Virginia Reel Ride

Is there anybody out there who would remember the old Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's. There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear from someone who has ridden the Reel.

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.
>
I have not ridden it personally but kennywood park had one and its displayed on a video of kennywood memories. The video can be found I believe fyom WQED TV station. I dont dont know the web site sorry.

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.
>

I'm dating myself, but I rode the Reel at Coney Island. If memory serves it was located next to the Spook A Rama dark ride, and across from the Wonder Wheel. It consisted of large drum-like cars that traveled down an inclined track, spinning and gradually increasing speed as they negotiated sharp turns..kind of like a Crazy Mouse with "roaring rapids" style cars. It was fun.

The Blackpool Reel: My First Ride: 1976

I was a slightly worried 15 year old lining up in the queue with my 10 year old sister..I hate(d) spinning rides but was totally captivated by this attraction..It was just so different from all the other rides on offer..I just HAD to ride it..

We sat in the (wooden) tubs..(They became wood & steel after 1979..)

We were put in the same car as a few Hell's Angels..Could you believe it...??

- Don't get me wrong..I love(d) Heavy rock but the thought of sharing a 2 min ride with these guys was, back then, slightly unnerving to put it mildly..

Anyway..we all held on to the bar behind..You read that right...BEHIND us..I had seen the ride on a (Black and white) school programme about things in life that spin..I knew the ride became bumpy at the end but the Hell's Angel who LAY across the seat in front of me and my sister had obviously not seen the programme..........(There may be trouble ahead...)

All the time as the round tub climbed the lift hill I had this picture in my mind that I was going to get my 'head kicked in' when we entered the tunnel towards the end by some Hell's Angel..Well, either that or being unwittingly headbutted by this extremely tattooed gentleman in front of me who was still laying across the seat.....Why didn't he just sit up like a good person?? :-(

(His girlfriend wore a bandana and had the words L.O.V.E. and H.A.T.E. tattooed on her knuckles..If she is still alive today then I guess she is probably holed up in some old peoples home by now 'cos she was 50ish back then..)

The Reel reeled around the first few bends..Nice ..no probs..then...towards the bottom all passengers experienced AIRTIME..and I mean AIRTIME UK seventies style..That is jumping up about a foot from the seat whilst still holding on to the bar behind..

My Casio digital watch came loose but I managed to keep it from falling onto the floor of the tub.. The Blackpool Reel had rickets in the track towards the end, just before the tunnel that made all this jumping happen..

Afore mentioned long haired leather clad person head butted the side of the spinning tub and swore..quite a lot..

I was petrified but my sister just stared at him..

Then it was the horseshoe tunnel back to the start..

I loved The Reel

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.

I have ridden the Virginia Reel at Revere Beach, MA.
I have fond memories of riding as a teen (late 60's) with a "tub full" of friends, a mix of girls and guys.
I remember holding onto the brass railings that surrounded the outside top of the wooden tub.
I remember all the pairs of feet jumbled together on the floor.
It was cozy with a full tub, and if memory serves correctly eight of us could fit in at once.
VR was a fun ride what with the different responses of the riders during the slowly accelerating top half switchbacks to the drop into the inside portion of the ride (last half or so) where the speed picked up as the ride traversed some dips and corners.
I don't recall airtime, per se, but that coziness I mentioned came into play once it hit that inside portion. That's why we always sat boy-girl boy-girl!

Mike B.

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.

> I have ridden the Virginia Reel at Revere Beach, MA.
> I have fond memories of riding as a teen (late 60's) with a
> "tub full" of friends, a mix of girls and guys.
> I remember holding onto the brass railings that surrounded
> the outside top of the wooden tub.
> I remember all the pairs of feet jumbled together on the
> floor.
> It was cozy with a full tub, and if memory serves correctly
> eight of us could fit in at once.
> VR was a fun ride what with the different responses of the
> riders during the slowly accelerating top half switchbacks
> to the drop into the inside portion of the ride (last half
> or so) where the speed picked up as the ride traversed some
> dips and corners.
> I don't recall airtime, per se, but that coziness I
> mentioned came into play once it hit that inside portion.
> That's why we always sat boy-girl boy-girl!

