Sooo… apparently, back in the late 1800s, someone thought it would be a fantastic idea to build amusement parks next to, and sometimes on top of, cemeteries!
I’m sorry… say wut?! 😂
According to an article I recently read on History Facts, some of America’s earliest amusement parks were built near graveyards because the land was cheap, there was plenty of room, and they were often conveniently located at the end of trolley lines.
Well, sure! Nothing says family fun quite like cotton candy, roller coasters, and Grandma’s final resting place!
Imagine the advertising…
“Come ride our thrilling new roller coaster! The Screaming Banshee! Guaranteed to scare you half to death! And if we succeed, don’t worry! We’ve already got a spot picked out for you!”
And apparently, people actually had picnics among the tombstones!
Sooo… let me get this straight. You’re enjoying your fried chicken and potato salad while sitting next to a headstone that reads “Here Lies Harold, 1823–1887.”
“Hey, Harold! Mind passing the mustard?” 😂
One park, Lake Shawnee in West Virginia, was even built on a sacred Indigenous burial ground. And wouldn’t you know it? Ghost stories followed!
Gee… who could have seen that coming?! Lol!
And just think about the haunted house attraction. No actors needed! The ghosts are already on the payroll! Although getting them to fill out their W-2 forms might be a challenge.
I don’t know… maybe it’s just me, but if I’m riding a Ferris wheel and see a ghost sitting next to me, I’m getting off. Preferably when the ride reaches the bottom!
Anyway, Happy Halloween! 🎃
And remember, if you visit an old amusement park and hear someone whisper, “Enjoy your stay… FOREVER,” well, ummm… yeah, you might want to skip the season pass! 😂
