A generation of Omahans — and newcomers to the city — likely are unaware that Peony Park, the major amusement spot from the 1930s through 1994, was at 78th and Cass Streets.
Crowds dance at Peony Park's Thursday night "Sprite Night" on July 22, 1980.
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1955: Swimmers soaked in Peony Park’s spring-fed, sand-bottom lake in June.
A 1947 aerial view of Peony Park.
A view from Peony Park's Ferris wheel in 1993.
In 1958, Peony Park opened "Wonderland" for the summer season, plus an "Around the World in 18 Holes" miniature golf course. Peony Vice President Charles J. Malec, seen maneuvering the train across the trestle, designed the 9-½ acre attraction. It cost close to $200,000 dollars.
A 1963 Omaha World-Herald front page with a story about the Peony Park pool being opened to people of all races.
Photos: Peony Park through the years
1983 Hurricane
Lisa Schroeder, 15, left and Judy Kinkaid, 16 whirl on Peony Park's "Hurricane" on Aug. 11, 1983.
1969 band shell
Construction of a larger stage in front of the Peony Park band shell took place for the start of Omaha Symphony's Starlight Pops concert series in July 1969.
1992 Flying Bobs
Peony Park employee Bruce Hawkins works on the "Flying Bobs," so it will be ready for the 1992 season opening.
From the Archives: Remember Peony Park?
The Hurricane Ride at Peony Park. located at 78th and Cass Streets. An Iowa man fell to his death from this ride in 1988.
1934 beer garden (copy)
The ruins of a new beer dispensary in Peony Park's beer garden, burned to the ground in June 1934 the day it opened. The loss was estimated at $5,000. There was talk of the fire being the result of a "beer war" between two wholesalers over the business, but was considered to be just speculation. The ballroom was saved from the fire by rains that night and opened the next day, serving beverages through a ballroom window.
Remember Peony Park? - 1947 (copy)
An aerial view of Peony Park in 1947 for the "Omaha from the Air" booklet.
From the Archives: Remember Peony Park?
Harry Hoover checks the cage on the Skydiver ride on Aug. 4, 1978. A 13-year-old boy fell to his death from the ride in when the cotter pin that held the cage closed came out. Two other children were in the capsule but managed to hang on when the front opened.
Peony Park gates (copy)
An undated photo of the gates at Peony Park.
1993 amusement park (copy)
Peony Park in 1993. By the next year, the park had been closed for good.
1987 Waterslide (copy)
Omahan Mary Lynn Riley enjoys a cool, swirling ride on the waterslide at Peony Park in 1987.
1978 Trabant
Safety patrol students enjoy a ride on the Trabant at the fifth annual Safety Patrol Day on May 14, 1978.
1979 Disco Rondo (copy)
Disco Rondo drew hundreds of teens to Peony's Royal Grove in 1979.
1993 Sky lift
Shirley Duis, left, hugs granddaughter Stephanie Duis and Pam Stone hugs her daughter Melanie after the girls were rescued from the stalled Sky Lift ride in 1983. The ride stalled after riders were jumping and bouncing in their seats and dislodged a cable, causing safety mechanisms to stop the ride.
2012 auction (copy)
A 25-cent boat ride from Peony Park, part of a huge collection of memorabilia that was auctioned off in December 2012.
1983 Sky Lift
Kathy Thomas of Bellevue and her 3-year-old son, Cameron, try out the Sky Lift at Peony Park on Aug. 11, 1983.
1994 auction (copy)
In this 1994 photo, auctioneer David A. Norton sells off parts of Peony Park after the park's closure. The ride behind him is the Zierer Wave Swinger and sold for $220,000.
1985 Galaxy roller coaster
The Galaxy roller coaster gives Peony Park patrons a thrill in June 1985.
1958 Wonderland (copy)
Peony Park opened "Wonderland" for the summer season in 1958 plus an "Around the World in 18 Holes" miniature golf course.
1972 Polka Days (copy)
Omahan Frank "Dinker" Synowiecki, King of Polka Days sits with Queen Mrs. Lumir Ourecky of Wilber at Peony Park during the the Polka Days celebration in September 1972.
1988 Quayle visit (copy)
Dan Quayle speaks at Peony Park in 1988. From left, Norm Riffel, state GOP chairman; then-Gov. Kay Orr; Rollin Olds, then-vice president of Mutual of Omaha; Dan Quayle; and Marilyn Quayle.
Peony Park pool - 1969 (copy)
People line up for the slide at the Peony Park swimming pool in this June 29, 1969, photo.
Peony Park-Sprite Night (copy)
In this July 22, 1980, photo, young people fill Peony Park for its Thursday night "Sprite Night.
From the Archives: Remember Peony Park? (copy)
In this March 17, 1994 photo, an unidentified employee cleans up the Peony Park ballroom after the last dance and dinner was held there.
2012 auction (copy)
Pool tickets were among the memorabilia for sale at an auction of Peony Park items in 2012.
