Next
time you plan a vacaition to Myrtle Beach, think about the
spot where the Pavilion once stood. The Myrtle Beach
Pavilion and amusement park were institional icons that will
forever hold a soft place in the hearts of beach goers. A
favorite beach vacation spot for people from SC and other
parts the world. Be sure to catch the Sun Fun Festival on
your very next visit.
Goodbye Myrtle Beach Pavilion
The Pavilion - An Icon Lost
For 58 years, the Myrtle Beach Pavilion was a major attraction in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Located in the heart of the city, the park was only one block from the beach in a primarily pedestrian area.
This 11-acre amusement park entertained and delighted generations of families. The park featured over 40 rides with the largest wooden rollercoaster in South Carolina.
The first pavilion building was built in the 1920s. This wooden structure was destroyed by fire twice and rebuilt. Finally in 1948, a concrete building was erected that stood through hurricanes until it was demolished in 2006 at the closing of the park.
Developing the Pavilion Park
The development of the park began when a traveling carnival in a nearby town was noticed by representatives of Burroughs & Chapin.
The owners signed an agreement with the carnival, and they moved their rides and acts to Myrtle Beach. Besides the rides, there were ice skaters, bear acts, dance troupes, and talent shows.
More rides were added in 1950 when Burroughs & Chapin bought out the Central Amusement Company. Concession stands were added and representatives continued traveling to find new rides for the park. Some of the famous rides at the Pavilion were the two million dollar Arrow Dynamics roller coaster, the Mad Mouse, the Log Flume, Surge, and the Hurricane: Category 5 roller coaster.
Unique Attractions at the Pavilion
One of the unique rides at the park was the Herschell-Spillman Carousel built in 1912. The horses and animals on this ride were painted in great detail. It is one of only 15 working Herschell-Spillman carousels in the country and one of the most elaborate.
The magnificent Baden Band Organ was built in Waldkirch Baden, Germany. It was on exhibit in Paris at the World Exposition in 1900. This huge organ is 20 feet long, 11 feet wide, and weighs about 2 tons. It operates with old-fashioned cardboard music with 400 pipes and 98 keys. It is in excellent condition and still has working cherubs that play drums and cymbals, and twirling ladies. The ornate figures and wooden decorations were hand-carved by A. Ruth & Sohn.
Closing the Park
The last season for the Myrtle Beach Pavilion was 2006. The owners, Burroughs & Chapin, announced they would be closing the park that year and planned special events for the park’s last month. This last year of operation provided the highest attendance and profits in the history of the park.
The Carousel and the Baden Band Organ along with some other rides were relocated to the site of the new amusement park. Some of the larger rides were demolished at the same time as the Pavilion.
The New Nostalgia Pavilion Park
The Nostalgia Pavilion Park has now opened at Broadway on the Beach, part of the main shopping district of Myrtle Beach. With some of the old rides and new attractions, you and your family can still enjoy the same fun as at the old Pavilion. Have fun on the Midway playing the games, and enjoy refreshments such as corn dogs and funnel cakes. Take the kids on rides and much more.
- The old park may be gone, but you can still enjoy the same kind of fun at the new Nostalgia Pavilion Park. Be sure to visit the Pavilion Museum and the blast-from-the-past retail shop during your trip.
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Living in North Myrtle Beach SC - Looking for big industry? Forget it! North Myrtle Beach has none of that. So, if you want to live at the beach, take a look at this report.
Pavilion Nostalgia Park at Myrtle Beach - If you couldn't wait to get to the beach when you were younger, here is a guide to the new Pavilion Nostalgia Park at Myrtle Beach, SC. It just wouldn't be Myrtle Beach travel without visiting this attraction.
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About the Author:
Article written by Candice Pardue,
Content
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Family vacations in Myrtle Beach and other SC resort areas
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