Zippin' Pippin : Elvis' Favourite Ride Donated To Save Libertyland


By: Elvis Australia
Source: www.elvis.com.au
July 6, 2008

Elvis and Anita Wood ride the Zippin' Pippin July 11, 1960
Elvis and Anita Wood ride the Zippin' Pippin July 11, 1960
On Monday, Carolina Crossroads, the company that bought Libertyland's Zippin' Pippin, the second-oldest wooden roller coaster in the world, for $2,000, donated the coaster to Save Libertyland — which was incorporated as a nonprofit organization last week. Steven Mulroy, lawyer and County Commissioner, burned the midnight oil last week to get Save Libertyland incorporated as a nonprofit. The city's deadline for a decision on what was to be done with the classic coaster was Tuesday, April 24th.

Carolina Crossroads had originally planned to take the cars from the coaster and build a replica of it at their retro rock-and-roll themed amusement park, Roanoke Rapids. Though they have maintained one of the coaster's cars and are still planning to build a replica, they've given the rest of the coaster to Save Libertyland. Today, at the gates of Libertyland, Mulroy said that Save Libertyland plans to donate the 100-year-old coaster back to the city of Memphis, with the condition that the city preserve it.

'Through the generosity of Carolina Crossroads, we hope to open a park around the Zippin Pippin roller coaster and the historic Grand Carousel, which have both been a part of the city's history for nearly a century', Mulroy said. Save Libertyland would like to turn all 20 acres of the former amusement park into a city park, using Coney Island's redevelopment plan as a model. The organization would be willing to work with the Salvation Army, which plans to buy all 170 acres of the Mid-South fairgrounds in August in order to build a community center.

The Zippin' Pippin track 2002
The Zippin' Pippin track 2002

Libertyland, like its famous coaster, has had its ups and downs over the years. It was opened on July 4th, 1976, to coincide with the nation's bicentennial. The Pippin, which was Elvis' favourite roller coaster, continues to attract people from all over the world as a part of their Elvis experience.

The organization has been in contact with Elvis Presley Enterprises. Save Libertyland would like to work with the EPE to possibly include the Zippin' Pippin in tours of Elvis' Memphis, a plan that Save Libertyland's Denise Parkinson maintained could help the roller coaster pay for itself.

Save Libertyland also plans to get the coaster on the National Historic Registry, which would bar federal funds from being used to move or destroy the coaster. It would be the second ride in Libertyland to be on the registry, along with the Grand Carousel, which has a history of its own.

Note! Zippin Pippin is a giant success
Note! Zippin Pippin Open To The Public
Note! It's Official ... Zippin Pippin Saved
Note! Libertyland demolition begins; salvageability of Zippin Pippin tested
Note! Elvis' Favourite Roller Coaster Needs A Home
Note! Elvis' Favourite Ride Sells For $ 2,500

Elvis Presley Photos Rollin' in the rocket : Elvis Presley & Anita Wood July 11, 1960
Note! Interview with Anita Wood

Elvis Australia's David Troedson visits the Zippin' Pippin in 2002
Elvis Australia's David Troedson visits the Zippin' Pippin in 2002

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