinks from vats. Oh how the bees did flock to the vats and if one fell in if and I couldn't get it out I'd still serve. People didn''t seem to mind or notice. I got stung on the left foot and scratched it. Blood poisoning set in and when I got home one weekend my father had to treat me for it. The red streaks were climbing up my ankle. I slept in a rooming house for staff., called the staffhouse. It was dingy with spider webs and had steel cots, bad mattress, no box spring, the one small bath only had a toilet and a wash basin. I did get to ride the Comet. Bought a green and yellow sorority jacket in town there not far from the staff house. One of the last duties there was to sit upstairs (somewhere there) was to count tickets. Unexpectedly I got a $30 bonus at the end of the summer; maybe that was because I told the boss to keep his hands off of me, when he reached for my chest telling me I had a spot on my blouse. First time in my life I ever told anyone off. I think that is why he gave me a $30 bonus.
Nancy Bonarowski 24-Jun-2007 14:44
My fondest memories of Crystal Beach were the laughing fat lady statue outside Laugh in the Dark and watching the people come bouncing down the "magic carpet" at the end of the Magic Palace ride. When I was a kid, I remember being scared inside of the ride with the boats through the dark tunnels. Not so much the ride, but the teenagers who would get out of the boats during the ride and slosh through the water and stop the other boats. Another vivid memory was that strong smell of electricity and metal when you were inside of Laugh in the Dark. I was in Crystal Beach yesterday and although all those new houses are just beautiful, I will never get over the sad feeling that they came at a very high price........the demolition of a unique park and a place we will all still hold dear in our memories. It wasn't slick and sophisticated like the parks are today, but it was really great fun for all of us who were lucky enough to be kids when that park was there....Thanks for the great pictures and another visual stroll through Crystal Beach Park!
Guest 20-Jun-2007 00:01
Elaine-Tonawanda: does anyone remember the Loop the Loop ride? It made me sick many times over.. I'll never forget the laugh of the Fat Lady!
Elaine-Hamburg 19-Jun-2007 14:26
What a blast from the past! Remember how we all wanted to get good grades in school, so at the end of the year we could take our report cards to the grocery store (can't remember which store), and the higher the grades, the more tickers you got for Crystal Beach? LOL.....boy, the times sure have changed! I didn't see the Wild Mouse in any of those pictures. Anyone remember that?
Guest 15-Jun-2007 13:16
Crystal Beach was a magical place! I loved the Magic Carpet and the bumper cars. There was so much action there in the 50's and 60's! It is a part of me. Thanks for the website. I live in Texas but I'm a Buffalo girl!
Marie Rogers Scanlin
Joe Rizzo 14-Jun-2007 13:10
Great pictures, the memories are wonderful. The only thing missing was a cup of french fries with a lot of salt and vinegar. of course a large Logenberry from the Small Fry.
Barbara Zimmett 13-Jun-2007 20:13
Oh what special memories. It even brought back the smells of Crystal Beach for me. I was scared to death of Laff in the Dark and used to close my eyes through the whole ride. Finally, when I got a bit older, I braved it out and opened my eyes to discover, it wasn't dark in there at all. There were all these doors to the outside all over the place letting slivers of light in. I can still stroll through the park in my mind's eye and relive all those glorious days in the 40s and 50s. Thanks for the memories.
Barbara
Dorothy 10-Jun-2007 19:14
These photos were great!! Brought back so many good memories! I used to go to Crystal Beach at least once a week in the 70's and 80's with friends. Had a great day every time we went!
Phil Wisner 29-May-2007 19:10
I look at these pictures and they take me back to my childhood. I can remember going to Crystal Beach on the QEW from Niagara Falls, N.Y. and the drive seemed to take forever! I loved the Comet and can still remember parking and walking across the street. You could see the top of The Comet as you walked in. I especially liked the water slides and still have a scar on my shoulder from the roof of the building that you changed clothes. Such great memories!
chuck 29-May-2007 02:56
What terrific pics. I grew up in wny and travelled to Crystal Beach as a child in the 50's and 60's, and later with my future wife in the 70's. I hear the Comet ended up in New Jersey or somewhere. We drove up to Sherkston Quarry and Crystal Beach alot back then. Camped at Sherkston many times. Canada was a friendly, wonderful place to be. I now live in texas; crossing the border here in a little different!

Thanks for the wonderful memories.

chuck in austin
jeff 22-May-2007 00:12
Very nice pictures of the park and I love the black and white effect. Thank you
Patrick 14-May-2007 20:56
Go to "Google" and type in "Erie and ridgeway, crystal beach, ca" and then hit the hyperlink "Maps" this will give you an airiel view of cyrstal beach. Use your mouse wheel to zoom in and out.
Guest 10-May-2007 16:00
Great Park...Went there in the 70's before closure. I did not get to ride the comet because I was too scared. But the energy at that park was great. You could feel all the years of good times there.
B. Reinagel, Holland, NY 02-May-2007 20:14
We took our 8 month old daughter for a final ride on the Merry-Go-Round the year the park closed! We had to hold her up!!. We lost the film!
Dickie 28-Apr-2007 01:55
I won the baby beauty contest at Crystal Beach in 1924.
Mary Clum Harris 23-Apr-2007 15:53
Sweet memories....too many to list from a gal that lived in Kenmore from September thru May and played at Silver Bay from June thru August... Thanks for the stroll down memory lane for those of us who experienced this phenonmenon personally. I could hear the voices in the background, smell the waffles and taste the coconut suckers!
SANDY FROM NORTH TONAWADA 18-Apr-2007 14:28
WOW, I SURE REMEMBER CRYSTAL BEACH AS MY FAVORITE PLACE. MY UNCLE USED TO TAKE US THERE EVERY WEEK, HE IS DECEASED NOW, SURE BROGUHT TEARS TO MY EYES TO SEE THESE PICTURES, WHAT A GREAT SITE, MY UNCLE BROUGHT ALL FIVE US KIDS THERE, AND WE NEVER MISSED THE TONAWANDA;S DAYS EVER. ALOS I WOULD LIKE TO ADD I HAVE FOUND A PLACE THAT STILL SELLS CRYSTAL BEACH SUCKERS, IT'S ON MAIN STREET IN TONAWANDA, ACROSS FROM THE OLD MIGHTY TACO SITE, GREAT MEMORIES OF THAT PLACE,
Joan (Rosenthal) Shulman 15-Apr-2007 00:41
Wow!! What memories. We moved to Buffalo in 1941, when I was 7 years old. Before we lived in Buffalo, we lived in a cottage at Bay Beach. For a kid from the Big Apple, this was paradise! I learned to swim there, and I found the Crystal Beach Amusement park while walking along the wooden boardwalk from Bay Beach. I loved the arcade and the Caterpillar ride. But, most of all, I loved the fun house. I learned to eat French Fries with vinegar, there, and I found the lollypops one day, and got hooked on the cinnamon. Those Bavarian waffles dipped in powdered sugar!! Oh, my!!

Growing up in Buffalo, I found that waiting for summer so we could ride the Americana and Canadiana were very much worth surviving a Buffalo winter. In high school, we spent many Saturday nights dancing to some band or other on the Crystal Beach Boat after a day at "The Beach."

I left Buffalo in 1956, after I was married, but Crystal Beach has remained a part of me. When I took my children to see Crystal Beach, it had become run down, and so sad looking. They were too experienced with Disneyland to fully appreciate the love I had for Crystal Beach. What a sad loss to the world!

Thank you so much for bringing this 73 year old back to the fond memories of her childhood!!
Ed from Williamsville 04-Apr-2007 18:57
Crystal Ceach was the BEST. My kids are 22 and 25 so they at least experienced it as well in their youth. The last two summers we rented a house in the new development. It was great sitting on the beach next to the pier, all that was missing was the noise of the comet and wild mouse! The beach is still a great place to be and relax!
Mark 01-Apr-2007 22:07
I was born and raised in Crystal Beach, we lived in a house right on the main street of town. As children we would sit in our front lawn and watch all the cars heading down the road to the park. Its amazing to think that back in the 70's and 80's (when we were growing up) that there could be such traffic congestion. the Cars were bumper to bumper all the way down the street. As locals we all worked in the park during the summer - sort of a rite of passage. We all had a tainted memory of the park at the time because we always saw the 'off season slump' - the town would become a ghost town, As we look back, there are certainly many fun memories we all have of that park and the town during the summer. The suckers are still available for purchase at some local stores (ridgeway) - they certainly were great (cinnamon, coconut, butterscotch, lemon, - Peanut were the best). The town certainly has fallen on rough(er) times since the demise of the park - there are certainly some improvements made, but it will never be the same.
Laureen 31-Mar-2007 18:28
Great place to go as a kid and inexpensive. What a shame it had to close. Such a quaint little town too. Does anyone remember jumping off the cliffs at Sherkson Quarry? I wonder if they allow it now?
Guest 31-Mar-2007 01:41
I don't believe that there will ever be another amusement park like Crystal Beach. It truly was in a league all its own. The day it closed was a very sad one indeed. My first memory of Crystal Beach was when, at the age of 7, I rode the Giant Coaster with my grandparents. From that time on, Crystal Beach gave me many, many wonderful summers. It saddens me that my grandchildren will never experience its fun and uniqueness. You could ride and/or walk through many amusements, eat in the dining area or outside in the groves, indulge in delicacies such as the Crystal Beach suckers or the fabulous sugar waffles, ride the awesome carosel or laff in the dark. And, as if that were not already enough, you could even swim in the beautiful crystal blue water. Farewell Crystal Beach. You may be gone but will never be forgotten.
Lorie 28-Mar-2007 16:55
No amusement park will ever compare to Crystal Beach. My grandmother used to take us there in the 60's. As a little girl, my favorite was the fun house. The man that operated the air would always get some poor girl with a dress on!! As a teenager, I then braved riding the Comet. I remember riding it six times in a row! Thank you so much for these wonderful pictures. They bring back such fond memories...
Don 28-Mar-2007 00:42
I remember the boat rides to and from Crystal Beach. TNT day was special. I got to take my daughter's there, on a Saturday,(boat long gone) for a company picnic. Just after they announced it was closing. How sad. It was better than these "modern parts".
Nancy 25-Mar-2007 02:56
It was a wonderful time. I feel bad that our children will never know the wonderful times we had in the late 40s and 50s. It was wonderful to take the boat to crystal beach and not worry about anything but having a good time. We always had to have a crystal beach sucker to eat on the way home. It is a shame that condos are taking over all the fun areas in our times.
Guest - Lois 22-Mar-2007 15:35
Thanks for the memories...My boyfriend and I rode the Evening Canadiana to Crystal Beach once a week during the summers of 1953-54 to square dance in the ballroom. Then we would ride the last boat back to Bufffalo.
Mark Oship 21-Mar-2007 13:33
These classy b&w photos of Crysatal Beach are absolutley first rate. I grew up in North Tonawanda, NY (still live there in fact) and my most looked forward to day every year was Tonawands'a Day at Crystal Beach. My friends and I would take the first bus to Crystal Beach in the morning (10 AM) and rhe last bus home at night (11 PM). We would spend the last hour there riding the Comet over and over and over. The COmet is still alive and well, operating at Six Flags Great Escape in Lake George, NY, but without "the Lake" next to it, its' just not the same ride!

Would anyone who grew up in the Tonawanda's be interested in trying to get together a group to reminesce about Tonawanda's Day at Crystal Beach? Post a note here and we'll see if there's any interest.
Lou 13-Mar-2007 04:28
The Comet is now at Lake George NY,it is still the best with all its shakes and rattles,but nothing can compare to riding it at the Beach as you went down the first hill thinking you might end up in the lake.Walked down the pier before the park closed and read some of the grafitti that was dated from the 40s.
Glenn Ward 12-Mar-2007 16:27
Now 48, I have to say, I was nearly a teenager when my Mom took me to Crystal Beach. The Comet brings back fond memories but the ride that really makes me rememebr Crystal Beach is not in the photos. It was a ride that travels around in cicles, looked like little airplanes up high. Boy did I get sick. I rememeber this ride close to the Comets entrance.
I remember all the tails about the Comet as well. Crystal Beach was a beutiful place to spend the days back then. Ill never forget it.
Rebecca 07-Mar-2007 15:44
Oh these are wonderful photos. Thank you so much for sharing them. I am looking for a cottage to rent the week of July 4th in the Crystal Beach area and came upon this terrific website. If anyone knows any leads on renting a reasonably priced cottage for a family of 4, please let me know. I'm hoping to share some of my memories with my children.Thanks! Rebecca (rmurphy1@cdc.gov)
Michael C 05-Mar-2007 15:30
Wow.. I realize that I am only years old but I remember growing up in Buffalo and my grandparents had a cottage in Cyrstal Beach and we would spend all day at the amusement park, they were great memories that I would love to live over and over again
Jim O 10-Feb-2007 15:44
I remember going very young 1942 perhaps. Then in the early 50s we had a cottage at Cedar Bay Ontario. The boat ride was great; I went in my Cleveland Hill High School days 1950-55. It was the only place you could get Loganberry drinks. ( It was awful )
tom 04-Feb-2007 16:07
I spent all my summers at the family cottage on ashwood street. One block away and right across from the main entrance to the Chrystal beach beach entrance. I went back there for the first time in 30 years last summer. The water tower that was on the corner is gone as well as the park. My dad used to give us park tickets for alloance, that was in the late 50's and 60's. I remember the kiddie land with the carts on the tracks that you power with your hands. The train that ran along the back side of the hill with the cottages on top that faced the lake. Of corse the commet and the magic carpet . I thought the guy that ran the controls that gave you shocks when you sat on the bench or pulled the whistle and made the air blast, had the best job ever. Going to the old ice house with my wagon every couple of days to bring back ice for the ice box. It was sad to see how the town is in need of repair, but there was some folks fixing thing up.
Nancy S. 28-Jan-2007 00:17
Our family will always have one special memory of crystal beach, because my dad purchased the player piano for $50.00 and rebuilt it from scratch. We shared many memories on special occasions playing the piano. Dad is no longer with us, but we will always treasure his music from the player rolls that Dad purchased through the years.
MOConnor 09-Dec-2006 21:16
WOW! I just found your site via a scrabble game online of all things. The person was from Buffalo, and I mentioned that as a child, I spent every summer up in Buffalo and at my Aunt Nelle's cottage on Derby Road. Spent so much of my youth at Crystal Beach, the Comet, the Lake, the malt shop where Elsye the cow lived on top, Thunder Bay ... all those memories. All my relatives from there that are either no longer living or who knows where...I should go through all my family photos and offer them up as part of an effort to track down. Thank you for the memories. I just knew we would fall into the Lake when we would zoom downward on the Comet, time after time after time ... haha. And the mirrors in the fun halls where we looked so weird ... and the Magic Castle? is that what it was called. I would give a lot to just have those chips and malted vinegar. Any O'Connors, Donatos, Paladino's, Wippicks still out there? FOD??
Rev Ennae 13-Nov-2006 02:15
I'm trying to track down a "family story".... it entails a 12 year old boy who was murdered by his 17 year old cousin and found tied to a tree at Sherkston Quarry. If anyone remembers any details or an approximate date of this tragedy, please email me: glanceheavenward@yahoo.com

Thanks & Blessings,
Rev. Ennae
Shirley 10-Oct-2006 12:39
These pictures sure bring back happy memories of a wonderful time in my life! We lived in the Riverside section of buffalo when I was a little girl which would have been in the fourties. My Mother would take me on the bus to the foot of Porter Avenue where we joined the throngs of people waiting to board the boat. I would go to the section of the boat where I could watch the pistons going up and down and I really felt like we were taking a voyage to a far away country. One time Igot lost and until I found my Mother I was scared to death. It was wall to wall people.
In later years my friends and I would go there alone after many of us had taken a truck to the farms in Brant and Angola where we picked whatever was ripe so that we had the money for Crystal Beach. We moved to Tonawanda, New York when I was 13 years old and I continued going as often as possible and the last time there I rode the Comet with it going backwards. I'm 74 years old now but those days spent on the shore of Lake Erie are still vivid and cherished memories. I wish my grandchildren and great-grandchildren could have the "Crystal Beach Experience!"
Jim Clark 10-Oct-2006 01:48
I read through all the comments and it sure brought back memories. I got to sail over on the Canadiana twice during the 40's but the second time Lake Erie had rough waters and my mother refused to go on the boat again. Life guards screamed at us for diving for coins by the dock. We used to get there early and grab a picnic table and cover (? - don't know why - nobody would steal your food back then) our cooler and food with a blanket. Then we'd hit the slides and walk up to the waffle stand and get a couple and a glass of Logenberry drink. We'd always start on the Giant coaster and then run down to the Comet And maybe ride the Caterpillar or the Bug before taking on the big coaster. Once on Tonawanda's Day I rode it twenty times in a row and sat in every seat. Tickets were 20 for a $1 and Comet was 5 tickets and reride was 4. Seems that they started Tonawanda's Day again when I was 11 or 12 and me and a couple of friends went over by ourselves. My mom told me to look out for the neighbor girls and be careful. Seems we left on the first bus in the morning and came home on the last bus at midnight. I always remember that it was in late July or early August and it would rain sometimes during the day. Won some kind of trophy in a wheelbarrow race and a log throw one year. Also got a $5 gift certificate from Norton Auto and Supply. Bought a speedometer with it. Isn't that when the tug-of-war started between the cities at the Tonawanda's Day games. Loved Crystal Beach and still have old movies from the 40-50's and pictures of my great times there.
Louis Nemeth 28-Sep-2006 14:58
what a great site i worked at cb on the merry go round in 1956 and was there during the riots but no one bother me i was lucky as a lot was going on all around me like a big fight on the catterpillar across from me and i n the picnic area behind my ride does any one remember the lopper well it was real bad there that night...Louis
Laurie 27-Sep-2006 17:31
Ah, Crystal Beach. I still miss that park. It's depressing to see those houses crowded onto the shoreline. I attend the Crystal Beach Festival every summer. There are a lot of people who attend with Crystal Beach Memoriabilia and the like. I've also found some great merchandise on this webiste www.crystalbeachkeepsakes.com.
Guest 17-Sep-2006 17:32
I stumbled across this site while I was at work. I have just been taken back 25 years. Several of my family members worked there from three aunts, two uncles, many cousins, my mom, my dad, my two brothers, and even my grand father at one point. I started my job in the parking lots, moved to garbage pick up, and then when I turned 16 I got on the rides. My first one was the Magic Palace. The next year I worked on the Flying Bobs. The next year I apprenticed making candy, Halls Kisses and Suckers. My last year there I was the sole person making the candy. So many times throughout the day now I get the feeling that I was back there. I here a song that was played on one of the rides like Black Betty, and I get the sensation of being there. For some of the people that read this and remember things like closing the park on Sunday night and going over to Tonawanda and playing hockey at midnight, closing the rides up after labor day, the parties at the beach. There is so much I would like to say about those days, I could go on forever. Maybe there are other people out there who would like to reminisce. If so please email me. More later.
dexter 05-Sep-2006 18:33
GREAT MEMORIES. READ ALL THE COMMENTS FROM "CRYSTAL BEACHERS". I HAD TO SWALLOW VERY HARD MANY TIMES WHILE READING THEM. ALL OF WHICH ARE TRUE.MY FONDEST MEMORY OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED WERE THE DANCES AT THE BALLROOM. I REMEMBER ALL THE GREAT BIG BANDS THAT PLAYED THERE.. MY FAVORITE WAS STAN KENTON. HE HAD A TRUMPET PLAYER BY THE NAME OF MAYNARD FERGUSON. MAYNARD COULD HIT DOUBLE HIGH C ON HIS HORN.I GOT TO KNOW HIM PERSOLALLY. HE DIED ON AUGEST 23 2006.AN ARTICAL IN THE FLORIDA SUN SENTINAL PAPER STATED THAT SOMEONE SAID"GABERIAL, MOVE OVER TWO SECOND TRUMPET".HE WAS THE LAST OF THE GREATS. THAT ERA IS NOW CLOSED.BUT THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CRYSTAL BEACH ARE STILL STRONG IN ALL OF US WHO STILL REMEMBER THOSE GREAT DAYS AND NIGHTS. ANOTHER WORLD BACK THENAND A MUCH BETTER ONE. TO ALL OF YOU. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.
Guest 02-Sep-2006 17:49
I remember going on the Canadiana to Crystal Beach. I had to be 5 years old. Than we got a cottage every year there. What a great time we had.Only sad thing is when my daughter went in the eary 80's see lost my watch on the Flume,which was given to me on my First Communion.Great memories from Crystal Beach.

