One day I took my Cascade Park postcard collection to the park. Interesting to think the postcards returned to the place they were sold over a century ago. They offered a fun opportunity to browse the property and imagine a time when red roofed, green and while buildings were scattered around scenic views and landscaped grounds with pleasure-seekers milling about and enjoying the amenities. They are a wonderful glimpse into yesteryear here.
The old figure eight roller coaster was located where the parking lot is today.While the dam washed out decades ago, remnants are still visible in the creek bed. While the wooden bridge in the background was replaced with a steel bridge in modern times, the old stone abutments are still in use.The Carousel building displayed in the postcard was replaced in 1922. Today it is used as a special event space. The old french fry stand is still standing as well.The old floral steps were finally replaced in the early 2000s with a grant secured by State Representative, Frank LaGrotta. Gone from the new steps were the stone planters originally surrounding the steps. The Dance Pavilion is visible in both views. This view near the lower bridge offers a glimpse of the lower portion of the park, where most change has occurred. The water level is lower today due to the draining of the lake, and the trolley depot is long gone.The Cat Rocks provided a lookout for park visitors. In evidence is the elaborate landscaping and “twig-work” constructed lower bridge. Although the Cat Rocks are now hidden by trees, they are still there. Today’s current lower bridge is constructed of steel and strong enough to allow vehicular traffic.The Cat Rocks provided a lookout for park visitors. In evidence is the elaborate landscaping and “twig-work” constructed lower bridge. Although the Cat Rocks are now hidden by trees, they are still there. Today’s current lower bridge is constructed of steel and strong enough to allow vehicular traffic.Both of these photos were taken from the containing berm that once held the lake near the dam. This view, taken from where the trolley turn around was, near the depot, offers a view heading north towards the high end of the park. In the background of both images, the lower bridge is visible. In the old postcard view a flood is evident with the water level over the boat docks.The trolley pond offered a brilliantly landscaped vista for park visitors arriving by trolley. The site of the old trolley depot looks as it did the day the building was razed. The landscaping is long gone, but the little gazebo appears to sit in roughly the same spot as the circular flower bed. The Seaplane ride was prominently situated near the Dance Pavilion in the 1920s.
