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The Thousand Islands was a ride that later became The Mill on the Floss. In 1950 it got a more piquant name -- The Tunnel of Love
The Thousand Islands was a ride that later became The Mill on the Floss. In 1950 it got a more piquant name — The Tunnel of Love
A coal-fired miniature steam engine at Riverview Park in 1908.
A coal-fired miniature steam engine at Riverview Park in 1908.
The Riverview Park grounds are shown in this undated photo.
The Riverview Park grounds are shown in this undated photo.
A roller coaster is under construction at Riverview Park in this undated photo.
A roller coaster is under construction at Riverview Park in this undated photo.
The crowd at the Crane Co. picnic at Riverview Park in 1927.
The crowd at the Crane Co. picnic at Riverview Park in 1927.
Marshall Brodien, 16, center, is the talker-barker at the Riverview Park Freak Show in the 1950s. The Freak Show featured Betty Lou Williams, the world's only living four-legged girl. Brodien, a trained magician, would go on to play Wizzo the Wizard on the famous
Marshall Brodien, 16, center, is the talker-barker at the Riverview Park Freak Show in the 1950s. The Freak Show featured Betty Lou Williams, the world’s only living four-legged girl. Brodien, a trained magician, would go on to play Wizzo the Wizard on the famous “Bozo Show.”
Children from the Immaculate Heart of Mary School rush into the park as it opened its doors at 11:30 a.m. May 15, 1957.
Children from the Immaculate Heart of Mary School rush into the park as it opened its doors at 11:30 a.m. May 15, 1957.
The Bobs roller coaster at Riverview Park was the most popular ride at the amusement park.
The Bobs roller coaster at Riverview Park was the most popular ride at the amusement park.
A publicity photo of Shoot-the-Chutes at Riverview Park in 1963.
A publicity photo of Shoot-the-Chutes at Riverview Park in 1963.
Children from St. Hedwig Orphanage look over a train at Riverview Park on July 30, 1946. Sister Mary Oswalda, right, was in charge of the group of boys.
Children from St. Hedwig Orphanage look over a train at Riverview Park on July 30, 1946. Sister Mary Oswalda, right, was in charge of the group of boys.
Exchange students ride The Bobs roller coaster at Riverview Park on July 6, 1956.
Exchange students ride The Bobs roller coaster at Riverview Park on July 6, 1956.
Fun-seekers at Riverview Park ride the Flying Turns, a breath-taking bobsled run down steeply banked curves in 1962.
Fun-seekers at Riverview Park ride the Flying Turns, a breath-taking bobsled run down steeply banked curves in 1962.
The Pair-O-Chutes tower at Riverview Park in an undated photo.
The Pair-O-Chutes tower at Riverview Park in an undated photo.
Phil Agnew and Patty Allen take a trial ride on the Pair-O-Chutes at Riverview Park in 1963. The park was opening for its 61st season.
Phil Agnew and Patty Allen take a trial ride on the Pair-O-Chutes at Riverview Park in 1963. The park was opening for its 61st season.
These sailor boys didn't know it, but the infrared camera sees all -- even in the dark. The scene is the Old Mill Tunnel of Love ride at Riverview Park in August 1943.
These sailor boys didn’t know it, but the infrared camera sees all — even in the dark. The scene is the Old Mill Tunnel of Love ride at Riverview Park in August 1943.
Chicago American news carrier boys wave their tickets for their free rides as they gather at the entrance to Riverview Park on Aug. 15, 1955.
Chicago American news carrier boys wave their tickets for their free rides as they gather at the entrance to Riverview Park on Aug. 15, 1955.
Up and down, around and around -- that's the pattern of the Bubble Bounce ride, one of the most popular rides at Riverview Park, in its 52nd season in 1955.
Up and down, around and around — that’s the pattern of the Bubble Bounce ride, one of the most popular rides at Riverview Park, in its 52nd season in 1955.
Riverview Park's Flying Scooter, seen here in May 1950, provides breathtaking thrills as it soars at treetop height.
Riverview Park’s Flying Scooter, seen here in May 1950, provides breathtaking thrills as it soars at treetop height.
