The future home of The Idora Park Experience
Idora Park: The story so far...
The Future: 250 E. Federal Street, Youngstown, Ohio
The Future: 250 E. Federal Street, Youngstown, Ohio
Originally known as Terminal Park, Idora Park opened in 1899 as a trolley stop where families gathered for weekend fun. But on April 26, 1984 tragedy struck. A catastrophic fire tore through the park, destroying the Wildcat, Lost River Ride, and many concession stands, leaving half of the midway in ruins. Despite heroic efforts to rebuild, the magic ended in September of the same year. The park was dismantled, piece by piece--until nearly nothing was left.
Yet in the hearts of those who cherished it, Idora Park lived on.
Enter Jim and Toni Amey, who couldn't bear to let the memories fade. For more than 30 years, they gathered what remained - fragments of rides, ticket stubs, pieces of a lost era. Amassing quite a collection, the Ameys built a 4,400 square foot building on their property in Canfield, Ohio, in 2013 and kept Idora Park's spirit alive, opening the collection to the public twice a year.
The Future: 250 E. Federal Street, Youngstown, Ohio
The Future: 250 E. Federal Street, Youngstown, Ohio
The Future: 250 E. Federal Street, Youngstown, Ohio
Now, Mahoning Valley Historical Society (MVHS) is honored and proud that Jim and Toni have entrusted them with the future of The Idora Park Experience by donating the collection to MVHS, and ensuring that this treasure will be available to the public for generations to come.
In November, 2023 MVHS purchased the building at 250 E. Federal Street in Youngstown's east end in part to display these cherished artifacts.
We have the collection... and the building... but much must be done to transform both into the home and space this collection and the community deserve. We need your help!
We need your help to bring the dream alive!
The Future: 250 E. Federal Street, Youngstown, Ohio
We need your help to bring the dream alive!
Your donation will help the community and future generations to step into the magic of Idora Park once more. With your gift we can preserve and share these precious pieces of Youngstown's past so they don't disappear forever.
Larger donations and naming opportunities are available. Donations may be tax deductible when you itemize.
For more information contact Linda Kostka, Development Director, MVHS, at 330-743-2589 ext. 125 or lkostka@mahoninghistory.org
Let's bring Idora Park back - Together!