Outline

1. The success of Riverview Amusement Park is largely due to the fact that it kept in time with the historical events of the country, the culture, and was conscious of adapting to economic realities.
2. During the span of Riverview's existence, many important historical events took place and were re-created in some way at the park, providing current entertainment that people were able to relate to .
a. "The Sinking of the Titanic" was a dramatic reenactment of the actual sinking of the Titanic ship in 1912. The "Panama Canal" was another show, this one based on the completion of the canal in 1914. The "League of Notions" was a comedic spoof of the League of Nations, created after World War I.
b. A ride called the Dive Bomber was created to mimick the planes used in World War II.
c. The Atomic Energy Exhibit opened for Riverview's 50th season, educating the public on the atomic technology being researched and invented.
3. The culture changed from decade to decade in the 20th century, and Riverview focused on implementing these changes in the park to continue attracting visitors.
a.Popular music played a large role at the park before many rides were built, and later continued to attract crowds to the roller rink and the park.
b.Holidays such as Mardi Gras and the 4th of July were celebrated at the park.
c. The discrimination and segregation in Chicago towards African Americans also had a role at the park.
4. Riverview had to greatly account for the economic downfall during the 1930's in order to make the park a feasible day-trip for the average Chicagoan in that economy.
a. The entrance fees were lowered.
b. Employees worked for less pay.
c. Few new attractions were added.

Introduction

            Around the turn of the 20^th century, George Schmidt was sent from his home in Chicago to a high school in Germany. His father, Willhem Schmidt, owned a German sharpshooters range and was himself a German immigrant. When George returned, he brought back much more than a high school education, he had an idea that would change Chicago for much of the century. In his travels he had visited the Tivoli Gardens in Denmark and the Prater in Austria, amusement parks that sparked his idea to change his dad's shooting land into an amusement park. Riverview Sharpshooters Park opened in 1904 to the public with rides and entertainment. It thrived, adding new attractions throughout the next six decades. The success of Riverview Amusement Park is largely due to the fact that it kept so in time with the historical events of the country and was conscious of adapting to economic realities.