This is a photo of the entrance gate to "Delta Village," which was an amusement park located in Tallulah, Louisiana, just across the river from Vicksburg. Delta Village lived and died in the 1970s. The park had about a half dozen rides, a petting zoo, a faux Old Western street, and a "Storybook Land." I went to Delta Village probably about 1973. What I remember most was the 'Wild West Medicine Show' which apparently featured a character named "Chief Running Wind" and a bunch of cowboys getting shot and falling off of the faux western buildings. This was like red meat for a ten year old boy, but in retrospect my aunt who took me deserves a medal of some sort. Not that I remember it, but Delta Village also had one of the first coin-operated, quick-draw skills game with a robot gunslinger, and you could watch a chicken play the piano for a nickel. There was a gravity house, a log flume, a train ride with a cave and a gorilla, and a boat ride with simulated explosions in the river (I'm sure I liked that too). Anyway, all was for naught, as Delta Village was kaput by the 1980s and so far as I know nothing at all remains of the park today. Please note in the photo the costumed folks on the left, including the rabbit. I hope for their sake this was taken in the winter months.
My grandmother lived in Greenville, and sometimes my mother and aunt would take us over there for the day when we visited. My cousin and I hung together and only had to check in with them periodically. It was a very safe place and I'm sure they felt fine turning us loose. I guess it was the late 60's or early 70's. You remember a whole lot more detail about it than I do. Thanks for the memories and photograph!
ReplyDeleteI was in third grade when we went, so it was the early 70s. I used to look for it every time we crossed over the Mississippi River from Florida or Georgia going to Arkansas. No wonder I couldn't find it since it closed in the 70s as well. Thank goodness for the internet. I thought perhaps I had dreamed it up
ReplyDeleteI was in third grade when we went, so it was the early 70s. I used to look for it every time we crossed over the Mississippi River from Florida or Georgia going to Arkansas. No wonder I couldn't find it since it closed in the 70s as well. Thank goodness for the internet. I thought perhaps I had dreamed it up
ReplyDeleteI worked there in the mid 70's I had the Mediciane Wagon Show- Chielf Running Wing Had a Trick riding Show- We all Did the Gunfights- Lary Thomas
ReplyDeleteMy dad was a logger 1972-1975, Mama would take me and 2 other girls there to Delta Village to play for hours in the summer. We felt safe. Ages11-13. Couldn't do that now. We had a blast. Thanks for posting this. I am well traveled and still remember that place as a fun, simple time.. Ann
ReplyDeleteI was visiting relatives in Monroe La in 72 I was 11 and my Aunt took us to Delta village. I had a great time. I miss the good old days when things were simpler. I also went to Six gun territory in Florida in the mid sixties. There was nothing high tech about it just good family fun. They also had gunfights just for fun.
ReplyDeleteMy mother would take my brother and I to Delta Village when we were young. I remember riding the slide and the ferris wheel and scaring my brother to death. (He won't ride a ferris wheel to this day!!) Those were simple times and the best family fun. Thanks for the memories. - Fern
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