Gloria
TERESA 02-Sep-2006 11:35
KENMORE WEEK HAD A KENMORE DAY EVERY YEAR AND BUS LOAD AFTER BUS LOAD LEFT FOR CRYSTAL BEACH EACH YEAR. MY 8TH GRADE CLASS DAY AT ST PAULS WENT TO CYRSTAL BEACH- THAT WAS THE DAY WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER WAS THE DAY ROBERT KENNEDY HAD BEEN SHOT,IN CALIFORNIA AT 4IN THE MORNING OUR TIME. WE LEFT FOR CANADA NOT KNOWING HIS CONDITION. THE MEDIA BEING WHAT IT WAS AT THAT TIME WE DIDN'T LEARN UNTIL THE BUFFALO NEWS EVENING EDITION PAPER WAS DELIVERED TO THE CRYSTAL BEACH PARK THAT BOBBY KENNEDY HAD DIED. THERE WERE OF COURSE MANY HAPPY MEMORIES OF CRYSTAL BEACH AS WELL, BUT WHEN I THINK OF CRYSTAL BEACH I ALWAYS THINK OF BOBBY KENNEDY TOO.
Karen 30-Aug-2006 02:34
Every year, in the '60s and early '70s, my Dad would take us to Crystal Beach, because the old Iroquois Gas, now National Fuel, had their family picnic there. My brother, sister and I couldn't wait to park in the dusty lot, and walk to the main gate. The smell of the cotton candy, fries and waffles would hit our noses, and we'd be in heaven! We would get little drum cups of vanilla ice cream--it was the creamiest, best ice cream I've ever had. My Mom and Dad told us stories of coming over to CB on the Canadiana when the bands played and the lovely ballroom. I would have loved to have seen it in the '40s-- it must have been spectacular. My grandmother told us about the old Cyclone, and how people actually fell out of the cars! I remember the roller rink and the sound of the music playing. While many mention the laughing lady, do you remember that scary piano playing skeleton? I would run away because I thought he would break out of that cage and snatch me! My sister and I would ride the Giant Coaster, and then the Comet over and over. We'd complete a ride, run off, and line back up. The Wild Mouse was the most frightening ride. My Dad would have to hold my sister and I because we'd fly up out of the car over those last two bumps! The seat belts sure weren't made like today-- I think they were just leather belts. In the early '60s, I remember when they had gas cars on a little speedway. I could never ride it because I was too young, but my older brother enjoyed it. I was so jealous. I also remember an old ride that looked like an old carriage, and it whipped around on this oval track. Years back, we took our own children to Dorney Park in Allentown, PA, and they had a ride similar to the one in CB. I think it was called Crack the Whip. Best of all was the Magic Carpet-- back when it actually had the bumpy, moving carpet at the end. Man, what a beautiful park. Thank you for keeping this website... the pictures brought back so many wonderful memories. Oh, to enjoy just one of those days again........
Judy Balzer 25-Aug-2006 22:40
I came across a photo in my grandmother's belongings showing the Canaidiana and the beach when ladies wore long skirts and gentlemen wore jackets on the sand , at the water. The Canaidiana is approaching the dock and it is priceless. Years and days at Crystal..."beachers" partying in the '60's through '80's, the sights. the sounds. Thanks for the snapshots.
Debbie 22-Aug-2006 04:00
I went to elementary school in the 1960's and remember getting very excited about going to Loblaws and turning in my report card for Crystal beach tickets. If you had a great report card full of A's and B's you would receive many tickets. What Fun!
All of my friends would get on the yellow bus in Tonawanda for the TNT Days at Crystal beach. I miss those days and would love to have taken my daughter to our beloved Crystal Beach.
Mona 16-Aug-2006 20:05
I left Buffalo in 1977, and moved to Florida. I have always talked to others about how wondereful a childhood I had growing up in the westside of Buffalo and near by Fort Erie. Thank you for putting this all together so we can relive those days. My church and the memories of leaving school on Monday afternoon and walking to Holy Cross for religious instruction . Going to our cottages in Cresent Park in Fort Erie in the summer. Walking to downtown with your friends.

Thank you again.
kim 13-Aug-2006 19:11
I just LOVE Crystal Beach...I remember going on "Cheektowaga Day" I am a pack rat and beleive it or not I still have all my ticket stubs from the addmission ticket !! ( I am now 40) I have read all the comments, but no one mentioned the "shocking" chair in the magic palace. You sit in it and it would shock you. I too remember getting hit with the blast of air. Does anyone remember when the "scrambler ride" became enclosed and in was all dark and black flourescent lights that would make things glow. I visit home often and always bring back those suckers..By the end o the sucker the corners of my mouth would be so cut up from the edges of the sucker...Those were the good ol' days
Jen Galley 10-Aug-2006 15:28
Hi,

I was in Crystal Beach in July for the festival and purchased a souvenier print...Does anyone know where I can get another one? Thanks!
Bill H. 02-Aug-2006 05:34
I LOVED Crystal Beach as a kid. When Hamburg Day came, all my friends and I would go on yellow school buses. The last Hamburg Day I went was around 1981 when The Pirate had just been installed. That was fun but nothing like The Comet! Crystal Beach had a character that's just not found in the cookie cutter parks now...
Rick 28-Jul-2006 18:00
What a rush of nostalgia, memories of summers at the cottage with my Grandparents. At 48 I still remember the sights, sounds and smells like it was yesterday.
The whistle of the train , Leo the paper eater and laughing Sal.
Walking up hot dog alley out of the circle the first sound that would come to my ears was the chains clanging on the Giant Coaster as it made it's slow climb up that first hill. It's funny I was back last year and I stopped to listen , what an empty feeling not to hear that or the screams of riders as they headed down the first hill and up and around.
Remeber the Jungle Ride what a hoot holding up the boats inside, I can rember stealing a kiss in that ride with my girlfriend.
Laugh in the Dark, what a great ride and the smell inside of electricity and must.
We used to ride the Sky Ride at sunset and feel the cool summer breezes blowing of Erie.
The Wild Mouse can anyone say they never feared falling off those crazy tracks.
We ride and hang out in the park till dark and when the whistle blew at the end of the night we would head over to the beach or back to the cottage making plans to do it all over again the next day.
Sad how fast time goes and things change and not always for the better. Canada's Wonderland and Darrien Lakes just don't seem to be the same.
Wouldn't it be nice to go back to those carefree days again, even for a few short hours.
I guess I'll have to settle for my old pictures and the Crystal Beach Festival that happens every year.
The park is long gone but they one thing that will always remain is the memories.
Thanks Crystal Beach.
Joe Gill 26-Jul-2006 03:53
Nostalgia is wonderful, but we all must live right now. What wonderful memories of the Canadiana, clipping coupons from the Buffalo Evening News. How I loathe the 21st century with its complications. I went to Crystal Beach in grammar school and my 5 kids did too up until the adverse winds of diversity closed the Park in the 1980's. Of course I'm 73 now and any amusement park would be lethal.
JStone 24-Jul-2006 22:10
Ahhh ...... MEMORIES !!!
Terri 22-Jul-2006 19:17
I lived in Buffalo as a child, and do I remember Crystal Beach, on the way there we kids would sing Crystal Beach Here We Come. Thanks for the pics.
Jean B. 20-Jul-2006 15:50
I am a old lady now 77 yrs. old in fact but I remember as if it were yesterday that magical, wonderful place called "Crystal Beach". Our mom would take us there as kids and from the moment we stepped onto that grand old lady, the"Canadiana",going to the beach until the ride back to Buffalo, our day was one of glorious happiness and wonder. The Fun House was a favorite place for me and I would spend hours there as Mom had only so many tickets to last the whole day for my sister and I. But I can see it all in memory... the Old Mill boat ride, the HeyDey, Caterpillar etc. When we were teens we danced in the beautiful Crystal ballroom to Stan Kenton's band and rode the Old Mill with our boyfriends. I can never forget any of it and oh, how I wish it still existed. The smells and sounds live in my memory so vividly and this wnderful presentation will be have a permanent place in my Favorites file. Thankyou for sharing it with us, Karl. It was a grand walk with you down "Memory Lane". God bless you for it.
linda gena 17-Jul-2006 18:57
Linda Heigl (Gena) moved to Phoenix, Az great opportunity real change but never forget my roots/ Crystal Beach was the best. Pine Hill Days and the events helped across the street, loved the suckers and the train ride. The boat ride over before the riots, what a shame. What happened to our great city?
Guest 16-Jul-2006 03:45
As a transplanted New Yorker, I unfortunately missed out on some of the great times that many people had at Crystal Beach but I did get to experience the park in my mid 20's - I think in some respects of my visits to Adventure Land on Long Island and Coney Island Amusement Park - My husband kept on talking about the malt vinegar, blueberry bunns; french fries. We'll we have found the blueberry bunns - they are sold by Open Window Bakeries in the Toronto area but have yet to find out what the name of the malt vinegar is -If anyone knows - it would appreciated if you could post it. The closest that we have found is the vinegar served at IKEA in Burlington, Canada. We also stumbled on a park that is a very close twin to Crystal Beach !- Located in Erie, PA called Waldemar(sp?) Park (near Presque Isle State Park) - my husband and his friend were so freaked that this park was also close in looks to Crystal Beach. Enjoyed the site - keep the memories coming
Debbie 15-Jul-2006 11:27
I remember riding the bus for Crystal Beach days over to Canada. I would save my babysitting money.What a great time we had.We all couldn't wait for that day to come every summer.TNT Days at Crystal Beach.My town was small so you knew alot of people there.Great childhood memories.I'm 49 but it seems like yesterday sometimes.Things today are different,you can't let your children out of your sight for a minute and everything costs a fortune.This is a great website.Thanks for the memories!!!!!!
Jenice 06-Jul-2006 21:50
This brings back sooo many great memories for me! My Aunt had a cottage at Crystal Beach (still does today). The amusement park was a HUGE tradition for our whole family. We all spent entire summers there and have so many memories it's unbelievable. My cousin and I knew the park inside & out and felt like it was our own personal backyard. And no roller coaster will ever compare to The Comet! Remember when they made it so you could ride backward?!
I looked at this site this morning and haven't been able to stop thinking about Crystal Beach all day long. I MISS IT SO MUCH! Too bad it's gone. It closed down when I was 15 and were left with only Darien Lake--NO Comparison!
"Remember the garbage can?...(it was a lion I think)...that we loved to
>throw garbage into? and the smell of sugar waffles? what about the
>suckers when you left the park? ... God, I wish things were as simple as
>they were then...our kids will never know THAT kind of innocence......
>
>Remember the magic palace? and the air that shot up at you? It didn't
>matter that you knew it was coming ..you screamed anyway? Can you hear
>it?????
>
>And how HOT the cottage always was? playing cards? having crushes on
>Canadain boys? Walking home ...late...alone...and not having to be afraid
>of ANYTHING??????????? Being safe????? Our kids will never know....
>
>What about how bumpy the yellow roller coaster was? I also remember when I
>finally was BRAVE enuff to go on the comet! Now that was a day!
>
>And the sky ride? That always scared me just a little...my feet dangling
>over the water... and how you kinda had to "hop" on the seat...it never
>really came to a full stop..."
SHARON
Marvin Elster 04-Jul-2006 19:14
My memory of Crystal Beach goes back to the 40s. Sometimes it was Bay Beach, sometimes it was Sherston(?) Quarry, but always is was the Crystal Beach amusement park. As I recall, there were two roller coasters, the smaller one called simply The Roller Coaster, and the bigger, scarier one, The Cyclone.
Susan Rennie Ashton 03-Jul-2006 23:09
How utterly delightful to find this !! Oh how fond the memories are...my dear, sweet grandmother, Cathryn Donald, and her best friend Loretta Prefert used to take my three brothers and I to Crystal Beach every single summer !!! I was born in Buffalo in 1957, then shortly afterwards my parents moved us to California. We lived in Buffalo (Williamsville) during the summers with my grandparents, and in California during the rest of the year. My grandparents took us many, many wonderful places, but Crystal Beach was always my favorite. I cannot thank you enough for taking these photos, and then sharing them with all of us. It too bad my grandfather, David Donald is no longer with us. I am certain that as the President and Chairman of the Board of the John W. Cowper Company, that he also would have been able to tell many stories of the people in your "Who were these people" photo collection.
Endless thanks to you for sharing, I will visit here often. :)
courtney 03-Jul-2006 22:47
If this is the coaster I think it is.. the Comet... it new resides in Lake George NY at the Great Escape. I can remember when they brought it out of storage and set it up at the back of the park. It has to be my favorite ride in the whole place. Thanks for sharing it with us on the Eastern side of the state because it is very much alive and still making memories for young people over this way..
Ruth 27-Jun-2006 02:05
It was always a treat to go to Crystal Beach when we visited my grandparents in Buffalo each summer. We'd go to the beach several times but there would be a special day for the amusement park. We always had discount coupons (from the newspaper? the grocery store?). I remember my grandmother loved the cinnamon suckers - and I remember there were BEES embedded in the suckers. We ate around them!! This was the late mid-to-late 50's. I LOVED the Comet. My brother and I would ride it as many times as we could. What a thrill!!!
john berkhoudt 26-Jun-2006 19:01
Great.......My wife and I shared "dates" as youngsters here.

"Thanks for the memories".....

John B.
Guest 08-Jun-2006 21:48
This is a great website. If you want more Crystal Beach memories, then email Rose Hirsch at rosebudsplayground@yahoo.com. I wrote the book Crystal Memories;101 Years of Fun at Crystal Beach Park. There are 200 pages of black and white photos and illustrations plus 4 pages with color photos. I have chapters on the Canadiana, the Ballroom, the dark rides and more plus special sections on the rides and roller coasters at the park, including the world famous Cyclone and Comet. This is the third and final printing of the book. They're going fast.

I will also be at Crystal Beach Days, Saturday and Sunday, July 29 and 30, 2006 from 10am to 5pm. It will be held in Crystal Beach at the Queen's Circle. Look for plenty of memoriablia, items to purchase, waffles and Hall's suckers. There will also be big band music and other entertainment. This is a great way to remember our long lost favorite amusement park.
Brienne 16-May-2006 16:45
Saturday, May 20th, 2006 at the Shadow Lounge and Restaurant we are having a Crystal Beach/ Thunder Bar Reuion Party featuring Kenny Thomasula & Intuition starting at 9:30 pm, and Cronfelts Loganberry Drinks, such as Cape Crystal, The Comet, and Thunder Punch. Come Join the party at 1504 Hertel Ave., Buffalo, NY 14216 716-835-3975
Reservations recommended, but not required. No entrence fee.
Guest 25-Apr-2006 00:24
On Sunday Late afternoons the Canadiana had a band on board that played real music and you could dance on the roundtrip. My Dad played keyboards with the band. I rode along many times for the fun ride and good music. They had side curtains on board for the days/nites when the weather was stormy.


