[chunkyskunk]

I looked around to find a good spot to put this but really did not see a perfect spot. My apologies to the moderators if I am stepping out of line here. A few months ago I started collecting book about defunct amusement parks as well as staring my own defunct nostalgic amusement park Facebook page. Through my connections there I ran across a new books from Arcadia Publishing and their awesome 'Images of America' series. It is a book on Carowinds and it was released earlier this month. It is authored by Scott Rutherford. I will be sure and order this very soon when I make my next order from Arcadia or BAM. I just wanted to pass along the information to those that are interested.
http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/978146 ... /Carowinds

[Chris]

Amazon Prime link - http://www.amazon.com/Carowinds-Images- ... 1467120030

[Jonathan]

I was just starting to make a thread about this myself actually haha. They have copies at the park gift shop as well. I was out at the park this week (for the first time in two years!) and picked up a copy. Haven't gone through the whole thing but it's good so far. There are nearly 6,500 books in the "Images of America" series; they really churn them out.

So far, all I can think of while reading it is what would E Pat Hall think of Carowinds today? On the one hand, maybe he would be thrilled that what he started is still going strong 40 years later, and would be amazed at all of the big rides (how could he ever envision something like Intimidator?). On the other hand, pretty much the entire spirit of what he wanted to create with Carowinds is long gone. Looking at some of the old photos and maps, it was such a unique and interesting park based on a pretty cool concept. Now, there is really nothing left to distinguish it from any other park. Riding Windseeker the other day, it was a bit sad to see how little is left of the old lagoon. The place is pretty sterile now. The blame for much of that can be placed on Paramount, but nothing about Cedar Fair suggests they will do anything to reverse the damage.

[RollerBee]

Even Disney wouldnt and couldnt bring back the Carowinds spirit. Cedar Fair runs amusement parks not theme parks (except Knotts), I just pray CF never gets the idea to rid the park of the Plantation House.

[chunkyskunk]

I have gained a massive fascination and respect for the old trolley parks of the 1890's into the middle 1900's. I love reading about them and researching them. I am planning my first defunct park trip this September hoping to visit the remains and location where 5 historic parks once stood. Even working out meetings with some historians. I have a growing collection of 'Images of America' books as well as a few others that I ordered from the author. I am proud of Carowinds in many ways but I also agree I miss the park from the 1970's. Being almost 45 now I remember the park as far back as the train which surrounded the park. I enjoy the web site 'Carowinds The Early Years.'

[swampfox43]

I am proud of Carowinds in many ways but I also agree I miss the park from the 1970's. Being almost 45 now I remember the park as far back as the train which surrounded the park. I enjoy the web site 'Carowinds The Early Years.'

Thanks for that chunky. My site is ready for some updates so I have been adding more old photos and updating text to coincide with the parks 40th anniversary. I've also started doing a few more "then & now" photos and will eventually make a separate link for that. A couple examples: http://www.carowindsearlyyears.com/covered-bridge.html and
http://www.carowindsearlyyears.com/haywagons.html

Another fascinating pair of photos here:
http://www.carowindsearlyyears.com/aerial68-78.html