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Coordinates: 37°46′48″N 122°25′54″W / 37.78000°N 122.43167°W / 37.78000; -122.43167
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==History==
==History==
===Haight Street Chutes===
[[File:Haight Street chutes.jpg|thumb|left|Haight Street chutes]]
[[File:Haight Street chutes.jpg|thumb|left|Haight Street chutes]]


In 1894, [[Paul Boyton]] conceived of the "Paul Boyton's Water Chutes" amusement ride in Chicago. Boyton began licensing the concept, and the attraction caught the attention of [[San Francisco]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opensfhistory.org/osfhcrucible/2020/07/12/haight-chutes-a-closer-look/|title=Haight Chutes: A Closer Look|work=OpenSFHistory|place=|date=|author= Arnold Woods|access-date=2023-06-21}}</ref> In1895, the "Shoot the Chutes" opened to the public on Haight Street, a few blocks east of [[Golden Gate Park]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner/119886803/|title=Death of an Old Citizen.|work=The San Francisco Examiner|place=San Francisco, California |date=November 13, 1880|page=3|access-date=2023-06-22}}</ref> Visitors boarded the boats stationed atop a tall structure, the ride included a 300-foot long descent down to a pool situated below.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle-the-chutes/126870113/|title=They Shot The Chutes.|work=San Francisco Chronicle|place=San Francisco, California |date=November 3, 1895|page=28|access-date=June 26, 2023}}</ref> On March 16, 1902, the Haight Street Chutes closed.<ref>{{cite book|last=Smith|first=James R.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kzrE2fXazUAC&dq=San+Franciscos+Lost+Landscapes+James+R.+Smith&pg=PT402|title=San Francisco's Lost Landscapes|work=Linden Publishing|date=2005|page=38|publisher=Linden |isbn=9781610351911 |access-date=2023-06-21}}</ref>
In 1894, [[Paul Boyton]] conceived of the "Paul Boyton's Water Chutes" amusement ride in Chicago. Boyton began licensing the concept, and the attraction caught the attention of [[San Francisco]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.opensfhistory.org/osfhcrucible/2020/07/12/haight-chutes-a-closer-look/|title=Haight Chutes: A Closer Look|work=OpenSFHistory|place=|date=|author= Arnold Woods|access-date=2023-06-21}}</ref> In1895, the "Shoot the Chutes" opened to the public on Haight Street, a few blocks east of [[Golden Gate Park]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner/119886803/|title=Death of an Old Citizen.|work=The San Francisco Examiner|place=San Francisco, California |date=November 13, 1880|page=3|access-date=2023-06-22}}</ref> Visitors boarded the boats stationed atop a tall structure, the ride included a 300-foot long descent down to a pool situated below.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle-the-chutes/126870113/|title=They Shot The Chutes.|work=San Francisco Chronicle|place=San Francisco, California |date=November 3, 1895|page=28|access-date=June 26, 2023}}</ref> On March 16, 1902, the Haight Street Chutes closed.<ref>{{cite book|last=Smith|first=James R.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kzrE2fXazUAC&dq=San+Franciscos+Lost+Landscapes+James+R.+Smith&pg=PT402|title=San Francisco's Lost Landscapes|work=Linden Publishing|date=2005|page=38|publisher=Linden |isbn=9781610351911 |access-date=2023-06-21}}</ref>


===Transition to Fulton Street Chutes===
[[File:Fulton Chutes.jpg|thumb|left|Fulton Chutes (1903)]]
[[File:Fulton Chutes.jpg|thumb|left|Fulton Chutes (1903)]]


