The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-05-11

About three years ago Captain n. Piz-
zini, Jr., conceived the idea of establish
ing an amusement park near the city and
terminals of the street railways. HIS
first idea was to purchase the tract OF
land north of Reservoir Park, fronting
some $50 to 400 feet on Beverly Street
and running back about J, 200 feet to the
Traction Co.'S claim. but owing to the
rivalry between the street car companies
he finally abandoned this idea, but not
until the Passenger and Power Company'S
directors had authorized him to purchase
the necessary ground and build the Ca
sino, which was done. Subsequently pur-
suing this same idea, he approached both
Of the managers of the street railways in
reference to purchasing the large tract
OF land lying east of Reservoir Park and
extending from Beverly to Ashland
Streets. AMI received such encouragement
from them that caused him to obtain
options on the tract and lne purchase
was about to be concluded when again it
had to be abandoned owing to disagree
n1ent between the companies and the
owners.
He finally concluded to restrict his ef-
fcrts to the establishment of the "Nata-
torium" and organize the West-End
Electric Park Company. For this pur-
the swimming pool established.
It is needless in this article to refer to
this enterprise, for as soon as it was
opened TO the public and was seen really
to be the first-class place which had been
promised, it became a fad" and the most
popular resort OF last summers stay at
home" people.
ONE ROUND OF PLEASURE.
Encouraged by the reception this en-
terprlse received, Captain Pzzni en-
larged his plans and purchased additional
land, embracing the beautifully grove at
the extreme south end of the tract and
land adjoining the Natatorium on lie
north. and gave out contracts for the
enlargement of the Natatorium by Jas
additional bathrooms, the building of the
'Rathskeiler," which is destined to be
one Of RichinondS greatest attra ctionS.
The .'Toboggan Slide which will afford
pleasure to thousands this summer; the
.'merry-go-round" house, which is the
largest building of its kind in this coun-
try; the soda and ice cream cafe, with a
beautiful interior representing a snow
cave, the ceiling and walls being finished
in sparkling white stalactites, in which
over one hundred electric lights shine and
of stalls in which will be located ,.4e
Gypsy Camp, the Bowling Alley, the
Baby and Cane Racks the Shooting Gall
lery, with its many targets. and many
other attractions
The Passenger & Power Company see
ing the necessity for further amusements
purchased the remaining lots in this
tract fronting on Beverly Street and is
erecting the "Old MILL. a gorgeous
water scenic canal. with its dark tunnels
and bright scenery, making one think he
is in a veritable fairyland. Other attrac-
tons are being negotiated for, such as
the House that Jack Built "Trip to
Mars" "Chrystal Maze" Dog and Pony
{ Circus etc.
Negotiations are also on foot to move
the Base and Foot Ball Park to this
point. so that when everything is. COM
f pleted Richmond will have one Of the
largest and most complete pleasure
parks south Of Atlantic City.
THE RATHSGELLER,
Nothing has been said in this article