Paul Walker Thousand Oaks, Ca.
louis nemeth 15-Apr-2006 19:52
i worked at the park in 56 and it was the best job i ever had i also remeber diving for money at the beach when the boat was in.i live in port colborne ont. and we had a lot of fun times in crystal beach in the winter like the day we went to the top of the first hill on the comet the opp police came and got us but they let us go...when worked at the park we had to ride the comet all day to break in the bearings as when they where new we had to push it up the hills except the first one ..the trains where made up of four or five cars we had only two hooked at first and when they made it up the hill we added another car i cant remeber how many people each car held but i sure remeber pushing the train up the hill from half way up where it stopped then running along side around the curve and jumping in before going down the hill once the superintendent almost did not make it his name was jack wow what a rush that was i am 66 now and i dont think i would want to do it again but it was fun then i was 16 yrs old and making 28 a week and loving every min.
Evelyn Roach 14-Mar-2006 17:51
My cousin sent me your website a few years ago; I saved it & enjoy looking at the pictures of Crystal Beach again & again. It was the happiest place in my childhood! What memories you have brought back to me of a time gone by - yes, I rode the Comet once & haven't been too enthusiastic a coaster traveler since; I almost flew off & was saved by my cousin. Other than that, I had wonderful times & can relive them through your pictures. Evelyn - Apple Valley, California
Ann M. Bednarek 11-Mar-2006 18:11
Wow! What a great flashback. I am so glad to have found your website. Just by looking at these photos, I can still get that thrilling feeling that I got as a child when our parents took my sister and I there. At that time we lived in Black Rock and every year certain parts of Buffalo had their opportunity to go on a bus to Crystal Beach. (Black Rock Day at Crystal Beach) . My sister used to accumulate points at school for doing well on her report card and she was able to get us free ride tickets with her points. I remember my 1st Comet ride. My Dad took me on it. That was the thrill of a lifetime!!! I was always afraid of Laff in the Dark. I only went on because my sister loved it. At that time I never told anyone, but I would keep my eyes shut and ears plugged throughout the whole ride. Yes, I was a woos and still am (at 55) when it comes to scary funhouses. But I still love those coasters. None can beat the Comet though. The Magic Carpet ride was also an incredible memory. Especially when you were able to get on a moving carpet at the end of the ride. I remember my Dad going down it and his hat fell off. He looked so funny. They should never have changed that ride. I am surprized no one ever took pictures of the people riding down the carpet. What a special picture that would be. I want to thank-you for letting me be able to go back to my childhood days for awhile. I am glad that people like you are around to let wonderful memories and places like Crystal Beach continue living on.. All your other photos you have in your Gallery are great too. too. My sister and I worked as a waitress at Cole's Restauant. My sister was there for 13 years. Lot's of memories there. Well keep up the good work photogaphing. You do a great job. Ann
Sue from Tonawanda 24-Feb-2006 06:35
When I saw your site, tears ran down my face. I have the most cherished memories with my family there, and I'll always remember my mom buying us those HALLS suckers when we left the park because she didn't want us to eat them while on the rides. I remember walking up to the big giant and standing under him; the skeleton playing the piano and Laff in the Dark, my favorite ride of all times!!! I was always a bit scared of the sky ride, but went on it anyway. Oh so many Happy memories there....Why can't we go back in time just once!!! Just to be reminded of how much we appreciated those days. I am 40 now, and my mom is gone, but the memories of the fun and love I experienced as a lttle girl makes me the mom I am today. Crystal Beach brings back one of the best childhood memories I can vividly remember. Thanks for bringing those memories back into my life!
Alexis 20-Feb-2006 13:31
I'm not even thirty years old, but I remember Crystal Beach. My mom, sisters, and brother would go there every year with two others families of mothers and children. We would spend the day wandering around the park and our moms would not be worried that anything would happen to us.
The Magic Palace was our favorite, along with the Comet. I loved riding backwards on it. It was always a bit nerve racking having your feet over the water on the Sky Ride. You'd be afraid that your shoes would fall off into the water.
There are a lot of very fond memories and I wish that I could share this with my girls.
Bob Buck 20-Feb-2006 01:42
Back in the late 40's I was a life guard at the beach. I earned $40.00 a week. To make ends meet I waitted on table at the hotel beer bar. We also ran an after hours operation out of our rented house. I see Bernie Lyons from time to time. Have lost touch with the rest of the guards. We mde our own sun tan lotion and sold it on the beach until the park owners put a stop to it. Spent three years at Crystal until I moved out to Angola. More college girls there...
Guest 18-Feb-2006 16:34
Karl,
Another comment from Bill Wolfers. I have an old photo of myself as a baby with my parents in front of the Giant Coaster, dated 1926
Peter Baumler 07-Feb-2006 19:23
Whenever my family visited Crystal Beach, my Aunt Betty would take me by the hand and try to get me on The Comet. I refused each time...I was 4 years old and didn't know what I was missing. Years later, my wife and I with daughter Allison, visited St. George Amusement Park in Upstate NY where they re-assembled the original Comet Rollercoaster...and this time, with my daughter's help, got up the nerve to ride this monster. I survived and now I'm glad I finally got to ride the best rollercoaster in the world.
Sharon Warner (Block) 05-Feb-2006 06:31
I'm from Kenmore, NY, now live in Arizona, but remember getting stuck on the Comet for about an hour in the late 60's. Workers had to climb up to get it working again. Great memories!
Rick from Williamsville 04-Feb-2006 14:02
This is a great site! I did a search to see when the Canadiana stopped taking people over to Crystal Beach and found this great site with all the historic pictures. My father used to have a big band and played several times on the Canadiana back in the 40s and 50s. I never heard his band play on the boat, but it must have been quite a night out riding on the Cystal Beach boat. Thanks for all the memories.
Joey Z 30-Jan-2006 19:55
Ice cream on the midway... waffle cones... the suckers on the way out of the park. I can almost feel what it was like to be in the Magic Palace. The slanted floors. Those wobbly pads over the water. We used to wait for the air jets to blow up the girls skirts. The slide on the way out. I remember my brother's friends grabbing me and forcing me on the Comet. Roller coasters aren't my thing... but that was awesome. The Wild Mouse was one of the great rides of all time. It's probably a by gone era. I get emotional just thinking what it would be like to have our kids experience the Crystal Beach we knew. It was pretty simple then. The smiles we left behind. It was magic every single time.
Greg MacKinnon 23-Jan-2006 14:02
Hot Dog Alley, new games called space invaders and asteroids, popsicles and fries with gravy from Eli's, ice cream at the dairy, late night rides to the light house in a packed station wagon, all the peanut butter/jelly and sand sandwiches you can eat (but you can't go in the water for 30 minutes).....Euchre with the Riley's...tickets to go on the rides (not hand stamps)..

We have a cottage right down the street from the beach on Cherrywood, it has been in our family for 40 years. I grew up with 7 brothers and sisters and I still remember my mom pciking us up on the last day of school for summer break with the station wagon full, we wouldn't see our home until after labor day. Great memories that I know my whole family share......You always felt the the beach was home away from home.....everyone knew everyone and for some reason we all got along and looked out for each other......the summers made the school year's bearable.....
Burke's....Riley's.....Leary's.....Makowski's......Masterson's.....Starks....Maronawski's....thanks for the memories

The MacKinnon clan
Nancy Pettus (Gwitt) 23-Jan-2006 04:53
I remember my grandma taking my sister and I every summer to Crystal Beach. I remember it well. Thanks for the pics. Great memories. Sorry I wasn't in Buffalo when it closed. Went to St. Mary's Business School in 54 to 56. Anyone out there from those years? Love to chat at azpettus@hotmail.com
Diane from Lockport, NY 16-Jan-2006 13:58
I can remember going here every summer with my parents and my husband and me taking our kids, too. I will always remember Crystal Beach and all the fond memories that I have there. WE TRULY MISS IT!!!!!!! It is a place that I will always love. THANK YOU FOR KEEPING THE MEMORIES ALIVE!!!!!!
Larry 14-Jan-2006 01:02
A great site! Summer wasn't summer without our annual visit to Crystal Beach for the "Procter & Gamble Pic Nic" in the 50's, 60's and 70's. It was even better early on as we took a steam train from Hamilton to Ridgeway. The bus ride later on wasn't quite the same. I could probably still walk the park blindfolded. From the Comet to the Wild Mouse to the Octapus. Through the front gate, to Laff in the Dark and over to the Magic Carpet. My favourite memory though is of my Dad at the Arcade. He was in this gunner's turret "game" - shooting and running up a great score. Soon a crowd gathered around. Some kid said "mister, where'd you learn to do that." My dad who had served three years overseas during the war as an RCAF fighter pilot didn't say a word.
Anne Antes 13-Jan-2006 17:20
the young people today don't know what they are missing. A ride on the boat was an adventure in itself
Kim 07-Jan-2006 15:30
I remember going to CB every summer as I was growing up. When I got married and had my kids I was looking forward to taking them there to enjoy the park as much as I did. But as it goes the park closed before we had a chance to share it with the kids. CB will always be a place that I will cherish. I was heart broken to see it cloes. Yet all the memories are in my heart. Thanks for sharing the memories.
Gary Swiatowy 07-Jan-2006 15:30
During the 60's I went to a Catholic grade school in Akron NY. Every year the school would go to Crystal Beach for the day. A few bus loads chapperoned by nuns and the priest. NO ID troubles at the bridge, no birth certificates.
I beleive tickets cost us $10 for 100 tickets that also could be used for food. We were pretty much on our own with very little supervisionm even left the park to wander around town. My favorite was the Majic Carpet, later known as the Majic Castle after they took the rolling carpet at the exit out. I'm relly sorry I never made it back with my kids before the end............to me it was a fun place, unlike whast we have now which is all about making money and standing in line. A few years ago, on my way home from Welland, I took the wife by and showed her where it was. That gated community is such a waste, shame they chose to put it there. Town seems pretty dead too, and dilapitated.
It was a different time and place, a time when two busloads of kids could wander an amusement park virtually unwatched and survive to tell about it. We don't have a time like that anymore,.....................
louis nemeth 25-Dec-2005 18:38
my name is louis and i worked at the park in 1956 on the merry go round i had a lot of fun but it was scary during the riots i was allowed on all the rides for free but it cost me .25 cents to go on the comet and the canadiana one night i was the only paying pass. on the ship, to many memorties for here like in the old mill with american girls in 1989 on the last day i walked through the whole park with my video camera 8mm in digital stereo and i watch that a lot
Nancy Mendola Haug 18-Dec-2005 00:30
This brought back so many great memories. I never got to take the boat, but my friends and I would ride the bus that would pick us up on Porter Avenue ..just before the Peace Bridge entrance. It would drop us off and pick us up at the famous sucker stand at the one entrance. Great times, great memories.
paul duquin 16-Dec-2005 19:21
i remember vacationing @ crystal beach every summer as a kid. my grandmother owned a cottage on conway and i still remember the smell of pep's bakery waking us up every morning.i also recall going into the park in the morning before it opened for the day. all we did was open the gate where the mini golf was,and,just walk around the park when no one was in there.my brother patrick was on the last ride on the comet and he said it is a memory he will also cherish.
the cottage has been sold in the last few years but i still take a ride up there to se how she's doing. remember walden bailey days? i sure do checkin out the girls and riding the yellow roller coaster. is ure do miss the place!!!!
Al Reusch 26-Nov-2005 18:18
I could recall as I child your parents would take your report card to Loblaws and would get tickets for your grades up to a C.....Of course an A always paid higher dividends. It was something to look forward to at summer vacation. How bout good ole Hot Dog Alley across from the amusement park. Oh those memories are long gone now.
Claudia Wagner 26-Nov-2005 13:54
I just found this site and read every comment. My brother and sister and I spent every summer in Crystal Beach from 1956 to about 1971. Our grandfather, George Schmied, was the General Passenger Agent (group sales) for Crystal Beach. My grandparents owned a house on Brunswick a few blocks down from Hatch's store (remember penny candy?). He was in charge of all those "Days" --Kenmore Days, Tonawanda Lions Day, Community Day etc. As a kid I used to go to those picnic activities--pie eating contests, sack races--that were in the stadium across from the park. In August, 1989 my husband of 5 months and I just happened to be in Toronto. I turned on the news and heard that the park was closing forever. I insisted on renting a car and driving to Crystal Beach. By then the park looked a little tired and shabby but to me it was exactly as I remembered it for all those years. I got to ride the Comet, play skee ball and have a sugar puff waffle one last time!
Allison Parry -Hake 09-Nov-2005 01:49
I loved going to Crystal Beach! My cousins from ontario, used to go with us at least once a year. I tell my kids about it all the time. Thanks for the pics! I have not seen it since 1983.
Jim Antes 03-Nov-2005 01:34
I used to go on the Comet as a kid--now I have ridden it at Great Escape Amusement Park in Lake George--and it is NOT THE SAME!
Michelle Gilbert(Hemmerling) 02-Nov-2005 04:20
What memories!!! Our family would go to CB once a year for the Westinghouse picnic and what fun it was!! I loved The Comet (front seat and don't hang on!) , the Wild Mouse, The Magic Carpet/Palace, the peanut suckers, cotton candy, the lion that sucked trash (I would look around for trash just to feed him!) the giant Paul Bunyan (I have a picture somewhere) ...too many memoris to recall. Thanks for all of them!! Great job on the entire website of all these wonderful pictures!!
Anne Antes 02-Nov-2005 04:07
I forgot to add the awe and real fear of the great comet. I was always too afraid to ride it
Anne Antes 02-Nov-2005 04:05
how can I ever forget the sailing on this ship and the wonder of Crystal Beach, the moonlight cruise on Sunday evening
Bernie Lipka 29-Oct-2005 19:40
I gave my girlfriend my senior ring at Tonawanda's Day at Crystal Beach in August, 1965. In 1967, we got married! Almost 39 years later, we are happier than ever. Only wish we could take our grandchildren to dear old Crystal Beach. Thanks so much for a fantastic website!

Bernie Lipka
Nashville, TN
Karen M. Wollert - Kline 26-Oct-2005 13:48
I remember one trip back from the park as a six - year old. My father, a Buffalo policeman, had bought me a white bunny at Crystal Beach and convinced my mother we could smuggle it over the Peace Bridge home. I was placed in the back seat, standing behind my dad as we answered questions at the border. I smiled and said nothing about the little rabbit in a basket at my feet. "Whitey" got through and we had no trouble ~ he was a wonderful pet. My dad died a month later.
sandy Ertis Hill 18-Oct-2005 15:28
Sandy Ertis HIll
When I read Judy Goldstein's comments about the beach it brought back so many wonderfule memories. We lived in the house on the hill going down to the beach. Davy's stand was so close we could smell the food cooking. My older brothers used to hang out at the Swing Inn and occassionally they reluctantly took me to the quarry. The water was deliciously cold! And does anyone remember Mallo bars? It was a round ice cream pre-wrapped and then put in a cone. I really loved growing up in that simple envirornment--no phones, an ice box and lots of sand in the house! I enjoed reading all the comments of that special time in all our lives.
Judy Goldstein 17-Oct-2005 20:15

Judy Goldstein
My family had a cottage next to the bus depot for 7 years. The memories that these photos provide are amazing. We would hang out at Davys Stand and eat french fries with vinegar and watch the table tennis tournaments.... As youing children we could go the the beach and fish for tadpoles off the Third (and deepest) Rock..I remember my childhood with such fondness and Crystal Beach is such a big part of that memory. Thans so much for the photos.
Mary Ball 08-Oct-2005 17:24
Do you have photos of Glen Park in Williamsville? I would love to see that again.
Rosie Kuznicki 13-Sep-2005 20:35
This is where My husband of 36 years took our first pictures in that little picture booth where you got 3 shots for $.25. And the wonderful memories we have of our day together there will never be forgotten. It all started in that little Love Tunnel ride and has lasted a lifetime.
Mary Taylor 12-Sep-2005 23:43
Thanks to "Dave".... this page brought back many memories....we didnt have a car, so I remember walking across the Peace bridge with my 4 sisters and my uncle.... I was the youngest so i got ride on my uncle's shoulders alot......lol....I remember my first ride on the comet!!.... i was very small, and a friend that was with us, put her leg over my lap to hold me in..... all i remember is raising from the seat when we wnt down the first hill and i though i was gonna fly right out!!!......lol..... i got so scared I never went on it again!!!! My favorite ride was the "Scrambler".. And my most favorite memory is walking through the park, before we left ,each time, to a little stand that sold suckers, and we were aloud to have one a piece for the walk home..... THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES DAVE!!!!! : )
Bob Starr 12-Sep-2005 23:25
To me Crystal Beach was a staple of life int he summertime. Born in Buffalo and raised in Tonawanda, I got to go every year on Tonawandas Day. What a GREAT experience. I now live in Long Beach, CA and get together every Sunday during football season with other transplanted Bills fans to watch the game and more often than never, the subject of Crystal Beach Amusement Park comes up. My favorite experiences...riding the yellow roller coaster when I was six years old with my Mom, and the Comet at age 8. Favorite ride was the HeyDey (next to the Comet). Thanks for having this site on the web. A LOT of great memories with a lot of great people.
Nicole Begin 05-Sep-2005 01:58
I LOVED Crystal Beach!! I was 17 when it closed but I can remember it like it was yesterday. Ive lived in the Buffalo area my entire life and I tell my daughters what an amaizing place Crystal Beach was all the time and what they are missing out on because there is nothing like it anywhere around our house. The Laugh in the Dark was the best ride. My brother and I loved it and we also loved the Magic Castle, especially the slanted room, the puffs of air on the outside walkways, the slides and the mirror room. Crystal Beach was a very magical place, Thanks for the pistures and the memories!
Nora Marino 24-Aug-2005 20:14
I live in Scarsdale, NY, and as a child I lived in NYC, in Queens. My maternal grandparents had a big old farm house at the area of Rebstock & Schooley in Crystal Beach. My uncle owns it now that they are deceased. In my childhood (1960s and '70s) we'd vacation on "The Hill" as it was known in the family (I guess because it was a long, gradual incline walking up from the beach). I LIVED for the amusement park. I remember my father taking me on the "Yellow Roller Coaster" (Giant Coaster) when I was 3 years old (they had no height restrictions then) and how I loved it! I remember the Magic Carpet ride, and eventually they removed the carpet ride at the end . . . probably too many back injuries! The beach was wonderful -- the sand at the bottom of the lake was "rippled". I remember annual bathtub races which were very funny. I remember the suckers and french fries with vinegar and LOGANBERRY. And no day was complete without a trip to Ridge Dairy for ice cream. I learned how to play SKEE BALL at Crystal Beach and love the game to this day. However, skee ball is no longer 10 cents to play. Oh, and what about the roller skating rink?! I believe it was a dance hall when my mother was a young girl living in Buffao. And let's not forget the photo booths where you had a strip of black & white pictures taken . . . my first ones were taken wtih my family when I was 3, and my last ones were taken with my husband when we were just dating in the summer of 1989.

Crystal Beach for me was just the greatest place -- for family reasons too. My grandparents often had a lot of company marked by the long row of cars parked on the lawn. We'd have a big "cook out" followed by a lot of pinochle playing with relatives yelling at one another. Also, my mother would play the piano and there'd be a lot of singing, especially Polish songs. When we were in Crystal Beach, everyone stayed up late and slept late too.

