Tag Archive | Lakeside Amusement Park

Good ol’ Summertime

Jul17
Roanoke, VA

Roller Coaster at Mountain Park in Roanoke, VA Early twentieth century

Where did Isabel and her friends go to ride a roller coaster in the 1920’s? They went to Mountain Park in Roanoke, Virginia. There were amusement park rides as well as a pavilion and a grandstand where music was played.

Where did I go to ride a roller coaster when I was a kid?

We went to the Lakeside Park in Salem, Va. It was wonderful!

I can still feel the joy at hearing the words, “We’re going to Lakeside today!” We could hear the happy crowds before we arrived. Laughter, screams as the Shooting Star roller coaster plunged quickly, click, click, click of the cars climbing a steep hill and more screams as it quickly rounded a sharp curve – and I couldn’t wait for my turn!

As soon as one entered the park, the smells were wonderful. Candy apples, popcorn, sticky cotton candy but my first stop was the Ferris Wheel. From the top, one could practically see the entire park. Oh, what fun!

When my husband speaks of Lakeside, he remembers Cactus Joe and his wife, “Sweetie”.

  • If you have Lakeside memories, we would love to hear them.
  • What were summer activities you looked forward to as a child?
  • What or who stands out in your memories?
  • What was your best summer ever?

Please feel free to share!

History of Lakeside

Lakeside was first opened around 1920 as a pool with a sandy beach. So Isabel may have spent time here as well. I have a picture of her and my grandfather taken at Lakeside around 1936.  It was a wonderful place to go and was a big part of Roanoke and Salem’s history. We enjoyed hot summer days at lakeside until it closed in 1986.

For more information on Lakeside, go to http://salemmuseum.org/lakeside.aspx

We also had the Mill Mountain Zoo but that’s another story!

(Old photographs borrowed from http://www.oldroanoke.com Go to the site for fantastic pictures of time gone by.)

Mom’s Birthday

Apr18

Cake by Ashley's CakesToday is my mother’s birthday.

“Barbara Jane” was born April 17, 1936 and won a baby contest when she was one year old. Her parents, Harry and Isabel gave her a lot of attention and obviously, spoiled her rotten! By the time she was only ten months old, Barbara Jane had a little sister, Shirley Ann. As you can see, she became attached to dolls and became a little Mommy to her baby dolls.

I can still remember her taking me to Lakeside Amusement Park. We rode the "grown-up rides" that twirled, rolled back and forth; causing peals of laughter as Mom tried not to squish me! She smelled like Persian Wood perfume, powder and cotton candy.

Mom loved being a student at Lee Junior High School. She still talks about the friends she made at this cozy school. She can name all of her teachers and especially loved her Glee Club teacher who encouraged her to sing alto.

In 1966, she and Dad Hinchee finally gave me a baby sister

And then a baby brother!

 

Hobbies include

  Cooking

Decorating

Gift Wrapping

Making special occasions extra special!

Rocking babies

                                                                                                     Singing Hymns with her daughters

Three years ago, Mom lost her sight due to a virus. The doctors told her that her sight might return within two years but it hasn’t. She would love to continue doing all of the wonderful things she is used to. Now it is her turn for us to do for her. Dad Hinchee is a remarkable caretaker and we are so thankful for him! He deserves a reward for all that he does.

Now, Mom sits on the porch listening to the birds, smelling her flowers, appreciating the breeze on her face and praising the Lord for the little things often unnoticed.  Her day is filled with Christian radio (BBN) and listening to audio books.

I am sure she is also praying for her children, grandchildren and her two great grandsons!

We surprised her on her seventy-fifth birthday with a party. Family and friends gathered for a wonderful celebration. I wish we could do that every year! Filling the house with laughter and chatter really brightened her spirits.

This reunion reminds me that one day, we will be reunited with loved ones who have

 gone ahead long ago. There will be no more sorrow, no pain, no blindness, no more death but we will see Him, our Savior, face to face. What a wonderful day that will be! Until then, we will rejoice for all that He has given us. His love, salvation, new life, joy, peace, grace for every trial, the sweet fragrance of flowers, the singing of birds, love of our family and for Mom!

We love you, Mom!

Thank you friends for sharing in my mother’s birthday celebration. Mom has made so many birthdays special for us, I couldn’t resist giving her a tribute today.

Until next time,

Kathy