> Mike B.
Hello Mike. Finally found someone who rode the reel. My parents would never let me go on it because I was to young though I went on the wildmouse 5 times in a row.Now that was a good ride. Never got to ride thw Cyclone either. Do you remember the dark ride there also. I think it was called La Kasa . It had a skeleton sitting in a pretzel car going in and out on the top of the ride. Never got to ride that either. Can you tell me about that ride. I feel I have been gypped of the rides at Revere beach. Im from Salem and we went quite often but then the reel burnt down. Did the cars spin fast? Was it a smooth ride? How many yunnels did it have. I remember a board outside with the track layout. When the tub got to a certain point, a light would go on to show the position of the car. It was 25 cents to go on it at that time. Any info you can give me on the rides I mentioned would be wonderfull. It brings back memories of my childhood. Thank you Leo

>

> Hello Mike. Finally found someone who rode the reel. My
> parents would never let me go on it because I was to young
> though I went on the wildmouse 5 times in a row.Now that
> was a good ride. Never got to ride thw Cyclone either. Do
> you remember the dark ride there also. I think it was
> called La Kasa . It had a skeleton sitting in a pretzel car
> going in and out on the top of the ride. Never got to ride
> that either. Can you tell me about that ride. I feel I have
> been gypped of the rides at Revere beach. Im from Salem and
> we went quite often but then the reel burnt down. Did the
> cars spin fast? Was it a smooth ride? How many yunnels did
> it have. I remember a board outside with the track layout.
> When the tub got to a certain point, a light would go on to
> show the position of the car. It was 25 cents to go on it
> at that time. Any info you can give me on the rides I
> mentioned would be wonderfull. It brings back memories of
> my childhood. Thank you Leo

Leo,
That wild mouse was one of those original models with the "bullet nosed" cars that you do not see anymore. They were certainly wild, I would say even violent. The little park in York Beach, ME, had one, which was my first. Those particular models really did not last all that long, mostly because of very high insurance costs, I have learned.

I do not recall the dark ride you mentioned. There were a number of attractions at Revere Beach back then, from single owner operated rides to little separate "parks" of up to half a dozen rides tucked in behind buildings.
I was not a park go-er nor a coaster/thrill ride rider back then, per se, and any rides we teens took on the Reel or Cyclone were limited by money (lack thereof). Even at only 25 cents a pop!

I cannot really remember if the Reel was smooth, but I don't remember it being rough, either. It was a different ride each time depending upon the load (much like spinning mouse coasters of today).
I know that when the Reel hit the drop going into the "tunnel" the speed picked up and the cornering caused faster spinning and much swaying of the riders, which I referred to above as "cozy" moments (you got thrown into the person next to you...in most cases, that was a girl!). The "tunnel" was actually like being in a large dark room as the last portion of the ride took place in there. I cannot remember the physical layout of the station, so I don't recall how much of the ride took place upon leaving said dark room.
Wish I recalled more details; thinking of it brings back good memories of those times; and a feeling of melancholy, too.

Mike B.

> Hello Mike. Finally found someone who rode the reel. My
> parents would never let me go on it because I was to young
> though I went on the wildmouse 5 times in a row.Now that
> was a good ride. Never got to ride thw Cyclone either. Do
> you remember the dark ride there also. I think it was
> called La Kasa . It had a skeleton sitting in a pretzel car
> going in and out on the top of the ride. Never got to ride
> that either. Can you tell me about that ride. I feel I have
> been gypped of the rides at Revere beach. Im from Salem and
> we went quite often but then the reel burnt down. Did the
> cars spin fast? Was it a smooth ride? How many yunnels did
> it have. I remember a board outside with the track layout.
> When the tub got to a certain point, a light would go on to
> show the position of the car. It was 25 cents to go on it
> at that time. Any info you can give me on the rides I
> mentioned would be wonderfull. It brings back memories of
> my childhood. Thank you Leo

> Leo,
> That wild mouse was one of those original models with the
> "bullet nosed" cars that you do not see anymore.
> They were certainly wild, I would say even violent. The
> little park in York Beach, ME, had one, which was my first.
> Those particular models really did not last all that long,
> mostly because of very high insurance costs, I have
> learned.

> I do not recall the dark ride you mentioned. There were a
> number of attractions at Revere Beach back then, from
> single owner operated rides to little separate
> "parks" of up to half a dozen rides tucked in
> behind buildings.
> I was not a park go-er nor a coaster/thrill ride rider back
> then, per se, and any rides we teens took on the Reel or
> Cyclone were limited by money (lack thereof). Even at only
> 25 cents a pop!

