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Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: whispering lane kid ()
Date: February 05, 2011 07:44PM

Does anybody remember a very small carnival-type park at the intersection of Columbia Pike & Route 7 way back in the 60's? I remember my Dad taking me to ride the ponies there, but don't remember much else about it.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: wally pip ()
Date: February 06, 2011 12:48AM

Back in the post WW1 days I flew a bi plane out of the airport that use to be there

I do remember the pony ride and a few other things might associate with a circus but I don't believe had anything to do with barnum and Bailey circus as the long time rumor that has faded in recent years

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: say ()
Date: February 06, 2011 01:03AM

whispering lane kid Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Does anybody remember a very small carnival-type
> park at the intersection of Columbia Pike & Route
> 7 way back in the 60's? I remember my Dad taking
> me to ride the ponies there, but don't remember
> much else about it.


I remember it, but like you, nothing specific. I believe it was on the corner that was east of Columbia Pike and south of Rt 7.

There was a car dealer nearby, Crossroads Rambler I think. Also nearby was an antique store where you could buy your county tag (not sticker).

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: wally pip ()
Date: February 06, 2011 01:09AM

You might want to check out this Facebook site
"Back in the Day Dunn Loring, Vienna, Falls Church, Fairfax & Merrifield VA."

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: PoorPittsburgh ()
Date: February 07, 2011 01:09AM

My parents would always take me to this pony ring after we ate at the old S&W Cafeteria that used to be located across the street at the Seven Corners Shopping Center.

My recollection is that there were two riding rings circled by small chains about 24" off of the ground. For each ride you got something like 10 laps in the rings. Once you were on the horse and the owner placed the horse in the ring the horses knew what to do and you were on your own (the owner did not have a lead attached to each horse).

My parents always wanted me to ride on the walking horse to get the longest ride. I always wanted to ride on the trotting horse (which was more fun but ended up being a shorter ride).

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: texasmax ()
Date: May 25, 2012 08:48AM

I also remember from the late '50s the very small group of rides at Bailey's Crossroads. Besides the pony ride, my favorite was the kids' helicopter ride with the helicopters set out from the center pole in a spoke like formation.

Best part was going more or less across the street to Gifford's [sadly no longer there either] for ice cream.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: blanche ()
Date: May 25, 2012 09:06AM

I would get a ride on a pony after lunch on Sundays -- if I finished my meal at the Hot Shoppes across the street. The good old days!

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Priapus ()
Date: May 25, 2012 09:29AM

I remember seeing a camel there

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Arlingtonkid ()
Date: May 25, 2012 12:20PM

I remember it too, but not a lot details.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Jenny M ()
Date: May 25, 2012 02:06PM

It was run by Sonny Wills for years. I think until his daughter took a serious fall from a horse in a show and then he gave up the ring and started taking care of her fulltime. As I recall she never fully recovered, but as of about 4 years ago Sonny was still around.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Date: May 25, 2012 02:33PM

I'm assuming the Asians from Annandale came over one night and carried the ponies away.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://bible.cc/1_corinthians/13-11.htm

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: bailey's ()
Date: May 25, 2012 07:57PM

whispering lane kid Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Does anybody remember a very small carnival-type
> park at the intersection of Columbia Pike & Route
> 7 way back in the 60's? I remember my Dad taking
> me to ride the ponies there, but don't remember
> much else about it.


Bailey kept his traveling circus animals there.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: P.T. Barnum ()
Date: May 25, 2012 08:03PM

WashingTone-Locian Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I'm assuming the Asians from Annandale came over
> one night and carried the ponies away.

And ate them no doubt.

The only pony show I remember was the one in Tiajuana. Oh, wait... that was a donkey show!

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: NOVA_Native ()
Date: May 25, 2012 11:31PM

The pony rides, Gifford's, the old S&W Cafeteria, the Bailey's X-Roads airport, buying "back to school clothes" at Woodies (and later the Varsity Shop) in 7 corners, these are all pleasant memories for anyone who grew up here in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. But lets fast forward a bit to high school...when we, or more likely our older brothers, would buy beer at Mead's and Al's in Southeast, and we'd go sit behind the chain link fence at the Sunset Drive-in at Baileys. They showed "adult" movies, and there would be about 50 boys at the fence on any given night during the summer. You could hear the soundtrack out of the tinny little speakers people put in their cars, not that the dialog or music were an important part of the experience.

Occasionally Arlington's finest would show up to put an end to the frivolity, and we'd have to hightail it back into the neighborhood around Wakefield. But for the most part, it was us, beer, and Linda Lovelace. Anyone else else hang on that fence?

