Moonlite Gardens
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History

 
 

The History of

Moonlite Gardens

 
 

Born during the Jazz Age within Coney Island Amusement Park, Moonlite Gardens was designed to offer a picturesque and romantic setting with its expansive dance floor, elegant architectural details, and lush gardens.

The 1930s and 1940s marked the golden age of Moonlite Gardens, hosting dances, weddings, and performances by renowned musicians like Cab Calloway, Glenn Miller, and Benny Goodman. Louis Armstrong performed there on July 7th, 1938, and Cincinnati’s own The Clooney Sisters sang in 1949. This era reflected the peak of big band music and the thriving dance hall culture.

Post-World War II, the rise of rock 'n' roll led to a decline in traditional ballrooms, but Moonlite Gardens adapted to new trends and audiences. It remains a vibrant home for showcasing artistic talent, blending historical charm with modern elegance.

Today, Moonlite Gardens continues its tradition of celebrating the arts by featuring a Cincinnati-focused art collection in its historic 1876 Mt. Adams location. This collection includes captivating abstract paintings, original depictions of local landmarks, dynamic abstracts, and culturally rich mixed media pieces, enriching the space with a blend of historical and contemporary artistry.

Early Beginnings

  • 1867: James Parker purchased a 400-tree, 20-acre apple orchard on the banks of the Ohio River.

  • 1870: Cincinnati businessmen rented the orchard for private picnics, leading Parker to realize the profitability of this venture over growing apples.

  • 1876: The current Mt. Adams location was built.

Development and Expansion

  • 1886: Parker sold the land for $17,500 to the Ohio Grove Corporation, led by steamboat captains William and Malcolm McIntyre. The park was renamed Ohio Grove, The Coney Island of the West, and officially opened on June 21.

  • 1887: The name Ohio Grove was dropped in favor of Coney Island.

  • 1888: A new company, the Coney Island Company, took control, led by Commodore Lee Brooks.

  • 1890-1893: Expansion included purchasing land and constructing Lake Como.

  • 1896-1912: Significant developments such as the introduction of the original Island Queen, additional rides, and roller coasters like Dip the Dips and Little Dipper.

  • 1913-1924: More enhancements, including new roller coasters and management changes, leading to increased popularity and improvements.

Moonlite Gardens Establishment

  • 1925: The Philadelphia Toboggan Company (PTC) constructed Moonlite Gardens, the open-air dance hall.

  • 1928: PTC partially enclosed Moonlite Gardens.

  • 1934-1947: Continued enhancements, including a makeover of the kiddie area and renovations to resemble the French Quarter in New Orleans.

Mid-20th Century Changes

  • 1952-1968: New rides and facilities were added to the park, such as hand-powered cars, a sandy beach replaced with a green lawn, the Rotor, Scrambler, and a sky ride.

  • 1968: Taft Broadcasting purchased Coney Island, planning a new park leading to Coney Island's eventual closure in 1971.

Modern Era

  • 1972-2023: Coney Island underwent various changes, rebranding to Old Coney, then back to Coney Island. Riverbend Music Center opened in 1984. Various rides and attractions were added or replaced over the years, culminating in significant renovations to Moonlite Gardens in 1985 and 2011.

  • 2024: Moonlite Gardens continues to thrive in its new Mt. Adams location, offering guests an immersive experience with its blend of historical charm and modern elegance. Situated in a historic home built in 1876, the venue now focuses on exhibiting local art and promoting Cincinnati artists, and is available for overnight stays.

Moonlite Gardens Facts and Highlights

  • Notable Events: Hosted performances by Cab Calloway, Benny Goodman, and Louis Armstrong. The Clooney Sisters performed in 1949.

  • Renovations: The 1947 renovation added New Orleans-style wrought iron. Further major work was done in 1985, restoring the front façade's wrought iron and neon blue sign.

  • Operational Changes: In 2023, Moonlite Gardens closed at the Coney Island location but was revived in a historic home in Mt. Adams, Cincinnati, originally built in 1876. This new location preserves the charm and ambiance of the original venue while offering a unique twist.

  • Art Collection: In 2024, Moonlite Gardens began featuring a Cincinnati-focused art collection, including works by renowned local artists and historical pieces. Highlights include captivating abstract paintings by William Fred Arrowood, original paintings of local landmarks by Suzzanna 'Sanna' Frank, dynamic abstracts by Robbie Kemper, and culturally rich mixed media pieces by Milagros Pongo. This diverse collection enhances the aesthetic and historical experience, adding depth and intrigue, and providing guests with a cultural journey through Cincinnati's artistic heritage.

Moonlite Gardens Today

Moonlite Gardens, relocated to a historic home in Mt. Adams, Cincinnati, continues to be a beloved part of the city's cultural heritage. The historic home, built in 1876, includes elegant architectural features and a private garden that evokes the romance and allure of Moonlite Gardens' early years. This beautifully preserved home is now available for overnight stays, providing guests with an immersive experience that blends history and luxury.

Staying at this historic home offers a unique opportunity to relive the magic of Moonlite Gardens in an intimate and personal setting. Guests can enjoy the rich architectural details and serene, moonlit secret garden in the back, making it a perfect retreat for those seeking a touch of nostalgic elegance. The home's origin from 1876 adds an extra layer of historical significance, allowing visitors to step back in time and appreciate the craftsmanship and style of a bygone era.

In addition to the historic charm, guests can also explore an exquisite art collection within the home. This collection features works by local artists and historical pieces, providing a cultural journey that complements the historical ambiance. Each piece of art has been carefully curated to enhance the aesthetic and historical experience of Moonlite Gardens, adding depth and intrigue to the stay.

In this new chapter, Moonlite Gardens continues to be a beloved part of Cincinnati's cultural heritage, seamlessly blending the past and present in a beautiful historic setting. The legacy of this iconic venue endures, inviting new generations to create their own memories in a place where history and elegance meet.