> I cannot really remember if the Reel was smooth, but I
> don't remember it being rough, either. It was a different
> ride each time depending upon the load (much like spinning
> mouse coasters of today).
> I know that when the Reel hit the drop going into the
> "tunnel" the speed picked up and the cornering
> caused faster spinning and much swaying of the riders,
> which I referred to above as "cozy" moments (you
> got thrown into the person next to you...in most cases,
> that was a girl!). The "tunnel" was actually like
> being in a large dark room as the last portion of the ride
> took place in there. I cannot remember the physical layout
> of the station, so I don't recall how much of the ride took
> place upon leaving said dark room.
> Wish I recalled more details; thinking of it brings back
> good memories of those times; and a feeling of melancholy,
> too.

> Mike B. Its nice to know now that I could have been killed on the wild mouse. Iy was very violent, I was black and blue when I got of. those hairpin turns were so sharp, not like today. The drops were so steep, I loved it, talking about air time, whewww! Thanks for wrighting back .Leo

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.
>

Joyland, a tiny little park on the Promenade in Great Yarmouth England has a kiddie version called Tyrolean Tubs. It differs slightly from the departed big versions in that the tubs ride on a self propelled cart, although they do spin freely. There was barely enough room for two adults in the tub and it provided some of the most intense spinning I have ever experienced. The park has a couple of other unique attractions including a dark ride, a space ship walk thru and large self propelled snails that travel over an undulating cement track. Well worth a visit if you're in the area. Don't forget the Scenic Railway at the nearby Pleasure Beach.

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.

Leo, I couldn't let this post die without showing you a wonderful postcard of the Blackpool Reel courtesy of a guy called Les Tomkinson:

> Leo, I couldn't let this post die without showing you a
> wonderful postcard of the Blackpool Reel courtesy of a guy
> called Les Tomkinson:

Wow - thanks for sharing that pic - it's beautiful.

Who made the Virginia Reel(s)???

Of all of the photos/footage I've seen of them (Coney, Revere, KW, Blackpool, Riverview) - they all seem identical in layout and the theming/backdrops all seem to be relatively the same. Anyone know?

jimvid

The pic of the Blackpool Reel brings back many happy memories to me - I rode it many, many times as a youngster and it was a great way to start off a day at the park seeing as it was the first coaster you encountered at the entrance to the Pleasure Beach.

It's a pity all of these rides are gone, they were fantastic fun!

-Jimvy!

> Leo, I couldn't let this post die without showing you a
> wonderful postcard of the Blackpool Reel courtesy of a guy
> called Les Tomkinson:

> Wow - thanks for sharing that pic - it's beautiful.

> Who made the Virginia Reel(s)???

> Of all of the photos/footage I've seen of them (Coney,
> Revere, KW, Blackpool, Riverview) - they all seem identical
> in layout and the theming/backdrops all seem to be
> relatively the same. Anyone know?

> jimvid
> I have only seen the Revere reel. The facade was like a soldiers garb when in the jungle. It had many colors, mainly red and yellow spots. It really created quite an impresion to young eyes. My parents would never let me ride it.Leo

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.

> Leo, I couldn't let this post die without showing you a
> wonderful postcard of the Blackpool Reel courtesy of a guy
> called Les Tomkinson:

> Thank you for the link Iwent there . I am new to the computer. what wonderfull memories. Thank you again.Leo

Of course there is always The Tyrolean Tub Twist at Joyland in Gt. Yarmouth UK which some may cite as an example of a (junior) Reel that still exists today..

I did say may..

Holy s***! Jimvy, you Weegie, what the hell? I'd have never thought to seeing you on here, tis a surprise matey! Anyways, the only Reel that I'll get close to is the one in RCT, and that's about it.

Tim.

> Holy s***! Jimvy, you Weegie, what the hell? I'd have never
> thought to seeing you on here, tis a surprise matey!
> Anyways, the only Reel that I'll get close to is the one in
> RCT, and that's about it.

> Tim.
I had heard that there were alot of accidents in the past involving Viginia Reels.Can you make these rides more technically safe in today's world? Can they be brought back from the dead in the U.S. similar to the New Flying Turns (wooden bobsled) at Knoebels?

> Tim.
> I had heard that there were alot of accidents in the past
> involving Viginia Reels.Can you make these rides more
> technically safe in today's world? Can they be brought back
> from the dead in the U.S. similar to the New Flying Turns
> (wooden bobsled) at Knoebels?

I would love to see a ride like the Virginia Reel brought back to todays parks. However, with the vast amount of spinning coasters that are popping up everywhere, I doubt we will see a classic style reel any time soon.

Rides like Ragin'Cajun at SFGAM are about as close as we are going to get. And, from what I have heard, it's just an ok ride.

Here's an interesting fact about the ride:

It was invented by Henry Elmer Riehl and was named after his daughter Luna Virginia Reel.

