Last rides

September 5, 2009: Taking a trip on Chicago's smallest rail line

I could not resist, here is one more look at Kiddieland.

On the corner of the ticket window at Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park, IL a small sign reads:

"The following attractions will be
closed today:
Polyp
Volcano Ball Crawl"

At the end of the month an 81-year tradition on Chicago's west side will close it's doors to the public for good. Everyone has their favorite parts of the park and the owners are letting people bid to be the last to ride their favorites during their closing ceremony Sunday, October 4.

Bids start at $50 and as of September 9, 2009 the highest bid for a ride was $500 for one of the 36 seats on the Gas Train. The most bids are 26 for one of the 34 seats on the Steam Train. You can check out current bids HERE.

According to the Kiddieland website portions of the proceeds will be donated to various charities and organizations dedicated to the preservation of Amusement Park history and memorabilia.

The Steam Train is one of the classic rides and was added to the attractions by the late 1940's. Here are three photos of the Steam Train.

-Stopping traffic in an already crowded parking lot the Pioneer Limited takes another load of passengers on a journey around the park.
-Guinevere checks out the view from her seat on the train.
-With cars marked for all the Chicago train stops, a child prepares to get of the Melrose Park car.

-john

Check out a few more pix HERE.

All photos © John Konstantaras 2009