Guest Book

Please leave your memories and comments in this public guest book so we can share your thoughts with our other visitors. If you experience a problem trying to post to the Guest Book, you may e-mail your entry to LegendCity@aol.com

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Note: This verison of the website is for archives only.
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Date:
11 Apr 2003
Time:
22:48:11
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Terrific site, thank you for the memories!

Date:
12 Apr 2003
Time:
00:23:27
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Very nice and informative site. It makes me sad to know that this park came and went before my time, it was fun to look at all the attraction picture tho.

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
10:22:30
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The face of Phoenix is changing so fast these days. It is good to know there are pockets of remembrance to remind us where we have been along the way. Many thanks for the grand memories.

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:04:59
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I grew up in Phoenix in the '60s and visited Legend City every summer. What a treat to relive it on the web! Great site, great memories, thanks! Bermuda Schwartz The "Weird Al" Yankovic Band (19 Sep 2002)

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:05:46
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My goodness... One can almost hear the throaty murmur of the assembled crowd, the distant strains of Mike Condello's band tuning up on stage. The sound of steel wheels rolling on well-worn track... I can still smell the stale popcorn smell as it wafts over the sweet fragrance of the sticky sno-cone syrup that tugs gently at the soles of my tennis shoes. The funky odors of the carnie as he checks the seat restraint. The greasy food smell of the concessions... Is this but a mere website, or a real window into the bygone days of Phoenix? A virtual time-warp, transporting us all back to a simpler time when a few bucks bought us some respite from our dreary lives, devoid of video games and cable television. Thank you Jason. For but a brief moment I was there again, waiting in line for the Lost Dutchman's, or possibly hoping for my chance at a Ladmo bag. The story of Legend City must never die, and thanks to your fine efforts the Legend will indeed continue. Whatsupchuck 20 Sep 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:06:46
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Ahhhhhh so fun...so happy were the Summer days of being a young person at Legend City.Wallace and Ladmo doing the TV bits live on stage,...Hub Kapp & the Wheels filling in for the Beatles void. Dragging my hand through the dark murky water,of Cochises Stronghold...bursting through that solid mountain wall straight through the waterfall,only to find a hidden cavernous passageway of blacklight imagery....then finally emerging back into the bright Arizona sunlight.Only to decide....lets ride it again!!! The sounds of Honky-tonk saloons...wandering into a singing future Miss America talking to her side-kick dummy,skipping down to the "Dutchmans Shack" standing in the slanted world of make believe....fun...happiness...joy.Thanks Jason! Rob Cook(Wallace & Ladmo fan club)21 Sept 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:07:43
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Does anyone have any memorabilia from Legend City they would like to sell? From stock certificate to old ride parts or signs from there? Please email me deniroofweather@yahoo.com Thanks, Bryan 03 Oct 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:09:25
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Below was my introduction to "Legend City Month"at the Wallace & Ladmo fan club,for more L.C. and vintage Valley of the Sun talk & photos...see the links here! Thanks Rob Cook(W&L club): When my family packed up the "Packard" after it was decided around 1957 in Buffalo N.Y.,...for us to head southwest seeking our fortunes,little did I realize at such a young age that we'd eventually land in a very special place and time.All that my brothers and I knew about Arizona,was what we saw on TV...from old westerns, cartoons and even the occassional Sci-Fi movie! LOL Stereo-typical images of cowboys/gunslingers,Indians on the warpath,the "OK Corral","Boot Hill",the "Lost Dutchman" & spanish gold! The Az. desert with all it's romantic scenes, tales and lores,critters like rattlesnakes the size of pythons, and possibly thoughts of GIANT tarantulas like the one in that old science fiction movie!<lol> So finally settling into our freshly built tract home in so.Scottsdale 1958, wedged between two western myths- Old town Scottsdale, and then the opening of "LEGEND CITY" which didn't exactly help much in separating fact...from fiction,but to this former Valley boy it was a dream come true on the desert. As time went on I eventually became quite an expert on the "Real West",but it was places like "LEGEND CITY" that first sparked my childhood imaginations,& passions for all things Arizona....besides L.C. was just plain good healthy fun,like a certain kid show we all love! So as we walked up and down those streets of fantasy,eating our sticky cotton candy on a hot 60's July day...dashing from ride to ride (I especially was enthralled with the "RIVER OF LEGENDS"), we'd wait for LEGEND CITY's biggest attraction of them all to begin!!!! And according to the sign outside the "Lagoon Ampitheater" we still had time for one more ride,before the show started- with WALLACE,LADMO,GERALD,HUB KAPP & THE WHEELS,AUNT MAUD and more!!! So during JULY kick back with an ice cold drink in your "Blakely cactus glasses"....and post your fondest memories of being at LEGEND CITY with "the gang"! And next time your over by 5800 E.Washington say visiting Papago Park,Phx.Zoo...or especially there seeing the "WALLACE and LADMO" exhibit at the "Az.Historical Society", glance toward the PHX. Municipal Stadium and imagine an oasis of fun filled magical rides,and good clean family entertainment...surrounded by a near pristine desert, once had crystal clear vistas of the Superstition Mountains where the Dutchman roamed. Jason..our member (jbcynic) will be the host this month,... (both of our families have accused us of riding the L.C's "KRAZY KUPS" just one too many times!<lol>). Jason has put together a very fine collection of Legend City items on his website- *see below....... And has recently added some RARE photographic treasures,(*click on "what's new") courtesy of Carol Risch, and the "Keener family".Including L.C's VERY "beginnings"circa 1958- 59,& the "Golden Palace Saloon". Stay tuned for a "LEGEND CITY" contest..or two and some interesting "pop-up" trivia & facts, with the occassional dash of fiction! We need more places again like LEGEND CITY for our families, to have alittle escape from lifes sometimes harsh realities. Also I'm still waiting on that email from "Steven Spielberg"--(;} ) about making a modern version of "L.C.2"!<lol> I've often wondered if besides W&L being a big influence on "Spielberg", perhaps so did LEGEND CITY??? I mean check out ANY "Indiana Jones" flicks...esp. Temple of Doom.Well I started with some dreams as a child about things,and that's how I'll end this .Today LEGEND CITY has actually become just that...a real legend! > Montie Montana...I mean Jason Beaver has worked very hard at preserving and documenting L.C.'s past.If anyone has any Legend City material-photos/film,relics,articles and interesting info....please contact him(HERE) at his website. I'm hopeful that someday he'll make a display, perhaps at the historical society and possibly compile a Legend City book. Thanks! Desert Rat (aka.Rob Cook) 04 Oct 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:10:14
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What a great site. I had the privilidge to work at Legend City During the summer of 1980 and part of the 81 season. What an awesome job for a kid in high school. I was in charge of the Lost Dutchman Mine. I had fun, but felt sad that the attraction was falling apart, and losing its original appeal. Even in the early eighties, the park was struggling, and I guess a refurbishment of the Lost Dutchman was not in the budget. Even though the ride was deteriorating, it was cool to walk around the old west antiques that were displayed on the ride, especially the hearse. I left the Phoenix area in 1981, and was completely shocked to see the whole park gone when I came to Phoenix on business in 1992. That's progress. Still, Legend City will always remain the best job I ever had. D. Adams 08 Oct 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:11:05
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Awesome sight!! I almost cried when I saw that the park was replaced by the SRP complex when I finally returned to Phoenix on business in 92. This site pays a great tribute to a bygone era of Ladmo Bags, and hot summer nights at Legend City. 10 Oct 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:11:49
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I grow up in Phx, and watched Wallace & Ladmo everyday after school. I also spent alot of time at Legend City. Thx,it was nice to be a kid again, if only for awhile..... 10 Oct 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:12:40
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Hey, "Jason!" One favorite memory of Legend City was the drive from North Phoenix down to Washington St. and all the way east almost to Tempe (!!) The anticipation was almost as exciting as the actual experience. My dad was too cheap to take us to Disneyland, so Legend City it was. I remember seeing our Miss Arizona/America there in 1964 (?), and of course Hubcap and the Wheels. My sister and I screamed all through their performance. Thanks for keeping Legend City alive for all of us boomers. 11 Oct 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:13:35
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I liked your legend city coverage, but the site started to get a little spooky when I foud out about the sahuaro school, moon valley, and westown links. I was born into a home at 35th Avenue and Columbine in 1966, and went to the same schools and shopping centers. I now own a home on 39th Ave and Laurel lane (across from Cactus Park). While you were about10 years ahead of me, not much changed in the time between our experiences. But back in the 80's and 90's things really changed! I think you may have went to school with my siblings (geez, their were 8 of us, how could you not?) Anyway, good work and what possesed you to hold onto these things? Everyone else would've thrown them away! 14 Oct 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:14:08
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Our band (Bodacious) used to play at the Beer Gardens back in the 70's whenever there was a concert. Got to see the Moody Blues, Alice Cooper, Willie Nelson, etc. Once we were done playing, we had the run of the park. Excellent gig. Chuck Weeks 29 Oct 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:14:37
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CONFESSIONS of A 12 YEAR OLD! (Please don't think poorly of this L.C. loving boy) (;})...........................A true west story! Not sure of the exact year...but one memorable day a friend, my brother plus myself around the mid-1960's, snuck into "Legend City" after they closed it down for the first time! I know...that was bad thing to do!..but we couldn't resist.There was a slight space to crawl under the outer metal fence surrounding the park, as we approached some of the now silent rides and the like,...we were terrified but at the same time having a blast! Armed with our old polaroid "swingers"..a not so great 60's instamatic camera, we explored like the Spanish mannequins..remember?..those Conquistadors up on the hill of the "River Boat" ride. We all tried on the spanish helmets! We made our way to the "Mine Ride" * see the up close photo we snapped of the"skeleton" in a barbers chair..as proof, in the photos(Mine Ride) here. We touched the GIGANTIC spider...wandered into the "Dutchmans Shack"..the one where it was slanted,the park was silent like a real Az.GHOST town!!!Well I'm not proud of what we did...BUT I'm sure glad we did!! We had a blast!!! IT was terrifying at times...but a terrific time for us curious lads!Rob Cook(W&L fan Club) 29 Oct 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:15:27
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Thanks for the memories, I left phoenix in 1983 at 18 , I visit from time to time and I never seems the same its good to know that the good ole days live on in photos :) 19 Nov 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:15:54
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Great website!!! I'm a 33 year-old native and remember Legend City fondly. Legend City had so much originality and detail it's hard to believe it's gone. If Legend City was built today it would be successful. 25 Nov 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:16:18
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Hey My brothers and I used to do karate expositions on the Wallace and Ladmo show and at Legend City. It sure is nice to know people remember the golden years and it was not just a faint memory of time gone by... JW 03 Dec 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:16:45
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Great site!! I grew up in Los NAgeles and used to go to Pacific Ocean Park. I thought some of the rides shown in the LC advertisments looked familar. We moved here after LC was long gone, but have heard so much about it, this site really helped me learn about the place. These posts are great too!! Thanks for a job well done Laurie Palace Mesa 04 Dec 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:17:14
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Excellent web site!!! Thanks for keeping the memory of Legend City alive. We really loved it. 18 Dec 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:17:42
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It would be a dream come true if Legend City came back to Phoenix. Could it be possible to have this done??? Like I said, It would be a dream come ture.......... RRR 19 Dec 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:18:08
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I was just a kid when I went to legend city. I still have a cartoon photo of myself that I had drawn when I was there. I remeber a magician that hung upside down by his feet from the skyride as he got himself out of a straight jacket. Mike Thurston was his name. 21 Dec 2002

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:18:58
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Thanks for this website! I've been looking all over the net for anything I could find about Legend City. I have some really fond memories of Legend City and my childhood in Phoenix. I remember the Lost Duchman Mine the most. There was also a ride called Turbo. I think it was built there right before the park closed. It is really sad that Legend City never really got going. It was such a fascinating park. Don't really have vivid memories of the park. But I definitly never will forget all the fun I had there as a kid. Thanks again this website is excellent. Gypsy 07 Jan 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:19:23
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this site brings back alot of memories from my childhood.i want to thank you. i wish my children could have the same. kristen navas. 07 Jan 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:20:16
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I though Legend City was just a memory....until I ran across a link from a Wallace and Ladmo site...great collection of stuff! Most can't understand why SRP built on that site...that was a time in history when Phoenix used to be the place to live....good memories. G.A. Prescott 11 Jan 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:20:43
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Very cool website! I worked there from1980 to closing in 83 and was a patron there for years before that. I was truely sad too see it go but am sure enjoying seeing many of the photos here of the opening and early years when I was but a pup. Its a shame we dont have something as nice to replace it in this day and age. Thanks for the look back in time. Dave 16 Jan 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:21:05
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Thank you for bringing back some great memories... The newspaper articles, pictures and memorobilia are cool. I wish Legend City was still here. 21 Jan 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:21:30
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Thank you for this great site! 27 Jan 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:21:58
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In 1960 I was 8th grader at Payne Training School and tossing the Tempe Daily News after school to pick up some spending cash. The dad of my classmate Bill Kirpatrick (sp) stopped by the house one afternoon and sold yours truly 100 shares of Legend City stock. With lines like "Our research shows that more cars pass by on Van Buren and Washington than pass by Disneyland" or "You'll be thanking me for this investment in a year John." In a year it was bust and I never have bothered with the stock market again. I think I tossed my certificate out in disgust when I realized that my $100 was history. I should have kept it to sell on eBay and made something back on my hard earned investment. John P. Dixon 02 Feb 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:22:22
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I couldn't believe that DHL Worldwide Express building is next to SRP building where the land was used to be Legend City!! I thought it was somewhere near freeway 202 and Washington St. I was wrong. I used to work there on the land of Legend City. What is a biggest shock to me!!! When I was a little kid, I remembered going there around late 60's. Curtis 05 Feb 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:22:56
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Awesome site! I would like to know if anyone out there can identify with my greatest memory of the park. It wasn't really any time I was at the park per se, but the view of it from the city of Phoenix. One could see the three (I think it was three...) towers that keep the skyride suspended for miles and miles. They were a neon-green type of color, and were really beautiful. Can anyone relate to this? And better yet, does anyone have any photos of those towers aglow at night? I'd LOVE to see such a photo. Thanks, Chris 11 Feb 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:23:21
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I lived in Phoenix only for a short time. About a year and a half in 1983 and 1984. My parents took me to Legend City the last night that it was open. I am traveling to Phoenix with my wife, and couldn't help but think about Legen City. Wondering if it was still there. Possibly reopened or relocated. Sad I can't share it with my wife, but great I found this website for the memories, and to show to others who never had the opportunity to enjoy it. Keep it alive. 13 Feb 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:23:52
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Thanks for making a site in memory of Legend City!! I went there many times as a child, and my mother had even bought stock in Legend City (and of course lost all she had invested.) I wish I still had her old stock certificates. I found your site because I have some Legend City keychains that I was getting ready to post on ebay. These are like large buttons that say Legend City, Arizona's Family Fun Park with a picture of the log ride and they have a little keychain attached to them. Do you know anything about them? Thanks again for the great website! Patty Lewis, Phoenix TheodoraAZ@aol.com 15 Feb 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:24:14
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I lived in Phoenix from 1961 to 1965. I remember going to Legend City. Infact, I have a picture of my sister & me somewhere at the park with cowboy hats on. I was only about 6 years old, so I don't remember a whole lot. I remember watching Wallace & Ladmo. 19 Feb 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:24:40
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Great website!! My parents took me and my older sister to Legend City back in the day. We traveled from Southeastern Ariz., a small town named Clifton, to see it. Once a year we used to trave to Phoenix during the summer to shop for our school clothes, and would always see Legend City next to the big highway. I always told myself that when I graduated from high school and got my own car I would visit Legend City again. Don't laugh but now I am 47 years old, I never went back to see Legend City again, and I thought it was still open!!! Now I'm depressed, but happy to see it on your website! Thanks for the Memories!! 23 Mar 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:25:09
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A SouthernCalifornia native, I have always lamented the demise of our local attractions such as Marineland and Busch Gardens. I am happy to see a tribute site in the same vein as my own (http://themepark.sitesbyrob.com Keep up the good work! 27 Mar 2003

Date:
13 Apr 2003
Time:
11:25:30
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As a native born in 1960 I went to the park every year that I can remember until closing night. All I can say is "Thank You" (with a happy tear in my eye) for this website. This site, along with the W&L site and KAZ TV playing bits from the W&L show Sundays and Tuesdays brings back a lot of happy memories. Randy Schuff

Date:
20 Apr 2003
Time:
00:23:55
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I am so happy that Legend City lives on, in all our membories. I am the oldest Daughter of Louis Crandall, yes, the original man that dreamed up and built Legend City, and I remember the building of the park and the fun we use to have after it was running. Being able to go with my dad to work almost daily to watch the construction and then after it was open, going there everyday to be part of the whole experience. I remember perhaps some things that no one else remembers. I even have a great story to tell. When I was 11 years old, On the first 4th of July how we had record breaking paying guests at the park. My Grandfather and Grandmother, Louis' parents, owned the rights to the concession stands, selling cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and drinks. And in the middle of the day, they put $12,000 in a brown paper bag and put it under my arm and told me to walk straight to payroll with it. Knowing that no one would suspect anyone of 11 yrs old to be carrying $12,000 through all those people. I made it there without a hitch. Ohhhh, What wonderful memories I have of this park. I was so sad when my father's dreams was dashed. It is a very sad and long story of why this park did not make it. If any of you have any other fun questions that I may add to this great web site, I would love to hear from you. I have memorabilia up the yengyang. Remember the records. There were 4 songs made special for Legend City. You can email me at janiehjorth@yahoo.com Thanks for this cool website. Janie Crandall Hjorth

Date:
20 Apr 2003
Time:
00:24:10
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Comments

I am so happy that Legend City lives on, in all our membories. I am the oldest Daughter of Louis Crandall, yes, the original man that dreamed up and built Legend City, and I remember the building of the park and the fun we use to have after it was running. Being able to go with my dad to work almost daily to watch the construction and then after it was open, going there everyday to be part of the whole experience. I remember perhaps some things that no one else remembers. I even have a great story to tell. When I was 11 years old, On the first 4th of July how we had record breaking paying guests at the park. My Grandfather and Grandmother, Louis' parents, owned the rights to the concession stands, selling cotton candy, snow cones, popcorn and drinks. And in the middle of the day, they put $12,000 in a brown paper bag and put it under my arm and told me to walk straight to payroll with it. Knowing that no one would suspect anyone of 11 yrs old to be carrying $12,000 through all those people. I made it there without a hitch. Ohhhh, What wonderful memories I have of this park. I was so sad when my father's dreams was dashed. It is a very sad and long story of why this park did not make it. If any of you have any other fun questions that I may add to this great web site, I would love to hear from you. I have memorabilia up the yengyang. Remember the records. There were 4 songs made special for Legend City. You can email me at janiehjorth@yahoo.com Thanks for this cool website. Janie Crandall Hjorth

Date:
20 Apr 2003
Time:
21:25:29
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We just love this site. You need to make a tribute to Valley West Mall, Gemco, and Yellowfront. Keep up the good work. xoxo Chuck from KRIZ

Date:
20 Apr 2003
Time:
21:58:25
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I just read my sister Janie's comments and finished looking at this whole website. I just sat here and cried and cried. I'm Louis Crandall's youngest daughter. I was VERY young when the park opened, but I remember going there MANY times before it closed down. What WONDERFUL memories this whole website has. Our family thanks you very much for setting this up. My Dad has numerous amounts of original memorabilia, photos, etc., that you Legend City fans would love to see! I remember the tilt house the most. My brother Louie and I just couldn't get enough of it. I loved the Lost Dutchman's Gold mine too, but it scared me. I also remember my Aunt Printy being a Can-Can girl. Thanks SO MUCH, Ruthie Crandall Dangerfield (Texas)

Date:
21 Apr 2003
Time:
00:02:28
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Dear Developer, I'm not sure how to thank you. You see, my brother, being two years older than I, sent me a link to your site. Memories, dear memories, made my heart smile as it did when a kid in the northwest valley ( 35th and northern, ha ,ha ) heard tale that mom and dad were taking us to legand city. I promise to send a link to all my friends from those days gone bye, as well as a hope, that someone's wisdom in our future, will have the conviction to make the same environment for our children of the valley. Sean Johnson

Date:
22 Apr 2003
Time:
20:53:50
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There are sweet memories of the Wallace & Ladmo shows at Legend City. The great times we had on the rides and the people we would meet having just as much fun. We didn't think Legend City would end; it was such an exciting destination. This was always more fun than the Arizona State Fair. Many thanks for creating this fabulous site to keep those memories alive. Stanley Vorce

Date:
22 Apr 2003
Time:
20:57:53
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Legend City will always be a wonderful fond memory for me as well. I'm the third daughter of Lou Crandall and we are happy and pleased that someone has taken the time to keep this wonderful memory alive through this web site. I was young when Legend City was up and running, however, the memories are so vivid in my mind. What I remember most was back stage in the Golden Palace Saloon watching my Aunt Printy get on her ruffled slips and can can dancing skirt with her netted black nylons. Vonda Kay VanDyke with her vantriloquist dummy was there too. I watched that show over and over. I still sing the songs to my children that the Coppertones sang. Vonda Kay's song "Hello my baby, Hello my Honey" is still our favorite. Along with the Coppertones, "Bill Grogens Goat" and Good Bye My Legend City Baby". The Legend City theme Song was my favorite too...Dad's got several copies on record singles. I went there almost every day after school and I helped. Our childhood was lived out in a fantasy land and we didn't know any different. Today my Father owns and runs a major attraction in Provo Utah. He is still doing spectacular things. If you are ever in Utah, visit his Crandall Historical Printing Museum and you will be amazed at the story he tells about the Printing of the scriptures.

Date:
22 Apr 2003
Time:
22:13:18
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Thanks for the memories I had almost forgotten.Heather

Date:
24 Apr 2003
Time:
19:26:54
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We would really like to see this park rebuilt. We had some GREAT times there. We believe our kids would really enjoy a park like this back in the Phoenix AZ area. The Gallegos Family..........

Date:
25 Apr 2003
Time:
14:21:56
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As a teen Legend City was it!! Hubby and I went there, had so much fun, hard to beleive that next week is our 20th Wedding anniversary.. Darn Now I am gonna have to go looking for some info on Compton Terrace and the Wax Museum... I want to put a link to this site on my Arizona page. http://arizonainformation.freeservers.com

Date:
28 Apr 2003
Time:
14:18:51
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I am born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. Born in 1949 when Legend City opened I was at just the right age to "really" enjoy it. I remember our first trip there and my brother and I were so excited. The last concert I saw there was Leslie Gore. I raised 3 sons here also. The oldest was able the enjoy the park before it closed. I bought a small wooden box at a yard sale for $1. It is a trinket box in great shape from Legend City. Oh the memories. Too many to mention. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

Date:
07 May 2003
Time:
22:50:30
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Great site!!!!I originally rebuilt all the rides from Pacific Ocean Park and ran the operations & maintenance of the rides after Sam schoen bought the park in 1969. We had a great time re inventing the park and hopefully,made it even better.i was saddened by its demise. Mark Taylor

Date:
15 May 2003
Time:
09:41:46
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Great job with the website. I only wish I had known about this park before it closed, but growing up with Disneyland, I had no idea it had a western-themed cousin one state over. What a shame it had to fall prey to progress.

Date:
28 May 2003
Time:
18:07:59
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I was born and raised in Phoenix, and I went there many times growing up. I found this site by accident, but I really enjoyed it. It brought a tear to my eyes. I even worked there for one summer, in maintenance. Wow! Thank You, Gordon. P.S. I was even on the Wallace & Ladmo Show once! I am a lucky one! Thanks Again, Gordon.

Date:
10 Jun 2003
Time:
17:30:36
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I grew up in Phoenix in the 60's. Legend City is one of my best memories! Just goes to show - I'm not the only one who remembers it and remembers it so fondly! Diane (Dahowski in the 60's!)

Date:
12 Jun 2003
Time:
23:20:31
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Wowee - that really takes me back - to the time when a little Ladmo bag could make your whole summer better! Thanks for the memories...

Date:
13 Jun 2003
Time:
12:39:13
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This has been a great trip down memory lane. I worked at Legend City from July 1970 until December of 1971. I was one of the sergeants on the Cochises Stonghold ride, and had the privilege of giving the whole "punny spiel" to Dick Van Dyke and his family. I actually did used to dive into the river as a stunt (never knew until now that it came from the Phoenix zoo), and a couple of times did a stunt fall off of the top of the waterfall. I also ran the Lost Dutchman mine, the crooked Dutchman's shack, the Sky ride, the ferris wheel, and a few other rides. During the summer, I helped repair the manikins that were in the rides. Most of the skeletons bones were made from fiberglass cast into wooden molds. I actually met my wife at Legend City. She was an employee in the stuffed animal gift shop on Main Street. Again, thanks for the memories.

Date:
02 Jul 2003
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12:20:03
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I can't believe I lived here all my life and only went to Legend City twice both times in the mid 70's. I missed out on so much. Thanks for all the pictures and information about this wonderful place. Maybe some day in our life time there will be another Legend City located somewhere in Az.

Date:
06 Jul 2003
Time:
10:33:12
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Very interesting site! New to the Valley, never had a chance to visit Legend City, hopefully one day it'll be resurrected. nick@qualityinnmesa.com

Date:
07 Jul 2003
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07:16:02
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Going to Legend city a few times a year in my youth in AZ was a big deal. So sad that its gone... The last time I was there was in 1981 for my Middle School Graduation. :-) ah, memories

Date:
09 Jul 2003
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00:20:50
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Living all the way down in Douglas, we only visited Legend City 3 or 4 times in it's lifetime. Ah, the memories this site brings back... I'll always be glad I got those few chances to enjoy it. Hal -- Hal Hostetler, CPBE -- hhh@kvoa.com Senior Engineer/MIS -- MS MVP-DTS -- WA7BGX http://www.kvoa.com -- "When News breaks, we fix it!" KVOA Television, Tucson, AZ. NBC Channel 4 Got Blues? - www.badnewsbluesband.com

Date:
10 Jul 2003
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15:41:40
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Legend City! My parents worked together there in early 60's and my mother took me there many many times as a kid in the 70's and early 80's to ride the rides and see the W n L show on stage. I have never won a Ladmo bag and have been in counseling sessions many times over that fact, ha ha! I did get a one time free pass to Legend City for submitting an entry into the "Name the New Rollercoaster at Legend City" contest on Wallace and Ladmo. I remember watching the winning enry "Sidewinder" kids ride it first on KPHO. And I loved the fun house back in the early '80s. As kids when we would take the LONG bus ride from school in West Phx to the Phx Zoo we would yell "Lets go to Legend City instead!" when we would pass it on our way in and out of the zoo lot. I remember riding the skyride and yelling "Sting I love YOU!" when the Police were playing at Compton Terrace and the Go-Gos were the opening act. You could sneak into the concert via holes in the fence from Legend City and as a young teen, this was awesome for memories in the making. When LC closed my fellow schoolmates and I lamented for years how there was nothing for us teenagers to do in Phx and the lame teen clubs (Tommys, Hinkles and a host of other short lived places) just didn't do it like Legend City would have for us. I mean, hey! Legend City was open after curfew and it was cheap! Thank you so much for the memories and your website. Thank you! Shawn Ziegler

Date:
15 Jul 2003
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21:54:52
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I've checked every so often to see if there's anything about LC on the internet. Hoped someone would create a site like this... but never expected such a GREAT JOB!!! I can't say enough about how good this looks! I started out at LC working the Skyride island by myself in the parking lot, then (thankfully) became one of the sergeants guiding the "Ol River Scout" down the "raging and treacherous San Simon River." I have a quite a lot of LC photos and memorabilia, including an audio tape of an entire River Ride tour (with the dialogue between myself and Sgt. Mitchell, the unfortunate trooper with all the arrows), as well as a lot of other LC sounds. Can you use any of it? THANKS for the trip down memory lane! Dave DuPree aka"Sgt. Dave" '72-'73 (the U-Haul years) (Nineteen and nimble then... fifty and fat now)

Date:
16 Jul 2003
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06:50:01
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Hey Dave DuPree - You bet we could use it!! Contact us at LegendCity@aol.com. Thanks!-- The Mgt.

Date:
16 Jul 2003
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09:19:32
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CALLING OUT FOR "SgT.DAVE"DUPREE! As the managements 1st buddy...I ask you, ok I beg you to<lol>...get in touch with Jason LegendCity@aol.com a.s.a.p! Cochise Stronghold was my favorite ride.. lots terrifying stuff around every bend in that long and winding great river of legends. DEFINATELY interested in all the things uou mentioned above! Thanks Dave!!! Rob Cook(Wallace & Ladmo Club)

Date:
17 Jul 2003
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08:52:43
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LEGEND CITY's 40th Anniversary 1963-2003 (My 2nd Introduction of Legend City II Month) at the "Wallace & Ladmo& Valley memories Club". *On a personal note-Thank you from the bottom of all our Valley of the Sun families hearts.. Mr.Louis Crandall and family.You made us all smile,laugh,scream,and dream about the past while believeing that perhaps we too can create something very special for our own futures.Rob Cook .................................................. I'd like to start with the LEGEND CITY theme song..lets get them Ghosts a rollin'! YEEEEEE-HAaaaaaaaa!>----> http://www.legend-city.com/Ghost_LC.wav WELCOME back to(The Gang)at Legend City II Month! 40 years ago tomorrow the gates opened,the ticket takers were stationed,the crowd was large and enthusiastic if not somewhat bewildered.What exactly is this place,what's inside??? Up to that date, June 29th 1963 the Valley didn't have many places to go for fun,except for seeing "the gang" somewhere hopefully near you..and the usual Valley family entertainment.Such as picnics at Encanto& Papago Parks,or watching a movie at one of the outdoor drive-ins like the "Round-Up",and if you were lucky enough swimming in a pool followed by a barbecue. But there was nothing even remotely similar to Legend City, unless you were able to head to Anaheim,CA. Well as everyone made there way inside the park and we first saw a fountain of dancing waters set to music ...it was like we all became "Curious Georges",sniffing at the air from these delicious aromas...popcorn...hotdogs and others. We were amazed by the old fashioned buildings of yesterday,...and with other intriguing sights like water in the desert,strange sounds and other mysterious looking places! Little by little we explored every inch of Legend City.. some rides became favorites like Cochises Stronghold, The Lost Dutchman's Mine ride, and ok I admit it...loved the Krazy Kups! BUT the greatest attraction of all came soon after the parks opening..."THE GANG" from our favorite kid show signed on to do several shows each weekend!!! Now we knew where to easily find them! Legend City gave us kids something to work for... meaning those horrible around the house chores we all hated! We'd take our weekly allowance and save up enough, to head on back...then after we rode our favorite rides for the umpteenth time,my brother and I would hit the souvenir shops.It was a fantastic place to create our childhood fantasies, and see the magic of Wallace & Ladmo. The Valley as like the world has changed so much...some for the better,and others for the worst.Like for many of us,we didn't realize just how lucky we were back then to have Wallace & Ladmo...and places like Legend City.Back in those simpler times, I guess we all thought that it would go on forever? We've all now experienced lifes fast tracks,and the chaos etc.So why do we spend time this month,and others here at the fan club recalling past places, and faces that some no longer exsist??? Because it reminds us all of a happier time, when we were innocent(enough),and how much we miss these moments,& pleasures of life in the "Valley of the Sun". Lets remember those Summer days with Wallace & Ladmo.. Pat McMahon and our own BeaTle Mike Condello at Legend City.Does anyone remember the Wallace and Ladmo 10th anniversary party at the park Feb. 3rd,1964? If anyone has old family photos,even film footage of Legend City...especially W&L there PLEASEEeeeeee contact Jason Beaver! From our home in south Scottsdale,which was on the other side of Papago Park...we could hear the Legend City trains whistle especially at night, as if calling out to us kids.It was a thrill each and every time we were able to go! And as "us boys" got a little older, we enjoyed other attractions at the park like meeting the girls at those dances..and checking out the Golden Palace Saloon girls! LOL HAPPY 40th ANNIVERSARY LEGEND CITY...we miss ya! *On a note about that email I sent to Steven Spielberg a year ago,about him making a new version of Legend City somewhere in AZ.nothing yet..but ONE OF THESE DAYS, I'll flip on my old computer...check my emails and..AND.. it'll probaly be just another email from Jason asking if I've heard anything yet? ;) BUT one of these years......! In my dreams there would be another Legend City built somewhere in Arizona..perhaps near the Superstition Mountains where many of the parks themes centered around.., and once again there would be a state of the art Dancing Waters fountain to greet the 21st century families,only there will be a statue dedicated to the man who first dared to dream of a amusement park in the Valley of The Sun desert...it was a oasis of happiness. Thanks! Rob Cook(aka.Desert Rat W&L Fan Club)

Date:
23 Jul 2003
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13:47:37
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My sister and I are Phoenicians and grew up in the 60/70's. We LOVED Legend City! It was such a treat for us, it was like Disneyland to us! Thank you for the memories, I will pass this along to all of my friends who shared the memories. I often wish that still had Legend City, for our children.

