Mark's Postcard Paradise

[thrillerman1Can you see the donkey in my toast?]

^ You're welcome, and you can look forward to this thread expanding to include postcard related park brochures, maps, and other interesting items starting when the Paradise celebrates its 3rd birthday in August. As always, if you've got postcards sitting around at home, feel free to scan them and share them in this thread. I love to see other people's collections!

For now, it's time for Comic-Con weekend in San Diego, arguably the world's biggest and coolest dork fest. The Paradise is happy to participate in this year's event by featuring this exclusive limited edition Six Flags Comic-Con postcard from 2004 (well not really but it sounds good!). Wonder Twin powers activate...

[thrillerman1Can you see the donkey in my toast?]

It's birthday time here at the Paradise. That's right...this thread is turning 3 years old at the end of August, but no need to wait until then to party up. So to celebrate and thank my friends here at TPR, I'm going to expand this thread to include park brochures and anything else deemed Paradise worthy. Of course postcards will still remain the main focus so never fear loyal readers!

Alright on with the show, and for all you lucky 2010 TPR Mid-America Trip participants here's an expansive update featuring Worlds of Fun with a modern postcard as well as a time warp back to 1978 when the park added the new Aerodrome themed area and Barnstormer airplane ride. Check it out!

[thrillerman1Can you see the donkey in my toast?]

Who is attending TPR member day at Six Flags Great America this Friday? Well this update is for you! Featured this week is a postcard I picked up at the park back in 2004 featuring SFGAm's coasters. Following the postcard is a 1978 brochure from when the park was still owned by Marriott! Everyone have fun at the park on Friday!!!

[rage88I Guess Donkeys Are Okay]

Does anyone know of any sites or anyone selling theme park postcards?

Jason

[thrillerman1Can you see the donkey in my toast?]

Long ago before Dollywood became the country music mecca of the Smoky Mountains, the park was known as Goldrush Junction in the early 1970's (and before that Rebel Railroad in the 60's). The park was nowhere near the size it is today and consisted of the steam train, a mad mouse, a log flume, and a few carnival rides. Enjoy this spotlight on the park now and then.

[coasterfreakyI teach at the school of donkey!]

Thanks for posting the Goldrush Junction pics. It's just hard to fathom how that has turned into Dollywood. Its funny how some parks are truly organic, and they grow over long periods of time like this park, my home park, has done. I'm glad you've posted memories of it. And its sort of funny that Dollywood is celebrating 25 years of Dollywood, which is of course true and important in and of itself. But the park's history obviously dates further back than 25 years!, and that is worth celebrating too!

The only things i recognize are the train, the log flume from the NY World's Fair, the yo-yo (swingamajig) and that's about it for the rides. I see the Robert F. Thomas Chapel! Great Stuff!

[ratdogg68I'm a know-it-all about donkeys!]

I thought it was Silver Dollar City before Dollywood.

^ From RCDB...

Dollywood (1986 to ?)
Silver Dollar City (1976 to 1985)
Goldrush (1975)
Goldrush Junction (1970 to 1974)
Rebel Railroad (1961 to 1969)

http://www.rcdb.com/4593.htm

[MooseWhy do I still have a donkey title???]

I love seeing how parks develop over time. The brochures are a nice addition to the Postcard Paradise.

Does anyone know where the Aerodrome themed area was at Worlds of Fun?

[larrygatorObsessive Overlord of the TPR Park Index]

www.themeparkbrochures.net/maps/1989/wof1989.html

Here's a 1989 Map I found on another site, but don't see Aerodrome.