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7/23/2020 - Jack C Crofoot Jr
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Please ignore my earlier posting as some of the info was incorrect. Here is the corrected post: In 1864, R. W. Surby opened an Amusement Park on the north end of Goguac Lake. He owned the amusement Park until 1894.
Eventually the name of the park was changed to Liberty Park because of its popularity with the Soldiers at Camp Custer during WWI. It became known as Lakeview Park in 1927 when it reopened after a 4-year closure due to contract disputes with vendors. The Park was located at the northern most portion of Goguac Lake, where Bayview Apartments are located today. The Tolley Service to the Lake started in 1888 and an Electric Street Line opened in 1891.
J. L. Foster granted right-of-way to the Trolley Line, through his large Lakeview Farm at that time. Lakeview was sparely populated and very rural at that time.
Liberty Park had a Merry-go-Round, miniature train rides, Ferris Wheel, Rollercoaster, Two Bath Houses, Public Bathing (Swimming) and you could rent wool bathing suits, Water Slide into Goguac Lake, Dance Hall-Pavilion, Occasionally a Trapeze Artist performing from the bottom of a Hot Air Balloon, Roller Skating, Wresting-Boxing Arena with seating for 1,500 (later expanded to 3,000 seats), a Midway with several gaming attractions, Athletic Park, Horseshoe tossing, Boat and Canoe Rental, Steam Paddle Boat rides, Vaudeville Acts, and a Cabaret. There was also a Cottage Rental development located near the Park. The Men’s Athletic Club was located across Columbia where Highland Jr. HS later stood.
The Depression of 1929 began the decline of Liberty Park until it completely closed in 1932 making way for housing development.
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6/26/2020 - Jack C Crofoot Jr
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This photo is actually the Boat Marina located on the North side of Goguac Lake Battle Creek, MI. It was not part of the Liberty Amusement Park located on the north east side of Goguac Lake. If you look at the picture of the Liberty Amusement Park Pavilion and Roller Coaster, you will see this building to the left far away from the park. Also, you have included a picture of Willard Public Beach and Picnic Park, labeling it as the Pavilion. This picture of the modern bathhouse was taken in the 1950's long after the Amusement Park had been torn down.
Not a criticism, I enjoyed what you have posted.
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8/20/2017 - Jim Mace
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the picture labeled Pavilion (I think it's the 6th one down) and the last picture, are of Willard Beach, a part of the city-owned Willard Park at the southeast part of the Lake. The Liberty Amusement Park was at the northeast part of the lake. Great collection.
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9/29/2009 - Scott Webb
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I was wondering if you happened to find the location of Liberty Amusement Park on the lake? Doing some research and I''ve had no luck locating it''s position. Thanks.
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8/16/2009 - Dorothy
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Would anyone know what year this park was built and who was the contractor? My grandparents met at an amusement park in Battle Creek and married in 1899. My grandfather was there to oversee the construction of a roller coaster - or, so I have been told. Thank you for any information you may have.
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