Euclid Beach Park

A Brief History

Dudley S. Humphrey II poses with his granddaughter
Euclid Beach owner & operater, Dudley S. Humphrey II poses with his granddaughter (and chickens).

Opening for its first season in 1895, Euclid Beach Park consisted of all the typical elements. The park, however, failed to find financial success with its roster of average attractions and average entertainment. It would take the entrepreneurship of the Humphrey Family, operators of a popcorn stand at Euclid Beach, to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Assuming control of park operations beginning with the 1901 season, the Humphrey Family revamped the park’s respectability, turning it into a financial success by summer’s end. The beer garden was removed, dress codes were enforced, and other questionable behavior was eradicated from the grounds. Euclid Beach Park was a respectable destination for all of those looking for a retreat from life: even if for just a few hours.

A Timeline of Events1

Timeline of Euclid Beach History
Date Event
Oct. 23, 1894 Park incorporated
1896 Humphrey Family operates a popcorn stand at the park
1899 Humphrey Family end popcorn business at Euclid Beach
May 27, 1901 Humphrey Family takes over Euclid Beach
1904  The Roller Rink was built
The Figure Eight rollercoaster was built
1907 Scenic railway constructed
1910 Carousel installed
1914 Land acquisition for park completed
1921 The entry archway is constructed
1923-1924 The Thriller rollercoaster built
June 14, 1925 Bath house opened
1930 The Flying Turns amusement ride installed
Sept. 7, 1933 Dudley S. Humphrey II, owner and operator of Euclid Beach passed away
August 23, 1946 Race riot2
1963 Daily service from Public Square to Euclid Beach ends3
1964 Park starts to lose money4
Sept. 28, 1969 Park closed
1973 Archway entrance declared a historic Cleveland landmark5
Sept. 2005 Old Humphrey Mansion demolished