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: hard times ()
Date: May 25, 2012 11:41PM

I think Baileys has changed somewhat. Now go celebrate the diversity.
Attachments:
231.jpg

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: eesh ()
Date: May 25, 2012 11:44PM

wally pip Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Back in the post WW1 days I flew a bi plane out of
> the airport that use to be there




Ummmmm.....how old are you?

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Hole in the Fence ()
Date: May 26, 2012 12:01AM

NOVA_Native Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------

> ...Wakefield. But for the most part, it was us, beer,
> and Linda Lovelace. Anyone else else hang on that
> fence?


Yep, I remember all of that. Best part was messing with people trying to get it going in the cars. lol

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Leslie Campbell ()
Date: February 28, 2013 07:11PM

Hi, His business was called Bernie's Pony Ring. He shut it down in the 70's when they built the big cloverleaf. He started renting out to school fairs, company picnics and church fairs during the summer. He operated under Bernie Amusements and his daughter took over the business called Bernie backyard rentals. They are still in Fairfax. He is alive and well at 86 years old! (Bernie is my Brother in Law) I also found photos under Lost Local Landmarks on Facebook - You have to scroll down a bit. Hope this gets to you! Here is a article about the pony ring:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/03/AR2010040302683.html

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: afsf ()
Date: February 28, 2013 07:20PM

I remember Giffords and the S & W Cafeteria and the pony rides and helicopter. Giffords swiss chocolate ice cream and those ice cream rolls, yum. Giffords actually resurrected in DC a couple of years ago but didn't take off. S & W cafeteria also at Landmark when it was outside. Anyone ever go to the public swimming pool at Park Fairfax?

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Springfielder ()
Date: February 28, 2013 07:36PM

I remember pony rides in Springfield back in the 60s on the corner of Backlick Rd and Old Keene Mill Rd where the 5 story office bldg is now.

Anyone know if the same guy had both businesses?

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Jose Cuervo ()
Date: February 28, 2013 07:41PM

I saw a pony show in Tijuana once. Are we talking about the same thing here?

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Gordon Blvd ()
Date: February 28, 2013 08:06PM

Jose Cuervo Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I saw a pony show in Tijuana once. Are we talking
> about the same thing here?


kid, it's 8 o'clock go do yr homework............

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: texasmax ()
Date: March 14, 2013 07:44AM

Leslie,

Thanks for providing name of the owner of the old Bailey's Crossroads amusements. Would have gone to my grave never remembering. I'd give alot for just one more pony ride and a sundae at Giffords.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: jim143 ()
Date: March 14, 2013 08:10AM

According to Wikipedia, Bailey's Crossroads is named after the family that owned the land there and the portion of the Ringling Bros. circus which is now HQ'd in Vienna.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bailey's_Crossroads,_Virginia

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Henro ()
Date: March 14, 2013 09:22AM

The Asians ate them. Pony on stick.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: texasmax ()
Date: March 14, 2013 01:50PM

I've seen several posts over the past year referencing Asians and Annandale, sometimes in the same sentence.

I graduated from Annandale HS in the early 70s and moved from Annandale and NorVa in the very early 80s. At the time I graduated and left town it was about as middle class, monchromatic, as you could picture.

What did I miss, what happened?

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Texas Pete ()
Date: March 14, 2013 02:06PM

It went from.......
Annandale=1960's/70's
Actiondale=Party fueled 80's/early 90's
Asiandale=mid 90's/2002
Seoul II=2002-Present

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Oakland Apartments ()
Date: March 14, 2013 02:55PM

There was a little train ride there too, as I recall.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: texasmax ()
Date: March 14, 2013 04:33PM

well, I guess I missed alot. when I lived their the closest thing we had to an ethnic restaurant was the jack in box serving tacos. Finding a asian restaurant is not a problem I suppose.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Candy Spelling ()
Date: March 14, 2013 04:38PM

When my family moved to Alexandria in 68 we would go to Bailey Crossroads for the Pony rides. There was other stuff as well.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: old ()
Date: March 14, 2013 07:13PM

afsf Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I remember Giffords and the S & W Cafeteria and
> the pony rides and helicopter. Giffords swiss
> chocolate ice cream and those ice cream rolls,
> yum. Giffords actually resurrected in DC a couple
> of years ago but didn't take off. S & W cafeteria
> also at Landmark when it was outside. Anyone ever
> go to the public swimming pool at Park Fairfax?