Date:
29 Jul 2003
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12:50:49
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Below was the winning Legend City Essay..that was held at the Official Wallace & Ladmo Fan Club. A wonderful true romance story at Legend City. Rob Cook(co-founder W&L Fan Club) .............................................. A Legend City Night to Remember By Karen Laubinger As soon as I walked through the main gate, I knew this was not going to be an ordinary night. There was a sense of excitement and a hint of magic in the air. The tempting aroma of fresh popcorn along with the sweet smell of cotton candy drifted through the hot August breeze passed me. In the distance, I could hear the mixed sounds of screams and laughter. This was not my first visit to Legend City, nor was it my last, but it was by far my most memorable. The date was August 16, 1976. I went with my friend, Kristine, in honor of her sixteenth birthday. What better way for two teenagers to spend a summer evening? After a quick discussion of our plan of attack on the rides of the park we set off down the main street to the horseless carriage ride. I did not know how to drive a car yet, not that it really mattered for that particular ride, but I wanted Kristine to drive. Kristine and I giggled as we steered our way through the tree-lined course. As I recall, we did a lot of giggling during that night. The sun was just about to set and the gleaming, glittering, glowing lights of Legend City lit up the park. Red, yellow, and orange colors abounded. I had to take a break in the ladies' room to check my face,hair and clothes. What else would a sixteen-year-old girl do after being out in public for thirty minutes? If memory serves me correctly, I was sporting a new hair-do: a shoulder length bob, sprayed with Aqua-Net to the hilt. I had on a pair of beige jeans and a top with a small lace color and a flower applique. We continued down the path, checking out all the rides. It was later in the evening that we came upon the Lost Dutchman's Mine Ride. The line was long, but we would wait. There was a cute teen-age attendant helping people into each wooden mining car ... oh, the memories.... It was finally our turn. The cute attendant helped us into the car, giving me a special smile. With a jolt, the ride started and busted through the doors. Kristine and I were doing our usual giggles with some added screams and "aaks" as the ride proceeded. The air in the tunnel was musty and it was dark, except for the occasional light from a well-placed surprise, like a spider or skeleton. We gasped and were frightened (just for fun) as we watched the bright, blinding light of the approaching train. Just in time, the car turned down another path, and we were safe. Clank, clank, rattle, and clack were the sounds we heard as the car wheels rolled along the track. To our amazement, we had some extra-added scares along the ride. The cute ride attendant had sneaked into the ride through some hidden entrance and jumped out in front of the car. After our screams and giggles, he disappeared only to reappear to give me a little poke on the shoulder. Now, he had our attention, and we obviously had his. After a few more surprise visits from this flirtatious fellow along the course of the ride our car came to the end and stopped. The attendant, who was innocently standing back at his assigned position,asked us if we had a good time on the ride as he helped us out of the car. We giggled, blushed, and ran away. I was "smitten" with that attendant. Was he"smitten" with me? Kristine and I continued on our quest to go on all the rides. We rode the Sky Ride, the Ferris wheel, the roller coaster, Rage Cage, and all of the other carnival type rides. We circled around through the Mexican Village and enjoyed the delicious aromas of Mexican Food. Whenever I went through the village, I would pretend I was actually in Mexico on vacation. It was so alluring to me with the white stucco walls,bright, festive colors and lights. I had to go back to the Mine Ride. With a little nudging, Kristine and I were standing in the long line again. That cute attendant was still there. We spoke to him. He told us his name was Greg. It was our turn to get on the ride, but this time Kristine did not sit next to me in the mining car. The cute attendant, who had caught my attention, whose name was Greg, decided to take a ride. He had earned a break. Greg sat next to me. Kristine sat behind. The ride took on a whole new importance to me after that night. Greg and I dated for a year. That night is memorable to me for three reasons:going to Legend City, a celebration of my friend's birthday, and the night I met my first love. What better combination is there? When I am alone and daydreaming, my mind settles on those wonderful, magical, daring days of Legend City. For a moment I can smell the popcorn, taste the cotton candy and ice cream from the ice cream parlor. I can see the goodies and trinkets on the shelves in the gift shops, wishing I had some money to buy something. I see all the bright, twinkling lights from the Ferris wheel and roller coaster. I hear the screams and laughter of happy, excited people throughout the park. I remember Greg and the Lost Dutchman's Mine ride.... I am so thankful that there was "for one brief shining moment" in my childhood an amusement park known as Legend City.

Date:
29 Jul 2003
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15:06:35
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This was the Legend City Essay contest's 2nd place winner..submitted by: Vandi Clark (*note-Vandi was good friends with Vonda Kay Van Dyke growing up together in Arizona) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I remember Legend City for quite a different reason than most people. I worked there. Yes, I went there as a teen, but my friend Patty actually sang there! That to me was so neat! Fast forward to the summer of 1976: I apply for a job. Not as a singer, I realize that by that time my voice won't cut it, but as a mime animal. My training in theatre at the U of A puts me in good standing and I get the job! There are 4 of us: Mel & Mike, who are engaged, Shane a PE major & me. There are also 4 mime animals: Patches (the mouse), Clyde (a large green monster), Kooky Bird (a road runner) & Prickly (the talking cactus). It should have been easy, strolling around in a costume for an hour - me as Patches, Shane as Clyde, returning to home base (the Saloon's dressing room) & resting an hour while Mike & Mel made the same stroll. It proved to be quite a challenge. How for example, do you say to a mother: "No, lady, I can't hold your baby while you take a picture. I can't feel a thing through this fur & I could easily drop your child on his head" or, "Kid, stop hitting me. You're going to beat my chest down to an AA cup!" when you're a mime??? Just try telling someone what time the next show starts when you can’t talk. One day, Shane & I did corner 2 relatively vicious little thugs (probably about 10 years old) and threaten to throw them in the lagoon with the crocodiles if we even saw them again while we were in costume! We were supposed to wear cut-offs under our costumes, but we never did! It was too hot! We were also supposed to wear these cool suits which consisted of a bathing cap like device with 2 tubes attached to it which ran down to a vest like contraption with a pouch in the back for ice and a battery and pump in the front which provided power to circulate cool/very cold water and thus supposedly keep one cool. What management hadn’t counted on was that the whirring noise from the pump scared small children, while the ice would slosh forward and almost tip you over while you were shaking a small child’s hand if you didn’t brace yourself. They also hadn’t counted on kids kicking the toggle switch to off, cutting off your water supply or the battery going dead while you were on the other side of the park, giving you approximately 10 minutes to hot foot it back to home base before your body turned the consistency of warm beer. We danced a lot that summer. "You are the Sunshine of My Life" still makes me giggle and smile. Sometimes, the park was so crowded, we had to have an escort, usually a security policeman to get us to our performance. That was the case the day I saw Wallace & Ladmo at the park. It was totally crowded. The stage was set up in the desert area, near the railroad tracks. We were the "warm up act". So, we danced, and then they were late, so we danced some more. 3 of us went down that day. Mike had the best legs, so he was the bird, Mel had patches and I was a very short Clyde. Shane was our security. After our second round of dancing, they were ready to perform! Although I’d watched the same, basic routine many times between Wallace, Ladmo & Pat, I watched them with renewed interest. Here were the idols of my youth, making the whole thing fresh and new to another generation of kids! It was wonderful! My only frustration was that I couldn’t take off my Clyde head and get a little cool or at least wipe the sweat. Our hiding space behind the platform was open to the passing of the train every 10 or 15 minutes. It would never do to have children see a headless Clyde! Fast forward again to the spring of 1996: I’ve now spent 19 years in Dallas as a professional actress and am having lunch with a friend whose daughter thinks being an actress must be fun. I’m here to talk her out of it. It’s very hard work and the easier it looks, the harder the actor is working. After lunch, my friend Brenda suggests we check out the girl’s bathroom at Planet Hollywood, just down the block . She says that it was decorated by someone famous, but the name currently escapes me. I take one look at the black and white checked, slanting tiles (think forced perspective here), list to one side and say, "Look, Brenda, doesn’t this remind you of the Old Dutchman’s Shack?" Before Brenda can reply, I hear this high pitched, loud voice saying, "Legend City!!!! You REMEMBER Legend City???" "Yes," I quietly reply, "I used to work there. Usually I was Patches." At this point, I gave the "Patches" wave. "Oooooooo!! You really did work there!!! Can I pleeeeaaase have your autograph?" (You must picture this radiating to every stall in both restrooms!) So, I graciously gave her my autograph on a restroom paper towel. "Thanks for remembering, Patches." As we left, I remarked: "I’ve got 19 years of legitimate work in these portfolios and I’m giving an autograph for my work as a mime animal at an amusement park!" I must have done something right. Brenda’s daughter majored in hotel management.

Date:
04 Aug 2003
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12:31:53
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what a great site. sure brought back a lot of memories.my friends and i used to climb the fence and sneak in, then spend the whole night worrying about getting caught!sure hope the statute of limitations has runout,now that ive confessed.

Date:
05 Aug 2003
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03:26:27
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Hello. My name is Monte, an AZ native in Mesa, Az. I went to Legend City many times in my grade and high school school years. I have been researching L.C. for about a year now and I thought I'd paste some info I have in these messages in case you want to add it to your site. It's accurate to the best of my knowledge. Your site is great. I first visited it early this year when all that was available was a banner saying Legend City. You've come a long way since then. I hope I can find a site half this good relating to the Round-Up Drive In in Scottsdale, Arizona (1955? to 1979). In the words of the GREAT Bob Hope...."Thanks for the memories!" I'll paste my research in the next posting. MONTE

Date:
05 Aug 2003
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03:44:15
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From Monte in Mesa....misc. info from my recent research: 1963 June 29: Legend City first opened to the public. Construction began in the fall of 1961. It closed Dec. 31, 1964. It reopened on May 1, 1965 and closed again on Dec. 5, 1965. On Sept. 21,1966. L.C. declared bankruptcy. L.C. was closed from Sep. 1966 to Apr. 1969. It opened again on Apr. 27, 1969. A sky ride was opened in 1970. L.C. was opened for 8 months in 1969, 10 months in 1970 and 1972, and all of 1972. It was sold on Feb. 28, 1973 by Amerco to a Japanese company. It reopened on Memorial Day of 1973. It closed in 1975 and was sold in 1977 to DOT Amusement Corp. L.C. closed in the fall of 1982. In June of 1983, it was sold to S.R.P., Salt River Project (electric company). It had 6 owners in its 16 years of operation and it existed for 23 years. It had about 5 million visitors. 1973 June 30: Legend City had its grand reopening. It was then 135 acres at 56th St. and Washington. There were about 26 rides. In 1983, L.C. was bought by SRP for $21.5 million. L.C. was soon torn down. 6 29, 1963 Saturday 12 31, 1964 Thursday 5 1, 1965 Saturday 4 27, 1969 Sunday 6 30, 1973 Saturday {Monte Mesa AZ} 8 5 2003 Tuesday

Date:
05 Aug 2003
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03:52:44
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Just for clarification...I'll put those dates in one more time. I didn't realize everything would be bunched together like that. These are some significant L.C. dates and the day of the week they fell on. Legend City trivia, I guess: June 29, 1963 Saturday; December 31, 1964 Thursday; May 1, 1965 Saturday; April 27, 1969 Sunday; June 30, 1973 Saturday; {Monte Mesa AZ} 8 5 2003 Tuesday 2:52 AM

Date:
11 Aug 2003
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17:12:03
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This is a GREAT TRIBUTE to a wonderful Park! We are close friends of the man behind this amazingly delightful park, Louis Crandall . We went to Mesa Union High School together, and he was the '48 Class Pres., with a really great artistic talent. He now has the most extensive museum in the United States, if not the world, commemorating and duplicating the invention of the printing press. He actually has "working models" of the various presses that he demonstrates to the public. It is right downtown Provo, Utah at 275 East Center St. [801] 377-7777 will put you in touch with Louis so that you can make an appointment for your family or a larger school group. It is well worth the time and effort to see his wonderful collection . I understand that he is now planning to enlarge his Museum, and that will allow him to include even more of his printing press collection.

Date:
14 Aug 2003
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11:32:00
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I currently am selling the 36" Gauge Crown 4-4-0 American Locomotive and coaches which ran in Legend City right up to the end. They have been in dry storage in El Paso for about 14 years now. I'm trying to find a good home for her. Don Anderson Email: wistrains@yahoo.com Narrow Gauge Railroad Dealership www.wisconsinrailroading.com

Date:
19 Aug 2003
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23:05:54
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I grew up in Phoenix and left after graduating high school. One of my fondest memories includes my brother and me sweltering in 115 degree heat at Legend City. It didn't matter that our shoes were melting on our feet - we were at Legend City! It's sad to see that it's gone. What a great time to have grown up in the Valley. Rodney Thorin Houston, Texas

Date:
23 Aug 2003
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10:08:37
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Loved your site. I attended a birthday party there as a little kid back in 1973. Wish I would have gone back more often. Thanks for the memories Dave Sayre

Date:
25 Aug 2003
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13:52:14
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Date:
31 Aug 2003
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22:35:50
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I was trying to explain Legend City to my poor post Wallace and Ladmo kids (imagine a childhood w/o Mr. Grudgmeyer and the all Vegetable Band). Excellent website, but I would like to read more about Louis Crandall's first hand recollections. I bet he has great stories to tell. I always thought that the Legend City locomotive was bought by the Old Tucson theme park and was destroyed in the fire they had. I wish someone would raise the funds to bring the old iron horse back home to the Phoenix Area(see the Aug 14 posting). Scottsdale's McCormick Railroad Park would be a great place to keep her. I'm going to call them.

Date:
02 Sep 2003
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22:09:21
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My ex brother in law sent me your site. I worked there back in 1972/73. My first job (still in high school) was walking around with a broom and pan.......The old line was....."how's business?" My answer (I hated) was "picking up". Later I got to work directing traffic in the parking lot.. At the time I thought it was a step up. A friend of mine (elementary school) went to Brophy with Paul Shoen and was a good friend of his... That how I got the job. I wonder what happened to the huge redwood tree out front? Oh the stories..... I remember going on a camping trip with a couple of people, (employee's) older than I..... We went up to Crown King. The guy who drove owned and old 62 Chevy panel truck, white with chrome rims. He worked on the riverboat ride as a guide.... Then there was the gal (ASU student ) that drive that lime green VW, maybe a convertible....I had a big time crush on her but she was so much older... Ha.... There was another guy I worked with Paul Marquart...maybe the wrong spelling...... Anyway.... sorry to go off but that was a fun place.......

Date:
09 Sep 2003
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00:43:05
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I grew up in Phoenix from 1969 to 1986. Moved away, but came back in 1999. Every once in a while, I would do a internet search for Legend City, but no luck. Then, today, I tried again. And here I am. It is a great site, bringing back the memories of getting up early on the weekends to get to LC, to be there when the gates opened and staying all day, till the gates closed. Having a great time running around the park with your friends and meeting new friends. And at the end of the night, make plans to get up the following weekend and do it all over again. It was a great time in my life, but a sad part, when LC fell to the way for progress. It would be great if Legend City could be like the Phoenix Bird. To Rise From The Ashes To Become One Again. Thanks for the Memories Ken Sept. 2003

Date:
10 Sep 2003
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18:26:25
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What a great trip down memory lane. Legend City was a great place to be a kid during my childhood and a place of mild delinquency as an adolescent. GREAT Cite. Thanks for the flashbacks.

Date:
16 Sep 2003
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04:06:54
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Great job! Thank you for compiling all of these great historical pictures. Your site is a perfect illustration of why the Internet is so great!

Date:
18 Sep 2003
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11:16:24
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What a great website! Thank you for preserving the memories of Legend City. I grew up in No. Cal. and had grandparents that lived in Phoenix. As a kid in the 60's and 70's I would visit them during the summer months and on occasion would go to LC. I still have a pennant from LC in a box around here somewhere. My parents even bought stock in the park. Not sure if they still have the certificate, but they might. I think I'll ask them! Now at age 43, the memories are kind of hazy but I do remember the Lost Dutchman's Mine and the Antique Car rides, the stagecoach and the train. What a great place it was. I wish it was still around so I could take my kids there and let them enjoy it as I did so many years ago. Things never seem to change for the better... Oh well, please keep this site up and running so I can at least show my kids what I did at their age. Regards and good luck! Tom Cloud

Date:
20 Sep 2003
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23:16:51
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Great site! I remember it very well. I saw The Police and The Go-Go's there in 1982. Took in the concert and went right into the prak afterwards. Some friends of mine tried to sneak in after it shut down. Do you have info on the Haunted Mansion they built later in the 1970's? It was right by the Sports car ride. Keep up the good work! Charlie Zeller in Scottsdale

Date:
23 Sep 2003
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22:03:16
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I was in phoenix and remembered that me and my cousins went there all the time we lived across the street and and me and my cousins were on all there bilboards when the log ride started if you have any pics of the billboards back then please forward to rstaley611@aol.com thanks

Date:
24 Sep 2003
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23:37:07
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Thanks for the memories! I worked at Legend City for three summers (1973-1975). First as a Midway Sweeper, then making carmel apples in the Candy Store and my last summer as a balloon girl. Both of my brothers also worked at the park during these years. It was a GREAT job for teenagers. We had a blast :) Bonnie (Gallagher) Gilson --- bgilson@cox.net

Date:
06 Oct 2003
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13:39:53
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I've done several searches over the years to find anything about Legend City, to no avail. I went so many times as a youth that it became like a second home. My heart jumped when I found this site. THANK YOU! I have so many memories of this place. Had I known what it would mean to me now, I would have saved everything I ever got from there. Well maybe not the barf from my first date on the teacups, but pretty much everything else (I did get my first kiss later that evening for being such a gentleman about the whole thing). Bless you for these pictures and maps. I drive by the old site from time to time and tears come to my eyes thinking of my childhood and the times I spent there. In fact they're a little misty right now. It was truly a magical place and will always hold a special place in my heart. John Wright, Prescott Valley, Arizona

Date:
12 Oct 2003
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19:00:41
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i remember those days i was born in phoenix az and grew up in apache junction i was hoping that one day some one would build another you see i ended up with epilipsy back then now i'm disabled and have children of my own and they now have no where to go no wonder the children now days get into trouble if some one was to build another one it would create jobs thus keeping our children busy you can say i said it and meant it sincerily mr robert a demarest of tempe az 85281

Date:
15 Oct 2003
Time:
12:20:53
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I am so glad you have this site. As a native boy of Phoenix born in 74 I still have vivid memories of Legend city. As a matter of fact I work on top of where it once stood for DHL Express. I was walking during lunch one day I took a path off to the southeast of the building. Low and behold I looked at all these palm trees surrounding this unusual looking pond. I started having flashbacks of Wallace and Ladmo on a stage to the south of where I was looking and then I remembered a path around the pond. It was the small pond off to the southeast of Legened City....it's still here. Thanks for the memories.

Date:
15 Oct 2003
Time:
17:43:35
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Thanks for the memories. I'm a Phoenix native and remember Legend City as a birthday party destination in the late 60's and early 70's. My memories of the park were both distinct and vague -- like pieces of half-forgotten dreams, clear details here and there, surrounded by fog. The photos and explanations here are terrific. I particularly love the Wallace and Ladmo photos, and the Lost Dutchman's Mine ride section. Thank your for all the effort and love you have poured into this site. The descriptions of the photos are both informative, and they capture the spirit of promotional materials that might have been used to describe the park in its heyday. Thanks again for helping me recall some cool stuff from my childhood. Joseph Formichella

Date:
19 Oct 2003
Time:
19:52:13
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AAHH The memories!! Being born and raised in Scottsdale, I remember many days and nights spent at Legend City. I feel luck to have been a part of such a great place. I truly miss the place. Thanks for placing these great photo's on the internet for us to see. Ed Crawford - eacrawfo@yahoo.com

Date:
31 Oct 2003
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10:32:03
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As with other posters, growing up in Phoenix through the 50's, 60's and 70's entailed Wallace & Ladmo, Legend City and to us in Scottsdale The Round Up Drive-In. It's hard to harken back to those days, most of them lost in time and the rest just dim snapshots faded with age. Yet, I remember a memorable night at Legend City. It was a summer evening in 1970 or maybe 1971. I had got up the nerve to ask a young lady out for a date (after my best friend agreed to double with his girl). Our destination...Legend City! It would be great! And, it was. That particular evening there was a power failure at the park. They didn't close the park but tried, unsuccessfully, to restore power for several hours. During that time I strolled through the park arm in arm with Loretta my date. My friend and his date went one way, we went another enjoying the moment. Finally, there would be no power restored and we would have to leave. BUT, we got a rain check and were able to go back the following weekend. TWO dates for the price of one! WOW! The second night at Legend City was a blast and I thouroughly enjoyed myself. It would turn out to be the only dates I had with Loretta and I was so shy that I didn't even kiss her! Yep, I was a bit of a dork...oh God...I probably still am! At any rate, Legend City was the place where I could mostly dream of going to. I was only able to go a handful of times during its existence but it was always a magical and wonderful place. Cheesy rides and junk food to the max, a child's paradise indeed! Great website! It evoked many, many fond memories of a great childhood. God bless!

Date:
01 Nov 2003
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09:23:14
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Where did the time(s)go? I'm amazed that it seems just like yesterday,that Legend City first opened up for business...instead of being 40 years ago! I lived just down the street(so to speak)...more like a bike ride down the canal dirt road,then we took a right past the "Hole In The Rock"...a sharp left over the stone bridge at Papago Park heading towards PHX.ZOO. A short ride again through the desert passing cactus,and a jack rabbit...hearing the cooing of Mourning Doves.Schools out for the Summer and our favorite destination LEGEND CITY was coming into view.Cut-off jeans...surfer T-shirts...and our childhood wide-eyed excitement.There were many small surprises contained within the park,I always had a keen eye for the details(back then).That first burst through the ticket buying area,revealing the first glimpse of these fantasy acres never lost it's thrill. I don't recall how we first heard about this kids paradise being built,...only that one day instead of our usual local desert haunts such as Botanical Gardens and Papago Park,with a once pristine desert in perfect balance...also the local Hohokam Indian sites,the mountains(and mini-caves)wildlife where a kid could see horned lizards in abundance. It just seemed one day it was announced in the Scottsdale Progress just prior to Camelot at the White House changing the mood of America,which Legend City helped in that sad regard too. I thank God that we lived in those times,and had Legend City included in our neighborhood playground. It was a true garden of desert Eden Legend City ..and the memories,like what the person above this post said...are faded with those details. By the way we (us guys) all had our magic moments of a "Sweet Loretta",and it was only meant to be for a short while....but to have it at Legend City must have been extra magical. I can only hope and pray that those simpler days, and the Valley 1950-70' precious memories will never completely fade away...I hope that a book will be created about the park,and even perhaps some insights about growing up with this great family amusement spot.. when there was peace,and beauty in abundance. R.E.C. (lived and dreamed in the Supai School-68th street & Moreland area)1958-78.

Date:
03 Nov 2003
Time:
09:30:59
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Wow, has this stirred memories... Anyone ride horses at Weldon's Stables? There was another one right there but I don't remember what it was called. I think for $2.00 you could ride for an hour around the Papago Buttes. Most of the horses were refugees from a glue factory but once in a while you got a good one. Hole In The Rock and Governor Hunt's tomb up on the hill were favorites. In fact Papago Park was one of my family's favorite birthday party spots. Grab a ramada and fire up the barbeque! Then, once in a while, it was to the zoo. Remember the Bunny Bridge entering the Petting Zoo? Hazel, Baltimore JAck and Ruby... As I mentioned in a prior rambling, the Round Up Drive-In was a favorite spot in my teen years ('69 to '73). In fact, drive-ins were the place me and my budds would frequent all summer long. Pioneer in Mesa, Silver Dollar, Thunderbird, Big Sky, Rodeo and a few others would all experience our presence at one time or another. Didn't even think of going to an indoor movie much, drive-ins were the rage. I know this is a Legend City site I just had to wax nostalgic. Hope that is OK :) Having grown up in Scottsdale, graduated from Scottsdale High in 1971 and been here my entire life I have seen so much come and go. I thank God quite often that I grew up (or at least aged, I refuse to grow up!) when I did. I think my kids live in a wonderful time now but I wouldn't trade places for anything. As this site has reminded me it was a simpler, more easy going era back then. At least so it seems to me. Peace all!

Date:
04 Nov 2003
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12:42:46
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Hi Lewis, Can't wait to see the new Crandell H P Museum's website. Always good to talk with you (Nov 4th). Thanks much for your many compliments and appreciations over the past several months, as well as patience during the heat of battle. If you need another copy of the Dale Guild CD of pics, just let me know. Best, Alan Dale Guild Art Dept

Date:
25 Nov 2003
Time:
11:30:08
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Love your site. I tell people all the time about how great LC was. Every time I drive past that SRP office. I remember my best friend and I getting in trouble for spitting at girls while riding the scrambler. I was around 8 I think. ;-) Thanks for the memories. Bryce Hadley

Date:
07 Dec 2003
Time:
10:26:00
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At dinner last night we had been talking with friends about growing up with Wallace N Ladmo, and Legend City in the early 70's. Thinking out loud there has to be a website that has pictures of Legend City. With a quick search on Google here it is. Great job, brought back wonderful memories. Too bad the ol City is no longer here, but your work here is the next best thing. Thanks

Date:
08 Dec 2003
Time:
09:56:36
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Who remembers the the Spring of '81 when Legend City reopened the river ride, but put people in self steering bumber boats. I was a ride operator on that attraction for a brief period of time, I remember always being wet, because we frequently had to jump in the water to rescue stranded boats, or get people going in the right direction. However, it was a popular attractiion for a while. I can still smell the fumes from the gas engines on those boats, feel the permanent dampness in my uniform. I was very happy when I got reassigned back the the dry confines of the Lost Dutchman Mine Ride. D Adams ride op 1980-81

Date:
14 Dec 2003
Time:
09:54:02
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Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am one of those in the age group that you mention that have fond memories of Legend City. From the mid 70's to the early 80's. From rainy summer evenings to Compton Terrace concerts. I have lived in Kansa City now as an aduld and was thrilled to accidently stumble on to this site. It truly brought back wonderfull memories. Well done! P. Alvarez

Date:
22 Dec 2003
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00:40:11
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I was born in 74 so I was very young when I went there but I seem to remember a haunted house that was located close to the entrance? I also remember a gold fish stand where you would throw pennies or something to try and win goldfish that was right outside of the Haunted House...... I would go in the Haunted House over and over and over while my dad waited outside for me. I remember one time I was there and there was also a concert going on....I could be wrong but I believe it was the Grateful Dead......great site. Hearing the Wallace and Ladmo song almost made me cry!! Thanks, Trace Richardson tracedef@verizon.net

Date:
08 Jan 2004
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13:23:16
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I remember it well, and spent much of my childhood there, and my young adult life in the beer gardens, back then drinking age was 19! Native of Phoenix...Nadine

Date:
08 Jan 2004
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17:44:49
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Thanks for bringing back some great memories!!!!

Date:
20 Jan 2004
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12:15:51
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I worked at legend City from 78 - till closing. It was so much of my life. At this time the Capell family owned it. I have tons of Pictures and even a hand that belonged to one of the dummies in the mine ride. It was a struggle to try to keep the park opened, but I remember on closing day everyone came to show their support - the park was jammed! (i even have closing day pictures) Would love to hear from others! Taryn - taguilera@awarena.com

Date:
25 Jan 2004
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20:32:46
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Your website is a wonderful tribute to one of my all time favorite places to go as a child! I grew up in Arizona since 1960-61 and we went to Legend City as often as we could afford to go. I'm glad that two of my own kids had a chance to experience this piece of history before it was demolished in '83 as so many other fun places in Arizona have been. Thanks for the memories! Gema (Avery) Kaminer

Date:
26 Jan 2004
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16:04:02
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i Remeber going to Legend City as a youngster growing up here in the Valley Wish we could do a new one on that disputed Los Arcos Mall land

Date:
29 Jan 2004
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17:09:05
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Date:
29 Jan 2004
Time:
17:11:13
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WHAT A GREAT WEBSITE... IT BROUGHT BACK SUCH GREAT MEMORIES OF HOW MUCH GOOD CLEAN FUN WE USED TO HAVE THERE!!! THANKS AGAIN FOR THE REMINDERS CINDY

Date:
29 Jan 2004
Time:
17:11:26
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WHAT A GREAT WEBSITE... IT BROUGHT BACK SUCH GREAT MEMORIES OF HOW MUCH GOOD CLEAN FUN WE USED TO HAVE THERE!!! THANKS AGAIN FOR THE REMINDERS CINDY

Date:
29 Jan 2004
Time:
17:11:34
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WHAT A GREAT WEBSITE... IT BROUGHT BACK SUCH GREAT MEMORIES OF HOW MUCH GOOD CLEAN FUN WE USED TO HAVE THERE!!! THANKS AGAIN FOR THE REMINDERS CINDY

Date:
24 Feb 2004
Time:
14:45:49
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I grew up with Legend City and I miss it very much John Bristow

Date:
25 Feb 2004
Time:
23:41:49
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This is simply awesome, in the mid '70s after college I joind a tented traveling circus. George Matthews Great London Circus. There I met Ivan Henry. Ivan owed elephants, chimps and other show animals. Ivan asked me to work for him. And to go on the road, at that time he was with the Capell Shows. So I joined up with Ivan in Feb 1975. As the fates would have it we ended up in Legend City with the animals. I was an incredible experience. Being the animal caretaker I was lucky enough to park my 30' travel trailer behind the "Lost Duchman Mine". It was closed down at the time. Can you imagine living inside a theme park. Well for almost 2 years I was that kid. I say kid as I was only in my early 20's. Well my girlfriend became my wife and we had a baby. She actually was introuduced to Shorty the elephant before she even entered the trailer, her new home. I you know anything about elephants you know why I did this. Elephants can be jealous when there handler pays too much attention to anything else. Of course Shorty was only 6 then just a baby himself. Well I left the business when my daughter was about 2, moved back to Boston and became a fairly successful business man. But for many years I always wanted to show my little girl ( she's 27now) just where her roots really are. Thank you so much for all your time and efforts in putting this together. I'm in hi tech and can appreciate all your hard work. By the way I'm getting ready to retire now and guess what? I'm going back on the road as "The Guesser" you old carny's know what that is. Thanks again, Michael Cappi m.capozzoli@comcast.net

Date:
25 Feb 2004
Time:
23:43:29
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This is simply awesome, in the mid '70s after college I joind a tented traveling circus. George Matthews Great London Circus. There I met Ivan Henry. Ivan owed elephants, chimps and other show animals. Ivan asked me to work for him. And to go on the road, at that time he was with the Capell Shows. So I joined up with Ivan in Feb 1975. As the fates would have it we ended up in Legend City with the animals. I was an incredible experience. Being the animal caretaker I was lucky enough to park my 30' travel trailer behind the "Lost Duchman Mine". It was closed down at the time. Can you imagine living inside a theme park. Well for almost 2 years I was that kid. I say kid as I was only in my early 20's. Well my girlfriend became my wife and we had a baby. She actually was introuduced to Shorty the elephant before she even entered the trailer, her new home. I you know anything about elephants you know why I did this. Elephants can be jealous when there handler pays too much attention to anything else. Of course Shorty was only 6 then just a baby himself. Well I left the business when my daughter was about 2, moved back to Boston and became a fairly successful business man. But for many years I always wanted to show my little girl ( she's 27now) just where her roots really are. Thank you so much for all your time and efforts in putting this together. I'm in hi tech and can appreciate all your hard work. By the way I'm getting ready to retire now and guess what? I'm going back on the road as "The Guesser" you old carny's know what that is. Thanks again, Michael Cappi m.capozzoli@comcast.net

Date:
25 Feb 2004
Time:
23:45:33
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I just notice a ton of grammer and typos... I stumbled across this site 2 hours ago, and it's currently 2am in Boston. Sorry about the errors. Thanks again, Cappi

Date:
01 Mar 2004
Time:
08:23:46
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We've reached 10,000 hits! Thanks to everyone for helping me celebrate Legend City -- John

Date:
05 Mar 2004
Time:
21:20:39
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When i was about 6 till 10 years old, i used to be- believe that wallace & ladmo owned and lived at le- gend city. To me,LEGEND CITY was Wallace & ladmo. It was a long time before those notions faded from how i saw things. As an adult, (yes when even i be-came one), i understand that how i thought of the amusment park differed from actuality. Until then,however, Wallace & ladmo were the mayors of the fun-nest place i knew about as a kid. And when S.R.P.,(where my dad worked) tore the place down to biuld their dumb corporate headquarters, i was very let down. Still, let me just close by saying as i often hear Bill & Pat say. We had a lot of fun. And to this child at heart,LEGEND CITY will always have a home in my heart, and Wallace & ladmo will always be the mayors. Many thanks, Paul j. Chavez.