Following the closure of the Haight Street Chutes in 1902, the amusement moved to Fulton Street in the Inner [[Richmond District, San Francisco|Richmond District]],<ref name=“Chutes”>{{cite web|url=https://www.opensfhistory.org/osfhcrucible/2020/07/19/fulton-chutes-a-closer-look/|title=Fulton Chutes: A Closer Look|work=OpenSFHistory|place=|date=|author=Arnold Woods|access-date=2023-06-21}}</ref><ref name=“Chutes”/> opening on May 1, 1902.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle-the-chutes/126872494/|title=Old And Young Shoot The Chutes|work=San Francisco Chronicle|place= San Francisco, California |date=May 2, 1902|page=14|access-date=2023-06-21}}</ref> In 1909 the Fulton Chutes were closed, the property was sold to a developer.<ref name=“Move”>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle-new-location/126873730/|title=The Chutes Will Move Down Town|work=San Francisco Chronicle|place=San Francisco, California|date=January 7, 1909|page=5|access-date=2023-06-21}}</ref>
Following the closure of the Haight Street Chutes in 1902, the amusement moved to Fulton Street in the Inner [[Richmond District, San Francisco|Richmond District]],<ref name=“Chutes”>{{cite web|url=https://www.opensfhistory.org/osfhcrucible/2020/07/19/fulton-chutes-a-closer-look/|title=Fulton Chutes: A Closer Look|work=OpenSFHistory|place=|date=|author=Arnold Woods|access-date=2023-06-21}}</ref><ref name=“Chutes”/> opening on May 1, 1902.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle-the-chutes/126872494/|title=Old And Young Shoot The Chutes|work=San Francisco Chronicle|place= San Francisco, California |date=May 2, 1902|page=14|access-date=2023-06-21}}</ref> In 1909 the Fulton Chutes were closed, the property was sold to a developer.<ref name=“Move”>{{cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/san-francisco-chronicle-new-location/126873730/|title=The Chutes Will Move Down Town|work=San Francisco Chronicle|place=San Francisco, California|date=January 7, 1909|page=5|access-date=2023-06-21}}</ref> Irving Ackerman, the son of the original owner relocated the operation to Fillmore Street.<ref name=“Ackerman”>{{cite web|url=https://www.opensfhistory.org/osfhcrucible/2020/08/09/fillmore-chutes-a-closer-look/|title=Fillmore Chutes: A Closer Look|work=OpenSFHistory|place=|date=|author=Arnold Woods|access-date=2023-06-21}}</ref>

===Irving Ackerman's vision===
[[File:Fillmore Chutes under construction.jpg|thumb|Fillmore Chutes under construction (1909)]]

Irving Ackerman, the son of Charles Ackerman, the original owner of the Chutes, made the decision to shut down the Fulton Chutes to relocate the operation to what he believed would be a more favorable site on Fillmore Street. This move marked a significant turning point in the Chutes' story, with a renewed commitment to providing exciting water-based attractions and entertainment to a growing audience.<ref name=“Ackerman”>{{cite web|url=https://www.opensfhistory.org/osfhcrucible/2020/08/09/fillmore-chutes-a-closer-look/|title=Fillmore Chutes: A Closer Look|work=OpenSFHistory|place=|date=|author=Arnold Woods|access-date=2023-06-21}}</ref>


Following the [[1906 San Francisco earthquake]], the Fillmore area emerged as the fresh commercial hub of San Francisco, as it had remained largely unaffected by the devastating earthquake and subsequent fire. Amidst the downtown area's reconstruction, one of the notable establishments to emerge was the Coney Island Amusement Park. On March 8, 1909, Irving Ackerman announced his acquisition of a 13-year lease for the Coney Island Park property. Ackerman committed $250,000 to relocate the Chutes to this site and enhance its facilities. Initially occupying a smaller space, Ackerman's vision encompassed expanding the property to encompass the entire block bounded by Fillmore, Webster, Eddy, and Turk Streets. Furthermore, he promised to introduce captivating new attractions to enthrall visitors.<ref name=“Move”/>
Following the [[1906 San Francisco earthquake]], the Fillmore area emerged as the fresh commercial hub of San Francisco, as it had remained largely unaffected by the devastating earthquake and subsequent fire. Amidst the downtown area's reconstruction, one of the notable establishments to emerge was the Coney Island Amusement Park. On March 8, 1909, Irving Ackerman announced his acquisition of a 13-year lease for the Coney Island Park property. Ackerman committed $250,000 to relocate the Chutes to this site and enhance its facilities. Initially occupying a smaller space, Ackerman's vision encompassed expanding the property to encompass the entire block bounded by Fillmore, Webster, Eddy, and Turk Streets. Furthermore, he promised to introduce captivating new attractions to enthrall visitors.<ref name=“Move”/>