Crystal Beach will always be a favorite place of mine. I can't believe the Park has been gone for almost 16 years! It seems like only yesterday.
Michele 19-Aug-2005 16:39
Looking at these photos it seems like just yesterday. Our family lived in NTonawanda and spent summers at Long Beach. It was always the biggest treat when we'd pile into the family truckster and head to CB. I was the third child in a family of 4 children and it was so thrilling when my big brother and sister graduated to riding the Comet. It was our father's proud moment and our right of passage into the teen years. I'll never forget my year...dad bought me the biggest ice cream cone and after slopping it down we hit the line for the Comet. I remember most, and so does he, my saying over and over as we climbed the hill...tighter, tighter, hold me tighter Dad. It was a cherished time. All of it. Getting zapped at the fun house if you sat on the bench or getting air blown up your shorts if you stepped over a hole. Cinnamon lollipops and waffle cakes. Thanks for the memories CB.
Terry (Saj) McElroy 15-Aug-2005 16:58
I remember dancing on the boat or just listening to the music on the boat on the trip from the Buffalo dock My dear mother would take my brother John and me. While she sat on a bench, we would go on the rides and play the games. Sorry I didn't save the carvinal glass we won. These are some of my most treasured memories.
Like was so simple back then.
Jim Murphy12-Aug-2005 20:30
As Carol, and others have written "Sandy Hall Doyle" was grandaughter to George Hall Sr. She & I were friends years ago but we've lost touch and I have not heard from her in quite some time. If anyone knows if she can be contacted please contact me at murfsurf@comcast.net. Thanks
Carol Wittig 12-Aug-2005 04:29
What a great site! My family spent many wonderful summers visiting the park. We have so many memories of riding the Canadiana to the park from Buffalo and spending hours of fun on all the rides. And low and behold, my sister, Faith, worked for Crystal Beach and the Hall family for 20 years. We recently donated a swan head from the "Old Mill" ride and the captain's uniform from the Canadiana to the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society in the name of Sandra Hall Doyle. They were thrilled to receive these special artifacts. We are so lucky to have the thrill of still tasting the Crystal Beach suckers and waffles! We certainly will continue to visit this site and add our rememberances .
Ray Corsaro 11-Aug-2005 07:48
This brings back a lot of great memoires. The Comet, The Wild Mouse and the beach. Most of all, being a musician, I remember every July 4th. I would go to see the Stan Kenton band appear in the ballroom. I had the opportunity to hear and meet some the Jazz all-time greats. I went on the 4th. from when I was 14 years old until it close. Thanks again for the great memories.
Guest 08-Aug-2005 20:41
I am 80 years old. This summer we went up to Lake George from Buffalo and I rode the Comet. What wonderful memories.And quite a thrill!!!
Don "Reddog" Sanderson 04-Aug-2005 21:27
I remember this so well...one highlight of the day was always a trip to the "Small Fry" restaurant just outside of the miniature golf entrance... still the best battered fish fry I ever had. I can remember being about 6 or so and waiting in line so long for the kiddie rollercoaster that I peed my pants rather than lose my place in line...still remember the look the attendant gave me....Going up on Tonawandas day with Dave and Gyro on the bus and punching each other and saying "whoa" when we were gawking at the girls in the midway..(we never scored..lol) Lots of great memories in these pictures... thanks!
Elaine Anderson 04-Aug-2005 19:15
On August 30th, from 7-9 p.m., the Pelham Public Library will be hosting “Memories of Crystal Beach.” Local authors Erno Rossi (Crystal Beach: The Good Old Days) and Rose Ann Jankowiak-Hirsch (Crystal Memories: 101 Years of Fun at Crystal Beach Park) will be sharing a power point slide presentation and excerpts from their books. We will also be showing parts of “One Last Ride,” a video about Crystal Beach Park. Adults: $2. Students/Seniors: $1. Come share your stores and memorabilia. We'll supply the loganberry. Visit: www.pelhamlibrary.on.ca for more information.
shannon 03-Aug-2005 21:39
I remember visisting Cb while in grade scholl in Blasdell NY Loved reading your comments and loved reliving the memories. Remember the tunnel of love?
Milton Dexheimer 25-Jul-2005 14:13
I always remember my first trip to Crystal Beach on the Cananada when I was about 5 yearsold. The lake was rough that day and the ship was bouncing around pretty good. People were still dancing and I kept telling my parents to tell the people to set down that they were rocking the boat. There were many enjoyable trips after that on Tonawanda day when the boat loaded right in North Tonawanda. My final trips there were in 1946 after Marge and I were married. We enjoyed the ball room dancing, orchestra, and friendly crowd. Hall's suckers were always purchased on the way home. Many happy memories will never be forgotten. .
Nikole Marohn 23-Jul-2005 18:48
I would take Chrystal beach back over 6 flags anysay also! My family and I would visit Chystal beach every summer. The photographs that you have here are beautiful and they bring back so many happy memories. I was always afraid of the comet and I loved Laff in the Dark. Remember the Sky Ride? It would take you over the water...What is there now? Is it all overgrown and sad looking? I guess I need to drive out and take a look...Thanks for the walk down memory lane! Nikole
Bud Graves 21-Jul-2005 21:41
What a wonderful place with all the memories of others who have expressed their joy about Crystal Beach. A big "ME TOO"
Dale 21-Jul-2005 20:36
I also remember the summers at Crystal Beach,it seems like yesterday,I remember when I was probably 7 or 8 years old getting my hair cut in Ridgeway and on the wall was a picture of the Comet,and an article stating that its height had to be lowered because of an accident.I do not remember number of feet exactly I think it was 110 feet and that thay lowered it below that number.I am now 52 years old and living in Florida.I am coming to Crystal Beach with my family next Wednesday for a visit,does anybody know if the Waverly Beach Hotel still exists?Thanks for the photos that cotton candy taste stills lingers.
Thanks
Dale R. Voss
Linda Austin 05-Jul-2005 23:50
Linda (Roper) Austin
I grew up in CB; lived there from 1956 to 1971 and then back to the Fort Erie area from 1974 to 1983. Thankfully, I missed the closing of the Park. It would have made me very sad to see the end of such an awesome life experience. I met my husband during the summer of 1966 when his family rented a cottage. For those of us who lived year-round in the Beach, summer was incredible. Smeaders and Cronfelts loganberry, fries and vinegar, hot Italian sausage, fish and chips from The Small Fry and waffles and suckers from the Park were no big deal to us at the time as we tended to take all that for granted. I'd love to experience those tastes and smells now, though! Crystal Beach gave me my first opportunities to work, my first kiss, and a lifetime of happy and sometimes sad memories. Thanks for this website.
Guest 27-Jun-2005 16:46
Thank you, Barry Z. for a wonderfully poignant reminiscence of such a magical time! Your detailed memories brought so many memories to the surface for me. I hope you use your writing skills for others' enjoyment often!
Barry Z. 23-Jun-2005 22:36
It was always an easy ride over the Peace Bridge and then, coming from Ontario, Canada’s Route 3C, into Ridgeway and taking the turn down the hill from the large, blue water tower, into Crystal Beach, where seeing the 'Yellow Coaster', well, you knew it was a matter of time before the real fun began. We usually parked in the shaded lot, separated by a fence along the route of the amusement park’s train. Between the “Yellow Coaster near that other entrance and the train near this entrance, resistance was futile!
We went to Crystal Beach on more Sundays during the summer, from the earliest age of childhood, than I could count. My family rented cottages for several weeks in the summers when I was I was about 10 or 11 years old. At either cottage, we'd have plenty of other kids to play with when the weather wasn't fit for the beach. There were board games, books, 45 and 78 rpm records and comics remaining from other tenants in the shelves along the living room of the second cottage owned by an in-law’s parents.
The usual cottage-time drill was over to Bay Beach for the day, leaving as shadows got longer. The raw heat of the daytime sun on the tanned bodies of bathers numerous blankets left scant room to realize you were on a very sandy beach. This transitioned after 4:00 PM into a sparsely populated beach, the tide coming in or perhaps receding. Now, the sun, lower in the sky, with a gentle breeze providing much needed relief upon layers of sun screen or sun burn.
There was a view of the Comet in the distance, at the left when facing the Lake. This ‘king of the pre-theme park roller coaster’ operating a more efficient schedule of regular runs from its two or three different colored sets of cars (depending upon the lines of riders on a given day) than the best of the any modern Disney ride. The sounds of the metal wheels on rails and screams of the riders finally made the distance from the park to the beach.
An afternoon’s snack consisted of some lemonade my mother brought along in a tall thermos, whose cap consisted of a series of larger, into a series of smaller and small plastic cups (and we think our generation of engineers discovered ‘ergonomics’), washing down those incredible Bay Beach French fries. They were served in a white cone, and then coated with salt to taste, invariably topped with vinegar and catsup. The vinegar was sprinkled from the same sort of perforated bottle cap, wedged into an empty catsup bottle, similar to that which my mother used to apply moisture to most of articles of clothing, overflowing the laundry basket she’d dutifully need to iron. (Thank you, whom ever you are, for inventing “permanent press” fabrics.) Returning our attention to those fries, we’d get to the bottom of this portion’s grease absorbent, lined paper cone. Before the summer seasons of our childhoods were over -- innocently unaware that some imbedded trans-fatty acid that would, in years to come, enrich any number of regional heart surgeons, while on our way to the recesses of the narrow vortex at the bottom of the cone, where a treasure was soon to be found. It consisted of those little, crispy bits of potato that held the flavor of their taller brother-fries, but with a certain burned crunch for effect.
I believe the Crystal Beach boats were still in operation during those early years. We could see the large, white, multi-decked boats slowly, pull to dockside, discharge their passengers or pick up new ones for the ride across Lake Erie to dockside in Buffalo. I always wanted to go to Crystal Beach on one of those trips, but that was never to be. They ceased operation, in part due to gang fights among various ethnic groups. Alas!
After dinner at the cottage, it was over to the amusement park -- the Crystal Beach Amusement Park – not any amusement park, but OUR amusement park, for all times, OUR amusement park -- for the evening. It was always busy, too. Those were the days before the turnpike ride or flume ride were built. All the features in the Magic Carpet...that was the name of the fun house...worked, including a bench seat that, when the lever was pulled, straightened a steel, bench seat into metal rollers that moved you along to a lengthy, bouncy ride down on that wonderful, velvet...yes, Magic Carpet.
You bounced, then, onto a wide rubber belt where the ride's staff helped all the laughing, smiling faces regain their equilibrium as they ran to another ride or to tell their waiting parents all about it. Of course there was a lingering instant, transitioning from the velvet carpet to the rubber belt, where you knew ‘it was over’ and time stood still, feeling a degree of regret on that very same continuum of time. There was all the fun, sometimes hours when you lingered, laughed and screamed joy and surprise in dark, twisting corridors of the Magic Carrpet.
It contained all the standards: those mirrors that distorted, elongated, shrank and widened your body, the bench that gave unwitting occupants a slight electrical shock, the ‘slanted’ room (gear down to get up one of the rows and a gravity-free fall into the opposite wall on the way down one of its aisles) and that certain knowing while we watched as the fellow who controlled the electricity or high pressure air raised any number of skirts and sent hair-dos into an angry tizzy. You didn’t want any of that to end, but perhaps your mother called to you as you emerged from one of the many balcony openings at various exit points from one area to the other of the ride, sometimes used as a respite before diving in for more.
Maybe you were off to another ride or perhaps, if it was the end of the evening, there was the mandatory stop for a large Hall's sucker or the best sugar waffles the world has yet known. Of course, the street immediately across from the Park's main entrance was store front, into the street lined with people -- on both sides -- and filled with the smells of charcoal hot dogs, burgers and sausages, fries and I'm sure the fragrance (an appropriate term more descriptive and to the point than 'aroma') of all the Loganberry held in those large, glass dispensers in each of the stands.
Yes, there are many more memories, of the 'ice box' in one or both of the rented cottages, that required a daily delivery of a large, block of ice...brought from the rear of the delivery truck, held firmly by a large tong right up our cottage stairs to the ice box. The door opened and a much reduced block from the previous day's delivery was removed, replaced by the next to be sacrificed, only to be repeated each day of cottage occupancy.
We can't forget to mention the fresh bakery in Crystal Beach where we could buy bagels. There was an Italian restaurant, too with spaghetti and meatballs and table top jars of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese, whose tastes still linger in the recesses of my palate. Unless I’m confusing place and memories, it had a large painting of an Italian chef prominently displayed on a large sign just outside the place. At that age, I believe ‘he’ was the fellow doing the cooking. This spaghetti was certainly several rungs up the culinary ladder from a lunch time can of Chef Boy-Ar Dee or Franco American. At the bottom line, it aided in weaning me from the latter.
Every kid absolutely needs a cottage resort vacation experience prior to assuming the responsibilities of those post-15 year old teen-age year jobs, preparing us for graduation from high school, entrance to college and perhaps a professional or trade school and real life responsibilities. The natural cycle of life required all good Buffalo, NY area parents to repeat the Crystal Beach experience for their own children...an unbroken cycle among generations from before the turn of the 20th century, until.... 1989.
What about those so-called ‘Theme Parks’? Well, they’re not your father’s generation’s Crystal Beach.There is the empty land in a (former) resort community cleared for a promise of development and progress never kept. So now the chain of that particular generational mandate is broken. (But that is another story of Western New York to be told another day, even as our particular blight somehow transitioned across an international border.) The memories contained within these photos are a lifeline connecting sounds and screams and fragrances of arcade games, games of chance prizes won or remaining safely in place on the shelf to tantalize the next passer-by into thinking, “that’s mine!”, uniquely flavored midway foods and more fun along the entire length of all the magic that a velvet carpet ever held.
sstriker 23-Jun-2005 21:32
Just drove by crystal beach on the weekend ...oh the memories....My family use to go every year with the Ford picnic....does anyone remember a horse racetrack near the park you could park there too....I remember because my father use to drag us there first and I hated it ..I just wanted to go Crystal Beach and eat!!!!!
Judy Stoehr Janus 23-Jun-2005 16:36
In the late 60s, on a beautiful summer evening, my ex-husband used to love to take our son, born in the late 60s, to Crystal Beach for a few rides, some loganberry drink and some French fries with vinegar. We'd walk through kiddie land to the street beyond and visit the town area. Then we'd top the visit off with some ice cream or cotton candy. Crossing the bridge was not so bad then and we got home in time to tuck the little buy in bed. It was an inexpensive way to visit an amusement park then and now that I have a grandson, I wish it was still open. Waverly Beach was also a nice stop that we enjoyed - no admission prices then either.
Ed Standish 22-Jun-2005 05:50
Wow! Our family practically lived at Crystal Beach every summer in the 60's and early 70's! Our family had a cottage on Oxford and one directly behind us on Cambridge. The one on Cambridge was really neat because it had 6 numbered bedrooms and 2 kitchens and a large living room. We were told that boarders that worked the amusment park would rent out the rooms. I wonder how many "workers" would remember my "Aunt Mill" she owned about 20 units on Ridgeway and rented them to the park workers every summer? My cousin Kathleen would take my sisters and I to the beach a couple of times a week and we would take the hill entrance through the parking lot on the main drag and the canadian lot attendant would always flirt with her and ask her how the water was, Kathleen would always just reply "WET"!!! So funny! The cottages were sold off when the park closed. I sure wish our families would have kept them for "The Kids"! I think they thought with out the park we would not keep interest but just to get away from Buffalo for the weekends and vacations would have been great! Ahhhhh I miss the Halls suckers/ I loved em all but the cinnamon was the best! I miss the Wild Mouse, the Comet of course! I miss the Carousel The Magic Carpet, Wanda, the Giant, trying to steal the red white and blue super balls from the bingo game and getting chased!! I miss the whole park!! Darien lake will never have the memories or the atmosphere that Crystal Beach had! God Bless!
Patricia 21-Jun-2005 19:22
So sad that this amusement park is no longer with us! Such a shame to make room for condos!
Rose Ann Jankowiak-Hirsch 21-May-2005 17:37
I wrote the book "Crystal Memories, 101 Years of Fun at Crystal Beach Park" which was published in May, 2004. It is currently going into a second printing. The book follows the history of the park from its inception in 1888 to its closing in 1989. Many people were kind enough to share their memories and photos with me. I also have sections on the Cyclone, Comet, Giant, a listing of the rides at the park and chapters on the Dark rides and the beach treats including rare photos of the making of Hall's kisses and suckers. I still miss Crystal Beach although it has been closed all these years. It was the first place I learned to ride rollercoasters and the Comet remains my favorite. If you want to know more about my book email me at Rosebudsplayground@yahoo.com
Art 12-May-2005 20:03
The site is great. I have many fond memories of CB as a young kid immediately after WW2.As a college student ,I remember taking
dates to the ballroom to dance to the famous big bands. I was from South Buffalo. My favorite ride as a kid was the flying scooter whic
h swung you around and you could control with a large rudder. I learned to eat french fries with vinegar at CB. It' great to go back to
these very happy, uncomplicated days of youth! Thanks Karl for the memories !
Nancy Thines 13-Apr-2005 23:07
Oh my stars, I think I just turned 14 again. I spent so many days at CBfrom 1967 to 1970. I knew some of the guys that rans some rides so i was able to get on them for free. I was in a high school sorority, Omega Delta Psi from Buffalo. My Sorority sisters and I spent our summers in cottages in CB and Ridgeway. I have a lot of great memories of those days. The best seat on the Comet was the front. I remember Ron Hess ran the kiddie roller coaster and John McTague also ran rides in the park. Several times I missed the last bus (accidently on purpose) back to Buffalo so I could spend another day. I was introduced to my first fries with vinegar and to this day I still eat them that way. Todays parks can't hold a candle to Crystal Beach. My best memories are of my summers there.
Mark 01-Apr-2005 22:47
My grandparents owned one of the beachfront cottages until 1980.
So my first 16 summers were spent at Crystal Beach.
I moved to the SE US in 1984, so I missed the final days.

I visited Crystal Beach again in the summer of 2000 with my wife
(having no idea that the park was gone).
Obviously at that point, it was a ghost town, and I was devastated.
It is still one of the saddest moments of my life.

Thanks for helping bring back some very fond memories.

I have found a 80 year old park that reminds me much of the Crystal Beach of my youth.
Small park with family atmosphere, not the insanity of the Six Flags.

