In 1897 George Tilyou created what would become the most renown park in history, right up there with Disneyworld. Steeplecase Park predated Luna Park and Dreamland by 5+ years and outlasted Luna. Tilyou’s secret? Make people laugh and they will come back.
Tilyou watched Boyton’s creation and decided if he could do it, why can’t I? Tilyou was no stranger to rides or attractions. After all, he created the first Ferris Wheel in Coney Island and owned his own pay-per-ride attraction! His family had a nice plot of land as well. So, due to his savvy businessman characteristics, eye for sustained profitability, and clever planning, he created Steeplechase Park. A kid-friendly, family-drawing fun ark, with characters roaming around greeting customers, making them smile. With benches and picnic areas for families to rest. With low-cost rides that had low maintenance and did not need to be up-kept every season. And thus, upon its opening in 1897, Steeplechase Park was an immediate success.
Tilyou’s clean atmosphere, juxtaposed with the common saloon-like feels of the rest of Coney Island, and safe environment, inspired when he went to England and discovered his desire for a safe but unique experience, aided in his success. After some time, Tillie was born! The face of Coney Island! The huge smile and the face with far too many teeth came to represent the park. The park’s success didn’t stop there. In late 1901, Tilyou invited to meet with Frederick Thompson and Skip Dundy—they had a new attraction, A Trip to the Moon, Tilyou wanted to have it in his park. This partnership could not have happened at a better time for George Tilyou, as the summer of 1902 was terribly rainy season, and this indoor attraction saved his park. However, the next season Tilyou raised his revenue share from 40% to 60% which is when the Thompson and Dundy partners declined ad broke off to form their own parks. They proceeded to buy the rest of Boyton’s Sea Lion Park.
No matter, as Tilyou’s park was right off the beach, had easy Bowery access, and even had heated pools to stay open through December of years 1904-05. But Sunday, July 28, 1907 disaster (number one) stroke: a cigarette burned down a good portion of the park. It was $200,000 in repairs. But once again, no matter, as Tilyou was a very good sport about it, always optimistic, jovial, savvy, and determined. He still attended church that morning and a couple days later already gave a statement about how he will soon reopen the park. And sure enough, he did. In 1908 that section of the park was replaced with New Steeplechase. And the newest addition? The Pavilion of Fun. This became the ultimate attraction which kept Tilyou open for so many years to come. The Pavilion of Fun was an indoor amusement park which provided safety, shelter, and fun during the rainy seasons. This survived all through 1964 when George Tilyou finally reluctantly closed up shop, as crime rates increased and subways made it harder to get to his park.
After Tilyou closed, Fred Trump purchased the lot in an attempt to build and develop condos on the site, but to no avail. And today, the Brooklyn Cyclone’s baseball stadium sits on the site instead.
