Video: Memories of Tornado Roller Coaster

By Michael Quinn

I recall back in the 1970’s quite often seeing large areas of Coney Island’s amusement district billowing black smoke as I was traveling along the Belt Parkway in the back seat of my dad’s Oldsmobile.

Originally called the Bobs roller coaster the Frederick Church designed ride opened in 1926, the year after the Thunderbolt and only a year before the still operating Cyclone.

Once considered the “Haunted Roller Coaster” legend has it that roller coaster inventor L.A. Thompson’s ghost could be seen in the tower near the boarding station.  The tower was demolished in the 1940’s.

The narrow Tornado coaster extended along Stillwell ave from behind the Club Atlantis building (currently Tom’s Coney Island) to it’s Bowery entrance.

The “Amusement Department Store” as it was once referred, held at one time three haunted houses, a carousel, shooting galleries, concession stands, side shows and numerous games nestled underneath it’s narrow tracks.

I remember my father would often park his car near the Tornado closer to the Bowery side whenever he would take me to the amusement area for lunch.

Here’s news coverage of the demise of the Tornado Roller Coaster which endured many fires before being demolished in the late 70’s. Seeing the roller coaster in this condition brings back memories.

Thanks to Orlando Mendez for sharing this clip.