The Pretzel dark ride, Thunderbolt roller coaster and Dodge ’Em bumper cars (shown above, left to right) were just three of the Carsonia Park rides enjoyed by the youthful author. The 1932 Thunderbolt was the work of top coaster designer John Miller. Miller is generally considered the father of the modern coaster. He patented a number of safety features that are still used on coasters today. — 1940s photograph by Walter A. Romanski, from the Passing Scene, Vol. 2