The entrance to Riverview Park, with a sign showing the park's motto'
The entrance to Riverview Park, with a sign showing the park’s motto’ “Laugh Your Troubles Away.” at Belmont and Western avenues in Chicago in 1958.
Chicago's American news carrier boys enjoy a ride on the Wild Mouse at Riverview Park in Chicago on July 17, 1962.
Chicago’s American news carrier boys enjoy a ride on the Wild Mouse at Riverview Park in Chicago on July 17, 1962.
Three elephants build a pyramid before participating in the African Safari Parade, a nightly feature of the Mardi Gras festivities at Riverview Park in August 1957. The parade features live animals, floats and costumed entertainers.
Three elephants build a pyramid before participating in the African Safari Parade, a nightly feature of the Mardi Gras festivities at Riverview Park in August 1957. The parade features live animals, floats and costumed entertainers.
Marilyn Hallett, from left, Ken Holman and Margaret Allen find Riverview Park's popular Boomerang a thrilling ride as it whips swiftly around sharp turns in 1951.
Marilyn Hallett, from left, Ken Holman and Margaret Allen find Riverview Park’s popular Boomerang a thrilling ride as it whips swiftly around sharp turns in 1951.
The Strat-O-Stat ride at Riverview Park is shown at night in 1959.
The Strat-O-Stat ride at Riverview Park is shown at night in 1959.
June Pickney and Bob Reid find the deck of the City of Natchez a good spot for a rest during a day of fun at Riverview Park in June 1957.
June Pickney and Bob Reid find the deck of the City of Natchez a good spot for a rest during a day of fun at Riverview Park in June 1957.
Aladdin's Castle with a view of Chicago's skyline behind it at Riverview Park in 1963.
Aladdin’s Castle with a view of Chicago’s skyline behind it at Riverview Park in 1963.
Couples laugh as they ride the Water Bug ride at Riverview Park in 1960.
Couples laugh as they ride the Water Bug ride at Riverview Park in 1960.
Roller skating stars Bill Ellias and Karin Byrne, left, and Nanci and Ron Marak display their skills in the
Roller skating stars Bill Ellias and Karin Byrne, left, and Nanci and Ron Marak display their skills in the “World of Dreams” Mardi Gras parade at Riverview Park on Aug. 12, 1963.
Their faces sum up the thrill ride experience perfectly: joyous abandon and sheer terror. There was plenty of both to go around in the case of the looping Flying Cars ride at Riverview Park in 1959.
Their faces sum up the thrill ride experience perfectly: joyous abandon and sheer terror. There was plenty of both to go around in the case of the looping Flying Cars ride at Riverview Park in 1959.
John Curran and Ann Marie Wenthe sail into the Tunnel of Love at Riverview Park in July 1962.
John Curran and Ann Marie Wenthe sail into the Tunnel of Love at Riverview Park in July 1962.
Ald. Charles Weber, 45th, tosses candy from a truck to the stretched arms of youngsters attending his fourth annual Charlie Weber Kids' Day at Riverview Park on Aug. 30, 1958. An estimated 50,000 youngsters were on hand for the fun.
Ald. Charles Weber, 45th, tosses candy from a truck to the stretched arms of youngsters attending his fourth annual Charlie Weber Kids’ Day at Riverview Park on Aug. 30, 1958. An estimated 50,000 youngsters were on hand for the fun.
George Yautz and Helen Olson sample the breath-taking thrill of a ride on Riveriew Park's steeply banked Flying Turns in anticipation of opening day at the amusement park in May 1951.
George Yautz and Helen Olson sample the breath-taking thrill of a ride on Riveriew Park’s steeply banked Flying Turns in anticipation of opening day at the amusement park in May 1951.
A group of boys from Maryville Academy, guests on opening day, ride on the Calypso at Riverview Park on May 12, 1961.
A group of boys from Maryville Academy, guests on opening day, ride on the Calypso at Riverview Park on May 12, 1961.
Chicago's American newspaper carrier boys ride the Fireball roller coaster at Riverview Park in 1962.
Chicago’s American newspaper carrier boys ride the Fireball roller coaster at Riverview Park in 1962.