I don't recall a S&W Cafeteria at Bailey's Crossroads. The closest one I remember was at Seven Corners. Where was the Bailey's S&W?

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Springfielder ()
Date: March 14, 2013 08:22PM

old Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> afsf Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I remember Giffords and the S & W Cafeteria and
> > the pony rides and helicopter. Giffords swiss
> > chocolate ice cream and those ice cream rolls,
> > yum. Giffords actually resurrected in DC a
> couple
> > of years ago but didn't take off. S & W
> cafeteria
> > also at Landmark when it was outside. Anyone
> ever
> > go to the public swimming pool at Park Fairfax?
>
>
> I don't recall a S&W Cafeteria at Bailey's
> Crossroads. The closest one I remember was at
> Seven Corners. Where was the Bailey's S&W?



I don't remember an S&W at Bailey's either. But I do remember one at Landmark, when it was an outdoor mall. It was near Hechts. When originally started, S&W Cafeteria's were very ritzy.

Thanks for all the memories!

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: jim143 ()
Date: March 14, 2013 10:44PM

old Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I don't recall a S&W Cafeteria at Bailey's
> Crossroads. The closest one I remember was at
> Seven Corners. Where was the Bailey's S&W?

It was a Hot Shoppes cafeteria at Bailey's Xroads. It was a free standing building away from the shopping center and close to the roads (before the interchange was built). My grandparents used to take us there--then we'd go to Gifford's for ice cream.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Old Fogey ()
Date: March 15, 2013 05:31AM

jim143 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> old Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > I don't recall a S&W Cafeteria at Bailey's
> > Crossroads. The closest one I remember was at
> > Seven Corners. Where was the Bailey's S&W?
>
> It was a Hot Shoppes cafeteria at Bailey's Xroads.
> It was a free standing building away from the
> shopping center and close to the roads (before the
> interchange was built). My grandparents used to
> take us there--then we'd go to Gifford's for ice
> cream.

Yeah, there was a S&W at Seven Corners and one in Falls Church in that little shopping center on Hillwood Ave, but pretty sure there wasn't one in Bailey's.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: texasmax ()
Date: March 15, 2013 07:41AM

Wish my parents and Giffords were both still around, so 50 years later I could take THEM to Giffords for a Sundae on Sunday - it seemed funny in 1960.

Only thing in my life at that time even close to Giffords was going to Topps restaurant. I think there were a few of them, but we went to the one near where Episcopal HS is in Alexandria - I think that's about where it was. For a little kid how great was it to be able to read the table top menu and use the booth phone to order food.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Sleepy Holla ()
Date: March 15, 2013 07:52AM

The freestanding Hot Shoppes on the corner at Bailey's was a regular restaurant. The Hot Shoppes Cafeteria was further down Columbia Pike on the right in an office building. Went to a few B-Day parties at that location.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: texasmax ()
Date: June 21, 2013 08:42AM

By the way, since I am making my first trip back to NORVA in about 15 years, is the old Dairy Bar soft ice stand still around in Falls Church, route 50 I think it was on?

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: asdfadfafds ()
Date: June 21, 2013 09:32AM

Jenny M Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> It was run by Sonny Wills for years. I think until
> his daughter took a serious fall from a horse in a
> show and then he gave up the ring and started
> taking care of her fulltime. As I recall she
> never fully recovered, but as of about 4 years ago
> Sonny was still around.

Oh yes, I remember reading about her in the paper many years ago.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Ronnie ()
Date: June 21, 2013 11:01AM

texasmax Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> By the way, since I am making my first trip back
> to NORVA in about 15 years, is the old Dairy Bar
> soft ice stand still around in Falls Church, route
> 50 I think it was on?

Yeah...it's still there...

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: FCer ()
Date: June 21, 2013 11:13AM

Ronnie Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> texasmax Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > By the way, since I am making my first trip
> back
> > to NORVA in about 15 years, is the old Dairy
> Bar
> > soft ice stand still around in Falls Church,
> route
> > 50 I think it was on?
>
> Yeah...it's still there...

Well, the Frozen Dairy Bar "stand" or building was torn down many years ago, but the Frozen Dairy Bar business still exists in a small strip mall at the same location. (Rt. 50/Annandale Rd.) The business was sold by its original owners, and I believe that they no longer use the old ElectroFreeze machines to make the frozen custard (too difficult to maintain), but it was still pretty good the last time I was there (which was several years ago).