Date:
05 Mar 2004
Time:
21:20:48
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When i was about 6 till 10 years old, i used to be- believe that wallace & ladmo owned and lived at le- gend city. To me,LEGEND CITY was Wallace & ladmo. It was a long time before those notions faded from how i saw things. As an adult, (yes when even i be-came one), i understand that how i thought of the amusment park differed from actuality. Until then,however, Wallace & ladmo were the mayors of the fun-nest place i knew about as a kid. And when S.R.P.,(where my dad worked) tore the place down to biuld their dumb corporate headquarters, i was very let down. Still, let me just close by saying as i often hear Bill & Pat say. We had a lot of fun. And to this child at heart,LEGEND CITY will always have a home in my heart, and Wallace & ladmo will always be the mayors. Many thanks, Paul j. Chavez.

Date:
05 Mar 2004
Time:
22:23:30
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Wow! I went to Legend City every chance I could during the summer with my brother and sisters, and later with my older buddy (he was in hogh school) starting in the late 60's. I can still smell the cotton candy from the candy store and think often of the old skeletons shoveling coal in the Lost Dutchman's Mine, I guess is was. I got suck up on the skyride and thought I was gonna die! And the caboose on the train was a cool make-out spot after you picked up on a chick! I have a photo of Ladmo from one of his birthday including his cake. They had a relly cool gift shop too from where the membrobilia from this site came from. Yep, those were the good old days. I wish my children and grandchildren could have experienced it. This is a great site. Dave Tansy - Phoenix, AZ native.

Date:
15 Mar 2004
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14:38:31
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Lived in Tucson, but had family in Phoenix, and looked forward to every summer trip we took to Legend City from the mid 1970's until the park closed. I loved it so much that when we had friends from out of state, we would all drive up for the weekend. Thanks for putting such a cool website together. David Tucson Arizona March 15, 2004

Date:
03 Apr 2004
Time:
15:57:25
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I am sad to see the long lost memory I had enjoyed so much as a child. I wish it were still here with us. Thank you for the memories captured in this site. Kathy

Date:
09 Apr 2004
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10:31:08
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Growing up in Tempe my brother and I went to Legend City all of the time. It was fun and a great place to meet other teenagers. I even got my first kiss from my future husband while riding on the Sky Ride. Great memories. I wish it was still there for my children to enjoy today. I also miss Wallace and Ladmo. What a great childrens show. My brother and I even managed to be on the show 3 times! Two of my most treasured pictures are of my brother and I standing with Ladmo holding our Ladmo Bags! Thanks for making this site.

Date:
09 Apr 2004
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10:39:09
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I just posted the above comments and forgot to leave my name, its Jodene Schimkat.

Date:
09 Apr 2004
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10:39:28
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I just posted the above comments and forgot to leave my name, its Jodene Schimkat.

Date:
09 Apr 2004
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21:20:35
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I was born in Phoenix in 1982, and today is the first time I have heard about Legend City. I'm saddened to see that something like this once existed here but was replaced with an office park.

Date:
11 Apr 2004
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20:56:03
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hello to all my name is Danny Farrow i worked at legend-city from 1976 to i think 1979 i worked under the caple bros i was assigned to ladmo birthday parties as his body guard sure do miss him taren was my supervisor would like to know more about an reunion and if there are any outher securty guards that might have worked with me hope to here from you often thanks for the memories Danny

Date:
13 Apr 2004
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15:40:14
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What fun it was to be a kid when Legend City was here!! Too bad it had to go away!! I miss it and would love to be able to go again. Looking at all the pictures and memorabila made me smile, just like spending the day there used too!!

Date:
21 Apr 2004
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15:31:27
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Our family moved from the Phoenix area back in 1978 when I was 14 years old. I returned to the Valley for the first time in 2002, only to find that Legend City was gone. Needless to say, I felt a terrible void because I had been extremely fond of that place as a child. I had a great time when I was there. The sudden news of its demise left me in shock, but this webpage has helped to ease the pain and bring back many good memories. This was an awesome tribute to an awesome place.

Date:
22 Apr 2004
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16:38:08
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Thank you for the terrific memories. I was only 9 years old when Legend City closed, but I remember many weekends spent there with my family. I am 29 now and wish that it was still here to share with my husband. I hope other people will keep adding thier memories to this site. Again, thank you.

Date:
29 Apr 2004
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17:52:08
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS SITE I'T BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES. WE NEED A PLACE LIKE THAT FOR OUR GRANDKIDS TODAY. THANKS AGAIN

Date:
29 Apr 2004
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17:52:18
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS SITE I'T BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES. WE NEED A PLACE LIKE THAT FOR OUR GRANDKIDS TODAY. THANKS AGAIN

Date:
29 Apr 2004
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17:52:24
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS SITE I'T BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES. WE NEED A PLACE LIKE THAT FOR OUR GRANDKIDS TODAY. THANKS AGAIN

Date:
29 Apr 2004
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17:52:30
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS SITE I'T BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES. WE NEED A PLACE LIKE THAT FOR OUR GRANDKIDS TODAY. THANKS AGAIN

Date:
29 Apr 2004
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17:52:36
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS SITE I'T BROUGHT BACK MEMORIES. WE NEED A PLACE LIKE THAT FOR OUR GRANDKIDS TODAY. THANKS AGAIN

Date:
30 Apr 2004
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14:28:09
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Thanks for the memories! It's nice that someone had the fore thought to hang on to some of these things and take pictures. I spent many fun times at the park. Too bad those days are gone for good. Andrew

Date:
30 Apr 2004
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17:35:13
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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS WEBSITE!!MY CHILDHOOD JUST CAME TO LIFE AND SO MANY HEART WARMING MEMORIES RELIVED THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Date:
04 May 2004
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10:58:57
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I was supposed to be working but "stumbleld" upon this Legend City site! THE MEMORIES! It was our "Disneyland" when I was in jr. high. It's a little heartbreaking to look at the pictures and know it's gone. Thanks for the great place to come and remember! Patty - 05/04/04

Date:
04 May 2004
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10:59:21
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I was supposed to be working but "stumbleld" upon this Legend City site! THE MEMORIES! It was our "Disneyland" when I was in jr. high. It's a little heartbreaking to look at the pictures and know it's gone. Thanks for the great place to come and remember! Patty - 05/04/04

Date:
04 May 2004
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19:14:09
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Thank you! I loved Legend City. It was the best place to go when I was in high school. Thanks for the memories.

Date:
05 May 2004
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22:26:37
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My mother and father used to work at Legend City. That's where they met. I spent a lot of my early years there. I've always regretted not going to the park in it's final years. {{sigh}} Thanks for a great memorial. I'll miss Wallace and Ladmo, too.

Date:
06 May 2004
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10:54:51
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I LOVE your site! Thanks for all of the hard work. Might I suggest a section dedicated to the late seventies (the log ride, the sidewinder, the dome laser light show, the local music etc). Legend City is where I spent many an adolescent night in the late seventies. Saw my first concert at Compton Terrace. Again, so glad you have done this! Great memories. Cathy Swafford-Rhodes (East Valley Native)

Date:
08 May 2004
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18:16:42
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im elliott from los angeles calif my dad lived in phoenix from 1970 to 1975 sadly i did not live in phoenix because i had to finish high school in los angeles i visited phoenix on every vacation i had during my school years i never visited legend city but i heard all about it at times. please check out www.beverlypark.com for another bygone era from la calif.

Date:
08 May 2004
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23:34:19
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Thank you for creating this website. It was fun seeing all those pictures and reliving old memories. I'm sad that the park closed before my daughter had a chance to visit it.

Date:
11 May 2004
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15:18:03
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This has been a great experience, reminds me of the "old days" Thanks for putting this together.

Date:
22 May 2004
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15:42:36
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Wonderful tribute. Never had the pleasure of visiting the park, but looks like the sister park to Frontier Village that was located in San Jose, Calif. Designer was Lauri Hollings?

Date:
26 May 2004
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22:37:27
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Damn! I really miss phoenix the way it used to be...Legend City was the best place to have fun outside of Disneyland...and when they opened it up to touring nat'l bands by adding the original Compton terrace with a free admission to Legend City after the show, it was phenominal! I saw the Grateful dead there for the first time, with my good friends Chris and Kurt Kirkwood, who would later form the Meatpuppets...a ton of great memories from there!

Date:
02 Jun 2004
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15:25:56
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Wow, Thanks for the memories. I am a native of Phoenix and I remember going to Legend City at least two or three times a year. Seeing Wallace and Ladmo was always one of the best parts. I really enjoyed getting soaked on the Log Jammer on those hot summer nights. I only wish the place was still around, I know my children would enjoy it as much as I did when I was a kid.

Date:
03 Jun 2004
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15:10:11
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hello there.....my god i have finally found a site related to one of my first jobs...my name is tim robison,i work at lc from 1977 til the day they closed.i started when i was 15(lied about my age) and worked my way up the ladder becoming a relief ride operator(supervisor) i saw many people come and go through there it was sad when it closed..all my friends worked there and they used to call me "T.J." i'm not sure if i know you or not i have a few memory pics i'll have to send you.i would love to have a "Family Reunion" with all the past employees that i knew.I now live in concord,nc and from time time reflect back to those great high school days and working at the city.would love to here from ya. thanks for listening. TIM "T.J." ROBISON Fireghost@carolina.rr.com

Date:
03 Jun 2004
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15:10:20
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hello there.....my god i have finally found a site related to one of my first jobs...my name is tim robison,i work at lc from 1977 til the day they closed.i started when i was 15(lied about my age) and worked my way up the ladder becoming a relief ride operator(supervisor) i saw many people come and go through there it was sad when it closed..all my friends worked there and they used to call me "T.J." i'm not sure if i know you or not i have a few memory pics i'll have to send you.i would love to have a "Family Reunion" with all the past employees that i knew.I now live in concord,nc and from time time reflect back to those great high school days and working at the city.would love to here from ya. thanks for listening. TIM "T.J." ROBISON Fireghost@carolina.rr.com

Date:
03 Jun 2004
Time:
15:58:02
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Ijust posted a comment here and i would like to add this...TO ALL MY FRIENDS THAT I REMEMBER(FORGIVE ME IF I LEAVE YOU OUT,ITS AN OLD AGE THING),Mike Rutollo,Mike Gravens,Jeff Smith,Holly Ravenscroft,Frank LEISNER,RHONDA,Kenny Hablutzel,Matt Swartz,Shelly,Beth,Mike with the "MUSTANG MACH-1",Marco the crazy indian,and the many others i would love to here from HERE IS MY E-MAIL FIREGHOST@CAROLINA.RR.COM and lets not forget.....TARYN! "I DIDN'T DO IT!" love you all...miss the good old day.... THANKS "T.J."

Date:
05 Jun 2004
Time:
22:29:07
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This site has really refreshed many memories, and I have a story to tell. Like most stories, mine have probably “improved” with each telling. My name is Jim Hill and I worked at Legend City after getting out of the service in the summer of 1969. My future (and still) wife, Sioux Larry, who was running the Candy Shoppe and the Gay Nineties Arcade, caught my attention by decorating the cast on my then-broken leg. My jobs were to help keep the arcades running, fixing the animations in the Mine and River rides, work to build…and later climb the Sky Ride towers to reset the safety switches (whenever a bird would land on them they would trip, stopping the ride and stranding everyone on it), fixing pin-ball machines, and robbing the train. Once Steve Bergman and I actually set a ladies hair (wig) on fire when one of our blanks shot-out a fireball, while robbing the train. This wig went up like a giant, hair-spray-soaked cotton ball. Jackie Hill, my sister, our boss, and now Steve’s wife (Jackie Bergman) was furious with us, but did her best not to laugh while standing before this lady with the black, stringy, smoking hair and telling her how sorry we all were (actually, I think the ladies husband wanted to laugh too, but he knew better)…and as usual we were lucky not having been fired. The group I belonged to was called the Sound Department, and was headed by Howard Kelly (his brother Bobby Kelly was head of purchasing). The Sound Department (made up of me, Steve Bergman, Steve Sanders, Howard Kelly, and Jack Darandahl) would hangout inside a large rock near the River Ride entrance. This rock housed the sound and animation controls for the River Ride, and the Park Music machinery. It also provided cover for many parties and a get-away for lots of other park employees. Lots of beer, appropriated from the Red Garter Saloon, was consumed there. The River Ride, and our Sound Department rock hideout, hold most of my memories. The River Ride’s water (and the lagoon’s too) came to us after it was too filthy for the zoo to keep using, so we didn’t want to get in it very often. When the River Ride’s waterfall would get stuck (sometimes it wouldn’t shut off when the boat went through it, filling the boat with green, slimy, stinky water) we had to get in the water and fix it. Because the smell of this green slime would get in your clothes and stay, we would usually shut the ride down, strip off our clothes, and plunge into the “water” naked to make the repair. One night the next shift on the River Ride didn’t get the word that the ride was closed, so they loaded a boat and sent it through. We could hear the boat coming, but the slime kept us from being able to climb the slick sides and hide. We just held our legs away from the boat’s prop and pretended to be new animations begging the boat’s operator, Sarge, for help. Sarge instantly realized the screw-up, and played along with our improvised act. Several people commented on the new animations being really lifelike. Only the opaque green water kept the riders from realizing that these “new animations” had a very embarrassing secret. This is way too long, but there are sooo many stories. Maybe more later, if anyone’s interested….Jim Hill

Date:
16 Jun 2004
Time:
20:32:36
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Hi Jim Hill -- Yes, we're interested! :)

Date:
18 Jun 2004
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02:35:02
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Great site. The plethora of info and pics on this site brougth back great memeories on the "little" Valley of the Sun I grew up in.

Date:
18 Jun 2004
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15:43:54
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Very Impressive !! I Had a ball Thank you!! Marty Martinez

Date:
18 Jun 2004
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17:13:32
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I found your site very interesting. I grew up in Phoenix and remember several visits to Legend City. Nice job...

Date:
19 Jun 2004
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13:52:43
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CALLING ALL LEGEND CITY workers, shop owners...and others who were part of this WONDERFUL park,and those FANTABULOUS times! We're having a Legend City Reunion...of sorts at the Official Wallace & Ladmo Fan Club! Starts in JULY...read this>----> http://www.legend-city.com/LC_0704.htm PLEASE come and "join" the fun, the admission price is- ABSOLUTELY FREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just bring your memories, and supply your own cotton candy! See ya there! :) Rob Cook aka Desert Rat Co-Founder of the Official Wallace & Ladmo Fan Club

Date:
22 Jun 2004
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18:54:05
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Attn. JIM HILL... YES..yes..we'd love to hear more from you, about your Legend City experiences! Also I'd possibly like to conduct an "email-interview"with you,to post at the Official Wallace and Ladmo Fan Club during July's salute to the park. Please contact Jason here-SEE E-Mail... and let us know if you'd be willing? But tell us more here too! :) Rob Cook Co-Founder Of The Wallace & Ladmo Fan Club

Date:
22 Jun 2004
Time:
19:01:42
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Well, I think this web site is a wonderful tribute to the past. I grew up in Tempe & lived there from 1957 to 1979. Moved to Enumclaw Washington where I currently reside. I will be retiring in the Phx area in a few years. We remember the park as if it were yesterday. The "That 70's Show" helps me keep my past in prespective. Legend City played a big part in my youth. We used to sneak in to the park many times just to have a good time on Friday nights. The Tempe High Class of "71 Graduation party was there. The night was a blure. That was the night my first love & I started our journey together. Only for a few years though. I can remember That night and many others as if they were yesterday. I keep this Web site as one of my saved favorites. Thank you for providing it for all of us. Your friend, Bruce McArthur

Date:
22 Jun 2004
Time:
19:02:11
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Well, I think this web site is a wonderful tribute to the past. I grew up in Tempe & lived there from 1957 to 1979. Moved to Enumclaw Washington where I currently reside. I will be retiring in the Phx area in a few years. We remember the park as if it were yesterday. The "That 70's Show" helps me keep my past in prespective. Legend City played a big part in my youth. We used to sneak in to the park many times just to have a good time on Friday nights. The Tempe High Class of "71 Graduation party was there. The night was a blure. That was the night my first love & I started our journey together. Only for a few years though. I can remember That night and many others as if they were yesterday. I keep this Web site as one of my saved favorites. Thank you for providing it for all of us. Your friend, Bruce McArthur

Date:
24 Jun 2004
Time:
21:51:32
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Hi everyone. Jim Hill again with a few more memories from LC. I remember rounding-up the Buffalo before the park could open (their names were Ralph and Erma, and they had the run of the park while it was closed), and cleaning-up the piles they left. Once they both got stuck in the queuing line for the Ferris-Wheel and we had a real challenge getting them out. I think we were the first people ever to try to teach a thousand pound Buffalo the concept of backing-up? We were unsuccessful; the Buffalo went over the queuing line, with almost complete destruction. We had an air compressor that supplied compressed air to the animations in the Mine and River Rides and each night, after the park closed, this huge compressor hidden in a wash behind the river ride, had to be turned-off. Many moonless, and totally black, nights I bumped face-to-face into Ralph or Erma while stumbling blindly through the brush. Talk about bad breath (it comes out of their nose as really foul steam)…Buffalo breath (and the drool that blows out with it) is an eternally lasting memory. Yuk. The Buffalo in the Ferris-wheel story reminds me of another…one night Steve Bergman and I got a radio call asking us to respond to an emergency on the Ferris-wheel. What can possibly go wrong on the Ferris-wheel? Well, it seems that the operator had stopped the wheel after one of the riders started screaming in pain. Naturally the screaming passenger was at the very top of the now-stopped wheel. We climbed the framework to the top and found that a teenaged girl had her pigtail wound-up in the seats axle. Really wound tight, so that her head was being pulled into the axle. We had the operator reverse the wheel rotation, moving the wheel very slowly backward, but it just pulled her hair harder, and the screams got louder. Our solution was to remove the teenagers pigtail with the only tool we had on us…wire cutters. We resolved the problem and created an entirely new hairstyle at the same time. The new hairstyle didn’t really catch on. We never saw the girl again either, but I’m sure we hold a special place in her memory. Then came “parking lot duty”. Nobody liked the job of sticking the Legend City bumper stickers on every car in the lot. Some car owners got really upset if they caught you “defacing” their car. I wish today I had kept just one of those stickers. Then came the Sky Ride. Finally, after months of work erecting the towers (110 feet high), stretching the cable, hanging the counter-weight, and standing on top of Sky Ride Cars attaching a phone line between the end stations, the Sky Ride was ready to open. Darrell Hamby the 26 year-old park President, insisted that we prove it was safe before risking the life of a paying customer. So, with Legend City supplying free beer and food, dozens of employees volunteered to risk their life by operated and riding the Sky Ride for 24 hours straight (I can remember a contest of dropping huge rocks from the ride onto the ducks swimming on the lagoon below. Never successfully, but we scared a few.). We proved beyond any doubt that even a mob of reckless twenty-something’s who were dead-tired and half-drunk couldn’t get hurt on the Sky Ride. Another memory, probably true, was when I was walking behind (and under) the Ferris-Wheel with Sioux, Steve Bergman, and Chuck Haltigan (Fat Chuck). Chuck got plastered with a warm, wet, chunky substance. He looked up and prayed “Please God, let that be a Coke”. God wasn’t listening that night because it wasn’t a Coke. One of the rides, The Rage Cage, was known to be such a “puker” that the operators dreaded being assigned to operate it. We actually had a garden hose handy to hose-it-out. Most of the employees were, like me, also ASU students. We would try and balance being full-time students with working at Legend City. During the months the park was shut down, our Legend City workweeks often exceeded 100 hours. Because our first love was the park, our ASU studies usually suffered. One summer when we remodeled and rewired the Mine Ride, my roommate Steve Bergman and I almost never saw our Sin City Apartment. Just as well, the apartment is where we perfected our train robbing technique, and the manager really objected to the gunfire when we practiced our quick-draw. Catching “spitters” in the Mine Ride was always fun. Usually the kids were a little afraid anyway, just from being inside that spooky ride. So, when a kid spit on an animation we would shoot him with a pea shooter from some dark corner. We were probably responsible for several religious conversations, and maybe we drove a few over the edge. Sorry if any of you were on the receiving end of a pea. I still feel the pain inflicted during our tackle football games on the asphalt parking lot by the maintenance shack (usually while we were on the clock). The blood and scrapes were not even considered an inconvenience, and nobody ever admitted to being hurt. Many other employees were fun to be around, but most names have faded in my memory. There was Fast Helen, who ran the golf course, Popcorn Patty in the popcorn stand, Boom Boom Betsy, in the Boom Town Arcade (a real hottie), Bobby Vanslow with his pure bred dog “Sir Edger the Tuna”, and Dave Dresser and Randy Padilla, who tried their best to discover what was happening with all the Ice Cream disappearing from the Ice Cream Parlor freezer, which the Sound Department had stolen a key for. Those bright-red, and really sought-after Legend City Windbreakers were really hard to come by, but the Sound Department had cases of them hidden in our “rock” by the River Ride. Great site. Thank you for bringing back all these memories.

Date:
04 Jul 2004
Time:
12:32:57
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WHAT WONDERFUL MEMORIES!! I can clearly remember my boyfriend and I (now, my husband of 33 years) walking the streets of Legend City on a Saturday afternoon date. We were still in high school, eating cotton candy, wearing our bell bottoms and listening to rock music being played on the p.a. system (Chicago's "25 or 6 to 4"). What great memories!! We both grew up with Wallace, Ladmo and Gerald, so we always made sure to see at least one stage show while we were there. Then that night we'd get some of our friends together and go to Bill's Hamburgers in Mesa, buy 10 hamburgers for a dollar and get a free gallon of root beer. We'd all climb in the car and go see a movie ($1.00 per car load) at the Pioneer Drive-In. It doesn't get better than that!!! Thanks so much for the great website and the great memories!

Date:
06 Jul 2004
Time:
22:25:25
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Thank you for a wonderful website about a place that is a part of my childhood.

Date:
07 Jul 2004
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02:48:05
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what a wonderful site..... I can still remember winning a ladmo bag at legend city... thanks for the memories...

Date:
25 Jul 2004
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13:38:12
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My Dad was a "stock holder" in Legend City, I think back in the late fifties or early sixties when the City was first being conceived or built. We lived on a farm in Pinal County and this gentleman came to our home to sell stock in Legend City. My dad purchased $100 worth of "stock" and we had the opportunity to attend Legend City for the first time on a "stockholders day." Free admission and ride all the rides...wow!!! It was cool as a kid!! We built our own little Legend City back at the farm, using many of the Park's ideas for our miniature park: graveyard, moveable, lifesize figures (which we had to move manually), signs and secret trapdoors. Always wondered where Legend City was located and what happened to it...this is a really cool website; thank you!! David Felix

Date:
26 Jul 2004
Time:
06:51:18
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Legend City !! Wow! The memories just come flooding back. I can remember hitting the rides when I was a young kid in the 60's and 70's, Wallace and Ladmo shows, and then attending my first concerts at Compton Terrace as a teen. Pat Benetar, Journey, Queen...man. What a great site, thanks for keeping a little of my childhood alive. Sheri in Denver

Date:
26 Jul 2004
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12:34:48
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Me and my friends had a blast at Legend City. I drive down 56th street now and look east and say to myself remember when!!! It sure would be nice to see a place like that be built in the valley somewhere!!! I believe with the population we have now it would survive. Thanks, Darrell Camelback High 1982. 26 July 2004.

Date:
26 Jul 2004
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12:40:52
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Date:
27 Jul 2004
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18:13:30
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What wonderful memories! Thank you for bringing my childhood memories back to me. So sad my kids could not have enjoyed such a magical place. Judy E.

Date:
02 Aug 2004
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10:35:40
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Jason and Rob, Thanks for a wonderful, exciting ride down memory lane! A great time was had by one and all in the Wallace and Ladmo Clubhouse during Legend City month!! Keep the ideas coming for a reunion picnic for all those who loved Legend City!!! Hopefully, a day and time can be announced during the Last Stage Show of Wallace and Ladmo, at the Arizona State Fair on Oct. 17, 2004. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the man whose dream inspired and built Legend City, Louis Crandall, could be there??? Then we could personally thank him for the wonderful memories we all share. I'll take this space to thank him now. Mr. Crandall, Your dream of a safe place where family and friends could gather to relax and play was realized in Legend City. Bless you for investing in the lives of the people of the Valley of the Sun. Your reward, rather than monitary, is heartfelt thanks. Thank you Sir, for those exciting times and happy days and nights. You'll never be forgotten by us! Sincerly, The Fly

Date:
10 Aug 2004
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11:21:03
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Thank you , thank you, thank you!!! Boy what wonderful memories. I can't wait to tell my sister's and brother!!! I was so sad when they closed it. Phoenix was never the same after that nor will be. It was great to be yound then and have the opportunity to go and spend the day and night at Legend City!! Keep up the great work!! Thanks again for the wonderful memories. Annette, Globe Az

Date:
18 Aug 2004
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22:49:04
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I stumbled upon this website from another site. I was 3 or 4 when Legend City closed down so I didn't even remember it existed until today. I had many vivid memories from that time, and I could never really pinpoint where those memories were from. Because of your website, everything is sooo much clearer. Now, I can remember many more things about Legend City. Thanks for a wonderful site. This is definitely getting a bookmark. Garvin

Date:
24 Aug 2004
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23:30:38
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my cousins and I would sneek in all the time we lived across the street and some indian boys that lived down the street from us would have some bolsa wood that they used for carving those kachina dolls,we would carve out the hand stamp which was of a train.well when the log ride open we were thare and they snap a picture of us on the ride and used it for there billboards all across phoenix if anyone has a picture of this please E-MAIL it to me that would be GREAT rstaley611@aol.com by the way i had some great memories and alot of fun thanks for the web site

Date:
29 Aug 2004
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15:57:41
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HOLY SMOKES! Your website is AMAZING! I've wanted to do something like this for years, you've done a much better job than I ever could. Fantastic website!! - Mike Conrad

Date:
01 Sep 2004
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17:23:22
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Its just me agian with just a few memories of my days as a ride op at LC.I worked at the park in the late 70's until it closed(still can't believe that),but i can remember the times that after work we all meet in the employee parking lot to discuss where we were going to party at...well there were 2 spots we favored for our "AFTER WORK PARTYS'" one was the river bottom....the other we used more frequently a place in papago park we called "the bat cave"...we knew the the TEMPE PD couldn't get to us if we were there..now i can tell you we were all hell yuns in those days we drank,we smoked and of course other stupid bad stuff..some of us became cops!!!lol..(imagine that) others like myself became firefighters and paramedics..if i thought i could get away with telling you details on our parties i would...and some nights we would go to the tempe theatre and watch our favorite traditional midnight movie"THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW"..of course that movie was always better stoned...lol T.J Robison

Date:
01 Sep 2004
Time:
17:23:30
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Its just me agian with just a few memories of my days as a ride op at LC.I worked at the park in the late 70's until it closed(still can't believe that),but i can remember the times that after work we all meet in the employee parking lot to discuss where we were going to party at...well there were 2 spots we favored for our "AFTER WORK PARTYS'" one was the river bottom....the other we used more frequently a place in papago park we called "the bat cave"...we knew the the TEMPE PD couldn't get to us if we were there..now i can tell you we were all hell yuns in those days we drank,we smoked and of course other stupid bad stuff..some of us became cops!!!lol..(imagine that) others like myself became firefighters and paramedics..if i thought i could get away with telling you details on our parties i would...and some nights we would go to the tempe theatre and watch our favorite traditional midnight movie"THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW"..of course that movie was always better stoned...lol T.J Robison

Date:
09 Sep 2004
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15:25:30
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Thanks for a truly first-class website. I have been punching "Legend City" into various search engines since I got on the web in 1996 and have always been disappointed that nothing much ever came up. What a great surprise when I came upon your site. Several months ago, I enlarged and printed out the "Legend City" bumper sticker located in your memorabilia section. I laminated it and glued it to the bumper of my truck. Even though I live in Las Vegas, people are constantly approaching me to find out where I got the sticker so they can get one like it! I always knew there were a lot of native Arizonans living here, but it's amazing how many people here have memories of this great old theme park. Those of us who grew up in the Valley of the Sun in the 60's and 70's were truly fortunate. The Legend Cities and Wallace and Ladmo Shows of our youth couldn't exist in today's world of cable television and corporate giants. Thanks for helping to keep the memories alive. Andy Windes Las Vegas

Date:
09 Sep 2004
Time:
22:12:17
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Hey, great website! I was just talking to a friend of mine today about the good old days. Legend City came up during this conversation. I remember going as a kid a few times during the early to mid 70's. However, it wasn't until the Summer of 1979, when Compton Terrace opened up, that I frequented Legend City all the time. I remember seeing a lot of concerts there, Cheap Trick, Jerry Riopelle, Queen, Nazareth, Aerosmith, Grateful Dead, Triumph, Phoenix's own Alice Cooper, Twisted Sister, Fleetwood Mac, The Cars, Blackfoot etc.. Compton Terrece/Legend City was the best venue for entertainment this state has ever had. I loved being able to meandor back and forth between LC and CT. Viewing this site as brought back some very fond memories, coupled with a little sadness. Thank you for the stroll down memory lane. Vincent Curtis

Date:
17 Sep 2004
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23:48:38
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Fantastic trip down "Legend City Lane." Thanks for your hard work and great web site! I still have my huge wall map of Legend City. I wish it were still there, instead of the unimaginative SRP offices--Sad! Kevin Barbee Los Angeles, CA (originally from Phoenix, AZ)

Date:
23 Sep 2004
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22:25:08
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I was 10 when Legend City closed and I was there on the last night of operation. I remember standing in the parking lot before leaving, looking back at the lights and buildings and just thinking that it was over, no more Legend City... I hated SRP for a long time. Your website is great and it brings back a lot of memories. Thanks! -Jeff Case Phoenix, AZ.

Date:
04 Oct 2004
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22:06:15
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It was the good old days we will always remember. Thanks for the great web site we will tell our friends and visit again . I'm a resident from 1955 my wife since 1963, so we saw the beginning and end and visited legend city many times. like Wallace & Ladmo It will always have a special place in our hearts. John & Kathy Apache Junction, Arizona

Date:
05 Oct 2004
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23:01:48
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Nice website! Unfortunately I moved to the Valley a decade too late. Legend City looks like a great place. I have been living here since April 1992 and it is a shame Arizona dosen't have an amusement park.

Date:
08 Oct 2004
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11:10:02
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Wow. Great memories!

