Riverside Park Restaurant

Written by Anna Mae Maday, Manager, Eddy Historical & Genealogy Collection of Hoyt Public Library in Saginaw, Michigan
September 2000

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During its existence Riverside Park underwent many changes and improvements. The amusement park owners needed to add the newest attractions in an effort to lure Saginawians back each season.

On Sunday June 4, 1905, when Riverside Park opened for the summer, it was obvious that the park had changed. The most notable change had been the construction of a new restaurant. In size and style the new restaurant at Riverside Park rivaled that of Wenona Beach. The Wenona Beach facility, known as Wright's Café & Ice Cream Parlor, had over ten thousand square feet and could seat over 500 people. Decorated with flags overhead and with ferns and palms near the tables, the new Riverside restaurant bore a noticeable resemblance to the interior of Wright's Cafe. To operate Saginaw's new restaurant, Riverside Park owners engaged the same catering firm that operated the eatery on Saginaw Bay at Wenonah Beach. It was reported that the kitchen in the new restaurant was the size of the entire former building. In the center of the new structure was a bandstand. Dining tables occupied one side of the restaurant while a soda fountain and an area for small luncheons was located on the opposite side.

Other changes in 1905 included moving the casino and converting that building into a bowling alley. The new "Circle Swing" had been installed at the former casino site. Park paths had been improved by adding arches which were illuminated at night by electric lights. As part of the opening week festivities that year, Saginaw's own "Diavalo" performed in front of the new restaurant.

• Saginaw Evening News. May 27, 1905.
• Watson, James R.. Wenona Beach .

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