In the article on Giant Dipper’s preservation, author Tim Cole references the poems by Eddie Forrey (page 10). While the magazine did not allow for space to have them included, you can see more of Mr. Forrey’s work here.

What callous people would vote to destroy The last monument to thrill and joy? The echo of screaming laughter of children we’ll no longer hear The end for the coaster I feel is near.” — 1978 Eddie Forrey

A Tribute to Bill Evans, Sr.

I salute you, one and all
Who saved our grand old coaster
from the savage wrecking ball.
A million screams and echoes I still hear
even though the coaster hasn’t run in years.
When she was young, back in her prime
what a beautiful sight to see
With bright lights strung around her frame
She lit up like a Christmas tree.
The “Giant Dipper” was a friendly beacon for all the shops and planes at sea
A symbol of light, of happier times.
She was magnificent in her prime!

I remember well the clickey-clack-clack
as she snaked her way to the top.
all the wild whee’s and screams
as she plunged head first
down her seventy-five foot drop.
how she’d shake and shudder
as she zoomed around those twisty turns
of two-hundred and ninety degrees
at times it felt as if we were really flying free!

Today she looks abused and baggard
while tourists call if a crime.
Shame, shame on “America’s Finest City”
who’ll not help raise a dime
to save our historic roller coaster
from the ravages of time.
As each day passes she looks more
withered, blackened and gray,
with splotches of weather-beaten paint
slowly peeling away.
For years our city fathers tried
To kill this aging shrine,
along with Copley Press
and Bill Fox of Channel 39.
Shame, shame, on “America’s Finest City” who’ll not help raise a dime
to save our grand old coaster
from the ravages of time!

— by Eddie Forrey