The crash you are refering to happened in '59. One of the 3 people killed was one of the owners of Playland and unfortunately, he was the one owner who was passoinate about the park. This basicaly signaled the beginning of the end of the park since his siblings allowed it to fall into neglect and disrepair.
I found this out when I went to the library down town to research Playland. I found several news articles but zero photographs. Where can one find more pictures of Playland?
That's correct. Blackie went into the stands and killed several people. It effectively shut the place down.
But I thought it was family, like children or grandchildren, of the owner who were killed. Are you sure it was the owner?
We used to go to the races in Channel View, Meyerland, and Playland Park and my favorite driver was Buddy Rackley. I think he ran the #8 on his midget. It was the most exciting thing in the world to a 6 year old kid. Gawd, I love the smell of burned fuel and castor oil to this day.
I distinctly remember A. J. Foyt, Jr. (rememer, A.J. Sr. was "Tony" Foyt, a force to be reckoned with!) because as a teenage kid and driver he always sported natty, clean uniforms amidst all the grease and gunk.
Historic Houston Amusement Parks & Places
in Historic Houston
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That's correct. Blackie went into the stands and killed several people. It effectively shut the place down.
But I thought it was family, like children or grandchildren, of the owner who were killed. Are you sure it was the owner?
We used to go to the races in Channel View, Meyerland, and Playland Park and my favorite driver was Buddy Rackley. I think he ran the #8 on his midget. It was the most exciting thing in the world to a 6 year old kid. Gawd, I love the smell of burned fuel and castor oil to this day.
I distinctly remember A. J. Foyt, Jr. (rememer, A.J. Sr. was "Tony" Foyt, a force to be reckoned with!) because as a teenage kid and driver he always sported natty, clean uniforms amidst all the grease and gunk.