The Interurban

At the turn of the century, the canals gave way to railroads, including "light rail" electric trolley systems, and the Columbus, Buckeye Lake and Newark Traction Company's Interurban Electric Railway was completed in 1904.



Joining the trend of providing an attraction at the end of the line to boost weekend business, the rail company began building amusement rides on a nine-acre plot at the north shore of the Buckeye Lake. By 1911, the Buckeye Lake area boasted two dance pavilions, a swimming beach and bathhouse, arcade, picnic area and ballpark, boat excursions and power boat races. Taverns, restaurants, hotels and rental cottages sprung up all along the lakeshore to accommodate out-of-town guests.