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Karl R. Josker | profile | all galleries >> Buffalo >> Crystal Beach tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Crystal Beach

The Crystal Beach Amusement Park was a very special place. As a small boy, I can remember taking the Canadiana from downtown Buffalo to the park. The boat ride was half the fun. I can remember taking my girlfriend there by highway. I can remember taking my children there when they were small. And I remember when it closed in September 1989. Two weeks before it closed, I took a nostalgic trip there for the last time, and took these photos.
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This was the dock the Canadiana arrived at...
This was the dock the Canadiana arrived at...		 The Comet
The Comet		 The Comet From The Lake
The Comet From The Lake		 The Comet Closer Up
The Comet Closer Up
The Comet From The Dock
The Comet From The Dock		 The Comet Entrance
The Comet Entrance		 Concession Building
Concession Building		 Crystal Beach Scene
Crystal Beach Scene
Ballroom
Ballroom		 Flying Bobs
Flying Bobs		 Giant Coaster
Giant Coaster		 Giant Coaster
Giant Coaster
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Carolyn 21-Jul-2008 18:58
+I went to Crystal beach every summer with my parents..Cannot forget lose great suckers they have. It was so enjoyable at crystal beach .. those were the good years
James Mancuso 18-Jul-2008 11:23
I remember many a good time to be had at Crystal Beach. The first time I rode the Comet, I had just got done downing an icecream cone- big mistake if one were to ride the Comet without the icream coming back up. Luckily I kept it down and enjoyed the ride. Then there was the Canada Coach Lines bus which was just as much of the Crystal Beach experience as the park itself. Those buses dated back to the 1950s and, like the park, were something of a time machine unto themselves. The boat ride was before my time, but Canada Coach Lines made up for it with the buses they ran on the route. For a long time, the timetable called for departures from Buffalo Greyhound Terminal at 15 minutes past each hour with similar intervals on the return trip. Unlike so many of today's amusement parks, Crystal Beach was truly affordable and with the fine service of Canada Coach Lines, you did not need a car to get there.
Jerry Finaldi 10-Jul-2008 14:49
Wow-These photos were sent to us in the Dallas area from our best friend Jim V. My family and also my wife Judy's family, had homes at Crystal Beach and Bay Beach when we were both born. From 1937 to 1978 Crystal Beach was our summer home. First with parents and then, after we both met at Crystal Beach and had married, at our own cottage on the lake about a half mile east of the Comet. The memories are uncountable and wonderful - the big bands in the Ballroom in the forties and fifties, the bathing beach, sights, sounds, events, aromas, the sense of sadness at the end of summer, signalled by fireworks as the Canadiana sailed away on Labor Day's last run of the season. I have often wondered if there was any other place quite like it in North America.
Chuck 08-Jul-2008 22:09
Amazing memories of a place that never leaves your heart. Crystal Beach was
not just a park ,but a state of mind. I remember not only the park, but the people
with whom I shared all those great times with. Thanks for many, many memories.
Sue 05-Jul-2008 02:22
My Dad worked at Thompson Products (later TRW).....my first visit to Crystal Beach was in a stroller. We went every year for the companies summer picnic. I remember Dad coming home with our tickets - oh how happy it made my brothers and I. My Uncles also worked at the plant and my cousins and our entire families went!! What wonderful and fond memories....I still get teary thinking its all gone. The early morning races and wonderful prizes....waiting for the gates to open - then off for a great day of wild fun - our parents never worried about us going off on our own - it was safe!! My first ride on the "Comet" - with my Dad:) These pictures make me both happy and sad !! Thanks for the memories:) Gone too soon!!!
John F. Kendall 20-Jun-2008 21:59
OH... I forgot. Did you know that a very close relative of Bob Hope worked at the center where you could get towels after swimming? [ Please add this into my last comment]
John F. Kendall 20-Jun-2008 21:56
Every year, at the end of school, the Atlas Steels plant in Welland, Ontario, would host what it called "The Atlas Steels Picnic". This event was held at the Crystal Beach Amusement Park and I went with my mom and dad every year through the 50's and early 60's. All of us who had family who worked at the plant eagerly looked forward to the event. Atlas Steels sold discounted tickets to employees and we all took out large picnic baskets to the tables provided at the picnic grounds. Cups of vanilla ice cream were distributed to the kids -- of which I was one.

I can't tell you how many times I've ridden the coasters there -- I had to get "big enough" to ride the Comet but it was a thrill every time! The other smaller wooden coaster was a hoot too and important to us kids because it was next to the picnic grounds and when it started to run the rides were open!

I dearly loved the look of the Magic Palace and the stuff in the arcade. It was like a living link to the people who came before me. I was born in 1950 so I never got to see the dances of the '40's but I loved the hall.

Although I think Disneyworld and the like are wonderful, Crystal Beach was a window into the world of my parents and grandparents. When they closed it down, they closed down a significant part of my youth.

Great pictures! God bless you and all of the folks who remember what I do...

JFK.
Gary Acker 15-Jun-2008 14:53
Wow what a time machine. Spent lots of time there many years ago. Left Buffalo in "68". I guess you can take the person out of Buffalo, but you can't take Buffalo out of the person. There was no place better to spend your summers.
Michelle Alkerton 11-Jun-2008 22:59
I worked in the Floss Stand beside the Magic Palace for Hall's Candy. I spent six summers with my Grandma from the time I was 13 years old (1979-1984). Our stand made the caramel corn and fudge for the entire park as well as candy apples, popcorn and cotton candy. Those were awesome years and I was lucky to be able to work at such a 'hopping' place. Hot Dog Alley was always filled with people until all hours of the night. We would get busloads of people coming for their work picnics and they always stopped to buy the caramel corn. My Grandma worked there for over 40 years until it's closure in 1989. In it's hey day it was amazing.
Jeff Kolovrat 09-Jun-2008 18:00
I was born in Buffalo in 1958 and grew up in Syracuse, but spent many summers at my Grandparents on Stevens Ave and later in Cheektowaga. We would go to Beaver Island and Crystal Beach. Remember the french fries in the paper cone with lots of salt and malt vinegar? The Magic Carpet with the wall of crates that would "almost" fall on you? And smuggling fire crackers back over the border? I wish my kids could have had just a glimpse of those times!
Cathy Smith 07-Jun-2008 01:06
Been down here in South Carolina now for 33 years, but the fond memories of childhood never seem to leave. I can remember Kenmore day, and how my parents finally let me ride the bus up there, while they went by car. Remember the waffle cones, how my Mom always wanted to get them last thing before we left the park. I miss those days when we could run free, and my parents wouldn't worry about anything happening to us. My sister, Pam, sent this to me, and reminded me of the time our Dad had to take her off Laff in the Dark because she was crying. She was just a little thing trying to keep up with me. Makes me miss Buffalo.....
jackieh 04-Jun-2008 16:49
Boy do I remember this place!! The wonderful suckers, waffles, and loganberry. The fun house where the guy use to blow the air, what a hoot! My mom remembers the boat ride and when they had a fire and it all burned down. What memories. How sad its all but just that a memory.
Tom Wenzka 19-May-2008 19:16
Fun photos and comments. Today, I just happened to sand and re-woodburn an image of the Canadiana that I originally woodburned in 1977 on a slab of driftwood from Lake Erie. The News had published an anniversary photo of the ship, based on 20 years since its last crossing to Crystal Beach.

That led to curiosity, Google, and here. Touching comments here and on the Canadiana finis page.

