These pictures were scanned from various photos and media and the quality varies greatly based solely on original print and photo condition. We chose to display even low grade reproductions due simply to the scarcity of what can be found today.
A PICTURE CAN REVIVE HUNDREDS OF MEMORIES...
The Dodgem ride (pre 1950)
Laffing Sal, a mechanical clown, who was later changed to Laffing Sam, both of which laughed and cackled at people passing. Standing around 5-foot-5, big headed with wild red hair and a gap-toothed grin, Sal / Sam brought smiles to fans as the insane laughter echoed through Riverview for three decades until about 1960. (Non- fans and traumatized small children are probably still in therapy) View the obnoxious "laff" below:
The very popular Pony Rides were present from 1915 until 1960. During the 1950's the ponies (9) were furnished by Capt. James Horsbrough, a Des Moines police officer from Winterset. They were very well cared for with many rotated rest periods and regular watering. Each pony had its own name sign that would be displayed on it's lead pole (visible in photo). I actually remember trying to pick a place in line so I would get "Trixie". Photo from Chris Wait. (thanks, Chris)
The Pony rides...1940's
Des Moines Register and Tribune, June 5, 1941, captions this published photo, shown below, with, “Hundreds of boys and girls who during the school year see that their fellow students get safely across dangerous traffic intersections, Thursday had a picnic at Riverview park. Here, several members of the school safety patrol enjoy the ‘chute,’ one of Riverview’s popular rides.”
This 1941 photograph says it all showing the fun and and excitement on the faces of kids at Riverview Park