Date:
12 Oct 2004
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15:39:24
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I am a AZ native and I remember going to Legend City when I was a girl scout and when my sister would take me( around the late 70's) I loved the log ride and the Sidewinder roller coaster. As I looked at the memorabilia I remember having one of the Legend City tumblers (circa 1980) and it made me smile!! Thank you for bringing back the great memories. I hope you put these memories in book fashion and sell it. I know the die hard arizonans would love it!!! It would set on my shelf with my Wallace and Ladmo books gladly.

Date:
13 Oct 2004
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17:09:04
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First off let me say thank you for the awesome Website. Like so many others I have been searching for a site like this for a long time. I am an AZ native born in ‘64 and have a lot of fuzzy early memories of Legend City that are now more in focus thanks to your website. I think I was about 4 or 5 the first time we went to the park. Honestly the only memory of that time is the giant spider, the train, and how really bent my Dad was about that [explanative] bumper sticker on our brand new ‘68 Toronado. Some of my best memories are of our family going with the next-door neighbors and our parents cutting us loose for the entire day. We would eat everything in sight, push our way through the crowd to get the best look at Wallace & Ladmo and ride rides until we couldn’t walk straight and race for the nearest trash can to blow chunks. Great times!! Does anybody remember the Skeeter boats? It is a shameful thing that a city as large as ours has almost no real family entertainment. It’s ridiculous that we have to take our kids to, and spend our money in California for an amusement park. Our city leaders seem more interested in paving over the desert and putting up tract houses and glass and steel. Maybe we should start a petition to the Governor, our Mayors, Senators, Congressmen or whoever to attract investors and developers interested in building a theme park. Thanks again for helping us remember. Emerson

Date:
15 Oct 2004
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03:46:29
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I had tears in my eyes, after viewing the web page about Wallace, Ladmo, Mike, and Pat. I grew up in Phoenix in the 60s and 70s (Maryland Grade School; Washington HS), and the only reason I joined the Brownies was because I knew we would be going to the studio to see a taping of the show. I turned in my Brownie belt immediately after that. I lived near Christown Mall; and never, never missed going to the Saturday morning Monster Movie/Wallace & Ladmo Show at the old theater. My brother was actually handed modeling clay by LADMO HIMSELF...still the high point of my life (is that good or bad? Good, I think!). I was within one foot of Ladmo! Who can ever forget Aunt Maude, Ozob the Clown (the very first crabby clown), Captain Super (always trying to rip the phone book in half...what town was the phone book of?) Gerald, Gerald's Monster, Mr. Grudgemeyer ("Feed the birds...feed the birds"); Ladmo bags, the original wall of toys, etc. This show introduced many of us to an adult sort of humor; still funny for kids, but rather snide and sly at the same time. My mom always watched the show with us and would be howling in laughter at things that at the time, I didn't understand. GOD BLESS WALLACE, LADMO, PAT MCMAHON, MIKE CONDELLO, and EVERYONE else associated with that show. When my mother called me to tell me Ladmo died (I was then living in San Francisco)...I CRIED. I wonder if these people have any idea of the impact they made on so many, many desert rats' lives?

Date:
15 Oct 2004
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13:23:37
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I wish I had been apart of this. I moved from Il. to Az in 1987 and missed it all. I really like this website showing what I had missed and I heard of all the good memories from other native Arizona's. So now I can place a picture with their memories. It's too bad it didn't work out, hopefully someone can bring something like this back to our state again (we need something besides the STate Fair).

Date:
17 Oct 2004
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03:15:23
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Let us not forget the remembrances of Legend City and the original Compton Terrace which was next door. Seeing this site brought back memories of swinging on the Sky Ride, over the Amphitheatre. They apparently had some trouble and had to stop the ride to disengage and car. For about 45 minutes, me and my roommate hung at just short of the highest point on the ride, listening to some garage band wail on "More Than a Feeling" by Boston as well as other songs. When we finally were brought down, the attendants apologized and offered free passes for our next visit. I didn't mind. Bacardi 151 and some leaf made the wait bearable. Thanks for posting this site. Of all of possible memories of Phoenix, this is a Grand Slam. "Legend City" having a website? Get out! Yep!

Date:
25 Oct 2004
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18:16:21
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I remember going to Ledgend city as a young kid, up too the age of 16. I loved that place so much, had so much fun there, and I truly miss Ledgend city. Too bad it isnt still around for all to enjoy. Thanks for the website, to help me relive some great times.

Date:
05 Nov 2004
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18:06:10
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thank you for this website. brought back a lot of memories. i moved to scottsdale in 1961. my dad worked for motorola on granite reef and mcdowell. prior to the opening of Legend City, motorola had a special day for the emplyees and family. i was fortunate to attend, thx to my dad. for years after that, i would go to Legend City. your website brought back memories that i have not forgotten to this day! watching the stage shows with wallace&ladmo, taking my grandmother for a drive in the model T car, and i didn't have a license to drive. the lost duthman ride, where i remember the outhouse and the voice of "can't get no privacy around here, is this grand central station". i always thought there was somebody in there. i found out later, by way of the sky ride that all there was,was a speaker on the bench. the duthman's shack, where on my first date, i took my sweaty hand and held hers. later on going to the poster shop and buying a john&yoko poster which i still have to this day. i have been a beatle fan since 1964. the kirsten brothers book, had wallace,ladmo, and gerald in the sky ride. the train ride where there was always a train robbery. and let's not forget mike condello's salt river navy band. ironic the property was sold to salt river project. i currentley live in peoria, with my wife barbara. you have a 69 poster that is in a peoria restaurant. could you let us know which reataurant? i would like to see it. this is a fantastic site, and i wish there was a Legend City museum. could that be in the works? i hope so!

Date:
08 Nov 2004
Time:
14:21:35
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Info: http://www.buy.az "...Arizona is unique state having the domain name. Forget about www.az*.com and similar senseless domain names. Now you have WWW.*.AZ or WWW.*.COM.AZ and many other variants depending on your necessity. You have missed the chance to buy the best domain names in the beginning of development of the Internet, so do not miss the chance now..." http://www.buy.az

Date:
09 Nov 2004
Time:
14:37:40
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Whoa, does this bring back memmories. I was at the grand opening.(My Dad sold stock for the conmpany) when the park was re-bulit, I worked there on the refurbishment. The original sky ride was gone, and we repaired and instaled one that was brought in from Somnewhere in california I think. That was when one end of the sky ride was re-located outside in the parking lot. we had a lot of trouble keeping water in the lagon as it leaked like crazy. We ened up digging a big trench in teh parking lot & filled it with rock & put in a pump to put the water back inb the lagon. When building the trench, a man was kiled. It wa a sad day when the Park closed. Anyway, thanks for theh memories Bernie McCready

Date:
09 Nov 2004
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20:40:22
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What a refreshing find!! I was trying to explain to my wife about Legend City,(she's from the midwest). So many memories I wish I could remember more?? Great web site!!! thanks for all your hardwork.

Date:
10 Nov 2004
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21:37:31
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This brings back great memories. I am speechless

Date:
06 Dec 2004
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13:40:08
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Your tribute to Legend City Website is awesome! it is a shame it was ever torn down. I remember the Wallace & Ladmo shows there. Great memories!

Date:
07 Dec 2004
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15:13:05
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An excellent tribute to one of my favorite hangouts as a teenager. My friends and I would frequent Legend City in the early 70's in hopes of meeting cute guys and having fun on the rides. It was so, so sad when they tore it down. Legend City, Cine Capri Theater (the original one), Kachina Elementary (my alma mater)...all just memories. Thanks so much for bringing back a page from my youth!

Date:
10 Dec 2004
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14:59:18
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A great contribution to Arizona Nostalgia. I remember attending Legend City in the early 60's, and low and behold who was working there as a saloon hall girl dancer; the future Miss America Vonda K. Vandike. In 1962 she attended Arizona State College in Flagstaff.

Date:
23 Dec 2004
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10:17:07
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So cool! Man I miss Legend City. AH, the good times I had there. Favorite - Lost Duchmans Mind. Paulinski

Date:
23 Dec 2004
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10:21:15
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Okay.... okay. So it's Lost Dutchman Mine. Just remember, the Mine (mind) is a terrible thing to waste. Paulinski

Date:
28 Dec 2004
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17:08:48
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WOW..I feel like a kida again.. I played at Legend City with my band back in the 70's... Thanks for the flashback Bob ZAppier

Date:
28 Dec 2004
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17:09:02
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WOW..I feel like a kida again.. I played at Legend City with my band back in the 70's... Thanks for the flashback Bob ZAppier

Date:
07 Jan 2005
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15:03:28
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WOW!!! THIS BRINGS BACK ALOT OF MEMORIES... I GREW UP TOTALLY WITH LEGEND CITY AND HAVE THE SCARS TO PROVE IT. THE LOG RIDE WAS THE PLACE TO BE. DITCHING HIGH SCHOOL AND TRANSFERING THE HAND STAMP TO YOUR FRIENDS FOR A GREAT DAY AT THE PARK WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEARS. THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES AND I WISH MY KIDS HAD A PLACE LIKE THIS TO GROW UP.

Date:
17 Jan 2005
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21:46:25
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Hello! I am visiting on a tip from John - we are in a NAU web course together. I love that there are others in the world who appreciate the things that I feel made my childhood special. Aunt Maud, Captain Super, Ladmo Bags, and trips to Legend City are things that are spoken of with such fondness in my home, and it seems there are so few out there who can share wonderful memories of mornings with Wallace and Ladmo. Wonderful job! Melanie Griffin

Date:
19 Jan 2005
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18:24:31
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Can't tell you the childhood memories this brought back. They were fun and seemingly innocent. I sure miss those days but thank you very much for the trip down memorie lane. Sincerely, C.L. Tucker age 37 Phoenix resident then and Scottsdale resident now about 2 miles from the Legend City property site.

Date:
12 Mar 2005
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14:55:16
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Thanks for the memories, I grew up in Tempe and went to school with Ladmo's kids. I wish my kids had a place like that to go to.

Date:
18 Mar 2005
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12:58:51
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What a great website. I barely remember going there as a small child in the early 80's. Too bad there isn't anything around these days for people to do.

Date:
20 Mar 2005
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11:38:43
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WHAT A BLAST FROM THE PAST! SO MANY MEMORIES FROM ONE LOCATION, WHERE DO I BEGIN. JOSEPHINE

Date:
20 Mar 2005
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11:38:55
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WHAT A BLAST FROM THE PAST! SO MANY MEMORIES FROM ONE LOCATION, WHERE DO I BEGIN. JOSEPHINE

Date:
21 Mar 2005
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00:35:37
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Thanks for the wonderful site and great pictures. Although I have lived in Phoenix since 1973, I never got to go inside Legend City. My parents were afraid of the "hippies and drugs". Ah well.

Date:
21 Mar 2005
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13:16:17
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If they would open this park today it might be successfully called "Undocumented Immigrant City!" All the signs would be in Spanish....free water too!

Date:
21 Mar 2005
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21:25:42
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Man you have brought back some of the greatest memories of my life. Like another post, I moved to Phoenix in the late fifties. We came out in our Packard from Indiana in 1958. I was at the Park when it opened, when it closed and too many times to count inbetween. I took my wife of 38 years to Legend City on our first date in April of 1964. I still have the scars on my forearms from her finger nails while we did all the rides. Thank you very much. I have added the site to my favorites and will send to all I know. Embe Kugler, Maryvale Class of 65 ekugler@msn.com

Date:
21 Mar 2005
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21:49:02
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Forgot to mention in my last post that we took our two sons when they were little. We also used to spend every July 4th at the Phoenix Giants Stadium so we could watch the Legend City Fireworks during the ballgame. Embe

Date:
22 Mar 2005
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08:14:43
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I loved going there as a child. I have memories being there with my family in the early eighties before it closed. I was ther on the last day it was open. I have been looking for information on the Park recently since the talk of Arizona buliding a new one. Wonderful website and thanks for bringing back wonderful memories.

Date:
23 Mar 2005
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16:25:18
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Born and rasied in phoenix Legend City was before my time, but after visiting this site I only wish that I had a chance to experiance one day at Legend City instead of only hearing stories.

Date:
23 Mar 2005
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16:25:35
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Born and rasied in phoenix Legend City was before my time, but after visiting this site I only wish that I had a chance to experiance one day at Legend City instead of only hearing stories.

Date:
23 Mar 2005
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20:18:41
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Sorry I missed the excitement! I have a friend who found a stock cert. for 100 shares in her parents papers. Are you interested?

Date:
25 Mar 2005
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10:30:17
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I am so very glad to have found this site honoring Legend City. My parents were involved in the first stirrings of the amusement park's development. I remember personally seeing construction of part of the train depot when I was probably no more than 5 or 6 yrs old. I remember many fun times going there with family and friends, and visiting friends who worked there when I was a teenager. I miss driving up Mill Avenue or Washington St after dark and seeing the bright green lighted supports for the skyride. So sad that Legend City had to pass as so many of our beloved Phoenix area landmarks have already gone. Sadly, even more are passing now, and undoubtedly will in the future. Thank you for bringing the memories fully alive again with this website. Kevin M.

Date:
26 Mar 2005
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08:55:27
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Sharon Kelley tipped me off on this latest Richard Ruelas Az.Republic article of his(This is why he's our FAVORITE newspaper columnist): Legend City offers lessons for new amusement park Mar. 21, 2005 12:00 AM It's much smaller, but Bill Capell faces many of the same challenges running the kid-friendly rides at Encanto Park as he did when he operated Legend City, Phoenix's fabled amusement park that closed in 1983. The main one is this: People don't show up on afternoons in the summer, the busy season for amusement parks. "It's hot to get on rides in the summertime," Capell said during a tour of his 6-acre Enchanted Island park in central Phoenix. His nine rides are testament to that. Most are covered by a rainbow-colored canopy. Even during the summer, with kids freed from school, the park doesn't open until nighttime. The brutal summer heat has always been given as the quick reason why Phoenix has no major amusement park. Longtime residents will tell the story of Legend City, the massive park built between Phoenix and Tempe in the 1960s - back when there was actual space between Phoenix and Tempe. They will say how it was a financial blunder because it wasn't fun standing around on asphalt waiting to get on metal rides in 100-degree heat. advertisement But Capell said the truth is more complicated. "Our best time (for business) was nights during the summer," he said. "If they brought back Legend City now, I think it would work." A group of investors is trying to have another go at filling the roller coaster and midway void in Arizona. It wants the Legislature to create a special taxing district that will generate $1 billion in bonds to help create two parks. The first would be a large one near Williams, serving as a lure for Grand Canyon tourists. The other would be near Cricket Pavilion on the west side of Phoenix. It would have an outdoor amusement park and an indoor water park. All total, it would sit on 60 acres. That size, oddly enough, was exactly the size of Legend City. Those two words bring instant nostalgia for those who grew up with the park. Those words, though, also conjure up the failed grandiose dream of sticking an amusement park in the middle of the desert. That stigma could be why, despite Arizona's massive population growth in the past 20 years, an amusement park hasn't gotten past the tentative planning stages. But Capell said the park didn't close because it was bankrupt. On the contrary, it was grossing good money, more than $1 million a year, during the eight years his family owned it. But the land underneath the park promised to bring more money on the real estate market. The site is now home to the corporate offices of Salt River Project. "Now could be the time for this," Capell said, looking over old pictures of Legend City in his office. "Maybe this was ahead of its time." The concept for Legend City was visionary. It was supposed to be a park on the scale of Disneyland, with attractions featuring the state's history. Louis Crandall, who grew up in Mesa, sketched out the idea for it at the age of 29. "I was young and didn't know what I was doing," Crandall said. The native of Florence is 74 now and living in Provo, Utah. It was supposed to be a can't-miss idea. At least that's what Crandall was hearing from friends who were executives at Disneyland and Six Flags in Texas. Of course, one of them was living in Southern California and didn't consider the heat. The other had a successful amusement park between Dallas and Fort Worth and didn't think about the small population in Phoenix. Legend City was built as a true theme park. The roller coaster took riders on a trip through the Lost Dutchman's Mine. There were staged gunfights along an Old West street. Performers took the stage in an authentic-looking saloon. A printing press churned out the day's program in newspaper form. "Where the exciting history of old Arizona is re-created in fact and fantasy," Crandall said, reading from an old Legend City brochure. Of course, creating that theme cost money. Much more than Crandall had to invest, much more than was coming in through sales of Legend City stock, which sold for $1 a share if memory serves. Legend City opened in 1963. It was bankrupt within six months. Two other owners tried and failed after Crandall. The Capell family bought it from a Japanese ride manufacturer in 1974 after seeing an ad that promised a "gold mine" in Phoenix. The Capells had been in the carnival business and figured Legend City needed to be more like that to succeed. They brought in more "iron rides," industry parlance for roller coasters and Ferris wheels. No themes attached. Of course, there was still lots of "theme" left around from the original Legend City. Those Western buildings provided enough of a unique experience to keep people coming back to what was essentially a permanent carnival. The scaled-down park could get by with steady nights from locals. Capell said most of Legend City's customers in those last years came from east Phoenix, Mesa and Tempe. That would be a problem for the new park, which would need to at least get customers from all over Maricopa County, Capell said. "There's no exact science to it," Capell said, when asked what advice he'd give to the latest amusement park dreamers. "Just don't shoot for the moon." Crandall, the original architect of Legend City, said he is sure that present-day Phoenix is ready for a park on the scale of what he had envisioned. "I just built it 40 years too soon, that's what I did," he said. "I just built it in a little bitty burg that couldn't handle it." Now, though, with a metropolitan population of 3.5 million, Crandall said it's a can't-miss. "There's so many people. You'd get enough to say, 'To heck with the heat,' " he said. "I think it would go." He paused. "But then again, I missed the first time." The article(IF it wraps around?)..just copy n' paste http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0321ruelas21.html Desert Rat

Date:
27 Mar 2005
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22:37:06
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Nice site! I was going through some paperwork from my late parents. I found an original Legend City Stock Certificate! Not worth much now... I remember going to Legend City as a kid and teenager. It was a great place. Shaune

Date:
02 Apr 2005
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20:15:10
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Great memories! Thanks for keeping this part of Phoenix history alive and available for future generations.

Date:
02 Apr 2005
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20:15:27
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Great memories! Thanks for keeping this part of Phoenix history alive and available for future generations.

Date:
05 Apr 2005
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11:13:36
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This note is for JPB Publishing: Hi John. It was great to see you last month. Wesen and I really enjoyed seeing everyone. This site is a lot of fun. I had just purchased a book of old photos of Detroit. The City had three theme parks, the last which closed around the same time as Legend City. They couldn't compete with the mega park (Cedar Point) along Lake Erie about an hour and half away in Ohio. It was fun seeing those old pictures. Here is my one Legend City link. My sophmore roommate (Hugh) at U of A was Wallace's nephew. Uncle Wal-boy as he called him. Hugh grew up in St. Louis and all our friends from Phoenix were really impressed with his famous uncle! Now I know why. Best wishes, Bill Peterson

Date:
20 Apr 2005
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17:57:45
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Thank you so much for making this site! It takes me back to a wonderful time. I miss it so much! I am sure there are many others with the same thoughts! We really needed it then, and need something like it in AZ now. Thanks!

Date:
28 Apr 2005
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15:46:54
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Great website. Met my husband on a blind date to Legend City July 1,1983--just before it closed. Great memories. Linda

Date:
06 May 2005
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17:02:05
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As the Park manager from 1976-78, I still have many fond memories and laughs about some of the stunts that drew the Phoenix valley crowds to our door. What a fun place to work.

Date:
10 May 2005
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10:34:40
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Alpha & Omega: the beginning and the end. I was at the opening of and the closing of Legend City. 8 years old in 1963 when the "Legend" opened and 29 in 1983 when the "Legend" closed. Legend City has now truly become a legend in the minds of those that remember it, the family times there, Wallace & Ladmo, returning as a young adults, and it's inevitable and sad closing. My consolation prize: I still dream about Legend City every once in a while. In these lucid dreams I soon realize that I am nothing more than an image replaying recorded moments. Yet I still walk the grounds with enthusiasm but followed by a shadow of sadness. Last night I dreamt of visiting "Wallace". I was surprised when he recognized my now adult form. In my dream he said he remembered generations of children that grew to love him and Ladmo. Realizing that Ladmo is gone I was crushed by a devasting sadness though. "THANK YOU FOR ARCHIVING THESE WONDERFUL MEMORIES! YOUR WORK IS APPRECIATED BY MORE PEOPLE THAN EITHER OF US COULD EVER IMAGINE!" Regards, Jerry Foisel jerryfoisel@yahoo.com

Date:
16 Jun 2005
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08:36:59
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thank you for bringing me back to the time of . . . no cell phones - no pagers - no tattoos - no nose rings - just standin' on your tippy toes to meet the height requirement of your favorite ride(s) . . . awesome

Date:
19 Jun 2005
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12:50:51
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Great site, were in El Paso is the Train and who owns it? If you know please let me know. This site brings back very good times. My e-mail is priklypearranch@cgmailbox.com Thanks, Steve

Date:
21 Jun 2005
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16:29:19
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I spent many days there with my brother! It's nice to see a blast from the past!

Date:
20 Jul 2005
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12:59:13
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Hi I moved here in 1993 from a suburb of Chicago. We too had a couple of great places that went by the wayside. One went befor my time which was called Riverview, my parents remember it well, the other was called "Old Chiago". It was alot like the Mall of America in MN or like the Ammusement park at Circus Circus in Vegas. It was indoors and had a mall around the outter edge. it was great because you could go there evein in the dead of winter and ride the rides because it was all inside! I obviously did not get the opportunity to see your park, but it looks like it was a big hit. I love the southwest and mining, I would have loved your park I only wonder why it did not stick around. My girlfrind says she remembers it well, she has lived her since 1971. Anyway it is a great website. I wish we had an ammusment park in AZ it sucks to have to go to another state to have fun. Thanks for the site. minemanmike@yahoo.com Mike

Date:
26 Jul 2005
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22:33:39
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What a geat site. I lived in Phoenix, Az., from 1962 to 1970 and have great memories of going to Legend City with my brother and our parents. It's a shame a place like that has to be taken away from kids for the sake of real estate improvement, but money does talk. But with sites like this the "Ole Legend City" will never really be gone!!! Thanks for the memories! Chuck Dicken Lewistown, Pa.

Date:
31 Jul 2005
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02:56:21
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I worked as a carney at legend city 81-82 while I was in high school, and was in the navy when it closed, it was a damm shame its gone... Corey Collins Mesa, arizona

Date:
02 Aug 2005
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18:37:12
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THIS IS GREAT!! I worked at LC ("We're the one's for fun!") from 1979 to the end, starting on the SkyDiver with Chuck the Mutant Carnie and finishing my stint as the soon-to-be son-in-law to Dave Ramage. I remember many hot, sweaty nights sitting around the lagoon at the Mexican Plaza as Taryn gave out the ride assignments. I really miss all the gang - especially all the guys who worked the logride. Are there any alumni that remember racing down to the Circle K to cash our paychecks after work, only to exchange them for beer before we headed out to the "Batcaves?" There are a pretty fair number of guys who went into law enforcement after LC, including Todd Baty (Mineride), Joe Gilligan (Logride/relief), and a couple of the guys who worked the coaster. I ended up working for Dave Ramage in Florida at the old CircusWorld in Haines City until it was bought out by HBJ and turned into Boardwalk&Baseball. I was married to his daughter, Michelle, for about 5 years. I still have a bunch of old belts, badges and t-shirts stuffed away in a box. Does anyone remember Admiral Bird? I heard the train concession at Freestone Park (Gilbert) is run by the Copell's. Dave Williams(screaminremo303@aol.com)

Date:
04 Aug 2005
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19:22:07
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Date:
04 Aug 2005
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19:35:39
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This is great!! I worked at LC from 1979 to the bittersweet end, starting on the SkyDiver with Chuck the Mutant Carnie and ending my stint working in games for my soon-to-be Father-in-Law Dave Ramage. I remember sitting around the Mexican Village in the heat, waiting for Taryn to mosey on down to give us the ride assignments ("Oh Dear Lord, please don't put me on that damn train..."). I remember the softball games, the Batcaves and rushing to Circle K to cash our paychecks after work. Does anyone remember the money drop over the park? It was the closest thing to a WKRP episode I ever saw. There were people diving in the lagoons and the logride flume hoping to catch some cash. We could always count on Matt Williams to send some foul balls into the bumper cars from the stadium. It was fun to work when Compton Terrace was there, we heard a lot of great acts and had a lot of fun throwing trespassers back over the fence. The worst gig in the park? Working those leaky paddleboats on that stinking lagoon. It would be 110 in the shade and the humidity was worse. But no matter what you worked, it was always a great time because of the people you worked with. Tayrn, Ivan, Billy, and the rest of the gang made it fun and they made sure we took care of the customers. I worked for Dave at CircusWorld in Haines City, FL, until it was bought out by HBJ. Michelle and I were married for five years. Anyone heard from Bob Nelson? Dave Williams AKA screaminremo303@aol.com

Date:
13 Aug 2005
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15:46:16
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thank you - I've lived here since the 4th grade and am now 48. I didn't know this site existed. I am having my 30 year class reunion at Arcadia this year and someone mentioned this site in an email. I remember my teen years vividly at Legend City. It makes me said to think it's gone. Just like Compton Terrace. Thanks again for the trip down memory lane.... Jan Roberts Realtor with West USA Realty JanRoberts_Realty@yahoo.com

Date:
14 Aug 2005
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11:12:19
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I have some fond memories of Legend City I visited the park many times in the 60s.. I'll never forget the Lost Dutchman Shack where water ran uphill!! I also loved the Lost Dutchman mine ride where the outhouse door slams and the guy says "Can't have no privacy around here!" I went to an all night high school graduation party in 1970.. that was a lot of fun..Also I saw Wallace and Ladmo at there stage shows. The last time I visited Legend City is when they had the grand opening of "Compton Terrace" with Stevie Nicks and John Stewart... Legend City will always have a special place in my heart... Dan Griffin

Date:
15 Aug 2005
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01:09:15
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Thank you for making this site. I just went to visit my "uncle sonny" (Louis Crandall) in Provo UT. His museum is amazing. I was too young to remember Legend City however at least now I can see it and what all the talk is about. This is a great site! Thank you, Christy Zandlo

Date:
29 Aug 2005
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23:45:19
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I started searching "Legend City" on the internet since the internet's inception in the late 80s. I came across your site and was blown away. Fantastic!! I moved to Chicago in 1987. I grew up in south Phoenix and Legend City was a huge part of my childhood. I've been there many times and cried when they tore it down. I lost my quarters and dimes on the Skydiver because I couldn't keep the damn car from turning upside down! At 13 I rode the log ride 8 times in one night. I wanted to sit in the same car that Wallace and Ladmo were in when they filmed an Armour Hot Dog commercial. They were my Heroes!!! I was there one evening during a tragic mishap on the Zipper when a girl was thrown from the ride. I remember that the Az Republic printed many stories about it. The Park was getting bad publicity but it was not enough to keep me away in my teens when I first got my driver's license and was able to take my Laveen School friends to our beloved Legend City. I'm glad to say I was there and your site takes me there to this day. Thank you for the virtual trip back! Bill Latour

Date:
30 Aug 2005
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22:43:51
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Being born in Phoenix in 1954 and growing up with Wallace and Ladmo and Legend City, these reminders are wondeful of a great time in Phoenix! My memories of Legend City, the (few) dates I took there in high school (yea Central), are sweet. To look back on it today brings tears to my eyes. Happy tears and sad tears that it is gone, Ladmo is gone and that my generation is getting... I hate to say it... old! I wish it were still there as... how I'd love to go back just one more time! Thanks! Outstanding work. Maybe someday, Legend City could be built again! Only in my dreams I guess. "JJ"

Date:
04 Sep 2005
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21:54:28
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I was born in 1954 too JJ....it was a very good year."It's Wallace?" began it's 35 year run, and a man named Louis Crandall (creator of Legend City)might have started dreaming about building an amusement park in Arizona,after Walt Disney's venture around that time. But all I know people like you and I were born,or raised at the right place..and the perfect Valley times! My good buddy Jason"John Bueker" Beaver(creator of this super-fine website),and I hope to have our annual salute to LEGEND CITY this Fall,at the NEW and improved- http://www.wallaceladmogerald.com/ The Official(enough)Wallace,Ladmo & Gerald Fansite! Promises to be ALOT of fun..with plenty of Legend City and Wallace & Ladmo related prizes to give away. And ya never know who might show up there at any moment! WALLACE...PAT....even Gerald's Monster pops-in from time to time! Be sure to enter your name for our monthly BARREL DRAWINGS done by THE LEGEND...Mr. WALLACE! Desert Rat

Date:
21 Sep 2005
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01:44:00
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This brings back so many wonderful memories of my childhood. I visited this place many many times. I was raised in Scottsdale and spent alot of time at Legend City in the 60's-70's. Why did this place close anyway? Thank you for a walk down memory lane. It was nice. Shirley Schoenherr

Date:
21 Sep 2005
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17:35:27
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Great website, Brings back many memories. I worked at Legend City when i was in high school,was a ride operator for a couple different rides. Also during the summer was employed to help clean the park fduring the day. Legend City ruled!!! Thanks for the memory Bill Majercin

Date:
26 Sep 2005
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23:15:44
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Neat site. It really brings me back. I only visited a couple of times as I moved to AZ in 1977 as an eight year old. Arizona lost an icon way back when. We need a new theme park here for sure.

Date:
29 Sep 2005
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07:39:09
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A friend of mine sent me this, what a wonderful site this is!! As a child, I remember going to Legend City when my big brother would come home on leave from the Air Force. This was out special time together and something I will always hold dear in my heart. Thank you so much for bringing back some incredible memories.

Date:
29 Sep 2005
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07:41:15
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A friend of mine sent me this, what a wonderful site this is!! As a child, I remember going to Legend City when my big brother would come home on leave from the Air Force. This was our special time together and something I will always hold dear in my heart. Thank you so much for bringing back some incredible memories.

Date:
30 Sep 2005
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14:08:40
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I wish Legend City was still available to the Valley/State/visitors...it was a friendly/fun atmosphere for kids and adults alike. David & Cindy Evans Phoenix, Az.

Date:
03 Oct 2005
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16:04:09
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So glad to see that Legend City is still alive! It is great to see the old photos. How I miss those days... Jacque (Mock) White PS: I worked in the Candy Store at Legend City

Date:
09 Oct 2005
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11:40:59
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I have been in the valley all my life. I spent a great deal of my time growing up at Legend City. It was an amazing place to go. I will always remember the fun we had there and I will always regret seeing it close. I hope someday there will be another "Legend City" in our city. I must say the park lived up to its name, it has become a Legend. If you grew up here in the Phoenix Area, you will remember Legend City.

Date:
13 Oct 2005
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20:45:31
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If you had your top ten places you would go back too in a "way back machine"... Many a night I think back to the great times I had at Legend City as a kid/teenager. My friend's father helped build a ride back in the late sixties, early seventies, and as such was allowed to have a family pass. A group of us (Mike W., Scott C., Nate K.) would go at least two to three times a week (open to close). As we ran through the entrance we would hit the arcades first since there was always a few left over extra game rounds from the night before. I remember the store called "The Company" with all the black light posters and can lights with the flicker bulbs; the ice cream parlor, and best of all, the girls we would track throughout the park in hopes for a shared ride in the sky ride. In my memories I try and trace the park with all the twists and turns, rides, and shops; the maps on this site really brought it all home. From the list of comments looks like I was not alone in finding this site a real treat and fond memory. Thanks for the great work bringing the elements together. Also thanks for all who have shared their memories. Isn't it funny how one person could inspire such a wonderful legacy of shared experiences and memories that have endured for so many. Now about that Legend City bumper sticker...Mark H.

Date:
15 Oct 2005
Time:
02:44:38
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Legend City was OUR version of Disneyland. They have a mouse with four fingers on each hand and we had an image that looked strikingly like "Gold Dust Charlie". Frankly, I wish that LC stayed and Disneyland closed. I wish there was a way to bring it back. Same location and theme. Growing up does get in the way of life at times. Thanks for the site. I'll come back often.

