The
"Whacky Shack" located in Waldameer Park, Erie PA is a wonderful example of a
Bill Tracey designed ride. Waldameer wanted to replace an earlier Dark Ride, the Pretzel
built "Fun-In-The-Dark", an early series of rides the company did in many places
including Coney Island and Bertrand Island. Both William Cassidys Pretzel Ride
Company and Mr. Tracey bid to build the new ride, with Tracey winning and creating another
one of his popular rides, possibly utilizing the "Hush-Puppy" ride car system.
The "Whacky-Shack" was one of three of Mr. Traceys most popular and
haunting fronts, the others being his "Kooky Castle" and "Haunted
House" facades. This ride is very well known by enthusiasts for its decreasing
hallways, the #1, Giant Rat stunt, and the "#18 Skull Stunt. This is a classic Tracey
design, and a later work in his career, being built in 1970-1971. Other examples of
Traceys work along with his association with the Messmore and Damon Company would be
built on several New Jersey Piers and in amusement parks from Maine to Florida, and all
the way west to Kansas. About a dozen or so of his twisted and demented, yet gracefully
made rides are still in existence. This ride should receive a "Classically
Haunting" award for its contents and facade by enthusiasts |