For anyone that happens to be Chattannooga, TN area
http://www.lakewinnie.com

I have been taking my kids there in the summers,
in the hope that they have similar fond rememberances
as I do for Crystal Beach
David 17-Mar-2005 03:56
I loved the photos, brought back many memories. When I lived in Buffalo. Ny it was in 1948 n I was 7 years old I was shining shoes on Broadway. I would would charge 25 cents for a shoe shine. Once I made 4 dollars I would go down to the Crystel Beach boat get a ticket and go over to the park. I would have a ball all by my self and ride the boat back in the eveing. I remember the boat as having a paddle wheel in the rear. I told my mother years later what I had done and she about choked, as she never knew I was that far from home. To bad kids now days can't do something like that, it was agreat experience.
David 17-Mar-2005 03:19
I loved the photos, brought back many memories. When I lived in Buffalo. Ny it was in 1948 n I was 7 years old I was shining shoes on Broadway. I would would charge 25 cents for a shoe shine. Once I made 4 dollars I would go down to the Crystel Beach boat get a ticket and go over to the park. I would have a ball all by my self and ride the boat back in the eveing. I remember the boat as having a paddle wheel in the rear. I told my mother years later what I had done and she about choked, as she never knew I was that far from home. To bad kids now days can't do something like that, it was agreat experience.
Penny 16-Mar-2005 16:11
Thanks for the memories - We left the Buffalo area in 1948 so missed the closing.
Mr. Dave 11-Mar-2005 22:30

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.
Pam 07-Mar-2005 18:21
Wow! Somebody gas up the time machine and let's go back for the day!
Matt Duguay 27-Feb-2005 21:43
Thank you for the opportunity of fondly looking back at a great memory of my childhood. Crystal Beach was a wonderful and fun place for friends, family, and memories.
Harry Elliott 25-Feb-2005 16:08
Just came across trhis site this am. Great looking at pictures. Grew up in CB. Went to school in Ridgeway. Had great friends from Buffalo in summers. In 50s spent all kinds of time on beach. Lifeguards Casey, Larry Gagne, Danny, and more. Names from Buffalo, Potts, dynowski, Shnauffer, Ostrowski, Ruggiero and many more. Left CB approx 40 years ago, mother left about 10years ago. Thanks.
Sharon L. Regan 14-Feb-2005 18:13
I would like to add a P.S. The person who commented just before me, Ruth Bennett, is my very first friend, since she was 5 & I was 3. She is now in Nevada and I in Boston, a long way from our childhoods in the Riverside section of Buffalo. Ruthie often came to Crystal with my family, adding a special poignancy to our recollections listed right next to each other on this website. There is no blessing like a true friend. Sharon L. (Minchen) Regan
Sharon L. Regan 14-Feb-2005 18:02
I was introduced to The Comet in the late '40's at 4 years of age,(before restrictions) by my father. It was "love at first ride". Going to Crystal was our family's favorite recreation. The Comet was always the highlight. I was so surprised and overjoyed to learn this old friend was still alive & well in upstate New York.
My brother Dan's & my family paid "her" a visit last August. It had been over 20 years since the last ride. I cannot describe the thrill of sitting in the front car (& one ride in the last car) & sailing through the whole ride again, as I did in childhood, with arms up the whole way...8 times that night! The only disapppointment was not being able to look out over the vast expanse of Lake Erie right next to the tracks, glistening in the sun or silent like a dark velvet carpet in the moonlight.
Our families have begun a new annual family reunion/tradition...The Comet in August in the Adirondacks. So glad to have this website to share and celebrate with other Comet-lovers. Sharon L. (Minchen) Regan
Ruth Bennett 16-Jan-2005 21:50
This photo gallery is awesome. I couldn't resist reading all the testimonials, looking for familiar names and enjoying all the responses. Forwarding the gallery to friends and family that shared so many happy memories of Crystal Beach brought even more happy responses. Thanks for sharing.
Guest 18-Nov-2004 02:40
sorry miss dated my post it was 1989 my daughter was born
Guest 18-Nov-2004 02:39
I'm from the fort erie area i recall the crystal beack park as if it was yesterday. My daughter was born in 1998 when it was toren down. I to also have many many photos of the park.Plus when the park was toren apart a friend of mine worked thier disembling the old yellow (giant roller coaster) as the brought me a pice back home for memories it's a 2x4 doubled nailed together with spikes and all painted yellow original color...thanks for the pics great site...leona

this is a link to another site that i have found on the net.Please enjoy your stay.
http://www.crystalbeachpark.net/rightfle.htm
Jeff 05-Nov-2004 03:48
Excellent photos, I currently live in ridgeway and am 20. Looking at these pictures makes me wonder of what crystal beach once was. Now it is left desolate and lonesome, longing for it's past
Robin 28-Sep-2004 00:45
I grew up in Ridgeway /Crystal Beach and probably have just as many fond memories of Buffalo, the shopping, drinking under age, Virginia at the border.... Thanks for the great pics.
Kim 23-Sep-2004 15:58
I loved going to Crystal Lake as a kid. At the end of school year we took our report cards to Topps they gave us tickets for every A and B we received. I remember the first year I was tall enough to ride the Comet. Thanks for the pictures.
Sammi 20-Sep-2004 17:14
Very cool looking at all the things I had parked in my memory.My grandparents lived in a cottage just two blocks from the park.From the glow in the dark relish on the hotdogs to sneaking firecrackers back home to Buffalo;the park will always be one of my best and fondest memories.I live in Philly now and there is a Comet coaster at Hershey Park,along with a few more of the old time coasters.The new coasters may be faster,but the clasics will always be my favorite.
Jan Schilling 31-Aug-2004 20:18
What a wonderful trip down memory lane! I remember Kenmore Days, going to CB on the boat, feeling very grown up. I remember the time I went and promised my Dad not to ride the Comet...of course I did!...and he knew I would! I do remember Hall's suckers...cinnamon was my favorite...and the Wild Mouse, one of my favorite rides. Reading all these wonderful memories, brought back many of my own. Too bad things can't stay the same. I agree with the writer that said, "you can have Six Flags!" I live in Texas and Six Flags will never have the nostalgia that Crystal Beach has. Thanks again for giving all of us a place to relive our growing up years and irreplaceable fun!
Zelda Reich 31-Aug-2004 01:58
About 16 years ago my husband agreed to a trip to Crystal Beach (I think to shut me up after years of raving about my summers there as a child/teenager). Because everything was shut down and boarded up, and the park closed, he thought I was nuts, until we hit the beach. What great times we had there in the summer - the miniature golf when you entered the park, the huge suckers, the wild mouse, and of course the comet. I even remember seeing our parents dancing in the ballroom!!! And I remember as a child sitting on the boat for a shopping trip to Buffalo which seemed to take forever. I have a great photo of my daughter sharing an ice cream soda with a friend at Nat's. Great photos - glad you took them.
harriet (taube)mccabe 22-Aug-2004 16:28
The most wonderful memories any individual could ever have. The suckers, sitting in the back seat of the Comet, for 15 consecutive rides, flying down the Magic Carpet, the Swan boatrides, the roller rink, and the waffles with icing. Last but not least , the Loganberry which is now being sold in some locations in Toronto.
Thankyou for this opportunity. I still go and walk on the beach every summer, visit with some friends who are still relaxing and enjoying the beach today. its very difficult to look down towards the old location of the Comet, and see the new subdivision of beach homes in its place. I guess that is part of life, change happens.
Lynda 17-Aug-2004 13:31
I grew up down the street from Crystal Beach. Whenever any of my cousins came to visit they always wanted to go to the park. In the summer my sister and I would sit on our porch and count all the school busses going to the park. The last weekend before closing I would hear the roar of the Hell's Angels driving past early in the morning. I would get up and look out my window and watch them go by. My husband and I went the last weekend and it was very sad. He had never been to the park and I'm sure he was seeing it much differently. The beautiful merry-go-round had been sold. He's a roller coaster fanatic and he rode the Coment backwards. You can't get suckers or waffles anywhere else like Crystal Beach. I found out that one of my friends used to go to Crystal Beach every summer. For her 50th birthday I gave her a poster of the park and a bottle of loganberry. She said it was the best present because it made her feel young. Yes, you can still buy loganberry too. My 17 year old daughter loves it too.
John 16-Aug-2004 12:39
My wife and our two best friends remember most fondly Friday night dates when we would play miniature golf (the best miniature golf ever !), then ride on the Tunnel of Love, then drive home with a sugar waffle to meet our 11:30 curfew !
Sharon 06-Aug-2004 17:54
No ne has mentioned diving for money when the Canadiana came in. My siblings and I spent hours diving for money thrown in the water by people getting off the boat. We spent our afternoons spending what we found on rides, suckers, waffles, etc., and when the money ran out we went to the playground behind the Yellow Coaster and spend hours sliding down the huge slide with the double bump in it. Landing safely was always questionable! Wonderful memories to cherish! Thanks for the memories!
Fran Baumler 08-Jul-2004 13:26
My memories of the Canadiana started as a young boy. We saved coupons, pop bottles, newspapers, rags, etc to get enough money to spend a day at Crystal Beach. A little later in life I discovered 5 pin bowling in the town, and their need for pin boys. I would take the boat across, work all day and then leave on the last boat home. What a wonderful web site.
Chris Sendker 04-Jul-2004 22:03
Re. Sherkston - no it's not botomless and yes, there is a train down there. I took my scuba dive registration there and actually saw the train. There's other stuff down there too, some sort of big jungle-gym thing you can swim around in - all old quarry equipment. As for Crystal Beach, I remember the Wild Mouse the most. I swear the cars were hinged in the middle, because you felt like you shot off the track with every turn. I'm thinking of taking the kids to the Comet sometime, be good to get on it again.
Bob Steckley 30-Jun-2004 01:07
Great Website with great photos and it's very interesting reading everyones favorite memories of the park.
I was one of the managers of the food at the park in 1985. When the parked closed down I owned a small restaurant in Ridgeway and I started to make the Crystal Beach Sugar Waffles at the restaurant. Before long I had people coming from Buffalo and Hamilton just for the waffles. I started the Crystal Beach Candy Company and started doing the fair and carnival circuit with the waffles. I tried for 7 years to get Bob Hall to sell me the sucker equipment and recipes for the Hall's Original Suckers without much luck. Then in 2001 he finally relented and sold both the equipment and recipes to me in May of 2001. By June we were once again turning out the hot cinnamon, peanut, butterscotch, lemon, and coconut suckers that the Hall's had made famous at the park. We have sold them all over the world thanks to the internet. You can see actual production videos and pictures of us making the suckers at: www.crystalbeachcandy.com I'd love to hear from anyone who has had one of our suckers or waffles.
I also want to let every Crystal Beach fan know about the upcoming 8th annual Crystal Beach Festival. The dates are July 24, 25 from 10-5 both days. We have lots of Crystal Beach memorabilia coming back, and lots of memorabilia vendors! The Can Am Big Band will be playing on the Sunday from 2-4. It is a great little festival with free admission.
I took my family to Great Escape Park in Lake George NY to ride the comet 2 years ago. Man it was great to close your eyes and feel the wind in your face and hear the sounds from our past! Has anyone else been down to ride it? My two kids thought it was the best coaster they had ever been on and I tend to agree with them!
Thanks again for a great CB site and for letting me ramble on!
Bob Steckley
Jim Sittnick 26-Jun-2004 04:50
I add my thanks for stirring up such fond memories. I grew up in the Grider-Delevan area, and remember well the CB ticket booths being set up in front of the Gri-Del Market, in anticipation of Grider Delevan Days. Passing the booth was part of my walk to St. Bart's every morning. I am now 55 years old, and have settled near Jamestown, NY. I currently operate a "country store" in Busti, NY (Jamestown) which I have named "Busti Gri-Del Market", in honor and memory of thae old neighborhood. Who else remembers "Nickel Days"?
Jill 09-Jun-2004 21:35
I never got to ride on the Canadiana (guess I'm a little to young) but I remember spending summer days at Crystal Beach. I hated Laff in the Dark after our car stopped and the people behind us crashed into us and pushed us out! I was afraid to ride the Comet, but loved the "yellow" roller coaster. I was finally talked onto the Comet by my mom and loved it! It's a good thing, because we didn't get to go again before it closed. I wish it was still here now so my kids could enjoy it.
Helen 06-Jun-2004 02:19
Talk about memories!!! I loved Crystal Beach!! What a great time we all had - wonderful place for a date... I grew up in Niagara Falls and still live there..I would love to see the park open again...thanks for posting these great pictures...what wonderful memories they brought back......
Jean 05-Jun-2004 18:54
What a wonderful walk down memory lane. We left Buffalo in Dec. 59 and now live in Montana. We don't get back very often but the pictures made it seem like we haven't left.
Jim went to Kensington and lived on Wright Ave and I graduated from Pine Hill in '50. We were married at St. Lawrence in '53, so you see we are of the generation who most appreciated CB. Many a Sunday off was spent there and during school years, every chance we got. I remember the palm readers and the french fries with vinegar. The cyclone was my favorite ride and the fun house was the best. Thanks for a happy memory.
Ron Sander 02-Jun-2004 00:26
Thanks for the CB photos. I just hit 65 and still consider CB to be ahighlight of my youth. I remeber cutting coupons outf the Buffalo Evening News for use the following Monday or Tuesday. I guess that pre-dated the report card rewards from Loblaws.

I was at Kensington High (53-57) when the riot occurred on the boat. It is so sad that a few useless hooligans could help end such a pleasant experience for so many.

Do you recall, in the CB's fun house, those big wooden rotating bowls with their ropes to help you climb out. I have never seen anything like those bowls else where.

I have a question for all the girls who wrote that they went to CB to meet and kiss boys back then : How come we never met ?

I too believed that Sherkston quarry had locomotives at the bottom that were abandoned when the quarry suddenly sprung a massive leak.

Was Wildwood the name of that wonderful nearby sandy Canadian beach? We could park our car out on that beach where the sand was not too soft.

I have lived in Severna Park, Maryland for 33 years and my only strong loyalty to the Buffalo area is the Bills. I'll probably never forgive Ralph Wilson though for trading Doug Flutie. Does anyone know a Sandra Schnell (my age) who attended Kensington High briefly (53-54) and then Amherst High while living on Campus Drive in Amherst. I have tried for years to find her. I thank you in advance if you would send her my e-mail address please.
cheryl (Pfeiffer) du Laney 01-Jun-2004 14:04
Growing up in the Bailey/Kensington area (Anyone else go to St. James grade-school?), the annual trip to Crystal Beach with mom & dad was the BEST. First ride on the Wild Mouse, mom lost her shoe & we both screamed at every curve. The caterpiller, scrambler & Giant Coaster were favorites till I graduated to the Comet. After waffles, french fries & suckers to take home, we'd stop at the Waverly Hotel for dinner on the screened in porch. After moving to Kenmore in high school years (O'Hara), Kenmore Day was a big event, as we now went to CB without parents, but with MANY boys! What fun it was, and no danger, in those simpler times. My kids grew up with CB too & although they both now live near the big "Six Flags" parks in Atlanta & Dallas, Crystal Beach is still the amusement park they talk about. Nothing will replace it in our hearts or memories.
SS 31-May-2004 23:08
What wonderful memories is right. I grew up in NT and early memories of competing in games on Tonawanda day to get tickets to go with Loblaw tickets for our report card!Going very young with parents year after year ,being able to ride more rides as I grew bigger:bringing dates; a stolen kiss in the dark, on the ferris wheel or the love tunnels.. Remember the fried waffles? I smell them still and tho you can find them they are not the same.
Sherkston Quarry? Camped there many many times with church group and family.. great times, remember the rumor that there was a whole train down at the bottom? or that it was bottomless?
I live in florida now and go several times a year to the worlds greatest theme parks with assorted visitors, but they, in some ways can never match the innocent thrills of those past years. The country and all of us were more innocent.. a shame for those growing up now. Thanks for some great memories.
Rosanne 28-May-2004 02:08
I grew up going to CB every summer, esp with all the tickets I got at Loblaws from my report card "A's". However, you forgot one of my favorite rides, the YELLOW ROLLER COASTER. How about loganberry at the concession stand just outside the gates of the park?
Yes, and you didn't mention the Wild Mouse! I always thought that ride was going to fall off the tracks when it turned the corners....
Good luck on your endeavor.
ERNO ROSSI 24-May-2004 15:18
I really liked the Crystal Beach photos and reactions to them. I will publish a book this fall about The Canadiana and Crystal Beach, about their life and times. This book is an oral and visual history and I would appreciate your memories as aired in this forum. I'm the writer who published another well received oral and visual history, White Death-The Blizzard of '77 about the only blizzard in American history declared a major disaster, The Blizzard of '77. see www.whitedeath.com and my photos there. Western New York was buried under that winter hurricane. I still accept memories of that major snow disaster for an updated third edition. The Crystal Beach and Canadiana book will follow the same pattern. I'd appreciate your memories or favorite stories and photos about Crystal Beach and The Canadiana. Just email them to me at erossi@whitedeath.com. Sadly I've watched the Canadiana be put to rest in my home town of Port Colborne, Ontario. She soon will be gone but not forgotten.
ERNO ROSSI
Glen 23-May-2004 19:33
I am just looking over the Crystal Beach photos and reliving memories. I went there with my parents when I was approx. 16 years of age. I remember riding the Comet 8 times straight! My father went once and would not fix the sunglasses he wore for fear of falling out. I also agree with one of your other emailers about the Wild Mouse. That was one wicked ride! Though I only went to Crystal Beach once, it is forever entrenched in my memory far more than any park ever has or will.
Dan Small 15-May-2004 15:46
Karl: Thanks for a great bunch of photos! I grew up in Tonawanda and Clarence in the 1950s. In those days, radio ads for CB said "It's a long walk but a short ride to Crystal Beach." I always wondered how long it would take to walk there. We went frequently when my brothers and I were young, often with other families. I recall mainly the boat ride, the beach, bumper cars and of course the hot dogs. I'm sure I haven't been there since the late '50s, so your photos take me waaaay back!

