Harrison Celebrates 65th Anniversary Of Freedomland U.S.A.

A presentation about Freedomland U.S.A., the popular American history theme park that was located in the Bronx (1960-1964), will be featured at the Harrison Public Library to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the park's debut. Freedomland opened on Father’s Day on June 19, 1960.

The presentation will feature the history of the park, a memorabilia display and contemporary artwork.

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June 19: 4 p.m., Harrison Public Library, Halperin Building, 2 Bruce Avenue, Harrison NY 10528. Event listing.

Each attendee will receive an authentic Freedomland entrance token Courtesy The Frank R. Adamo Freedomland U.S.A. Collection. Visit Freedomland again on Facebook, Instagram, X and Pinterest.

Besides social media and print/online articles, Freedomland’s history has been documented in two books, Freedomland U.S.A.: The Definitive History (Theme Park Press, 2018) and Freedomland U.S.A.: More Definitive History (Theme Park Press, 2024). Both books can be found on Amazon and other online retail sites.

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Established on filled marshland, Freedomland featured seven themed American history sections -- Little Old New York focused on lower Manhattan of the late 1800s, in Old Chicago of 1871 children and adults fought the great fire, The Great Plains of 1803-1900 showcased a fort and farmland, San Francisco of 1906 introduced a dark ride that simulated the devastating earthquake, The Old Southwest of 1890 incorporated the tough towns of the time, New Orleans celebrated Mardi Gras and was the location of the centennial commemoration of the Civil War, and Satellite City showcased contemporary and future space flight.

The theme park was created and built by C.V. Wood, Disneyland’s first employee who supported the efforts of the Disney brothers to create their park. He also designed other parks, including Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, and became involved with the Riverwalk in San Antonio and the community of Lake Havasu, Arizona, that features the relocation of the original London Bridge.

Former Disney employees, Hollywood and Broadway creative personnel, and talent from New York City television contributed to the creation of Freedomland. Unknown to Wood and his park creators, the many employees and Freedomland’s fans, landowner William Zeckendorf, Sr., local and state politicians, city planners and construction unions always considered the park a temporary occupant of the several hundred acres of marshland that were ripe for development in the northeast part of the borough. Their goal was to obtain variances that permitted residential and commercial construction on the property.

A negotiated agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers removed a land development moratorium of about 20 years and replaced the requirement with a five-year waiting period that conveniently coincided with the park’s short life. Following the removal of Freedomland, land preparation and construction began for Co-op City, which had been designed during the late 1950s. The housing development and its shopping center have occupied the site for the past 50-plus years.

Freedomland’s Connections To Westchester

Tens of thousands of Westchester County residents enjoyed Freedomland and a considerable number of people from the county worked at the park. Several Westchester communities also can boast about connections to the entertainment center.

Dobbs Ferry: About 25,000 people attended Preview Day on June 18, 1960. Children were treated to a parade through the park. Organized as a fundraiser, the day’s proceeds benefited several youth charities, including The Children’s Village Interfaith Chapel Fund.

Mamaroneck: Freedomland participated in a 1962 parade. Atop a park stagecoach were Penobscot Nation Chief Black Hawk (Elmer Attean), rodeo, stage and television actor Don Crabtree (part Native American who portrayed park cowboy Johnny Freedom), singer Elaine Spaulding and two Bronx sisters in Native American attire.

New Rochelle: Paul Ashley (Pasquale Sposato), a park creator, lived here. He was known for his puppets on local (Chuck McCann’s children shows) and national television programs.

Port Chester: After the park closed, “The American” sternwheeler, one of two such boats at the park, was moved to Greenwich, Connecticut. It later became a private party boat on the Port Chester side of the Byram River. It was destroyed accidentally during 2018.

Scarsdale: Lawrence Labriola Nurseries assisted the landscapers with preparation of the ground and the planting of shrubs and trees. Morgan Press printed many materials for the park and for guests at its Little Old New York shop.

Yonkers: Crown Paper Company supplied various products during the inaugural season. Resident musician Gene Krupa and his quartet appeared at the park.

White Plains: White Plains Iron Works provided structural steel and iron work for the construction phase.