My favorite memories of the park are of early morning arrivals to get ice and food while camping with pals at Sherkston while on college summer breaks. Before shopping, we got the first rides of the day on the Comet in the cool of early morning. Fantastic!
Guest 17-May-2008 17:47
Today I was nostalgic about Buffalo and my childhood. Stumbled upon Crystal Beach sites. Dad worked at the Ford Stamping plant and I remember about 5 summers of going to Crystal Beach between the ages of 7 and 12 during Ford Family days. I got my first childhood crush over an an Italian looking girl and looked for her every Summer. It's sad to see what everyone fondly remembers disappear. This place should have been saved. Age 48
Bill 15-May-2008 22:04
I moved to Colorado 30 years ago but have fond memories of Crystal Beach. In fact in the early 80's took my family to experience a little of what I had.
H.A. Ezra 06-May-2008 01:20
Fantastic Pictures - Memories of wonderfully innocent summers full of fun. I was fortunate enough to spend 10 unforgettable aummers here from 1950 - age 12 to 1960 - Met many great guys & gals from Buffalo - 6 gals had a cottage called The Sextets - very riske for that era - and they were totally sweet. Often wonder how they have fared. In the posts I read - no one seemed to mention the delicious Coconut Milk at the Derby Corner Stand - or the fun meals at Nats Restaurant - The "jitterbugging" at the Swing-Inn on Elmwood - the tiny strip of beach that was free - WOW - what memories. Would love to hear from anyone I knew back then - like Gayle - Jay R. - Yutch M. - would be great - Honey - hurricbub@yahoo.ca
Greg Hansen 02-May-2008 01:57
Wow. We went every year for Westinghouse day.
Stopped at KFC on the way and had the run of the place.
I remember long lines, andall my favorite rides.
I bet I walked into the door of The Magic Castle a thousand times.
Closng it was a real tragedy in my life.
One of the things I'd do if I could travel time would be to go to Crystal Beach again and ride the Laff In The Dark!!
Hacker 29-Apr-2008 03:09
Kenmore Bob. How many of us got our first real kiss in the tunnel of love boat ride. I sure would like one more time through with Pat Mc
Ted Malinowski 23-Apr-2008 01:44
Our family literally grew up in Crystal Beach. Just after we ended the school year, we moved up to our cottage in Crystal Beach since we were little kids. Our grandfather owned Kolipinski Bros. furniture, and they had a beautiful summer home on Maplewood. Our cottage was next door.
We spent the days on the beach, then, in the evening, we went to the penny arcade and played the games. When we went to bed at night, you could hear the cho-cho train, the giant coaster, and even the comet; if the wind was blowing right. They used to have a fireworks display from the pier on Decoration Day (Memoriial Day), on the 4th of July, and on Labor Day. The fireworks started as the Canadiana left the pier on the late trip back to Buffalo. You could hear the echo from each firework explosion, as it traveled up to Point Abino and back. When the boat left every night at 11:00 P.M. you could clearly hear the boats horn.When we were in our early 20's, we rented cottages throughout Crystal Beach, and had some amazing parties. Pajama parties, toga parties etc. were very well organized by Ed Smith, who later ran Melody Fair. Beer was only $5.00 per case, and there were probably close to 50 or 60 cottages like ours.........all good party people. The Crystal Lodge, Thor's (named after my German Shepherd), the Brewery, Sticky Fingers, The Farkle Family, Mag 7 were only some of the names of the cottages.
We own the same cottage that I grew up in on Maplewood, and we still spend all our summers up there. Now, it's our grandkids who are forging their own memories. The park is long gone, as are the dozens of American cottages.......but the beach is there, spotless, and as pristine as ever.It is peaceful, and quiet........but we still remember all the noise we used to make, going from party to party. Sometimes we wonder, just how did we do it?? That was the magic of Crystal Beach.
Becky 15-Apr-2008 18:09
I was born in Buffalo, and spent summers in Canada. Crystal Beach was truly magical for me as a child. I only have happy memories of the place. I liked the magic carpet ride best, but
braved the roller coaster a few times (not my favorite). My family moved from Buffalo when I was
nine years old, however, as an adult I happened to meet the granddaughter of the man who
owned Crystal Beach. We shared lots of memories. I was so excited to see these pictures! Thanks for posting them.
KATHLEEN 10-Apr-2008 21:00
I WOULD RIDE THE CANADIANA ALMOST EVERY DAY BY MYSELF SINCE I WAS 7 YRS OLD. I LIVED RIGHT BEHIND THE CONCESSION STAND ON THE WAY TO THE BUFFALO DOCK IN 1950. THOSE WHERE BETTER TIMES WHEN YOU COULD TRUST PEOPLE. CRYSTAL BEACH WAS MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME. IWOULD MAKE A P&B SANDWICH AND GO TO THE BEACH FOR THE DAY. IN THE PARK THIER WAS ALWAYS SOMEONE I NEW WHO WOULD GIVEME TICKETS FOR THE RIDES AND MOST OF THE WORKERS NEW ME AND WOULD ALLOW ME TO RIDE FREE. AHHH THOSE WHERE THE DAYS..
kathi osborne 10-Apr-2008 17:42
I still get teary thinking of Crystal Beach.It was the best time riding the boat,the Comet,Magic Carpet.I can hear my Moms laughter,my sisters yells and my sheer joy at being there.It spawns at least 15 years of my life.The 1st about 4,the last {with a boy named Vic Dunn}at 17.I never saw him again.!!!I did go back in my 30s to see it,but,to my sadness it had closed several days before.It will always have the Echo of laughter and joy..Kathi{Lang}Osborne
psmith102006 04-Apr-2008 22:47
Crystal Beach was the best place ever. I use to like the Magic Carpet before it became the Magic Palace. Bounce down the carpet was neat. The Hey Dey, Tumble Bug, Caterpiller and Wild Mouse were so much fun.

By the way, does anybody have pics of Glen Amusement Park in Wiliamsville, or Fun N Games Park? Remember Dealings Rides on Niagara Falls Blvd?
TIM GLAZ 09-Mar-2008 08:49
JUNGLE LAND....LOL....I remember that cannibal dunking that man in and out of the cooking pot all the while he's screaming and crying....OOOOOWWWWW...LOL...and that goofy lion garbage can that sucked the garbage out of your hand. Laff in the Dark had that skeleton with a dress on playing the piano outside on the corner of the building.....scared the heck out of me when I was about 5. Seeing a clog here and there floating in the water below the Sky Ride. And that GIANT guy standing out there by the Slide. I think he's still out there someplace , someone bought him , anybody know ? Those dang bees hanging all over the suckers...lol...I could go on forever...best days of my youth hands down !
TIM GLAZ 09-Mar-2008 08:09
geesh....looking at these pics bring back some fond memories. I remember as a kid growing up in Kaisertown on the south side of Buffalo just waiting for East Clinton Day and Westinghouse Day at CRYSTAL BEACH. Dad would buy strips of tickets from work at Westinghouse and what a day we would have ! East Clinton Day would find me going there on a bus with all my friends. Jungle Land , Magic Palace , Laff in the Dark , The Comet , Sky Ride, Spider , Flying Bobs , The Scrambler , Bumper Cars , Giant Coaster and always ended the day with the Train Ride. And those suckers to take home were the best I ever had ! We would go out of the park to eat at one of the restaurants just outside the gate and as we were leaving I kept looking back anticipating my next visit. What I would give for just one more day there ! I miss it dearly.
Diane 08-Mar-2008 18:01
Memories of my childhood on the westside of Buffalo always include Crystal Beach and Fort Erie. We lived near the Peace Bridge and could catch a bus or ride within minutes. It wasn't another country to us then, you didn't even need to carry ID.
Anticipation of getting free ride tickets from Loblaws was a great motivator to get good grades, since the higher the grades, the more tickets you were given. That was back when communities and businesses cared to work together for the benefit of the children. You never hear of programs like that anymore. Too bad.
Thanks for the wonderful pictures - especially on this very snowy, cold day!
Mark 07-Mar-2008 16:50
I live in Crystal Beach, Fl which I understand our community was named after the park. My wife is from Buffalo so this is really a neat thing for her and her family.