> Here's an interesting fact about the ride:

> It was invented by Henry Elmer Riehl and was named after
> his daughter Luna Virginia Reel.

Above should have course read Luna Virginia Riehl

Would that be the Nantasket Beach Amusement park? They had a truly great woody back in the day.

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.
>

Leo, and all fellow Reel enthusiasts,

This post isn't dead yet!! :-)

Imagine my surprise when I noticed the following message in the guestbook of my website themagiceye a couple of weeks ago..

It refers to an article I put together 3 years ago about the Reel:

I was thrilled to read your article, as I am the daughter of Henry Elmer Riehl, who was the inventor of the Virginia Reel.

Rosemary Rhiel

So began the beginning of email correspondence between myself, Rosemary (Riehl's daughter) her sister Marjoline (Riehls daughter) and Rosemary's daughter Louise (Riehl's granddaughter).

Louise is putting together a website about her father and is asking for any information regarding her grandfather's Coney island period..

If anyone has any information about this then could they possibly contact me on themagiceye@aol.com and I'll forward it to her.

Likewise, Rosemary is after information about The Reel in a park in Germany..Again if anyone has any information then please contact me and I will forward all the information on.

I have been sent a few photos to date by Marjolane dated 1908 showing H E Riehl's father in law holding Luna Virginia Riehl at the Coney Island entrance to The Reel..HE Riehl is also in the photo..and another shot showing Riehl and his father in law in a Reel float at Mardi Gras!

(I will not post the photos until I get their permission)

What might be a good idea is for me to see if Rosemary, Marjolane or Louise would like to join the forums here at URC..
I will suggest this to them.

Cheers!

Gary

History has come alive for me..

> Would that be the Nantasket Beach Amusement park? They had
> a truly great woody back in the day.
Not sure what this question relates to, but Nantasket Beach did not have a Virginia Reel. Nantasket Beach is Hull, MA, which is south of Revere Beach.

I rode the coaster at Nantasket Beach.
It lives on at Six Flags America in Maryland.
At least part of it, that is.
It is called "Wild One" there.

Mike B.

> I have been sent a few photos to date by Marjolane dated
> 1908 showing H E Riehl's father in law holding Luna
> Virginia Riehl at the Coney Island entrance to The Reel..HE
> Riehl is also in the photo..and another shot showing Riehl
> and his father in law in a Reel float at Mardi Gras!

> (I will not post the photos until I get their permission)
> Cheers!

> Gary

> History has come alive for me..

Yes, that's very cool!
I would love to see more photos of Virginia Reels.

Mike B.

> Yes, that's very cool!
> I would love to see more photos of Virginia Reels.

> Mike B.

The photo shows The Virginia Reel in all its 1908 Luna Park / Coney Island glory..

The baby is Luna Virginia Riehl.

The gentleman in the foreground to the right is none other than Henry Elmer Riehl.

Many, many thanks to Marjolane Ball for the image.

Henry's daughters Rosemary Riehl, Marjolane Ball and Rosemary's daughter Louise Virginia Poole have, together, brought amusement park history alive for which I am eternally grateful.

Photographs like this are for bigger audiences than websites like mine..They need to be shared by ALL the coaster community..

Go ahead..Enjoy.. :-)

Cheers!

Gary

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.

Have you seen this postcard of The Reel at Revere?

> Have you seen this postcard of The Reel at Revere?

I have ridden that particular Virginia Reel.
I have seen that postcard.
I don't think it is 100% accurate.

I have always carried the image (memory) of the Revere Beach Reel's lift hill facing the other way! The postcard image has the lift hill on the beach side as I remember, but it has it rising toward the North. I remember it rising toward the South.
That means the beach should be on the LEFT (East) side of the boulevard when the view of the lift hill is from the bottom.

My memory has always been of the lift being on the left, and I have always remembered it as being opposite of the Cyclone woodie of that day...the Cyclone's lift was on the side away from the beach (West). And it climbed facing North. I am 100% sure of that.

The Reel closed before the Cyclone (1 year, or 2, or more? I cannot say) so I did not ride it much. The Cyclone I rode many times, so memories of it are much clearer. In fact, I was in its station when it took its last ride. They refunded our money (50 cents, I think) and shut it down. It never ran again. That was 1969.

The postcard of the Reel does show what I remember of the ride's layout, tho. Except for the "tower." I cannot remember it at all. And I have no clue as to the "south tower" reference.

Mike B.

