1950s
The 1950s ushered in some changes for LeSourdsville Lake as the park's image began to decline from its peak the previous decade. Big bands that once graced the Stardust Gardens Ballroom throughout the week were now featured on weekends only. Edgar renovated the bathhouse to accommodate the large number of swimmers the park serviced each year. The brick addition to the bathhouse also "provided a fire resistive barrier between the wood frame building bordering the midway." In addition, Edgar constructed "self-service lunch counters" facing the midway. The self-service concept was reportedly the first self-serve lunch counter operating at an amusement park.
New rides for 1951 included a Rock-O-Plane and Tilt A Whirl. By 1954, Edgar was manufacturing his own line of turnpike cars in a partnership with Oxford, Ohio resident Frank Dodd. Kiddieland, located where the picnic shelters stand today, saw five new rides added, including a new steel coaster called the Jack Rabbit. In 1956, the Turnpike ride was built next to the Screechin' Eagle roller coaster.
Edgar and Don realized that more had to be done to modernize LeSourdsville Lake. Disneyland opened in 1955 to such rave reviews from the public that they expected other parks to become just as modern and clean. At Cedar Point, a multi-million dollar renovation was under way by 1957 in an attempt to become the "Disneyland of the Midwest." Edgar and Don decided to take out a loan and initiate a multi-year improvement plan.
In 1957, a stone tower and fountain were constructed at the main entrance. Edgar and Don were ready to enter 1959 with a new vision. However, Don Dazey died in June 1959. Edgar was lost without Don's ability to work with the staff and customers alike. Edgar's role had been mainly behind the scenes developing new revenue sources for the park and developing a plan for the park's future.
A local bank required Edgar to immediately pay off the outstanding loan. Edgar decided he did not want to chance taking on a partner he couldn't get along with so the expansion plans were dropped and the park was put up for sale.
Read more about this topic: Americana/Lesourdesville Lake Amusement Park