We love CB, FLA and definitley my wife has great memories of CB Canada!
Cindi Ricigliano-Cramer 07-Mar-2008 16:13
Wow what great memories of fun, family and great friends. Thank you.
Jackie 02-Mar-2008 07:53
My family cottage is still up and running on Elmwood.
But, of course, it's not the same without the park.
We fill up our time there, wandering about, reminiscing about
old memories of what used to be there.
Sadly, this generation won't know what they've missed.
Ellen Ahearn 23-Feb-2008 03:00
I actually smelled the french fries with salt vinegar when I viewed the pictures. The 40s and 50s were made all the more magical having cb in our lives: family picnics, the comet, dancing (then skating) in the ballroom, riding the Caterpillar with my grandmother, flirting with the boys from Port Colburn at the Arcade, taking a moonlight ride on the Canadiana, listenening to Woody Herman on the dock when pulling away. Audrey, thanks for being my best friend. I'm crying!!!
Beverly Estrach Weinstein 22-Feb-2008 16:40
WOW what great pictures and memories. Had a cottage on Elmwood Ave (up the hill from the Swing Inn) till 1958 The park was so special not only for the rides, but the suckers and loganberry drink. Ski ball prizes filled my room. The french fries (and sand and vinegar) at Bay beach were the best.Meeting great friends from Canada;, buying English bone cups and Scottish wools for school in Ridgeway every Aug.
Paul Anderson 19-Feb-2008 23:56
The town ,the park , the beach,what a place and time to growup. I used to cruise The Beach every day in the summers in my car.. There was always a party ,friends to meet,friends to be made good fun to be had.I tell my kids I had the best youth ever.In Fort Erie we used to walk from the highschool across the tracks downtown to Jarvis St. just to get fries fresh off the Chip-wagon.I think just about everyone looking at these pics would all get aboard that timemachine and go back to Crystal.
Nancy Thines 17-Feb-2008 21:35
Crystal Beach Memories, ya gotta love it! Alwayslooking to find old friends from Crystal Beach. Drop me a line if you were in Omega Delta Psi or hung out with any of us at the beach from 1967 to 1970. Would love to hear for you. email me at nancyt622@msn.com
Guest 15-Feb-2008 18:43
Hi all you Crystal Beach Lovers. Over the next few months, I am producing a nostalgic documentary project for the Western New York and Southern Ontario region about Crystal Beach for WNED-TV. I would love to hear your stories and am especially interested in those who have old photos or hom emovies they are willing to share for the project. Please contact me with any info at (716)845-7000, ext. 251 or by email at lbader-gregory@wned.org.