Thanks!
Ellen Engler van Dorsten 12-May-2004 03:21
Do you remember towards the end of each school year, how the grocery chains would offer free tickets to Crystal Beach for the "A" grades you received on your report card from school? Since money was scarce in those days, we needed those A's badly! Crystal Beach was fabulous..how about the Magic Carpet ride? I always wondered if I'd make it to the bottom or be thrown off the carpet somehow. Seemed like a wild ride at the time for a little 50 pound kid. But, we loved it.
Jaime Rappa Robbins06-May-2004 19:22
Wow..... brings back so many memories of going to crystal beach with my family before the park closed. Thank you for capturing these images.
f gork 06-May-2004 15:31
For all you CB fans...try Kennywood Park in Pittsburg, PA. If you close your eyes, you will think your back at CB. Smells of cotton candy, candy apples, hotdogs, hamburgers fill the air. They even have the old garbage sucking Leo the Lion. "Hello, I'm Leo the Lion, don't throw that cup on the ground...feed it to me!" It's an old fashion park and it's worth the drive from WNY.
Eileen 05-May-2004 02:14
Wonderful! I live in Florida now, but I was at Crystal Beach the day it closed. I actually cried, because I was remembering being there as a child - especially on Kenmore Day and then taking my nieces as they grew up. Remeber those Hall's suckers? Crystal was also one of the nicest beaches around. I ahve picturew from when I was a baby. Thank you for keeping this alive for us.
Carol Dreher Hess 04-May-2004 21:07
WOW--GREAT PICS & GREAT MEMORIES
Crystal Beach goes way back in my family. Not only did my grandparents have a house at Erie Beach (Jens & Francis Christensen), our family camped at Sherkston Quarry! What more could a girl ask for!
Our summer days were spent at Erie beach or Sherkston &, at least twice a week, our evenings at Crystal. The rides, the dates with the boys we knew or met(Canadian & American, though there always has been a special place in my heart for the Canadian guys!), the food, & the fun we had! I have the greatest memories of all the people I knew back then -- if any of you remember me or just want to email, drop me a line!
Regarding Crystal, my Dad helped build the 1st roller coaster at Crystal--it was called the Cyclone. It was really dangerous if you didn't weigh enough & didn't hold on as you would be lifted right out of your seat! I remember going on the Comet when I was 7 months pregnant (it was the day Robert Kennedy was shot--we didn't know it happened until we got back home later that evening). The operator didn't see my condition until my 4th or 5th ride of the day...he nearly had a heart attack when he did see me, & he wouldn't let me back on! What a bummer!!
The Hall family owned & operated Crystal. I grew up 1st in the Fruitbelt & then in Central Park. I knew my husband's family from growing up in the Fruitbelt and most everyone in his family worked for the Hall's: my father-in-law to be worked in the boats engine rooms as an extra summer time job, my sister-in-law to be worked in Mr. Hall's office, and my future husband to be worked a few years as an extra hand on the boats--usually the concession stand. It was the perfect job for a 16-17 year old; he always signed up for the last run of the night going back to Buffalo as he could make-out with the girls & take them to the off-limits upper deck...boy does he have stories to tell! He was working when the riots happened on-board, & that was the end of his summer time job! Though everyone in my family took the boat rides over to Crystal (to either go to the Beach or proceed by bus to Sherkston), I never had the chance to take a moonlight ride with my future husband as I was still too young to date him, but we did when I was old enough. We also took our sons there for family outings & picnics.
Regarding Sherkston, Mr. Schneider was the first camper there in the days when it cost 25 cents to get in for a day of swimming. He thought the sand dunes were a great place to camp & talked the owner, Mr. Homan (sic) into letting his family camp there. Pretty soon, our family joined his & we camped there every summer after my grandparents sold there Erie Beach home. After we were married, I even got my husband to spend our summers camping at the quarry, and visting Crystal in the evening. We camped at Sherkston summers, or every other long weekend, up until the late '80's. My sons loved it; it was just as much fun for them as it had been for me...not only fun, but educational too as we would sit & watch the O.P.P.D.'s bust the druggies!
I miss Crystal, it was a special place!
Carol Dreher Hess
Guest 01-May-2004 01:07
I miss those days. Saving all winter for crystal beach day. The only thing I wish I could have done was take the person I truly loved there. However time has passed, but she has always remained the love of my heart. Distance and time go by, but my thoughts of her won't Thanks for the memories.
Cyndy Bunch (Browning) 30-Apr-2004 14:10
I have moved from Buffalo, Hamburg, N.Y., now since I was 19. I still go home every summer, and, visited the new amusement park with my sister. Just wasn't Crystal Beach. I went every year growing up, and remember the taffy, I was suprised the Wild Mouse photo wasn't included, rough ride!!!!! My fondest memories were with my best friend Debs. We went together every year. One year we were 12, and got to go unshaperoned on a bus. What a blast. I still remember the songs that were playing. We met two French guys, and we both have memories untill today. I guess that is the great thing about Buffalo, or Western N.Y.. Bonds. By the way, I live in India now, What have they done to the park? Thanks for the memories
Cyndy Bunch (Browning) 30-Apr-2004 14:07
I have moved from Buffalo, Hamburg, N.Y., now since I was 19. I still go home every summer, and, visited the new amusement park with my sister. Just wasn't Crystal Beach. I went every year growing up, and remember the taffy, I was suprised the Wild Mouse photo wasn't included, rough ride!!!!! My fondest memories were with my best friend Debs. We went together every year. One year we were 12, and got to go unshaperoned on a bus. What a blast. I still remember the songs that were playing. We met two French guys, and we both have memories untill today. I guess that is the great thing about Buffalo, or Western N.Y.. Bonds. By the way, I live in India now, What have they done to the park? Thanks for the memories
Jeff L 29-Apr-2004 21:58
I miss those days. Saving all winter for crystal beach day. The only thing I wish I could have done was take the person I truly loved there. However time has passed, but she has always remained the love of my heart. Distance and time go by, but my thoughts of her won't Thanks for the memories.
SCollins 29-Apr-2004 02:12
Wonderful site... thanks for putting it together and really enjoyed reading the comments. You did a great job!

I, like so many, had lots of fun at Crystal Beach. One summer my aunt and uncle rented a concession stand just up the street. They had curly french fries and I've never eaten so many french fries before or since! There was a dance court and the pinball/game room. What fun!! And all the new kids I met, both Canadian and American.

After working all morning, we had several hours off every afternoon to wander around Crystal Beach. Riding the comet was first.. and the mouse.... well, my first time on that ride was with a date. Really good thing he was alert.. I was half out of the mouse car on the first turn when he grabbed the belt on my shorts!!! NEVER went on that ride again!!! The cotton candy, watching everyone as they walked by, and candy apples.... yum!

I was saddened to learn they had closed it. Thanks to everyone for sharing their comments and bringing back so many fun memories.
Jim Murphy 28-Apr-2004 14:15
My family had a summer cottage one half block away from the park. As a boy, at night I fell asleep to the sounds of happy coaster riders on the Giant Coaster, and to the lonely sound of the Point Abino Lights Foghorn. Later I worked at the Cronfelt Loganberry stand on Derby Rd. (Hot Dog Alley), ran rides in Kiddieland, hung out at the lifeguard stand during the day and danced & hung w/ friends at the Swing Inn EVERY NIGHT! We'd climb the fence after the last boat left at night and enjoy a moonlight swim. I'll always remember the sounds, smells and wonderdful experiences I had as a Boy every summer in Crystal Beach.
beth 28-Apr-2004 13:48
I've lived in Crystal Beach for 5 years, after 30 years in California. Growing up near Toronto, I always wanted to go to the Park at Crystal Beach but never did. Now, it's too late, and I never had that memorable experience. Thanks for the pictures - it's hard to place all that excitement in the quiet shabby little village C.B. now is.
Mickey Kearns 28-Apr-2004 13:01
When I think of Crystal Beach I think of my family and friends. The many days at the beach and the park filled with laughter. The peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Elies fries. I am so happy that the beach is back and people are coming to realize was a treasure the beach and park has been to so many people. For the true Cystal Beach loyalist we never forgot the many memories and great times we experienced at the Park. We would take a drive and remind ourselves of the good old days. As we get older life gets complicated and the friends we spent so much time have moved on in life. But it is nice to know that on any given Saturday in June I may run into family, friends and people who took part in the Crystal Beach experience.
Mimi Fischer 23-Apr-2004 07:14
WOW....it is amazing to see all the people that experienced Crystal Beach and what an impact it made in their life.....now these notes have me thinking how lucky i was to go there every year of my childhood and then take my kids (Larry & Stephen) there, as well, each year....i know it impacted their memories....they are over 40 now & still talk about it....i lived on the west side and went to Nativity, Annunciation, Lafayette and N.T.H.S.....and i would love to hear from any Buffalo people that care to drop a line.....i live in Florida now & still miss the friendliness of the Buffalonians....i was lucky to live in the "olden days"....now we are supposed to have so much, but actually it is so little compared to then.....money can never buy happiness and the memories we had then.....and in the schools - there was no fighting - no weapons...Life Was Good!.....we were poor, but rich in LOVE!....thank you for the old photos and for starting this road down memory lane.......mimi fischer
Barbara Abbarno 23-Apr-2004 03:52
Brings back many fond memmories of family and old friends......Moved to San Diego 22 years ago and did the Magic Mountain, Disney, and Waterparks, and nothing seemed to be as wonderful as Crystal Beach....I beleive it is the kid in us all as disney is to the younger generation...Thanks for the beautiful memmories :)
"Mad" Louie 22-Apr-2004 19:54
Howdy---

What can I add to all the previous messages? I spent time at Crystal Beach right up until the very end. So many happy memories, I could write a book about them. The day it closed down for good, it took a part of all of us with it.

Best alwayz---

"mad" louie
Steve 21-Apr-2004 22:11
Great pictures!! Brings back a lot of fond memories as I only live 10 minutes away. Thank You for sharing.
Roger A. 21-Apr-2004 20:32
I went to the "Beach" for the first time in 1948 when the Comment was opened. What a grand time that was. It was spectular in its day. I went many more time until 1954 when I left the area. This gallery brings back many fond memories which linger with me today.
fran porebski 21-Apr-2004 16:21
Each summer during the mid 50s to the mid 60s I would look forward to my visits to CB. Sure the thrill rides were great as I grew into them and I loved those warm powder sugared waffles but tradition required time spent in the arcade playing the pinball machines and rolling up the scores in Ski-ball. Miniature golf with my cousin was also a must. Grandmother always made us go with her on the big rocket ride by the Magic Carpet. Visits with my family always included a walk into town to have steak sandwiches at Nate's. Loved to go on the ferris wheel at night and see the entire park lit up in lights. Roller skating was cool. Few people mentioned the field events held during community days in the area across from the park. I even remember sitting in the back seat of my father's car and smelling of the final ride of many evenings...the live pony ride.
Kathy Lovejoy 21-Apr-2004 04:53
Man, did I have fun! Fries and white vinegar!! Boyfriends in the sand...jumping waves...Beaches to rival any! I took my kids there, to fill them with my memories.. took my nephews, and would loved to have been able to take my grandchildren. The new big parks just aren't the same: too big, too expensive and just overdone. This was real, honest to Pete have a good time FUN!! Life was good.
kathy 20-Apr-2004 18:29
Thank you for this, the wonderful memories and yes...the Laff in the Dark where I too had my first kiss with a Canadian boy! But the one thing I always remembered was the air jets that blew up your skirt when you were walking thru the Magic Carpet, and all the giggles it caused...even hours later! Saving up my babysitting money all year was well worth going to Crystal Beach that summer!
Allan 20-Apr-2004 11:16
This brought back a significant part of my childhood. Crystal Beach had a special cache that other amusement parks lack today. Darien Lake is entire too overwhelming due to the constant product endorsement. Crystal Beach was pretty and way too much fun. When you made the turn from Garrison Road and made the promenade to the park entrance, you were filled with such excitement. I rode the Comet until it became ordinary, however, with the next visit, it would be just like the first time all over again. The little Wild Mouse coaster next to it was fun as it constantly left the tracks on the sharp turns. You never knew if you were going to make it. The Yellow coaster always left you with the shakes as it was so bumpy. The other parts of the park were equally as thrilling. It's too bad my children never experienced the joy as they were too young when it closed. Thank you sooooo much Mr Josker!
Don Jewitt 20-Apr-2004 02:18
This truly is what memories are all about.The boat,"CUSTARD" and just plain good fun. Hello to all that get this short message.
Nancy Janish 18-Apr-2004 16:05
I remember Crystal Beach and all the fun I had there for so many years. Summer was not summer without going there and riding the rides, roller skating, and of course, meeting boys.

I never got to ride on the boat as it was taken out of service after they had the riot on it, but my Aunt was on the boat the day of the riot and I heard all the stories about how terrible and scarey it was. I missed that and I now know it was a good thing to miss.

However, my friends and I did go over every year on a bus trip that the town of Riverside ran. Everyone from Riverside High School went and what fun we did have!!!! You bought a ticket and the bus run all day long. So you could go over early and come back whenever you wanted to. My girlfriends and I would go very early in the day and roller skate half the day and ride the rides the rest of the day. We yearly fell in love with some boy from Canada who we never seen again. HA HA But we had a blast and never missed a year.

I remember the Comet. We would ride it over and over and over until it actually became tame. We loved the Magic Carpet which dumped you at the end onto a carpet that you rode like the wind was under it. And of course, I have to mention the Lauf in the Dark which was when we got to sneak a kiss with the boyfriend we would never see again....oh what times we had there. Miss them so much and really feel sorry for all the kids today that will never get to experience the fun of Crystal Beach!!!
Charles 18-Apr-2004 01:29
Who doesn't remember what a thrill it was to get out of class at the end of the school year and go to Crystal Beach, and finally graduate to the big rides and THE COMET...thank you for the wonderful pictures. I've lived all over the world, and I've never met a coaster that could hold a candle to The Comet...thanks.
Glory 17-Apr-2004 21:20
Oh what wonderful memories!!! Crystal Beach was more than an amusement park............it was magic from the moment you arrived til the moment you were carried out because you were tired to walk. I remember being told to meet the adults back at the merry-go-round at a certain time. No one had to worry about a child being taken in those days. I remember "graduating" from Kiddie Land to the adult rides and secretly praying you didn't act like you were scared on them when you rode them.

A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to find a Crystal Beach souvenier at a yard sale. It is a salt and pepper set.........there is a tree with 2 squirrels on a linb as the salt and pepper shakers..............there are markings that read, Crystal Beach, Canada. I only had to pay about $2.00 for it, but it is worth much more than that to me in memories.

Thanks for the great photos and the wonderful trip back to my childhood.
Susi (Field) Huntz 16-Apr-2004 20:57
This is just incredible! What memories this brings to light! After reading all the messages from so many folks, I had some of my own to add. What about the huge Paul Bunyon statue over by the Comet and the Big Ice Pole. The childrens area was so nice to take little ones in and of course the animals to feed! My mom took me on the Wild Mouse when I was about six and she told me that when we went down the first hill, she almost lost me because I was just sitting on her lap with no seatbelts! I can just hear the lawyers over this one!
Great shots and Thank You so much for bringing my childhood back!
Andrea Sikorski 16-Apr-2004 18:18
I am only 23 and have been to Crystal Beach just once...on one of the last days they were opened. My family and I took the Canadiana on one of it's last runs. I was about 8 and was not tall enough to ride The Comet (that bothers me more today than it did then). My family has told me so many stories/memories and looking back, I now realize how sad it is that it is gone!
Gail Foley Cook 16-Apr-2004 17:16
THANKS FOR THE GREAT PICYURES OF CHRYSTAL BEACH. THEY BROUGHT SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES.
Ed Degenhart 16-Apr-2004 13:09
Wow the memories!!! No one mentioned the salt water taffy. I remember the bumper cars and my parents dancing at the dance hall while we enjoyed the park. I was told my grandfather was part owner with a man named Harvey Baum. People told me my dad used to be the first to test ride the comet. It had another name and was closed and reworked and became the comet. What is wonderful to see is that borders don't really have much meaning. Many of us grew up in Buffalo and many places in Canada too. My family had a cottage at Long Beach just north of Port Colborne. Childhood memories like this are priceless. Thanks for sharing.
Edythe Oldfield Heuer 16-Apr-2004 03:56
Really brought back a lot of memories - my high school sorority used to rent a cottage for 2 weeks in the summer, and we also rode the Canadiana over several times - what fun! I graduated from h.s. in 1940 so my years at the beach were from '37 to '40. Our prime love was trying to get a good tan on the beach. A friend and I rode bikes over to the beach and back to Bflo once -- ONCE was enough. I now reside in California but my days at Crystal Beach have never left my mind. Thanks for the memories!
Jackie S. 15-Apr-2004 21:49
Talk about a trip down memory lane! Thanks for sending these, Bob. I spent many a summer there with my family. I also went there for my senior picnic in high school. The comet was my favorite ride, as I've always been addicted to roller coasters. Crystal Beach was always a fun place to go. Thanks for the memories.
Charlene Marks Ott 14-Apr-2004 18:29
What great memories!!! During the Late forties and early fifties, used to take the boat from Buffalo with my Mom, She would visit friends who had a cottage there (Holsberg's) and we would have a terrific time at the Park. My favorie ride was the Magic Carpet, later the Magic Palace. Have not had a logenberry drink since then. Thank you so much for the wonderful memories!!! Would like to know if it would be possible to obtain copies of some of the pictures?
Bill 14-Apr-2004 14:39
These pictures brought back many fond memories. Boat trips to the park,dancing on the boat, outings at the beach,and rides. I started going as a young boy and took my youth groups in the 70's and early 80's. Thanks for your pictures.
DonC 14-Apr-2004 01:35
What a place it was, magic, fun and always exciting. Taking the "boat" over form Buffalo and to riding the Comet. Those of us who were kids and teenagers had a chance to see Crystal Beach lived in the last of the good times. I miss them. Thanks for the memories.
Brenda Wilson 13-Apr-2004 16:59
My sister and family used to rent a cottage every summer and we would all show up on a weekend. Love those french fries with vinegar and salt. Everyone enjoyed Crystal Beach. Memories are wonderful!
Eileen Gale 13-Apr-2004 02:26
Thanks for the great site. Reading everyone's comments gives me the chills and thrills of remembering it all. The boat ride, playing Rock Around The Clock all the way over to the beach and dancing all the time. We had a few different cottages during the years and made many friends along the way. The Jersey shore cannot take the place of Crystal Beach for me. And just hearing from all those who have moved away just proves the Buffalo and Western New York is a great place and I am glad I grew up there.
KATHLEENQ CLEARY 12-Apr-2004 19:15
THE BEST TIMES! HOT DOG ALLEY! JACKS GRILLED HOT DOGS! BONFIRES ON THE BEACH! FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS! FOND MEMORIES! THANKS
Bob Hotchkiss 10-Apr-2004 19:18
Great to see these photos. I lived in Buffalo/Kenmore from '39 to '54. Attended Lincln School, Kenmore Jr. & Sr. High then Canisius HS before moving to Wilmington, DE in '54. It was always fun to take the Canadiana or Americana to CB. We probably drove once or twice over the Peace Bridge. I recall they had a ride that went out over the water. Was a great day to go there with my parents and brothers, aunts and uncles and cousins.
JAne 10-Apr-2004 00:59
Thank you Rose for providing these pictures. I have great memories of Crystal Beach! This was the big vacation of the summer as a child. Of course, our school graduation trips from St. Martin's and South Buffalo days are embedded in wonderful memories of my childhood. Thanks!
Rose 09-Apr-2004 17:58
Thank you for the memories! In my senior year, we took our "senior trip" to CB. It was the one and only time I was able to visit there. Although it has been over 45 years ago, the memories still linger in my mind. How lucky were all those kids who were able to go there more often and have it become a special part of their teen years.
Rose 09-Apr-2004 17:57
Thank you for the memories! In my senior year, we took our "senior trip" to CB. It was the one and only time I was able to visit there. Although it has been over 45 years ago, the memories still linger in my mind. How lucky were all those kids who were able to go there more often and have it become a special part of their teen years.
Russ 09-Apr-2004 15:48
The photos are great!! But the memory comments really bring them back to life. Does anyone else remember the large signs on the Dancing Deck of the Canadiana in the late 1930's that read "NO JEEPING ALLOWED"? The JEEP was a very lively Swing Dance that really "rocked the boat" when the floor was packed with teenagers. Boys and girls both wore the same white and brown "Jeep shoes" with red rubber soles --- they also were called "Saddle Shoes" Those were the days!!
Vinny Brocato 08-Apr-2004 22:21
Loganberry, girls visiting from Toronto, the comet, the sign reading "sucker" as you left the park and spent all your money. The penny arcade was my first real addiction. I was quite the "ski-ball" champ. Who can forget the swing-inn?! Man do I love the "oldies." Then as I got older the toga parties and all the other assorted parties at frat and sorority cottages.