I forgot to add this above. ^

I cannot believe there are no photos of the Revere Beach Virginia Reel to be found out there in internet land.
Ditto for the Cyclone.

Mike B.

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.
>

Please watch this video which may be clips from Revere Beach, MA.
It shows the Viginia Reel a few times. Let me know what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoreedfkKro&search=Chega%20de%20Saudade

Thanx, Vince

> Please watch this video which may be clips from Revere
> Beach, MA.
> It shows the Viginia Reel a few times. Let me know what you
> think.

> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SoreedfkKro&search=Chega
> %20de%20Saudade

> Thanx, Vince

Vince,
The video shows attractions at Coney Island, New York, so that Virginia Reel is not the one at Revere Beach.

But I loved seeing the Flying Turns in action! Knoebel's is currently building their version of that ride, which supposedly will be an almost identical copy.

BTW, the last minute or so of the video may be showing the New Jersey shore.

Mike B.

> BTW, the last minute or so of the video may be showing the
> New Jersey shore.

> Mike B.

Forget I said that. It's not.

Mike B.

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.

> Have you seen this postcard of The Reel at Revere?
>
Hi Gary and Mike. Leo here. Its been a long time. Ithought the post was dead. What a surprise.Oh, by the way, the post card of the reel at Revere is not accurate. Iagree with Mike. The lift hill was facing the ocean. The lift hill rose to the south. the Cyclone was south of the reel right next door. I cant wait to see more pictures. Leo

> Hi Gary and Mike. Leo here. Its been a long time. Ithought
> the post was dead. What a surprise.Oh, by the way, the post
> card of the reel at Revere is not accurate. Iagree with
> Mike. The lift hill was facing the ocean. The lift hill
> rose to the south. the Cyclone was south of the reel right
> next door. I cant wait to see more pictures. Leo

Hi Leo and Mike!
Thanks for both pointing that out..It makes the postcard more fascinating for me.

Agreed Mike, seems there isn't much info on The Reel at Revere..I have found this image of a painting of The Reel at Revere though..Does this look accurate?

Cheers

Gary

> Hi Gary and Mike. Leo here. Its been a long time. Ithought
> the post was dead. What a surprise.Oh, by the way, the post
> card of the reel at Revere is not accurate. Iagree with
> Mike. The lift hill was facing the ocean. The lift hill
> rose to the south. the Cyclone was south of the reel right
> next door. I cant wait to see more pictures. Leo

> Hi Leo and Mike!
> Thanks for both pointing that out..It makes the postcard
> more fascinating for me.

> Agreed Mike, seems there isn't much info on The Reel at
> Revere..I have found this image of a painting of The Reel
> at Revere though..Does this look accurate?

> Cheers
Yes Gary, that is a more accurate picture. But I also remember the facade had more colors on it. I never got to ride it though. As you look at that card, you will be looking south. North of the reel was the Wildmouse. It was made by Schiff. A very violent ride with extremely 90 degree turns. I went on it 5 times in a row. Nice to be back and cheers to you on your new life. LEO
> Gary
>

^^
Gary,

As Leo said, that artwork is accurate. I knew there was no tower! And that is Cyclone's first drop at the top, right.
The picture is spot on for how the rides were situated in relation to the beach.
Unlike Leo, tho, I really have no recollection as to colors on the Reel...it was just old.

Thanks for posting it.

Mike B.

Does any blueprints exist for any of hte Virginia Reels? this looks like a job for John Fetterman for his next project!

> Does any blueprints exist for any of hte Virginia Reels?
> this looks like a job for John Fetterman for his next
> project!

I have had similar thoughts. We can always hope.

If Knoebel's can build a copy of wooden Flying Turns, then I know John and crew could build a Virginia Reel. But I believe the "footprint" of the Reel is much larger than the Flying Turns, so that begs the question of where it would fit in the park.

Mike B.

> Does any blueprints exist for any of hte Virginia Reels?
> this looks like a job for John Fetterman for his next
> project!

Hi Leo, Mike, Mr PFF and John Fetterman!

Rosemary Riehl (Henry Elmer Riehl's daughter) emailed me a few weeks back:

16/06 Dear Gary,
...Unfortunately I myself cannot do much whilst I am in New Zealand, as all papers, photos etc. about our Father are at present in France. However, as soon as I return, I shall try to sort things out. I shan't be back much before the end of July.
Best wishes. Rosemary Riehl

Hopefully then I will find out if any do exist but I know from email conversations that when he died in 1940 many of the drawings were destroyed.

Watch this space though!