Sincerely -
Lynne Bader-Gregory
Producer, WNED-TV
Corky Maraschiello 06-Feb-2008 15:41
As a kid My friend (Who Pass) Richard LoCastrie would go down to his fathers hotdog stand at the foot of main streetwhere we would greet the people going to and from the Canadiana , show them where to get hot dogs ,hamburgers ,fris and a drink. While people were waiting for the boat to return , Richards father would put on a vinquelist show sell hot dogs & hamburgers . We became good friends with the boats crue and caption as we would run up to the wheel house to bring then food and drink from the stand. we got many rides free on the boat back and forth to christal beach and spent nany hours in the wheel house pretending to stear the boat( we never did)
great memorys great times and long lasting friendships from day's gone by. Thank you for them.
Guest 03-Feb-2008 05:08
email, this is truly what it's all about. If you could stand up in your car at the very top of the comet with your hands pointing straight up as the cars were starting to decend... you were cool!!! Our friend Wendy was thrown out of the bob-o-link as it was at its fastest speed. She sustained a fractured arm and cuts and bruises. It could have been a whole lot worse. Growing up on Edison St. in Buffalo I remember the banners they would hang over major intersections ie:
Joe Nigrelli 23-Jan-2008 06:20
My heyday at Crystal beach was the 70's. We would save up money to prepurchase ride tickets to attend on South Buffalo Day. A bunch of rowdy but good kids from along South Park and Abbot road would pile int buses and go for the day and with minimal adult supervision. It was a safe and fun place. The COMET was the first ridet o hit followed by the smaller yelklow coaster . Every year we would go to the Jungle land ride with its funky green water, Laugh in the Dark, Magic Palace before checking out a new ride. WIld mouse was best after dark. Scared the heck out of the girls and they would huddle neck to you. AH! Sweet youth. I first experiencecd the joy of having vinegar on my fries there. What a treat. Even the Arcade with its cheesy cranky movies with is naughty girls were worth the nickel to view them. We would travel the whole park going on every ride at least once. Eat your fill of junk food. Go roller skating in the ballroom. By the time the buses left in the evening you were exhausted. Seeing the Buffalo skykline in the distance on the ride back across the Peace Bridge was beautiful at night. Lots of memories of Crystal Beach and unfortunately those who have passed on . Thanks for the pictures.
Marion 18-Jan-2008 14:45
These terrific photos bring back some wonderful memories of a lifetime ago!!! I remember going there with my mom and my grandparents when I was little, and I also took my own children there for my husband's company picnics when they were little. So four generations of my family enjoyed Crystal Beach!! I remember the fun of Cheektowaga Days and the bus ride to get there!! It was always so great to see so many others from Cheektowaga. That was the highlight of the summer!!! The beach was beautiful and the rides were fun. Every year I told myself that I would go on the Comet "next year"; I never did get up the courage to go on it! "Those were the days, my friend; we thought they'd never end"!! Sadly, they did. Wouldn't it be wonderful to go back to that era one more time!!! Thanks so much for taking me on a walk down memory lane!!!
BARBARA SCHAFER MOORE 18-Jan-2008 01:34
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE MEMORIES. IT WAS HARD TIMES DURING MY CHILDHOOD, SO MOM WOULD SAVE UP ENOUGH MONEY SO WE COULD GO BY BUS. WHAT A GREAT TIME !!! YOU NEVER WANTED TO LEAVE. I CAN'T WAIT TO SEND THIS TO MY BROTHER. I MOVED AWAY FROM BUFFALO IN 1978, HOW I HATED TO GO. THANKS TO YOU AND ALL WHO HAVE COMMENTED ABOUT THEIR MEMORIES .. CRYSTAL BEACH WILL ALWAYS BE THERE FOR ALL OF US !!
RAndy waz 12-Jan-2008 20:04
hey i grew up in orchard park ny, and can remember my first season when i was tall enough for the comet, IT WAS SO EXCITING , and those dam cars they had on the one \\'wild Mouse ride where they actually jumped off the trace, and mom and dad smuggling beer over the border, WHAT A GREAT CHILDHOOD, thaNKS FOR BRINGING BACK SOME WONDERFUL MEMORIES.. I LIVE ON THE WEST COAST OF FLORIDA SINCE 1972 SO ITS BEEN A VERY LONG TIME.!
Shirley 14-Dec-2007 22:46
Wow, thanks for the memories. I grew up in Fort Erie, Ontario and Crystal Beach was my refuge for most of my younger years. I braved the Comet and got sick on a few rides due to Mr Nice Guy who thought it would be fun to give a longer ride than usual. I learned how to roller skate there and spent many hours wondering around. I thought Crystal Beach would be there forever. Great part of my life. Thanks for the wonderful photos and memories.
Kim Curthoys McCaslin 08-Dec-2007 16:08
I graduated from Crystal Beach Public School in 1960. I am a teacher in Arkansas and would appreciate anyone providing me with the CBPS e-mail address so that I can contact them in hopes of visiting the school when I visit the area over the new year. Does anyone out there know Carol Elliott who married Larry Hannigan---Diane Rukavina, Paul Legris, Morris Brewster? I would love to contact them. I know that the area has changed tremendously and I will probably be shocked, but my memories will sustain me....Ridge Dairy with the BEST ice cream. I wonder who has that cow mannequin who chewed the same grass day after day?---a school that was way ahead of its time---scholastically (I still have my notebooks from 8th grade), architecturally, and the quality of the teachers---are Mrs. Brenner or Mrs Taylor still living? I chose teaching as a career because of the terrific start Ireceived at CBPS. THE PARK was my favorite place. We felt safe then. During the polio scare we were not allowed to drink from any of the water fountains. That was okay with us. We preferred the phosphates anyway. The Hall's suckers were to die for! I did not have a favorite ride. All were special.
Suzanne Bisson 07-Nov-2007 18:09
As a tennager in them days I remember all the fun to be had at the park. My family also had the opportunity of winning the largest family contest, put on by The Electirc Metals Company (1956). There were free rides for all of us that day and a free picnic. Thanks for the memories. FOREVER IN MY HEART
Dennis Harnisch 23-Oct-2007 22:58
WOW! How did my past find me? I think I am the little boy standing in front of the BALL ROOM photo! I'm 62 years old and can still out-ride my kids at the ride parks! Thanks to my parents who took me every year to Crystal Park with my cousins and sisters I still love ALL the rides!!
Dee 16-Oct-2007 03:47
Thank you to all involved with this web site. I grew up in Buffalo in the 40's & 50's and of course Crystal Beach was a great place, I danced on the Canadiana and rode the rides and have such geat memories of days gone by. Thanks for bringing them back.. Kids today should all go back in time to see what they are missing.
Life was good back then. Hi-Teen, roller skating, swimming at centenial pool, Ted's hot dogs at Front park. Thanks for the memories.
Victoria Plaskett 09-Oct-2007 03:42
I grew in Crystal Beach during the 60's, attended Crystal Beach Public School and spent every day of every summer at the beach, the blustery days were the best when we'd dodge the waves. As a 'resident' we got special yellow photo I.D. cards for free admission. We'd throw a towel over our shoulder, grap an orange and walk through the park, through the turnstyles, under the tunnel, and up onto the beach. The water was 'crystal' clear and the boys from Buffalo were cute. I remember every Labour Day going as a family on all the rides, getting tickets for good marks at school. Halls suckers were the best, and the garbage cans that sucked in your trash. When I got a summer job at Mitchener's Grocery on Rebstock, my carefree beach days came to an end. Good memories of carefree summers.
Donna Wickenden Thibodeaux 09-Oct-2007 02:32
What a great place! When I was 15 (1954) My dad and I spent the afternoon riding the comet. We would wait for the front seat on the coaster and have a ball for the rest of the afternoon. There were family reunions at Crystal Beach and my father's company picnics there. I was sad that it closed and appreciate the pictures.
I now live in the Utah Mountains but still remember the fun that was had at this place.
Guest 23-Sep-2007 16:30
What great memories - The Comet is now at The Great Escape in Lake George, NY. Took a nostalgic ride on it the summer it arrived there. Nothing like The Comet for a real roller coaster ride.
guest 21-Sep-2007 13:37
What a great place!! I met my husband of 25 years at Crystal Beach in the Summer of 1978, at the age of 16. I have so many memories of this place. My aunt used to take all of us one by one on our first ride on the Comet, and it was always the front seat, even if we had to wait. It was a right of passage - We were big kids now! We too were at the park the day it closed, right up to the last minute !! - I still have the sweatshirt I bought that day. Thank you for sharing your wonderful photos.
Denis Coll 15-Sep-2007 19:29
I'm from Northern Ireland but evry summer from 81 to 87 I stayed with friends at Point Abino. Some of my fondest memories of spending the summer where at CB. I recently returned a few years ago to find the beach closed. I thank you for sharing these great photos. Can you still get those great suckers if so let me know at deniscoll@btinternet.com
Dave Patton 15-Sep-2007 00:38
I notice that all the pictures I have seen are great memory of a time when everyone young and old could ride all day for less than three dollars. I often wonder what ever happen to the pony rides that was right outside of the park next to the grandstand. I think it was call Toms Pony rides. I have never saw a picture of them.
Lars Braun 06-Sep-2007 09:47
The best memories of my youth are summer days enjoyed in the bay at Crystel Beach. Walking from the park to the Canoe Club and back. Our cottage was only a short walk from the park. When it was free entry, we would go there to walk around, but after they charged an entry fee we were only allowed to go about twice a year. However, skating at the rink and the arcades on Derby street recieved their fair share of my beach combing money!
Mary Hanley 01-Sep-2007 16:28
My family had a cottage behind Crystal Beach and we would go up there often. I use to LOVE the Magic Carpet. I can't wait to forward this to my sisters and cousin. It brought back wonderful memories. You can buy the suckers at Dashes market, they bring back part of childhood and the fun we had there. Mary (Williamsville)
Debbie See 29-Aug-2007 13:46
I've heard so many stories about Crystal Beach from my Mom, Dad, aunts... My Mom and her sisters will talk about when "Mama" would take them there and all the things they would do. These photographs really help to bring those stories to life. Thanks for posting them and sharing your memories.
MARIA 29-Aug-2007 05:13
THANKS FOR THE WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE. IT TOOK ME BACKTO SUCH A WONDERFUL TIME IN MY LIFE. THANK YOU FOR THINKING OF ME KVK.
Gary Clark 27-Aug-2007 20:15
ThanX Karl......growing up in Riverside near the Park in the 50/s60s [esp pre-Thruway] was a pretty kewl thing to be doing....but Crystal Beach was all-ways something extra.....maybe it was the distance...the mystery of taking the CB Boat...that somewhat "exotic" feel to everything once we were actually there, surrounded by all the rides and other kids.....it was like a dream....and still is .... inside of me.....thanX for the images...! Gary@GaryClarkART.com
T. Hastings 25-Aug-2007 01:58
Hey Dave, good to read your comment. Had some of the greatest memories of my teen years at Crystal Beach. I was lucky enough to have a best friend that owned a cottage right down the beach from the park. No matter what we spent our $ on, we always saved enough to buy 7 tickets to ride the Comet. Forward, Backward, No hands, Standing, (not on the seat) we were crazy enough to try it all. Then over to the Flying Bobs (always the best music)to check out the girls. What a great time with some great friends.
Susan Porter 23-Aug-2007 13:13
Oh yes, I remember crystal beach. When my friend and I skipped school which we did frequently, we visited there on many occasions. I think the last time I was there was when I left Buffalo in 1977 or so......Oh my, we did graduate, but that is because we were blessed with some smarts so that the antics we played in those days did not destroy our minds & bodies.(totally)....Oh, and what antics we did play. I remember the smell of juicy fruit gum so well in the 70's, of Bobby Dylan, of my 68 volkswagon and that I really never kissed a boy until I was 17. Just a little too shy....thought about it, had many of crushes.....I really have a vauge memory of many of the 70's "No Foolin"(not about what I did, but about who was there with me) but I remember the WILD MOUSE....I wanted to get off that ride in mid flight.......Not the comet though, I have been a fan of roller coasters my entire life....Please, don't spin me around unless you want those fries with vinegar ( yuch) on your lap, just give me the back seat of any roller coaster with a friend and I'm fine. Thanks for the memories Beverlee
W. Franusiak 23-Aug-2007 04:46
I received a link to this page yesterday from an old friend. Wow, did it bring back wonderful memories and I felt compelled to comment! I grew up in Buffalo and during the 70's and early 80's Crystal Beach was the trip I waited all school year for. I recall that a good report card had benefits and my mother got something for our good grades at Acme Supermaket before we would go. My earlist memories of the park are that of the Magic Carpet ( before the carpet was removed from the exit of the ride and name changed to "Palace"), the Auto Turnpike, and when all rides took tickets before the pay-one-price. I recall the first time I was tall enough to ride the Comet and how scared I was when I stood in line with my Dad only to be hooked for life on that rolleroaster after my first run. My mom and I would play "Skeet" ball ( that's what I recall it being called) in the arcade for a dime to win paper tickets to maybe get a prize later. Another comment mentioned fries and vinegar.......I can taste them now! I recall going down to see the Canadiana after I graduated high school when a group was looking for volunteers in an attempt to restore her in 1984 or so. It was a great park and it holds some of my fondest memories of childhood and family trips. Thanks!
Joyce Digati 22-Aug-2007 18:21
Wow !! Talk about a blast from the past. I loved going to Crystal Beach!! I'll never forget the magic palace when the shot of air would go up your skirt. I swear there was a guy watching and would get the girls on purpose!! The french fried with vinegar are still a smell I can remember. I now take my children to bay beach and they still sell them at the stand at the beach and they love the vinegar on them too. I was never on the Canadiana but my parents use to talk about it all the time. Dances at the Ballroom. What great memories for all. The Comet was the best hated it so much I went on over and over again. Screamed just as much the last time as the first. The first hill was a killer , click click click the just hang there. I can still feel it YaHoo! Thanks so much for the pictures! Joyce
D. Potenza 22-Aug-2007 02:18
Our family had a cottage about 200 yards from the beach enterance ...The Bath House for those in the know .... right down from Zak's Shack and the life guard stand. I can still here the click, click, click of the Comet as it climed the first hill and the screams that followed...... all day long until the whistle blew! And who could forget grabbing a bag full of suckers (the hot ones were my favorite) in a paper bag as the bees follwed you down the street to grab a box of frys w/gravey and a logenberry .......
LaurieG 22-Aug-2007 01:03
There will never be a place like that again. Wonderful place and time. I have so many happy summer memories from Crystal Beach. I agree with one of the other posts, there are tears in my eyes when I look at these photos.
Bernie Cummings 17-Aug-2007 23:31
We always remember nickel day at Crystal Beach, the last week in August. My mom would take my brother, 3 cousins and myself and spend $25.00, and that wasn't a person... it was all of us
Guest 16-Aug-2007 14:44
Those were the Days! As a pre-teen and teen, I went with my BFF's at least twice a week. We walked from the first ward to the foot of Main to catch the boat. They were great times. We were safe no matter what timeof day. What has happened to this world? It's a shame the new generations do not have this opportunity. I can still taste the Hall suckers, french fries with salt vinegar, Always brought home the waffles formy mother. (They always were crushed before I got them home) The loganberry, hotdogs, taffy,mallo cup ice cream.....Beam me back, Scottie!!!!! I loved the boat ride, sometimes we wentback and forth on it a fewtimes in one day. Danced up a storm on the boat.. These are memories I will never forget.
Kevin Weil 15-Aug-2007 18:18
I recall fondly my times there in the 60's and 70's. Wonderful pictures and great to see all these comments. I will never forget my grandmother taking us on "nickel" day which allowed rides for a nickel (or something like that). I remember going during Kenmore week and spending the day running from ride to ride. I loved the vacuum trash cans that sucked the garbage from your hands.

