Hayden Island is a beautiful treasure of a town. Oregon’s only island community, it’s a place with a beach town spirit and PNW sensibility. In addition to its totally unique geography, Hayden Island has a fascinating history. The island was once home to the largest amusement park in the U.S., and today we’re going to take a look at the story of Jantzen Beach Amusement Park.
Hayden Island is literally located on the Columbia River, and it’s Oregon’s only island community.
Pussreboots/Fliclr
The island is technically a suburb of Portland, but it’s always been an iconoclastic little outlier that’s more beach vibes than urban living.
David Falconer/Wikipedia
Which is why Hayden Island was the perfect location for an amusement park.
Unknown author - City of Portland Archives/Wikimedia Commons
In 1927, William A. Logus and Leo F. Smith purchased 40 acres of land on Hayden Island from the Portland Electric Power Company.
Unknown author - City of Portland Archives/Wikimedia Commons
Logus and Smith headed the Hayden Island Amusement Company, and named the attraction “Jantzen Beach Amusement Park” after one of the park’s investors, Carl Jantzen, of the eponymous Jantzen swimsuit company.
Unknown, from “At Work and Play - images of rural life in NSW 1880-1940” collection/Wikipedia
The park opened to the public on May 26, 1928, drawing more than 15,000 guests (who paid just $0.10 admission at the time!).
Restore Oregon/Facebook The following day, 25,000 people came out to the park.
Known as the “Coney Island of the West,” Hayden Island amusement park was the place to go at the time.
Oregon Historical Society/Facebook
At 128 acres, it was the largest amusement park in the U.S. in its day!
Oregon Historical Society/Facebook
The amusement park included a merry-go-round, fun house, Big Dipper roller coaster, Golden Canopy Ballroom, four swimming pools, a natatorium, 25 acres of picnic grounds, and 15 acres of parking.
Restore Oregon/Facebook
In its 42-year tenure, the park shattered all attendance expectations; attracting more than 30 million visitors between 1928 and 1970.
Oregon Historical Society/Facebook
But by the 1950s, attendance began to decline, while the value of this island property increased.
Restore Oregon/Facebook
After an extraordinary 42-year run, Jantzen Beach Amusement Park closed in 1970.
Sam Churchill/Flickr
Today, a shopping center stands in its place.
Tedder/Wikimedia Commons
But the amusement park’s story isn’t over.
Restore Oregon/Facebook
Restore Oregon, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the state’s most historic places, is working to return the beloved carousel to the people of Portland.
Pamplin Media/Facebook Hopefully in the future, this iconic piece of Oregon history will be restored to its former glory, providing new generations of Oregonians a delightful link to the past.
Did you know Hayden Island was once home to the largest amusement park in the country? It really is an incredible story. If you’re looking to learn more about The Beaver State’s fascinating history, definitely check out this article about Robinette, an underwater ghost town in Oregon.
Pussreboots/Fliclr
David Falconer/Wikipedia
Unknown author - City of Portland Archives/Wikimedia Commons
Unknown, from “At Work and Play - images of rural life in NSW 1880-1940” collection/Wikipedia
Restore Oregon/Facebook
The following day, 25,000 people came out to the park.
Oregon Historical Society/Facebook
Sam Churchill/Flickr
Tedder/Wikimedia Commons
Pamplin Media/Facebook
Hopefully in the future, this iconic piece of Oregon history will be restored to its former glory, providing new generations of Oregonians a delightful link to the past.
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Address: Hayden Island, Hayden Island Neighborhood Network, OR, USA
