Boxoffice-April.07.1958

This picture, showing the carousel and the miniature train, hints the big
play given to amusements for the kiddies at the new Sharpstown Open-Air
Theatre, Houston, Tex The four cars and locomotive take a capacity of 72
children on a one-third mile trip around the amusement area. The train
system is equipped with electric block signals and passes through a Fairyland
Village of nursery rhyme structures and a Magic Tunnel where animated,
illuminated elves are seen working in a diamond mine. A playground for small
children is located behind the concessions, and there is also a children's zoo.
THE EMPHASIS IS ON THE PLAYGROUND
Imaginative Treatment of Play Areas Aimed at Children of Growing Families
fK VERITABLE Children's wonderland
is tlie elaborate playground setup at
the just-OE)ened 1,600-car Loew's SharpstowTi
Open-Air Theatre, Houston, Tex.
Not content with a regular playground
for smaller children, the circuit went allout
in the installation of a train, a magic
tunnel through which the train passes, a
carousel, a fairyland village and a children's
zoo.
Rating high in popularity in the opening
weeks was the miniature train ride. "The
Sharpstown Flyer" is powered by a gasoline,
air-cooled industrial engine, and there
are three passenger cars and one observation
car. Adult capacity is 48, but 72
youngsters can be accommodated. The 75-
foot-long train traverses track 1,650 feet
Automatic, treadle-type ticket machines and registers were
installed in each boxoffice. This is the same type system
used on most toll bridges and tunnels. An illuminated annunciator
at the head of the car, and seen In the photo at
left, indicates the amount of each car sale. The handsome
screen tower, with saw-tooth steel construction on the rear
painted in camouflage colors, is an attraction-getter. Steelox
surfacing is used on the screen side. Below is a night shot of
the
entrance.
The MODERN THEATRE SECTION