Someone commented on what was taken down will never be seen again. A few months ago I was in Sydney Australia. There across the harbor was an amusement park. It was called Luna park, although smaller than Crystal beach, this place had many of the same architectural highlights and leanings as Crystal beach. It may be a second cousin to our favorite park.
Richard Seitz 14-Aug-2007 00:40
AIRPLANE CRASHES IN TO THE CRYSTAL BEACH BOAT. Thats right I think I was was about 10 (late 40's). We were on the Crystal Beach Boat going to Crystal Beach, of course. There was a yellow plane that buzzed the boat and started doing acrobatic manuvers around the boat. It then crashed into the starboard bow. The pilot was never found. No one on board was hurt.

I will never forget it. The plane hit at the very front of the bow. I wasn't tall enough
to look over the side, but I do remember seeing the yellow tail section sink into the lake. Everyone was asked to go to the port side so the life boats could be lowered to look for the pilot. The boat listed way over on its left side .

If any one can remember the date or the incident please contact me.:emial: emaildickseitz@yahoo.com.
Megan Burmeister Full 07-Aug-2007 01:15
It seems like it was just a couple of years ago that we were waiting in line for the yellow roller coaster. Thank you everyone for sharing the memories. I had forgotten about some of the fun times. The magic carpet at the end of the castle,of course the air that was blown up as you walked by. Oh so many many laughs. I have spent over an hour and have not read half of the responses. Hello to all the Bailey-Delevan folks. St.Gerard's is having an all class & parishoners reunion on Sat. Oct 27 of this year. Contact the church to get your name on the list.!!!!
beverly mercer 06-Aug-2007 19:12
As everyone else says... Thanks for the memories!!! I wish I had a map to really remember where everything was. Don't forget about all the food stands outside of the park that served french fries and gravy. I never left the park without a cinnamon sucker and never ever finished one! As a teenager we rented cottages with our friends. "Suds City No Tell Hotel" We drank more Labattes Blue label and had parties with hundreds of kids and never had one problem with the police. Imagine that !! I found a video a few years back about the history of the beach and gave it to my brothers for Christmas. It was one of the most popular gifts that year. Well I will be sure to visit this site again just to read the commets and relive the past!!
John Kulikowski 02-Aug-2007 18:04
I haven't lived in Buffalo for a long time and am sad to hear one more thing from the past is gone forever; Crystal Beach. Yes I too stood on tip toes to try to make the red height line for the Comet, we would try to see who could ride it the most, boasts of 12 to 20 times in-a-row were common. We would be so excited as kids driving there from Buffalo we would practically jump out of our skins.
Thank you
Sue (Suhay) Budziszewski 31-Jul-2007 02:08
Each summer we reminice about Crystal Beach. My parents didn't have much money, so it was a real treat to visit this magical place once a year. My cousins moved to Phoenix over 25 years ago & even they still talk about it! When you mention Crystal Beach to someone else that shares your memories, thier eyes light up as if a child again. My parents have their own remembrances. Riding aboard the Americana & Canadiana, Roller Skating & Dancing & the ever popular Queeno Bottle Cap Day. My Dad would collect the bottle caps so that he could get in for free, otherwise he could not have gone. I remember standing on tip-toes so that I could finally ride the Comet! Can't explain to others how it feels to come down that big drop, hands in the air & sandflies in your face! Thanks for sharing these fabulous pictures.
Barry Stewart 28-Jul-2007 19:33
Thanks for the memories. I was born and spent the first ten years of my life in Buffalo. We lived on Kelvin Drive near Lincoln Park, just off Niagra Falls Blvd., and made the trip to Crystal Beach each summer. You are right - those were simpler, safer, more innocent times.
Linda (Ferri)Russell 28-Jul-2007 14:53
Back in the late ‘50’s, at age 13, the only way my sister Pat was allowed to go the Crystal Beach, was if she brought me along. I was all of 10 years old and it was a time when there was no worry about kidnappers or adults who did weird things. Being from Trenton Ave on the West Side, we walked to Dante Place to get the boat. Between the short walk and waiting in line to board the Canadiana, the excitement almost lifted me off the ground.

Once beyond the gang plank and onboard, I would stand along the railing, holding our towels, while the piped in rock n’roll played and the throngs of teenagers flirted and danced on the open air deck. They’d gyrate on the well worn, tan colored, hardwood floor, in their shorts or bathing suits, enjoying 1950’s teenage life and summer fun. The excitement easily carried us over Lake Erie, and in all too short and long a time, we would pour barefoot onto the waiting pier at Crystal Beach. We’d run along the long faded planks that led to the beach, holding our towels and shoes, while screams trumpeted off the Comet as it turned and licked the warm shore line.

Though Italian-American, my skin color is fair and the hot sun would soon start to color me lobster pink. The pain seemed never to come until late that day, at our house, and usually while sand flies made their final flight to light bulbs tucked under beige, scalloped lampshades.

But at the beach, as we hunted for the perfect parcel of space, we did a sort of Irish step dance over hot sand and crisscrossed around green, blue and red towels and faded hand me down blankets that splotched over the billions of beige grains.

We baked on the beach and then ran into the lapping lake. When hunger hit, I would stay with the blanket, while Patty went to the concessions for hot dogs and Coke a Cola.
By 3:00, it was time to catch the next boat back to Buffalo. If we had enough change left, Patty would get me a pink cotton candy for the trip home. The day in the sun often left me sleepy with eyes at half mast, and once on the boat home, I’d rest my head and under reddened eye lids, watched the sky line of Buffalo come closer and closer. Closer and closer.

From the throngs of comments on this site, it’s clear these are great memories for all of us. Many thanks to the site photographer – The photos are a gift!

