Thompson changed the name back to Magic Harbor, and themed the park A British Amusement Park. 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. The park originated as a Wild, Wild West Theme Park in the 1960,s complete with Cowboys, Indians, gunfights and more. 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. I dont remember the giant Ferris Wheelit may have been there in the 60s or early-mid 70s before I began visiting Myrtle Beach. Blayne- My memories of that time have become insanely romanticized and it is very sad for me to hear that it has all been flattened. Rebranding its Pavilion Nostalgia Park built in 2007, Broadway at the Beach expands its amusement offerings into the new Pavilion Park. The top 10+ magic harbor myrtle beach March 2023 Ring Run Circus The Thompsons packed up and left town. It was my best friends step father that was murdered Labor day weekend in 1976. or Magic Harbor Amusement Park - Vintage Myrtle Beach | Native Sons What fun memories I will always have from Magic Harbor, circa 1983+. grounds began to take on a sinister look for several years. I grew up along the Grand Strand and still live here today. And yeah I guess Blayne Perry should have it down as to who ran what..his family ownes Lakewood CG. My dad wasnt given the park to make a go of it whatsoever. North & South Carolina & Georgia - Amusement Parks Former status: Operated. This focal point of the mall was claimed to be the worlds largest. Himalaya while the buildings and grounds were spruced up and given a new coat of paint. Rainbow Harbor Shopping Center. Perhaps the most memorable of all the malls features was its huge lighted clock. There wasnt a local person ,as Malone put it, who took over the Water Slide, and put up portable rides in the parking lot It was the manager of Magic Harbor who had come over from Blackpool with the Thompsons. The next owners were not from Blackpool, England, but were the owners of the neighboring campground Lakewood Camping Resort. money was spent turning the old grounds into a Great, New European Themed British Though not affiliated with the original park, another nearby attraction adds to the draw of downtown Myrtle Beach when the Astro Needle Amusement Park opens across the street from the Pavilion at the corner of Chester Street and Eighth Avenue North. Yeah, Magic Harbor was on US-17 north of 544 and south of Myrtle Beach State Park. Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Date: 1980. Myrtle Beach Pavilion: Myrtle Beach: 1948-2006 Springs Park Lancaster . Christian Music Festival, Coastal Uncorked, The Native Sons Salt Games, Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest and the Sunday Celebrations concert series, but nothing with the impact of this new event. I wasnt the best worker in the world and even got sick in the hot sun lol I remember the cheese of all things and I remember wrecking with Tina pace on the witches cauldron. A Sky-Ride carried park patrons to and from an island located on the lake. 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. The site is now occupied by two campgrounds. Originally built for $1.5 million, the coaster first operates on the south side of Myrtle Beach at a British-themed amusement park called Magic Harbour but is purchased by the pavilion when that park closes. It is kind of out of place considering the era the movie was set in. Myrtle Beach Remembered - (Almost) Forgotten History - DNS2Go new buildings and midways were created. Rhonda was a cast member for many years (including the days at Magic Harbor). Over its decades-long run, Sun Fun welcomed tens of thousands of guests and became the longest running festival in the area. It was complete with British Carneys, an Ice Show (where the dolphin show used to be), and Benny Hill style shows and street performers. Blayne is correct, the Wild West park was not there. Opening in 1975 and measuring more than 440,000 square feet, the mall was mammoth for its time. The Perry family created the longest running live show in Myrtle Beach, High Steppin Country. Haunted Magic Harbor/Pirate land-Myrtle Beach, SC Okay, okay, we aint movin! Indeed, tragic accidents may have happened there along the way but it sure provided hours of entertainment to many people. The park did continue to operate as-is after Sherris death, but there were continuous lawsuits against Blackpool Pleasurebeach, LLC from the time of their purchase by local groups, not to be named here, who greedily felt they should have the park and not an international company, even though Blackpool introduced the Worlds Largest Ferris Wheel, at that time and make Magic Harbor a great place. The shopping center ran successfully for three decades before shutting down for good in 2005. This park was commonly referred by locals as "Haunted Harbor" here's a brief history why. 