It is sad to visit the beach now and see the deterioration of many of the cottages. It was a wonderful chapter in my life and I know there's no going back, except in my imagination.
CK 08-Apr-2004 21:11
Wow...Crystal Beach! I remember it well even though I'm only 29. At the grade school I attended, the 8th graders took a trip every year in June. I remember I couldn't wait until 8th grade so we could all go to Crystal Beach! I remember the big yellow sun painted on the ground...near the arcade, I think. I have so many stories of that place...mostly from my parents and older brothers. I was bummed when it closed, but didn't realize until I was all grown up how many memories that place held!
Guest 08-Apr-2004 20:16
We moved into our new "cottage" at the beach in the summer of 1948. I spent my summers in high school (Bennett) and undergraduate years , UB and Buff State at The Beach. That is when Toronto and friends I made then and am still in contact with added to my life. Just recently a friend here in Los Angeles received a gift package in error that the company told her to keep. It was filled with stuff from Buffalo, but most especially suckers from Crystal Beach. I spent quite some time extolling the virtues and wonders of CB, It took me way back, and the pictures completed the trip. I too danced many years of summer nights away at the Swing In. Oh, the fries and vinegar, loganberry whips, and Orange Crush. Thanks for the memories. Lanny Orlin
Irka Davis (Irene Lechnowskyj) 07-Apr-2004 15:07
This is a wonderful site and brought back so many sweet memories. First love. In 1869-70-71, I and a group of gals rented a cottage at CB for the entire summer. There were cottage with boy groups and cottages with girl groups. We had wonderful parties and went to the park whenever our heart desired it, which was often indeed. I remember the WIld Mouse. I LOVED that ride!!! And I remember the roller skating rink where I saw people skating backwards. It looked so easy. Well, it wasn't! I fell and got a heck of a bruise. Funny, no one mentioned the roller rink and I havn't thought of it until I saw these photos. Thanks for the memories.
Sheila 07-Apr-2004 12:49
WOW!!!!!!! I'm 12 years old again and anticipating the annual trip with the cousins from Virginia. Too many memories to enumerate but all tucked away to recall at moments such as this. And hey, the suckers we remember are still available at a shop called Thunder Bay, located at The Boulevard Mall and also on Elmwood Ave.
Colleen 07-Apr-2004 11:52
I was too little to remember anything but the last time we all went up to Crystal Beach was in the late 80s and my Uncle Vinny decided to "be one of the kids"....Well he went down one of the water slides and it was such a rush that at the bottom he opened his mouth real wide and seemed to take in a lot of water.he stood up and kept looking around in the water....we were wondering what he was looking for and he pointed at his mouth--HE HAD LOST HIS FALSE TEETH! After getting over the hysterical laughter we had to wait until the ride closed and his son finally found his teeth-he was so happy-held them up for all to see and everyone applauded and he put them back---it was my one and only memory of Crystal Beach.......
Marsha Murphy Nieman 07-Apr-2004 01:52
Thank you so much for the wonderful pictures of Crystal Beach and the fond memories.
I loved taking the boat over to the Beach with my Mother and Grandmother.
When I was very young (in the late forties) I remember being too small for the Comet and riding the Caterpillar until I was old enough to take on the Comet. Once I rode the Comet there was no going back! (Does anyone remember the caterpillar with the green awning that would go over your head?)
I left Tonawanda in the late seventies and wasn't aware that the Beach had closed until just a few years ago. What a loss!
BILL "BUTCH" GERST 06-Apr-2004 19:22
WOW, THANKS FOR THE FINE PICS. DO YOU HAVE ANY OF THE WATER SCOOTERS? I WORKED THERE FOR A FEW SUMMERS. I ALSO WORKED MANY OTHER PLACES AT THE BEACH. WE LIVED AT 42 ASHWOOD LANE IN THE SUMMER AND BLACKROCK THE REST OF THE YEAR. MY MEMORIES WOULD TAKE TOO MANY PAGES TO WRITE.E-MAIL IF YOU THINK YOU KNEW ME. I AM 67 YEARS OLD NOW, SO YOU KNOW MOST OF MY TIME WAS PRE 1955...THANKS AGAIN.
Penny Zarbo 06-Apr-2004 13:13
Wow,seems like yesterday the good ole days> me & cousin, Gregory with our family drove up to our cottage, our beach home for 2 weeks. My sister Paula ,gregory's sister Linda with our both mom's unpacking, suitcases & boxes with anticipation for lots of fun. Yes, each year mom rented a small old 2 floor cottage very cheap for our stay at the beach. My Aunt Claire, mom's sister paid half the cost so to be affordable for our annual crystal beach vacation.It was fun! And ,Yes, it is a long time ago even tho memories make it seem like yesterday to me.Greg & me like brother & sister loved the rides the faster the better, it was exciting for us then.Life was simple, we were Happy carefree young people in the 50's looking forward to our future!i love my memories.i cherish them .
Cheryl 06-Apr-2004 11:51
It sure does bring back memories! I remember going to Crystal Beach with our report cards to trade in for tickets, field days, riding the same ride over and over! Thanks for the pictures.
Alison Loughran 06-Apr-2004 01:01
Thank you so much! This is wonderful. There will never be another coaster like the Comet.....i don't care how hi-tech or "scary" they try to make them.....you haven't been scared on a coaster until you took that Comet turn over the water's edge! Or at least that is how I remember it! Thanks.
Paul 05-Apr-2004 14:53
Thanks for the photo's. I too have great childhood memories of CB... Did you know that the comet was moved to the Great Escape amusement park in New York? I'm actually thinking of taking my daughter there just to ride the comet.

Found a couple of other websites that offer more memories of CB including some actual video of the comet!

http://www.inter-pc.com/crystalbeach/

http://www.crystalbeachpark.net/

Enjoy!

Paul
Nancy 05-Apr-2004 13:04
Wow! Your pictures bring back such memories. I hate that the park is no longer because it was a great place to go. Too bad there aren't more places like it, an actual amusement park where there were great rides as opposed to a "theme park" where you pay a house payment to take the kids and have to wait 2 hours in line to get on the "big rides". Thanks for the memories.
Paul Horst 05-Apr-2004 04:36
Ah,Crystal Beach...what more can I say that hasn't already been said...I left Buffalo(like so many others) in June of 1989 and never got back to CB..I visit my sister who lives in Fort Erie and I could absolutely cry to see the developement in CB...I also used to see CB from the water as my dad and I would fish offshore in our boat...this brought back many memories of him and I...but the one thing I remember are the fries..I've tried to duplicate them so many times with malt vinegar but alas,no luck..my wife is absolutely SICK of hearing me talk about them over 23 years...you did this old Buffalonian a great service by posting these pics..thanks ever so much..any people out there from the Bailey-Delavan area?? would love to hear from you!
Grace Ioviero Hanusin 04-Apr-2004 23:22
Thanks for bringing up some wonderful memories! I remember saving my money each year for "Cheektowaga Day" in the late 60"s. We got a free bus ride, spent the whole day with our friends and "sweethearts" and cuddled up all the way home. We used to grab seaweed and take it up the comet, and throw it off at unsuspecting people down below, just as the cars made their way to the top! I especially loved laugh in the dark!
Guest 04-Apr-2004 20:29
Hello.. I'm 34 years old, so I only have vague memories of Crystal Beach. One thing that really sticks in my mind is when my neighbor from across the street (Tony) took his niece, nephew and myself to Crystal Beach.. he bought us a sucker and we were eating it on the sky ride at night.. guess what happened when the sky ride made the turn at the end to make it's way back to the beginning.. take in mind.. it was night time and a light was on at that curve... yes.. you got it.. bug city.. I had bugs all over my sucker.. needless to say.. the sucker was history.. but that is what I do remember... I kind of remember my first comet ride too.. thanks for the memories ..
Carol
Patrick Coleman 04-Apr-2004 16:29
This site really does get the mind working on old memories. I grew up in West Seneca, close to the South Buffalo city line and my uncle had a cottage in Crystal Beach. Spent many a day there. Loved the pics but does anybody remember the Magic Carpet ride before the Magic Palace?? The hungry trash eaters?? The Wild Mouse?? Would love more pics! Thanks for the memories!! Pat Coleman / Lake Mary, FL
ron 04-Apr-2004 16:16
alot of memories from crystal beach. i met my first girlfriend there after just moving to buffalo. thanx for the memories.
kath 04-Apr-2004 14:12
I enjoyed viewing the Crystal Beach photos. They also brought back so many memories to me as well. I remember a trip over on the 'Canadiana' when it was very windy and the waves were high. They had asked everyone to move up to a higher deck because the waves kept splashing across the bottom deck. Also the fond memory of my grandmother taking myself and a friend every 'tonawanda' day. Thanks for sharing your photos!
paula 04-Apr-2004 03:54
What great pictures!!! I remember going to Crystal Beach every summer...either with my parents as a young child; or when I was all grown up(14 years old) on Riverside Day with friends on a bus. I'm sure some of you also took your report cards to Loblaws for your tickets. Did you ever notice there was a lack of trash on the ground in front of the trash inhaling lion???? Thanks for sparking the memories. If anyone is interested in seeing the old Canadiana in dry dock...take HWY.3 into Port Colbourne. Just before crossing the bridge (at the signal where the RR tracks are) turn right. Follow the dirt road along the canal until you come to the boat. Not a pretty site...whatever happened to the group funding the restoration?
e melligan 04-Apr-2004 00:34
rented a cottage for the summer at the beach for many years with my family. spent a lot of hours in the arcade and took many a ride on the canadian using the coupon from the buffalo eveing news. took my own kids to fun land in the 70's when they were old enough and they were able to see all the rides and games we use to have. it's too bad kids today didn't have a chance to see just what fun we had at the BEACH. thanks for the memories
dennis tingue 03-Apr-2004 23:47
I really enjoyed these photos. I remember Gowamdaay at crystel beach. i would ride & ride &ride the comet until i was out of tickets. It was such a shame to see it end!!!I wish kids nowadays could experience & relive the times we had there..Its memories will live forever in my mind!!!!
THANK YOU TO WHOMEVE !!!
donna 03-Apr-2004 23:29
i really enjoyed seeing all of the photos. it brought back so many memories. after reading all of the comments posted, we could all write the same book. it was a great time to be a kid. thanks so much for bringing back so many good memories.
Linda Rimmer 03-Apr-2004 20:09
Thank you for sharing the great photos. I will always remember Crystal Beach fondly, as it holds terrific childhood memories. Our family loved enjoying the thrilling rides on the comet, wild mouse, the palace and laff in the dark. I loved Cheektowaga Day and will always cherish my first date with my boyfriend, who is now my husband of 22 years. Thanks for the memories!!!!
Terry Iggulden 03-Apr-2004 17:30
Thanks for the great memories!!!! I LOVED Crystal Beach. I used to take my report cards to Loblaws (grocery store) and get tickets for the rides. I loved the Comet! My friend had a cabin there and during our High School years we would spend the nights walking around the park. It was nice to be able to come and go free and pay for what you wanted to. They still sell the suckers and memorabelia at the Broadway Market. I bought the suckers for my father-in-law and he said that he savored every bit of them and enjoyed the flood of memories they brought back to him. I was there the day before they closed the park. I positioned my grandmother with a camera next to the Giant and when my car hit the top of the first hill she took my picture. What a great memory. I would love to visit my old friend in Lake George someday. Thanks again!
Jim McDonnell 03-Apr-2004 16:22
Talk about memories!!! What a great park. It is a shame that the children of today can't live what we lived. Allow me to share a great memory I have of the park...I took my parents, my brother and my little next door neighbor (Mike was probably about 10 yrs. old at the time). As luck would have it, my brother and I took the second last ride ever on the Comet at Crystal Beach. We were lucky enough to sit in the front seat. We actually thought it was the last ride ever, but there was such an uproar from those in attandance that they sent off one more ride. I came to find out later from a number of friends of mine that someone (unknown to me) had taken a picture of me and my brother sitting in the front seat on that second last ride ever and had submitted the picture at an event at the Erie County Fair in Hamburg, NY. To this day, I have never seen that picture but would love to get my hands on a copy. Should fate be on my side, the picture would be a family keepsake! If I am lucky, someone out there has this picture. If they would be so kind and allow me to get a copy, I can be emailed at jimmymc@adelphia.net Thanks!
Guest 03-Apr-2004 06:07
These photos sure bring back memories. I used to go to CB in the mid 70's when I was a little boy with my mom and dad when I lived in Buffalo. I moved to southern California in 1979 and would always think of the yellow Giant Coaster. The first chance that I was able to get back to Buffalo was in 1986 when I was 12 years old. By then, I was old enough to ride the Comet for the first time. I remember getting in the short line for the ride and then getting off and going right back on about 50 times in a row. I have been to many six flags parks across the US and no roller coaster even comes close to the Comet. Not even the Beast or Son Of The Beast at Kings Island in Ohio. It was the first roller coaster that I rode in which you could choose to ride forwards or backwards. I wish I would have been around when the Cyclone was there. I have seen CB on TLC when they are judging the best roller coasters in the US. The comet always seems to be #1. I really miss going there because it was an uncrowded entertaining place. Here on the west coast, especially at Disneyland, you have to wait at least 30 to 45 minutes to get on a ride. Thanks for posting the pictures and keeping the memory of CB alive.

Tony
Jack Ahlers 03-Apr-2004 05:12
Thanks so much, Karl, for the wonderful pix of CB. I began going there in the 40's, when Mom would take Sis and me by Greyhound from Angola to Buffalo, then to the Canadiana dock. I always enjoyed the ride over, even back, and was fascinated by the overhead view of the engine mechanism afforded by looking down the shaft in the middle of the craft. When we first began our excursions, the Cyclone reigned supreme. Ever since then, I have preferred wooden coasters to the modern steel structures. More "character." Another thing I loved, in retrospect, was the relatively uncrowded nature of the park, as compared to that of the modern-day, mega theme parks. By the time I got into high school, the "Crystal Beach Boat" was also being used for evening cruses, frequented mostly by guys and their dates. It was nice for awhile, but as with so many other things, the atmosphere began to change towards impolite, unruly groups. Yeah, it used to be a "kinder, gentler world." I agree with the many visitors to your site who mourn the passing of Crystal Beach, the Queen of the Lake. Gone, but certainly not forgotten.
Dan 03-Apr-2004 04:30
We really enjoyed your pictures from Crystal Beach. Right now we live near The Great Escape theme park near Lake George, NY which is the present home of the Comet. We are fortunate to say that we have introduced the thrill of the Comet to our daughters, who both consider it their favorite ride at The Great Escape. I can say that the coaster is in fine condition and enjoys great popularity. It's history at CB (and note of the old Cyclone) is proudly displayed. The only changes from Crystal Beach are they use 2 sets of cars, plus speeded up the ride up the first hill (no longer a lumbering ride, besides there's no Lake Erie to look out over). Also the cars are new with modern restraints and a mid-seat divider, so you can't slam your body weight into the person next to you if you sat on the left side (darn!). Fortunately, no shoulder restraints are used, so you still feel the "air" as you crest over the hills. You can also buy a photo of yourself taken during the ride.
p. stevenson 03-Apr-2004 04:17
Cool! My parents went to CB as kids as teens and then tooks us there and I'll never forget it. Everytime we left got to pick out several suckers on the wooded sticks. I loved laff in the dark and the whole feeling of the park. It was ggod, clean, family fun! you can take six flags or any other park. Cb was the last of the very best!
Sandy 03-Apr-2004 02:59
Wow,they are great pictures. Spend many of good times there. Sure do miss the good times.
Tom Mardirosian 03-Apr-2004 00:21
Wow!!!!!
Ange Coniglio 02-Apr-2004 17:22
Thanks for the memories. I have linked your page to my family website. See the link and other Crystal Beach memories athttp://www.conigliofamily.com/CrystalBeach.htm
Don Stumpf 02-Apr-2004 04:55

Great memories of my childhood and later taking my kids to CB. I remember all the wonderful times spent in the late forties and early fifties. Does anyone remember the cutoff of the bar on the boat when it crossed the Canadian border on the lake? The drinking age was 18 in the US, and 21 in Canada at that time. The captain new that there were few on board that were 21 or over, so they just shut it down.Also remember the 3 hour Saturday night dances inside the breakwall in Buffalo harbor. Very romantic!!! Thanks for bringing back all the memories.
Zorka 02-Apr-2004 00:59
The memories are sweet! Thanks for sharing!
peter giullari 01-Apr-2004 22:53

