Then & Now: Playland Pier

In 1941 Playland Pier is Coeur d’Alene was one of the main attractions for summer fun in the area. In 1966 the city drew up a 5 year plan for the beach area, which included the removal of the amusement center, but in 1973 the removal was still being debated. By 1975 the pier had had been emptied and was ready for removal when a suspicious fire destroyed most of what was left (SR file photo)

Businessman Earl Somers, born around 1894 in Spokane, operated traveling carnivals around the Western states. He saw an opportunity in Coeur d’Alene in the early 1940s. Thousands of young men and women came to the region because of the war effort. On leave, many went to Spokane, but many also went to Coeur d’Alene to lie on the beach, eat a hamburger or ride the tour boats. In an advertisement he placed to find carnival rides, Somers said there were 40,000 enlisted men and 12,000 officers at Farragut and other regional installations. Rocks and dirt were used to fill in the waterfront and Somers put up buildings for concessions and games. Playland Pier opened in the summer of 1942 and operated from Memorial Day to Labor Day/ SR . More here.

Question: Did you ever recreate at the Playland Pier?