Pacific Ocean Park: The Rise and Fall of Los Angeles’ Space-Age Nautical Pleasure Pier

[@johndrake5014]

We went there as kids............................great.

[@Bwilliams2]

As a kid I was fascinated by the submarine. And loved the bubble skyway over the ocean!

[@stevesorensen1063]

Thank you for this amazing tribute to POP. Our Dad and Mom would drive me and my brothers from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica back in the 60’s, we had so much fun at POP I have fond memories of going there every summer.

[@bobstewart5262]

I really enjoyed P.O.P. as a kid. My first-time visit was in 1960 when I was 6 years old. I can remember it like it was yesterday! My dad made sure we went on everything! I loved this place more than Disneyland.

[@coRynnstar]

Thank you for this presentation! I’m genuinely surprised that I haven’t seen more theme park history content creators on KZbin talk about POP - it’s such an interesting case!

[@natomblin]

How sad. I still remember the POP radio ad to this day.

[@flyshacker]

Great video! Terrific to learn all the history you presented!! I was exactly the right age to enjoy POP during its heyday. I was 6 when POP opened and enjoyed the park through my early teen years. We went to both POP and Disneyland fairly often, and although Disneyland was bigger and more full-blown, I actually preferred POP. The Flight To Mars ride was far better than the Disney spaceship. The large circular room where we sat for take-off was actually an elevator that rose and fell during the launch to Mars! I thought I really went into space when we came out and saw all those dark features! (By comparison, the Disney spaceship seats just vibrated. Not convincing even for a kid.) I still remember the repeating announcement recording for 'The Deepest Deep' ride. Woman's voice: "Way down deep, into the unknown goes The Deepest Deep! It's cold down here!" We must have been fortunate to catch the ride when it was working because I also remember the ride itself. We were in a big bubble that went through rows and rows of "hanging carpets" that flopped over the top and edges of the bubble while harp music played. I also remember the animated dummies in front of Davey Jones' Locker ride. They looked like zombies or corpses, shuffling along. POP had a creepy carnival feel that I found scarier (more awesome) than Disneyland, which was so clean cut. I remember the Sky Ride, the Diving Bells, the Magic Carpet, the Glass House, the bumper cars, and the banana train. And on one of our visits, my dad and I actually met Emmet Kelley as the hobo clown!! He was sitting on a "bus stop" bench on the pier as we approached. He waved hello and told me that he had been waiting there a long time for a bus. I was only 6 or 7 and I thought he was serious, but I realized that a bus would never drive right into the middle of POP, so I told Emmet Kelley I don't think any bus will be coming here! Emmet Kelley looked surprised back at me and said "You don't think so? I have been waiting here for a bus for 2 days!" I thought he was serious and I felt shocked when he said that, but my dad laughed. Anyway, THANK YOU for helping me to revive my old 60+-year-old memories!! I could probably write a lot more recollections of POP from my childhood.

[@J.P.SeeburgEandKTSpecial]

I was 8 in 1958 and this place was The Best! Went there every year till the bitter end during the last season of the summer of '67. By that time they charged a whole quarter to ride the "Sea Serpent" (a tremendous ride with loads of air time!). I remember the stenciled "feet" on the stairs leading to the loading dock. They were still there when I visited the ruins in the late sixties.What you left out (and I realized there were time constraints) was mention of the "Fun In The Dark" dark ride with its re-purposed "Laughing Sal" from the "Ocean Park" days and "Mad's Maddest Artist" Don Martin themed tubs cars, the Eyerly "Whirly/Sea Bird" Rock-O-Plane and the Sellner "Shell Spin" "Tilt-A-Whirl". I also remember the distinctive sounds of piped-in "Trad Jazz" music played by what I believe was the Lu Watters Band that wafted over the midway from speakers located behind the those iconic spinning lighted pinwheels...music that got me started collecting hot jazz '78s from bands of the '20s. That's all I have for now! Thanx for posting!

