The Chutes of San Francisco

The Chutes of San Francisco (also known as the Fillmore Chutes was an amusement park located on Fillmore Street, in the Fillmore District of San Francisco, California, bounded by Webster, Eddy and Turk Streets. San Francisco has been known for its water ride amusement park that enchanted visitors and locals alike during its existence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From its beginnings at the Haight Street location to its subsequent move to Fulton Street and later Fillmore Street, the Chutes left an indelible mark on San Francisco's amusement landscape.

Haight Street Chutes


The origins of the Chutes can be traced back to Paul Boyton, who introduced his creation known as "Paul Boyton's Water Chutes" in Chicago in 1894. A year later, Boyton established Sea Lion Park, a predecessor to the renowned Coney Island, situated on the southwestern end of New York's Long Island. Recognizing the immense popularity of his Chutes ride, Boyton began licensing the concept, and it swiftly caught the attention of San Francisco, becoming a sought-after attraction in the city.

On November 2, 1895, a thrilling amusement ride known as "Shoot the Chutes" made its grand debut. Nestled conveniently on Haight Street, a few blocks east of Golden Gate Park, the site spanned the area bounded by Haight, Cole, Waller, and Clayton Streets. Interestingly, this land was previously owned by the estate of John H. Baird, the former president of the California Powder Works, a prominent dynamite factory located in the Sunset District. During the period when Southern Pacific held the lease for the property, it was their attorney, Charles Ackerman, who assumed ownership and management of the "Shoot the Chutes" attraction. Initially, the site only featured the thrilling chutes ride and a food concession. On its inaugural day, a massive crowd gathered as numerous individuals eagerly boarded the boats stationed atop a towering structure. Their destination: a thrilling 300-foot long descent down to the pool situated below.

While the Haight Street Chutes experienced remarkable success, its future was uncertain. In 1901, as John Baird's youngest child reached the age of 21, the liquidation and distribution of Baird's estate commenced, leading to the termination of the lease for the Haight Street Chutes property. To mitigate the situation, the Chutes presented a positive narrative, asserting that they had outgrown their current location and required a move to accommodate their growth. On March 16, 1902, the Haight Street Chutes closed.

Transition to Fulton Street Chutes


A Continuation of aquatic excitement Following the closure of the Haight Street Chutes in 1902, the legacy of the Chutes lived on with the emergence of the Fulton Street Chutes. Relocating to the Inner Richmond District, this new incarnation of the water ride amusement park aimed to carry forward the spirit of aquatic adventure that had captured the hearts of its patrons. The Fulton Street Chutes promised a similar array of exhilarating water rides and amusements, attracting visitors eager to experience the thrill once again.

Charles Ackerman, the enterprising attorney, and impresario behind the Chutes, was well aware of the impending loss of their lease on Haight Street. In response, Ackerman's Chutes Realty Company took proactive measures by acquiring land in the Richmond District to embark on the construction of a brand-new Chutes theme park. This ambitious endeavor resulted in the development of a sprawling Chutes complex, encompassing the entire city block bordered by Fulton and Cabrillo Streets, as well as 10th and 11th Avenues.

Following the closure of the Haight Street location on March 16, 1902, the captivating attractions of the Chutes found a new home at the Fulton Street location. On May 1, 1902, the grand opening of the Fulton Street Chutes took place, promising an enhanced experience for visitors. A key highlight of the event was the introduction of a larger Chutes theater, boasting seating capacity for 4,000 people. Adding to the excitement, the esteemed Colonel Edward Beaupre, famously known as the French Giant, stood tall at a staggering height of 7 feet, ten and a half inches, becoming the featured attraction of the grand opening. The festivities drew an estimated crowd of 12,000 to 15,000 enthusiastic attendees, setting the stage for a thrilling new era at the Fulton Street Chutes.

Charles Ackerman, who had been suffering from a prolonged illness, passed away on January 25, 1909. Following his demise, his wife Carrie became the inheritor of his estate, while the responsibility of managing the Chutes fell upon their son Irving. Even before Charles Ackerman's death, Irving had been actively seeking a new location for the Chutes due to dwindling attendance. After a few months, a suitable site was discovered, leading to the closure of the Fulton Chutes. However, during the transition period, the skating rink remained open, and the theater was rented out for various events. In December 1909, the Chutes property was sold to a developer with intentions to construct two-story homes on the site.

