In the early 70s I worked there as a early teenager and my older brother was one of the Pirates. Our family went here every time we were in Myrtle Beach. The teen, who was riding with his 12-year-old sister and 15-year-old friend at the time of the accidents, had been rocking the rides car and was warned by the ride operator to stop, but eventually their car tipped over and the safety bar broke. The site is now occupied by two campgrounds. why. Maybe not in legal name, but since the accident it did gain that nickname. Myrtle Magic - This 2-bedroom Myrtle Magic offers accommodation around a 10-minute drive from the outdoor fun Broadway at the Beach Mall, while Myrtle Beach Convention Center is within 2.3 miles away. I can barely but do remember visiting Pirateland as a child. The inaugural Carolina Country Music Festival is held in June on the former Myrtle Beach Pavilion site. But its first home in Myrtle Beach was at Magic Harbor, unless I am mistaken and its not the same coasterbut I am pretty sure it was. PIRATELAND / MAGIC HARBOR 4901 S. King's Highway Myrtle Beach, SC (803) 238-0717 This was a small amusement park approximately 4 miles south of Myrtle Beach, located on Highway 17 south of MB Air Force Base (now Airport). To capture the nostalgia of the park and what made it so special, we asked our MyrtleBeach.com fans what they remembered most fondly about the Myrtle Beach Pavilion. While much of the specific early timeline of the park is unknown, the park went through several owners, including the ownership group behind Blackpool Pleasure Beach, who turned Magic Harbor into a British themed amusement park. I was extremely saddened to read your words. They had the arm wrestling game that wasn't at my local arcade in Monroe, N.C. Just being in that atmosphere was electric for me. The attraction spans three areas, including the Pavilion Park East (the former Pavilion Nostalgia Park), Pavilion Park West (a kid-focused area) and Pavilion Park South (an area focused on thrilling rides). The former Pretzel ride building was converted into an Arcade though. Even those in town from the rock or metal crowd could count on the Purple Gator in Myrtle Beach in the 90s to bring in top live acts. . To this day, vacationers flock to Myrtle Beach for Sun Fun and these yearly events: Built in 1948, the famed Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park served as the epicenter of family fun for more than 50 years. This article was copied form the Defunct Amusement Parks Website from an article written by Bret Malone. Blayne is correct, the Wild West park was not there. The park closes to the public on Sept. 24, with a ticketed The Last Ride event held on Sept. 30 and a final private party send-off at The Attic in October. Required fields are marked *. Such good memories, Playing bowling games with my family, making pictures in the photo booth and then eating Peaches corn on the cob sitting on the bench behind the Pavilion looking at the moon over the ocean!, Just hangin out on the upper level [walkway] watching all the cool cars, mini trucks and bikes cruisin by good times., So many childhood memories with this place. It was an awesome place!, The smells of food cooking, the sounds of the people and the merry go round, the bleacher seats where they put on free shows, and the ocean waves behind us!, I loved taking my boys there when they were small. Was this park named Pirate Land back in 1971? These airplane bottles packed quite a wallop, holding roughly 75% more per pour than the average shot. Facts. His family owned the park when it was successful. I imagine its the exact same coaster that was later relocated to the downtown Pavillion park where it was enjoyed for many, many years by millions of people. Note: A special thanks to Wayne Aiken of Myrtle Beach Remembered for photos provided for this post. Wow. It was sold to the Myrtle Beach Pavilion where it remained until it was replaced with the Hurricane coaster. The four-day festival featured A-list country music acts, including Rascal Flatts, Lady Antebellum and Eric Church and drew more than 10,000 attendees in its inaugural year. The Park just wasnt making enough money, so the owners just sold it. grounds began to take on a sinister look for several years. The former Myrtle Beach Farms, now called Burroughs & Chapin, buys out the Central Amusement Company. ), Pleasant Grove Campground, Mineral Springs, NC. Such teenage memories of friends and fun a very memorable place. The first in many deaths occurred as a Who Remembers Magic Harbor Can some refresh my memory and tell me what year that took place. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Save $1,000s with the Monster Coupon app! I was just trying to clarify Bret Malones misinformed recounting of the Parks history. Visitors looking to let loose on vacation in Myrtle Beach in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s counted on nightclubs like Mother Fletchers, The Freaky Tiki, Studebakers, The Beachwagon, the Magic Attic, and The Afterdeck for fun. Does anyone remember Pirateland? The grounds Problem was, the ticket prices were a bit steep (originally pegged at $50 per person) for what was offered and the park couldnt have opened at a worse time, when many loyal vacationers were staying home due to financial concerns. Secondly the manager from Blackpool to whom you referred is my father, Carl. External links Ride Zone Defunct parks The Videos. During this time locals often gather under the pavilions elevated structure and build fires to stay warm in winter. And yeah I guess Blayne Perry should have it down as to who ran what..his family ownes Lakewood CG. were gone, the lights turned out for the last time. Once again, a dark cloud appeared as a young women stood-up on the Black Witch coaster and was nearly decapitated, she died. Witnesses said the girl, Sherri Depew, was seated properly for the ride, but her lap bar came undone partway through. She also obviously knew the Perrys well and they were always friendly and welcoming. It did seem to be somewhat cursed (though it has never been referred to as Haunted Harbor), and they had a hard time re-leasing it. Yeah, Magic Harbor was on US-17 north of 544 and south of Myrtle Beach State Park. Great times., I remember playing Skee-Ball at the Pavilion. Vacationers reliving Myrtle Beach in the 1990s will remember the dinner shows at Dixie Stampede. As the Myrtle Beach area grows in population, tourism increases at a steady pace throughout the 1930s. The new Myrtle Beach Pavilion building, built of poured concrete to withstand winds up to 150 mph, officially opens. This park is commonly referred by locals as "Haunted Harbor" here's a brief history why. Her parents did sue and won. Was there one by the same name at Magic Harbor as well? If youre one of the select few who chose to brave The Great Recession in 2008-09 to visit Myrtle Beach and actually attend one of the parks two incarnations, then chances are you actually enjoyed your time there. Lol riding the water slide when I was t afraid of heights was great and the Ferris wheel. Todays retail options in Myrtle Beach are plentiful, including Tanger Outlets, Myrtle Beach Mall and Market Common, to name a few. This Later that year, the Pavilion Nostalgia Park opens at Broadway at the Beach, featuring relocated pieces of the park including the carousel, the organ, an arcade and rides including the Pirate Ship, tea cups and various other kiddie rides. park opened to great fanfare and fireworks on Memorial Day Weekend, but without Major The parking lot was leased out to the carneys to try and bring in some revenue to offset the legal fees. To this day, the park remains emptyso empty that it was used in NBCs apocalyptic drama Revolutionbut some of its rides have been appropriated to Family Kingdom, while others have been sold and are moving to a park in Vietnam. Even after the destruction of the building, the pavilions midway remains a popular attraction for visitors. Great fun but it only lasted one year under that ownership. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Id just like to point out that, while an interesting idea for a story, a lot of the information in the article by Bret Malone about Magic Harbor was incorrect. The Rainbow was an awesome ride, especially in the daytime, you could see miles of ocean. Defunct Roller Coasters: 3. The new owners did not change the park at all. We always made sure we had pockets full of quarters because Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede and Q-bert were ALL the rage! My dad moved his entire family over to America from England and with three of us in school and no family in this area, he didnt not want to uproot us again. We moved away from Myrtle Beach when I was in second grade, back in 1984. Some years after the park had closed we were staying a this friends and were awoken in the middle of the night to a fire on the Magic Harbor property. The Park wasnt a Wild Wild West Show Park. The park originated as a Wild, Wild West Theme Park in the 1960,s complete with Cowboys, Indians, gunfights Chris at: emai me at achristopher.mathews@gmail.com. Though the law changed on New Years Day in 2006, the blurry memories remain for quite a few visitors. The area still has a few local shops and part of the land was used for the Freestyle Music Park. The Perry family (Phil, Tony, Rhonda, Gail) treated us like gold. There was also an ice skating show. there were a lot of state fair type rides that werent part of the original MH. The park Back in the 1990s, the Waccamaw Factory Shoppes were the place to shop in Myrtle Beach. Himalaya while the buildings and