Date:
17 Oct 2005
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17:40:46
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I love this site, wish the park was still around. I know where one of the original skyride cars are. I emailed you with information. - Chuck Browne

Date:
18 Oct 2005
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11:22:05
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Thank-you Thomas Blanco

Date:
03 Nov 2005
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21:58:05
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This is awesome! I moved here from N. Dakota in 1961 when I was 2. Someone asked me about how it once was. This was great to be able to show them this website. Thanks and it brought a tear to my eyes!

Date:
04 Nov 2005
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10:31:56
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wow what a site!! never been there but i have a full map of Legend city copyright date is 1963

Date:
04 Nov 2005
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15:55:03
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It's hard to believe that this used to actually be there. We lived nearby when I was a kid, and being a little boy I loved the train. There was a handcar ride for small children that went around a small track and I remember riding on that many times. My Dad hated the fact that they had someone there putting Legend City bumper stickers on the cars in the parking lot.

Date:
11 Nov 2005
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19:01:11
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cool site brings back alot of memories

Date:
13 Nov 2005
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22:20:18
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Hello all. My name is Russanne Erickson and I'm a graduate student in the history department at ASU. I'm currently writing my thesis on Legend City, and I'm looking for information about the park. More specifically, I'm interested in anyone who was a manager or owner at the park, or has information regarding the financials of Legend City, or any other information about the operation, advertising, special events, etc. Also, if anybody saw concerts at Compton Terrace, and any dates they saw those shows. You can email me at pippy281@hotmail.com Please put Legend City in the subject line so I can differentiate between that and all the junk mail hotmail sends me. Thanks! Russanne

Date:
28 Nov 2005
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07:34:46
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Hi everyone! For a week(Nov.26th-Dec.2nd maybe longer?) we'll be having some LEGEND CITY memories,and contest fun at: http://www.WallaceLadmoGerald.com There'll be several great and RARE LEGEND CITY prizes to give away. ~note to Russanne:You'll learn ALOT about Legend City and it's relationship to the local kid show WALLACE and LADMO at the fansite. Most Valley residents who visited the park, associate both of these two whenever they reflect about those great times. Rob

Date:
28 Nov 2005
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13:57:13
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I used to LIVE to go to Legend City during the 70's. I am now working at an Architecture firm that is located where the Royal London Wax Museum used to be. When i look out my office window i see the current SRP building, but every time i look out the window i remember Legend City and all the various changes it went through. I would like to know if anyone has one of the old park maps from the 70's, not the original when it opened but one that shows the giant wooded roller coaster that was never constructed. I would also like to know what restaraunt in town has the old Sky Ride car. If anyone has either of these things please let me know. Thanks so much for putting this site together. Sincerely, Steve Austin email; austinsteev1@cox.net

Date:
03 Dec 2005
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03:33:18
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Thanks dosen't seem to say enough but I'll say it any ways,THANK YOU for taking the time and effort to remmber when Phoenix was still a GREAT place to grow up.For the past twenty some years I have felt like a displaced refugee in my own back yard.Just like LEGEND CITY, I have out lived my time.Thanks for the cherished memories...K.Rivers Dizona a desert rat till death. P.S. Dose anyone remmber KIDDIE LAND??

Date:
04 Dec 2005
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13:50:38
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Thanks for this great site! Like everyone else who grew up in the Valley, I have cherished memoires of Legend City and Wallace & Ladmo. I worked at the park in the summer of '69 as a waitress and dancer at the saloon. What a fantastic job! And the people who worked there sure knew how to party too! Many times we'd close up, then head out to party somewhere till early in the morning, then up again the next day to do it again. My favorite memory at the park was the day we landed on the moon. We had the only tv in the park, and people kept coming in all day to see if it we'd landed yet. When Armstrong finally set foot on the moon, I witnessed it with a room full of people and lots of cheering. It made the experience even more memorable to have shared it with so many. What a night! Carol

Date:
14 Dec 2005
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07:16:00
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KIDDIELAND...absolutely...are you old enough "K". to recall the "Nasty Brothers" episode on "It's Wallace?",where they're riding on all the "Kiddie Land" rides & train? http://www.arizonaandpacificrr.com/spot/encanto/encanto.html Had few B-Day parties there,and then at the Thomas Rd. location. Desert Rat (for life too...even if "they", and we know who "they" are,keeps bulldozing it down) WL&G Fansite

Date:
21 Dec 2005
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20:39:41
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Sure enjoyed visiting your site John, content and layout. Susie your wife, my sister told me about it. Great Job! Ted

Date:
26 Dec 2005
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19:01:53
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My father, Donald Haley, helped build Legend City and had the first and maybe only 'Gold Camp' where people could pan for gold and keep what they found. They were given their gold samples in a plastic container with a cap on it. My mother and I worked in our concession stand where we had jewelry with gold flecks in them. My father also put a microphone in the 'miner's shack across from our concession. When people would look into the shack, my dad would talk in a gruff voice to them. Sometimes it made the people jump! It was a good time. My father is gone now, but my mother is soon to be 93 and she still remembers! So do I. Bonnie Haley Redus

Date:
28 Dec 2005
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12:38:15
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Very Cool!!! Reminds me of old times, the best of times!! Big Redd

Date:
29 Dec 2005
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07:02:38
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If anyone has one of the Park Maps from the early to mid 70's please let me know! I am going to be making a model of the entire park hopefully to be displayed at the Arizona Historical Museum, and that map would help me out alot. Thanks. Steve Austin email; austinsteev1@cox.net

Date:
29 Dec 2005
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12:18:51
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I am an Arizona Native and it was truely a sad moment for us when Legen City closed. This was a place full of history and alot of memories for me. It is missed.

Date:
06 Jan 2006
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08:30:42
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wonderful times remembered. wish my kids could have remembered it. took them there to see wallace and ladmo but they were too young to remember. makes me home sick..... Della Williamson

Date:
07 Jan 2006
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21:41:56
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I visited Legend City as a small child. So, my memories of the park are very vague. I'm glad you put up this website. It has helped jog some memories.

Date:
08 Jan 2006
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00:15:22
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Thanks for the trip back to a time in Phoenix and in my life when it was Great to be a kid.

Date:
13 Jan 2006
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06:54:15
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This site is awesome - really brings back some memories from days past. I spent plenty of time here when I was in grade school as well as high school! Thanks for compiling this.

Date:
13 Jan 2006
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06:54:25
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This site is awesome - really brings back some memories from days past. I spent plenty of time here when I was in grade school as well as high school! Thanks for compiling this.

Date:
13 Jan 2006
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18:59:46
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As an adult & a kid-at-heart father, I loved Legend City. I took my kids there throughout its existence & wish there was still a Legend City in AZ. If so, I'd be taking my grand-kids as often as possible. Thanks for this great site. It brought back a lot of memories. J. Hale, native-born Prescottonian

Date:
13 Jan 2006
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19:00:13
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Date:
15 Jan 2006
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21:13:10
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Great site. I have fond memories of legend city having grown up in the Phoenix area in the sixties. Mike Branham class of 1969

Date:
19 Jan 2006
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13:31:06
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AWESOME WEBSITE! BRINGS BACK GREAT MEMORIES. DEFINITELY A SITE TO SHOW MY KIDS.

Date:
21 Jan 2006
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16:22:03
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I was 14 years old when they closed LC. I really enjoyed looking through your website. It refreshed some great memories. Thanks for doing all this work.

Date:
23 Jan 2006
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11:57:01
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Great memories. This site has it all! Thank you for bringing back sites and sounds from the past that I thought were long lost. Long live Legend City!

Date:
15 Feb 2006
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18:10:20
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i can't believe it a site about ledgend city this is wonderful i loved going there as a kid great site

Date:
19 Feb 2006
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10:50:41
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2/19/06 what a great web site. it sure brought back a lot of good memories. my grandmopther took me ther often in the late 1960's. thanks for taking so much time to put together a wonderful and complete site. Sharon Douglas

Date:
24 Feb 2006
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17:35:11
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I worked at the city in the 70's. It was a great experiance, and I would not trade it for anything.

Date:
28 Feb 2006
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14:44:50
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Everyone thought I was dillusional that arizona was home to an amusement park once upon a time....I am glad you were here to back me up. It goes to show that you can find damn near everything on the net. Thank you.

Date:
02 Mar 2006
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20:08:46
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I loved Legend City i wish it could come back my best memories of my chilhood were there thanks Debbie.

Date:
04 Mar 2006
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00:23:52
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I was 6 years old when it closed, but I remember the candy apples! Good memories!

Date:
07 Mar 2006
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04:23:32
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Just happened to stumble across this site. I'm from Marion, Iowa and used to work in General Services at the park when the Japanese owned it back in the 70's (still have my name tags). This site brought back alot of great memories. Was interested to find out about the L.C./ Pacific Ocean Park connection. I didn't know about it. What's neat is that my father, Jerry Jacobson, was a maintenance supervisor at POP back in the 60's. L.C. was kind of a family thing for me. My sister, Joyce Stratton, was in retail at the park. My cousin, Dennis Jacobson, was General Manager for a time and his parents, Milford and Freda Jacobson, ran the games. I remember one time in particular when we (General Services) were fire hosing down the walkways getting ready for the weekend when someone came screeching up in one of the parks little white Toyota pickups and said there was a fire by the Lost Dutchmen. We threw some of our hoses in the truck and sped over there, hooked up and held the fire at bay until the Fire Dept. arrived. I think I still have the tounge-in-cheek article I wrote for the park news letter that described our "valiant effort at saving the park". What I didn't say in that article was that I think a couple guys may have been catching a smoke in that area (seems to me it was like a small bamboo patch?). Probably the same two who we caught sleeping deep inside the Lost Dutchman! You know who you are! (Ha, ha!) It was a fun time for a boy from Iowa and I miss it dearly. And I miss you, my friends- Rick Heddon, Kimma Brown, Roberta Lucero, Joe G., Kathleen, The Gunfighters, and others whose faces I still see but the years have stolen your names..... Joel D. Jacobson, Marion, Iowa. jdj1175@mchsi.com

Date:
13 Mar 2006
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15:51:51
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I have been in Arizona since '92 and have heard on many occasions that there once existed an amusement park here. It's nice now to put some visual confirmation on what I have heard. I am a history buff and I love finding interesting facts about our great state that a lot of people will never get the pleasure to know about. Thank you. Scott Levenson Gilbert, AZ

Date:
14 Mar 2006
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10:04:33
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What fun memories! My 13th birthday party was spent at Legend City (August 31, 1973), and I will never forget riding on the Paratroopers till I was sick, singing and laughing with my friends. Thanks for a visit to my past.

Date:
30 Mar 2006
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14:15:07
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I was 14 when Legend City opened & remember fondly times there. We lived in west Phoenix, so we didn't get over there very much, but once I started driving my friends & I would go over there. Remembered watching Hub Kap & the Wheels when they were just starting & after they got BIG (thanks, Pat McMahon). Kids today don't know what they missed out on!

Date:
31 Mar 2006
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22:40:48
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Just happened to come accross this site, one hell of a job! This literally brought tears to my eyes. Those really were the good old days, Wallace & Ladmo, Mike, and of course the Phoenix Giants were fun to watch next doo. Thanks! Mark Smith - 40 year Phx resident

Date:
02 Apr 2006
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00:43:18
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We just found this website today and it is awesome! Legend City was so ahead of its time and it was a such quality project. I was a freshman at ASU in 1963 and I met this hunky guy...he has been my husband for 42 years. For our second date, he took me to Legend City. We have a photo that was taken that night; we were two bathing beauties at the Tin Type Gallery! I cherish that picture and the wonderful memories of that special night! Years later, we would take our two children to Legend City where they would experience the same thrills as we did. It was one of their favorite places to spend time...even better than Disneyland! One of my treasured memories (though I didn't think so at the time) was when I saw a clown wearing a one piece jumpsuit covered in enormous bright flowers. She also wore a brightly colored rainbow wig. I was horrified when I saw her costume. I was wearing the exact outfit except for the wig! It was one of my favorite things to wear but after that night I couldn't even look at it without wondering how dorky I must have looked in it! Thanks for helping keep the memories of the Legend alive! We can't wait to share our find with our son; he will be so happy to see the photos and relive the past. He was and still is a huge fan of Wallace and Ladmo. Some things thankfully never change. They can tear down the physical things we love, but they cannot take away our memories. Ron and Bernita in Tempe

Date:
05 Apr 2006
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13:43:08
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I remember this place. I've lived here all my life. It was lots of fun. I remeber there was roller costers and lots of people. I wish they would re-open this place. Sincerly, Angela Horton

Date:
13 Apr 2006
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09:07:11
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I can remember being AMAZED at the water running uphill in the Dutchman's Shack. Can somebody tell me HOW they did that?? What great memories on this site. Wallace, Ladmo and Gerald still remain my favorite entertainers, the sincere love of kids came thru in everything they did. Windy (Williams) Crow

Date:
19 Apr 2006
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19:01:27
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You guy's did a great job on this site! for years now I've missed the 'City'. Your site brought back great memories. If you find any movie footage that would be great to place on this site as well. I'm a native, and now is a good time to have a Legend City back! Thanx guy's, The Gibbons family.

Date:
20 Apr 2006
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21:55:23
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I remember when I worked in the Animal Nursery at the Phoenix Zoo we took over a chimp named Vicki to Legend City to have lunch with Johnny Weismuller-Tarzan. I think it may have been at the opening days. Do you have anything on a visit from Tarzan?!?!?! Super site-thank you so much for bringing back great memories. After working at the zoo I worked at Legend City when I went to ASU. I got two kittens who were born in the Lost Dutchman Mine and named them Galena and Feldspar. Great days, great memories-super site-thanks for putting it together. Joy Guyer

Date:
5/4/2006
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10:53:34 PM
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Thanks for this site! When Dad and I first came to Phoenix we lived just a few miles down the road from LC. Times were hard and money scarce, and it was some time before I actually got to go; that just made that much more magical. Dad hated the place, but liked seeing me have fun, so he suffered through the Wallace and Ladmo stage shows and the endless trips down the river with me.

Date:
5/8/2006
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11:26:29 AM
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I remember spending warm summer nights at Legend City as a youth. My first roller coaster ride ever was the "Monster Mouse" in 1969, although all these years I thought it was called the "Mad Mouse". I also remember going to "Wallace and Ladmo" shows, and getting a huge sense of justice when Gerald got busted and actually got a spanking from Wallace. Legend City is the first amusement park I ever went to, and ever since, it has been the measuring stick that all others (Including the Disney parks) have been held to, and found lacking.

Date:
5/30/2006
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1:10:22 PM
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I have a Legend City Ticket from 1969 for all the rides. I have a lot of great memories of Legend City

Date:
5/31/2006
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2:48:51 PM
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Wow flashbacks galore. Thanks

Date:
6/6/2006
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8:47:02 AM
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What a blast from the past. I spent a lot of time at Legend City when I was a teen. I just came across some tickets I have from then and I loved remembering all the fun I used to have there.

Date:
6/9/2006
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6:27:32 PM
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My family and friends "grew up" with Legend City. We had ALL our birthday parties there in the 60's! Thanks for sharing memories on this website... We all wish Legend City would rise from the ashes again- it was a fun and popular place! :) Debbie Weber Coor

Date:
6/13/2006
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12:38:37 PM
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Date:
6/23/2006
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7:23:12 PM
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Wow, reliving the times at Legend City was awesome. I had some of the best times there during my 8th grade year with my friend and boyfriend. It's hard to believe that it is gone. It is sad to see reminders of Arizona in the early years being torn down for new development. As I type my high school (Coronado) is being torn down and rebuilt. Soon there won't be any reminders of the west's most western town. We need a new LC so that our children and grandchildren can see what makes Arizona such an awesome place to live. WLV

Date:
6/24/2006
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11:53:33 AM
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I remember spending alot of saturday at legend city in the seventies. My grandfather worked at SRP and would take myself and my brother and sisters on SRP days. I was saddened in 1983 when legend city closed its doors. I wish someone would print a book with colored pictures on legend city. Thanks for the wonderful website, it brought back alot of great memories to me. Ron Chavez ronchavez@hotmail.com

Date:
6/24/2006
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11:53:36 AM
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I remember spending alot of saturday at legend city in the seventies. My grandfather worked at SRP and would take myself and my brother and sisters on SRP days. I was saddened in 1983 when legend city closed its doors. I wish someone would print a book with colored pictures on legend city. Thanks for the wonderful website, it brought back alot of great memories to me. Ron Chavez ronchavez@hotmail.com

Date:
6/26/2006
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8:58:32 PM
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pretty cool amusement park. what a shame...

Date:
6/26/2006
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9:54:49 PM
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I was 13 when the park closed. I remember going, but my memories are faint. Thanks for this great site, has helped to put some things together. Sad though. LC is such a symbol of a bygone era, both for AZ and the world in general. The days when life, and entertainment could be simple and innocent. It didn't have to be 'extreme' or 'in-your-face'. Folks could have fun riding goofy rides and eating caramel apples. Now kids aren't happy unless they've got their Ipod, gameboy and cell phone. Like the midnite $1 double-feaures at Harkins and a good ole chinese fire drill at the stoplight. LC is gone but not forgotten. Thank you for helping to keep it with us. JMC in Phoenix

Date:
6/29/2006
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4:53:50 PM
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Funny, I was talking to someone who said they were taking their family to Disneyland and I started to tell them that Arizona once had an Amusement Park here called Legend City. I decided to look on the internet to learn when Legend City first opened and actually closed. My Aunt & Uncle took me to Legend City in 1973 and that was the only time I went and we went in the evening. But I remember it well because I saw a scorpian for the first time too. I am glad I went. Thank you for being there.

Date:
7/7/2006
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8:25:27 AM
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Great work! This site brings back so many positive memories. I had a wonderful time visiting your site, and discussing old Legend City memories with your wife. Legend City was the outing of my first chaperoned date. Much thanks, Lawrence!

Date:
7/8/2006
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3:21:30 PM
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Excellent site ! I really loved Legend City as a kid, and often think back on it fondly.

Date:
7/9/2006
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10:42:24 AM
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I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO HAVE A COPY OF THE ENTRANCE TO LEGEND CITY. I AM AZ NATIVE AND WAS A REGULAR OF THE PARK AS A CHILD. PLEASE ADVISE THANK YOU GARY MARKICHEVICH garym@sunvalcoathletic.com

Date:
7/13/2006
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6:39:23 PM
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My high school year book, in 1969, shot all the club photos at Legend City. That was totally fun. Even though none of the rides were working, we had a blast. Thanks for this site. It's a great tribute to a wonderful part of my growing up. Ann Swiger

Date:
7/13/2006
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10:56:31 PM
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Thank you for this site! I spent so much time at Legand City as a kid, I've told my kids all about it. I just wish it was still around for me to take my family too. My husband & I are both Chandler, AZ natives and we both have treasured memories of L.C... I'll have to see if I've got any old pictures to share with you. Thanks again! Cristy Pleasant, Chandler, AZ

Date:
7/22/2006
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8:06:58 AM
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Great site, John. I especially love the audio files. I, too, used to take my tape recorder into the Lost Dutchman's Mine, or on the River Run (with Sgt. Dave!). I've long since tossed my tapes, but it's great to hear yours. Thanks again! Kevin Hall ikebelt@excite.com

Date:
7/24/2006
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2:14:04 AM
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I had my first real birthday party at Legend City right before it closed. Great memories.... I miss how Phx used to be before all these people from California and the midwest moved in.

Date:
7/27/2006
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4:17:11 PM
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Wow, what a treasure trove from my childhood. Thank you for bringing back great memories, C Parscal

Date:
7/29/2006
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6:21:23 PM
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Great to find this site. I feel like I grew up with Legend City. We moved to Tempe in the late 1960s so it was a huge deal to go to LC as a kid. My Dad worked at SRP so they had a few SRP Days around Christmas. When I was a Sr in HS (1977) I got a job as a ride operator and worked there for about 7 months. Started out on the mini-golf course then worked at the mine ride for a while. That was a blast ... there were usually 2 ride ops so one of us would sit in the mine to make sure everyone behaved. When boredom hit we'd jump on the back of the carts and scare the crap out of the riders. Worked most of the summer at the bumper cars with my best friend from HS. Gave our boss whiplash on the ride when we were screwing around before the park opened. Spent the rest of my time working as a relief operator so I'd run all the rides … log ride, sky diver, sky ride, tilt-a-whirl, flying cloud, zipper, music fest, yo-yo …. Hated working the rides in kiddie land. It was great working at the city as an 18 year old..... lots of partying after work, sneaking beer from the Saloon after the park closed, saw Spanky Spangler jump from one of the sky ride towers into a pile of flaming boxes (I think), and trying to catch the Wallace & Ladmo show! Lots of fond memories of the park both as a kid and an employee. Thanks for putting this site together. Cathy

Date:
8/15/2006
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1:00:35 PM
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I have lived in Forney TX for 13 years now, after proudly being a native Arizonian. I grew up in the Valley of the Sun from 1953 [when I was born at Good Samaritan Hospital] until 1993. I fondly remember the Valley during those days, especially Legend City, have no idea how many times I went there, and, of course, Wallace and Ladmo. They were part of my family for years and years. I thank God for the wholesome memories of those days gone by...blessed memories. Patty Thomas~Barker

Date:
8/18/2006
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10:45:38 AM
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WOW...I really miss the old Phoenix area. What a great place to grow up. Kids today need something like this.

Date:
8/21/2006
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3:06:07 PM
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I enjoyed the park as a child and sad to know my children have never seen this park. Thank you for the memories.

Date:
8/29/2006
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2:39:03 PM
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I think of Legend City with fond memories. I fell in love there for the first time. His name was Grant and I loved him all the way through 9th grade. Then I fell in love with Hub Kapp. In fact, I still have my membership card and a 45 record of Boney Maroney. Thanks for the wonderful memories, Legend City. Nikki Thackeray

Date:
8/29/2006
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2:40:03 PM
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I think of Legend City with fond memories. I fell in love there for the first time. His name was Grant and I loved him all the way through 9th grade. Then I fell in love with Hub Kapp. In fact, I still have my membership card from the Hub Kapp fan club and a 45 record of Hub and the Wheels singing Boney Maroney. Thanks for the wonderful memories, Legend City. Nikki Thackeray

Date:
9/20/2006
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12:45:37 PM
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man i miss them days!!!

Date:
9/22/2006
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8:23:50 PM
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Thanks so much for bringing back those great memories! Most of my childhood visits were from 1962 through the early 70's and something I'll never forget. Too bad the Legend City Locomotive is only stored and in bad shape at that. Would make a nice addition to Phoenix as a historical item.

Date:
9/24/2006
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5:42:56 PM
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Thanks for all the great pics! I have a number of old Phoenix friends who are going to just love this site. Great memories!

Date:
9/29/2006
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8:15:49 PM
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Great website. What a shame Legend City had to go. Just another reminder of the nice things we had growing up in the good old days in the Phoenix metro area. This place is just an overcrowded crime infested metropolis now. Wish we could go back in time. Thanks, Aris G. Scarla, 52 year old native

Date:
9/29/2006
Time:
8:16:38 PM
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Aris G. Scarla agscar at yahoo.com

Date:
10/3/2006
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6:43:58 AM
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What a memory! Thanks for the site and bringing back memories. Sure do miss it not being here. Definitely was an attraction to visit. I moved to this area in 1974 and my children remember going there. In fact, my youngest son, who is now in his early 40's, asked me to take his son there last year so he'd remember it also. He didn't realize it was no longer. I agree that if it was here today, it would succeed. Remember the soundtrack of Grease being played as you walked through the park. Thanks for the memories.

Date:
10/4/2006
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2:31:16 PM
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I spent a summer working at Legend City, the summer of 1974. I worked in the Mexican Restuarant and my parents ran the Ice Cream Parlor. My Cousin was general manager. It was a great summer with lots of good memories. For a small town Oklahoma kid it was being in the movies. TLC

Date:
10/13/2006
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11:00:34 AM
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Thank you for the memories you brought back on this sight. This was a really nice trip down memory lane.

Date:
10/13/2006
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7:10:00 PM
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Thank you for your web! Great memories. I'm trying to find out if anyone remembers when Johnny Weismuller came to Legend City. I believe it was at the opening day or about that time. I was working at the Phoenix Zoo in the then Animal Nursery. I brought over Vickie the chimp to Legend City to have lunch with Johnny Weismuller. We sat at a huge table with other people. Does anyone remember that or have any info on it? After working at the zoo I worked at Legend City while attending ASU. Wonderful times-we always said it was a little Disneyland! Could have been. Joy Guyer

Date:
10/19/2006
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9:56:48 AM
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I remember visiting Legend City every summer when I was a kid! Your site brought back all of those great memories. Thanks! Shari Skipper Richmond, VA

Date:
10/22/2006
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6:41:49 PM
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Yes indeed. Thanks for the fond memories. The fun was over far too soon. My children and grandchildren will never know the joys of Legend CIty, Wallace and Ladmo.. and booing and hissing Gerald. Such an innocent time, and such great innocent fun. Thanks again...

Date:
10/23/2006
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3:46:56 PM
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If I could decorate one room in my house with pictures and memorobilia from Legend City I would have the happiest place on earth. Disneyland is good but Legend city was ours. I remember getting in free with Wallace and Ladmo as I was friends with Shari, Ladmo's daughter. I will remember it till the day I die, at least I hope I will. Thanks to Mr Crandall for a wonderful memory. I now work across the street from where it use to be and as I look out my third floor window I find myself dreaming of days gone by. Dianne

Date:
10/24/2006
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7:54:18 PM
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this is great!!!! I loved going to Legend City as a kid. whether it was riding Mighty Mouse or the antique cars, what memories!!! Eric V., Chandler

Date:
10/28/2006
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3:01:18 PM
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Cartoons were so cool back in the day. there was he-man voltron gi joe bugsbunny well you get the idea now they are all gone. they got replaced with bullshit cartoons. it makes me so mad everytime something good comes around it gets replaced with something lame

Date:
10/31/2006
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6:51:00 PM
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haha my tube top fell down around my waist at legend city riding the tiltawhirl--one of my more titillating moments--ah the good old days!

Date:
11/7/2006
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8:53:31 PM
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SURE WOULD BE GREAT TO BRING BACK THE PARK. I GREW UP WITH LEGEND CITY STARTING WHEN I WAS VERY YOUNG. I REMEMBER TEEN DANCES THEY HAD ON FRIDAY NIGHTS! MANY GREAT MEMORIES. MY FATHER WENT TO SCHOOL WITH LADDY AS HE WAS CALLED UP IN GLOBE.

Date:
11/12/2006
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5:46:24 PM
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10.13.2006 Thank you for your web! Great memories. I'm trying to find out if anyone remembers when Johnny Weismuller came to Legend City. I believe it was at the opening day or about that time. I was working at the Phoenix Zoo in the then Animal Nursery. I brought over Vickie the chimp to Legend City to have lunch with Johnny Weismuller. We sat at a huge table with other people. Does anyone remember that or have any info on it? After working at the zoo I worked at Legend City while attending ASU. Wonderful times-we always said it was a little Disneyland! Could have been.Joy Guyer To Joy Guyer HI JOY, ROB COOK HERE FROM THE WL and G FANSITE. I was unaware that Johnny Weissmueller made an appearance at LEGEND CITY? Louis Crandall should know I imagine. It makes sense though,because his film amd TV career was already over by the time Legend City opened, and before retiring for good to Florida in 1965. He was making many public appearances for various businesses at the time. And he was hurting for money due to a recent divorce,and had some bad people that mishandled his finances. He appeared on It's Wallace? around 1963 or 64, so that coincides with the time frame of meeting you at Legend City. There's a photo of him dressed in his Jungle Jimish outfit,with a girl as Jane and a young Boy both clad in animal print swim Jungle outfits. My friend Johnny Franklin took the picture he thought they were there in town to promote his latest B film, at the PHOENIX DRIVE IN on 35th avenue and Van Buren.But Johnny Weismueller didn't make anymore movies past the 1950's minus a couple cameo's in the 1970's. It's possible he was there being paid for some movie promotion at the Drive In and also appeared at LEGEND CITY at the same time. You can see that picture of him on page 91 in the Wallace and Ladmo Ho ho Ha ha Hee hee Ha ha book. He did attempt a television show on swimming about that time.I found this in his biography Johnny tried several ways of earning money. He tried to begin a television series on swimming in 1963,he did personal appearances. He even tried to coax his former celluloid son, Johnny Sheffield, into joining him, but this did not pan out either. That's the best I can do. Rob

Date:
11/20/2006
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8:12:11 PM
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I have many very special memories of Legend City. I had the pleasure of being part of the first stage show held in the Golden Palace Saloon in 1963, when I was 18 years old. I was lead tenor in The Copper Tones barbershop quartet, along with Dave Zorn, bass, Jack Hanf, baritone, and Pat Lebs, tenor. We did 477 shows on that stage and enjoyed every moment. It was a wonderful experience for all of us. Among the others in the show were the emcee, Sandy Gibbons, dancers Linda Warner, Printy Crandall and Donna Cafferty, as well as singer and ventriloquist Vonda Kay Van Dyke, who became Miss America 1965. Having read all the other Comments, I now realize how significant Legend City was, and still is, in the lives and memories of so many people. I was especially moved by the comments of one of Louis Crandall's daughters, who wrote in 2003 that she still sang to her children the songs that The Copper Tones sang in 1963! She specifically mentioned "Bill Grogan's Goat" and "Goodbye My Legend City Baby." That is truly amazing, and incredibly heartwarming. Thank you so much, John, for your work on, and dedication to, this web site, and for rekindling so many fond memories for those of us who were fortunate enough to have experienced Legend City. I shall be very pleased to do whatever I can to contribute to your efforts. Rick Mitchell

Date:
11/25/2006
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7:36:19 PM
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The first time I visted was in '65, as an Air Force Brat from Williams AFB. I had a chance in the mid 70's to visit again. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

Date:
11/27/2006
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1:39:26 PM
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my girlfriend went to legand city twice as a little girl she loved legand city verrryyy much!!!she says it was one of the best in the worls

Date:
11/27/2006
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1:40:00 PM
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my girlfriend went to legand city twice as a little girl she loved legand city verrryyy much!!!she says it was one of the best in the world even better than cedar point is this true?

Date:
11/28/2006
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8:05:36 AM
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Very cool design! Useful information. Go on!

Date:
11/29/2006
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8:01:09 AM
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Wonderful pages! Keep up the grat work.

Date:
12/3/2006
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5:36:41 AM
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This site has brought back a flood of childhood memories. I'm a Mesa-Tempe native who was 9 when LC opened. I remember all the great attractions, the Lost Dutchman Mine was always my favorite. That was a great time to grow up in the Valley. Wallace and Ladmo everyday after school. I'm a Ladmo bag winner also. Great site thanks for the memories............ moonlightpc.cox.net

Date:
12/3/2006
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8:13:57 AM
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Excellent site, added to favorites!!

Date:
12/8/2006
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12:13:27 PM
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Thanks for the memories! I went there often as a child, and later a teenager, and always had good times.

Date:
12/11/2006
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11:43:33 PM
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I'm so glad my brother found this website and sent it to me. The "City" was a fun part of my youth and I will always remember it and miss it. Also all the great people that went there. Thanks so much for being a part of my life Legend City - until later, Cecilia from Phoenix and now Goodyear -- 54 great years in the Valley

Date:
12/11/2006
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11:43:52 PM
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I'm so glad my brother found this website and sent it to me. The "City" was a fun part of my youth and I will always remember it and miss it. Also all the great people that went there. Thanks so much for being a part of my life Legend City - until later, Cecilia from Phoenix and now Goodyear -- 54 great years in the Valley

Date:
12/15/2006
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2:32:22 PM
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A lot of beautiful memories. Especially those of my wife and our young family enjoying every ride from its opening until we were transferred by the USAF in 1966. I remember our youngest on the river ride when the navigator hollered "hit the deck" and he did. Thanks for the memories.

