“Rescued from bankruptcy” sounds like the start of a thrilling tale doesn’t it? That is the story of Lake Rhoda. It sits right here in Lakeside Colorado. This natural freshwater lake has a captivating past.
Originally, this lake was called West Berkeley Lake. It was later renamed Lake Rhoda. Ben Krasner renamed it in honor of his daughter Rhoda Krasner. He rescued Lakeside Amusement Park from financial ruin during the Great Depression.
Lake Rhoda lies between Interstate 70 and West 44th Avenue. Its surface sits at an elevation of 5344 feet. The lake stretches 2070 feet in length and 1215 feet in width.
The story of Lake Rhoda is closely linked to Lakeside Amusement Park. The park was built in 1908 by a group led by Denver brewer Adolph Zang. The park was adjacent to Lake Rhoda. Back then it was still known as West Berkeley Lake.
Lakeside Amusement Park was initially called both Lakeside Park and The White City of the West. It was designed in the Exposition and White City architectural styles. An estimated 100000 electric bulbs lit the park. This made it a dazzling spectacle.
The Denver Tramway built a trolley line to service the park. This made it a trolley park. Lakeside was unique. It was independently owned. It also provided plenty of parking for automobiles.
The park featured the 150-foot Tower of Jewels at the main entrance. There was also a three-story Casino building. This building housed a theater and dining areas overlooking Lake Rhoda. Other attractions included a natatorium a ballroom a roller-skating rink a boat house and a train station modeled after Denver’s Union Station.
Ben Krasner acquired Lakeside in 1935. He initiated major renovations. These renovations moved the park away from its White City roots. Many new rides were added including the Cyclone roller coaster in 1940. New buildings were constructed in the Art Deco style. Architect Richard L Crowther used a great deal of neon lighting.
The Lakeshore Railroad is a miniature railway. It circles Lake Rhoda. The train cars were originally pulled by steam engines. These engines were built for the 1904 St Louis Worlds Fair. They were named Puffing Billy and Whistling Tom. Today diesel engines pull the train.
Lake Rhoda and Lakeside Amusement Park have a rich history. They offer a glimpse into the past. From its origins as West Berkeley Lake to its present-day charm Lake Rhoda continues to be a local treasure.