McLatchy Park, home to a happy-go-lucky turtle and a rag-tag selection of oversized fruit and junk food, seems like the happiest place on Earth. It’s hard to imagine that this tranquil slice of Californian suburbia was the site of one of history’s most tragic events.
Joyland Amusement Park opened to a flabbergasted public in 1913, boasting a giant racer, swimming baths, and a zoo. There was even a turtle named Howie, who provided much joy to the people of Sacramento until perishing from loneliness in early 1914.
Men, women and children would ride the streetcars to the park on Sac’s outskirts, looking to escape the crushing banality of a world before the Big Bike and Big Hands were around to amuse them. Then, in 1920, fire tore through the park, destroying the rides and wiping out many of the remaining animals.
Howie, it seems, had the best of it.
Guess who’s back, back again?
Howie’s back, tell a friend!
The charred remains of the fair were purchased by a Mr Valentine McClatchy, who named it James McClatchy Park after his father. At the time of publishing, I’ve been unable to confirm whether the ‘Park’ bit is because it was a park, or whether his father was actually named James McClatchy-Park.
It was soon gifted to the city and turned into public recreation grounds. The current-day playground was installed a few years ago, with its design heavily inspired by history. The slide looks like a rollercoaster, there’s a huge box of popcorn… and there’s even a turtle.
A century since his passing, Howie is back to charm and enthral the people of Sacramento with his cheeky grin and oddball personality. Though slightly smaller than his Aussie cousin Colin, this turtle has won the hearts of a new generation of thrillseekers.
And the best news is that this is one turtle unlikely to die of depression, because children (and grown men who act like children) are constantly climbing on him. McLatchy Park is, finally, the very happiest place on Earth once more.
