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by Janet Kusterer (Author)
Rediscover the magic of the Enchanted Forest in this history of Maryland's Storybook Park, the first children's theme park on the East Coast.
The history of the Enchanted Forest is one of magical beginnings. When it first opened in 1955, Ellicott City's storybook land became the first children's theme park on the East Coast. Young visitors could climb aboard rides like the Little Toot tugboat, Mother Goose and Ali Baba or encounter animals like peacocks and burros. Upon its closing in 1989, Marylanders who cherished memories of the Enchanted Forest were deeply disappointed. However, many of the park's beloved figures were moved to nearby Clark's Elioak Farm, where they were restored and displayed to the delight of new generations. Even today, the farm is a popular destination that evokes the whimsical spirit of the iconic park. Local author Janet Kusterer and Martha Anne Clark of Elioak Farm trace the park's history through vintage images and interviews with the Harrison family, former employees and visitors. Join Kusterer and Clark to rediscover the magic of the Enchanted Forest.
Author Biography
Janet Kusterer has an MA from Johns Hopkins University and has been a feature writer and columnist for local papers since 1997. She was an executive director for Historic Ellicott City, Inc. and is the author of seven visitor guides to Ellicott City. She has also authored four books about Ellicott City history.
Martha Anne Clark owns and operates Clark's Elioak Farm, which features many rescued exhibits from The Enchanted Forest. The farm has been in the Clark family for over 200 years. She has written one children's book, Trusty the Tractor, and assisted her father, State Senator James Clark, with his autobiography. She is president of the Tourism Council.
