The Secrets of Camden Park with Clinton Burley
The Secrets of Camden Park with Clinton Burley  
Podcast: Tri State Time Machine
Published On: Wed Sep 10 2025
Description: 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.Moments00:00 From Furniture Factory to Camden Park06:16 Camden Park Origins and Growth11:28 Camden Park Train Ride Overview20:41 "Camden Park's 1956 Roller Coaster Deal"24:42 Park's Decline After Family Sale30:20 Skyliner Incident: 1970s School Trip36:46 "Stark Sign Co. Projects"39:40 Nostalgic Theme Park Memories46:10 "Origin of the Pronto Pup"49:00 Vacation Travel Style Differences54:36 Rowboat Fears vs. Nostalgia59:05 "Nostalgia for Frog Catapult Game"01:08:36 Amusement Ride Incident Recap01:10:39 From Turnpike to Ground-Level Flume01:16:56 Affordable, Meaningful Family Fun01:20:18 Tri State Time Machine PromoThis 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: LWJEODYBFWYH73TRhttps://ts-time-machine.captivate.fm/episode/the-secrets-of-camden-park-with-clinton-burley Copyright 2026 Vanessa Hankins https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/