Cincinnati, also known as the Queen City, is a city rich in history and culture with exceptional visual and creative arts, professional sports teams and top notch museums. Whether you are a resident or a visitor there is always something to learn, see and do in Cincinnati and our neighboring cities of Covington and Newport. For those reasons and many more, it’s no surprise that in 2012 Lonely Planet Travel Guide named Cincinnati number three of the top ten travel destinations in the United States. Cincinnati offers all the benefits of larger cities like Chicago and New York while maintaining the small hometown hospitality. In this section we like to bring interesting facts and opinions. This is what we have for you in this month’s issue:
Ludlow Lagoon Amusement Park
Minutes from downtown Cincinnati, in a suburb of Covington is the historic city of Ludlow. Some might think an interesting fact about the city of Ludlow would be that the 1993 movie Lost in Yonkers used the quaint town as a one of its locations. Interesting, but even more interesting is that Ludlow was once home to a popular regionally known amusement park.
In 1894 Pleasant Run Creek, which empties into the Ohio River, was dammed to create a large lake on the western side of Ludlow. The fresh water lake was large enough to accommodate five small islands and was an excellent spot for swimming, boating and fishing.
White sand was placed along the lakes edge to give visitors a beach to bask in the sun and build sand castles.
A large Victorian style clubhouse was added along with a pavilion which became known as the Lagoon Dance Pavilion. The pavilion attracted thousands to the park since it could accommodate hundreds of dancers and a large orchestra. Also at the Lagoon was an amphitheater for live performances accommodating 2,500 spectators. There was even a Japanese Fair including a small exhibit and authentic teahouse.
Along with rides like a 100’ Ferris wheel (located on one of the islands) and a $10,000 merry-go-round, scenic railway, a Chute the Chutes and an elevated automobile ride, there was also a gold mine replica, large midway, picnic grounds and walking trails. There was also a large motorcycle racetrack that could seat 8,000 spectators.
In 1913 a flood and an accident at the motorcycle racetrack were two of four tragic events that led to the closing of the Ludlow Lagoon. The flood damaged many of the attractions and when a motorcycle lost control and went into the stands hitting a gas light causing a fire that claimed nine lives and over a hundred people were treated for burns and injuries. In July of 1915 a tornado caused over $20,000 damage to the park. The Lagoon continued serving Bavarian Beer that was made in Covington, but when WWI started the government halted alcohol sales and with that the Lagoon Amusement Park closed for good in 1918.
Walking Tour
On June 8th the Ludlow Historic Society is hosting a guided tour of what was once the Ludlow Lagoon. The tour is free and open to the public but you are invited to join the LHS for an annual membership fee of $20. Call 513-801-2253 to reserve your spot on the tour.