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: blanche ()
Date: June 21, 2013 12:48PM

Glad you think its still pretty good. The Last Time (which will be the last time) they were messing up my good memories of the Frozen Dairy Bar.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: texasmax ()
Date: June 21, 2013 01:39PM

well I hope they did not do anything to make the new location "nice" like actual seating. I loved the minimalist stand it was. This is really stretching my memory, but the only amenity I can vaguely remember is some old style drinking founain on one side of the stand.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Sleepy Holla ()
Date: June 21, 2013 01:49PM

TM....You will be not be happy...seats/doors/other food...just skip it and remember this...
Attachments:
frozen dairy bar.jpg

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: blanche ()
Date: June 21, 2013 03:16PM

The Frozen Dairy Bar was a treasure. The curio shop in the building next door would let you come in while you enjoyed your frozen custard.

Good times!

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: DH ()
Date: June 21, 2013 09:35PM

texasmax Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> well I hope they did not do anything to make the
> new location "nice" like actual seating. I loved
> the minimalist stand it was. This is really
> stretching my memory, but the only amenity I can
> vaguely remember is some old style drinking
> founain on one side of the stand.


Next to that drinking fountain was a paper cup dispenser. The cups were stack in this glass tube. You would put a penny in and pull the lever and a cup would pop out. It was just like this one.
Attachments:
230705636568-4ed2f3752a8d0.JPG

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: texasmax ()
Date: June 24, 2013 11:52AM

Sleepy Holla,

You're right, I would not be happy! Some things were just better back then. Don't think I would want to start life over, but I would pay mucho dinero to have one day in a time machine back to the early 60's and do the following,

1. Pony ride at Bailey's Crossroads
2. Then Ice Cream at Gifford's
3. Dinner at the Fairfax Circle Tops Drive-Inn
4. Soft ice cream at Dairy Bar
5. Drive-in movie at Lee Hwy drive-in [when they showed family movies] and not movies shall we say that appeal to a more mature audience

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Dave Tester ()
Date: February 28, 2014 12:22AM

Yes I remember the pony ring rides that I went there often as it was a bike ride from where I lived with my parents on Paul Street. I collected Royal Crown bottle caps as I need 6 caps to get free ride each time. Anyone recalls that?

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Gulp ()
Date: February 28, 2014 06:29AM

Wow. You got them all...and I can still taste the Tops Drive-In burger.

texasmax wrote:

Sleepy Holla,

You're right, I would not be happy! Some things were just better back then. Don't think I would want to start life over, but I would pay mucho dinero to have one day in a time machine back to the early 60's and do the following,

1. Pony ride at Bailey's Crossroads
2. Then Ice Cream at Gifford's
3. Dinner at the Fairfax Circle Tops Drive-Inn
4. Soft ice cream at Dairy Bar
5. Drive-in movie at Lee Hwy drive-in [when they showed family movies] and not movies shall we say that appeal to a more mature audience

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Henro ()
Date: February 28, 2014 10:50AM

Does anyone remember paying for the rides with RC Cola bottle topps?

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: what??? ()
Date: February 28, 2014 11:22AM

whispering lane kid Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Does anybody remember a very small carnival-type
> park at the intersection of Columbia Pike & Route
> 7 way back in the 60's? I remember my Dad taking
> me to ride the ponies there, but don't remember
> much else about it.


it was a front for a pony meat operation.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: old much?? ()
Date: February 28, 2014 11:23AM

wally pip Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Back in the post WW1 days I flew a bi plane out of
> the airport that use to be there
>
> I do remember the pony ride and a few other things
> might associate with a circus but I don't believe
> had anything to do with barnum and Bailey circus
> as the long time rumor that has faded in recent
> years


you must be very old

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: ooold ()
Date: March 01, 2014 05:45PM

Henro Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Does anyone remember paying for the rides with RC
> Cola bottle topps?


I remember collecting Pepsi bottle caps for free rides at Glen Echo. When we finally had a ton of them, we talked mom into taking us.

When we got there, we find out that the bottle caps were only good for kiddie rides, not the roller coaster or the other good stuff.

We were PISSED!

