Honoring George A. Boeckling

SANDUSKY — Four generations of family members, along with others, came out to support the No. 1 person responsible for Cedar Point's meteoric rise. On Monday, a dedication for Boeckling's Bend occurred. This involved installing a street sign reading Boeckling's Bend at West Perkins Avenue. "The name honors George A. Boeckling (1862–1931), the Cedar Point visionary who helped turn it into a world-class amusement park while giving back to Sandusky through civic and charitable work," according to a city statement. "We were glad to have members of the Biechele family join us for the dedication," the statement read. "George Boeckling was a great uncle to David Biechele, whose idea helped make this recognition possible. Look for the new sign next time you drive the curve." Dedicating the curve Earlier this year, city commissioners renamed the previously unnamed bending portion of road that connects Anderson to Sanford streets near West Perkins Avenue to Boeckling's Bend. More specifically, it's the stretch of street hooking around Mills Creek Golf Course's fifth hole. About a year ago, lifelong city resident David Biechele made a presentation to city commissioners about George Arthur "G.A." Boeckling. Boeckling represents a great uncle to Biechele. "Mr. Biechele also pointed out that Sandusky had not provided any type of memorial for George Boeckling, the innovator of Cedar Point," city ex officio mayor Dick Brady said. "His suggestion was to name this section of road after George Boeckling to honor his contribution to our community." Regarding this area of asphalt, "Many people assumed it was Perkins Avenue. Some assumed it was Sanford Street. It was neither," Brady added. When commissioners did green-light the change, not a single elected official expressed any opposition. "This stretch of road is meant to memorialize the contributions made by George Boeckling's foresight in buying and building an amusement park that has employed thousands of our residents over the years and continues to provide millions of dollars of revenue to our city," Brady said. He continued: "The benefits of his vision have lasted more than 150 years. The bend in this stretch of road mirrors the gentle turn of Cedar Point from a small bathing attraction to a giant amusement park over the last century and a half." Resolving the unnamed road issue Here are some excerpts from a city resolution renaming the curved section of street to Boeckling's Bend: • George Arthur Boeckling (1862 to 1931) was an American businessman who served as the president of Cedar Point Pleasure Resort Co. of Indiana, which later became Cedar Fair Entertainemnt Co. He is often credited for bringing Cedar Point out of financial difficulties at the turn of the 20th century and making it a nationally recognized amusement park and resort destination. • In 1897, G.A. Boeckling became part owner and general manager of the newly reorganized Cedar Point Pleasure Resort Co. Under his leadership, Cedar Point resort was transformed from a summer picnic/swimming area to a thriving amusement park with wide appeal. Note: In 1901, he purchased the property, expanding it from a public bathing beach to a place where people could enjoy rides and games. • In 1908, the steamer G.A. Boeckling began providing local transportation between the city of Sandusky and Cedar Point. • In 1928, an administration building was constructed by the Jackson Street Pier that featured arches, a cupola and other ornamental features and was known as the Boeckling Building. • G.A. Boeckling was very public-spirited, a member of the chamber of commerce, Elks Lodge, Aerie of Eagles and was charitable to local churches, veterans organizations and youth clubs of Sandusky.