Revision as of 00:12, 3 September 2024

Fillmore Chutes
Previously known as Haight Street Chutes
Fulton Street Chutes
The Chutes Filmore and Turk Streets, San Francisco, California

Fillmore Chutes is located in San Francisco County
Fillmore Chutes
Fillmore Chutes
Fillmore Chutes is located in California
Fillmore Chutes
Fillmore Chutes
LocationFillmore Street, San Francisco, California, Haight Street, Fulton Street
Coordinates37°46′48″N 122°25′54″W / 37.78000°N 122.43167°W / 37.78000; -122.43167
StatusDefunct
Opened1895
Closed1911
OwnerIrving Ackerman
Attendance4,000+

The Chutes of San Francisco (also known as the Fillmore Chutes was an amusement park located on Fillmore Street, in the Fillmore District of San Francisco, California, bounded by Webster, Eddy and Turk Streets.

History

Haight Street chutes

In 1894, Paul Boyton conceived of the "Paul Boyton's Water Chutes" amusement ride in Chicago. Boyton began licensing the concept, and the attraction caught the attention of San Francisco.[1] In1895, the "Shoot the Chutes" opened to the public on Haight Street, a few blocks east of Golden Gate Park.[2] Visitors boarded the boats stationed atop a tall structure, the ride included a 300-foot long descent down to a pool situated below.[3] On March 16, 1902, the Haight Street Chutes closed.[4]

Fulton Chutes (1903)

Following the closure of the Haight Street Chutes in 1902, the amusement moved to Fulton Street in the Inner Richmond District,[5][5] opening on May 1, 1902.[6] In 1909 the Fulton Chutes were closed, the property was sold to a developer.[7] Irving Ackerman, the son of the original owner relocated the operation to Fillmore Street.[8]

Following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the Fillmore area emerged as the fresh commercial hub of San Francisco, as it had remained largely unaffected by the devastating earthquake and subsequent fire. Amidst the downtown area's reconstruction, one of the notable establishments to emerge was the Coney Island Amusement Park. On March 8, 1909, Irving Ackerman announced his acquisition of a 13-year lease for the Coney Island Park property. Ackerman committed $250,000 to relocate the Chutes to this site and enhance its facilities. Initially occupying a smaller space, Ackerman's vision encompassed expanding the property to encompass the entire block bounded by Fillmore, Webster, Eddy, and Turk Streets. Furthermore, he promised to introduce captivating new attractions to enthrall visitors.[7]

The previous Chutes locations boasted a variety of exciting attractions that captivated visitors. Among them were the beloved Railway, merry-go-round, Circle Swing, shooting gallery, and photo studio. With the establishment of the new Chutes location, a fresh wave of amusements emerged, including the thrilling "Dante's Inferno" labyrinth, complete with hills and drops. Notably, the labyrinth featured the heart-pounding "Devil's Slide," where patrons could ascend via an escalator and then slide down steep slopes on small mats. Another exhilarating attraction was the human roulette wheel, where riders spun faster and faster until the centrifugal forces propelled them into the outer gutter. Additionally, visitors could enjoy their time in the lively Dancing Pavilion, while the outdoor screen showcased captivating motion pictures for everyone's entertainment.[9]