MY RECOLLECTION OF THE FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT DANCES IN THE BALLROOM DURING THE YEARS 1946,7,8 AND 9. THE CANANDIAN GIRLS KNEW WHO WERE HOMETOWN PEOPLE AND WHO WERE AMERICAN AND DANCE ACCORDINGLY WE NEVER HAD ANY TROUBLE BETWEEN GROUPS FOR WE WERE THERE TO HAVE AN GOOD TIME AND WE DID. FOOD WAS THE BEST ESPECIALLY MY FIRST FROZEN CUSTARD AND STRAWBERRY DRINK.I WILL TRY TO CAPTURE AS MANY OF THE PICTURES AS POSSIBLE. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.. FROM PETER GIULLARI BUFFALO NY
Amy 01-Apr-2004 22:31
I remember...the Comet as my very first roller coaster, (still the best I have ever been on) and when seeing the pictures I could feel the feeling I had that very first time I rode it. Did you not feel like you'd go in the water?? MMM Those cinnoman suckers, and waffles. I couldnt leave CB without getting both of them. Those darn air holes startled me every time! Bumping my elbows on every seam on the waterside, recording "Twist and Shout" in the recording booth. Spending a summer there with my Aunt and Uncle. Going there every year with my cousins. Fun times at Potts'Cottage. Only wish my kids could have enjoyed CB as I got to. They have no idea what a great park is! Thanks for the pictures and the memories!
Jean Murphy 01-Apr-2004 16:11
Absolutely great pictures. What memories they bring back. I never got to enjoy the Canadiana, but went there as a pre-teen with the catholic schools in Buffalo, NY; going with my parents and then taking my daughter and cousins with an Aunt and Uncle in the '80's. I remember skating in the ball room; my first ride on the Comet, which was preceeded with a ride on the Giant Coaster as a warm up; those waffles hot out of the grease and the powdered sugar melting from the heat; Magic Carpet which became the Magic Palace; being scared of Laugh in the Dark as a child; going to friends cottage on those trips with the school; eating at restaurants on a side street across from the train which went around back of the hill. These pictures are keepers.
Shirley Strachan 01-Apr-2004 16:05
These pix are wonderful--what a blast from the past! I still have a personalized coin. Being one of seven children we didn't get to go many places, but on Kensington/Bailey Day we were there every year! I do believe there was even a bus transport. Remember the tickets? You could get additional tickets with a good report card, the amount of tickets depended on how many A's you got. My favorite ride was the Magic Carpet--I would ride that one over and over!
Pat Siracuse 01-Apr-2004 15:05
CB & the boat rides....I could write a book. All my memories are special, but my very favorite one is rolling skating in the ball rooom.. We were allowed to bring our own skates! French fries w/vinegar (first place I enjoyed the treat), cotton candy, and the "personalized" coins we were able to make on both the Canadiana & Americana. Whatever happened to the Americana? I remember how they would signal each other as they passed in the lake going to and fro. That sorta told us that we were half way there. I have a tape entitled "Things That Aren't There Anymore" and the numerous shots of CB bring back so many happy memories. Thanks for posting these pics, I am going to print some out and add to my memory book.
Mary Gaca 01-Apr-2004 13:33
I remember going to Crystal Beach for my Dad's work picnic from the National Alide Chemical Co. My brothers and sisters and I would win tickets for the rides in the pie eating contest. The last seat of the Commet was my favorite place to be. I loved the Crystal Beach waffels and suckers. When I was older I went there for the General Mills picnic where I work. WE would have races for prizes. Thanks for tlhe pictures. It is great to think back to the great times at Chrystal Beach.
Carol W. 01-Apr-2004 13:07
Wow, what memories this brings back! Does anyone remember the Wild Mouse? Best ride CB ever had! Glad to see that the Comet was moved to another park! Maybe someday, someone will resurrect Crystal Beach...that way more generations can share the magical memories!
Chris Labenski-Berkowitz 01-Apr-2004 05:15
It was all about the magic of summer. My Mom would load up the station wagon full of neighborhood kids and off we went! Great place to meet boys when you were only thirteen! Loved the races and contests in the pavilion first! The Scrambler was my favorite ride!
Tim Robinson 01-Apr-2004 00:40
It was great, thanks for posting and taking the pictures. I went there as a kid and have no pictures of any of the trips. This allowed me an opportunity I would have never had, to relive very good memories. Thanks.
Tony Marino 31-Mar-2004 19:15
Karl, great shots I remember most of the shots in the Buffalo area. I don't remeber y,ou being such a camera bug, good work I enjoyed it.
Marty Meers 31-Mar-2004 11:29
These photos bring back many fond memories. It is truly a shame shat such a place is now just a memory. Somehow the boat ride going to Crystal Beach was always better than the ride home.
cathy 31-Mar-2004 01:42
The gallery is great brings back the good old days. I was there for my birthday with my kids on the last day it was open. Really sorry to see such a great place gone forever
Cheryl 31-Mar-2004 01:31
Crystal Beach brings back warm memories of childhood. The Comet, Skyride, and cotton candy are still vivid in my mind. My eight grade class from LaSalle Junior High School traveled there and I still remember the day as if it were yesterday...where does all of the time go???
myra 30-Mar-2004 21:44
What great great memories. Can't believe everyone mentioned "Jacks" and his grilled hot dogs. Remember the mirror on the side of the snack bar. We would comb our wet hair.. not a care in the world. I remember Irwin Sandler so well, imitating Johnny Ray by singing "Cry" Oh what happy memories. My husband I went to BayBeach last year and watched the kids play on the "rock" I almost had tears in my eyes thinking about how my mother use to watch me in the water and I could not go past the big rock. We went to the Pines for dinner and it just wasnt the same. Thanks for the memories people..
Bernie 30-Mar-2004 15:38
I remember the Magic Carpet (later renamed the Magic Palace). It contained the room of mirrors which made anyone who stood in front of them look fat, thin or whatever.
I also recall the "slanted" room where, because of the way it was built, you had to run down one aisle and struggle to walk up the next aisle.
Also, who could forget why it was called the magic carpet? At the end, you sat on this bench made up of steel rollers. The entire bench folded into a ramp and you slid down it onto the magic carpet. What a great ride!!
Carol Pastore 29-Mar-2004 19:05
Gosh, I sure do remember Crystal Beach and the Canadiana. Most of my teen years were dancing on the Canadiana and at the C.B. ballroom with Maynard Ferguson (a trumpet player who hit those high notes quite often). Our dates would go to a pub and order pitchers of Canadian beer and play chug-a-lug. Sometimes, we would miss the boat back to Buffalo. I still visit my home town as we have family still living there. Riding the Comet was a lot of fun. I remember the Caterpillar too. We had a wonderful childhood and it didn't cost much. As we grew older, we would drive there to friend's cottages and play poker. My aunt owned a cottage there and my mother would spend a week or so with her.Thank you so much for bringing back those teenage memories. God Bless You.
Ken Marthia 29-Mar-2004 16:17
Karl, your photos are becoming well-traveled, having now arrived in Utah. Thanks for the great images, and the memories they bring to mind. My grandparents owned a summer cottage at Crystal Beach for many years. They later bought a place at Cedar Bay, and Friday evenings were always a trip to Port Colburn for dinner at the Globe Cafe (long gone) and then to Crystal Beach. I took my own kids there for years, to ride the Comet, eat the fries in paper cones,....all of it. A wonderful family tradition, now gone the way of many great things. Memories live forever. Thanks again.
D.P.J. Pillard 29-Mar-2004 06:27
Beautiful shots. Brought back a lot of memories. I had my 83-year-old legally blind mother sit up close to the screen to view them. She was able to name the sites without reading the captions. She couldn't say enough about her experiences. It made her day. Great job!
Chuck Goris 29-Mar-2004 01:44
The pix of Crystal Beach bring back many fond memories of a wonderful, fun filled place. My wife and I vividly recall many of the things others have related. We particularly remember one time we were visiting there with friends and we rode the Octopus which didn't agree with her. End result I ended going into the town and buying her a new outfit so she could continue our outing.We also remember in the days before lawsuits became a way of life for some, that a certain two year old girl rode the Comet with her Daddy and loved every minute of it. Thanks so much for the opportunity to view these pix, they are great.
BARBARA CANTOR 28-Mar-2004 22:20
I left Buffalo in 1985 but not a day goes by without my thinking about Crystal Beach and the magic it gave to my life. I long for the day when I can return and see it one more time. I was brought there as an infant and lived in my papa and grandmas cottage, David and Kathryn Unherr. They bought their cottage in 1928 and moved it from Derby Road to West Linclon where it still remains. My whole childhood was spent in Crystal Beach every summer. We moved to our own cottage at 7 Cherrywood when I was seven. My house was a pArtyhouse, my parents allowed me to have parties with blaring music-gangs of kids as friends, many from Toropnto-we danced at the SwingInn, drove down the main road in convertibles to show off that we were here, went to Jacks for french fries and to kibbutz at the stand and of course went to the park for waffles, suckers and have our fortunes told. We always tried to sneak in to the beach and this mean old lady who some of you may remember, tried to keep us out. It was th most fantastic existence that a child and teenager could ever have. When they had the talent shows I remember carrying my sister Jackie there to sIng, with Richie Goldstein and Irwin Sandler; my closest friends Marsha Miller, Linda Siegleman, Rochelle Benetovitch and Anntte Lipman and many more-all have these same memories I am sure. And oh, what about these rainy days when we watched the Doris Day, Gene Kelly and Fred Astair movies. In 1978, my dream was to come back to Crystal Beach and I bought my own cottage at the top of the hill on Cherrywood. I was able to raise my children there for 8 years-Jennifer,Jacob and Rosie. Although they didnt have the same experiences that I did, they did get a taste of what it was like living in magical Crystal Beach. It will always remain in a special place in my heart.BARBARA LEVY CANTOR
Lori 28-Mar-2004 16:32
Yes, it does bring back wonderful memories. As a child and living in the country, we did not get there as often as I would of liked; however, always went on the Westinghouse sunmmer picnics. When I moved back from California with my 3 boys in 1973, I could not wait to take them to see my Chrystal Beach. However, it was not quite as grandeur as I had remembered it and the boys after having been to Disneyland many times were not that impressed, But all in all, I still miss it.
Joe Melohusky 28-Mar-2004 12:39
Sure brings back memories of so much fun and of never having enough money to do all we wanted to do while at the Beach in the 50's. We thought we were crossing the ocean when we left Buffalo. I have been swimming on the beach to the right of the old dock as late as 2002 as a friend of mine owns a home and property just a couple of places from the dock. Sure looks different now.
D 26-Mar-2004 05:08
If you still need a Comet fix, go to Lake George. The Comet was moved, rebuilt, and is alive and well. Noisy, rough ride, but a classic. (It seems smaller now than I remember it from the 50s. And it costs more, too.) http://www.rcdb.com/installationdetail262.htm
duffy 26-Mar-2004 02:29
At the 1969 Kensington/Bailey Day, Moran cheated in the pie eating contest. He won lots of tickets and I rode the rides with him. Its been tough living with that all these years and I just had to come clean.
Sorry Greg!
Ron 25-Mar-2004 20:17
What a wonderful piece of nostalgia. Thanks for sharing it and gathering all the comments.
My fondest memory was a grammar school trip from St. Lawrence school in Buffalo. I remember throwing up all over a nun after riding on the swings. I also remember many dates and dancing to the big bands at the ballroon.
Sheila 25-Mar-2004 19:38
These are wonderful memories. But didn't anyone receive their first kiss in the "Old Mill" or the "Tunnel of Love"? I especially remember "Kenmore Day" and looking forward all school year and saving my meager babysitting money for tickets. Thank you so much!
Gene Ciminelli 25-Mar-2004 16:34
As a youngster,the ride on the Crystal Beach Boat over the unpredictable waters of Lake Erie was always a bigger thrill than any of the rides once we got to the amusement park.One evening, someone yelled out that they thought they saw a body floating in the water. Everyone rushed to the port side of the boat to see the body nearly capsizing the boat before order could be restored.
John Pajak 25-Mar-2004 16:08
My daughter, Debbie, was kind enough to send me the CB picture gallery. It sure brought back fond memories. I really looked forward to the visits and trips on the Canadiana. Many of you seemed to enjoy the same things I did, suckers, loganberry, Comet, Cyclone, Laugh in the Dark. Yes it is a shame that we can not share CB with our children and grand children. Miss it, thanks for the memories.
Kathy 25-Mar-2004 04:53
My fondest memories of Crystal Beach are their famous suckers; loganberry; getting park tickets from grades on our report cards at "Loblaws"; the great rides; the beautiful beach and spending endless, fun days with family and friends. I wish it were still around to share with my children. They would have loved it as much as I did! Thanks for the great photos!
Mary Bin 24-Mar-2004 21:07
What I remember most about Crystal Beach is my dad's company's picnic day. Every year
General Mills held their company picnic there where one could compete in different contests. Also, my favorite memory is the fireworks on the 4th of July. Also roller skating at the rink and dancing on Saturday night to the Big Band Musicians.
Bob Avery 23-Mar-2004 22:36
What a wonderful collection - wish some photo's were taken on the boat itself- those were different days and I'll always chersh them
Paula 23-Mar-2004 20:05
WOW! I can still taste those butterscotch suckers, the loganberry, and wintergreen! And I can still see the tree-lined walkways, the scary-yet-enticing Laff in the Dark, the Comet whizzing past. Many fond memories of the Beach--it was the perfect field trip no matter your age. Wish I could take my kids. There's an old-tyme amusement park here in PA...but it's just not the same.
Thanks for the pictures, Karl...and the memories.
Ron Urban 23-Mar-2004 14:10
This was sent to me by a cousin in Buffalo. I am enjoying the memories of looking through your photos. Growing up in Williamsville at the Glen Amusement Park and Casino, it was nice to get away in the 60's and head to Crystal Beach. The drive and anticipation of getting on the Cyclone, Comet and Wild Mouse were always welcome adventures. Met canadian friends and danced at the Swing-In to the Amboy Dukes. No trip was complete without a hot dog, fries and a logenberry. Held, hugged and kissed my share on the beach. No place like home. Thanks for the memories.
P Laborce 22-Mar-2004 16:01
Greasy french fries in a cone shaped cup drenched in vinegar - thank you Crystal Beach for a "classic" snack that lives on. One of my favorite old family stories is of my great Auntie Irene running to catch the boat back to Buffalo and losing one of her shoes as she made the jump to the boat. Boy was she in some serious trouble when she arrived home that night.
trisha 22-Mar-2004 01:11
THIS SURE WAS A MEMORY WELL MADE. MY FRIEND WHO MOVED FROM THE AREA SENT IT TO ME. I STILL LIVE IN THE AREA AND REMEMBER CRYSTAL BEACH AS IF IT WERE YESTERDAY. I LIVED ON THE CYCLONE WHICH WAS BEFORE THE COMET AT THE OTHER END OF THE PARK. THE WAFFLES, THE SUCKERS, AND THAT BOAT WILL LONG BE IN MY MEMORY. THANK YOU FOR SHARING WITH SO MANY PEOPLE.GOD BLESS YOU.
mary ann zak 21-Mar-2004 23:58
What memories is correct. I was on the Canadianna the last trip it took in the 50's. Unfortunately on the last trip passengers were terrorized by gangs of thugs. It started at Crystal beach and carried through on the boat. Luckily the group we were with managed to get to the deck with the ships captain and crew and we were not harmed. One man either was pushed or jumped overboard to escape. It was unfortunate the the Canadianna did not go out in the style of the grand lady she was. I remember taking her to crystal beach with my grandmother many times and those times were wonderful. When my children were young ( in the 70"s)we drove over, but it was just not the same Crystal Beach then.
Years later I met the man who bought the Canadianna, and tried to run it serveral times from buffalo to Canada, but it always had some problems and he never got the grand lady running again........... thank you for the memories
Libby Venute 21-Mar-2004 23:24
A friend in Niagara Falls forwarded this to me. The annual trip to Crystal Beach was the highlight of summer vacation. Do you remember the Belgian Waffles? Looked in the pictures for the caterpiller ride and it looks like the fun house magic carpet was no longer there in '89. Just so you know, you can still ride the Comet - it's now up in Lake George, if memory serves me right. Thanks, Karl, for the memories!
Esther 21-Mar-2004 23:02
I bought so-called Crystal Beach lollipops when I visited Buffalo in the fall. What a dissappointment. There was only one Crystal Beach where we made friends with the Candadians our age and danced at the Swing-Inn. Down the road you drank logenberry and ate hot dogs grilled at Jack's. Those were the days. When I finally saw the condo's there I almost cried. I live in Florida now and there is a HUGE wooden roller coaster not far from me in Ft. Lauderdale. I love riding it and enjoying the memories of my youth. Thank you for wonderful pictures.
Sue Ciminelli 21-Mar-2004 20:46
Ahhh, I can still smell the waffles while I picture Aunt Fran's laughter as her dress popped up in the fun house. I left Buffalo in 1987, and there's no place in this world like it, including summers at Crystal Beach, where my farewell party was held!
Joan H. S. 20-Mar-2004 22:41
I grew up in Buffalo and moved away in 1959. These pictures brought back such great memories. Especially taking the "Crystal Beach Boat" (Canadiana) and dancing up a storm before the dancing began at the ballroom. Loved the roller coaster too. Thanks for the memories
Larry P. 20-Mar-2004 18:46
Who could forget the Wild Mouse!!!
Also, trying to bring back fireworks across the border.
Life was much simpler back then, when the world was more people friendly.
Marge 20-Mar-2004 16:34
WOW! talk about a trip down memory lane?? My parents brought us to Crystal Beach on the boat. My dad was carrying my brother (who is now in his 60's) with the rest of us in tow.
I remember the fun house and standing there just laughing at the "fat lady" laughing back! Boy wouldn't Marilyn Monroe do well with them air holes in the floor? ha ..ha ..
Loved the butterscotch lolipops (and they were HUGE) to eat on the way home.....Was a great place to visit when life was simpler and the world seemed mellower!
bonnie 20-Mar-2004 00:23
i love the memories
i mostly remember the shootouts with the fake cowboys we all got free guns and cowboy hats
this was in 1973 i was only 13 wow what a big change from then till now
thanks for sharing
M Valentine 19-Mar-2004 13:22
This gallery brought back some great memories. I left Buffalo in 1978,but I swore to ride the Comet one last time. That was the day before I moved west. (B-LOW) There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no plce like home.
Robin Star (Siegel) 19-Mar-2004 12:02
Wow! My Mom sent this to me and thought I would not remember. How could I forget!! These photos take me back to a simpler time and I wish I could share CB with my young kids. Loved the Magic Palace and, of course, The Comet. Oh, let's not forget Loganberry and the yummy big cinnamon suckers on my way out. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy 19-Mar-2004 03:39
This whole gallery is wonderful. Brought back tons of great memories and a tear to my eye. This was our absolute favorite place to go on a summer day. It's a crime that it no longer exits. Thanks for sharing this with us.
Pat 19-Mar-2004 03:21
I enjoyed your photos. Thank you for your time, first to take the photos, then to post them so you can share with all of us who loved and still love CB!
Sandy D 18-Mar-2004 20:25
I remember Crystal Beach with very happy memories. The pictures were fabulous. I was there the day they closed the park. So much history. I wish I had won the lottery and saved the park.
james saunders 18-Mar-2004 17:43
The only thing bad about nostalgic memories of times gone by is that you have to get older to have them.
Paul Gatza 18-Mar-2004 16:19
Ah, memories!! I left Buffalo in 1956 and have lived in N. VA since, but those boat rides to Crystal Beach will never be forgotten!!
Sharon{Leitch} 18-Mar-2004 03:41
Brought back wonderful memories of famly and friends......
Thank you to whoever sent it to me......
Summers at Crystal Beach were the best...........
Debbie 18-Mar-2004 03:29
They can keep Six Flags, I would take Chrystal Beach back in a heartbeat.
Pat Dixon burrows 16-Mar-2004 14:58
The older I get the more sentimental I become. This picture gallery is a wonderful lift for the soul
Sandy 14-Mar-2004 22:44
I left Buffalo 32 years ago. I still remember, with fondness, summers at Crystal Beach, the boat rides over---AND my first kiss!!!!!!!! on the Crystal Beach boat. Thanks for the photos.
Sandy
Jim Cassatt20-Nov-2003 15:21
Sure brings back old memories.
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