Daved Thomson

While I always liked "The Greatest Day In Your Life" as a tagline, I always realized it was hyperbole at its best.  This is the first time I have ever seen "The Entertainment Wonder of the World" tagline, and while it is also hyperbolic, it is also a direct ripoff of Walt Disney World's "The Vacation Kingdon of the World."

I believe the Whitwater River logo was actually used on schematic artwork that Great Adventure had on display of the rapids ride at a season pass sales booth in Monmouth Mall during the 1980 Christmas Season.  

Absolutely loved this show when it was on and was actually "Dancin' on Air" at GA a few seasons earlier when it was recorded at the park (I want to say 1980 or 1981).  Had not known that the show was at the park that day prior to arriving, but went absolutely nuts when we found out it was there.   We did a lot of dancing, but I never saw the show actually air.     This just brought me back big time. 

Yes, I took the picture while on the Big Wheel on Thursday, May 15, 1980. Me and some classmates had taken the day off from school for what was a traditional "ditch day" called Beach Day.

I agree. Personally, I think the current fountain looks strangely out of place because of its size as well as the octagonal shape. Nothing special about it.

Just noticed this picture... I believe that's the then NJ Governor, Brendan Byrne coming through the new front gates.

Very talented people! They used to have me in awe at Great Adventure. Have any of their children followed in their path?

Ray Williams (Vice President/General Manager) early 1990s (on the right).

Ed Sweeny (Director of Finance). Probably 1980 or so.

A very young Mark Kane on the right. And, I believe this is Tommy Robertson (Director Maintenance/Construction).

Susan Mebane (Personell Manager) is second from the right laughing.

Dave Paltzik is second from the right in the tuxedo.

Butch Dring?

Greg Levanis... Assistant Manager, Grounds Quality.

Rob Firman... Manager in Grounds Quality I believe.

One of the Levanis brothers. His brother was Greg Levanis one of the Grounds Quality managers.

I believe this is Nick Yanariello... Operations Manager in the late 1970's through the 1980's.

I believe this is Susan Mebane who was one of the department managers in personnel for many years.

Very odd to me seeing something like this. When I worked at Great Adventure (early to mid1980s), the ride ops and security would make sure guests were not sitting on railings. You wouldn't have a job very long if you were a host/hostess and did it.

I'm perplexed by this photo... At least 1978 given the Delta cars on the Sky Ride, yet a multi-colored Carousel roof which I had thought lasted only about two months back in 1975. The multicolored roof made multiple appearances?

Actually, I just noticed, in this picture she is working admissions at the season pass gate.

I wish I could remember her name... Anyway she worked in admissions at the season pass gate when I was in marketing research in 1985. She was incredibly good at catching people trying to use someone else's pass to get in. On average, I'd say 5 people per day lost their season passes as a result of her fantastic eye. I know she had been with the park since 1975 and she was in her 70s back in 1985. Great lady!

Great seeing this picture added to the collection and it's especially nice to know this character's name after more than 34 years. The girl with Fritz and Bud Man is my sister Barbara, a very young adult (18 at the time) who now has three college graduate sons at 54... Wow time flys!

I look at this picture and have to ask... Why have so many trees needlessly been removed from so many areas of the park that really made GA stand out as one of the most beautiful theme parks.?

It would make the perfect logo... In fact, I will never understand why Time Warner did away with the individual park logos... Yes, you need a unified identity for the corporate brand (the Six Flags logotype of the time that each park did incorporate into their logos), but you also need uniqueness for each individual park if you plan to draw from outside your local market. Bring back the rainbow!

1978 SFGA Logo