Kiddieland Closing | Chicago, America Losing its Childhood

Of Kiddieland and things past

“The time at our disposal each day is elastic; the passions we feel dilate it, those that inspire us shrink it, and habit fills it.”
- Marcel Proust, “Remembrance of Things Past”

When something that was a cherished part of your childhood goes away, inspired days are replaced by tomes of old habit. It is a cause for sadness. Such is the case for many who grew up in Chicago during the past 81 years, for Kiddieland soon will be no more. Even if the owners borrow money or a get a quick loan, it won’t change the fact that the Chicago institution is going to close.

The city’s oldest operating amusement park

Kara Spak reports for the Chicago Sun-Times that after 81 years of operation, Kiddieland will be closing its doors come Fall 2009, when the tourist season closes. That’s when the owner’s current lease on the park expires, according to co-owner Tom Norini.

Kiddieland was founded in 1929 in Chicago’s Melrose Park. The closure follows a dispute between the park and land owners.

“It’s sad and it’s disappointing but it’s just a business thing,” Norini said. The park, which featured the types of rides and games ideally suited for young children, was a Chicagoland tradition. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Kiddieland Closing | Chicago, America Losing its Childhood"