[@DancePopBoy]

Hello, I wanted to ask if you Remember a Amusement Park Ride that was Clear Bubble Capsule that would go around kind of like a Merry go Round, but was near the edge of a Cliff. and the bubble would hang over cliff till it circled back around. I thought it was at Pacific Ocean Park, or Marineland for sure because of the location. but I cant find any Photos or info at all. But about 10 years ago I searched for this very ride, and found some abandoned photos of the broken ride. But for the life of me I can not remember the Amusement Park it was at. I went there as a child remember seeing it in person and was so scared to ride it. I thought it had to be Marineland cause of the coast area. Thanks

[@tedtolentino4955]

Speaking of music played over the park's speakers that I remember is " A Summer Place". It has been recorded by a number of singers and bands, but the version played at POP is the version that i most enjoyed. I wonder if anyone can speak to the foods they remember eating (or most enjoyed) while visiting POP? That would be a fun topic.

[@marklyon6344]

I was eight years old when POP opened it's doors. As a child and teen, was had a blast going there. So much fun...such great times!

[@stokedtoker9455]

When I was a twinker, my mom took my brother and I to P.O.P. several times. On this particular occasion, they were filming one of the episodes of "The Man From Uncle" just off the pier. Robert Vaughen was walking off the pier holding his hand like he had been injured. It was an interesting experience to watch them film a TV show. When I was older I used to explore the pretty much ruined and shuttered park. I remember I wouldn't go out to the end of the pier because the fire damage was so extensive you couldn't really get there anymore. Early Urbex afficionado I guess I was. I was like 17 or 18, Venice had really gone downhill in the 70's, most of the canals were just weed choked cess pools. Great to watch your video and learn the true story of what happened to the place. Thanks!

[@micheljoydelre7056]

I'm so grateful for your review of POP! My Mother was Secretary to the Owner from about 1963 until 1967. At one point, my entire family worked there. I was there for two years, 1965-1967.

[@micheljoydelre7056]

Christopher Merritt, any plans for a new amusement park? I've heard about possibilities in Arizona.

[@muspobear]

That is awesome about your entire family working there including yourself Ma’ma. I was there as a kid in 1965. Only time unfortunately we were about to go again in 1967-POPS last season but my guardians said it looked ruff and decided that we could not go there I remember being DEVASTATED wanted to go again so SO-BAD as in 1965 visit we had to leave early. My older Sister fell ill. She said she hurt herself on the Sea Serpent Roller Coaster. I never got a chance to ride it but did the same year when I was 5 riding the Cyclone Racer in Long Beach Pike. Was awesome but I was kinna scarred bad. I could not see above the train. Was AWESOME and wanted to ride again in 68 but was to late. Bummer…… LOVE THIS DOCUMENTARY!!!!!!

[@DancePopBoy]

@@muspobear Hello, I wanted to ask if you Remember a Amusement Park Ride that was Clear Bubble Capsule that would go around kind of like a Merry go Round, but was near the edge of a Cliff. and the bubble would hang over cliff till it circled back around. I thought it was at Pacific Ocean Park, or Marineland for sure because of the location. but I cant find any Photos or info at all. But about 10 years ago I searched for this very ride, and found some abandoned photos of the broken ride. But for the life of me I can not remember the Amusement Park it was at. I went there as a child remember seeing it in person and was so scared to ride it. I thought it had to be Marineland cause of the coast area. Thanks

[@auclan]

There should be an art competition to put a memorial art piece on the beach where the park stood - maybe a stylized sea horse or something.

[@CreativeOutletPortland]

Thanks so much for sharing this. We went to POP as kids and it's so great that someone has remembered this amazing place. We're going to buy the book! Many thanks to Getman's Virtual Book and Paper Fair.

[@robertmartinez4174]

I was born in 1958 and I can remember going to Pacific Ocean Park as a baby and toddler.

[@jefffulmer6867]

An amazing slice of Southern California/Americana history. Looking forward to getting the book!

[@tedtolentino4955]

Thank you very much for sharing this video and to the authors who obviously put a lot of time, thought and care into this presentation. I grew up in Santa Monica in the 50s/60s and well remember POP. The memories you have brought back to me are treasures. Thanks, once again.

