Cool Local(Cincinnati) Token

[pointdlr]

I have wanted to find one of these for a while. Today was the day. Coney Island is/was a premier amusement area in Cincinnati. It still boasts the largest circulating pool in the world, and still very popular. I figured they made tokens, but hadn't found one until today. I'm not sure if someone drilled it, or it was meant to be that way. I am also thinking it may not be for 25 cents, but maybe a locker token? Just thought I would share. If anyone has any thoughts on its use or seen a similar one, I would love to hear some info. Also, not sure of the age. I am guessing it is pre 1950 at least.
Regards,
Jon Dickinosn.

 

[PBK]

Anything on the other side?

Alpert & Smith's amusement tokens book indicates that Cincinnati's Coney Island was in existence from 1886 until 1971. It doesn't list a 25¢ token, but has a couple of 5¢ varieties struck by "Jas. Murdock, Jr., 165 Race St., Cin. O."

Another source identifies him as "James Murdock, Jr., a Cincinnati wholesale and retail dealer in roll and sheet brass, copper, and German silver," and mentions a contract bid by him to strike medals in 1891.

In 1920, the Osborne Coinage Company of Cincinnati purchased the Murdock Stamp & Speciality Company headed by James Murdock, Jr.

Obviously, Murdock struck your token, too, sometime in the late 1800's or early 1900's.

 

[Emperor Findus Cladius]

If that token was not made that way, someone might have used it for a button.

 

[John (Ma)]

Pretty cool token.

 

[pointdlr]

PBK and Wayne,

Good info!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The back has stars around the perimeter, and the same "25" as on the front. It doesn't have the cent symbol. From your research, the locker token theory might be looking better, b/c of the number.

Thanks Again,
jon.

 

[curbdiggercarl57]

Looks like someone made a toy "spinner" out of that token. Bad toy "spinner" maker, great token.

 

[crazyjarhead]

Those holes have been drilled into it. Nice token nonetheless. Too but someone tried to make a button or something out of it

 

[STH69]

Very nice find

 

[pointdlr]

PBK,

One thing is actually not correct in your history on the piece. Coney Island is still very much open, and thriving. I don't know why they would say it closed in 1971.
Jon.

 

[Mackaydon]

Jas. Murdock Jr., was at the 165 Race Street address from 1875 to 1887.


http://testing.thetrufflefarm.homei...d=11525&attribution_id=10521&td_create_uid=39

 

[Bob S]

Nice Find WTG

 

[Mackaydon]

Point Jon and PBK

You are both correct; it died yet still exists.

"Unlike many grand old traditional parks that slowly faded away, Coney Island's final year, 1971, was a season long party celebrating the life of this special place along the banks of the Ohio River. All of Cincinnati seemed to turnout to say goodbye as the park drew 2.75 million visitors its final season. On September 6, 1971 in a blaze of fireworks, Coney Island said goodbye."

"While much of the focus in 1972 was on the new theme park, some life remained at the old amusement park. A true turning point in the rebirth of Coney Island occurred on July 4, 1984, when the $9 million Riverbend Music Center opened on a 15-acre parcel donated by the park to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra (CSO), near the former location of the Shooting Star's turnaround."

"Once given up for dead, a victim of its own success, Coney Island is alive again. The people of Southwestern Ohio are indeed fortunate. Their beloved local amusement park refused to die and gave its owners no choice but to rebuild it into what it does best-create memories."

An extension review of the park's history is given in the source referenced below.

Don........

Source:

http://www.coneyislandpark.com/plan_history.php

 

[pointdlr]

Mackaydon,
Thanks for the info. I grew up in Cincinnati in the 1980's, and so I did not remember Coney ever being closed. I went to the tennis camp their starting around 1984, so that part makes sense. It is true that the park doesn't have the roller coasters it used to, but the pool area is very popular. I work about 1/2 mile from Coney.

On another note of interest to MDer's, Coney has long been considered the holy grail of detecting locations. Unfortunately, it will cost you a pile of money or maybe even your freedom if you try to detect it. Local legend is that guys were pulling hat fulls of silver per day in the late 70's/early 80's. However, someone got a "big" signal, and started digging with a big shovel. They stopped digging when the shovel struck a live power line, and literally exploded the shovel. The guy wasn't killed, but it permanently shut down our hobby at Coney. I drive by every day thinking about the great spots on the expansive grounds.

Regards,
Jon Dickinson

P.S.- I guess PBK keeps his streak of 10,000 posts w/o an error. Darn, I thought I caught him. Long live PBK!

 

[allen]

definetily a neat looking token !!

 

[Mackaydon]

Since the average weekly wage during the period of 'Jas. Murdock' was about $10 (or about $1.50 per day), IMO, I'll suggest the "25" is not a 'good for' 25 cent token. And, of course, there being no monetary designation on the token, adds fuel to the idea that the token did not represent value.
I like Jon's assessment of it being a locker claim number or for some similar purpose.

Don.....

Source for weekly salaries:
http://books.google.com/books?id=xA...k5HlBA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1