Story Land
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- This page is about the New Hampshire theme park. For the Ontario park of the same name, see Storyland (Ontario). See New Orleans City Park for information about New Orleans' Storyland.
- Heritage New Hampshire redirects here.
Story Land is a theme park located in the village of Glen, New Hampshire, USA. It is owned and operated by the Morrell Corporation, a family business under the direction of R. Stoning Morrell, who took over when his father, Robert Morrell, died. One of the largest amusement parks in New England, Story Land has become the staple of tourism in the summer in the Mount Washington Valley. Since its opening in 1954, Story Land has provided magical memories for children and adults alike, along with nearby Heritage New Hampshire, also owned by the Morrell Corporation. Story Land does not release attendance numbers, but conservative guesses say approximately 3,000 people attend the park daily from June through August.
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[edit] Concept and construction
While stationed in Germany during its reconstruction after World War II, Robert Morrell and his wife, Ruth, met an Austrian woman named Frau von Arps who was selling little dolls based on storybook characters. The Morrells thought that the dolls were wonderful and bought a great many of them. Frau von Arps suggested that, when they returned home, they should build a little village around them for others to see. In 1953, just as Walt Disney was beginning to build Disneyland, Bob Morrell began to tinker away on a plot of land in Glen, NH, that was 'not even suitable for the road.'
In 1954, Morrell opened Story Land. It had just one ride: a ride on an old fire truck for five cents. Over the next years he would build up a team of hard workers and by his death towards the end of the 20th century, he would be named one of New Hampshire's greatest sons, with his 45-acre park.
[edit] "Pay one Price"
In the park's early years, Morrell realized that what people really wanted was convenience. Until the 1970s, all the food areas at Story Land dispensed 'free' food, which was paid for at the end of the day when the guests left. In the 1970s, Story Land adopted its current Pay-One-Price system. As of August 29, 2006, the price of a ticket at Story Land is $22.00, and includes all rides and shows. Food is now paid for separately (at the stands).
[edit] Keeping things local
Robert Morrell was a firm believer in keeping things local. He created the White Mountains Attractions Association to help bring the attractions of the Mount Washington Valley together, and he believed firmly that it was the duty of Story Land to give to the community.
Unlike other parks, Story Land does not have external vendors that operate stands inside the park. Only one of the park's food stands could be considered an external operation - it sells Dippin' Dots but is manned by a Story Land cast member.
[edit] Rides and Shows
- Huff, Puff & Whistle Railroad
- Alice's Tea Cups
- Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach
- Story Land Queen
- Pirate ship Bucaneer
- Antique German Carousel
- Silver Mine Tours
- Turtle Twirl
- Bamboo Chutes
- Polar Coaster
- Great Balloon Chase
- Crazy Barn
[edit] Shows
- The Farm Follies is a live interactive show describing the process of growing vegetables in a garden. It's hosted by Mr. Scarecrow in his garden.
- The Loopy Lab Launch is a live interactive show in which Professor Bigglestep and his two "assistants" try to launch a corn-and-mollasses-powered rocket to the Moon.
- Circus World is an animatronic show. A group of zoo animals sing about friendship.
[edit] Heritage
In 1976, Morrell Corporation opened up a new attraction called Heritage New Hampshire. Heritage is a walk through museum of New Hampshire history which features live demonstrations and shows, including an opportunity for adults to test drive the Segway HT. In 2006, it was announced that Heritage would close in October after its 30th season.
