This information is from the book Edgar Streifthau, His Story, Copyright 1985. The Fantasy Farm Memorial has obtained permission from the author.

1959 - Don Dazey died. It meant a lot of changes ahead for the amusement park. [Note: The    amusement park is LeSourdsville Lake.]

1960 - We organized for the sale of the park. [Note: LeSourdsville.]

1961 - Continued operation of Turnpike rides, manufacturing and selling to other parks. Bought many antique farm items.

1962 - Traveled to other parks. In September, began planning for Fantasy Farm Amusement Park.

1963 - Fantasy Farm partly ready to operate. Revenues were a disaster this year.

1964 - Started construction on Fantasy Farm Motel. Lindy's son, Chris, was killed when part of the excavation site collapsed.

1965 - Nellie and I moved into an apartment in the motel. In December, some men broke into our apartment and shot me. I wasn't convinced it was a robbery. I was convinced they intended to kill me.

1966 - The park started to become financially successful. We built pens for animals, and fences for buffaloes.

1967 - Had water problems with the entire LeSourdsville system. Forced to purchase the system back for $25,000 from the new LeSourdsville Lake owners. This was the most unsatisfactory operation of my entire career.

1968 - Installed a major ride at Fantasy Farm called, Mark VIII. A very thrilling ride, but needed the usual maintenance.

1969 - Installed a new Tour Wagon ride, which was capable of holding 40 people.

1970 - Added new concrete walks, and other additions to the park. Store manager quit, and had drop in sales.

1971 - We seem to be drifting. New for me.

1972 - My son, Lindy, was arrested for shooting and wounding a man. He was found guilty, and sentenced to five years probation. He left the area. Left me at age 75.

1973 - Added two new food stands, but not much change, otherwise.

1974 - Built a new concrete-block building, a Pretzel ride, a new novelty store, dining area, two games, and miniature golf course.

1975 - Now have 30 rides, four gift and novelty shops, and four food stands.

1976 - Added a new grandstand for improved seating and a 20 by 40-foot stage.

1977 - We added new elephant, motorcycle leap, small turnpike and umbrella rides, and a new building.

1978 - The new addition was a $10,000 picture-taking camera that was dollar-bill operated.

1979 - We placed new machines at the entrance of the park. We closed half the store operation, by discontinuing furniture, and leased this section of the store.

1980 - The store operation was totally discontinued, and all city property sold.

1981 - 1982 - Had become very crippled with arthritis. Unable to oversee park properly. Stealing and complaints prompted me to sell.

1983 - Court suits continued, with my son, Lindy, suing me.

1984 - I started the Do Good Club for anybody who wishes to live a good, healthy, clean and honest life; and wish to treat other people as he or she wishes to be treated. Got caught up in a lot of court activities about getting a zone change to establish a farm area for primarily senior citizens. I'm now 88, and not going strong.  

Back