Irving Ackerman's vision


Irving Ackerman, the son of Charles Ackerman, the original owner of the Chutes, made the decision to shut down the Fulton Chutes to relocate the operation to what he believed would be a more favorable site on Fillmore Street. This move marked a significant turning point in the Chutes' story, with a renewed commitment to providing exciting water-based attractions and entertainment to a growing audience.

Following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, the Fillmore area emerged as the fresh commercial hub of San Francisco, as it had remained largely unaffected by the devastating earthquake and subsequent fire. Amidst the downtown area's reconstruction, one of the notable establishments to emerge was the Coney Island Amusement Park. On March 8, 1909, Irving Ackerman announced his acquisition of a 13-year lease for the Coney Island Park property. Ackerman committed $250,000 to relocate the Chutes to this site and enhance its facilities. Initially occupying a smaller space, Ackerman's vision encompassed expanding the property to encompass the entire block bounded by Fillmore, Webster, Eddy, and Turk Streets. Furthermore, he promised to introduce captivating new attractions to enthrall visitors.

The previous Chutes locations boasted a variety of exciting attractions that captivated visitors. Among them were the beloved Railway, merry-go-round, Circle Swing, shooting gallery, and photo studio. With the establishment of the new Chutes location, a fresh wave of amusements emerged, including the thrilling "Dante's Inferno" labyrinth, complete with hills and drops. Notably, the labyrinth featured the heart-pounding "Devil's Slide," where patrons could ascend via an escalator and then slide down steep slopes on small mats. Another exhilarating attraction was the human roulette wheel, where riders spun faster and faster until the centrifugal forces propelled them into the outer gutter. Additionally, visitors could enjoy their time in the lively Dancing Pavilion, while the outdoor screen showcased captivating motion pictures for everyone's entertainment.

On July 14, 1909, the grand opening of the new Fillmore Chutes took place, attracting an enormous crowd of eager attendees. Opening day witnessed a remarkable influx of visitors, with throngs of people flocking to the park to experience the excitement firsthand. Such was the anticipation and enthusiasm that those who arrived in the afternoon made the wise decision to dine at the park, fearing that they might not be able to re-enter in the evening due to the expected surge in attendance. The vibrant atmosphere and high attendance on the inaugural day of the Fillmore Chutes spoke volumes about the public's eagerness to embrace this new entertainment destination.

The Fillmore Chutes experienced significant success; however, its triumph was tragically short-lived. In the early hours of May 29, 1911, a devastating fire erupted, swiftly engulfing the premises. The source of the blaze was traced back to a barber shop run by the Bondy brothers. Reports suggested that a water heater left on without sufficient water triggered the ignition. Whether this was accidental or deliberate remained unclear, as the shop's owner had expressed ongoing conflicts with the brothers. The fire claimed the lives of three individuals and left seven others injured. While the newly constructed Chutes Theater building, made of concrete, survived the inferno, much of the surrounding park fell victim to the flames, resulting in extensive devastation.

Following the destructive fire, Irving Ackerman made the decision not to rebuild the Chutes in its original location. Instead, the land was sold and repurposed for other ventures. The iconic Chutes attraction, beloved by many, vanished from the San Francisco entertainment scene. However, this was not the end of the story for the Chutes and their connection to the city. Though their physical presence had vanished, the spirit and legacy of the Chutes continued to linger in the hearts and memories of San Franciscans. The impact and imprint left by the Chutes on the city's cultural fabric ensured that they would forever hold a place in the collective consciousness of San Francisco, their legacy extending far beyond their physical existence.

Legacy of the chutes


The Chutes of San Francisco carved a special place in the hearts and memories of those who experienced its wonders. It represented an era of innocence, joy, and communal amusement. Families and individuals flocked to the Chutes to escape the pressures of daily life, immersing themselves in a world of water-based delights. The Chutes not only brought joy to the people but also contributed to the local economy, attracting tourists and generating employment opportunities.

The legacy of the Chutes of San Francisco paved the way for the emergence of Playland, a renowned amusement park that would captivate generations of San Franciscans. Playland, often referred to as Playland at the Beach, carried the spirit and entertainment ethos of the Chutes into a new era.