Editor’s Note: Sandy Vasko is taking some time off. We are re-running one of her most popular columns.

By Sandy Vasko

Most people in Will County are aware of Dellwood Park in Lockport. It was created by the interurban rail as a destination at the end of the line, much like Electric Park in Plainfield.

But before Dellwood, and not far from it, was another amusement park, Riverview.

Unlike the Riverview some of us remember in Chicago, it was not big on amusement rides, but on horse racing. Set the way back machine for 1894:

The following description comes to us from the May through July 1894 editions of the Joliet News.

“Riverview Park is located on the Lockport street car line about a mile north of the prison, on high ground commanding a fine view of the Des Plaines valley. It is divided into two parts: One for the race track, amphitheater and over 250 box stalls for horses, which is unexcelled for the purpose.

“The other occupies the north half of the grounds and is most delightfully arranged for picnic purposes. A high fence divides it from the race course. Its surface is gently rolling toward the northwest and northeast from a point near the center. Here stands a pavilion that will comfortably seat 1,500 people and is to be used for the women’s exhibit of the Will County Fair. North of this is another commodious building for serving lunches, ice cream, etc., and east of it two more smaller ones for similar purposes. These are all supplied with water and sewers to carry off the waste.

“A heavy carpet of blue grass spreads over every part of the grounds and ample shade trees are scattered around this beautiful spot just as nature left them. Permanent tables have been built with benches under the friendly shade of these trees for the free use of guests. Without the least doubt this is the prettiest park in Will County and must eventually become popular resort.”

And from the July 6, 1894 Joliet News: “The streams of people all pleasure bent turned toward Riverview Park all day Wednesday and gay turnouts with flag-bedecked horses filled all the available space near the amphitheaters. Lockport cars dropped their freight at the top of the hill after crawling slowly up and occasionally melting a fuse enroute.

“The continual caravan made the dust thick about the gate, but the weather man had a compensation – it was delightfully cool in the amphitheaters and during the hour waits between races the sporting enthusiasts could cool off while the beer enthusiasts at the bars beneath could cool up.”

“The bookmakers were fairly busy and the call, ‘Come up and bet your money,’ fell upon numerous ears not in vain. Considerable money changed hands at the little awning in front of the amphitheater.

“Handy to the bars were the usual gambling places where were stationed the roulette wheel and the rubber ball device, the latter ‘Dr. Rice’s’ hang out. ‘Dr. Rice’ appeared to be a favorite judging from the quarters and halves deposited on his smooth palm, but to the casual observer he seemed only to bring in dollar chances on ‘Morello’ and ‘Yo Tambien.’ The roulette wheel was the best patronized, however, maybe because it was handiest to the entrance and maybe because the refreshments were at that end.”

“Out in the center of the green plot inside the race course, the ‘Joliet’ (a hot air balloon) lay at safe anchor on the grass with the oven and salt barrel stove pipe sticking up near-by, for the balloon was to get its motive power from hot air. A curious crowd of boys and young men surrounded the outfit all day.

“There was one serious accident to mar sport at Riverview Wednesday that befell the unfortunate parachute operator, W. W. Jones, of St. Louis.

“Between the fourth and fifth race the professor announced he would make the ascent with his balloon, the ‘Joliet.’ It was fastened between two trees in the center of the green plat in front of the grand stand and when it had been filled a Mr. O’Brian grabbed the trapeze stick and up, he shot. At the same instant a drunken fellow grabbed a hanging rope and the air ship lurched to one side and swept the aeronaut through the tree and injuring him. He kept hold however till he had almost passed through the tree when he fell to the ground, a distance of about fifty feet, striking on his left leg and arms. One wrist was sprained, a compound fracture of the limb sustained, and his other arm broken.

“The nervy professional did not utter a cry till an attempt was made to lift him to a carriage, when he fainted. Dr. Kelly who was in the crowd attended to his injuries as best he could and the injured man was taken to the hospital. He is married and has a family in St. Louis. This morning, Mr. Jones was getting along as well as could be expected with so many broken bones. It is feared the limb will have to be amputated.”

In August of that year, the following inducements were published: “It is very easy to get to Riverview Driving Park. The Lockport street car line will bring you right to the gate. Fare only 5 cents.

“At Riverview Driving Park you are always close to the horses, and every move in the race is right before you. The horses pass the grand stand twice each heat of every race. There is no tame racing on a half-mile track. Your closest interest is with the horses and driver from start to finish.”

It is unclear to me if Riverview Park was sold and became Dellwood, or demolished. The description of the pavilions is very like the photos of the one at Dellwood. Obviously, more research is needed.

Sandy Vasko is past director of the Will County Historical Museum and Research Center, and now serves on the Board of Directors and Collections and Research Chair.