grounds were spruced up and given a new coat of paint. Originally called PirateLand, it was renamed for its 1975 re-opening with a revamped British theme. From the 155-foot-tall steel Led Zeppelin roller coaster to the trippy Nights in White Satin dark ride and the various live shows and themed areas, there was plenty to like about the park itself. I cant remember his name but he sang Timber Im Falling and Anytime Youre Feeling Lonely. The Myrtle Beach Pavilions first roller coaster, the Comet Jr., opens in 1951. You write: My dad moved his entire family over to America from England and with three of us in school and no family in this area, he didnt not want to uproot us again. As young girls I think we all fell in love with any number of cute high school guys working there each and every summer! He continued to work there because he had no other choice for his family. Blayne, I hope you can correct your inaccuracies. The ride was a 3,800-foot-long, hybrid-structure coaster that featured an out-and-back style layout with 14 turns, a 100-foot drop, and a top speed of 55 mph. I do have one question who were the people suing for business reasons and not reasons related to any of the tragic deaths that occurred? I find it sad that no mention was made of it. Throughout the late 1950s and into the 1960s, the area surrounding the Myrtle Beach pavilion thrives. MAGIC HARBOR, MYRTLE BEACH AMUSEMENT PARK POSTER ."HAUNTED HARBOR" PIRATE LAND Condition: -- Price: US $475.00 $42.86 for 12 months with PayPal Credit* Buy It Now Add to cart Best Offer: Make offer Add to Watchlist Ships from United States 7 watchers Shipping: FREEExpedited Shipping | See details The building features various amusements, including a bowling alley, a .22-caliber shooting gallery, and an area for dining and dancing. A decade after its closure, were looking back on the history of the Pavilion, its legacy and the present and future of its historic location. Now I cant say how all that worked there where treated, but I do know that I never saw anyone unhappy at thier job. The 1990s plans were to develop a theme park on the land, but it was eventually split up among a variety of entities, including the Myrtle Beach International Airport, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and Santee Cooper utility company. One of the parks most iconic attractions, German Baden-Band Organ is brought to the Pavilion for the first time. The grounds still remain vacant, awaiting a new beginning or another use possibility? Man, I miss those times., The Ferris wheels that were side by side were my favorite. Youd be right! Former cast members include Josh Turner (#1 country artist). Residents of Belle Harbor are breathing a sigh of relief at least temporarily after the Myrtle Beach Planning Commission voted Tuesday against extending two roads with cul-de-sacs to In the mid 1990s, a Carnival Ride Company took lease of the park grounds. This ride features frogs, lions, zebras and dragons with only a single lead horse which makes it quite unique for its time. As far as I know, they still own and operate Lakewood Camping Resort. It has a large wooden dance floor located on the second floor along with a stage and grandstands. Facebook Teresa Caffrey Taylor. Apr 5, 2013 - This Pin was discovered by Roxsan Dorough. It was some kind of plastic and you couldnt skate on it at all. I was young back then, 10 yrs old, but my brother was in High Steppin Country from the day it started till it moved into Lakewood Camp ground and beyond. !, Spent so many hours at the Magic Attic! The work of the Perry family has had a significant, positive impact on the economy of Myrtle Beach and countless young people. City council. I was extremely saddened and shocked to read your words. My father was born in Pennsylvania and moved us all to Myrtle Beach from England in 1981, specifically for Magic Harbor, after working for Mr. Thompson at another of his parks in England. Tony was our production manager. St John the Baptist Greek . I made many friends and always felt part of a big familly that truly cared for one another. I remember sitting on steps of an outside theater and I was once called on stage. Highway 17, it was a novel attraction for its time. I would like to correct some of the mistakes you actually made in your comments, which were quite hurtful to me and my family. It was by the Priate Land campground. This $2 million compact steel roller coaster features small cars that race around a track that features many quick dips and sharp, hairpin turns. Myrtle Beach Pavilion: Myrtle Beach: 1948-2006 Springs Park Lancaster . Built in 1940 as a World War II training base, the Myrtle Beach Air Force Base hosted thousands of U.S. troops over more than 50 years in operation. It was truly a beautiful place as it was located above a lake with a campground (still in use) on the other side of the lake. We were and are still so sad it's gone. candidate). From the human checkerboard games to the Sun Fun Jaila place for anyone breaking from wearing summer attirethis festival was wholesome family fun at its finest. Thompson changed the name back to Magic Harbor, and themed the park A British Amusement Park. The park, which also includes a 10,000-sq. We loved the big ride up front that let us see the ocean., The arcade. It is proving to be quite successful for both Pirateland and Lakewood; and there seem to be no reports of hauntings. Defunct Amusement Parks wishes to thank Bret I would like to correct some of the mistakes you actually made in your comments, which were quite hurtful to me and my family. When the legal fees continued to mount, Mr. Thompson had no choice but to cut his losses. Bret Malone must not have thoroughly researched his article. Perhaps the most memorable of all the malls features was its huge lighted clock. When the legal fees continued to mount, Mr. Thompson had no choice but to cut his losses. Located 4 miles south of Myrtle Beach on the old Highway 17, it was a novel attraction for its time. Several name changes didn't help either. So glad I found this. My father ran that amusement park and waterslide with compassion and honesty and fairness to his employees. The New park opened to great fanfare and fireworks on Memorial Day Weekend, but without Major Theme Park type rides, attendance soon went downhill. The rides across the street were great too. Who would know better than someone who has lived right next door to the property since birth? My family lives in western NC and camped annually at Lakewood from around 1976 until I was in junior high around 1984. This too I would also like to comment that Blayne Perrys account above is much more similar to what I recall than is the original account by Bret Malone. Before massive malls like the million-square-foot Coastal Grand and entertainment complexes like Broadway at the Beach dominated the areas retail landscape, there was a memorable must-visit shopping spot in the center of town called Myrtle Square Mall. The carnival agrees to make its permanent home across the street from the old pavilion on the west side of Ocean Boulevard, as a reinforced concrete version of the main pavilion building is built on the east side of the street. To all the cute high-school aged guy MH employees that we teenaged girls swooned over: Ken at the log flume (looked like tvs Peter Brady!) By signing up, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter, deals, and other occasional updates. Okay, okay, we aint movin! In the years since the closure of the Pavilion, the area now known as Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place had played host to several events, including the Beach Blast! Rebranding its Pavilion Nostalgia Park built in 2007, Broadway at the Beach expands its amusement offerings into the new Pavilion Park. 1.2 mi. In fact, Im pretty sure there wasnt a Perry in sight at that point to confirm any of the operators. Your email address will not be published. The Corkscrew rollercoaster was front and left of center of the entrance at the park in the mid-late 1970s. But the grounds To me then it was a Pirate ship, but due to the theme more likely just an old ship with sails..British stylelol. Weve gathered the top 10 memories of Myrtle Beach to help you relive the fun again. Ive lived horry county all my life and havent heard of Haunted Harbor. him with a gun while robbing that day's money take. It was on the corner of what is now Hwy 501 and Forestbrook rd. Way before this place was Magic Harbor, it was Pirateland, just as the campground next door still is. The first in many deaths occurred as a Stage Coach Ride tipped over and Killed one person while hurting several others. They went searching for a buyer, and found one in Jeffery Thompson who does, in fact, own Pleasure Beach theme park in Blackpool, England. Both The Freaky Tiki and Mother Fletchers Myrtle Beach locations became the completely rebuilt and renovated 8th Ave Tiki Bar. The grounds began to take on a sinister look for several years. I live and grew up in the community thats right across 17 from where Magic Harbor used to be. After shutting the Side Show down, the lease reverted back to the city. I went here often as a child and I dont remember any rollercoaster named the corkscrew at Magic Harbor. Malone for providing all the information on this page, 2000 Joel W Styer. It was funny to watch little kids try! I remember the corkscrew coaster at the Pavilion Amusement Park. Would love to hear from you Blayne. Inversions: 0. From family photos snapped on the beach, to foggy memories of cruising the strip, to the silly souvenirs youve kept for a lifetime, theres so much to celebrate