Bill Drake
Sylvia and I were classmates at Dixie Heights, and in the 8th grade she and my close friend Ron H were sorta dating (girlfriend and boyfriend back then). When it came time for our school trip to the Coney Island Amusement Park, Ron could not go for some reason, and he asked me to accompany Sylvia so no other guys would impose on her. I had no girlfriend at the time, so I accepted the escort service. Sylvia had ridden roller coasters before, and I never had-so she encouraged me to ride with her- gulp - I was a bit concerned about the coasters, but I obeyed, At that time, we purchased tickets and held on to them for exchanging for any rides you got on, and there was no requirement that you had to get off after the ride ended. The 2 coasters were the Wildcat, and the Silver Streak. Well, by golly, we finished the Wildcat ride, and she says, "again", I was hooked, and I believe we rode 18 successive times on the Wildcat. I do not remember any time after that day with Sylvia that I have enjoyed an amusement park as much, and we did have a great time.