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It's
out there, lurking in the dark recesses of the pier. Awaiting
those who dare come its way. The sound of crashing waves
and screeching gulls add to its eerie ambiance. Still,
the fearless approach the dark ride known as Stillwalk
Manor. And there are those who muster the courage to ride
it. I'm one of them.
Before I tell you about my experience inside Stillwalk
Manor, here's what you need to know. Located in the heart
of Seaside Height's lively boardwalk lies Casino Pier,
featuring an exciting assortment of rides and attractions
fitting to its coastal surroundings. Undaunted by a disastrous
fire that ruined the upper deck in the early 60's, Casino
Pier roared back and rebuilt, creating a new selection
of tempting fascinations.
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the many decades of its existence, the park played host and entertainer
to millions. From the large water park, located inland of the
boardwalk, to the historic carousel and game center, and from
across the boardwalk to the main pier, there's plenty to see and
do. |
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The lower deck, nearest the boardwalk, offers games, children's
rides and the more traditional attractions, such as bumper cars
and a Ferris Wheel. The upper deck is home to the more intense
actions, compact steel coasters, faster rides, inverted rides
and a log flume ride. |
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In 1989, the pier assembled the Nightmare Manor dark ride from
an assortment of new and salvaged elements. According to longtime
Casino Pier concessionaire Ed Petrill, a Butler sheet metal building
served as the main structure of the ride. |
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Erwin and Gary Sware were the driving forces behind Nightmare
Manor. Ed recalls that Bill Erwin purchased the cars and
track at a Massachusetts auction where the darks rides
from the former Lincoln Park of Dartmouth and the shuttered
Mountain Park of Holyoke were on the block. The cars and
tracks dated from 1961 when they debuted in |
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identical Mystery Ride dark rides at both Lincoln Park
and Mountain Park. In the late 1960s, Lincoln's dark ride
was renamed Monster Ride and Mountain's rethemed as Dinosaur
Den. The two rides were produced in house for the two
parks by Ed Leis, Dom Spadola and Roger Fortin.
Photo:
Halloween Productions |
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