The Dark Side of Kennywood, Page 4

Rick Davis

Building an Icon

Noah's Ark as it looked in 1936.

1936 saw the installation of a Kennywood icon - Noah’s Ark This unique funhouse was a walkthrough boat that sat atop a miniature version of Mount Ararat challenging the ba1ance of guests as they tried to negotiate the boat while it teetered end to end. Herb Schmeck of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) assisted Kennywood in the construction of the Ark using plans from the then defunct Noah’s Ark Company.

This venerable attraction with its hand carved human and animal figures by James V. McDonough, was constructed at a very appropriate time- Pittsburgh was experiencing heavy rains and severe flooding! Despite the weather related problems, they persisted and finally completed the $20,000 attraction which would become a Kennywood trademark for generations to come.

Spook Street came to Kennywood in 1937, replacing Fun on the Farm.

By 1937, Fun on the Farm had been removed to be replaced by “the spookiest place on earth”, the Old Haunted Castle at 13 Spook Street, designed by WF. Larkin. Spook Street had previously appeared at the Great Lakes Exposition of 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio. This walkthrough funhouse contained 8 scenes created by Larkin and a collection of pop-up “comic spooks” by PTC in the building which Kennywood constructed. Cost of admission? One thin dime!

R.E. Chambers rebuilt the Laff in the Dark ride cars in 1938 while Traver was adding new stunts such a witch, a hoot owl, rats on a wall, a gorilla, a frog on a mushroom, and an Andy Gump figure. (Andy Gump was a popular cartoon character that appeared in the comic strip The Gumps which ran from 1917 until 1959.)

In 1939 PTC added a few new stunts as well as a Magic Carpet to Spook Street. Weary Kennywood guests gladly seated themselves on the comfortable cushioned bench at the top of the funhouse only to be surprised when it collapsed, depositing them on the now moving Magic Carpet that gently carried them to the exit below.

Noah's Ark after it was remodeled in the early 1940's

Leo Kate of Cleveland, PTC, and Traver would continue to add new gags to Noah’s Ark from 1939 to 1948 with PTC doing a major revamp around 1941. The Ark in the 40’s was a wonderland of stunts. Physical stunts such as the wobbling lily pads,knocking floors, air jets that send skirts flying, sirens, and air horns were a few things that happened in full view of the spectators on the ground as guests made there way up the ramps and stairs leading to the Ark.

Inside, on the upper deck, there were a variety of scenes such as a policeman and Dopey, a tiger and a squirrel, a hound dog and a cat, and falling barrels. Below in the hold walking in the dark became difficult as guests encountered a tilted floor, vibrating floor, and an oscillating floor. Further ahead were a few surprises such as the Goofy Ghost, the Rising Skeleton, and the Falling Coffin (containing a figure that looked like Hitler) as well as another vibrating floor panel before exiting the Ark.

Photos - PTC archive

During this time period, Kennywood would also install a ballyhoo at the front of the Ark. Set into Mount Ararat on the right side was a PTC Laughing Luke figure, known as “Old Man Noah” for several seasons. In later years he would himself be replaced, finally becoming Bozo the One Man Band for his final years.

Daffy Klub replaced Spook Street in 1941.

When World War II captured the America’s attention, people were looking for more lighted fun. Kennywood responded by replacing the scarier 13 Spook Street with the more comical Daffy Klub in 1941. Re-themed by PTC, the funhouse now included new dark passageways, a tilted room, and a room of doors as well as a new façade.

Guests would encounter a variety of new stunts as they made their way through the dark including a hallway in which “snakes” would brush against their legs: Just when they felt safe, a large snake would suddenly light up and spring at them. Snakes weren’t the only hazards lurking in the dark: A charging Rhino, a dog pouncing from his dog house, and falling boxes were other dangers to be dealt with. Less frightful, but equally surprising were two Jack-in-the-boxes. For comic relief, Daffy Klub also included a large blow up duck, a “quick lunch counter” scene, and a scene featuring Pinocchio and Geppeto.

Before exiting the funhouse, guests had to negotiate a blow-up floor air bag in the dark before encountering a set of trick, noisemaking turnstiles as they crossed the stage area in full view of spectators outside.

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This article ©2004 Rick Davis
All uncredited photos - Kennywood archive.
Research - Rick Davis and Sarah Windisch
Sources - Kennywood Archive, Carl O. Hughes, Harry Henninger, Kennywood... Roller Coaster Capital of the World and More Kennywood Memories by Charles Jaques, History of Kennywood Park by Marie McSwigan
Special thanks to Marie Riles and Mary Lou Rosemeyer of Kennywood Park, Dave Hahner, Jim Futrell, and Joel Styler.