Linda (Ferri) Russell

Guest 28-Jul-2007 12:42
What a place- What a treasure
LInda (Ferri) Russell 28-Jul-2007 12:37
In the late '50's, by the time I was 10 yrs old, my 13 yr old sister Pat could only go to Crystal Beach if she brought me too. (imagine that! No worry about kidnapping or adults doing weird things!!) Living on the lower West Side (Trenton Ave) we would walk to Dante Place for the boat. While standing in line, waiting to board the boat the excitement of today's adventure was mounting. And once onboard, as 10 yr. old Italian American kid who loved music, the ship's music and the reams of dancing teenagers were overwhelming. Maybe equal to what the kids on American Bandstand had felt. For me and so many others, the scene on the boat packed a high and carried us all the way to Crystal Beach shores. Coming up on shore in Canada, the view of the beach, sand and water poured over us like a melting delicious frozen custard. In the background your could hear screams coming from the Comet as it licked the shore line. You made your way onto the beach, careful not to step on the blue, red and green towels or the hand me down, sun faded blankets . Since these were the days of no sun screen, and that I have fair skin, I would immediately start to burn, but the whole place was so different than the West Side of Buffalo, I would never notice how bad the burn would become until that evening and my skin throbed, while sand flies danced on the lamp shade. After all, Crystal Beach was full of fun things to do - See your friends, dip into Lake Erie, eat a hot dog, and if you had enough money get a pink cotton candy. Funny how memories like this are not complete, but we have snipids of images left to call on. The photos in this gallery are a tresaure and from the comments by so many others, they help remind us and fill in the memory gaps, of what an incredible place Buffalo and Crystal Beach was in the '50.s. Many thanks to K Josker for lovingly making these images available.
West Side Gal
Gail (Tierney) Olivieri 28-Jul-2007 02:36
What baby boomer & anyone older than that from WNY couldn't remember Crystal Beach. We went there several times every year. We couldn't wait to get our report cards because Loblaw's would give you a ticket to get in free. The best was class day-8th grade from St. Gerard's-I rode the Comet 13 times-never did I try to beat that record-lines we always to long. Could never go home without a Crystal Beach sucker. The last time I was there my son was 2 & we took the boat over--it broke down & we had to be towed to shore--they had to bring us back to Buffalo by taxi. What great memories-another favorite place no longer around was Roseland Park-my Grandparents took us every summer.
Camille Devon 27-Jul-2007 16:46
What a great idea. I remember going to CB with my family and then on dates and finally with my own children, Everyone loved it Crystal Beach was a magical name for a magical place. Thank you.
John S 20-Jul-2007 01:40
Thank u Thank u Thank u for these memories. My father was a General Motors worker . They used to have their summer picnics there in the 60's. These photos are awesome. I wish I had thought of going there in 88 or 89 with a roll of film.
Dee Nasca 16-Jul-2007 19:33
We spent every summer at a family cottage at Crystal Beach from the age of 9 thru the age of 17. Then groups of us girls would rent a cottage each summer and had the best times. I to remember the penny arcade, listening and dancing to the juke box. Dancing to Stan Kenton and other bands, walking the beach at nite with my first boyfriend, partying at the various cottages. Dancing at the Swing Inn. We made life time friends those years, wonderful memories of rides to Point Abino in a convertable in our baby doll pj every morning with our friend Paul singing the pop songs and flirting with the boys. What bitter sweet memories of 1953-1960
Maureen 13-Jul-2007 04:55
Can you believe our parents let us take buses to Crystal Beach without adult supervision on Kenmore Day, for instance?
See missingbuffaloblog.com for more WNY memories.
guest 11-Jul-2007 15:37
Thanks for the special memories. Summer meant the beginning of nagging my father everyday to pick the day we would go to Crystal Beach. The day was magic!! We always brought our own food and giant thermos of ice tea. The day ended with each of us getting our Crystal Beach sucker to enjoy all the way back to West Seneca. I've been to many great parks, but nothing compares to CB. The day I was brave enough to ride the yellow roller coaster and the Comet was great. I felt like I could do anything!
ronald c. mazur 07-Jul-2007 13:08
the best time our family ever had was at cb.i still remember going to the neighbors to collect the coupons from the buffalo evening news for the boat and amusement tickets. we still live in the area. great memories.
Chris D. 06-Jul-2007 21:54
Well, I still live in the area and I work with a guy who has memorabilia all over his summer house at Crystal Beach. You should see it!! It would all come back to you.
He has the actual park bench that sat outside the Carousel. Oh those days when I first went there with the CYO group with my cousin. I was just a kid. I still am when I think of Crystal Beach. It isn't the same now but the memories always will be.
JoeD 02-Jul-2007 00:59
Love the pictures. One area that I've never seen a picture of was the grove.We had many family picnic's there. I still remember the stone bandstand with the kitchen underneath..
Zona Himmelsbach 01-Jul-2007 03:49
Passage on the Canadiana from Buffalo was a thrill for me. Listening to Harlem Nocturne was a delightful memory; I was just 13. around '47 or '48. My first job was at Crystal Beach that summer; I dusted waffles with powdered sugar and served up drinks from vats. Oh how the bees did flock to the vats and if one fell in if and I couldn't get it out I'd still serve. People didn''t seem to mind or notice. I got stung on the left foot and scratched it. Blood poisoning set in and when I got home one weekend my father had to treat me for it. The red streaks were climbing up my ankle. I slept in a rooming house for staff., called the staffhouse. It was dingy with spider webs and had steel cots, bad mattress, no box spring, the one small bath only had a toilet and a wash basin. I did get to ride the Comet. Bought a green and yellow sorority jacket in town there not far from the staff house. One of the last duties there was to sit upstairs (somewhere there) was to count tickets. Unexpectedly I got a $30 bonus at the end of the summer; maybe that was because I told the boss to keep his hands off of me, when he reached for my chest telling me I had a spot on my blouse. First time in my life I ever told anyone off. I think that is why he gave me a $30 bonus.
Nancy Bonarowski 24-Jun-2007 14:44
My fondest memories of Crystal Beach were the laughing fat lady statue outside Laugh in the Dark and watching the people come bouncing down the "magic carpet" at the end of the Magic Palace ride. When I was a kid, I remember being scared inside of the ride with the boats through the dark tunnels. Not so much the ride, but the teenagers who would get out of the boats during the ride and slosh through the water and stop the other boats. Another vivid memory was that strong smell of electricity and metal when you were inside of Laugh in the Dark. I was in Crystal Beach yesterday and although all those new houses are just beautiful, I will never get over the sad feeling that they came at a very high price........the demolition of a unique park and a place we will all still hold dear in our memories. It wasn't slick and sophisticated like the parks are today, but it was really great fun for all of us who were lucky enough to be kids when that park was there....Thanks for the great pictures and another visual stroll through Crystal Beach Park!
Guest 20-Jun-2007 00:01
Elaine-Tonawanda: does anyone remember the Loop the Loop ride? It made me sick many times over.. I'll never forget the laugh of the Fat Lady!
Elaine-Hamburg 19-Jun-2007 14:26
What a blast from the past! Remember how we all wanted to get good grades in school, so at the end of the year we could take our report cards to the grocery store (can't remember which store), and the higher the grades, the more tickers you got for Crystal Beach? LOL.....boy, the times sure have changed! I didn't see the Wild Mouse in any of those pictures. Anyone remember that?
Guest 15-Jun-2007 13:16
Crystal Beach was a magical place! I loved the Magic Carpet and the bumper cars. There was so much action there in the 50's and 60's! It is a part of me. Thanks for the website. I live in Texas but I'm a Buffalo girl!
Marie Rogers Scanlin
Joe Rizzo 14-Jun-2007 13:10
Great pictures, the memories are wonderful. The only thing missing was a cup of french fries with a lot of salt and vinegar. of course a large Logenberry from the Small Fry.
Barbara Zimmett 13-Jun-2007 20:13
Oh what special memories. It even brought back the smells of Crystal Beach for me. I was scared to death of Laff in the Dark and used to close my eyes through the whole ride. Finally, when I got a bit older, I braved it out and opened my eyes to discover, it wasn't dark in there at all. There were all these doors to the outside all over the place letting slivers of light in. I can still stroll through the park in my mind's eye and relive all those glorious days in the 40s and 50s. Thanks for the memories.
Barbara
Dorothy 10-Jun-2007 19:14
These photos were great!! Brought back so many good memories! I used to go to Crystal Beach at least once a week in the 70's and 80's with friends. Had a great day every time we went!
Phil Wisner 29-May-2007 19:10
I look at these pictures and they take me back to my childhood. I can remember going to Crystal Beach on the QEW from Niagara Falls, N.Y. and the drive seemed to take forever! I loved the Comet and can still remember parking and walking across the street. You could see the top of The Comet as you walked in. I especially liked the water slides and still have a scar on my shoulder from the roof of the building that you changed clothes. Such great memories!
chuck 29-May-2007 02:56
What terrific pics. I grew up in wny and travelled to Crystal Beach as a child in the 50's and 60's, and later with my future wife in the 70's. I hear the Comet ended up in New Jersey or somewhere. We drove up to Sherkston Quarry and Crystal Beach alot back then. Camped at Sherkston many times. Canada was a friendly, wonderful place to be. I now live in texas; crossing the border here in a little different!