Gary

This is kinda interesting. I looked in a dictionary and under the definition virginia reel: it says "an American country dance in which the partners start by facing each other in two lines". I'm a hip-hop man and know nothing about country music. Maybe someone who knows about country music can explain what this have to do with the coaster. Is the dance, and the coaster named after the "daughter or whatever".

> This is kinda interesting. I looked in a dictionary and
> under the definition virginia reel: it says "an
> American country dance in which the partners start by
> facing each other in two lines". I'm a hip-hop man and
> know nothing about country music. Maybe someone who knows
> about country music can explain what this have to do with
> the coaster. Is the dance, and the coaster named after the
> "daughter or whatever".

Hi Mr/Ms OB

As you probably know, the dance came long..long.. before the ride..Some 222 years before..

Although the dance was first published in England in 1685 by Sir Roger De Coverly, it was named after the state of Virginia.

I suppose HE Riehl may have been thinking about the dance when he named his daughter and subsequently the ride Virginia Riehl / Reel..I doubt it though..I'll try to find out more..

PS For those of you worried about my sudden apparent knowledge of all things Anglo-American country dances - Relax - I googled this info. :-)

Gary

Thanks, Gary for the info. I appreciate it.

Chris.

For all you history people out there in URC land..This 1908 photo of H E Riehl and Skip Dundy at Mardi Gras!

Thanks to H E Riehl's daughter Marjolane.

Gary

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.

I also rode the Virginia Reel at Revere Beach, probably in the late 1960s or very, very early 1970s. I remember the leather seat had tears in it - it looked shabby and rundown, just like the rest of the park at that time. If I had known how old it was even then, I probably would have thought twice about riding it - well, maybe not - I was a teenager.

Now I am collecting postcards of Revere's Virginia Reel. The image mentioned above that everyone is saying is incorrect has moved so I don't know what it referred to. One of the postcards that I have shows two cars climbing up the hill toward the tower. The nearest car shows 6 men, all in suits - one of them has hair parted in the middle as was the style back then. There is a sign next to the hill but the text is not readable. This particular card has been hand-tinted and was post-marked, I think, in 1920 (I'm at work; I'd have to check the original postcard at home).

I never knew there were other Reels...that presents some interesting collecting possibilities! For some reason, I can't remember any of the other rides at Revere - we usually went to Paragon Park at Nantasket which survived somewhat longer than Revere's amusement park.

> I never knew there were other Reels...that presents some
> interesting collecting possibilities! For some reason, I
> can't remember any of the other rides at Revere - we
> usually went to Paragon Park at Nantasket which survived
> somewhat longer than Revere's amusement park.

Henry Elmer Riehl and his English wife managed the Reel at Whitley Bay in Northumbria UK (Riehl became a British citizen in 1937)..As each week goes by more history comes alive for me thanks to information from his daughters who are alive and very well..

Marjolane Ball (His daughter): "I remember he (Riehl) used to have a Whiskey now and then with a raw egg in it.

Also, how he used to drive us around the block in the car. As he did not have a British licence he was not really supposed to drive. Mummy did all the driving.

I also remember sitting on his knee beside the Christmas tree and going to see him when he was ill in bed before he died, but of course being so young (5 going on 6) I did not understand what was happening to him."

Gary

Henry Elmer Riehl as described by his daughter Rosemary:

"..On a Saturday night he used to bring home ‘Surprise Packets’ and put them under our pillows.

The saddest memory I have - it must have been about early 1940, as the ordinary school we went to was closed down, and we were sent to a private school - Miss Beasterfield’s Preparatory School.

It was opposite the entrance of the Spanish City and I can see my father now - he had taken us to school and was on the opposite side of the road, and I waved him goodbye.

Not long after that he was taken ill and eventually died of cancer on the 14th August 1940."

.................................................................

Anyone interested in some postcards of Blackpool's Reel should click the link below.

Then click A PB Miscellany on the left and then click North East Corner.

Believe me, it's worth it.

* This Post Has Been Modified *

It's frustrating...that Blackpool picture brings back a really strong memory I have of the Reel when I was a little kid. I remember watching it, and I think I rode it but I really can't be completely sure. I'll have to see if my dad remembers!

Click below to take a glimpse at a time when people took responsibility for their own actions and to view "Over The Top"..Surely a forerunner to The Reel..

..Gotta love that Human Pool Table... :-)

> I cannot believe there are no photos of the Revere Beach
> Virginia Reel to be found out there in internet land.
> Ditto for the Cyclone.
> Mike B.

