Velvet Coaster

Name 
Velvet Coaster 
Opened 
1909
Closed 
1932
Builder 
William H. Strickler 
Replaced by 
Roller Coaster
WP Table Builder

Upon opening in 1909, the Velvet Coaster was the largest ride in the park, pipping the Scenic Railway that opened two years earlier. Like the Scenic, it was a side friction coaster but without a brakeman. The layout featured several shallow dips on an oval course.

The ride’s name is not unique to the Pleasure Beach, several ‘Velvet Coasters’ were constructed at a similar time. Among others, one was built in Chicago in 1905 and another in Denver in 1908. The name is believed to relate to the velvet fabric that was used to upholster the cars.

During the construction of the Roller Coaster some components of the ride were reused, including some timber from the lift hill.

❓Did You Know❓

The Velvet Coaster pub next to the park is named after the roller coaster of the same name that operated at the park between 1909 and 1932.