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!) The Park wasnt a Wild Wild West Show Park. Myrtle Beach's Magic Harbor earned the nickname "Haunted Harbor" after a 13-year-old girl was thrown from its Black Witch coaster on April 3, 1983. The mall was the Skywheel of its time, appearing in endless family pictures in Myrtle Beach in the 1980s. . Magic Harbor operated under various owners from the 1960's to the mid 1990's. Maps Road Maps. The indoor ice rink was located there as well, only, its wasnt real ice. As young girls I think we all fell in love with any number of cute high school guys working there each and every summer! (Now, Cagneys Old Place: 9911 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach (Now, Astroneedle Amusement Park: Between 8th Avenue North and Chester Street (Now, Rivoli Theatre: 904 Chester St. in Myrtle Beach (Now Ground Zero Teen Club), Chapins department store: Open from 19281992 on U.S. 501 near Kings Highway (Now, The Purple Gator: Concert venue in the 1980s to mid-90s in Myrtle Beach, located at the Magnolia Shopping Center off of Kings Highway near, Marvins Food & Games: 918 N. Ocean Blvd., along Myrtle Beach Boardwalk (Now, Gatlin Brothers Theatre & Ronnie Milsap Theatre: Two separate show venues open in the mid-1990s in the Fantasy Harbour area (Now Christ United Methodist Church and Beach Church, respectively), Camelot Theatre: Open from the late 1960s to early 1990s at 1901 N. Kings Hwy. This ride features frogs, lions, zebras and dragons with only a single lead horse which makes it quite unique for its time. Inversions: 0. 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. Magic Harbor | Myrtle beach, Abandoned places, Beach life - Pinterest The first in many deaths occurred as a Stage Coach Ride tipped over and Killed one person while hurting several others. Details. Bret Malone must not have thoroughly researched his article. South of Myrtle Beach in Surfside Beach, the owners of Magic Harbor also had a few roller coasters of their own. I went to the magic shows when I was a child. The victim fell nearly 40 feet to his death and another rider in that car also fell, hitting other cars before eventually holding onto the frame of the ride and being rescued by park workers and firefighters. Corkscrew - Magic Harbor (Surfside Beach, South Carolina, United States) I was just trying to clarify Bret Malones misinformed recounting of the Parks history. As far as I know, they still own and operate Lakewood Camping Resort. It featured an Opera House, train, sternwheel boat, chairlift out to Skull Island and back on Buccaneer Bay where an alligator lived, as well as a puppet show, pirate fights, an aquatic show(I think), a pirate museum, and a then-new log-flume ride. I live and grew up in the community thats right across 17 from where Magic Harbor used to be. You write: following year. With more than 10 million visitors per year, we aim to provide users with the most comprehensive vacation planning guide for the Myrtle Beach area with more than 1,000 hotels, restaurants and attractions. Can some refresh my memory and tell me what year that took place. Art & Soul. I can barely but do remember visiting Pirateland as a child. More corrections I was a performer at Magic Harbor in 1986. 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. Thanks to all for sharing! 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. Her parents did sue and won. As horrific as her death was, you all make it worse with comments like that. candidate). Tony was our production manager. Located 4 miles south of Myrtle Beach on the old Other rides at the amusement park included bumper cars, a dark ride and other carnival rides. In all the toll from the accident was one killed and 8 injured, with four riders having fallen out of the ride. The first in many deaths occurred as a herefor the special page of Pavilion pictures. The Perry family (Phil, Tony, Rhonda, Gail) treated us like gold. Oh my goodness I stumbled across these posts while doing some research for a trip and I so enjoyed this little walk down memory lane. Rained most of the time but didn't matter. Now I cant say how all that worked there where treated, but I do know that I never saw anyone unhappy at thier job. I only seem to remember the chair lift to Skull Island. Trust me, we didnt like them there any more than anyone else. I can precisely say NOT ONE of them was from England, as you incorrectly wrote. 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. Every time we went I had to check out the pavilion. This upscale district features shopping, dining, and the Grand Park Athletic Complex, one of the largest in the area. Defunct Roller Coasters: 3. It sat unused for years, until, as Malone says, they bulldozed the whole thing. 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. A longtime favorite, the Galaxi roller coaster shuts down after the 1997 season and is moved to the NASCAR Speedpark in Myrtle Beach. Geoffrey Thompson owned three additional amusement parks in England and never maintained an office in Myrtle Beach. The Thompsons packed up and left town. The building features various amusements, including a bowling alley, a .22-caliber shooting gallery, and an area for dining and dancing. It did not make wise financial sense for Mr. Thompson to continue to invest money into MH when he was constantly paying unwarranted attorney fees to defend what he rightfully purchased and tried to do well. Please email any pictures you would like to share to scharettbonnie@gmail.com. Ive ridden it at Magic Harbor. At that time, oceanfront lots sell for $25, and buyers receive an extra lot if they build a house valued at $500 or more. The basically gave it to him to see if he could make a run of it, because he didnt want to return to England He liked Myrtle Beach. 