Palace Amusements

Palace Amusements
Previously known as Palace Merry-Go-Round
Palace Amusements in 1997
LocationAsbury Park, NJ
StatusDefunct
OpenedAugust 17, 1888 (1888-08-17)
ClosedNovember 27, 1988 (1988-11-27)
OwnerErnest Schnitzler (1888–1920)
August Williams (1920–1939)
Edward Lange & Zimel Resnick (1939–1986)
Sam & Henry Vaccaro (1986–1988)
ThemeIndoor amusement park
Area0.9 acres (0.36 ha)
Attractions
Total12
Roller coasters1
Water rides1
LocationAsbury Park, New Jersey
Coordinates40°13′4″N 74°0′12.76″W / 40.21778°N 74.0035444°W / 40.21778; -74.0035444
BuiltJune 1888 (1888-06)
Built byErnest Schnitzler
ArchitectErnest Schnitzler
William B. Stout
Architectural styleLate Victorian
DemolishedMay 26, 2004 (2004-05-26)
NRHP reference No.00001406
NJRHP No.3705
Significant dates
Added to NRHPNovember 22, 2000 (2000-11-22)
Designated NJRHPOctober 12, 2000 (2000-10-12)

Palace Amusements was a historical indoor amusement park in Asbury Park, New Jersey. It was built in 1888 and expanded several times over its history, but after a worsening economic situation in both Asbury and the country in the mid-1980s, it went out of business in 1988.

Several efforts were made to save the structure, including its hand-carved carousel, murals and decorations, but in 2004, after an independent structural inspection, the building was deemed unsafe (it had already been damaged in several areas) and was ordered demolished. A local grassroots organization was able to save several pieces from the building, including the famed Tillie mural.