Photos From the Early Years

[GeoUSA]

Anyone else have early park photos to add?  Here are a few from my first visit in 1976.  I believe the main attractions were the animals, flume ride, train, and LeMans Raceway.  I am hoping to find more photos to share.

Here is a photo of an Anheuser Busch Clydesdale with yours truly petting him.

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[MAZ]

Cool pictures Geo! I've seen many deer around the park this year from the train ride. Usually in and around the woods surrounding both ends of the trestle.

 

[chickenking]

^^Aaaaahhh...those appear to be Highland Cattle.  Nice.

 

[Zachary]

Fantastic pictures Geo! Thanks for sharing!

 

[GeoUSA]

^^Aaaaahhh...those appear to be Highland Cattle.  Nice.

It was a surprising revelation (flashback?) for me as well, CK. I am looking forward to seeing the "new" ones in the park! I think a train ride is in my future.

In the Clydesdale photo, are we looking down into England or into Hastings (Ireland)? Notice how the people on the bridge are looking down at something? I am having a hard time getting my bearings.

 

[MAZ]

That would be Hastings judging by the tent tops.
It does look weird though.

 

[GeoUSA]

In going through old photos, I found a few more some members may find interesting or remember. Anyone else have early pics to share? I know toting a blocky, non-digital camera around a theme park was not the easiest thing to do but I know there are great photos out there to scan and share!

Back in 1993 I worked for the College of William & Mary during the 300th birthday celebration. Anheuser-Busch was one of the primary sponsors and the celebration culminated with a day in the park for tens of thousands of alumni, staff, and friends. Before the park opened, AB participated in the homecoming parade along Richmond Road. Below is the event ticket and maybe the only time Clydesdales have traveled Richmond Road.

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[Unagi]

Great pics, Geo!

It's nice having someone else post old-school personal pics of the park. Now I don't feel so old amongst all these young ones here!

 

[GeoUSA]

Had a short, fun day in the park on a 99° day.  Circled the park, rode AC and Alpie, dined in the Festhaus and escaped from Entwined in less than 2 hours.  Also snapped a photo in the spot where my mom and dad took my photo on our first visit in 1976.  Here's a little wizardry to merge 38 years of history.

I <3 BGW!

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[Nicole]

...so there are actually more trees now than then?

 

[UncleDuncan]

...so there are actually more trees now than then?

The lack of trees was very classy back then.

 

[Mushroom]

Whenever I see those godawful Hastings tents, I remember how thankful I am for Killarney.

 

[Unagi]

...so there are actually more trees now than then?

Well, back then the park was new, and they cleared out a lot of trees around many of the pathways.

Also, the trees have since matured and grown in height and reach, so it gives a more full appearance now than it did back then.

 

[Nicole]

I have been going to BGW since the 70s, myself. I was just being snarky. Sorry.

 

[Unagi]

I have been going to BGW since the 70s, myself.  I was just being snarky.  Sorry.

Sorry I didn't catch that.  I was laughing hysterically at this video I just posted on this thread while I was replying to your post!