The Enchanted Forest: Memories of Maryland's Storybook Park

by Janet Kusterer, Martha Anne Clark

Overview

Rediscover the magic of the Enchanted Forest in this history of Maryland's Storybook Park, the first children's theme park on the East Coast.

The history of the Enchanted Forest is one of magical beginnings. When it first opened in 1955, Ellicott City's storybook land became the first children's theme park on the East Coast. Young visitors could climb aboard rides like the Little Toot tugboat, Mother Goose and Ali Baba or encounter animals like peacocks and burros. Upon its closing in 1989, Marylanders who cherished memories of the Enchanted Forest were deeply disappointed. However, many of the park's beloved figures were moved to nearby Clark's Elioak Farm, where they were restored and displayed to the delight of new generations. Even today, the farm is a popular destination that evokes the whimsical spirit of the iconic park. Local author Janet Kusterer and Martha Anne Clark of Elioak Farm trace the park's history through vintage images and interviews with the Harrison family, former employees and visitors. Join Kusterer and Clark to rediscover the magic of the Enchanted Forest.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781626191396
Publisher:	Arcadia Publishing SC
Publication date:	08/13/2013
Series:	Landmarks
Pages:	144
Sales rank:	520,855
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Janet Kusterer has an MA from Johns Hopkins University and has been a feature writer and columnist for local papers since 1997. She was an executive director for Historic Ellicott City, Inc. and is the author of seven visitor guides to Ellicott City. She has also authored four books about Ellicott City history.

Martha Anne Clark owns and operates Clark's Elioak Farm, which features many rescued exhibits from The Enchanted Forest. The farm has been in the Clark family for over 200 years. She has written one children's book, Trusty the Tractor, and assisted her father, State Senator James Clark, with his autobiography. She is president of the Tourism Council.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements 9

Introduction: An Idea Is Born 11

1 Finding the Land 15

2 Building the Park 21

3 Opening the Park 33

4 Growing Up Enchanted 43

5 Visiting the Storybook Land: Charm, Innocence, Magic 47

6 A Tour Through the Enchanted Forest 59

7 Working at the Park: In Season 95

8 Working at tire Park: The Off-Season 109

9 Out of the Ordinary 113

10 After Closing 121

11 A New Home and a New Life for the Enchanted Forest 125

Selected References 137

Index 139

About tire Authors 143