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The Whip: 1928

"Glen Echo, 1928." Riding the Whip at Glen Echo amusement park in Maryland. View full size. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

"Glen Echo, 1928." Riding the Whip at Glen Echo amusement park in Maryland. View full size. National Photo Company Collection glass negative.

 

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Young Whippersnapper

Riverview Beach Amusement Park in Pennsville, New Jersey had a nice kiddie version of The Whip in 1948. The nice paint job was somewhat more Art Deco by that time. That's me and the photographer was my father.

The Whip

I have to remark at the number of adults on what we would now consider a children's ride. Noticeable too is that the men are wearing suits and ties. To our society they are all overdressed and in the wrong attire for an amusement park. Also, the Whip is exposed to the elements, not so good for the leather seats and the mechanics of the ride. What I remember most about the Whip ride was that all the exposed metal chains and gears were covered in a greasy lubricant to prevent rust and to ease friction. You see none of that here. It looks too clean with no gum on the concrete and no trash on the ground. The cars on the Whip also seem to be hand painted with ornate designs. Now they would be painted in alternating primary or neon colors with none of the finery. I suppose our culture lost something when we took off our coats and put on T-shirts.

Coney Island Sensation

Washington Post, May 19, 1918

10,000 Enjoy Amusement Grounds.
"Whip" and Derby Racer Popular.

With workmen still putting the finishing touches on the new amusements, Glen Echo Park, Washington's favorite amusement grounds, formally opened the 1918 season last night. More than 10,000 persons, including the "tired business man" and the weary war workers, enjoyed the evening in the park.

The center of attraction last night was the new "Whip," the Coney Island sensation which has just been installed. That dancing has lost none of its popularity was shown by the number of couples on the floor. Throngs also gathered around the derby racer and the gravity for the speed rides. The first of the season's free Sunday concerts will be given this afternoon.

Whip It! Whip It Good!

Smooth operator!

Look at Mr Smooth to the right, with a girl on each arm!
I bet he enjoyed the ride.

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