[@getmansvirtual]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DancePopBoy]

Hello, I wanted to ask if you Remember a Amusement Park Ride that was Clear Bubble Capsule that would go around kind of like a Merry go Round, but was near the edge of a Cliff. and the bubble would hang over cliff till it circled back around. I thought it was at Pacific Ocean Park, or Marineland for sure because of the location. but I cant find any Photos or info at all. But about 10 years ago I searched for this very ride, and found some abandoned photos of the broken ride. But for the life of me I can not remember the Amusement Park it was at. I went there as a child remember seeing it in person and was so scared to ride it. I thought it had to be Marineland cause of the coast area. Thanks

[@tedtolentino4955]

@@DancePopBoy I'm sorry but I cannot remember such a ride at either amusement park. The closest I can think of were those rides shown in the KZbin video above, e.g. the submersible ride into the ocean depths from the pier. If you have access to those pictures that you mention, can you post them here for others to see. Perhaps they may jog someone's memory of the ride you speak of. Thanks.

[@DancePopBoy]

@@tedtolentino4955 Thanks So Much I appreciate the reply!

[@neferazure]

@DancePopBoy not a single ride from POP remains today, so it def wasn't POP. Def had to be another park.

[@thrasha7992]

Rad showing the zephyr team at pop the cove

[@CarolusLXIII]

Westinghouse developed the reactor for the Nautilus.

[@elliegee7334]

Boy, did this give me pangs of nostalgia... what a fantastic presentation you all put together here. I was young when POP met its demise, having gone to the park perhaps only a handful of times in the early-mid 1960s, but it left a lasting impression that bordered on more of an obsession with me over the years. There was something about this place that was so remarkably different from other theme parks, a sense of danger and scariness. I recall the Diving Bell, the roller coaster, the tiny Sky pods that swept you over the ocean from one end of the pier to the other, the odd aura of Mystery Island which kinda freaked me out, but mostly, the entrance to the park, with its tall wall as water cascaded down over it with giant clam shells jutting out. I also remember being the in the back seat of my parent's car, driving down PCH in the 1970s, seeing the burnt pylons and some ragged pieces of what where once buildings that barely remained of this once magical pleasure pier sticking up out of the water... and feeling a deep sense of real sadness that something wonderful was now gone, gone forever. I've dreamt of the park many times over the past 60 years, some good, some not so good, all in a child's imagination. I own a copy of your book and believe me, it is a treasure to me. Thank you once again for reviving a precious segment of Los Angeles/Santa Monica history.

[@GoldenBear2468]

I just watched this with my father. He worked on the Pier in the 1940s doing things like operating the Diving Bell and feeding the bear.

[@anitamartinez4640]

Bravo! Great presentation! I remember, when I was a kid, staring at the distant P.O.P. ruins from Santa Monica Beach. The stout Strat-o-Liner intrigued me - I'd ponder how in the world that could have been a ride. As a 4-year-old I did get to enjoy a visit to P.O.P. with my family (early 60s). It was kinda scary to me.

[@mercyless68]

Christopher & Dominic, do you not know the story of the Mr. Octopus ride falling apart, almost toppling into the ocean in 1965? I was 11 yrs old and ON THE RIDE when it happened! First, there was a horrible loud metal screeching and a big steel wheel rolled off the middle of the machine. Then, 5 large giant black rubber bands shot off in the motorized section. The whole ride started leaning over towards the water. My Dad and many others came running over, grabbing onto the tentacles to keep it from going over! They held on while someone ran over with ladders to get us all down! My Dad went into the office screaming at them. All they offered qere free tickets to return. We had already been several times. Not sure we ever returned. Loved your book! Such great memories...mostly!

[@roachtoasties]

I think Santa Monica Pier will have staying power into the foreseeable future. It's not trying to be an amusement park (just a few rides as a side attraction), has easy walks to Santa Monica Place, the Metro Expo light rail line, and so on. It's become a spot where tourists go for a day as part of their L.A. vacation or locals can go for an inexpensive day out, but nothing lasts forever. Some may disagree with me who had an attachment to POP in its early days, but things fall apart and die and we move on. Maybe 100 years from now you can do a report on the rise and fall of the Santa Monica Pier.

[@uhn-nohn4272]

Wow, I thought it was gone by the time I was a child, but it was still there--I'm surprised my parents never took us but Disneyland was closer, however Back in the early 90s I worked for a property company in a building they owned called Champaign Towers which had been a Lawrence Wilk building, it was on Ocean in Santa Monica, now I know why he would have owned it. I'm sorry I missed it I would have loved it.

