6. The 'New" Luna Park 1923
Following its closure during WWI and then a further delay that was caused by a lease dispute, the "New" Luna Park opened in November, 1923. Having undergone an extensive renovation, many additional rides and attractions such as the carousel, Whip, Noah's Ark, Goofy House and Water Chute (AKA the Shoot the Chute) had been installed.
Not much survived from the original park. The Scenic Railway, "Mr Moon" entrance, photo studio and Ferris Wheel were retained. The River Caves and Palais de Follies also stayed but both were revamped. The external appearance and all of the internal diorama "scenes" of the former were changed (as they would be on a regular basis thereafter) while the latter was temporarily renamed " Funny Land" before, eventually, being completely remodeled and renamed once more to become the "Giggle Palace" (confused?.... you should see it from this side!).With its giant slides, distorting mirrors, turkey trot and revolving barrel, "The Palace" went on to provide an endless supply of giggles for decades to come.
However, the most exciting addition for the 1923 season was a second rollercoaster, described as the "demonic" Big Dipper. A high-speed action ride that ran over a tight, interwoven course, it was designed by the American "Coaster King" John Miller. Later, such favorites as the Ghost Train, Jack and Jill (a combination chairlift and slide that was constructed out of the Water Chute), Dodgem and U-Drive cars together with the Rotor and a shark tank would also be installed. And, as before, there was plenty of live entertainment. The place even had its own ghost (possibly a cheeky apparition which had escaped from the train). The upgrading of the River Caves was probably handled by Rupert Browne; scenic artist at the Palais Pictures
Jungle of fun
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Advertising Melbourne showgrounds railway station (1950 PROV) |
" ...waffles....only vaguely resembling their Stateside counterparts.... they were filled with a goo called "mock cream" ; an imitation ingredient that was used during the 1940s food rationing period. No matter how careful [you were], blobs of this muck would finish up on clothes, shoes, legs, hands and hair. It resembled some sort of ectoplasm from outer space that increased when it hit the air. When I saw Steve McQueen's movie The Blob (1958), I felt sure that the writer must have been a waffle - eater from Luna Park"
The above description would indicate something that, perhaps, had more in common with crepes rather than waffles.. still.. I have no doubt that John Michael knew what he was "on about".
https://sulaandspice.com/fruit-crepes/
https://www.loveandlemons.com/waffle-recipe/
Anyway, whatever they were, they seem to have gone by the '60s, leaving the more familiar and presumably more tasty, selection of hot dogs, milk shakes, burgers, chips (fries), baked potatoes, hot jam doughnuts, popcorn and, fairy floss to stop the tummy rumbles (I'm getting hungry just typing this). Although, there were still a few unique delicacies such as the "Cream Freeze"
"Cream Freeze" stall (left) Luna Park, St Kilda (1950s?)
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1964 survey plan of Luna Park, St Kilda (City of Port Phillip via Lost Luna Park) Attractions shown (... or at least the ones that I can "make out with my Coke bottle glasses...) 1.Photo Studio 2.Giggle Palace 3.Milk Bar 4.The Whirler 5.Whale of a Time 6.Ray Gun 7.Shooting Gallery 8.Big Dipper 9.Carousel 10.Rotor 11. Penny Arcade 12. Ghost Train 13.U-Drive 14.Chateau /Dodgem building (with the Whip down below and the Dodgem cars up top) 15. Scenic Railway boarding station 16.River Caves |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciX-zNn8VOo
The Jack 'n Jill gave way to the wrecker's ball in 1970 as did the Rotor in '77. Then Noah's Ark bit the dust. However, the '80s marked the conclusive end of the "real" park when the River Caves, Whip, Dipper and (following a fire) the Giggle Palace were all demolished (play Channel 10 Big Dipper demolition video). By the beginning of the '90s, the place had just about been gutted. All of that charming and whimsical if (to quote John Michael) "somewhat well worn" fantasy environment which had stimulated the imaginations of nearly three generations of Melbourne kids was smashed into oblivion and replaced by a succession of portable rides, most of which looked like earth moving equipment that was covered in graffiti. Gone were the quaint fairytale dioramas and the opportunity to enjoy tranquil summer boat rides. The medieval castle (the Giggle Palace) with its drawbridges and merry monarch laughing hysterically from its central tower (footage/photos of King Cole) also vanished
When so much of the park's heritage was thrown out, a great deal of its nostalgic appeal was lost. The Scenic Railway, "Mr Moon", carousel, "Chateau" Dodgem building (without the cars up top and the Whip down below) and the Ghost Train are now the only connections we have to Luna's golden days. Over the years, a number of owners and revival plans have fallen by the way along with just as many empty promises to rebuild some of the former iconic rides; none of which have ever amounted to anything more than a hill of fairy floss. Also, with the Phillips departure, their American sensitivities in regard to the park's design and artwork left with them. Their policy was to keep the place looking like a Stateside fun fair. Indeed, to this day, that whole area around Luna Park and the Palais projects a kind of Southern Californian ambience with the beach, palm trees and Spanish mission architecture. Decades ago, it was even more pronounced with 'Candy Corner"; an American inspired "soda" and "malt" shop that was located where McDonald's now stands (photo and "Eagle Rock")
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9.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG-Z6876aAI&t=18s
10.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvXRXJ6WM6U&t=19s