Date:
12/16/2006
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3:32:43 PM
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Oh, my gosh! I can't believe the memories this site conjured up! I am 52 years old now and lived in Phoenix from 1962 to 1967 but some of my memories of Legend City were having my picture taken with Jay Silverheels, Tonto, when he visited. I remember the river ride and my youngest brother literally "hitting the deck" when the ride announcer said to do just that. And I still have a photo from either a newspaper or magazine that shows my mom, my youngest brother and I walking out the gates of Legend City. And I hadn't thought about Wallace and Ladmo and Gerald until I saw it on your site. Thank you for the memories! God bless you and Merry Christmas. Julia Reser - Oklahoma City

 

Date:
12/21/2006
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8:34:50 PM
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Wow! I still remember going to Legend City when I was just a boy. My wife is from New Jersey and it is finally great to show her pictures of the park that I went to long ago! I still live in Phoenix and once in a while I pass the area where the park once was and those old memories come right back. I was still pretty young when they closed the park, but I will never forget it! Thanks again for the memories.

Date:
12/26/2006
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6:14:18 AM
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I won my Ladmo Bag at Chris-Town Mall when I was 12 it was the greatest day of my life. Terry Bowland Phoenix Az

Date:
12/29/2006
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1:56:23 PM
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I was born at Good Samaritan Hospital on McDowell Rd. and grew up in Phoenix until I moved with my husband and family to Forney TX in 1993. Legend City was a great place to go on weekends growing up in the Valley of the Sun! Wallace and Ladmo were "family" in those days coming home and watching them on the TV after school, then seeing them at Legend City from time to time. What a great web site and thanks for stirring up great memories from the past. I miss those days and am thankful for all the ones apart of a "legend" to make it come true for so many fans of Legend City. No one has ever held a candle to Wallace, Ladmo, Gerald, Hub Cap and the Wheels....again....thanks! Patty

Date:
1/7/2007
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1:57:40 PM
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WOW! I so remember Legend City. I have lived in Scottsdale all my life and would spend many weekends and school breaks at Legend City, with friends and siblings. My memories are of the later years, approx 1978 to the end. My older siblings remember the earlier years. Those were some great times. So glad I found the website.

Date:
1/7/2007
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10:04:49 PM
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I remember going to Legend City as a kid. My parents bought a few shares of stock in it and one weekend when it was struggling, we all worked there to help it out financially. Bill Thompson - Wallace - was the invited guest speaker when I was inducted into the National Honor Society in high school. We were a bunch of teenagers who were deeply thrilled to have him there. I went to thank him afterwards and had to stand in line to talk to him. He ws very humble and seemd genuinely surprised that high school kids thought he was cool. We always will, Wall - and thanks so much that we COULD tune in. Peggy O, Jan. 07

Date:
1/8/2007
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4:33:09 PM
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AMAZING. Simply AMAZING!!! Mark Rosales, Phoenix.

Date:
1/9/2007
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5:36:27 PM
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Legend City brings back fun and exciting memories as a child and a teenager. I remember my father brought my brother and I many times to Legend City. I really think that my father loved it as much as us kids did. Your never too old to feel young again!!!! Many thanks for this site.....from the Lone Star State.

Date:
1/9/2007
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10:11:52 PM
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Great site! I'm attempting to purchase both of the 45s released on the Legend City label "The Ghost of Legend City" with "Desert Silhouette" performed by Dolan Ellis and "Legend City" with "Ballad of Legend City" performed by the Legend City Singers. Please contact me at martin "at sign" priorityoneinfo.com. Thanks.

Date:
1/10/2007
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7:21:31 PM
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Also, if anyone has a Legend City patch like the one on the "Memorabilia" page and wants to sell it or if you happen to be the person that posted your patch on the page and would like to sell it please contact me. Thanks. martin at priorityoneinfo.com

Date:
1/11/2007
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6:15:51 PM
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This brings back many wonderful memories. I still recall the first time I went on the Lost Dutchmans Mine ride...scared to death...then laughed when the mine cart came to the OutHouse and the ghost inside says, 'Can't a ghost have any privacy around here?' Barry Bunzell

Date:
1/12/2007
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12:27:49 PM
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This was the place of my first high school crush when our seminary opening social was held in 1973!We all had such a fun time, and after going on the rides with the boy I was crushing on, he won a big stuffed lion for me at the arcade! Legend City was one of my first experiences to see what Arizona was all about, after moving here. I was fascinated seeing everything historical and legendary! I wish it was still around to take my kids there!

Date:
1/12/2007
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3:15:19 PM
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I just want to thank you for putting up a site on the internet that we can go back in time to see the Great Legend City! I was just a small girl when you closed this park... I have pictures of some rides that I was on - and until now, was unable to identify where those were taken. Thank you for bringing the memories back! I would really like to suggest another park to be opened up! Living in Arizona my whole life knowing that there are a limited amount of things to do... It would be something that would bring back a sense of fun, adventure, family and so on...Please consider! Thanks again!

Date:
1/18/2007
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2:24:19 AM
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My father was going to be transferred from Colorado to Phoenix, the company flew my whole family out here in 1979. My first memory of Phoenix will always be of flying in on a Braniff flight to terminal one and looking out my window seeing those mamoth Green Neon towers that looked like centurians guarding a treasure in desert. That was the first of many times of seeing the green towers. Over the next few years I made friends and hung out at my home away from home. I was sadend when they shut down. My family took a real Vacation out of state in 83. I had a chnace to go with a friend before we left but I told him, I'll go when we get back..... It shut down while we were away. I've heard Six Flaggs has bought 200 acres near the San Tans and might possibly do a salute to L.C.! They're suppose to open by 09. Thanks for the memories.

Date:
1/19/2007
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4:44:36 AM
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I remember LC very well. In the early days of the park there was a concrete skateboard track that was there for perhaps a year or two. Cochise Stronghold was a big time ride for all of us Mesa public School kid brats! Thanks a million for this great website!

Date:
1/20/2007
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8:21:39 PM
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I was born in 1983 so never knew about Legend City. Now I live at 54th street and van buren, so close to it! I found the site through wikipedia's wallace and lladmo entry. great to see, thank you.

Date:
1/20/2007
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8:29:30 PM
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I was the first baby born in Scottsdale Memorial Hospital May 19 1962...I lived in Scottsdale untill 1969 when we moved to Mesa. Some of my fondest childhood memories were at Legend City and Big Surf. Ive been married for 25 yrs now and have 4 beautiful daughters and 2 grandsons. For the life of me I don't understand why someone hasn't built a theme park in the 5th largest city in America! Someone should ressurect a new Legend City! It would make millions and put a smile on alot of faces....Mike Adams, Mesa Az

Date:
1/20/2007
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9:18:34 PM
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I went there a lot with my brothers as a kid.The place just seemed so big and like our own Disney land. Many great memories. Thank you Randy Adams

Date:
1/20/2007
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11:40:34 PM
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I was born in Mesa in 1980. I worked at SRP credit union from 2002-2005. This whole time I had no idea this place even existed until reading a recent article in a local newspaper. It blows my mind that I've driven by there thousands of times. I worked on the same plot of land for three years, and I'm only hearing about it for the first time today. Too crazy.

Date:
1/21/2007
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7:02:18 PM
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This was fun touring the old place once again. We were disappointed when Legend City closed down. We always missed it. nancy and C.A.

Date:
1/25/2007
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5:46:48 PM
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Many fond memories at Legend City, Compton Terrace and the Wallace and Ladmo Shows. Thanks. AG Knox - Chandler, AZ

Date:
2/7/2007
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1:20:12 PM
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I grew up in Legend City. I was there on the closing day when they had stoppe drepairing the rides and most of them were closed down....I remember how fun it was getting stuck on the Ferris Wheel, at the top, with my best friend. I always felt safe there, it was like my second home really. The concerts at Compton Terrace as the train would go rolling by....the paddleboats...the log ride! Ow how fun it was to look at this site. Thank you for the memories.

Date:
2/7/2007
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2:35:13 PM
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What a great tribute to Legend City! I am a AZ native and an only child who used to go to Legend city with my 6 first cousins in the 70's. I loved the Log Ride and the Lost Dutchman Mine ride the best. All of us kids used to run wild through the park! We loved going at night the best since somehow to us it was always spookier then. Another wonderful part of the Valley's history. I sure miss it! From Sunny, in Glendale

Date:
2/16/2007
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10:35:30 PM
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Great Site! I always loved Legend City as a child growing up in the 60's and 70's! Thanks for taking the time to put together all this great history and nostalgia! Your efforts are much appreciated. CL Andrews Tempe, AZ

Date:
2/19/2007
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9:29:54 AM
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This is such a wonderful tribute to the history of Arizona. I grew up in Winslow, AZ and many Winslow families spent time at Legend City. One of the highlights of my youth, in the 60's, was visiting the park, shopping at Park Central or Chris Town Malls and eating at the Big Apple on Van Buren. We grew up watching the "Wallace and Ladmo" show and we wanted to go to Legend City to see them. Legend City was an important part of many of our lives and this website provides us with the ability to view it once again. Thanks so much! K.M. in Gilbert.

Date:
2/22/2007
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10:39:48 PM
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Thank you for providing a way to remember a great past growing up in the 1960's and 1970's in the Valley of the Sun. Legend City and Wallace and Ladmo were a great place to go and wonderful role models for all of us. Sure wish our kids today could have that type of role model. Thanks again for a great site. Patty from the Lone Star State

Date:
2/24/2007
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6:39:15 PM
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Cool website! Good work. Good resources here. Best regards!

Date:
2/26/2007
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6:00:25 PM
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AWESOME CHILDHHOD MEMORIES THANKS www.prestonsmith.com

Date:
2/28/2007
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2:41:48 PM
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I was only about 5 years old when legend city was here, but I still remember going to it. I was just talking to some friends about Castles and Coasters and I mentioned Legend City, and they looked at me like I was crazy. They never heard of it. I immediately Googled LC, and this great site of a time gone by popped up. I love the internet!! Could only imagine how business would be booming if LC was still here today!!

Date:
3/1/2007
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7:59:44 AM
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looking for Jackie L. Swartz, died April 3, 2005

Date:
3/20/2007
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12:21:10 PM
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Great site. It brought back many memories. Thanks

Date:
3/23/2007
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5:09:50 AM
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thanks for the pictures and the memories i guess we can't ever go back but it sure was nice to remeber thanks guys the site is wonderful make this old native az boy happy if not for just a minute

Date:
3/23/2007
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2:39:14 PM
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Thank you for your web site on Legend City. I walked into an antique store in Pomona CA last weekend and spotted a large, old fancy sign that said....Legend City Queen Riverboat! The store owner said that the guy that he got it from said that it came from an old amusement park in AZ. So, I bought it and just today got around to doing a search on the Internet. Imagine my surprise when I found your website. Now the sign has much more meaning for me. Thanks again.

Date:
3/23/2007
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2:42:21 PM
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I just purchased the neatest sign ever...Legend City Queen River Boat...and was told it came from an old amusement park in Arizona. So when I looked it up and found this web site I was thrilled. It is a large wood sign that looks like the one on the river boat but I think it was probably the sign that hung over the entrance to the ride. What a great find! It has a home now here in Norco, California, the horse capitol of U.S.A. I just love my sign and now know the history behind it. Jon and Jody

Date:
3/30/2007
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7:27:49 AM
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If you refer to the picture of the Butternut Coffee House porch, there's a couple sitting at the table. That's me in the yellow coat and skimmer, and my future wife Linda Warner. She was one of the Can Can girls. That was the first time we had met and we were staged to sit together at the table. It's a story we've had fun telling our kids. -- Jack Hanf

Date:
3/30/2007
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1:49:12 PM
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I forget how much Phoenix has changed from my childhood until I look at those old photos! And everyday when I hear Pat McMahon talking about current events and politics on KTAR I still imagine him looking like Gerald! Thank you for a great site!

Date:
3/30/2007
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10:21:08 PM
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Visited Legend CIty often as a young teen living in Phx. Guess I should have saved some of the memorabilia! But I do have some good memories of good times - especially watching Vonda Kay Van Dyke and her puppets.

Date:
4/4/2007
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1:50:57 AM
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Wow! I haven't thought about this place in years! I remember my parents taking me there when I was about 10, so it was probably sometime in 1982. Sadly, the only thing I really remember about the trip was waiting on a park bench while my family went through a fun house, or something like that... I was too chicken to go in

Date:
4/11/2007
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4:37:21 PM
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Keep up the great work!

Date:
4/12/2007
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10:52:18 AM
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Fantastic site. I phoned my brother in Ohio to check it out. We talked over an hour about all the fun we use to have there. I grew up in South Scottsdale and Legend City was one of my best memories growing up. My first kiss took place in front of the sky ride Roy Dunkelburger sp. Another memeory as I got a bit older was all of the concerts there at Compton Terrace. My favorite concert was Black Sabbath, Blue Oyster Cult and I think Nazareth. It rained but didn't spoil any of the fun. Great memories! Diane B

Date:
4/14/2007
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10:01:03 AM
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The gr8 memories of past birthday parties my mom gave me and my sister as a child and the sport she was riding The Mill Run and getting her hairdo wet.

Date:
4/14/2007
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8:42:23 PM
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I loved Legend City!!! My friend and I would save our allowance and paper route money and go every weekend. We always went straight for the skyride first and plotted our ride schedule from there. This site brought back some great memories. Thanks!

Date:
4/17/2007
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12:11:13 PM
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I loved Legend City!! What great memories. Thanks for putting this site together so other generations can share in our memories of this park. Lynda

Date:
4/19/2007
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10:29:45 AM
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what a shame, I remember going there in 1979,1980. great memories of the forgotton past.

Date:
4/23/2007
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11:44:04 AM
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Legend City was the best. I was born and raised here in Phoenix and remember going to Legend city. I have pictures of me and my family at Legend city. My how Phoenix has changed. I miss it all. Enjoyed the website it brought back lots of memories

Date:
4/28/2007
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12:32:08 AM
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Looking back at all of these pictures brought back many, many wonderful memories of my childhood spent growing up at Legend City. This was the place to go with your friends on a hot summer night. I remember when the log ride was built, and we could get wet, cool down and enjoy long evenings with my childhood boyfriends. Thank you for the look back into my past. Mary Helein class of 1977 Alhambra High School Phoenix, Arizona

Date:
4/28/2007
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9:07:33 PM
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OMG! What a trip down nostalgia lane. I remember our family trip to PHX in 1972. Legend City was a part of that. Ahhh, the memories! To me, Legend City lives on. Thanks. AZBoy4Ever

Date:
4/28/2007
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10:52:22 PM
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Thank you for the great web site dedicated to Legend City! I went there with my family in the late 1970's. Also learned to drive in the parking lot with my dad in the early 80s. As a valley native, is really nice to relive a great piece history since so much has changed around the Phoenix area.

Date:
5/4/2007
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7:07:32 PM
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Hello, very nice site! Please also visit my homepages.Thanks!

Date:
5/13/2007
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10:32:23 AM
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Brings back lots of really great memories. Almost as great as going to Disneyland. My parents and I went there first. Then my friends and I drove up many times, from Tucson, to enjoy the day, and evening time !!! The log flume ride was great to cool us off, and Lost Dutchamns ride was "scarry" as ever. Great times Fred Francis

Date:
5/18/2007
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1:22:57 PM
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Great site that brings back many memories for this 40-something. Wallace and Ladmo, the Phoenix Zoo, the paddleboats at Encanto Park, the Phoenix Roadrunners and the Phoenix Giants. Great memories of the 60's and 70's.

Date:
5/23/2007
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10:24:36 AM
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Oh I miss Legend City! My worst Birthday ever was when my mom took me and my friends all the way to Legend City just to find out it was SHUT DOWN! I loved going there on Saturday nights with my family...what a fun place. I wish they would do it again!

Date:
5/24/2007
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4:18:50 PM
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Thank You

Date:
5/27/2007
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7:51:35 PM
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Thanks for this site. I have such fond memories of going to Legend City with my parents. They have passed away and it is nice to think back to those times again.

Date:
5/28/2007
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5:10:51 PM
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I used to go to LC as often as possible with my friends. Especially Emily passed on now. But we would go ride the wooly Bully ride whatever it was called just to flirt with the guy that ran it. He was SO cute and let us ride for nothing most of the time. It was great going down memory lane, once more. I left Phx area in 72 and returned several times after that but it was SO sad to see how it died a very slow death. Just seeing it sitting there rotting away was horrible. We could go there and have a great time on very little money and our parents could feel safe knowing we were in a safelike environment. Not like today. As the person spoke earlier it would be called Immigrantville. Sad that we can't all just get along like we used to. I remember when the ferris wheel came over from the dead POP in CA. Funny. I know there have been talks of building another Disneyland type place around the valley for many years. Where is it. It will never happen so don't count on it. LC was a once in a lifetime chance for us kids to have a piece of our own HISTORY to play at. Some of us never got to go to Disneyland or anywhere else. We were mosly the same poor folks and LC soothed the savage beast in the Valley of the Sun. Thanks for such a wonderful fun memory. Ruth O'Toole, Florida

Date:
6/1/2007
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10:32:43 PM
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Great work

Date:
6/9/2007
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12:13:24 PM
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How fun to find this site. My parents purchased shares in 1961. I also acquired some other memorabilia old stock certificates dated Nov and Dec. 1961. large colored map of the park 25in by 21 in. an arial photo of the land size 8 x 11 of Papago Park area with "Legend City" blocked off on the photo. original copy of Prospectus and Offering Circular dated June 21, 1961. Feb. 1962 Progress Report pamphlet. letters to shareholders. a blueprint of the locomotive for the train ride. Too bad the park did not make it.Way too ahead of its time, I suppose. Anyone else find memorabilia?

Date:
6/9/2007
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1:39:00 PM
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I've been here 11 years and this is the first I've heard of this place. Of course it's because it will be part of PBS Arizona Stories starting up. This is a wonderful site! Thank you for a unique part of Arizona history.

Date:
6/12/2007
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8:11:15 PM
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What a wonderful site! I am a Phoenix native and it is so hard to find local history about the city i love. Thanks for preserving our history in such a wonderful and accessible way.

Date:
6/12/2007
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10:40:32 PM
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cool site ,i grew up here,i rode my bike with a friend from metro center to legend city in the early 80s,when we got there they were closed,the summer bummer temps,the web site makes me feel like a teen ager again ,,great job thankyou leonard,trump.dob4,1,64

Date:
6/12/2007
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11:19:00 PM
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A huge thank you for this site!!! when i was a munchkin, our parents would congratulate us for a good school year with a day at Legend City. Then I was lucky enough to get a job working at Legend City, I was a log head, for 4 years during high school and into college.... up to the year before it closed... sniff, sniff What memories. Kind regards and keep up the great work!!! John Hutson

Date:
6/13/2007
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5:34:55 PM
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I remember going to Legend City at least several times. I remember the swamp coolers blowing down on us as we waited in line for the rides! Whew! A great idea! Thanks to your website I learned many things that I hadn't known about before, and many other memories were revived. Thanks!

Date:
6/14/2007
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4:35:57 AM
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What a great site and tribute to a great park! How I loved it as a kid. It inspired my a lot. Since that time, I have created many "haunted houses" for the neighborhood kids, and my favorite effect to create - which I first "mastered" in my early teens - is the fire-behind-a-window effect, which I must have absorbed from all those Lost Dutchman rides. Now, to learn who invented that effect is amazing! Thanks again for a great site! -- Adam, Phoenix native

Date:
6/14/2007
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5:35:01 PM
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Thanks for the memories!

Date:
6/22/2007
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5:35:01 AM
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While watching channel 8 the other night on a show featuring places and people in Arizona, I saw a small history blurb about Legend City.  Wow.

Having been born and raised in Arizona, about 55 miles east of Tempe, I spent five long years at Arizona State University. During those years, 1961 to 1966, Legend City was built. Unfortunately for me I only went there twice. The first time because I had a crush on a beautiful blue eyed blond named Patty Russnak, and I had been told she worked there late in the school year of 1963 and during that summer.  My friend, Bobby Tang, and I found her.  She said she loved working there.  And she looked even more beautiful in her pink and white striped uniform. But what really floored me was when I started looking at pictures on the website and I encountered a couple of pictures of Sandy Dirickson. What a gorgeous, happy, friendly, talented girl. I dated Sandy during that time and was her date when she vied for the crown of Miss Maricopa County at Legend City. I remember only bits and pieces of that night, but I thought Sandy was a knockout. I believe she got married not long after and became Sandy D Anai, but then I lost track of her, as I did Patty Russnak. I also remember my first experience with the Wallace and Ladmo show. Actually, when I first started watching Wallace on channel 5 back in 1957 the show was called "Its Wallace?"  Laddy Boy was still trying to become a major leaguer and probably working the cameras at Bill's show. What memories. I'd been up and down the coast of California after my stint as a US Navy Seabee, and when I returned to Arizona in the late 1980s, time and time again I'd drive by Phoenix Municipal Stadium or on Washington west of Mill and wonder where, oh where, was Legend City?  Now, with your website, I know exactly where it was. I'm in my 60s now, but websites like this remind me of what a wonderful time we had in the late 50s and early 60s. If I could wave a magic wand and bring them back, I'd do it in a heartbeat. Nostalgia... it gets us ALL in the end.

Reavis J Franklin...Superior, Arizona, now Gilbert, Arizona with stops in Oxnard, CA Midway Island DaNang and An Hoa, Vietnam San Gabriel, CA Glendora, CA Ventura, CA and San Ramon, CA.

Date:
6/27/2007
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7:35:01 AM
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CALLING JOHN HUTSON!!! I can't believe I haven't seen you since '83 and I miss your post by a month! How about an email address so Gilligan and I can grab you for a couple beers? Seen Bob Nelson around? I have Taryn's email. My green LC shirt finally melted away in the wash. We looked sooo cool in those shirts...Dave Williams aka screaminremo303@aol.com

 p.s. You won't believe what I've been doing for the last 17 years..

Date:
6/28/2007
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6:35:01 PM
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This is a great website on Legend City.  So many of us who grew up in Phoenix remember going to the park on a regular basis.  In fact, the company I work for, Honeywell, had spring picnics at Legend City before the park closed.  My brother and his friends used to play in a band there on the weekends.  It was such a great place -- I'd love to see a new Legend City built somewhere on the outskirts of the valley.  It was a great hangout for high school kids! -- Mary Fidler -- 1971 West Phoenix High School graduate

Date:
7/4/2007
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4:37:01 PM
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I remember my first time at Legend City was around late 1968 at age 6, I went there about a dozen times over the years since then 'till about 1975, wish I would have gone a few more times but I do have fond memories with my brothers and cousins. Thanks for a great nostalgic website!!

Date:
7/4/2007
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7:00:00 PM
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Hi Reavis..I enjoyed your memories of LC/W&L,and of Sandra Derickson.There's a couple images of her when she appeared on Dialing For Dollars with Sandy Gibbons at:www.WallaceLadmoGerald.com .See the story I wrote in the TOP 10 (articles)..it's called "Dialing For Sandy".I too wish that there was a magic wand,we could wave and to go back in time when the world,and our Valley was truly a joy to live in.For the Wallace and Ladmo fans..at the Mesa Historical Museum on Sept.15th,Wallace and Pat McMahon (pretty sure on Mr. Gerald Springer)along with many other people who were part of the show will be there signing autographs..and the unveiling of a special exhibit of Wallace & Ladmo show artifacts.Thanks! Rob Cook

Date:
7/22/2007
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8:48:00 AM
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Thanks so much for the memories! I spent many years with family and friends hanging at Legend City. This is so cool!! Scott Baxter

Date:
7/23/2007
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5:49:00 PM
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Unlike many of my contemporaries that washed their memories of Legend City away with drugs... I REMEMBER THE PARK LIKE I HAD BEEN THERE JUST YESTERDAY. Does that mean that I was just an attentive little boy? Does that mean I was just easily manipulated by hype? Or... does that mean that Legend City WAS A REALLY UNIQUE PLACE? Yeah. I remember much more than most about being a kid. Maybe seeing one toddling playmate die in the cave-in of a ditch on the Justine Spitalny schoolyard contributed to that. Maybe it was the Stephen King like horror of watching another little boy pulled-out of the pipe in the neighborhood canal. You can read one of those memories at another icon of that era... The Wallace & Ladmo website: http://www.wallaceladmogerald.com/modules.php?name=News&file=print&sid=35

Those sad but important lessons in care and mortality pale by comparison to the happiness Legend City & Ladmo brought into my childhood. Oh. Then there was getting in on the ground floor of the Hang Glider craze of the early 70's (was so enthralled by hang gliding that I actually built one as a high school physics project: with the caveat from Mr. Perez... that I not actually fly it UNTIL AFTER I HAD GRADUATED) Got distracted by Human Powered Vehicles (recumbents) after returning to Phoenix and in just a few weeks made the front page of the Arizona Republic's Living Section. But man. L E G E N D   C I T Y ! I knew of no hype about it around the time it was being built and then opened. It was just... one day Dad told me and my sister to get into the new Mercury Meteor for a trip to see Uncle Pete (not really an uncle, just a fellow carpenter like Dad).Most of all. I REMEMBER EVERYTHING BEING SOOO NEW! THE SMELL OF FRESH CUT WOOD ON THE WIND. THE SWEET HINT OF FRESH PAINT... AND ALL THAT JET BLACK ASPHALT THAT WAS THE SIDEWALK AND COURTYARD TO LEGEND CITY Two specific attractions formed a memory in my mind, like concrete setting in the sun. The, what I thought at the time, HUGE water fountain softening the early summer heat with its cool breeze. But most of all... THE MINE TRAIN RIDE! My 6 year-old jaw must have hit the bottom of the ore car and stayed there until we we just barely escaped from the old miners, cowboys, dance hall girls, and GHOSTS of the Journey to the Center of the Earth. (Apologies to Jules Verne...LOL!). A couple dozen memorable but probably now all long gone childhood friends and enemies later. A half-dozen buddies lost to a war like today's, drugs, and hang gliding... ALL THAT'S LEFT NOW ARE THE MEMORIES. Like a trip on H.G. Well's amazing "TIME MACHINE", I get off the machine at yet another stop.They say that our rather poor sense of smell is the most keyed into calling up memories of our past. Very personal memories for most. I write this because the smell... no AROMA (smell is something more associated with dirty sneakers and socks) I remember the most: THE COOL, DAMP, SWEET PERFUME OF WET LUMBER AND SUBTERRANEAN SOIL. INSIDE LEGEND CITY'S MINE RIDE. INSIDE KNOTT'S BERRY FARM'S MINE RIDE, INSIDE WALT DISNEY'S MATERHORN AND NOT SURPRISINGLY THE LONG ABANDONED, MEMORY HAUNTED MINES AND GHOST TOWNS OF THE WEST. OH. AND FRANKIE MARGIOTTI'S  BASEMENT. Yeah. I'll share a little bit about Uncle Pete's and Mr. Crandall's amazing place. But you'll have to use YOUR IMAGINATION TO FILL IN THE BLANK SPOTS.

My email address ( jerryfoisel@yahoo.com ), and my obligatory MyFace Pagehttp://www.myspace.com/jerryfoisel ). I'm curious to see if ANYONE IS LEFT TO WRITE ME.

I also remember Phoenix's "NEW TIMES WEEKLY". The periodical that introduced me to "other opinions and strange lifestyles". Fascinating." (my apologies now to Spock and Gene Roddenberry). Jerry Foisel

Date:
7/26/2007
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4:21:00 PM
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What a beautiful tribute to a great park. Thank you so much for bringing back a glimpse of the wonderful place that Phoenix was in the '60s and '70s. This is truly a treasure.

Date:
8/20/2007
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5:24:00 PM
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Thanks for the memories.  I grew up in Scottsdale and enjoyed going to Legend City.  The pics on the website brought back good memories

Date:
8/28/2007
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7:24:00 AM
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I'm not sure what prompted me to to Google Legend City, but I am most glad that I did, A lot of memories came back to me as I poured over the web site. The first is a picture that I have of my brother and me taken at the AZ State Fair. Where you stuck your head through a backdrop painted with a stagecoach. The next is when our cousins from St Louis stopped to visit us on their way to Disneyland. (summer of '63) I tried to convince them that there was an amusement park right here that was every bit as good. But they wouldn't bite. Actually, I hadn't been to Disneyland or Legend City yet, but I felt I had to stick up for the home town team. Anyway, when my mother finally took us to Legend City, I was enthralled !  Growing up, I was always putting on spookhouses and carnivals at our house and at the neighbors. I always liked to build things for people to amuse themselves. From fake computers to miniature golf courses, to automatic shoeshine machines that would drop a brick on your foot. ..At the park at last, I couldn't wait to get from one attraction to another. I think my favorite was the Lost Dutchman's mine, although the Dutchman's shack came in a close second. Plus I had to like the Iron Horse train that went around the park, as I always was into trains, and still am. I'm sorry to say that we didn't visit the park as much as I would have liked. We lived what seemed like so far away (near Encanto Park) and I had to convince my mom to take us.  Anyway, I was proud that we had our own Themed Park, and was happy to see a segment on national TV. I don't remember the program, but they went all around the country showcasing different areas....It was a dark day for me when I learned that the park was closing. If only I had the money to make a go of it- I would have. On the otherhand, I was happy to hear a few years later that investors were going to re-open the park. Now that I could drive myself, I went down to see what progress had been made. I was astounded to see that nothing had been done yet and the park looked abandoned. I decided to hop the fence and take a tour of the place on my own. I walked through the mine ( still no privacy around here) and through the shack.  I was better at standing upright now. It looked like it would be a long time before they could fix up the place. Just then, security found me and I was ushered out of the park. Too bad, I still hadn't seen everything.... Awhile later, the park was getting ready to re-open and they were hiring talent to perform. I sang in a barbershop quartet at the time. We auditioned and got the job! Finally- an employee of Legend City!    The newspaper people were there taking pictures, and when the story came out, there we were, the most prominent picture on the page. I don't think the guy who hired us was pleased that our picture was run more prominent instead of his duo- that's showbiz!  That is probably why we didn't get to sing in the saloon, instead we were relagated to the gazeebo and other outside locations- boy was it hot outside (I think it was July- it was so hot thet they couldn't get the hot air baloon to go up) and if we kept our mouthes open too long, you might swallow a grasshopper.... That opening didn't go well, as the park was I'll prepared. Rides broke down and the ones that did work had long lines. Trashcans overflowed and there was not enough help or food at the various concession stands. We took pity on the staff in the icecream parlor and bussed tables for them while we sang. When we went to the front gate to sing, there was a man there with his family, preaching to the folks waiting in line to get in, to go away. He claimed had spent upteen bucks to get his family in and that the park was a mess inside. I don't think he appreciated our seranade too much. I found out later that my high school teacher, Serge Huff was in charge of talent when the park first opened. Later he would lament that the park spent lavishly on entertainment at first, but it just didn't last.... Finally, I built my own piece of Legend City in the way of a replica of the Railroad Station tower, Just before it was to be demolised, I came down and took pictures of the tower, drew up my plans, and built a 20' tall replica which I used at my house as part of my outdoor Christmas display. I stll have it, but am not sure for how long. It takes a lot of space to store it and it takes a forklift to set it up. The last time I put it up was 2003... Thanks for maintaining the Legend City website. Do you know of any gatherings of folks that like to remenice about the park? I'd love to join in...Thanks again...John Michael Sanders.

Date:
9/1/2007
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7:13:00 AM
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I enjoyed going as a child in the 60's, but my most fond memories was when I was a teenager in the 70's. I got a job as lot sweeper. I remember my fellow sweepers would complain about the work and the job was not fun. I would take my pan and broom and run, cleaning up as fast as I could. This way I would have time to jump on a ride or two before the area would get dirty again. One day the supervisor caught me on a ride. After he talked to me about the the rules, he said because I did a superior job I could continue to ride but not to let others know.  In the spare moments I got to know the ride operators and the stunt guy's. I would ride the Iron Horse to get to the different areas that had to be worked. I remember the afterhours get togethers with the ride operators and stunt guy's. What a Wild Bunch! - Kim

Date:
9/11/2007
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6:02:29 PM
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Great site, thanks!!!!

Date:
9/15/2007
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1:03:30 PM
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great website! brings back so many memories. wish we still had a place like this to take our kids to.

