Coney Island. New York. April 9, 2000.

Silent since 1982, the Thunderbolt was left to the elements. Nobody stepped forward to save it, and until Rudy Guiliani came along with his minor-league ballpark idea, nobody could figure out what to build in its place so demolishing it, therefore, was a waste of money.

Eventually, however, the city went in behind the landowner's back and, claiming eminent domain, demolished the ride. The Thunderbolt wasn't threatening the plans for the ballpark; it wasn't using land the ballpark wanted, it was just nearby and considered ugly. Naturally Rudy's precious patrons wouldn't want to see this eyesore hanging round, would they? True, at this point the Thunderbolt probably was beyond rehabilitation, but couldn't something have been done for it?

And truth be told, the ride could look downright pretty at times. In the spring and summer the Thunderbolt would be covered halfway up in a beautiful coat of bright green creeper vines. Nature wished to reclaim the ride. It was a wonderful sight.

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Copyright © 2000 R. Noyes.