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. After celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2011, the event was canceled due to financing, but came back in 2016 and continues today. I wish I could find the picture of my dad Ronald Tucker when he was on top of that alligator lol I had a very memorable summer there. It was a miserable failure, and the city finally shut it down (it actually looked like a traveling side show, and employed a lot of unsavory characters imported from England). They pass by it on the Boulevard. Before country legend Dolly Parton ever strapped on a costume to promote Pirates Voyage, she opened the Western-themed Dixie Stampede in 1992. (Oh yeah! It really takes me back. Man convicted in double homicide rejected in - Myrtle Beach Sun News And I had forgotten how the park changed into The Lighthouse Christian amusement park. The highlight of our trips would be to tan on the campground beach all day listening to Duran Duran and then spend our evenings walking around the park, the High Stepping Country shows blaring adn thumping in the background, taking in those endless summer evenings. Its signature ride was the large Astro Needle, which was 200 feet high and rotated as it moved up and down. Growing up and first few years going to Myrtle, I remembered seeing another your own Pins on Pinterest That was a LONG time ago! We also have friends that own property in Pirateland Campground and have stayed there numerous times. Citing financial instability, Burroughs & Chapin announces that the Myrtle Beach Pavilion Amusement Park will close at the end of the 2006 season. He would put coins in & yell Break out! just like he was a teenager himself; It was his Rebel call, I guess. It was sold to the Myrtle Beach Pavilion where it remained until it was replaced with the Hurricane coaster. Though it is never proven, many believe it is one of these fires which causes the demise of the wooden structure. him with a gun while robbing that day's money take. By signing up, you agree to receive our weekly newsletter, deals, and other occasional updates. There was an accident, but it didnt close the park. some things really trigger my memories of being there. Financial issues, changes in ownership, and deaths attributed to the park's failure. These days, the dinner-and-a-show entertainment continues nightly, but was re-themed in 2011 as Pirates Voyage. only caused more people to refrain from visiting. I was 6 years old. Another business group bought the park and turned it into a more traditional type of amusement area with classic rides. Tony ran the sound system and lights for High Steppin Country and we were there almost every night during my many trips to the beach that summer. The cowboys and rodeo queens have been replaced by high-flying, swashbuckling buccaneers, but nonetheless, these shows play a part in many Myrtle Beach memories. I was 19 years old. Those were some of the best summers of my life. MYRTLE BEACH Pirateland and Lakewood campgrounds could soon own the property they operate on, potentially ending a decades long lease agreement with the city of Myrtle Beach. It seemed to us that the people who worked at Magic Harbor and the cast of HSC were more like family than co-workers. Originally called PirateLand, it was renamed for its 1975 re-opening with a revamped British theme. Yes it was. Want to remember it first-hand? Despite several down years leading up to the closure, the park experiences a renaissance in its Farewell Season with increased business, and several online petitions circulate in an effort to save the park. My dad made the best attempt to keep Magic Harbor and Magic Mountain running, but it was by NO fault of his that it closed. What happened to the Ferris Wheel and Black Witch? Maps. I operated the upside down roller coaster there in the mid 70s. Also in 1954, Hurricane Hazel slams the Myrtle Beach coast, wiping out many oceanfront businesses and landmarks, including piers and portions of the boardwalk. park is commonly referred by locals as "Haunted Harbor" here's a brief history I used to stare at it almost every day as I was at Sportsworld Roller Rink across Hwy 17 (now Wings World, yuck). PirateLand & Magic Harbor: Theme parks open from mid 1960s to early 1990s at 4901 S. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach (Now PirateLand Campground) KISS Coffeehouse: Rock-themed coffee shop at 1320 Celebrity Square at Broadway at the Beach (Now Rooster's Restaurant & Bar) The park originated as a Wild, Wild West Theme Park in the 1960,s complete with Cowboys, Indians, gunfights closed due to this and bad word of mouth. Now if only theyd ever finish the Highway 74 project thats been in the works for decades, perhaps traveling to Myrtle Beach would really be a breeze. 