We recently joined Lake Winnie in taking a look back through time as the local attraction celebrates 100 years of family thrills.
Now, we’re sharing some of the most wholesome memories our readers sent in. We’re not crying, it’s just the water slides.
“In grade school at Cedar Grove School in the 1950s, the highlight of the year was a trip (20 miles) to Lake Winnepesaukah at the end of the year on a school bus. Rides were 10 cents. Cotton candy was a favorite. Favorite ride was the Boat Chute. Then in high school it was a favorite date destination, or place for a group to go swim and hang out. Also our family visited regularly for a picnic and fun.” — Jennie C.
“In 1935, my parents were 16 years old and went to Lake Winnie for their first date. During this time, it was a large swimming pool (where the carousel later was installed), and picnic areas. Two years of dating and being their favorite summer hangout, my dad asked my mom to marry him in front of the lake. My mom fondly told this story at every anniversary dinner, showing pictures of her youth spent at this little amusement gathering place. I now bring my children to Lake Winnie sharing this story in the very spot they stood nearly 90 years ago.” — Parker D.
“I was 10 when the Cannon Ball opened. It was my first wooden rollercoaster. I had only ridden the old Mad Mouse that is in the background of the picture. It was 50 cents to ride it, and you had to pay separately at a little box office under the station. You could not use the other tickets. There was no admission charge, but the rides all were purchased with tickets that varied by ride. 50 cents in 1967 is now worth about $4.72. Love Lake Winnie.” — Cliff W.
“In the 1970s and 1980s I grew up in a neighborhood close to Lake Winnie. I have fond memories of hearing the noises (the roller coaster, the train horn, concerts, the Himalaya ride) while playing in my backyard. We would always watch the fireworks from our deck on the 4th of July. And when I was old enough (12 I think), friends and I would work serving food at the company picnics. We’d get a free meal, entry into the park, and $5 to spend. Man, those were the days!” — Kristi B.
“As a kid, back in the late 1950s, I can remember my grandparents worked in the park. I loved to go swimming in the big pool. As a teenager I would hang out in the arcade with my boyfriend. The boat shoot was always a favorite. Later years I took my kids and then my grandkids. Living only a couple of miles from the park, it holds a lot of memories.” — Elaine P.
“Every year, the elementary students at The Montessori School have an end of the year field trip at Lake Winnie. One of my favorite memories at Lake Winnie was bringing my daughter, Brooke, and son, Brandon, to the amusement park nearly six years ago when they both attended the school. We thoroughly enjoyed the fun atmosphere and rides, particularly the boat chute!” — Allison D.
