Frontier City, Irish Hills: 1960-1974
Nothing against Stagecoach Stop, but I preferred Frontier City.
While Stagecoach Stop became easier to get to, it meant the downfall of Frontier City. It wasn’t just a western street, but more of a real western cowboy town, with backroads and real downtown shops. Customer parking was far enough away where you couldn’t really see the vehicles, adding to the authentic atmosphere.
Frontier City was built in 1959 and opened in 1960...and you bet, I was a visitor that first year. It was the brainchild of Irish Hills resident Ivan Hunt, who saw the prospect of success of a western-themed amusement area. Along with partner Maynard Minier, the two planned & constructed their fantasy cowboy town on M-50 south of US-12.
It was a treat to head into the Long Horn Saloon for snacks, and drinks like sarsaparilla and redeye (root beer). Walk out, go next door to the general store and stock up on more goodies and souvenirs.
Music was provided by the “house band” Freddy Clemons & The Frontiersmen. Many nationally-known country performers made appearances at Frontier City, like Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, and Tex Ritter. I went on the “stagecoach holdup” ride and tried to coax the bandits into taking my sister’s money. Didn’t work.
There was also a tall metal slide that you climbed steps to the top and slid through a metal tunnel. Problem with that was, you could get sliced & cut up from the edges of metal plating.
In 1974, after Stagecoach Stop had opened years earlier in 1965, Frontier City called it quits.
Not long after it was closed and deserted, I went there with two buddies and we shot our own little western film, while all the buildings were still standing. They are now gone, but at least I have that little film to remind me how cool it was.
Scroll down to see some old images of how Frontier City once looked!