about those old Myrtle Beach vacations. The shopping center ran successfully for three decades before shutting down for good in 2005. MyrtleBeach.com is the Grand Strands largest privately- owned tourism portal. He continued to work there because he had no other choice for his family. It was inconsiderate of me not to have been more thorough, and I apologize. Though there are not yet plans of carnival rides or amusement parks, the spiritual predecessor to the Myrtle Beach Pavilion is first constructed in 1908. At the height of its popularity the store served as the hub of the Waccamaw Factory Shoppes, an enormous 750,000-square-foot outlet shopping complexat the time, the nations third largestthat included more than 100 stores. 4.5-ounce, 100% ring spun cotton Machine Washable Navigating the old Myrtle Beach streets during the pre-Bypass days are memories that stick with vacationers. The attraction features six 600-foot ziplines, which span between two towers at 40 mph, and also a free fall experience from a 60-foot tower. All the employees seemed to be friends with one another and enjoy their jobs. The grounds were thickly wooded and the grounds had several man-made lakes centered around a games area. Again, the park changed hands and the Magic Harbor Wikimapia is a multilingual open-content collaborative map, where anyone can create place tags and share their knowledge. The parking lot looked like a lake when it rained. The "New" More Family Kingdom, in Myrtle Beach now has the top of the famous Lighthouse Steeple that used to grace the parks parking lot. The grounds still remain They were and are the first family of Myrtle Beach. Magic Harbour - CoasterBuzz Magic Harbour Details News Map Trip Reports Myrtle Beach, South Carolina USA Roller coasters at Magic Harbour Is a roller coaster missing? The changes they made were actually very successful. Opening in 1975 and measuring more than 440,000 square feet, the mall was mammoth for its time. Perry has many more details than I can recall, but from the ones I can remember, his information is consistent with my recollection. My father ran that amusement park and waterslide with compassion and honesty and fairness to his employees. The Attic was my first love, first dance and first long-distance boyfriend!, We spent many many great nights at the pavilion. Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Date: 1980. Blyane got his start in the show and went on study and work in New York City. Secondly the manager from Blackpool to whom you referred is my father, Carl. Or yet another tragedy? Maps; Parks nearby. The Perrys always spoke fondly of their time as owners of Magic Harbor. Many performers and techs have gone on to work in Las Vegas, New York, television, film, and the recording industry. The park had struggled to make it and this only caused more people to refrain from visiting. no wonder while locals refer to the park as "Haunted Harbor". Made a lot of great friends there. It is kind of out of place considering the era the movie was set in. After two months, several rides were taken away to go to a large State Fair up North, by the end of the season, all the rides were gone, the lights turned out for the last time. The next owners were not from Blackpool, England, but were the owners of the neighboring campground Lakewood Camping Resort. They didnt actually shut the park down, they did legally, but technically they still owned it. The park originated as a Wild, Wild West Theme Park in the 1960,s complete with Cowboys, Indians, gunfights. who was heading off to study at Clemson University, Andy at The Bucket drop, Sir Hugh at the pub, Bryan, Scott, Johnny, etcyou guys were truly charming! He did keep Magic Mountain open, as my father successfully ran on Mr. Thompsons behalf and I worked for him for a few summers myself. We got stuck and got hit in the rear. Gallery. After several years of sitting vacant with little to no activity during The Great Recession in 2008 and 2009, the area near the former pavilion site begins to gain new life. It was the summer after I lost my brother and my dad brought me there to work. Fun times at Mother's Fletchers as well., Going to concerts at the Attic. Im sorry to say I dont hardly remember anyone that worked there. Other nightlife spots have been replaced by undeniably unhip shops (both Studebakers and The Beach Wagon are now Dollar General discount stores). reserved. Not far from there across the way was the alligator swamp which provided tons of entertainment if you had a pack of Saltine crackers. The Ferris wheel was big. Park In June, around the time of the second annual Carolina Country Music Festival, which attracted more than 20,000 attendees, Myrtle Beach Adrenaline Adventures submits plans to the city to expand its zipline attraction to occupy more of the 11-acre lot.