Pontchartrain Beach
As New Orleanians remain scattered across the land, it seemed like a good time to remember a New Orleans of a kinder, gentler time. For those of us who grew up in the Crescent City during the middle of the last century, no fonder memories exist than those of Ponchartrain Beach Amusement Park. The Beach was our answer to Coney Island or Balboa Park, and many happy memories were made there. I hope that this page will bring some pleasant memories of what once was a great place to live, play and raise your family.
Approaching the entrance to Ponchartrain Beach from Elysian Fields Avenue. (Photo by John DeMajo)
 
PONCHARTRAIN BEACH was a popular attraction in New Orleans. The beach at the end of Elysian Fields was actually the third amusement park, in the city's history, to be located along the New Orleans Lakefront. In the late 1800's West End featured a board walk with mechanical amusement rides, live concerts, dining establishments and an outdoor theatre featuring silent films. Later, the park re-evolved on the site of the old Spanish Fort located where Bayou St. John meets Lake Ponchartrain. The Batt family, owners of a New Orleans ice manufacturing plant, began their involvement in amusement parks as a provider of ice for the Spanish Fort park. Later, Harry Batt formed Playland Amusements, a company which managed the city's amusement playgrounds including Ponchartrain Beach.
 
The Ferris Wheel, a signature ride at the Beach, whisked riders seventy-five-feet above the Midway, providing an outstanding view of the city and the lake. The Zephyr, however, was probably the beach's most famous ride through most of its history. (Photo by John DeMajo)
 
The Elysian Fields-Lakeshore Drive location was made possible by the creation of man-made land.
 
An ambitious Depression era project, by the Works Progress Administration, reclaimed almost a mile of land along the southern shore of Lake Ponchartrain. Sand was pumped from the lake bottom to form a new shoreline behind a concrete seawall which had been constructed by the WPA. Mr. Batt was politically well connected and was able to secure a long-term State lease on the prime real estate that now stood at the site of a former Nineteenth-Century vacation resort village known as Milneburg. (Historic photos courtesy of New Orleans Public Library) .
 
The old Milneburg lighthouse once sat well out over water in Lake Ponchartrain, and was a functioning aid to navigation into the 20th Century. The Nolan Family were lighthouse keepers with the U.S. Lighthouse Service, and they manned the beacon during the Milneburg era. After the land was extended several hundred feet beyond the lighthouse structure, the popular landmark became the centerpiece of the beach's "Kiddy Land" amusement section. Shown here in a 1970's photo by John DeMajo, the Milneburg Light remains today as part of the research park which now occupies the old beach site. It is listed on the U.S. Register of Historic Places.
 
Pontchartrain Beach boasted some of the most modern and daring rides manufactured by American and European builders. For many years, Harry Batt traveled the world in search of wilder and more attractive rides for the park. At the rear of the photo is the aircraft beacon, atop the Zephyr's highest hill, that could be seen from miles around.(Photo by John DeMajo)
 
 
The beach Carousel dated back to the late 1800's. Although music was later provided by recordings, the carousel contained a beautiful example of an air powered pipe organ built by the Wurlitzer Company. (photo by John DeMajo)
 
The German built WILDMAUS was one of the first rides that Harry Batt procured after World War II. For many years, the Maus was a major drawing card for beach thrill-seekers. (photo by John DeMajo)
 
While most of the younger set went to the beach to enjoy the rides and the water, there was no shortage of food, drink or entertainment at the park. Whether one's taste was for hotdogs, cotton candy or fine gourmet dining, the Beach had something for everyone. (photo by John DeMajo)
 
When it arrived at the Beach, the Galaxy was touted as one of the most exciting rides ever built.
 
The Haunted House was a popular attraction with the younger set. As the cars snaked along the semi-dark halls lined with ghouls and creepy characters from the our worst nightmares, many a kiss was stolen amongst the riders. (photo by John DeMajo)
 
Another ride brought in by Harry Batt in the 1960's heyday of the Beach was the Music Express which featured cars that spun in a circle while on a platform that spun in the opposite direction. It was definitely not a ride for the faint of heart, or stomach for that matter, (photo by John DeMajo)
 
While somewhat milder than the Haunted House, the Kooky Kastle dealt it's own variety of ghoulish sensationalism, (photo by John DeMajo)
 
This unique outdoor stage, located at the center of the Midway, hosted some of the world's most famous talent. From concerts to circus acts, to beauty contests, to Elvis Presley, the Beach Stage was unparalleled for entertainment in the New Orleans area. And the shows were FREE. (photo by John DeMajo)
 
Like the Galaxy, Music Express and Wild Maus, the Trabante tested the courage, endurance, and digestive system of the rider. (photo by John DeMajo)
 
When Putt-Putt Golf became popular, Harry Batt added a championship miniature course to the Beach. It was one of the finest Putt-Putt courses in the nation. (photo by John DeMajo)
 
This is a photo of the West End boardwalk amusement area and restaurant, forerunner to Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park. I am still trying to obtain rights to publish photographs of the Bali Hai Restaurant, an important fixture at the Beach and one of New Orleans famous restaurants of a by-gone era.(Historic photos courtesy New Orleans Public Library)
 
PLEASE NOTE: I am interested in obtaining copies of additional photographs of Ponchartrain Beach from anyone who views this page and who may happen to have interesting photos to share. If you are viewing this page and have photographs that you would like to publish and share with the public on this website site, please Email Us.