[@GodWearsGucci]

This was perfect! I was looking for some historical background on Venice beach. Had no idea all this went on. You guys did at great job sharing all this information. I heard a rumor that one of those glass ball gondola fell but I don’t believe it now. The next deep dive I want to take is the evolution of Santa Monica and how it effected the southern beaches such as Venice and the POP. Thank you!

[@chuckcookus]

I went to POP once or twice as a young child in the 60s and I have a fleeting memory of the Forest Maze or whatever you called it. I remember being in a labyrinth of tunnels with dead ends and feeling hopelessly lost (they were undoubtedly no more complex than the caves on Tom Sawyer Island). I remember one area where you could see patrons walking above you through a grate on the ceiling and having that "so near yet so far" can't-escape feeling. That's all I got. I remember the flying carpet ride and seeing a large figure (a genie or a giant or something) with its head knocked off; I guess this was when the park was falling into disrepair. The tub ride had a quip painted outside that said "We've never lost a tub - yet". One scare inside was when you approached a scuttled tub on the "shoreline" and a ghoul or something popped up behind it. I believe I went on the underwater dark ride; you were in a clear plastic "bubble" and saw wet-for-dry underwater scenes. I was beginning to become obsessed with dark rides at this young age and I elected to go on the pirate ride twice, even though I had my eyes screwed shut both times. I remember it was two-leveled. I opened my eyes once, saw a scare, and screwed them shut again. This ride had a lifetime effect on my imagination; it's a letdown to realize in retrospect that it was just a crummy carnival scare ride. Take all these observations with a grain of salt; I was very young and it was ~60 years ago (yikes).

[@dndaved5317]

What's the song played on 49:12 ?

[@fredlawson9394]

👍👍👍

[@aliceputt3133]

Santa Monica has very little attachment with it's past. I grew up there in the 50s, 60s and 70s, loved POP. I totally avoid Santa Monica as it hurts me to drive through it. Everything I valued is gone. It looks like every other place in S. Calif. Why drive to there to go to the GAP? Henshey's gone, the Carnegie Library gone, 3rd Street Shopping gone, Sears, JC Penny's gone. POP was the greatest and more fun than Disneyland.

[@brianchidester3334]

Agreed. But at least the SM Pier and the Civic Auditorium are still there. For now...

[@tedtolentino4955]

Alice, I agree with your sentiments. SM has changed so much that I no longer pine to go back, except to visit my relatives who still live there. It's a bit off topic, but there is almost nothing left to remind me of my childhood except Disneyland, and even that amusement park no longer holds any resemblance of times I spent there; now it's unaffordable for the average family, the rides and attractions have changed (perhaps for the better), and high schools are no longer holding "grad nite" at the park (I think since the later 1980s).

[@danc1197]

I thought POP was on the Palos Verdes peninsula. Between Redondo beach and the LA/Long Beach harbor. I've seen pictures of it surrounded by water which Santa Monica is not. Santa Monica is on a straight whereas Palos Verdes as well as photos I've seen of POP are on a peninsula surrounded by water. Unless I'm confusing it with Marine Land.

[@aliceputt3133]

@@danc1197 You are definitely confusing it with Marine land. Pacific Ocean Park was between Santa Monica and Venice. I grew up in Santa Monica lived there the first 20 years of my life, then spent the next 27 years in Mar Vista/Marina Del Rey. I was heartbroken when it closed and they tore it down. Although by then there had been a fire.

[@tedtolentino4955]

@@aliceputt3133 agreed, the POP pier was just a short drive from where I lived in Santa Monica. I think what held "magic" for me going there as a youngster were the water fountains to the entrance of the park ,and the bigger than life size sea horses and such. Sad, I never had any pictures taken there.

[@StinkFingerr]

I loved going here as a Boy. Magical place.

[@alka9613]

"...during World War 2 when the US Army took over Santa Anita as a base of operations." Ho. The barns were used as a transit camp for Japanese-Americans being sent on to concentration camps ("relocation centers") in the desert.

[@eddiearellano155]

Your inclusion of one pic of chicanos isn’t showing acceptance of these folks being therr

[@brianchidester3334]

Should he have shown zero?

[@coRynnstar]

⁠@@brianchidester3334 One picture is certainly better than none, but a single picture can only convey so much, wouldn’t you agree? Critique is not condemnation, just observation.