Date:
9/19/2007
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11:45:21 AM
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Who can tell me what the black market legend City employee T-shirts said? I worked there for Rodney Lemmon as a Carnie around 74, 75 I think,.. kinda cloudy. What great after work party's. JERRY GANT wear are you. I can be contacted at kegger43hotmail.com Kim Johnson

Date:
9/19/2007
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11:49:02 AM
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AS LEGEND WOULD HAVE IT? I think is the correct answere Kim J

Date:
9/22/2007
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8:01:51 PM
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My name is jodi, I was at legend city when I was 9 years old, I am now 41 years old. I remember running to each of the rides with my 3 older sisters and when I rode the bumper cars with them I had the greatest time until the ride ended and my car stopped and someone slammed into me and I hit the stering wheel and got a bloody nose! We had a great time all in all and I wish it was still there so I could of taken my children. I also miss seeing Wallace and Ladmo there.

Date:
9/23/2007
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12:38:38 PM
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hi. nice blog . thanks.

Date:
9/24/2007
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7:01:19 PM
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This was the greatest place to visit prior to going west to Disneyland. Too bad it is no longer a great place to visit. Thanks for the website to keep Legend City alive.

Date:
9/24/2007
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9:04:30 PM
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Thank you - this is great! jo anne

Date:
9/25/2007
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9:50:08 PM
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Thanks for the memories! I'm 47 years old, my family moved to Scottsdale in 1966. I used to love Legend City, and didn't know it was gone until I discovered your Web site. I'm surprised it had to endure financial problems over the years, and that the area is still without an amusement park! But I'm thankful it was there when I was a boy. God bless.

Date:
9/29/2007
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9:05:23 PM
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Wow, I can't believe it closed I am just moving back to the Phoenix area with my family. And I was hoping to share some of my childhood memories with my children. I was once on the Wallace and Ladmo show that was a kids dream in the 70's. Well I am very sad to hear the news. To everyone out there reading this LEGEND CITY IS TRULY A LEGEND.Thanks for the website it was interesting. A real blast from the past.April Shelton Morro Bay CA.

Date:
9/30/2007
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6:31:31 PM
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Hi, nice site!

Date:
10/3/2007
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2:59:17 PM
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Thanks for putting the site together. Add me to the list of Ladmo Bag winners as well. I remember going to LC in the 70's and a few times in the early 80's. To bad we don't have anything like it today. I have a request for a section of LC's fellow attractions, like the, Phoenix Wax Museum, and the Buggy track, that was next to the Castle Boutique.

Date:
10/5/2007
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9:10:22 PM
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Thanks for your site. My grandparents lived in A.J. in early 1950's. We visited them in early 1950's and enjoyed our stay. This site brought back wonderful memories. Of course, things are not the same. Seems they were the only one's in the area at that time. Of course they weren't Thanks

Date:
10/9/2007
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8:19:45 PM
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Living in Sierra Vista in the 70s, we had the privilege of getting Wallace and Ladmo on KPHO on our cable system. It was hard not to hear about Legend City, being a faithful Wallace and Ladmo viewer. I was finally able to go to the park in 1977 when the Buena Show Band, my high school jazz band was invited to play at Legend City. I still recall riding bumper cars and paddle boats and enjoying the early evening sight of the hills at Papago Park just to the north. That was 30 years ago, and I still remember it pretty clearly. Thank you for helping me recall even more of those fond memories. What a terrible loss to Arizona to no longer have Legend City to take our families to.

Date:
10/12/2007
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10:14:19 AM
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I worked at Legend City while I was attending ASU in the early to mid seventies. I worked many rides such as the Lost Dutchman's Mine, the Cuddle Cups, the TiltOWhirl, the Bumper Cars and occasionally the Carousel. I loved to waive at the gunfighters on the train as they went by the cuddle cups.It got lonely over there on that side of the park! I also remember being stuck on the Mine ride and the Carousel for 8 to 12 hours at a stretch on days when people called in sick and there was no one to give breaks. Sometimes I hear Walter Brennan in my sleep, but the worst was the day I rode the Carousel for 12 hours. I puked the last couple and was dizzy for two days! Then there was the day all the newspaper delivery kids came to the park. I was running the TiltOWhirl and some brat ate 3 fish sandwiches before he got on the ride. Of course he threw them up all over the ride. I was really pissed so I stopped the ride and got everyone else off but made him stay. Then I ran it for over 2 minutes straight so that he was good and sick. I know it was petty, but my guess is he learned a valuable life lesson and probably never ate fish or rode a TiltOWhirl again! Pattie Farmer Lengel If you worked there then and want to touch base I can be reached through my work email pfarmer at asu.edu

Date:
10/12/2007
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1:54:49 PM
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Hi, nice site!

Date:
10/16/2007
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1:31:07 AM
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IT was the best time of my life going to Legend City how I miss it for my kids Thank you for a great memory!!!! Curt

Date:
10/20/2007
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3:29:39 PM
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GREAT PLACE FOR MEMORIES MY FATHER USED TO BRING US HERE FROM TUCSON FOR THE WEEKENDS BACK IN THE 70S GREAT WAY TO ADD TO THE MEMORIES OF GREAT TIMES AND WHAT A GREAT FATHER WE HAD. THANKS FOR KEEPING OUR CHILDHOOD MEMORIES ALIVE. RICH BETTINI TUCSON AZ

Date:
10/20/2007
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8:32:33 PM
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I WENT TO LEGEND CITY IN THE EARLY 80'S AND HAD A BLAST. I HATED TO SEE IT GO

Date:
10/23/2007
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7:31:38 AM
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I remember Legend City! My friends and I used to hang out there all day and into the night sometimes closing it down. The memories are great.

Date:
10/26/2007
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2:17:58 PM
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I had many wonderful Saturdays at Legend City, when it was torn down i cried and wanted to protest even though i was on 10 years old at time. I.G. Holmes Boys and Girls Club made sure we spent as much of our summer being active, safe, and making it enjoyable, Legend City was about 80 percent of that summer fun, pleasse re-open another one. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE

Date:
10/28/2007
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1:08:08 PM
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Oh this is wonderful! Thank you for making such a wonderful tribute to such a unique valley attraction. I was born here on John Jacobs brocolli farm in 68. I wish Legend City would come back so I can bring my children to see this and share with them the unique culture of Arizona and the wild West in such a entertaining and fun way!

Date:
10/28/2007
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1:09:28 PM
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I remember the park. Our family and friends had a whole lot of fun there. But I can't remember why they closed it down... It was a sad day for every one when it did close. Thank you for this site.. i just went down memory lane..THANK YOU!!!! Curtis Diggs

Date:
11/2/2007
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7:02:47 AM
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I think this web site is a wonderful tribute to the past, thank you for the wonderful memories. I am a native of Phoenix and I remember going to Legend City at least three or four times a month during the summer. Seeing Wallace and Ladmo was always a great treat, we also watched Wallace and Ladmo everyday after school. I really enjoyed getting soaked on the Log ride on hot summer nights, The Lost Dutchman Mine and the roller costers ride was my 1st. I only wish the place was still around for my grandchildren. My sister and I was on the Wallace and Ladmo show when we were in the brownies in the late 60s. I wish I kept the Ladmo Bags. Thanks for the memories and God bless! Sandra Beagles, Az.

Date:
11/5/2007
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2:14:17 PM
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We lived at 52nd st. and Washington my brothers and I watched as it was being bulit. That was long ago and far away. J.Norvell

Date:
11/5/2007
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7:45:03 PM
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Legend City was an amazing place for a young kid to go especially during the time when Westerns on TV were still going strong. It gave you a sense of actually being a part of the old west, not just watching it on TV. Thanks and hats off to all that put the time and effort into making Legend City a True Arizona Legend! Thanks for this site as well. Brings back great memories.

Date:
11/6/2007
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8:28:27 PM
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I am overwhelmed by this website. I am a native of AZ and born in 1964. Most of the things I have just sween on your site have brought back great memories. I was also sad to remember the last time I was at Legend City in the early 80's. It was run down and in serious disrepair. I was very happy to have the flood of positive memories that I just had. Thanks for all the hard work. It made me want to build the Legend again.

Date:
11/8/2007
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7:24:15 PM
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Very interesting site. Perfect design and content. Thanks.

Date:
11/9/2007
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7:40:27 PM
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Legend City was better than Disneyland and ten times as much fun. It's demise is an early example of the huge corporate greed that has ruined Arizona.

Date:
11/11/2007
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4:41:07 PM
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I used to play concerts 2 the ampitheather there . I was always great fun and very enjoyable. Donna P. Griffin

Date:
11/23/2007
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11:20:18 AM
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Thanks for bringing back so many memories..I remember going there with my parents and having a blast..However, the best memory was finally being old enough ,junior high, to get dropped off with friends and hangout without parental supervision...I left Phoenix at 19 and have wondered what happened to LC..thanks for clearing up my questions.....Wallace and Ladmo..that's a blast form the past..I actually won a Ladmo bag once very nice memory that I had forgotten.

Date:
11/24/2007
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6:26:16 PM
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Sentimental and nostalgic. Great.

Date:
11/24/2007
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8:04:24 PM
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I had so much fun at Legend City when I was a kid. I can remember going many, many weekends with my friends when I was in high school, 1974-1978. It is one of my best memories of growing up in Phoenix. I was sad to find out that it was gone. Lisa Francis Marlborough, CT

Date:
11/25/2007
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8:48:41 PM
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Your work is marvelous!!

Date:
11/26/2007
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1:05:25 AM
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What about the marching band? I had the priviledge to fill in for one of the regular trumpet players and had such a blast that weekend. Thanks for the memories. Sure did have a lot of fun growing up at Legend City. Great site! Thanks again.

Date:
11/27/2007
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3:25:07 PM
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A skateboard track was mentioned in an earlier post here. I am writing a book on skateboard history and I am looking for memories, stories, photos and even old movies of the skateboard track at Legend City. Please contact me by email or go to my site and do it from there. Thank you, Craig. My email is...history AT craigsnyder.org

Date:
11/27/2007
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6:52:31 PM
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Hello my little friends

Date:
11/30/2007
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5:25:00 PM
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As an Arizona Native, Legend City was a big part of our lives. It was a place to go and have fun in the desert. We were all very saddened when the parked closed. Please bring it back !

Date:
12/2/2007
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7:04:55 PM
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Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!

Date:
12/2/2007
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10:28:19 PM
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Cool design, great info!

Date:
12/3/2007
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4:05:24 PM
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Perfect site! Anything superfluous, all is laconic and beautiful. Thanks!

Date:
12/3/2007
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7:48:35 PM
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Excellent web site I will be visiting often

Date:
12/9/2007
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2:18:53 PM
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I am a native of arizona and when legend city was here it was the best place for the 4th of july. We would go and lay on the lawn and eat the free watermalon. We talk to others about it to that are not from here and they say what happen to the park. And sadly we just say it was just to hot here in arizon for the park. We miss the park I wish my grandchilren would have been apart the the Legend City. Thanks Legend City For The memories. Veronica Gutierrez

Date:
12/11/2007
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5:16:28 PM
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does anybody remember a statue made of bronze like a sun worshipper. i could have sworn seeing it at a mall or shopping center in phoenix back in the day.70's-80's but i cant for the life of me remeber where it was!

Date:
12/11/2007
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5:50:36 PM
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Had a fun time with family in 1965. I remember a float trip through and in a cave that had mecanical problems, the boat started taking on water. All turned out well because were all still here. D.J.G. Telluride, Co. WILLIAMS, Az. FOR 40 YEARS.

Date:
12/12/2007
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5:36:53 PM
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Wow, I can remember sitting on the palm tree stumps out front waiting on my girlfriend to come from Tower Plaza. Lot's of great memories !! Bill - McClintock H.S. Class of '76

Date:
12/18/2007
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12:22:30 PM
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My brother emailed me this from Phoenix. While I live in Albuquerque now with my wife and son, it was really nostalgic to to get a glimpse of a place where I spent a lot of goof off time as a teen. The last time I went which was probably 2-3 years before the closing, one of the poles from the bumper cars broke off at the top and creased my skull! The on-site nurse took care of me and I went on about my day there. Thanks for the memories and the site! Joe lupinacci

Date:
12/19/2007
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7:05:54 AM
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I had some of my fondest memories at Legend City and would love to go back in time and visit it again. I was even in a couple of Legend City television commercials. My friend Christine Roosevelt, a real cutie pie, had some connection with the park and needed people to ride the rides for filming of the commercials. They played one commercial fifty times a day for about a year it seemed. I got to see myself on the Zipper ride. Strangely, I also remember that there was huge redwood tree stumps in the parking lot with the old aerial cars on the top of the stumps. Once I win the lottery, I will recreate this park. I think the original owners had it right. I have also noticed that no one seems to remember Compton Terrace which was next door and how about this one, the wax museum. That thing was here for about a week. Too bad we could not keep these attractions. Thanks for the great times and memories. Legend City was the best! Jeff Durbin

Date:
12/20/2007
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11:33:40 PM
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I was very excited when I saw the article in The Black Bear Diner menu which just opened this week in Gilbert. I picked up the menu and bought a Christmas Gift Card for my Father. The paper was most interesting. The Legend City part caught my eye. It brought up old memories of the place. I looked up the site and here I am amazed! I really enjoyed your site. Thank you

Date:
12/21/2007
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11:56:53 AM
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I moved to Texas in Feb 1981 but have never forgotton the great times we had when we would get to go to Legned City. It is to bad it had to end. It was much more interesting than what kids have now. Family togetherness was a blessing. By the way. Texas is not as GREAT AS MY HOME STATE OF ARIZONA. Cindy Lu

Date:
1/4/2008
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11:48:16 AM
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WOW this was so cool to look at. Brought back so many great memories for me. My boyfriend, now husband, had many fun times there. It was fun and a great place to go for kids. The prices were reasonable and affordable for young teans to attend. Good, clean, fun! What a wonderful website. Carole

Date:
1/7/2008
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3:32:12 PM
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Thank you for this fabulous website to my favorite place as a child.

Date:
1/17/2008
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11:20:51 AM
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Thanks for the site. I worked at Legend City 1976 and 1977 during high school. It was a great please to meet other HS kids.

Date:
1/17/2008
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1:28:46 PM
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great site i remember seeing the police and go gos in concert at compton terrace i raced my bmx bike at legend city bmx in 1976 right behind the wax museum

Date:
1/17/2008
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1:30:37 PM
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i always wanted to ride the haunted mansion they spent over 1 million dollars to build as it sat right by the autopia cars on the northwest side of the park any site on the wax museum keep up the hard work on this nice phoenix history

Date:
1/18/2008
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9:06:41 AM
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Born and raised in Phoenix in 1965, I remember Legend City, I grew up in the poor side of town, so LC was not a every weekend trip, but when we did go, we had the best time. Thanks for the memories, your website brings. Delfino

Date:
1/18/2008
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10:03:10 PM
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From the first time I went there as a four year old in 1964, through my teenage years, the memories I have I will remember for the rest of my life. I still have the glass Deer that my Mother had made for her in 1964. Wallace and Ladmo, and the rock concerts in the 1970's, and the Mad Mouse roller coaster. Good times.

Date:
1/21/2008
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8:24:13 AM
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In the 60s i loved going to the park with my girl friend.In the 70s we went with are kids. We love it wish it was still around so i can take my grandkids.

Date:
1/25/2008
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7:21:35 PM
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I worked at Legend City during the Summer and Fall of 1963 - this sure brought back some memories. I was paid minimum wage, but it was a lot of fun.

Date:
1/27/2008
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11:45:50 AM
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This site made me cry. I miss it. I LOVE YOU Wallace! And LADMO , what can I say... RIP my friend

Date:
1/30/2008
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1:37:13 AM
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Oh my gosh, I totally remember Legend City and I loved it..I only wish Phoenix was as populated then as it is now..I believe it would still be in operation..I know our hot weather played a part in its closing but when you are a child, you do not feel hot. I had many many joyous memories at Legend City with my family and I wish I could Thank the people that made it so special for me...I often think about how wonderful it would be to have an amusement park here in Phoenix. Thank You so much for the flashback..Rose

Date:
1/30/2008
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5:01:17 PM
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I am an Arizona native, born in 1956 and still here. Legend City and Wallace and Ladmo were a huge part of my growing up in the Valley. My dad was a Boy Scout Troop Leader and I got to tag along on those ventures as well as my own. I can still remember the smell of the lagoon, the shops and the fun we had when the rides would...temporarily.. break down. It was a great place in Arizona to go to as a kid. Thanks for the memories! Nancy

Date:
1/31/2008
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7:32:30 AM
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Hi! I'm John Strass and i like your site! Thank you!

Date:
1/31/2008
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4:02:43 PM
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Legend City, I was married in the Red Garter Saloon to the Manager of the park, Bill Kirkpatrick, we closed the park for the night for the reception and the park rides were open to the wedding guests, it was a memorable party. I was Creative Director for the advertising agency A and M Associates that did all the advertising for the park, my responsibilities were to design the costumes and the rides, the colors and graphic design of each attraction. But besides all that, we got to stroll down the midway each evening, check on the crowds, go to the saloon watch the show, take a ride or two, watch the concert, and see Wallace and Ladmo, Gerald do thier thing, then close the park and meet all the attraction directors, in the apartment upstairs in the main entrance building and enjoy rehashing the day over a cool beer. We were the young lions, what an experience.

Date:
2/7/2008
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9:53:49 AM
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Fond memories! Thank you!

Date:
2/8/2008
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2:03:00 PM
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Takes me back. You know a true Arizonan if they know about Legend City. I loved it and wish we still had it for our kids today.

Date:
2/11/2008
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6:46:37 AM
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Growing up in Central Arizona, I made many trips to Legend City. Legend City was the greatest place in the world for me. Our little country school, Kenilworth near Coolidge, made it a yearly routine to have a field trip there. Towards the end, my dad did a lot of repairs there and I would help him. We would have lunch near the duck pond when the park was closed, what a peaceful time. I miss Legend City and Wallace and Ladmo. Rest in Peace, my friends. Wayne Hall, Canton, Texas.

Date:
2/17/2008
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6:51:54 PM
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Legend City was a part of my life growing up. I spent plenty of time there, and was sad to see it fade into memory and replaced with -corporate development-. It gave my an opportunity to ride on a real skateboard I didn't make myself. It served as a place to go on a date, unwind, and generally just be a kid having fun. Thanks for creating this site, and reminding me what a great time is was. Ed Golamb

Date:
2/19/2008
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3:47:59 AM
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Back in the days Legend city was a big deal.So much fun.It was the only amusement park in Arizona.Thanks for the memories.Carla Knoxville,TN

Date:
2/19/2008
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11:32:17 PM
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it was the places to go and have fun

Date:
2/21/2008
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10:41:17 AM
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Sure looks like Phoenix used to be a wonderful town to visitand raise a family. Seemed like it was more family oriented. Guess the folks running the city and govt. cant see how good old days encouraged family values. Just another example of greed running a comunity.Where is it headed ?

Date:
2/21/2008
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7:04:04 PM
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I loved Legend City!! I ate dinner with Wallace and Ladmo when my step-fathers work had it company picnic there..They were soo funny!!I never did get a ladmo bag, bummer! I remember during summer all we wanted to do was go to Legend City, begging for a ride from Deer Valley to Tempe!I remember when Metro Center opened up, they opened the castle and rides, not the same!! I will never forget, thank you for all the memories...Rhonda A Mesa,AZ Since 1970

Date:
2/22/2008
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3:32:52 AM
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Sometimes I look back and just want to cry. Seeing your website brought back faces from my past that I will never see again. Thanks for keeping the memories alive for so many of us who were fortunate enough to have been a part of this wonderful history in Phoenix. Every now and then I try to figure out how the Lost Dutchman made that water run up hill. I loved the history so much, I baught a place in a real Arizona Ghost town to create lasting memories for my children. I'd love to tell you where, but then it would be a Ghost town for long. Great job, you should be proud!!!!

Date:
2/24/2008
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5:10:58 PM
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legend City was the last place I rode a roller coaster. Was a neat place to go and it's a shame it didn't last and just get better and bigger but we had it for awhile anyway. Enjoyed the flashbacks on here. Thanks, and very well done. Phoenix native, born 1946 and still here. Stage 7, Crusin' Central, the works. I was there for it all and ever so glad I was. Karen aka Frenchy McKay

Date:
2/25/2008
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5:10:27 PM
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I remember growing up in that park. So sad to see it gone.

Date:
3/3/2008
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8:35:32 PM
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Thank you for the trip down memory lane. Growing up, my father was the GM for the Phoenix Giants and we loved to go to the baseball games and hear the train in the background. The log ride was our favorite ride and to have Wallace and Ladmo mentioned was perfect. Cheers to Legend ary City, Ladmo bags and the Phoenix Giants! Robb Blackaby

Date:
3/4/2008
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4:57:09 PM
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Previous quote from another contributor The first time because I had a crush on a beautiful blue eyed blond named Patty Russnak, and I had been told she worked there late in the school year of 1963 and during that summer. My friend, Bobby Tang, and I found her. She said she loved working there. And she looked even more beautiful in her pink and white striped uniform... She's my wife of 40 yrs.and she does look good in uniform. I was one of the two ice cream dippers during the summer of '63 and when Patty went by with her long blond hair and petite figure, I was hooked too. I used to shoot straw papers at her. I was sophisticated in those days. We married after college when she had become a flight attendant for TWA and I was in the Coast Guard. Couldn't get her out of my mind. I know how you feel.

Date:
3/7/2008
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12:48:46 AM
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Peace, Brothers!

Date:
3/11/2008
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2:16:18 PM
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Hi, videos!

Date:
3/15/2008
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2:08:50 PM
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I never thought I'd see again THE LOST DUTCHMAN MINE RIDE...Thanks for this site for I got to relieve 1977 all over again. I visited LEGEND CITY only once but rode THE LOST DUTCHMAN say over 10 times I always remember the spider and all the skeletons and coming out to the graveyard just to go back inside again. I remember the second set of double doors leading to the bar and it was red background??? I had a pennant that showed cartoon drawing of a boy and girl on the log flume ride LEGEND CITY! Why such a fantastic place had to go? Thank you again for letting me ride the LOST DUTCHMAN!

Date:
3/19/2008
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5:20:41 PM
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Nice site!

Date:
3/25/2008
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4:24:44 AM
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thanx for allllllll the good memories . it was great while it lasted , and just sad that such a great place had to go.

Date:
3/28/2008
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5:41:17 AM
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Wow! I am a 42 year old native Arizonan, I have pictures of myself as very young kid at Legend City but I still couldn't recall any memory. This website with all the pics was a great trigger mechanism. I'm still surprised that Legend City failed and that no one has tried something similar since then! Del Gonzalez Phoenix

Date:
4/2/2008
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9:42:19 PM
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I forgot that this was the coolest place in the world.

Date:
4/6/2008
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3:42:00 PM
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been on the show many times with my boy scout troop will always be a part of me.

Date:
4/6/2008
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8:19:38 PM
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Legend city. Thanks for all the great memorys. It made me feel like a kid agian.Carl Needham.

Date:
4/7/2008
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8:11:12 PM
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i was very young but my brother would tell me all about it! still does!

Date:
4/11/2008
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2:42:32 PM
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I am 37 now and have some great memories of Legend City. I sure so miss it and I wish my children could have seen it. Great web site, Thank you.

Date:
4/14/2008
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1:12:22 PM
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Wow! Thanks for bringing back a wonderful memory for me. I've told friends about Legend City and how much fun it was for me in the 60's and now I can show them this website. The times I went I can remember that one of the times was for Ladmo's birthday party and a show in the Golden Palace Saloon with Wallace, Ladmo and of course Gerald. Boy, were those times fun! And hot too! For some reason the heat was never a problem as long as you didn't happen to sit on a bench that had been blazing in the sun for hours. Susan Romley

Date:
4/23/2008
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8:07:24 PM
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I just heard about this site tonight and had to rush home to see it. A truckload of memories came back...what a great site. Phoenix was a great place to grow up in the 70's and 80's. Thank you for the website.

Date:
4/28/2008
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8:34:19 AM
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My grandparents came to Arizona in the late 1800s and my grandchildren are now 4th generation Arizonans - My mother's family used to own the land where Tower Plaza is today - about 32nd st-40th st and Thomas to Oak. I grew up on a dairy farm in Tempe and have many good memories of those days also. I worked at Legend City from about 71-72 - So many good memories - I wish I could get a reunion together of past employees of LC - we used to have great floats down the river on our day's off and even had a trip to Rocky Point as a group - I worked in the Mexican Village restaurant and several of the other eateries. So much fun to work where you actually liked to go..... Any employees from around that time - email me - Maureen -Painter- Spencer mspencer79atcox.net

Date:
4/28/2008
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10:59:48 AM
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Nice site. Thanks.

Date:
5/3/2008
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4:40:07 PM
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Hello! I'm Samuel Smith, i'm from Switqerland i and find your site really brilliant!

Date:
5/5/2008
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3:19:21 PM
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Back in october 1966 my brother and I thought we had our post card pulled from the the barrel so the following day we walked from 3rd ave and mohave to the channel five T V station that was locatedsouth of roosevelt and 1st ave but when we arrived at the station they said it wasn't us we were so sad the they let us sit in the auidance and watch the show we saw the wizzard do a magic trick eith some milk it was so darn funny we thank you for the memories

Date:
5/6/2008
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11:06:21 AM
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cyTSsj Hello! I'm Samuel Smith, i'm from Switqerland i and find your site really brilliant!

Date:
5/6/2008
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3:04:53 PM
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Not much on my mind lately. Basically not much notable happening to speak of. Eh. I've just been letting everything happen without me. I can't be bothered with anything lately, but I don't care.,

Date:
5/7/2008
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3:51:14 PM
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I practically grew up at Legend City! We moved to AZ in 1973 when I was 7 years old and going to LC was a real treat. I didn't even care about the summer heat, LC was the place to be! Plus, the Wax Museum next door - that was cool, too! Anybody remember that?

Date:
5/7/2008
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3:51:38 PM
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I practically grew up at Legend City! We moved to AZ in 1973 when I was 7 years old and going to LC was a real treat. I didn't even care about the summer heat, LC was the place to be! Plus, the Wax Museum next door - that was cool, too! Anybody remember that?

Date:
5/7/2008
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3:58:25 PM
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Thank you for creating such a wonderful website! I loved everything about Legend City and was really sad to see it die. It wasn't Disneyland, but it was close enough for me. I'll never forget all the awesome memories I've had at Legend City. This excellent website really takes me back.

Date:
5/14/2008
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9:15:01 PM
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As a child growing up here, I was an avid fan of Legend City and visited many times in the '60s and '70s. I even had the golden opportunities to perform in a band on stage with Wallace and Ladmo on the floating dock stage in 1977, perform at Compton Terrace in 1980, and my older sister was a waitress at the Golden Palace saloon one summer in the mid-60s, and was a good friend of Vonda Kay Van Dyke. Thanks for the memories! James Stellhorn, local musician from the Mike Condello era.

Date:
5/15/2008
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4:48:33 PM
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Oh yes I remember-- the super hot Phoenix summer nights feeling like you're standing behind a jet engine at Sky Harbor, even at 11 PM. The waves of heat shimmering off the asphalt and concrete walkways of LC. The sweat, the evaporating and steamy lagoon, praying for just a slight breeze...but, all this suffering didn't matter. LC was the coolest place in the world for a 9 year-old. Cutoffs, flip flops and air conditioned eateries and saloons with ice cream and Pepsi's were the saviors from the heat. That and the very cool rides, especially the Dutchman's Mine. I still have fond dreams about LC and if it were still there would gladly drop everything, take a step back in time, and go-- many times over. Thank you, thank you for keeping LC alive, if only in the virtual world. East High, class of '72.

Date:
5/15/2008
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11:31:22 PM
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Terrific site, thank you for the memories! I was real young and only got to go one time when I got to Arizon. With all the fun that day back in 1978 I remember that we were in the car ready to go into the park and the front of the car has rain drops and the back didn't.. strange things that stick in your head... thank again for this sight..

Date:
5/18/2008
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5:03:41 PM
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Oh what fun I had on my many trips to Legend City. I remember it well. Too bad it closed before another generation could experience the fun I had way back when! The rage cage - now that was a fun ride!

Date:
5/19/2008
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9:41:20 AM
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What can I say? Like most of my generation, I am 44, we transplanted from the east coast in 1965. Even as a kid we realized Legend City was a little cheesy, but you know what? It was OUR cheesy! I have nothing but fond memories of spending a whole day there with friends. An end to an era, but the web site is great!!! Thank you!

Date:
5/19/2008
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12:19:58 PM
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thanks for putting this together. We had alot of fun times there. I think of it everytime I drive bye that area... I loved the skyride!

Date:
5/19/2008
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6:34:16 PM
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Thanks for keeping up the memories. I noticed that many of the old photos have discolored and faded. I downloaded a few and found that Photoshop can do an incredible restoration. I will keep an eye out for any memorabilia and foward it on to you.

Date:
5/21/2008
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5:34:29 PM
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Wonderful Website! Thanks for the memories. It is so much fun to look over all the photos and I especially enjoyed the Wallace and Ladmo stuff. I was fortunate to meet Pat McMahon at a dinner a few months ago. He was the MC for the evening. Afterwards, I saw him standing near his table and I couldn't resist going over to meet him. He must get this all the time--a guy in his forties or so, walking up to him with a Hey-it's-Gerald! look in his eyes, feeling like he's 10 again. I had no idea what I wanted to say to him. I just wanted to shake his hand and tell him what a fan I am. I really didn't want to bother him. If he was at all bothered by my presence, he didn't let on. He was warm and friendly and talked for several moments with me and my wife. He actually drove the conversation. Truly, this was a moment I will not forget. It was a great gift to meet this Arizona legend.

Date:
5/22/2008
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4:25:49 PM
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I was born and raised in Arizona and went to Legend City often. One night about 8 of us teens hopped over the fence into the park, of course not my idea. Well i was 13 and with a really cute boy that I liked. We went on several rides than it began to rain and we duck under a cowboy style building with a roof overhang. It was 1973 and there that i had my first kiss with this boy who later I married, had 3 wonderful children and have lived happily ever since that day! We miss those days. Thank you for this site to bring them back. Toni Clifford

Date:
5/23/2008
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9:16:19 PM
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Looking at your website brought tears to my eyes. I relived my childhood tonite! Thank you! It broke my heart to see this place go. Who needed Disneyland? Not us! Thank you thank you thank you!! Melissa Cordova Patagonia, Arizona

Date:
5/26/2008
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7:58:15 AM
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I reside in Cincinnati. I was sufing the internet taking a trip down memory lane if you will. I visited big surf, then I thought I'd visit legend city. I was saddened to learn it had closed. I'm 45 so I grew up at legend city. I have a lot of found memories, It was such a unique amusement park. I absolutely loved bringing my pistol and shootin' at all them dang indians! And panning for gold, well, I thought I'd made a fortune. Being a girl, it sure was fun being a tom-boy all summer long. It was truely a delight. I apreciate the tribute you have left behind. It's a lovely website. Thanks! Be well. Cyndi cyndi4343yahoo.com

Date:
5/27/2008
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1:36:21 PM
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Hello All! Very nice JOB!!! RESPECT

Date:
5/31/2008
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10:46:22 AM
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Wow!!! Alot of old memories, great pictures a bit of history most will never know. Love the site keep it up and going, i will definetly come back. Born and raised in Peoria,Az. 4th generation Arizona native!!!

Date:
6/1/2008
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6:40:44 PM
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THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES............ I very much enjoyed going down memory lane, I remember visiting Legend City so many times, and such fun times they were. Marilyn

Date:
6/2/2008
Time:
9:25:43 AM
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Oh how i miss those days. Last memories was seeing cheap trick at the ampitheater.

Date:
6/2/2008
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4:08:15 PM
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Great site! Thanks for the memories! One of the reasons I fell in love with this place. Came here courtesy of Uncle Sam's Air force.

