This week on the Tri-State Time Machine, Vanessa and Jason take you on a nostalgic ride through the secrets and untold stories of one of West Virginia’s most iconic landmarks—Camden Park.
Joined by Huntington native and storyteller Clinton Burley, they pull back the curtain on more than a century of thrills, ghostly legends, and family traditions.
From the early days as a “park and ride” trolley stop to the evolution into the Tri State’s beloved playground, Clinton shares insider tales about his family’s deep ties to the park, wild memories from the old zoo (including the story of Trixie the elephant!), and the fascinating history behind legendary rides like the Big Dipper.
The episode also dishes on quirky local traditions, the unforgettable taste of a Pronto Pup, and how Camden Park has become a generational touchstone for families across West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio. So buckle up and get ready for a journey packed with laughter, surprises, and heartfelt memories—because this ride is just getting started.
Moments
00:00 From Furniture Factory to Camden Park
06:16 Camden Park Origins and Growth
11:28 Camden Park Train Ride Overview
20:41 "Camden Park's 1956 Roller Coaster Deal"
24:42 Park's Decline After Family Sale
30:20 Skyliner Incident: 1970s School Trip
36:46 "Stark Sign Co. Projects"
39:40 Nostalgic Theme Park Memories
46:10 "Origin of the Pronto Pup"
49:00 Vacation Travel Style Differences
54:36 Rowboat Fears vs. Nostalgia
59:05 "Nostalgia for Frog Catapult Game"
01:08:36 Amusement Ride Incident Recap
01:10:39 From Turnpike to Ground-Level Flume
01:16:56 Affordable, Meaningful Family Fun
01:20:18 Tri State Time Machine Promo
This episode is sponsored by Alex R. White, PLLC.
If you have a memory you would want me to talk more about, just send me an email at TSTM@mail.com. Or post a comment on the Tri-State Machine FB Group page.
Welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine.
I'm your host Vanessa Hankins. This is a podcast where my guests and I share our memories and present day stories of the Tri-State Area. That's West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Nothing too serious, no political views, and no ulterior motives.
We're just here to share our fun stories about this great area.
Whether you're a past resident or a current Tri-State resident, I think you're going to have fun with us.
So join in, press play on your podcast player, and welcome to the Tri-State Time Machine!
Music from #Uppbeat - https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/new-life - License code: LWJEODYBFWYH73TR
https://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/the-secrets-of-camden-park-with-clinton-burley
Copyright 2025 Vanessa Hankins
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/
