Moonlite Gardens™
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History

 
 

A Cincinnati Landmark

 
 

Rooted in the Past, Reimagined for Today

The original Moonlite Gardens was a beloved open-air dance hall at Coney Island, where generations of Cincinnatians gathered to dance, celebrate, and create lasting summer memories. When Coney Island closed in 2023, the future of this iconic name was uncertain.

Now, in the historic neighborhood of Mount Adams, Moonlite Gardens has been thoughtfully revived—not by recreating the past, but by honoring its spirit through something new. Where music once played, art now thrives. Where big band echoes once filled the air, quiet beauty and curated elegance take center stage. This is the new Moonlite Gardens—refreshed, restored, and ready for its next chapte

The Golden Era

Moonlite Gardens was born in 1925 during the Jazz Age, part of the Coney Island Amusement Park. Designed as a romantic, open-air pavilion, it featured an expansive dance floor, graceful architecture, and lush garden surroundings.

The 1930s and 1940s marked its golden age. Dances, weddings, and legendary performances were the heart of its charm. Notable acts included Cab Calloway, Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and Louis Armstrong, who performed on July 7, 1938. The Clooney Sisters, including Rosemary Clooney, also graced the stage in 1949, cementing the venue’s place in Cincinnati’s cultural memory.

As musical tastes shifted after World War II, Moonlite Gardens evolved, embracing new genres and audiences while maintaining its signature atmosphere of celebration and elegance.

Development and Expansion

  • 1886: Parker sold the land for $17,500 to the Ohio Grove Corporation, led by steamboat captains William and Malcolm McIntyre. The park was renamed Ohio Grove, The Coney Island of the West, and officially opened on June 21.

  • 1887: The name Ohio Grove was dropped in favor of Coney Island.

  • 1888: A new company, the Coney Island Company, took control, led by Commodore Lee Brooks.

  • 1890-1893: Expansion included purchasing land and constructing Lake Como.

  • 1896-1912: Significant developments such as the introduction of the original Island Queen, additional rides, and roller coasters like Dip the Dips and Little Dipper.

  • 1913-1924: More enhancements, including new roller coasters and management changes, leading to increased popularity and improvements.

A New Home in Mount Adams

In 2024, Moonlite Gardens was reimagined in a historic 1876 row house in Mount Adams. This new space continues the tradition of celebrating the arts—no longer a dance hall, but a living gallery and intimate retreat.

The home features original architectural details, curated works by Cincinnati artists, and a private moonlit garden—preserving the romance and charm of its namesake while introducing a more personal, immersive experience. Guests can now stay overnight in this historic residence and engage with a curated collection of art and design that honors both the past and present.

A Legacy Timeline

Early Origins

  • 1867: James Parker purchased a 20-acre apple orchard along the Ohio River.

  • 1870: Parker began hosting private picnics on the land, realizing its greater value as a leisure space.

  • 1876: The current Mount Adams home (now Moonlite Gardens) was constructed.

Coney Island Development

  • 1886: Land sold to the Ohio Grove Corporation, which opened Ohio Grove, the Coney Island of the West.

  • 1887–1893: Name changed to Coney Island; expansions included Lake Como and additional land purchases.

  • 1896–1924: Iconic rides and coasters like Dip the Dips and Little Dipper added.

Moonlite Gardens Establishment

  • 1925: Constructed by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company as an open-air dance hall.

  • 1928: Partially enclosed.

  • 1934–1947: Renovations included a New Orleans-style makeover and enhancements to the kiddie area.

Mid-Century Changes

  • 1950s–60s: New rides and amenities like the Rotor, Scrambler, and Sky Ride introduced.

  • 1968: Taft Broadcasting purchased Coney Island; operations shifted toward Kings Island.

Later Years & Closure

  • 1972–2023: Coney Island evolved through various identities—Old Coney, Riverbend Music Center, and more. Moonlite Gardens received major renovations in 1985 and 2011.

  • 2023: Coney Island and Moonlite Gardens officially closed.

Today: A Living Tribute

Art Collection

The revived Moonlite Gardens now serves as a curated space for Cincinnati artists. Highlights include:

  • Abstract expressionist works by William Fred Arrowood

  • Landmark-inspired pieces by Suzzanna 'Sanna' Frank

  • Dynamic abstracts by Robbie Kemper

  • Culturally rich mixed media by Milagros Pongo

  • Historic lithographs by John Stobart, including The Queen City of the West in 1876

Each piece adds depth, storytelling, and a sense of place—paying homage to the city’s creative spirit.

Historic Ambiance

The 1876 residence features original details, including high ceilings, a central skylight, intricate moldings, and a graceful winder staircase. Antique furnishings and original Cincinnati pottery further highlight Cincinnati’s artistic and architectural legacy.

The Moonlit Garden

Tucked behind the home is a serene garden, perfect for al fresco dining, a glass of wine under the stars, or a quiet moment to reflect. It’s a nod to the lush gardens of the original venue—and a signature feature of the new one.

A New Chapter

Moonlite Gardens in Mount Adams is more than a tribute—it’s a transformation. A place where history lives on, not just in memory, but in experience. Guests can now step into a space where the elegance of the past meets the creativity of the present.

The legacy continues. And it’s more personal than ever.