Thanks for the wonderful memories.

chuck in austin
jeff 22-May-2007 00:12
Very nice pictures of the park and I love the black and white effect. Thank you
Patrick 14-May-2007 20:56
Go to "Google" and type in "Erie and ridgeway, crystal beach, ca" and then hit the hyperlink "Maps" this will give you an airiel view of cyrstal beach. Use your mouse wheel to zoom in and out.
Guest 10-May-2007 16:00
Great Park...Went there in the 70's before closure. I did not get to ride the comet because I was too scared. But the energy at that park was great. You could feel all the years of good times there.
B. Reinagel, Holland, NY 02-May-2007 20:14
We took our 8 month old daughter for a final ride on the Merry-Go-Round the year the park closed! We had to hold her up!!. We lost the film!
Dickie 28-Apr-2007 01:55
I won the baby beauty contest at Crystal Beach in 1924.
Mary Clum Harris 23-Apr-2007 15:53
Sweet memories....too many to list from a gal that lived in Kenmore from September thru May and played at Silver Bay from June thru August... Thanks for the stroll down memory lane for those of us who experienced this phenonmenon personally. I could hear the voices in the background, smell the waffles and taste the coconut suckers!
SANDY FROM NORTH TONAWADA 18-Apr-2007 14:28
WOW, I SURE REMEMBER CRYSTAL BEACH AS MY FAVORITE PLACE. MY UNCLE USED TO TAKE US THERE EVERY WEEK, HE IS DECEASED NOW, SURE BROGUHT TEARS TO MY EYES TO SEE THESE PICTURES, WHAT A GREAT SITE, MY UNCLE BROUGHT ALL FIVE US KIDS THERE, AND WE NEVER MISSED THE TONAWANDA;S DAYS EVER. ALOS I WOULD LIKE TO ADD I HAVE FOUND A PLACE THAT STILL SELLS CRYSTAL BEACH SUCKERS, IT'S ON MAIN STREET IN TONAWANDA, ACROSS FROM THE OLD MIGHTY TACO SITE, GREAT MEMORIES OF THAT PLACE,
Joan (Rosenthal) Shulman 15-Apr-2007 00:41
Wow!! What memories. We moved to Buffalo in 1941, when I was 7 years old. Before we lived in Buffalo, we lived in a cottage at Bay Beach. For a kid from the Big Apple, this was paradise! I learned to swim there, and I found the Crystal Beach Amusement park while walking along the wooden boardwalk from Bay Beach. I loved the arcade and the Caterpillar ride. But, most of all, I loved the fun house. I learned to eat French Fries with vinegar, there, and I found the lollypops one day, and got hooked on the cinnamon. Those Bavarian waffles dipped in powdered sugar!! Oh, my!!

Growing up in Buffalo, I found that waiting for summer so we could ride the Americana and Canadiana were very much worth surviving a Buffalo winter. In high school, we spent many Saturday nights dancing to some band or other on the Crystal Beach Boat after a day at "The Beach."

I left Buffalo in 1956, after I was married, but Crystal Beach has remained a part of me. When I took my children to see Crystal Beach, it had become run down, and so sad looking. They were too experienced with Disneyland to fully appreciate the love I had for Crystal Beach. What a sad loss to the world!

Thank you so much for bringing this 73 year old back to the fond memories of her childhood!!
Ed from Williamsville 04-Apr-2007 18:57
Crystal Ceach was the BEST. My kids are 22 and 25 so they at least experienced it as well in their youth. The last two summers we rented a house in the new development. It was great sitting on the beach next to the pier, all that was missing was the noise of the comet and wild mouse! The beach is still a great place to be and relax!
Mark 01-Apr-2007 22:07
I was born and raised in Crystal Beach, we lived in a house right on the main street of town. As children we would sit in our front lawn and watch all the cars heading down the road to the park. Its amazing to think that back in the 70's and 80's (when we were growing up) that there could be such traffic congestion. the Cars were bumper to bumper all the way down the street. As locals we all worked in the park during the summer - sort of a rite of passage. We all had a tainted memory of the park at the time because we always saw the 'off season slump' - the town would become a ghost town, As we look back, there are certainly many fun memories we all have of that park and the town during the summer. The suckers are still available for purchase at some local stores (ridgeway) - they certainly were great (cinnamon, coconut, butterscotch, lemon, - Peanut were the best). The town certainly has fallen on rough(er) times since the demise of the park - there are certainly some improvements made, but it will never be the same.
Laureen 31-Mar-2007 18:28
Great place to go as a kid and inexpensive. What a shame it had to close. Such a quaint little town too. Does anyone remember jumping off the cliffs at Sherkson Quarry? I wonder if they allow it now?
Guest 31-Mar-2007 01:41
I don't believe that there will ever be another amusement park like Crystal Beach. It truly was in a league all its own. The day it closed was a very sad one indeed. My first memory of Crystal Beach was when, at the age of 7, I rode the Giant Coaster with my grandparents. From that time on, Crystal Beach gave me many, many wonderful summers. It saddens me that my grandchildren will never experience its fun and uniqueness. You could ride and/or walk through many amusements, eat in the dining area or outside in the groves, indulge in delicacies such as the Crystal Beach suckers or the fabulous sugar waffles, ride the awesome carosel or laff in the dark. And, as if that were not already enough, you could even swim in the beautiful crystal blue water. Farewell Crystal Beach. You may be gone but will never be forgotten.
Lorie 28-Mar-2007 16:55
No amusement park will ever compare to Crystal Beach. My grandmother used to take us there in the 60's. As a little girl, my favorite was the fun house. The man that operated the air would always get some poor girl with a dress on!! As a teenager, I then braved riding the Comet. I remember riding it six times in a row! Thank you so much for these wonderful pictures. They bring back such fond memories...
Don 28-Mar-2007 00:42
I remember the boat rides to and from Crystal Beach. TNT day was special. I got to take my daughter's there, on a Saturday,(boat long gone) for a company picnic. Just after they announced it was closing. How sad. It was better than these "modern parts".
Nancy 25-Mar-2007 02:56
It was a wonderful time. I feel bad that our children will never know the wonderful times we had in the late 40s and 50s. It was wonderful to take the boat to crystal beach and not worry about anything but having a good time. We always had to have a crystal beach sucker to eat on the way home. It is a shame that condos are taking over all the fun areas in our times.
Guest - Lois 22-Mar-2007 15:35
Thanks for the memories...My boyfriend and I rode the Evening Canadiana to Crystal Beach once a week during the summers of 1953-54 to square dance in the ballroom. Then we would ride the last boat back to Bufffalo.
Mark Oship 21-Mar-2007 13:33
These classy b&w photos of Crysatal Beach are absolutley first rate. I grew up in North Tonawanda, NY (still live there in fact) and my most looked forward to day every year was Tonawands'a Day at Crystal Beach. My friends and I would take the first bus to Crystal Beach in the morning (10 AM) and rhe last bus home at night (11 PM). We would spend the last hour there riding the Comet over and over and over. The COmet is still alive and well, operating at Six Flags Great Escape in Lake George, NY, but without "the Lake" next to it, its' just not the same ride!

