Inspired by Grandfather Adolphus Busch’s lush gardens at his Pasadena home, the idea came up to develop a beautiful garden spot for visitors to enjoy along with a free tour of the company’s new brewery in Tampa, FL. It was instantly wildly popular, leading to the expansion of the idea at other locations such as Los Angeles, Houston, and Wiliamsburg. Some, of course, ended up doing better than others.
In 1957 the company announced a new $20-25 million dollar brewery facility for the Tampa area. August Busch Jr, however, insisted that it not be merely another drab industrial complex. Having grown up playing in his grandfather’s place in California, he felt the new plant should “contribute its attractiveness and add to the beauty of the community.” Seventeen acres were dedicated to a hospitality center featuring subtropical landscaping and exotic birds. Another 117 acres were set aside as a retirement farm for their famous Clydesdale horses.
Dedicated March 31, 1959, there was no admission fee. This was a promotional project, intended to boost their favorable image with the public. And it worked. Massively. Everybody in Florida and beyond had to go see what the fuss was all about. The grounds were beautiful, featuring the Hospitality House, Devil’s Island, Dwarf Village, and the 86-foot tall Stairway to the Stars escalator that took guests up to the brewery tour. Waterways and meandering footpaths crisscrossed the acreage, surrounded by thousands of tropical trees, plants, and flowers. Bird shows soon became a Busch staple, finding their way into the other Busch parks to follow.
The Tampa park continued to prosper and grow, eventually becoming the gated theme park we all know and love today. With such a slam dunk success on their hands, the obvious next move was to do it again. What could go wrong?
Here are several vintage newspaper ads and photos, along with an early-60s park ticket. For more history check out Imagineering an American Dreamscape.
