Big Dipper - The Chutes Years
(1922-1929)
1922 saw the opening of a Prior and Church proto-type coaster. The BIG DIPPER! Built within the design specs of Prior and Churches NEW, 'Double out and Back' style. it was quite a ride! Once again, this was a cutting edge coaster concept!
Arthur Loof had all his coaster and rides built by his own team of workers. It is often heard that Arthur Looff built the Big Dipper. Meaning that he came up with the design and built the thing.... people have confused BUILDING with DESIGNING. Yes, Arthur built the Big Dipper, but he didn't design it. ;-) He also BUILT the Giant Dipper in Santa Cruz. In two months, no less! But, Arthur didn't design the Giant Dipper either.... It too was a Prior and Church design.
In 1922, Chutes at the Beach had three major attraction rides; The Chutes, Bob Sled Dipper and the Big Dipper. Quite a lineup for any park in those times.
The Big Dipper was an instant hit. People lined up for hours to ride the coaster!
More on the Big Dipper in the Whitney Years....
Marilyn Blasidell Collection
Constructing the South Tower James R Smith Collection
Quite a view! Original Beach Chalet can be seen on beCH IN BACKGROUND James R Smith Collection
Testing the Drops James R Smith Collection
Pushing the cars up the hills wasn't fun part! James R Smith Collection
Looking North to the Chutes James R Smith Collection
Coming off the lift hill.... The Dipper didn't make a huge drop off the lift hill. It kinda made a huge diagonal dip and back up again. Only to flying into that sharp FLAT 260 degree U-turn. James R Smith Collection
Station and loading area MArilyn Blasidell Collection Kennywoods Thurderbolt! Take a Ride!
Newspaper Boy day. Bill Smit greet passengers. Bill will work in and around Playland for the next 50 years. James R Smith Collection
Ride Coney Islands Cyclone!
Police photo post a body being found in a Dipper Car. I think Bill Smit is the guy with the hat! ;-)
Bancroft Archive
Prior and Church's Tornado Coaster, Coney island. Take a ride
From Cabrillo and across La Playa
Aerial
Take a ride on Prior and CHurch's Bobs at RIverview Park
Bottom of the big drop. Note the track goes about 8-10 feet underground. The height was 80 ft, so the big drop must have been between 75+ feet, maybe even 80.
from teh Dutch Windmill
through the park. Dipper's South end. SFMTA
Why are their NO photo from Great Highway? Posta=card
Ride Germany's Oldest Coaster! -SFPL
Not the 20's, but I have to spread em out...