On July 14, 1909, the grand opening of the new Fillmore Chutes took place, attracting an enormous crowd of eager attendees. Opening day witnessed a remarkable influx of visitors, with throngs of people flocking to the park to experience the excitement firsthand. Such was the anticipation and enthusiasm that those who arrived in the afternoon made the wise decision to dine at the park, fearing that they might not be able to re-enter in the evening due to the expected surge in attendance. The vibrant atmosphere and high attendance on the inaugural day of the Fillmore Chutes spoke volumes about the public's eagerness to embrace this new entertainment destination.[10]

The Fillmore Chutes experienced significant success; however, its triumph was tragically short-lived. In the early hours of May 29, 1911, a devastating fire erupted, swiftly engulfing the premises. The source of the blaze was traced back to a barber shop run by the Bondy brothers. Reports suggested that a water heater left on without sufficient water triggered the ignition. Whether this was accidental or deliberate remained unclear, as the shop's owner had expressed ongoing conflicts with the brothers. The fire claimed the lives of three individuals and left seven others injured. While the newly constructed Chutes Theater building, made of concrete, survived the inferno, much of the surrounding park fell victim to the flames, resulting in extensive devastation.[11]

Following the destructive fire, Irving Ackerman made the decision not to rebuild the Chutes in its original location. Instead, the land was sold and repurposed for other ventures. The iconic Chutes attraction, beloved by many, vanished from the San Francisco entertainment scene. However, this was not the end of the story for the Chutes and their connection to the city. Though their physical presence had vanished, the spirit and legacy of the Chutes continued to linger in the hearts and memories of San Franciscans. The impact and imprint left by the Chutes on the city's cultural fabric ensured that they would forever hold a place in the collective consciousness of San Francisco, their legacy extending far beyond their physical existence.[8]

Legacy of the chutes

Playland's big Dipper

The Chutes of San Francisco carved a special place in the hearts and memories of those who experienced its wonders. It represented an era of innocence, joy, and communal amusement. Families and individuals flocked to the Chutes to escape the pressures of daily life, immersing themselves in a world of water-based delights. The Chutes not only brought joy to the people but also contributed to the local economy, attracting tourists and generating employment opportunities.[8]

The legacy of the Chutes of San Francisco paved the way for the emergence of Playland, a renowned amusement park that would captivate generations of San Franciscans. Playland, often referred to as Playland at the Beach, carried the spirit and entertainment ethos of the Chutes into a new era.[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ Arnold Woods. "Haight Chutes: A Closer Look". OpenSFHistory. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  2. ^ "Death of an Old Citizen". The San Francisco Examiner. San Francisco, California. November 13, 1880. p. 3. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
  3. ^ "They Shot The Chutes". San Francisco Chronicle. San Francisco, California. November 3, 1895. p. 28. Retrieved June 26, 2023.
  4. ^ Smith, James R. (2005). San Francisco's Lost Landscapes. Linden. p. 38. ISBN 9781610351911. Retrieved June 21, 2023. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)
  5. ^ a b Arnold Woods. "Fulton Chutes: A Closer Look". OpenSFHistory. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  6. ^ "Old And Young Shoot The Chutes". San Francisco Chronicle. San Francisco, California. May 2, 1902. p. 14. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  7. ^ a b "The Chutes Will Move Down Town". San Francisco Chronicle. San Francisco, California. January 7, 1909. p. 5. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  8. ^ a b c Arnold Woods. "Fillmore Chutes: A Closer Look". OpenSFHistory. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  9. ^ "New Chutes To Be Opened July 14". The San Francisco Call. San Francisco, California. July 4, 1909. p. 27. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  10. ^ "Splash And Hooray! Chutes Are Opened". The San Francisco Examiner. San Francisco, California. July 15, 1909. p. 7. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  11. ^ "Chutes Destroyed Early This Morning". San Francisco Chronicle. San Francisco, California. May 29, 1911. p. 1. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
  12. ^ Lubna Takruri. "Playland Historical Essay". FoundSF. Retrieved June 21, 2023.
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