Would anyone who grew up in the Tonawanda's be interested in trying to get together a group to reminesce about Tonawanda's Day at Crystal Beach? Post a note here and we'll see if there's any interest.
Lou 13-Mar-2007 04:28
The Comet is now at Lake George NY,it is still the best with all its shakes and rattles,but nothing can compare to riding it at the Beach as you went down the first hill thinking you might end up in the lake.Walked down the pier before the park closed and read some of the grafitti that was dated from the 40s.
Glenn Ward 12-Mar-2007 16:27
Now 48, I have to say, I was nearly a teenager when my Mom took me to Crystal Beach. The Comet brings back fond memories but the ride that really makes me rememebr Crystal Beach is not in the photos. It was a ride that travels around in cicles, looked like little airplanes up high. Boy did I get sick. I rememeber this ride close to the Comets entrance.
I remember all the tails about the Comet as well. Crystal Beach was a beutiful place to spend the days back then. Ill never forget it.
Rebecca 07-Mar-2007 15:44
Oh these are wonderful photos. Thank you so much for sharing them. I am looking for a cottage to rent the week of July 4th in the Crystal Beach area and came upon this terrific website. If anyone knows any leads on renting a reasonably priced cottage for a family of 4, please let me know. I'm hoping to share some of my memories with my children.Thanks! Rebecca (rmurphy1@cdc.gov)
Michael C 05-Mar-2007 15:30
Wow.. I realize that I am only years old but I remember growing up in Buffalo and my grandparents had a cottage in Cyrstal Beach and we would spend all day at the amusement park, they were great memories that I would love to live over and over again
Jim O 10-Feb-2007 15:44
I remember going very young 1942 perhaps. Then in the early 50s we had a cottage at Cedar Bay Ontario. The boat ride was great; I went in my Cleveland Hill High School days 1950-55. It was the only place you could get Loganberry drinks. ( It was awful )
tom 04-Feb-2007 16:07
I spent all my summers at the family cottage on ashwood street. One block away and right across from the main entrance to the Chrystal beach beach entrance. I went back there for the first time in 30 years last summer. The water tower that was on the corner is gone as well as the park. My dad used to give us park tickets for alloance, that was in the late 50's and 60's. I remember the kiddie land with the carts on the tracks that you power with your hands. The train that ran along the back side of the hill with the cottages on top that faced the lake. Of corse the commet and the magic carpet . I thought the guy that ran the controls that gave you shocks when you sat on the bench or pulled the whistle and made the air blast, had the best job ever. Going to the old ice house with my wagon every couple of days to bring back ice for the ice box. It was sad to see how the town is in need of repair, but there was some folks fixing thing up.
Nancy S. 28-Jan-2007 00:17
Our family will always have one special memory of crystal beach, because my dad purchased the player piano for $50.00 and rebuilt it from scratch. We shared many memories on special occasions playing the piano. Dad is no longer with us, but we will always treasure his music from the player rolls that Dad purchased through the years.
MOConnor 09-Dec-2006 21:16
WOW! I just found your site via a scrabble game online of all things. The person was from Buffalo, and I mentioned that as a child, I spent every summer up in Buffalo and at my Aunt Nelle's cottage on Derby Road. Spent so much of my youth at Crystal Beach, the Comet, the Lake, the malt shop where Elsye the cow lived on top, Thunder Bay ... all those memories. All my relatives from there that are either no longer living or who knows where...I should go through all my family photos and offer them up as part of an effort to track down. Thank you for the memories. I just knew we would fall into the Lake when we would zoom downward on the Comet, time after time after time ... haha. And the mirrors in the fun halls where we looked so weird ... and the Magic Castle? is that what it was called. I would give a lot to just have those chips and malted vinegar. Any O'Connors, Donatos, Paladino's, Wippicks still out there? FOD??
Rev Ennae 13-Nov-2006 02:15
I'm trying to track down a "family story".... it entails a 12 year old boy who was murdered by his 17 year old cousin and found tied to a tree at Sherkston Quarry. If anyone remembers any details or an approximate date of this tragedy, please email me: glanceheavenward@yahoo.com

Thanks & Blessings,
Rev. Ennae
Shirley 10-Oct-2006 12:39
These pictures sure bring back happy memories of a wonderful time in my life! We lived in the Riverside section of buffalo when I was a little girl which would have been in the fourties. My Mother would take me on the bus to the foot of Porter Avenue where we joined the throngs of people waiting to board the boat. I would go to the section of the boat where I could watch the pistons going up and down and I really felt like we were taking a voyage to a far away country. One time Igot lost and until I found my Mother I was scared to death. It was wall to wall people.
In later years my friends and I would go there alone after many of us had taken a truck to the farms in Brant and Angola where we picked whatever was ripe so that we had the money for Crystal Beach. We moved to Tonawanda, New York when I was 13 years old and I continued going as often as possible and the last time there I rode the Comet with it going backwards. I'm 74 years old now but those days spent on the shore of Lake Erie are still vivid and cherished memories. I wish my grandchildren and great-grandchildren could have the "Crystal Beach Experience!"
Jim Clark 10-Oct-2006 01:48
I read through all the comments and it sure brought back memories. I got to sail over on the Canadiana twice during the 40's but the second time Lake Erie had rough waters and my mother refused to go on the boat again. Life guards screamed at us for diving for coins by the dock. We used to get there early and grab a picnic table and cover (? - don't know why - nobody would steal your food back then) our cooler and food with a blanket. Then we'd hit the slides and walk up to the waffle stand and get a couple and a glass of Logenberry drink. We'd always start on the Giant coaster and then run down to the Comet And maybe ride the Caterpillar or the Bug before taking on the big coaster. Once on Tonawanda's Day I rode it twenty times in a row and sat in every seat. Tickets were 20 for a $1 and Comet was 5 tickets and reride was 4. Seems that they started Tonawanda's Day again when I was 11 or 12 and me and a couple of friends went over by ourselves. My mom told me to look out for the neighbor girls and be careful. Seems we left on the first bus in the morning and came home on the last bus at midnight. I always remember that it was in late July or early August and it would rain sometimes during the day. Won some kind of trophy in a wheelbarrow race and a log throw one year. Also got a $5 gift certificate from Norton Auto and Supply. Bought a speedometer with it. Isn't that when the tug-of-war started between the cities at the Tonawanda's Day games. Loved Crystal Beach and still have old movies from the 40-50's and pictures of my great times there.
Louis Nemeth 28-Sep-2006 14:58
what a great site i worked at cb on the merry go round in 1956 and was there during the riots but no one bother me i was lucky as a lot was going on all around me like a big fight on the catterpillar across from me and i n the picnic area behind my ride does any one remember the lopper well it was real bad there that night...Louis
Laurie 27-Sep-2006 17:31
Ah, Crystal Beach. I still miss that park. It's depressing to see those houses crowded onto the shoreline. I attend the Crystal Beach Festival every summer. There are a lot of people who attend with Crystal Beach Memoriabilia and the like. I've also found some great merchandise on this webiste www.crystalbeachkeepsakes.com.
Jerry (Jay) Robbins 17-Sep-2006 17:32
I stumbled across this site while I was at work. I have just been taken back 25 years. Several of my family members worked there from three aunts, two uncles, many cousins, my mom, my dad, my two brothers, and even my grand father at one point. I started my job in the parking lots, moved to garbage pick up, and then when I turned 16 I got on the rides. My first one was the Magic Palace. The next year I worked on the Flying Bobs. The next year I apprenticed making candy, Halls Kisses and Suckers. My last year there I was the sole person making the candy. So many times throughout the day now I get the feeling that I was back there. I here a song that was played on one of the rides like Black Betty, and I get the sensation of being there. For some of the people that read this and remember things like closing the park on Sunday night and going over to Tonawanda and playing hockey at midnight, closing the rides up after labor day, the parties at the beach. There is so much I would like to say about those days, I could go on forever. Maybe there are other people out there who would like to reminisce. If so please email me. More later.
dexter 05-Sep-2006 18:33
GREAT MEMORIES. READ ALL THE COMMENTS FROM "CRYSTAL BEACHERS". I HAD TO SWALLOW VERY HARD MANY TIMES WHILE READING THEM. ALL OF WHICH ARE TRUE.MY FONDEST MEMORY OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED WERE THE DANCES AT THE BALLROOM. I REMEMBER ALL THE GREAT BIG BANDS THAT PLAYED THERE.. MY FAVORITE WAS STAN KENTON. HE HAD A TRUMPET PLAYER BY THE NAME OF MAYNARD FERGUSON. MAYNARD COULD HIT DOUBLE HIGH C ON HIS HORN.I GOT TO KNOW HIM PERSOLALLY. HE DIED ON AUGEST 23 2006.AN ARTICAL IN THE FLORIDA SUN SENTINAL PAPER STATED THAT SOMEONE SAID"GABERIAL, MOVE OVER TWO SECOND TRUMPET".HE WAS THE LAST OF THE GREATS. THAT ERA IS NOW CLOSED.BUT THE SIGHTS AND SOUNDS OF CRYSTAL BEACH ARE STILL STRONG IN ALL OF US WHO STILL REMEMBER THOSE GREAT DAYS AND NIGHTS. ANOTHER WORLD BACK THENAND A MUCH BETTER ONE. TO ALL OF YOU. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.
Guest 02-Sep-2006 17:49
I remember going on the Canadiana to Crystal Beach. I had to be 5 years old. Than we got a cottage every year there. What a great time we had.Only sad thing is when my daughter went in the eary 80's see