Crystal Beach .. Buffalo's Coney Island    

Crystal Beach Park was an amusement park comprising 100 acres in Crystal Beach, Ontario.  It opened on May 28, 1888 and closed on September 4, 1989.  It was serviced by the Canadiana passenger ferry in Buffalo making it a popular tourist destination for both Canadians and Americans.  Initially, in the 1890s, a ferry service operated small boats with a capacity of 500 to 1,200.  The Americana held 3,000 passengers and operated between 1908 and 1929.  The Canadiana operated between 3,000 passengers and operated between 1910 and 1956.  A concrete pier was constructed in 1921 to service both vessels.   

The park was known for its innovative roller coasters, most notably The Cyclone and The Comet. In 1947, the Cyclone was dismantled and its material was used to construct The Comet.  The Comet is considered one of the greatest wooden coasters ever built. The Comet was awarded Coaster Landmark status by American Coaster Enthusiasts.  It remains in operation, today, at The Great Escape and Hurricane Harbor in Queensbury NY, north of Albany.  This park sits on 351 acres and is open May through October.  It's slogan is "New York's Most Thrilling Theme Park". 

The Comet

One the park's owners, George C. Hall constructed the Crystal Ballroom in the winter of 1924.  The dance hall's location required the addition of a concrete seawall and boardwalk along the park's border to Lake Erie.  Many famous acts such as Count Basie, Frank Sinatra and the Glenn Miller Orchestra played the Crystal Ballroom.  Artie Shaw arrived late for his Labor Day performance at the venue in 1939 and the crowd of 7,000 were anxiously awaiting his late arrival. The ballroom was the last park structure to be demolished.  

Some of the biggest big bands of the era played The Crystal Ballroom.  Among the notables were the Glenn Miller Orchestra (minus Glenn Miller), Count Basie, the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra featuring Frank Sinatra, Gene Krupa, Jimmy Dorsey, Stan Kenton and Les Brown.

The Crystal Beach Ballroom was a world famous dance hall which attracted the biggest bands of the Swing Era.  The plans for the ballroom designed by the Schultz Brothers of Brantford, Ontario were approved on October 2, 1924 with construction set to begin the following month.  The building was an architectural wonder as there were no support beams anywhere!  An unobstructed dance space (50 by 70)!  Although advertised as "The Quarter-Million Dollar Hall", in actuality, the final cost was just over $80,000.  The ballroom opened to the public on May 1, 1925.  It held the largest dance floor in North America where 1500 couples could dance at the same time!  Dances cost 10 cents each, or 3 or a quarter.  Originally, the bandstand was located in the center of the building on an octagon platform.  Later, the bandstand was moved to the south end of the hall with an updated art deco look.  Every night, except for one day a week, an American and a Canadian band would entertain the dancers.  In 1928, a dance marathon was held, but was stopped by Ontario Attorney General who frowned upon such displays of jubilation. 

Farewell, Old Friend

Just hours before the Crystal Beach Ballroom was demolished, a long time Crystal Beach resident and his daughter returned for one last dance. To see footage of this touching moment, check out "The Life and Times of Crystal Beach" video.  

Let the music play on!