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In the early 1960s, Freedomland USA was the spot for rides and entertainment.

"When Freedomland was built it was the largest amusement park in the world," says Bronx Borough Historian Lloyd Ultan.

Built in less than a year, Freedomland opened in the summer of 1960. The layout was in the shape of the United States. It was actually a theme park based on American history with plenty of attractions depicting various time periods and several parts of the country.

"It was put together by a group of people who helped put together Disney Land. That is what their experience was and also some Hollywood art directors and set designers," says Ultan.

One of the favorite attractions was the reenactment of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.

"Every 15 minutes Chicago would burn down. And you would have the opportunity to man a pumper of the era and hold the hose and spray water on the facade of the building that had flames coming out of the open window," recalls Ultan.

For those who don't know about Freedomland, it was once located on the land now occupied by the Bay Plaza shopping mall in Co-Op City.

Frank Adamo, a Bronx native who helped build Freedomland and also worked there, recently coauthored a book on the amusement park's history. He says he remembers all of the famous entertainers who performed there.

"The Three Stooges, Jackie Wilson, Pat Boone and on and on," recalls Adamo.

Unfortunately, Freedomland only lasted five seasons. Unlike Disney Land in California that was open year round, the Bronx amusement park had to close in the winter. The rest of the year there were plenty of rainouts. As a result, not enough money came into the elaborate attraction that cost $20 million to build.

"There were union contracts given out that covered the whole year. You carried people through the winter. Your payroll was high. So it never financially made it," says Adamo. "It was heart breaking, because you knew what it was and what it stood for. It was a shame to see it go."

Adamo says the 1964 New York World's Fair in Queens was the final shot that sank Freedomland. But many still have fond memories of the once great attraction.

A Glimpse Of The Old Bronx

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