HIP Blog - History and Nostalgia Gallery

After a TON of hard work, the HIP Blog has managed to obtain several historical photographs going back all the way to the groundbreaking for the Harlem Irving Plaza. Along with the photos found in this gallery are classic HIP nostalgia items, old memories, and anything else that was either found by the HIP Blog or contributed by kind souls who care about the mall and the mission of the HIP Blog. The identities of contributors will not be given unless they specifically consent. If no one is credited for taking a photo or providing something you see here, that means that the name of the person is not known or they didn't consent to being identified.

The HIP Blog will always be tasked with trying to find out who the people in some photos are. If you know for sure, and you can provide positive proof that you know who is in any of these photos, please alert the HIP Blog!







These next photos are courtesy of Michael J. Sansone



These photographs above depict what was an amusement park called "Kiddytown". Kiddytown operated on the north side of the Harlem Irving Plaza. The roller coaster sat on what is now the rear parking lot of the LaSalle Bank at 4242 North Harlem Avenue.

Roller Coaster: Little Dipper
Amusement Park: Kiddytown (Harwood Heights, Illinois 60706 USA)
Classification: Roller Coaster
Type: Wood - Sit Down
Status: Operated from 1956 to 1966 or earlier
Relocations: Kiddytown as Little Dipper
Hillcrest Park as Little Dipper
Little Amerricka as Meteor
Make / Model: Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters, Inc. / Junior Coaster
Serial Number: 120
Designer: Herbert Paul Schmeck
Categories: Family

Length: 900'
Height: 28'
Inversions: 0
Duration: 0:50

History: The plans to the Little Dipper were purchased in 1952, but the ride was not built until 1956.

Hillcrest park bought the roller coaster in 1966. It is believed to have been standing but not operating for some years prior to 1966. Source: Michael J. Sansone blog. 

Gorilla's Don't Blog has a small piece up about Kiddie Town with color photos from August of 1963.  Permission has just been granted recently for those photos to be used here. Thank you, "Major Pepperidge"!! These photos added to the gallery on 1/31/2013



2 comments:

The HIP Blog appreciates your comments, questions, criticisms, ideas, and discussion. The only rule is that you are expected to remain civilized. Cyber-bullying, flaming, threats, and obscene behavior will not be tolerated.

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)