Electric Park: A Journey into Kansas City's First Major Amusement Park
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Kansas City was home to two remarkable amusement parks known as Electric Park. These parks, built by the Heim Brewing Company, were not only a ploy to attract customers to the brewery but grew into attractions in their own right. The first Electric Park, established in 1899, was located at Chestnut and Guinotte streets. It became a popular working-class entertainment venue, offering a plethora of thrilling rides, lively entertainment, and a German-style beer garden. The second Electric Park, opened in 1907, was even grander, situated at 47th and The Paseo. This comprehensive story post will take you on a chronological journey through the captivating history of Electric Park, its rise to fame, and its eventual decline.
The Visionary Heim Brothers
The Heim brothers, Joseph, Ferdinand, and Michael, were the owners of the Heim Brewing Company, the largest pre-prohibition brewery in Kansas City. Following in their father's footsteps, the Heims had a knack for business and a fascination with technological innovations.
In addition to their brewing success, they were the first to introduce a telephone exchange in Kansas City and operated a streetcar line to transport customers directly to their brewery. When the streetcar venture initially failed, the brothers conceived the idea of opening an amusement park to attract riders and visitors. Thus, the first Electric Park was born.
The Birth of the First Electric Park (1899)
Photos courtesy KC Library.
Constructed next to the Heim Brewery in the East Bottoms, the first Electric Park opened its doors on June 3, 1900. The park immediately became a sensation, drawing in approximately 17,000 visitors on its opening day. Designed by architect Joseph W. Radotinsky, Electric Park featured innovative electric lighting that illuminated the park in a way never seen before. Offering an array of attractions, including a roller coaster, scenic railway, carousel, skating rink, swimming pool, bowling alley, and alligator farm, Electric Park had something for everyone.
One of its most captivating features was the nightly performances of costumed young women who danced on a platform in a large fountain, accompanied by a mesmerizing electric light show. The park's success led to the extension of the Heim streetcar line and made it the go-to destination for Kansas City's working-class population.
The Expansion to the Second Electric Park (1907)
Photos courtesy KC Library.
As the city expanded southwards, the Heim brothers decided to build a larger Electric Park at 47th and The Paseo. Opening on May 19, 1907, with a crowd of 53,000 people, the second Electric Park spanned a vast 27 acres. The park's main entrance featured a grand facade with ornate towers and arches, creating an awe-inspiring sight. Although beer was no longer available due to a city ordinance, the park thrived with a plethora of attractions, including an alligator farm, shooting gallery, lake, and boat rentals.
The park's centerpiece was the massive Natatorium, a swimming pool that could accommodate up to 4,000 people. The Living Statuary, a performance featuring elaborately costumed female dancers and a colorful light and water show, became one of the most popular nightly attractions. The park also attracted renowned performers such as John Philip Sousa, who praised its bandstand as the best he had played in.
Influence on Walt Disney
Walt Disney around nine years old with his mother Flora and his sister Ruth in Marceline, Missouri. [Courtesy of Dan Viets]
A young Walt Disney, living just blocks away from the second Electric Park, frequented the park and drew inspiration from its attractions. Many features of Electric Park, including the train that circled the park and the daily fireworks, were later incorporated into Disneyland. The Heim brothers' emphasis on cleanliness, safety, and quality entertainment also left a lasting impression on Disney. The magical experiences he encountered at Electric Park served as a foundation for his future endeavors in the amusement park industry.
The Decline, Closure, and Legacy
The decline of Electric Park began in the 1920s when changing social attitudes and the availability of automobiles led to a decline in streetcar ridership. With reduced visitor numbers, the park struggled to stay afloat. In 1925, the park closed for the first time due to financial difficulties but reopened the following year under new management. Unfortunately, it was short-lived, as Electric Park permanently closed in 1925 due to a combination of financial woes, competition from other amusement parks, and the effects of Prohibition.
Electric Park was a marvel of its time, captivating Kansas City with its dazzling lights, exhilarating rides, and memorable entertainment. The Heim brothers' vision and dedication brought joy to countless visitors and left a permanent mark on the amusement park industry.
Today, the legacy of Electric Park lives on at J.Rieger & Co Distillery, a one-of-a-kind outdoor bar experience at their East Bottoms distillery. The 11,000 square foot open-air patio pays tribute to the historic park that once lit up the neighborhood. For the last decade, Andy Rieger and his team have been working to thoughtfully preserve and restore the East Bottoms back to its former glory.
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