There are at least 4 books about Revere Beach showing photos of the Reel:

"Pictorial History of Revere Beach" [1980].
"Revere Beach, A Last Look at Yesterday" [1983]
"Revere Beach's Wonderland" [1983]
"Revere Beach" [2002]

See www.rollercoastermedialibrary.com for more details on these.

Simon Baynham

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.
>

Had to bump this up again for this.. The Virginia Reel at Seabreeze ..complete with what looks like a windmill and urban theming!

> Had to bump this up again for this.. The Virginia Reel at
> Seabreeze ..complete with what looks like a windmill and
> urban theming!

Ah ha! Didn't I say somewhere above in this thread, and long ago, that I remember the Revere Beach reel having its lift hill on the left, yet most photos of others show on the right?
Finally, a photo that looks like what I remember at Revere Beach. By the time I first saw it (mid '60s) it was very old, and did not look as "pretty" as that Seabreeze photo (and did not have the windmill, lol).

Mike B.

> Is there anybody out there who would remember the old
> Virginia Reel ride? It was popular in the 50's and 60's.
> There was one at Revere Beach in MA. I would like to hear
> from someone who has ridden the Reel.
>

> Had to bump this up again for this.. The Virginia Reel at
> Seabreeze ..complete with what looks like a windmill and
> urban theming!
>
Thanks for the picture of the virginia reel. That is what I remember at revere beach with the lift hill on the left side. But it was not as ornate.

> Had to bump this up again for this.. The Virginia Reel at
> Seabreeze ..complete with what looks like a windmill and
> urban theming!

> Ah ha! Didn't I say somewhere above in this thread, and
> long ago, that I remember the Revere Beach reel having its
> lift hill on the left, yet most photos of others show on
> the right?
> Finally, a photo that looks like what I remember at Revere
> Beach. By the time I first saw it (mid '60s) it was very
> old, and did not look as "pretty" as that
> Seabreeze photo (and did not have the windmill, lol).

> Mike B.
>
Hi mike. Do you remember the dark ride called La Cassa? I think I asked you before. The cars came out on the top of the ride and there was a skeleton in the middle on the balcony where the cars came out.

> Hi mike. Do you remember the dark ride called La Cassa? I
> think I asked you before. The cars came out on the top of
> the ride and there was a skeleton in the middle on the
> balcony where the cars came out.

Nope, I have no memory of that one.

Mike B.

A couple more postcards to view of Coney, Venice Cal, and Blackpool.

Click the link

Hope everyone has a 'Reel' Great Christmas!

Gary

> I don't know if anyone reads this thread any longer but I am adding some info.

I have never ridden a Reel but I saw an operating one at Coney Island in 1964 and was fascinated by the ride. There was an elaborate one at Palisades AP in NJ which burnt in a fire that caused the deaths of several riders.>

As for the Revere Beach Reel. There were actually two of them. The one that had the tower (belonging to the Pit Fun House & Nautical Gardens) was the first Reel that was built in the early 1900's. The lift hill had the beach to the right. I am not sure if this one burned down or was torn down. A second one was built aroung the mid-late twenties and was the one located next to the Cyclone. This is the one had the beach to the left of the lift hill and that one is the one most of the posters are talking about.

The U.S. Reels that existed, I am aware of, were at Palisades Park NJ, Columbia Park NJ, Venice Pier Ca., Seabreeze/Dreamland, NY, Ontario Beach Park, NY, Conneaut Lake Park, Pa, Luna Park at Coney Island, NY, the Bowery at Coney Island NY,Happyland Park at Staten Island NY, Revere Beach, Ma., Savin Rock, Conn., and there were several Ticklers (early types of Virginia Reels) and Over The Top rides installed.

Wouldn't it be cool if Knoebels brings back the reel in the future, similar like the new Flying Turns for this year?

> The U.S. Reels that existed, I am aware of, were at
> Palisades Park NJ, Columbia Park NJ, Venice Pier Ca.,
> Seabreeze/Dreamland, NY, Ontario Beach Park, NY, Conneaut
> Lake Park, Pa, Luna Park at Coney Island, NY, the Bowery at
> Coney Island NY,Happyland Park at Staten Island NY, Revere
> Beach, Ma., Savin Rock, Conn., and there were several
> Ticklers (early types of Virginia Reels) and Over The Top
> rides installed.

