Roller Coasters, Racism, and Chicago Home Movies
Reconsider Chicago amusement parks through the lens of home movies and a dunking booth game
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About
The popularity of the Midway Plaisance at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair spurred on the development of the American amusement park. Indeed, shortly after the Fair closed, amusement parks began to appear across the country, many located in and around Chicago.
This virtual tour offers you a brief history of select amusement parks in Chicago through the lens of home movies. It also details the racism behind a popular game adults and children played at these parks. Finally, with the help of our HD video camera, we'll walk to the current location of the sign that welcomed families to an amusement park in Melrose Park, IL, called Kiddieland.
NOTE: This virtual event includes historical material involving the use of offensive racial epithets.
Virtual Tour FAQs
How Do I Watch?
Unless listed otherwise, our virtual tours take place live on Facebook. Simply visit Chicago Movie Tours' Facebook Page at the scheduled time, and click PLAY on the live video.
(You do not need a Facebook account to watch live programs.)
Can I Get a Reminder?
Yes! If you'd like an email reminder, register here for the event at least 24 hours before it begins.
Can I Watch Later?
Virtual tours may not be available after their livestream. Because some of Chicago Movie Tours' virtual events include clips that may trigger social media censors, Facebook could remove the videos after the livestream, even though the material is considered fair use.
In short: it's a good idea to watch live.
How Do I Tip?
If you'd like to make a donation or tip, you may do so either
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When you register
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On our donation page
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Your generous tips and donations—which help to cover costs of livestreaming software, archive and research memberships, on-location travel for virtual tour video footage, and more—ensure Chicago Movie Tours can continue creating free and affordable in-person and virtual events.
Thank you! 💙
What's Included
Chicago Movie Tours' virtual tours incorporate the following, when applicable, to bring the subject matter to life:
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HD video
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High-quality photos
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Expertly designed animated slideshows
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Clips and screengrabs
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Maps (to orient you as you "travel" with us)
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Vintage newspaper articles and ads
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Classic movie fan magazine excerpts
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Well-researched commentary
Additionally, we always include opportunities for audience contribution.
