Linus Gilbert's Casino Pier History
Casino Pier opened in 1932 by Linus Gilbert
In 1937, Gilbert built a large building over the Carousel structure and called it the Seaside Heights Casino.
In 1948, John Fitzgerald and John Christopher bought the property. In 1959 John Christopher passed and John Fitzgerald bought the full rights.
In 1960, John Fitzgerald’s son-in-law Ken Wynne took over operations. Ken Wynne expanded the pier eastward and added many rides including the pier’s first major roller coaster “The Wild Mouse” Wynne leased out sections of the pier to other operators.
In 1963, America’s first Himalaya ride was installed.
In 1964, the original Skyride was installed. It took you from the pool area to the east end of the pier. The Skyride was building by a Wildwood, …show more content…
The pier was opened within weeks with temporary rides.
The amusement park at Casino Pier offers classic children’s rides such as the Boats, Motorcycles, and Speedway whip cars. Family rides include the Tilt-A-Whirl, Moby Dick, Hot Tamales Roller Coaster, and Fun Houses. Thrill seekers will enjoy the 170 foot tall Skyscraper where riders are strapped to the end of a crane-like arm and are whipped around at speeds up to 70 miles per hour!
In 1969, the Anton Schwarzkoph masterpiece Jet Star roller coaster was added.
In 1975, Casino Pier added the United States first Enterprise ride.
In 1979, Casino Pier added the Luv Bugs (Mack designed) indoor/outdoor roller coaster. Originally called Broadway Trip which operated at Palisades Amusement Park, Cedar Point and then Canadian National Expo. Luv Bugs was re-themed to Wizards Cavern in 1988
In 1982, the original Casino building would change forever allowing Ocean Terrance to connect with it’s north section.
In 1982, Ken Wynne partnered with Bob Bennett.
In 1982, the Skydiver ride fell on top of the Himalaya during a violent thunderstorm. Folks where clear of the area and there wasn’t any …show more content…
Cake from Carlos Bakery (TV’s The Cake Boss) was made depicting the carousel.
In 2011, the waterpark celebrated their 25 year anniversary.
In 2012, Breakwater Beach replaced the original Single Tubes ride (25 years old) with Two if By Sea. in the evening of October 29th 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall and caused damage to homes and infrastructure ranging into the billions of dollars in the state of New Jersey alone, according to the National Weather Service’s preliminary estimate. That agency also reported several wind gusts in Ocean County at close to 90 mph, and a buoy located near the entrance to New York Harbor issued a record wave height of 32.5 feet at 8:50 pm, just before a time that multiple witnesses present on the barrier island at that time attribute to a fast moving storm surge that elevated water levels in or near their homes drastically in a short period.
The properties of Casino Pier sustained severe damage as a result of Sandy. Access to the barrier island of Seaside Height was halted until October 31st, when owner, Vincent Storino, was first able to make it back to the amusement
In 1937, Gilbert built a large building over the Carousel structure and called it the Seaside Heights Casino.
In 1948, John Fitzgerald and John Christopher bought the property. In 1959 John Christopher passed and John Fitzgerald bought the full rights.
In 1960, John Fitzgerald’s son-in-law Ken Wynne took over operations. Ken Wynne expanded the pier eastward and added many rides including the pier’s first major roller coaster “The Wild Mouse” Wynne leased out sections of the pier to other operators.
In 1963, America’s first Himalaya ride was installed.
In 1964, the original Skyride was installed. It took you from the pool area to the east end of the pier. The Skyride was building by a Wildwood, …show more content…
The pier was opened within weeks with temporary rides.
The amusement park at Casino Pier offers classic children’s rides such as the Boats, Motorcycles, and Speedway whip cars. Family rides include the Tilt-A-Whirl, Moby Dick, Hot Tamales Roller Coaster, and Fun Houses. Thrill seekers will enjoy the 170 foot tall Skyscraper where riders are strapped to the end of a crane-like arm and are whipped around at speeds up to 70 miles per hour!
In 1969, the Anton Schwarzkoph masterpiece Jet Star roller coaster was added.
In 1975, Casino Pier added the United States first Enterprise ride.
In 1979, Casino Pier added the Luv Bugs (Mack designed) indoor/outdoor roller coaster. Originally called Broadway Trip which operated at Palisades Amusement Park, Cedar Point and then Canadian National Expo. Luv Bugs was re-themed to Wizards Cavern in 1988
In 1982, the original Casino building would change forever allowing Ocean Terrance to connect with it’s north section.
In 1982, Ken Wynne partnered with Bob Bennett.
In 1982, the Skydiver ride fell on top of the Himalaya during a violent thunderstorm. Folks where clear of the area and there wasn’t any …show more content…
Cake from Carlos Bakery (TV’s The Cake Boss) was made depicting the carousel.
In 2011, the waterpark celebrated their 25 year anniversary.
In 2012, Breakwater Beach replaced the original Single Tubes ride (25 years old) with Two if By Sea. in the evening of October 29th 2012, Hurricane Sandy made landfall and caused damage to homes and infrastructure ranging into the billions of dollars in the state of New Jersey alone, according to the National Weather Service’s preliminary estimate. That agency also reported several wind gusts in Ocean County at close to 90 mph, and a buoy located near the entrance to New York Harbor issued a record wave height of 32.5 feet at 8:50 pm, just before a time that multiple witnesses present on the barrier island at that time attribute to a fast moving storm surge that elevated water levels in or near their homes drastically in a short period.
The properties of Casino Pier sustained severe damage as a result of Sandy. Access to the barrier island of Seaside Height was halted until October 31st, when owner, Vincent Storino, was first able to make it back to the amusement