Throwback Thursday – Playland at the Beach

When we were little mom and dad always took us to Playland at the Beach.  Playland was a big deal back in my parents day. A huge amusement park right across from Ocean Beach in San Francisco.  By the time I came along, Playland  was on its last legs. I can\’t ever remember going when it was sunny.  All my memories were of foggy,  overcast days.  I  remember going to the FUN HOUSE. That was always a great time. Laughing Sal greeted us out front. Then you had to make your way through a mirror maze just to get into the place. They had shots of air that would blow girl\’s dresses up,  indoor wooden slides where you had to ride on a burlap sack.  Being a little kid,  the hike up to the \”big slide\” seemed like we were going up into the rafters of the place, and I think we really were.  They had something called \”the record player\”, a big wooden disc, that everyone would sit on, then the \”record\” would start spinning. Faster and faster until adults and kids would start getting thrown off by the centrifugal force, until only one or two people (who were lucky enough to sit right in the center were left.)  All sorts of fun stuff.   There were rides outside at Playland. I don\’t remember going on rides but I do have a recollection of a \”diving bell\” A  tank that people would get in and \”dive\” into some yucky looking green murky water.   They had all the normal amusement parks rides there but don\’t remember going on any. When ever we ate Mexican food it was at \”The Hot House\” at Playland. Mom used to get the tripe! ugh!  The Hot House is where I learned to love a good cheese enchilada! We also went to the roller rink and the slot car tracks out there.

Here is a great picture from the \”before Jimmy\” era. Dated July 1955. Bro Mike, Bro John and my beautiful sister Ann Marie at Playland. Even back then sis closed her eyes for pictures! I love this picture.