Old Chicago

I lived in Bolingbrook from the time I was 11 years old in 1976 until 1979. Our home was on a hill at the end of Carmel Lane and I could see Old Chicago well from my bedroom window. The dome was always lit up at night and you could see the coasters running through the windows at the base of the dome.

I loved the magic shop store near the entrance to the amusement park. I also became a crack shot as a kid and had a wonderful time at the shooting gallery showing off. I saw a picture of the organ grinder and his monkey. I had forgotton about them, but now recall I gave some change to the monkey one visit.

I remember the terrible accident when a person on a ride fell out and lost his life. I was also very disappointed when the fireworks for July 4th went off during the day accidently. You could see the smoke for miles. No show that year, bummer. I sure wish Old Chicago survived.

We went to visit several times in the 70s with my family - Dad, Grandpa, cousins, my brothers. I loved it with all my heart. But I was a kid and didn't have any money to spend at the mall, which I guess didn't help it.
But we went for the rides and waited in lines and loved every minute of it. I recall later, we went the last time and the place was very empty. We saw no lines and loved it even more. We rode ride after ride, we went on the Loop dozens of times and the haunted house too. Then we didn't go again and found out it had closed. Truly a shame.

My dad was in the Navy, and we were living in Chicago Navy housing. I was 5 in 1975. I remember visiting Old Chicago, riding the rides, and shopping. I did not know, until today, that it had closed. I do not remember a lot about my early childhood, but this I do remember! Good Times!!!

This was the greatest place ever! Went there a couple years in a row for my birthday and no place better! I know they filmed that scene in The Fury there so you can see the old parachute ride over in the corner as it snaps and a car goes flying into the viewing area above the Haunted House. Had a good magic shop in the mall that sold cool tricks; like the old "smoke from fingers" and the invisable dogs on the wire leash gag. I think we went like 3 or 4 years in a row so it was one of those "drop off/pick up 9 hours later" things. Mustn't have been too expensive considering we went there a good bit. Always smelled like puke as you walked down the ramp to get in.

I remember Old Chicago well. My Great Grandfather use to take my brother and I there all the time as kids. My brother and I rode the cork screw roller coaster 20 times in arrow on day. My most favorite ride there was the Floor Drop. I go by the spot were it was and have to tell my kids about it all the time. I was also there for the Rex Smith concert. I miss it wish they had a place like that to take my kids too. Now we have to go to Mall of America for that.