Waukesha Beach

In 1893, two Waukesha residents - P.J. Buckley and T.E. Ryan - purchased a portion of land along the southern side of Pewaukee Lake, where they built a pavilion and dining area. The two named their new plot Waukesha Beach.

At the turn of the century, Foster C. Phelps, owner of a Waukesha resort hotel and mayor of the City, purchased Waukesha Beach. He hired Ted Toll as manager, and the two men began to landscape their property, and build a dance pavilion. At first, Waukesha Beach was a nice, calm place to go and relax a bit. Visitors could take a leisurely stroll along the beachfront or go diving from an enormous platform.

Then, in 1910, the fate of the Beach changed as a small roller coaster, called the Figure 8, was constructed. The ride was immensely popular, drawing crowds in ever growing numbers, and subsequently causing an explosion of activity. Rides, concession stands, and games began to appear. More boats began to make stops at Waukesha Beach, and trolley lines began to arrive with visitors on a daily basis.

The ownership of the Beach passed to former manager, Ted Toll, who helped to bring a new level of excitement to the park. Two new roller coasters were added - the Hummingbird, and finally, "The Bob's". In addition to the roller coasters and rides, there was a fun house filled with mirrors and moving floors, as well as the 'Mystic Gorge'. Many other amusements awaited visitors, as Waukesha Beach was quickly becoming what it would eventually be advertised as - 'The Place To Go'.