Quantcast
Skip to main content

Former Boulder Park falling further into disrepair, but Thursday's fire did little damage

Submitted by Howard Owens on July 22, 2011 - 7:13pm

What's left of a once popular amusement park in Indian Falls was largely undamaged by a late evening fire along Phelps Road.

One small structure -- impossible to tell what it once was -- was charred while several structures remain, though largely overgrown by brush, vines and trees.

The causes of the fire, which was reported at 9:01 p.m., remains under investigation. 

The park, locally known as "Boulder Park," opened in 1949, the brainchild of Phil Morrot. Historians know it as "Morrot's Boulder."

While the park featured a miniature steam train and a Ferris wheel, the highlight of the park was reportedly its merry-go-round.

The carousel -- designed by Phil's sister, Emily Bourgard, and built by the Herschell Company -- was a menagerie of animals, including 32 horses, a lion, tigers and a giraffe.

The park was sold in the 1960s, fell into disrepair and was closed by 1970, at which time the animals of the carousel apparently went missing.

An Indian Falls resident, Cindy Henning Hanks, published a book in 2003 about the carousel and what happened to the animals. She's been able to track what happened to all but three of the wooden, hand-carved beasts.

According to her website, the giraffe sold at auction a few years ago for $51,000.

According to a Sheriff's Office report, the property is currently owned by Kelkco, LLC, out of Clarence Center.

The fire is being investigated by Deputy Kevin McCarthy.

Pictures below were taken today.

July 22, 2011 - 11:07pm
#2
RICHARD L. HALE
DICKIE's picture
Offline
Joined: May 22 2009
I remember Boulder Park. My dad worked at Doehler Jarvis in Batavia. I can remember going there in the late 50's or early 60's for Doehlers annual family picnics. Everything was free for employees and their families. Rides, food and I remember, LOTS of ice cream. I only remember going there 1 year though. Maybe all of that free ice cream was too much for Doehlers bottom line. LOL...
Top
July 22, 2011 - 11:24pm
#3
David Minor
David Minor's picture
Offline
Joined: Dec 18 2010
I can remember riding my bicycle - in the late fifties - from Batavia to Boulder Park on the not-yet-completed NYS Thruway. The bridges were all in place but the approaches at each end hadn't been completed yet. Every time I came to a bridge I had to lift my bike up to it, walk across, then lower my bike on the other end back down to the ground. I hope the statute of limitations on illegal crossings has run out. But, hey, I didn't see any toll plazas.
Top
July 23, 2011 - 12:20am
#4
Bea McManis
Bea's picture
Offline
Joined: May 4 2009
I remember going there as a kid. It was inexpensive family entertainment at a time when money was tight. It was my first experience on a ferris wheel. The view from the top of that wheel was spectacular. They had the best french fries. We always got our fries just before getting on the steam train. Our fingers would be soaked with the vinegar poured on the fries. Funny, I can remember going with my mom and dad, but have no recollection of ever taking our kids there.
Top
July 23, 2011 - 7:08am
#5
Ed Glow
PC Doctor's picture
Offline
Joined: Dec 16 2008
I think US Gypsum also had their annual picnics there back in the 60's if I'm not mistaken. I was told many years ago that the train on South Main St. Rd. (near Wortendyke) was the one from Boulder Park but I don't know if that's a fact or not. I know there was a train there for many years but I don't know if it's the same one or if it's still there.
Top
July 23, 2011 - 10:15am
#6
Irene Will
Irene's picture
Offline
Joined: Feb 2 2009
We went there often when we were kids. I can remember that after that, any time we went to a carnival or even the County Fair I always thought - " OUR (Boulder Park's) merry-go-round is WAY better that THIS one. " Turns out it really WAS - it was a CLASSIC.
Top
July 23, 2011 - 11:05am
#7
Mardell Lamb
Mardell Lamb's picture
Offline
Joined: Apr 22 2009
Wow, have never heard of this park before. I've lived in Genesee Co. my entire life. How interesting! Appears that many good memories were made there.
Top
July 23, 2011 - 2:56pm
#8
Bea McManis
Bea's picture
Offline
Joined: May 4 2009
The steam train was a miniature one. It pulled open cars and took you once or twice around the park. Funny, how something that insignifcant left a lasting memory. At that time, too, the falls across the road had easy access. I can remember sitting on the slippery rocks, just above the falls, and dangling my feet in the rushing water. Boulder Park was in the death throes of a long gone era (much like Nu-Lake). It died in the wake of bigger, better, and faster technology. People now visit living history museums to experience what we fondly remember: A shady park where no one was rushed, where long lines didn't exist, and good boardwalk food. The difference is the museum parks are way more expensive.
Top
Premium Drupal Themes