Albert W. King rides the Loop-the-Loop in 1904

When Albert W. King, Defiance citizen and Civil War veteran, attended the National G.A.R. Encampment in August, 1904, he took the time to visit Coney Island.  It was an eye-opening experience for Albert and his friend, John Altshuch, especially when they came face to face with a roller coaster called the Loop-the-Loop.

Albert wrote in his journal:



"Our next trip was over the Brooklyn Bridge out to Coney Island, after getting refreshments, our little guide suggested we cross the street and take a ride in a car.  We went to the office, bought ticket for admittance and boarded a car - four of us - and started on the ground.

We noticed Oscar, our guide, was greatly pleased when I drew the strap from over my shoulder which the manager had placed there for my safety, and the guide says, 'Mr. King, you are all right!  I see you have got the grit!'

By this time the car was ascending a high trestlework, perhaps 80 to 100 feet high, the car making a short curve and we could see what was at the bottom.  

It was now too late to get my shoulders under the strap, and we went flying down the track into a 30 foot loop at lightning speed; and the sensation was one I shall never forget.  

The car ran perhaps 300 feet in a circuit and finally stopped at the place where we boarded her.  We stepped from the car as soon as the manager unfastened John Altschuh, Oscar, and the other man.

When Altschuh got on his feet, he exclaimed, 'My Got! Vot vas dat?  My bloot all stands still!'  Then all cheered and laughed.

The manager says, 'Man, didn't you know that you was going to loop the loop when you boarded the car?'

'No," says John, 'What is the loop the loop?'

'Well you surely know now,' says the manager.

'Vell,' says John, 'I never want to loop the loop again!'

I says, 'Nor do I want any more of it.'

We started for the entrance to leave the place where some people entered, amongst them a young lady who heard John say he wouldn't loop again for a thousand dollars.  She at once bantered him to get into a car with her and run the loop.  She put out all inducements for him to make one trip with her, even so much as to promise to be his wife.  But John said, 'No more loop-the-loop for me!  Wife or no wife!'

  
To read more about this roller coaster, check out
Wikipedia.