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. My family and I would stay at the Firebird Inn while we were traveling there in the early nineties. The parks signature rollercoaster, the Hurricane: Category 5, is built for $6 million and becomes the tallest, fastest and longest wooden coaster in South Carolina. The Thompsons packed up and left town. The park did continue to operate as-is after Sherris death, but there were continuous lawsuits against Blackpool Pleasurebeach, LLC from the time of their purchase by local groups, not to be named here, who greedily felt they should have the park and not an international company, even though Blackpool introduced the Worlds Largest Ferris Wheel, at that time and make Magic Harbor a great place. Senior Citizens from the local Magic Harbor Map 1980 | ThemeParkBrochures.net MYRTLE BEACH PAVILION AMUSEMENT PARK Ocean Blvd 8th-9th Ave N The amusement park across Ocean Blvd is also closed and torn down. I have tons of pictures from one day at each one yet not enough of the place where I grew up and became the person I am today. 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. Later, as a late teen myself, I worked at the Western theme Christian rework of the park to run a shop and do the gunslinger show, where nightly I got gunned down by the sheriff, all in good Christian fun. 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. 17 N. in North Myrtle Beach (Now, Around The World In 18 Holes: Oceanfront mini golf course open in the 1960s and 70s next to, The Pink House: Open from 19472005 as an inn, restaurant, and holiday shop at 4301 N. Kings Hwy. Everyone always had a smile on and was having a wonderful time. Magic Harbor (Surfside Beach, South Carolina, United States) Even with the addition of many highways over the past several decades, getting from place to place can still be a dicey proposition during the busy season. I went to Pirateland the first time in 1967. My Mom and I both worked in the park. My family lives in western NC and camped annually at Lakewood from around 1976 until I was in junior high around 1984. You write: Magic Harbor was an amusement park located south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina that operated from 1954 until the mid-1990s. Booked. My hubby and I rode the rides on our honeymoon! The 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade opens, running along the oceanfront side of the old pavilion lot. Did anyone here ever visit Magic Harbor park? (Myrtle Beach, SC) MCW MyrtleBeach.com is the Grand Strands largest privately- owned tourism portal. Myrtle Beach, SC. Many performers and techs have gone on to work in Las Vegas, New York, television, film, and the recording industry. In the early 70s I worked there as a early teenager and my older brother was one of the Pirates. The Myrtle Beach Pavilions first roller coaster, the Comet Jr., opens in 1951. Now my dad has passed away and I sit almost daily trying to find out anything I can about him. Such teenage memories of friends and fun a very memorable place. there were a lot of state fair type rides that werent part of the original MH. Name Type Design Scale Opened Closed; Corkscrew: Steel: Sit Down: Extreme: . The work of the Perry family has had a significant, positive impact on the economy of Myrtle Beach and countless young people. Any remembrances would be appreciated. Previous coasters Corkscrew 1975-1977 Yes, there was a robbery/murder, but it was actually the owner who was killed as someone broke into his home to rob and murder him. It is proving to be quite successful for both Pirateland and Lakewood; and there seem to be no reports of hauntings. Myrtle Beach Remembered - (Almost) Forgotten History 7 Closed Myrtle Beach Amusement Parks (R.I.P) - CondoLux; 8 Haunted Magic Harbor/Pirate land-Myrtle Beach, SC; 9 Magic Harbor, Myrtle Beach Amusement Park Poster ."Haunted; 10 Magic Harbor Surfside Beach, SC; 11 15 Most Deadly Roller Coaster Accidents - Grunge; 12 10 Abandoned Amusement Parks With Horrific Histories [Disturbing] 13 . We were and are still so sad it's gone. The corkscrew roller coaster was at Magic Harbor first. in Myrtle Beach, next to, PirateLand & Magic Harbor: Theme parks open from mid 1960s to early 1990s at 4901 S. Kings Highway in Myrtle Beach (Now, KISS Coffeehouse: Rock-themed coffee shop at 1320 Celebrity Square at Broadway at the Beach (Now Roosters Restaurant & Bar), NASCAR Cafe: Themed restaurant at corner of 21st Avenue North and U.S. 17 Bypass (Now, Broadway Theatre: Movie theater at 811 Main St. in downtown Myrtle Beach (Now Encore Video Productions), The Pad: Shag club at Main Street and Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach from 19551987 (Now part of, Club Kryptonite: Off of U.S. 17 Bypass near 29th Avenue North (Now. Fourteen new rides including several carnival-style flat rides and new concessions are added to the park. It was after the removal of the Corkscrew that the park went downhill by means of several changes of ownership. Closed Amusement Parks in Myrtle Beach (R.I.P) - Myrtle