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Date Opened | Saturday 26 January 1907 #3 |
Promoter | F. G. Robson #4 |
Date Closed | December 1912? |
History |
On the 18 October 1906, the Argus reported: Among the various entertainments and amusements which are to be provided at St Kilda beach during the coming summer is an American contrivance called "The Figure Eight Coaster". A continuous track of rails, 900ft. long, is to rise from the level of the ground to a height of 40ft., in three tiers, each the shape of a figure eight. Cars to carry four persons will be haled to the top, and allowed to descend by gravitation, providing a sensation which is claimed by the management to be "thrilling, but absolutely safe". The right to erect the apparatus on the triangular block of land between Brookes's boat-shed and "Dreamland" was granted yesterday by the St KIlda Foreshore Trust.#1 By the end of January 1907 the ride was open and thrilling its patrons.
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Postcard, Dan Clifton collection, SLV image H84.233/19
Reference | Summary or [note] | |
1. | Argus 1906.10.18 p.4 | [Description of ride above]. |
2. | Prahran Telegraph 1907.01.05 p.5 | Ranged along the northern border of Dreamland is what is to be known as a Figure of Eight Roller Coaster. At the present time (owing to the strike it is said) the structure looks like a gaunt skeleton of some fairy castle'. |
3. | Prahran Telegraph 1907.01.26 p.5 | This afternoon, at 2.30pm, the new and novel sensation at the St Kilda Esplanade to be known as "the Figure 8", will be opened for the use of the public. [description follows] |
4. | Amusements, Argus 1907.01.31 p.12 | Advertisement: Get the Cobwebs out of you! Adults 6d, children, 3d. |
5. | Edwin Dickinson, The story of Australian Roller Coasters, 2012, pp.52-53 | [Reference to Robson's and other Figure Eights] |