Date:
6/2/2008
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10:39:30 PM
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awesome

Date:
6/3/2008
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4:54:08 AM
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i'm a native arizonan and went to the park when i was young, but i will never foget it! we didnt have alot of money then so when i got to go it was like the world to me! my family had the greatest time there too bad it closed, kids nowadays would have enjoyed it!! THANKS

Date:
6/11/2008
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5:24:43 AM
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phx isnt the same any more with out you all always be missed

Date:
6/11/2008
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5:31:30 AM
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all i can say is i miss you dudes

Date:
6/12/2008
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2:13:25 PM
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I have so many fond memories of Legend City I can't sort them all out. Mom use to take all us kids-neighborhood kids too, and drop us all off and we would spend the entire day their. I never wanted to go home. I was born in the right year-1957 to enjoy the heyday of the park. I even got a little moved looking at the pictures on your site-how we all looked at that time, before Phoenix got so big and urban. Thank you for the memories. I've already sent the web address to 12 other friends that I grew up with here. Thank you, Fritz Teetsel

Date:
6/13/2008
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1:26:13 PM
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I want to thank you for this website... I have lots of memories of Legend City, and how I wish it was still there.... I am 37 years old and what a memory I have of my childhood summer days at Legend City. Unfortunately I was one of those kids who never got the Ladmo Bag... but... I will always have the memories of fun of my visits to Legend City. It's sad the children today don't have this special place. Thank you again, it was great remembering all these times. NLVivian

Date:
6/20/2008
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2:57:34 PM
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My first visit was in 1964 and my last in 1976. During my last visit I was on a ride called The Zipper and remember being terrified. Not because of the ride but a cotter pin ready to fall out of the cage in which I was riding.

Date:
6/22/2008
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12:28:51 AM
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Might Be The Best Ever Yet

Date:
6/25/2008
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12:45:31 PM
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i never got to go to legend city but i wish i could . my mom tells me when she would go when she was a little girl and it sounds like i would have loved it too!

Date:
6/26/2008
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11:24:39 AM
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I was in Junior High and High School back then. We went there on the weekends. This site has brought back so many memories. Thank you.

Date:
6/27/2008
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9:57:26 AM
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i heard you have some pieces of legend city around the srp building. is that true, c.brown16 at cox.net

Date:
6/30/2008
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6:15:26 AM
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I REMEMBER MY OLDEST BROTHER TAKING ME THERE WHEN I WAS YOUNGER. I WISH THAT IT WAS STILL AROUND SO THAT OUR CHILDREN COULD ENJOY IT LIKE WE ALL DID BOOBOOKITTY

Date:
6/30/2008
Time:
6:21:21 AM
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The GOLDUST CHARLIE SHOW
If there's some older Valley Of The Sun folks who watched the 1950s "Goldust Charlie" early KPHO kid show...please send me ANY memories you have! I'm writing a story for
WallaceLadmoGerald.com and need your recollections or sentiments. Email me at:  robcook54@hotmail.com. Also Ken Kennedy (GDC) played with the "Desert City 6" at LEGEND CITY. This request is just for the Summer of 2008. Thanks! Rob

Date:
7/1/2008
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10:20:04 PM
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Oh my gosh! What memories this has brought back. I remember the Condello band, Wallace and Ladmo, the rides and most of all the excitement of going for the first time to LEGEND CITY. This was a HUGE treat for me as I lived out in Litchfield Park and going to an amusement park with friends and hanging out.Thanks so much for having this site and bringing my childhood back to me. What a treat. Melody Manley Neely

Date:
7/2/2008
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8:58:06 AM
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Thank you for the website of Legend City. What memories. I am 50 years old and I live in Oregon now, but I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona in 1958. When the amusement park opened it was one of the best things in my life. I had many, many fun times there. I had forgot some of the attractions until I saw the web site. I lived on the west side of Phoenix so it was always a real tough job to get a parent to drop us off and pick us up at midnight on a Friday or Saturday night. It was at least an hour drive away. But we probably got to go about 1 time a month. My parents were friends with a lot of people at KPHO at the time. They were even members of the Phoenix Press Club. I remember KPHO and Wallace and Ladmo's connection with Legend City. I found Wallace on myspace.com about a year ago. He has a couple of websites. I believe he is in his 80's?, but still a real nice guy. When I got a little older, 16 or so, my best friend and I worked there. I worked on the kiddy rides until my last day I worked at the golf course. Good times, good fun. Thanks again for placing the website out there.

Date:
7/3/2008
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4:39:00 PM
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Any luck locating the Legend City TV commercial from around 1970-1971?

Date:
7/7/2008
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9:19:18 PM
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What a neat place to visit, but, especially to work for. I began my short venture in spring of 1974 as carpentry foreman. Horst Bruener was the 'wheel' and we worked some 100 plus hour weeks in 100 plus temps each day to get the park reopened for the summer of 1974. It was a blast. Worked through shutdown and helped in security after closing, as there was a fair share of vandalism. Joe Niemann

Date:
7/10/2008
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11:18:37 AM
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Great memories. Really wish there was someplace to take my boys like this today.

Date:
7/17/2008
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2:36:14 PM
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What a great website!!!! I remember some of the rides from when I was little. I wish it was still around, it would be great for our kids now!!! Thanks for putting together so much information and the pictures are great!

Date:
7/23/2008
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3:36:19 PM
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This is a great web page! I live in San Diego now, but recently bought a second house here in New River. One of the construction workers told me about this web site. I grew up in Phoenix and worked at Legend City for about 2 years while in high school. I have some great memories of the place. I worked various games -basketball toss, milk bottle toss, etc.. I enjoyed seeing all the people who would come through the park, especially the good looking girls! I had not seen a photo of Legend City since I left the area in 1976.

Date:
7/24/2008
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6:02:50 AM
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Lot's of great memories of Legend City, and of my family too - thanks! Mike Durso

Date:
7/25/2008
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5:14:22 PM
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Excellent web site. Brings back a lot of nice memories. Thank you!

Date:
7/27/2008
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8:17:15 AM
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I had great memories of birthdays at Legend City with my friends and family. Cole Bobbe

Date:
7/28/2008
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6:58:35 AM
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I had such great memories at Legend City...I kissed my first real cowboy at the Golden Palace Saloon back in 1974 - Carole Manley

Date:
7/29/2008
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7:43:28 AM
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I can't begin to tell you of all the memories that I have of Legend City. I've been to Disneyland and Magic Mountain, but neither of them hold the place in my heart that Legend City does. It truly was a unique place. Being a native, I always ask people if they remember Legend City and the answer is usually no...what a shame. It had atmosphere and a feeling all on it's own. There will never be anything quite like it. Jimmy Lira

Date:
7/31/2008
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1:41:46 PM
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Thank you ... some great memories came from this park. Who would have thought there would be such a great site on Legend City so many years later. Linda

Date:
7/31/2008
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1:41:57 PM
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Thank you ... some great memories came from this park. Who would have thought there would be such a great site on Legend City so many years later. Linda

Date:
8/2/2008
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4:23:26 PM
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Did we ever meet alot of cute guys at Legend City! We changed our clothes several times before we got just the right outfits to hang out there!

Date:
8/5/2008
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12:18:06 PM
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Great Site I Knew a Guy Robert Kelly use to run Legend City Back in the days. He told a story how he use to send spies to big surf to see what kind of people where visting.

Date:
8/6/2008
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4:34:02 PM
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I used to take my kids there from Tucson. It truly was an answer to Disneyland. Sorry, like so many things, it bit the dust.

Date:
8/9/2008
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10:15:01 AM
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I remember going when I was 5 years old and what I remember the most was the Big rollercoaster and the skyride. Thanks for the memories

Date:
9/1/2008
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11:35:20 AM
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In 1969 a friend of mine was employed at LC as a night security guard. His hours began AFTER the park was closed. I remember accompanying him on his rounds and being truly spooked - it was DARK and we were the only people inside the park. I also admired his courage, because most nights he was canvassing the entire property...alone. BOO! Bruce Cannon, Tempe High School, Class of 1967

Date:
9/1/2008
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11:35:29 AM
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In 1969 a friend of mine was employed at LC as a night security guard. His hours began AFTER the park was closed. I remember accompanying him on his rounds and being truly spooked - it was DARK and we were the only people inside the park. I also admired his courage, because most nights he was canvassing the entire property...alone. BOO! Bruce Cannon, Tempe High School, Class of 1967

Date:
9/9/2008
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4:06:05 PM
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I worked at Legend City back in 1973, first inside the park picking up trash with a broom and a pan. The standing joke was How's business The reply picking up! There was a hottie lots of them actually college girl from ASU who drove a VW convertible. She seemed so old then but now... ASU students look like babys. Of course when you're 51 a lot of people look young.

Date:
9/14/2008
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9:11:03 AM
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I took my late wife to Legend City when we first came to Phoenix in 1973. It was open in the summer and closed for the school year.I always thought that that was a mistake. It should have been open every weekend all year long. that would have given High school and collage aged people a place to date. The summer was to hot even at night.So the park never got the attendance that it could gotten in a place like L.A. I hope the next someone wants to build an amusement park in Arizona that they enclose it like the one at Mall Of America. So we can enjoy it year around. M. F. Duckett Phoenix Az.

Date:
9/16/2008
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2:16:22 PM
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My siblings and I went to Legend City when I was growing up. We lived at Hayden and McDowell and visited at least twice a month. My friend broke her arm there at her birthday party! My sister found it a great to meet boys! We sure sad to see it go!

Date:
9/17/2008
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8:32:51 PM
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I Rember Legand City, Loved going there when I was young.I'ts To Bad that ether S.R.P or A.P.S. had to DESTROY such A well Loved and Busy Amusment Park I also rember Chaprial Speedway, still have my driving card from their

Date:
9/18/2008
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1:36:17 PM
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I remember going to Legend City to see Wallace and Ladmo. I remember how the park seemed magical when I visited it in its later days. Sad that's gone, especially since I cannot take my children there. Alas, perhaps the parks name sealed its fate from the beginning. Perhaps Legend City was destined to end as only a legend. May the legend live on. Thanks for the great website!

Date:
9/19/2008
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10:25:46 PM
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Went here every summer from '75 until it closed for my birthday. I have such great memories. Thanks for trip down memory lane

Date:
9/20/2008
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17:31:36 PM
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Hello, I just found your wonderful website! I worked at Legend City from 1969-1974 (mostly in food service). Those were the happiest times of my teenage years. Legend City was home to me. The ride operators, food service personnel, clean up crew, nurse, etc., were my family. When Legend City closed, I felt orphaned. When it was torn down, I felt like my family home was gone. Sometimes I can still hear: "Welcome to Legend City, a Wild West Adventure of Guns, Girls and Games" or the song: "If I Knew You Were Coming, I'd have Baked a Cake." Back in the real world...I have pictures. I have a picture of "Sgt. Dave" and "Sgt. Rick" in front of the riverboat ride. Thank you for bringing Legend City "back to life," if only in memory. Sincerely, Wendy "Windy Dae" (Toombs) Wasson

Date:
9/23/2008
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2:03:53 AM
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I knew I had visited a theme park in Az but I had very little memory of it. I can't remember the year but it had to have been pretty close to the parks final year. I was so happy to stumble upon this web site because it triggered some memories. Now I know I'm not crazy, there really was a theme park in Az!! Plus it was so much fun remembering Wallace and Ladmo, I wished and wished for a Ladmo Bag!! Thanks for the memories! Julie, Az native

Date:
9/25/2008
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1:31:57 PM
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My family was stationed at Luke Air Force Bace in 1971-1972. My father took us there on family trips often. I have very fond memories of Legend City. I found this website after doing many searches. I shared it with my family. My father passed away this year, prior to me finding this site - he loved nostalgia - he would have loved this site - thanks for maintaining and sharing.

Date:
9/25/2008
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9:23:54 PM
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Wow! ... what great memories! Lived in Phoenix all my life, graduated High School in '70, spent many a night at Legend City. Many, many girlfriends were my guest at Legend City as a first date. I went into the military from '74 to '78 and was soooooo sad to hear Legend City had closed when I returned. Grew up with all the 'players' especially Bill, Lad, and Pat. Thanks for creating such a special venue and tribute to the pioneers who entertained Phoenicians for many, many years. Greg Lawritson

Date:
9/27/2008
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12:03:41 PM
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This is a wonderful website to relive memories of the past. I moved to Phoenix in 1971, at the age of 11. I visited Legend City several times in the 1970's and into the 1980's. It was sad to see it end. Thank you for keeping this website going for us. And thank you for using some of my photographs! Dean Patrick Preising Phoenix, Arizona

Date:
9/27/2008
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12:54:52 PM
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just found this site, love it! brings good old memories back. we use to spend all are weekends there. great place to grow up with.

Date:
9/28/2008
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4:55:49 PM
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Just started a Facebook group about Legend City. Has a link to this site. Thanks for putting it together. Very important and impressive for us native Phoenicians.

Date:
10/1/2008
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8:16:29 AM
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I remember Legend City as a kid it sure would be nice to have it back my grand kids would love it. I loved your page it brought back alot of memories. Thanks

Date:
10/4/2008
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10:41:32 PM
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Ahhh I just cant't resist.I was born in Phoenix when it was a BIG,small town and I'll never forget the feeling I had when we would see the big Lgend City sign coming into view.The Wallace and Ladmo stage shows and I even remember when they were sponsored by the Toy Cottage an 7th St.What great memories... Thanks Big Mike

Date:
10/5/2008
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9:32:04 AM
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Memories!!!! Having grown up in the valle in the 50's and 60's and 70's I was very familiar with Legend City! If only we as a Valley could have had the forethought to support it more and leep it, the Dity would be competeing with Disney Now! John Engstrom

Date:
10/17/2008
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1:00:13 AM
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Born in Phoenix in '64. Legend City and Wallace and Ladmo were the ONLY things for a PHX kid back then. God, it was so much simpler then. I miss the Monster Mouse! Gotta cry now. Ron in Thailand

Date:
10/20/2008
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8:45:36 AM
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Wow! This looked like a real cool amusement park done in good old Arizona fashion! Sad that its no longer around.I wish It had of remained. I was too young at the time to remember it and I dont think I ever went to it as I was only 2 years old when the park closed. But the website sure is great! Maybe someday we Arizona can bring back Legend City, not in the same place of course.

Date:
10/22/2008
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8:03:06 PM
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Thank you so much for bring back the fond memories that I had once lived as a young girl. My parents would take us to Legend City on the weekends. As I had became a Teenager a bunch of us girls would go on a Saturday night. When I seen the cars that had brought some really fond memories there. I lived it again. It brought a Big Smile to my face when I seen that. I remember that I got to drive the car for the First time whith my Mother I was like 9 years old, LOL that was so exciting to beable to drive with my Mom sitting next to me. As I had became a Teenager I remember going on the Log ride and getting all wet. That was a Blast. Thank You so much for making my day!. To this day My Husband and I share memories about Legend City. He jokes about it saying I think I seen you there. I just wished that it was still around so our Children could have seen how we spent our weekends. Thank You again. Sincerely, Patricia V. Arizona Native

Date:
10/23/2008
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12:58:27 PM
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I'm a Phoenix resident since 2000, but fondly remember visiting my aunt here in Mesa in the 60's and early 70's. A trip to Legend City was always a must on every visit for me. I loved the whole place, but the visit was a must for one simple reason - the antique cars. Like most young kids, I couldn't wait to drive a car, and that antique car ride was the only place I could drive legally when I was that age! I would ride those cars over and over again. It is a great memory. Thanks for this website!

Date:
10/24/2008
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7:54:51 PM
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Legend City was a wonderful place.

Date:
11/1/2008
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11:11:50 AM
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As a kid Legend City was so much fun. I wish it was still here today to take my family to the place of such fond memories. This web site helps to show them what it was like.

Date:
11/3/2008
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8:45:52 PM
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WOW!!! I love your tribute. I was only 7 years old when it closed but I still remember awsome rides and shooting rifles.

Date:
11/4/2008
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6:00:40 AM
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In having the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful life of having Legend City was truly remarkable. I have lived here all my life and truly would have enjoyed my grandkids seeing this remarkable attraction. Sorry to have seen it removed by S.R.P but now I work for the company that took its place.LOL . Truly enjoyed this delightful pictures brings back memorable memories!!!!

Date:
11/4/2008
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9:16:10 AM
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My brother and I loved to come to Legend City and we still talk about the great times we had. Thanks for the website.

Date:
11/5/2008
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10:08:09 AM
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I loved Legend City...It was the best time ever with my Dad!

Date:
11/7/2008
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10:45:32 AM
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Every one knows where they were when the first man walked on the moon. I was at Legend City with my future wife. Lots of great memories there.

Date:
11/12/2008
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4:54:22 PM
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Wow how quickly I forgot, such great times I had there!

Date:
11/22/2008
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6:02:17 PM
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My wife and I were married in Tucson in 1973 and we didn't have much money so we had our honeymoon at Legend City. Now, some 35 years later, we wish it was still around so we could share it with our grandkids. Thanks for all of these great memories.

Date:
11/25/2008
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12:10:52 PM
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I really like your website. I feel sad to know that it was closed long ago. Thank you for sharing these great information about this bygone park. Fei Yao from Arizona.

Date:
11/25/2008
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9:28:55 PM
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The last time I went to Legend City, Ladmo stiffed me on a Ladmo bag. He called my row and seat number, then gave it to a little girl next to me. I heckled him the rest of the show. Wallace just shrugged and gave me a what can I do look, but hey I loved those guys and Legend City very much, I wish they were all still around. G Horlacher

Date:
12/7/2008
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9:10:28 AM
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Nice Memories, still have the scar from jumping the fence and razor wire getting me in the knee. Was a good park, would like to see SRP torn down and Legend City rebuilt! Justin

Date:
12/10/2008
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7:37:16 AM
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Hi ! Great page. Greetings from Poland.

Date:
12/12/2008
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5:57:21 PM
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Hi the second set of sky ride buckets that looked like diving bells I believe were from Pacific Ocean Park?? Could they have been purchased at the auction? Great site!!! Nanette Chandler AZ

Date:
12/19/2008
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11:11:57 PM
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Bring it back.

Date:
12/29/2008
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9:47:48 PM
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Hi. Good site.

Date:
1/2/2009
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8:53:30 AM
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hi! i love this web site thank-you

Date:
1/4/2009
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6:57:19 PM
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A great resource - many thanks!

Date:
1/16/2009
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8:53:13 PM
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Wow! Can't believe there was a website for Legend City. We spent so much time there as kids. It's good to see people still think about it! Thanks for putting such a detailed website together for something that isn't around anymore. How awesome it would be if our kids had somewhere like that to go! Hello from Castle Rock, CO!

Date:
1/20/2009
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11:32:49 AM
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I remember going to Legend City when I was a kid with friends and on field trips. also went to a concert at Compton terrace. Thanks for the memories. Arizona native 09 07 1963 grew up in tolleson raised in Maryvale go panthers '81 born at st. Josephs hospital in Phoenix AZ. My how the state has grown!

Date:
1/21/2009
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1:38:11 PM
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I remember very fondly Legend City! I won a dance contest there when I was in 8th grade and also went there in the 70's to hear a Jackson Brown concert that was rained on! Love it, wish it would relive. b

Date:
1/24/2009
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12:57:38 PM
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This website is a very nice labor of love. Thanks.

Date:
2/4/2009
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12:26:17 PM
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I was a child performer at Legend City in the late 70's until it closed. I sang with Doc Feeber's Vaudeville Revue. Thank you for taking me back to my childhood! Juleah Morgan Brewer

Date:
2/6/2009
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6:56:55 PM
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Spent some of my best times with friends there. Our parents would drop us off and away we would go running for the rides and flirting with boys. Thanks for the site, it brought back some really fun memories. Judy

Date:
2/6/2009
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7:25:40 PM
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Legend City is solely responsible for my fear of heights!!! I got stuck at the top of the Ferris wheel in 1972 when I was just 6...the wind was blowing and it was almost dusk. Havent gotten on a FW since. Still, I wouldn't trade my memories of this place for anything!!!! I remember seeing so many concerts there in the early 80's...the Go Go's, AC DC, Def Lepard. LC is the source for so many happy memories from both my childhood and my teen years!!! It is only too bad that it wasn't around for my daughter to enjoy and to create memories for herself! LC...you are sorely missed!!!

Date:
2/7/2009
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10:13:12 PM
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When I was in 9th grade, my friends and I washed cars one Saturday at a local gas station to get enough money to go to Legend City Amusement Park. We had a blast and this was to be 1 of the only times I was able to go before it closed up. I am now 45 years old and still remember that event in my life.

Date:
2/11/2009
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7:19:10 AM
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I so remember Legend City and was devastated when it closed. Thank you for creating this site with so many great memorabilia for the walk down memory lane. Well done!

Date:
2/11/2009
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8:33:24 AM
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Looks like it was a great place. I am particularly interested in pictures, parts, and info about the Blakely Cars Bill gsuffa256 at charter.net

Date:
2/11/2009
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11:49:45 PM
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Thanks for creating and maintaining this site. I didn't go to Legend City per se all that much but I did go to lots of shows at Compton Terrace. Thanks for sharing the memories, all of you who have posted here over the last several years.

Date:
2/14/2009
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4:34:40 AM
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srp sucks i had a good time there mid70,s maybe early80,81 just think kown cool it would be 2009

Date:
2/16/2009
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8:41:03 AM
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Oh man! Thank you so very much for maintaining this website. My memories are vivid of birthday, and family visits at Legend City. These were the best of times - socially too! Mike Durso

Date:
2/16/2009
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9:51:25 PM
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How fun to have found your website! Thanks so much for the memories! I celebrated my 16th at LC and remember getting stuck on the ferris wheel! It was a safe, fun place that parents could let their teenagers roam. I showed this to my kids and they can't believe how old I am!! Thanks again! Lisa Clark Schneiderman - Marietta, GA

Date:
2/21/2009
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12:14:18 AM
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thanks for the site...lots of good times there...I kiss my first girl there at 14 wow...bring back the summer of 68

Date:
2/26/2009
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9:42:48 PM
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Thanks for bringing back some childhood memories.

Date:
2/26/2009
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10:41:23 PM
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From about spring 1971 till the end of summer 1973, I and a couple of my friends Steve and Alford were stunt men who trained under Ron Nix. This site sure has taken me back there! We used to have a gunfight at the town in the back of the lot and then shoot outs on the train. Sometimes we would stack tumbleweeds on the tracks and set fire to them so we could rob the payroll on the train. Those were times I truly miss and your site took me back there, THANKS! I will always miss Legend City!! WHAT A LOSS! Mike Greene

Date:
2/28/2009
Time:
7:25:35 AM
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Comments

My name is Mark Miller, our band COMPROMISE nine peice horn band played on the floating dock and Red Garter almost every summer from 68-70. Did anyone ever see us play? Mark

Date:
3/2/2009
Time:
9:20:44 PM
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Comments

This is a walk down memory lane for an old 59 year old kid from Iowa. My dad and family moved to Arizona in 1961 and help build and run Legend City until the fall of 1964. It was sad to see such a fine place have the financial problems it did but we had no idea it remained in operation until 1983. During the building I remember helping with the cement work for the pads the rides sat on. I was only 12 or 13 at the time but dad took me to work a few times. Later after the park opened, I went there many times and knew almost every inch of the place. My father was the maintenance foreman after the place opened and later become Rides Manager. He has lots of good memories of the place and the people who worked there including lots of kids from ASU. Many of the rides for the park came from a Kiddy Land Park in Kansas City, Missouri. At an even younger age I went to Kansas City a few times and rode those rides before they were moved to Legend City. I'm sure that many of the folks who visited the Park back in those Early days loved it and the people that worked there loved it too. They were exciting times and deserve the time and effort you have put into this web site. Thanks, Randy Schenck and father, Ron Schenck

Date:
3/3/2009
Time:
2:53:07 PM
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Comments

WOW! Amazing web site! How unique so much is preserved and so many lives touched by Legend City. Amazing memories. Dad transported us from rural Iowa to build and work at Legend City in the early 60s. Legend City was my brothers my sister and my home away from home for several years. Incredible place to be a teen in the 60s. What a great place to grow! I would also like to apologize to anyone whos River Ride I may have ruined by memorizing the spiel and rudely saying the spiel before the River Boat Captain. You may find comfort in knowing that Dad banned me from the River Ride for 2 weeks. My partner in crime and best friend, Nancy Tompkins, where are you? Find me at lesliekosta comcast.net. But know you remember me as Ronnie Schenck.

Date:
3/3/2009
Time:
9:01:22 PM
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They should have NEVER torn this down. What a shame.

Date:
3/4/2009
Time:
4:01:04 PM
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What fun. Randy and Leslie, AKA Ronnie, pretty much said it all. As I was never banned from the park as Leslie was, I have very fond memories. Thanks for the site. Terry

Date:
3/4/2009
Time:
7:53:54 PM
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I remember going to Legend City as a teen in the late '70's, especially the time I threw up on the Tilt-a-Whirl. Good times!

Date:
3/6/2009
Time:
7:40:30 PM
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Comments

Cool. Was peeking at the wikipedia Wallace and Ladmo pages and followed the Legend City link here. Thanks for the web site. I was lucky enough to get to Legend City once to see Wallace and Ladmo. What a great time!

Date:
3/15/2009
Time:
6:31:15 PM
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Comments

Really miss this place. I have told my kids all about it. Only thing I had to do EVERY week end. Thanks for the memories!!!! Kim Now in Montana

Date:
3/21/2009
Time:
10:15:21 PM
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Comments

Wow, this certainly brought me back to my childhood! I spent many weekends hanging out at Legend City with my best friend David. This park had huge influences on our lives as it kept us out of a lot of trouble. I can remember riding the Lost Dutchman Mine ride over and over again. I remember those days when Wallace and Ladmo would perform and they would have free admission in addition to the possibility of winning a prize! That was the true Phoenix and this site should be preserved forever. Thank you so much for taking me back to found memories!

Date:
3/27/2009
Time:
9:44:00 AM
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Comments

What a great site ! I know so many people that when you mention Legend City have no idea what I am talking about. I have very fond memories of going there with my dad when I spent weekends with him. Am so glad I have these memories and this site reminded me of alot of them. Thanks to who ever put this site together, great job !

Date:
4/8/2009
Time:
6:37:38 PM
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Comments

I was born at Good Samaritin hospital. Lived in Scottsdale as a baby.We moved to paradise valley soon after. My folks moved us to San Diego in 1968. I had forgotten about Legend City until I googled Wallace and Ladmo. This was a link. I have some vague memories of the park because I was so young. But I remember The Lost Dutchman mine and just the feeling of de javu. Same with old Tucson. thanks, wish I could be of more help. Cool memory though, thanks!

Date:
4/13/2009
Time:
8:05:38 AM
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I went there on my first official date. It was a fun place to go to. East High Yearbook staff went there on have their pic taken because the yearbook was called Legend.

Date:
4/13/2009
Time:
3:49:49 PM
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Comments

Good site, admin.

Date:
4/14/2009
Time:
12:05:17 PM
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Legend City holds a lot of great childhood memories for me -now 58 yrs old. I hated to see it torn down. I remember a promotion one time that anyone whose hair was longer than Alice Cooper's could get in free. I don't think anyone did. John Foster

Date:
4/14/2009
Time:
3:00:56 PM
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Comments

Thank you for preserving this history. I have fond memories of the park,the places to eat, the rides and the shows. Of course, Wallace and Ladmo. Later, Compton Terrace. wow what great fun. Thanks again, Steff Kelly

Date:
4/16/2009
Time:
9:17:06 PM
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Awww, I wish this was still here! Hearing the Wallace and Ladmo theme song reaaaally takes me back too. Wow! thank you for this site! It's wonderful!

Date:
4/17/2009
Time:
2:33:22 PM
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Comments

My sisters and my friends spent many Saturdays at Legend City looking for boys in the Sky Ride cars. Never did find them. I remember seeing East High School in the distance. It too is gone. Those were the days.

Date:
4/22/2009
Time:
1:18:49 PM
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Comments

My dad rueben noel was the sale exec. at one time and legend city was my second home, thank you for the memories

Date:
4/22/2009
Time:
5:38:56 PM
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Comments

Hey just a heads up, I wanted to let everyone know that Xio Dibin speaks English. I hope I posted in the right location?

Date:
4/24/2009
Time:
2:07:15 PM
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Comments

JUST WANTED TO SAY THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE PHOTOS AND MEMORIES BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE. I DO THINK ABOUT LEGEND CITY FROM TIME TO TIME AND I USE TO FREQUENT THERE AS A CHILD. I AM AN ARIZONA NATIVE AND THE SEVENTIES WERE THE BULK OF MY YEARS THERE. I REMEMBER SEEING ROCK CONCERTS AT THE AMPHITHEATER AND SITTING IN THE AUDIENCE OF THE WALLACE AND LADMO SHOW. IT WAS A SAD DAY TO SEE IT GO AFTER MY NEW SON WAS ONLY ONE YEAR OLD AND HE NEVER HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENJOY IT. THANK YOU AGAIN, JIM K.

Date:
4/27/2009
Time:
2:25:51 AM
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Thank you for keeping the memories alive. I had many happy family times here as a kid.

Date:
7/7/2009
Time:
8:25:05 PM
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Back in the summer of 1966, I was the Music Director of KRUX and we helped to promote the Smash Back to School Blast that was held at Legend City.  Lesley Gore, who wrote and recorded It's My Party was our headliner.  She arrived at Sky Harbor.  In front of the terminal were a couple of vehicles and a Limo for her.  My car was there too.  A brand new 1966 Bright Yellow Corvette.  I parked my car behind the limo there in the front of the terminal.  When she came out, she was told the Limo was for her.  It didn't take long for her to say, I will go in that car!  Pointing at my corvette.  No one argued with her.  I didn't mind a bit.  So in Lesley Gore got into the passenger seat with KRUX Good Guy Norm Seeley driving her out to Legend City.  I don't know how she got around after the show, but from that day forward, my car was referred to as The Lesley Gore Vette. -- Norm Seeley (former Music Director KRUX 1966)

Date:
7/10/2009
Time:
7:03:20 PM
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Comments

My favorite attraction was the Dutchman's Shack where everything was slanted. I wish Legend City was still there, and that my kids could have experienced it in the 80s and 90s. Thanks for the memories.

 

Date:
7/27/2009
Time:
5:57:03 PM
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Comments

Happy 80th Birthday, Louis Crandall!

Date:
8/11/2009
Time:
3:59:29 PM
Remote User:

Comments

Fantastic site, kudos. Legend City was the coolest.

Date:
8/12/2009
Time:
3:27:37 AM
Remote User:

Comments

I will use it on mine!!

Date:
8/12/2009
Time:
3:36:59 PM
Remote User:

Comments

Love the site! It's an awesome tribute to a bygone era of the internet. The embedded .wav files take me back to a simpler time many people refer to as 1997!

Date:
8/19/2009
Time:
5:43:03 PM
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Comments

What a great place for us early phxtempe people, enough that i ended up working there later. still have my old redwhite name tag. every time im that way all i see on that corner is Legend city, its still there every square inch. MISS THE PLACE. O one more thing it was funny the place would close in the summer because it was to hot out.

Date:
8/22/2009
Time:
1:06:44 PM
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Comments

WOW this really brought back memories...i thought this park was alot better than disney lol i saw my first concert at legend city Fleetwood Mac..and rode my first rollercoaster there ...thanks for putting up this site you brought back alot of memories

Date:
8/22/2009
Time:
1:29:22 PM
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Comments

Hi Scott Starr here. Skateboard Historian. looking for any photos or home movies of the Skateboard Track that was at Legend City in 1965.. there were different skill areas called PIPELINE, BEACH and BUN BUSTER.. Does anyone have anything that needs to be in the skateboarding archives? starrphoto at barfoot.com

Date:
8/28/2009
Time:
3:14:49 PM
Remote User:

Comments

I remember going to legend city with my family in 1977 when we lived in Casa Grande, Arizona. Seeing this site brings back memories of that time as well as watching Wallace and Ladmo on TV on kpho channel 5 until my family's move to Los Angeles, California in Oct of 1985.

Date:
9/2/2009
Time:
9:28:27 PM
Remote User:

Comments

I was born in Phoenix in 1971 and barely remember going to the park, but I loved it. The memories aren't real strong, but remember being very sad when it closed. I vaguely recall tv ad's for park. Too bad Phoenix doesn't have another park because I think it would do great with the year-round weather.

Date:
9/4/2009
Time:
9:32:24 AM
Remote User:

Comments

Thanks for the site, I learned something new about my city today!

Date:
9/7/2009
Time:
8:44:52 PM
Remote User:

Comments

I used to work at Legend City in 1977-1978. It was an awesome place and sad to see it gone. I had alot of fun there working and just going there on my days off.

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