Beach Vacations Back in the 1990s, the Waccamaw Factory Shoppes were the place to shop in Myrtle Beach. When the legal fees continued to mount, Mr. Thompson had no choice but to cut his losses. The park featured six roller coasters during its run, including smaller rides like the Comet Jr., Galaxi, Little Eagle, and Mad Mouse, as well as full-size coasters like the steel looping Corkscrew and the parks signature ride, the Hurricane: Category 5. The former Pretzel ride building was converted into an Arcade though. T., Sorry to have not given more details about the murders to include the others murdered back in 1976. Magic Harbor - Wikipedia As a new generation of visitors experience the joys of the pavilion at Broadway at the Beachs latest incarnation Pavilion Park many in the older generation are left missing the original. I spent a lot of time there the summer of 1980. 1.2 mi. Homesickness strikes again lol. The Sun News of Myrtle Beach reported Saturday that four companies challenging a foreclosure lawsuit filed responses in court saying the mortgage holder and the owner of Freestyle Music Park are actually the same entity. Not sure who the manager of the slide was at the time but she adored him and his family. Facebook Teresa Caffrey Taylor. Jul 20, 2016 - This Pin was discovered by Maria Sellers. We always made sure we had pockets full of quarters because Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede and Q-bert were ALL the rage! Maybe some people have used the term, but it isnt widespread or common. 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? Witnesses said the girl, Sherri Depew, was seated properly for the ride, but her lap bar came undone partway through. I watched them put it together and their grandson and I were the first to ride it. Your email address will not be published. Originally called PirateLand, it was renamed for its 1975 re-opening with a revamped British theme. While were remembering nights at Mother Fletchers and other popular nightlife spots, you might recall the drinks being stronger in Myrtle Beach than anywhere elseand youre right. She didnt stand up, the bar that held you securely in the ride malfunctioned and didnt lock. 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 Great fun but it only lasted one year under that ownership. Getting an airbrushed t shirt out front and hearing all the screams from people riding the rides. Ive lived horry county all my life and havent heard of Haunted Harbor. Fun times at Mother's Fletchers as well., Going to concerts at the Attic. Her younger brother was also murdered then. Magic Harbor was an amusement park located south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina that operated from 1954 until the mid-1990s. The park had struggled to make it and this only caused more people to refrain from visiting. So, its highly unlikely that Blaynes account is untrue. Magic Harbor (Surfside Beach, South Carolina, United States) Removed, Operated. Both The Freaky Tiki and Mother Fletchers Myrtle Beach locations became the completely rebuilt and renovated 8th Ave Tiki Bar. The park originated as a Wild, Wild West Theme Park in the 1960,s complete with Throughout the late 1950s and into the 1960s, the area surrounding the Myrtle Beach pavilion thrives. A tribute to the classic era of Myrtle Beach attractions that once lined the coastline. 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. Surfside Beach, South Carolina, United States. Ive had many jobs since and none have ever treated its employees as well as we were all treated at Magic Harbor. Secondly the manager from Blackpool to whom you referred is my father, Carl. The rides across the street were great too. The 1.2-mile Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade opens, running along the oceanfront side of the old pavilion lot. Dancing under the benches beside the Pavilion. Discover (and save!) vacant, awaiting a new beginning or another use possibility? This article was copied form the Defunct Amusement Parks Website from an article written by Bret Malone. Perry has many more details than I can recall, but from the ones I can remember, his information is consistent with my recollection. It was truly a beautiful place as it was located When fans remember the old Myrtle Beach of the 1980s and 1990s, Mother Fletchers, Freaky Tiki, Purple Gator, and the Pavilion all come to mind. Id love to be able to go again, it was a awesome place! company that owned "Blackpool Pleasure Beach" bought into the park. The place just never recaptured that magic (no pun intended.) I remember the last time I went and I think possibly the last time it was open. HOTEL MYRTLE MAGIC MYRTLE BEACH, SC (United States) - from US$ 79 | BOOKED The park closed due to this and bad word of mouth. Not to mention alot of GOOD friends where made for life times. The pavilion adds its first steel roller coaster, the Corkscrew. coaster and was nearly decapitated, she died. Some insist life moved at a slower pace back then and fondly remember visiting in the 1970s and early 1980s, before Myrtle Beach tourism and development really took off.