OPF, Thank you very much for that great information. :-)

I'll pass it on to Rosemary Riehl and Marjolane Ball (Riehl's daughters)

Overbanked..Rebuilding of a classic Virginia Reel..YES..That would be GREAT!! :-)

PS

I don't know about the USA rides but the Blackpool Reel didn't really spin that much..It just bounced when it got to the bottom..Did the USA rides do this?..Rivets in the track made you jump from your seat. Extremely wild.

PPS

Rosemary Riehl was asking me for information about a Reel that was once situated in Germany..Does anyone know of any?

PPPS

Link below won't work..I tried editing it after I posted it but couldn't..Should read

http://www.themagiceye.co.uk/reel.html

Cheers

Gary

* This Post Has Been Modified *

One minute thirty seconds into clip linked below is the Virginia Reel at Blackpool.

Whatever happened to the block brakes?

Whatever happened to the white overalls?

Whatever happened to people taking responsibility for their own actions?

Whatever happened?

Yours not afraid to bounce Leo's topic up again.

Gary

> One minute thirty seconds into clip linked below is the
> Virginia Reel at Blackpool.

> Whatever happened to the block brakes?

> Whatever happened to the white overalls?

> Whatever happened to people taking responsibility for their
> own actions?

> Whatever happened?

> Yours not afraid to bounce Leo's topic up again.

> Gary

> Hi Gary, Thank you so much for the reel clip. I think like you, we should bring back the reel. Leo

> Hi Gary, Thank you so much for the reel clip. I think like
> you, we should bring back the reel. Leo

Leo, your wish is my command... :-)

Yes! I rode the Virginia Reel at Coney Island in the early 70's. It was located directly in front of the Wonder Wheel. WHAT A RIDE. I can still remember riding it to this day. At first as a younger teenager I didn't feel as though it was going to be as rough and scary as it was. Each curve got more intense and harder to hold onto depending which side of the tub you were on. Holding on got harder as the tub went faster around the long rounded curves slanting downhill. After the last wild curve and being a little disoriented from the free-turning tub (seating I guess about 10), it headed for the first of two curved plunges. The first one was a horror. Holding on almost became impossible between the pressure and bouncing of the tub. If it wasn't for my arms holding onto the outside hand rail the seat guard was relatively useless because my feet were flying as if on ice. Couldn't get a foot hold. Unbelievable. The second curved drop not nearly as bad as I recall but maybe because the first one was QUITE THE SCARE. Then the tub eased into a tunnel around back and cam back out front. I think it was a more uncontrolable feeling than the drop on the Cyclone. But... I'm sure if I had the chance... I'D DO IT AGAIN! Hope this note brings back memories of that ride for you as it did for me. Wish there was another "Virginia Reel" to ride again.

I vaguely remember seeing the one at Blackpool but can't remember if I rode. I think I did, but I don't count it as I can't be 100% certain. And that bums me out because I'd love to a) have ridden it and b) remember it clearly! I'd have been about 6 or 7 at the time.

But reports of the ride's wildness would be comparable to yours, Sunshine.

Also I had the same thoughts as Overbanked re: Knoebels. If they can build Flying Turns, they can build a Virginia Reel!

Great to see this thread bumped again.

First up apologies about links / pics I have posted on this thread disappearing from view.

My website no longer exists.

So many people want to see The Reel return.. I'm sure someone out there must have plans about rebuilding one..

Meanwhile back in the ol' UK this link to a forum topic regarding a new proposed Heritage Theme Park..

Gary

Hi Gary, yes it is nice to see this thread up again.Leo

When the Save Dreamland Campaign (Margate Dreamland, UK)carried out a survey to find out which lost ride members would most like to see replicated for the proposed Heritage Amusement Park, one ride received more votes than any other:

Can you guess which ride this was? :-)

In 1983 I raced around a Blackpool corner to find my favourite ride replaced by a Huss Ranger.

No apologies for bumping this thread up again.

Luna Virginia Riehl is second from the right.

> No apologies for bumping this thread up again.

You should apologize.
For bringing tears to my eyes once again.
;-)

My tears are for the Revere Beach, MA, reel, which "passed on" long before Blackpool's (as noted way, way, way, WAY back up there ^ ^ ^ !).

Mike B.

I've been feeling nostalgic about my amusement park memories... was remembering that as a kid i rode the Virginia Reel coaster at Revere Beach (MA). I have little clear memory about it except that it was exciting and frightening. You sat in round cars which were "papered" in red and yellow flames on the outside, with handrails all around. Sometime after that first and only ride, it was torn down after that... now of course, the whole park has been dismantled. I recall the Wild Mouse as well, though I never rode it. Good to chat with others who remember these old rides and appreciate the old days of roller coaster riding.