The annual Riverview Ramble benefit for United Charities drew 10,000 fun lovers to Riverview Park in June 1962. Among the attractions: a performance by the Stockyards Kiltie Band. Acting as hostesses were members of the United Charities' women's auxiliary.
The annual Riverview Ramble benefit for United Charities drew 10,000 fun lovers to Riverview Park in June 1962. Among the attractions: a performance by the Stockyards Kiltie Band. Acting as hostesses were members of the United Charities’ women’s auxiliary.
The thrill of racing at close quarters comes to Mickey Blair and Bob Beckman, car at left, and Charlene Beck and Bob Darnay at Riverview Park, where this new Hot Rods ride is proving one of the most popular attractions of the park's 52nd season in 1955.
The thrill of racing at close quarters comes to Mickey Blair and Bob Beckman, car at left, and Charlene Beck and Bob Darnay at Riverview Park, where this new Hot Rods ride is proving one of the most popular attractions of the park’s 52nd season in 1955.
Mike Nelson and Sondra Brewer get a panoramic view of the midways of Riverview Park from atop the giant Ferris wheel in 1964.
Mike Nelson and Sondra Brewer get a panoramic view of the midways of Riverview Park from atop the giant Ferris wheel in 1964.
Judy Jo Piorkowski, a 23 year-old Cicero fourth-grade teacher, rides one of the merry-go-round horses at Riverview Park in Chicago in 1967.
Judy Jo Piorkowski, a 23 year-old Cicero fourth-grade teacher, rides one of the merry-go-round horses at Riverview Park in Chicago in 1967.
The Water Chutes ride at Riverview Park at night in September 1959.
The Water Chutes ride at Riverview Park at night in September 1959.
Three young classmates on a school outing at Riverview Park find the new Paratrooper ride a thrilling aerial adventure in 1960. The ride is one of the four major new attractions at the amusement center, which is in its 57th season.
Three young classmates on a school outing at Riverview Park find the new Paratrooper ride a thrilling aerial adventure in 1960. The ride is one of the four major new attractions at the amusement center, which is in its 57th season.
High in the sky and having fun is this group of passengers on the new $300,000 Space Ride at Riverview Park in 1963, which carries its riders over the park on an elevated cable.
High in the sky and having fun is this group of passengers on the new $300,000 Space Ride at Riverview Park in 1963, which carries its riders over the park on an elevated cable.
One of Riverview Park's popular features is the Water Chutes, shown here in the park's 59th season in July 1962. The ride combined a
One of Riverview Park’s popular features is the Water Chutes, shown here in the park’s 59th season in July 1962. The ride combined a “cooling ride down a ramp with a nautical thrill of splashing into the lagoon,” the Tribune reported.
Carol Stone, top, and Marianne Hunt with a giant Chinese dragon, just one of the many colorful floats in the
Carol Stone, top, and Marianne Hunt with a giant Chinese dragon, just one of the many colorful floats in the “Star Time Frolics” Mardi Gras parade at Riverview Park in 1967.
Patty Allen and Sue Schager drive a Bump 'Em car at Riverview Park on May 2, 1966.
Patty Allen and Sue Schager drive a Bump ‘Em car at Riverview Park on May 2, 1966.
Aladdin's Castle at Riverview Park in January 1968, the year the amusement park was torn down.
Aladdin’s Castle at Riverview Park in January 1968, the year the amusement park was torn down.
An aerial view shows a closed Riverview Park on Oct. 4, 1967.
An aerial view shows a closed Riverview Park on Oct. 4, 1967.
Riverview Park goes on the auction block Dec. 1, 1967.
Riverview Park goes on the auction block Dec. 1, 1967.
An aerial view shows a closed Riverview Park on Oct. 4, 1967. Belmont Avenue is on the lower right.
An aerial view shows a closed Riverview Park on Oct. 4, 1967. Belmont Avenue is on the lower right.
The demolition of Riverview Park happened in February 1968.
The demolition of Riverview Park happened in February 1968.
The Bobs roller coaster at Riverview Park was demolished Feb. 5, 1968.
The Bobs roller coaster at Riverview Park was demolished Feb. 5, 1968.