Edaville Railroad is auctioning off its amusement park relics this week like a mid-century yard sale on steroids—think 1950s Ferris wheels, psychedelic scramblers, and animatronic dinosaurs that’d make Jurassic Park’s John Hammond jealous. The roster reads like a vintage amusement catalog: a 1990 Zamperla Flying Turtles ride, 1964 Allen Herschell Astronaut spinner, and a trippy 1994 ARM Bone Shaker that probably launched a thousand stomachs. Auctioneer Darren Spieth is practically moonlighting as a ride therapist, hoping these mechanical retirees find new homes at nostalgic theme parks or eccentric private collectors.
The park’s pivot? Swapping kiddie rides for jousting festivals and doubling down on its cash-cow Christmas lights display. King Richard’s Faire moving in feels like Game of Thrones meets Polar Express—a Renaissance-meets-tinsel strategy to keep visitors coming. Pro tip: If you’ve got a soft spot for carousels, the 1986 Chance model and 2015 Cranberry Carousel (featuring Willey the Whale!) are prime targets. Just don’t forget the heavy-duty movers—everything must vanish by May 15.
Fun fact: Edaville’s 1953 Ferris Wheel predates Disneyland by two years, making it a silent witness to America’s postwar amusement park boom. For buyers, this auction’s a rare chance to own pre-digital, analog-era charm—the kind of machinery that powered family memories before smartphones existed. As Spieth notes, these rides aren’t just metal; they’re time machines.
Context & Background
Edaville Railroad, a historic 80-year-old family park in Carver, Massachusetts, rose to prominence for its heritage rail experiences and whimsical attractions like “Thomas Land.” Post-pandemic financial struggles led to new ownership in 2022, pivoting toward Christmas-themed events (accounting for 60-70% of revenue) and exploring housing development on surplus land. The auction marks a strategic shift as the park partners with King Richard’s Faire, New England’s largest Renaissance festival, to revitalize its offerings. Vintage rides like the 1953 Eli Ferris Wheel symbolize the park’s mid-century Americana charm, now seeking second lives elsewhere.