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the late 50's early 60's
Posted by: SusanCC ()
Date: August 19, 2014 08:13PM

Rumor: Did not Bailey own the large home w/flag stone like exterior and the 2 or 3 identical, but smaller ones he built behind or along side (don't recall now) for 3 of kids and their families? The windmill's still up and spinning near the intersection/a apt or condo there-- at least it was when I was last there in June/early July 2014-- houses gone long ago. This being the circus Bailey.
And I-- Remember they did away w/ the little airport to build the high rise Skyline Towers-- there were three of em --one of which fell down killing a couple workers I seem to recall. And there was the Purple 'house' -- Lavender Victorian w/ darker purple trim-- anyone recall that: the house 'of ill repute', I think where the Audi Dealership or the Navy Bldg. was erected (no pun intended)-- And yes there were ponies there someplace. I was trying to recall the name of my favorite; my dearly departed sister would recall-- especially as one year, for my july 3 B-day my parents rented at least the one pony to give free rides to the few kids who attended by 'party', in our back yard-- I was too young to remember, but there are photos somewhere in my stacks of old photos-- too sad for me to look thru now days.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Delaine ()
Date: January 01, 2015 09:41PM

Yes, I remember it well and went there when my Dad would do the drive. There were small ponies and larger ones and I was thrilled that I was a good enough rider to ride the larger ones. There was also a carousel there, which is still the logo of the city and shown on the sign welcoming you to Baileys Crossroads. It was in the 60's that we went there too. Gosh, maybe we rode at the same time. LOL.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Delaine ()
Date: January 01, 2015 09:44PM

Oh my gosh, yes, this is exactly what I did too. I never wanted the smaller, walking ponies, but the faster trotting ponies. And the ring was just as you described and what made the ride fun was you got to trot and on your own, no one holding you back. Gosh I loved that and those ponies. What fun memories!

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: pony ()
Date: January 01, 2015 10:06PM

say Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> whispering lane kid Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Does anybody remember a very small
> carnival-type
> > park at the intersection of Columbia Pike &
> Route
> > 7 way back in the 60's? I remember my Dad
> taking
> > me to ride the ponies there, but don't remember
> > much else about it.
>
>
> I remember it, but like you, nothing specific. I
> believe it was on the corner that was east of
> Columbia Pike and south of Rt 7.
>
> There was a car dealer nearby, Crossroads Rambler
> I think. Also nearby was an antique store where
> you could buy your county tag (not sticker).


I remember that really well I have a pictue of me I am going to find. I was sure the pony behind mine was going to bite the ponys tail I was on so i am screaming.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: INFOOOOOOOO ()
Date: January 01, 2015 10:11PM

Others knew Baileys Crossroads as the place to get a first fleeting taste of life in the saddle, at Bernie's Pony Ring, diagonally across from the Paynes' stone houses. "I became a veteran rider, having successfully begged my parents to take me there for a few laps around the dirt circle at every opportunity," wrote Roberta Goldberg, then of Alexandria, now of Silver Spring. "I felt like an expert horse woman even though the ponies were small and likely exhausted, and the ring was tiny. It was bliss for a 7-year-old."

The pony ring was stocked with such steeds as Cricket, Frosty, Mamma and Bird Dog. More than once, owner Bernie Cox arrived at work in the morning to find his herd gone, escaped through a gate left open by nocturnal, pony joy-riding teens.



THIS IS FROM A JOHN KELLY WASHINGTON POST ARTICLE ON BAILEYS CROSRAODS.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Obvious tie -in ()
Date: January 02, 2015 12:24PM

The word at the time was that the ponies were used at night by contractors as low cost labor ,hauling materials at building sites.When FFx Co. was overrun by even cheaper labor the contractors buried the ponies starting a cycle that continues to this day. The 80s brought circling helicopters to try and find the burial sites. A Bunnyman connection was alleged but never proven,

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Annan Daler ()
Date: October 08, 2017 01:37PM

When I was a kid it was always a great treat to go to the pony rides (usually followed by a trip to Giffords). I went there enough that I had a particular pony I liked named Scout (all the ponies had names) and I would wait to ride him.

Anytime I've thought that I might get a horse, I've always known I would name him Scout after that little pony I loved as a kid.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Donkey Show Pal.. ()
Date: October 08, 2017 02:12PM

>I saw a pony show in Tijuana once

LOL..

DAJAX

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Restaurant owners ()
Date: October 08, 2017 02:22PM

A sinister group of chefs used the pony meat operation to fuel the opening of such well known household names like Kilroy's, Tippys Taco,and yes even Arthur Treachers.
Successors allegedly support the many Annandale Korean BBQs to this day.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Don Klotz ()
Date: March 05, 2018 05:42PM

Greetings All,
I had a wonderful childhood growing up in Alexandria and after reading this forum I wanted to share an old Super 8 film that I knew had footage of the Pony Ring at Baileys Crossroads. I too remember Giffords, watching airplanes take off at the old airport and trains being linked together at Potomac Yards. It was just another little southern town back then. G.W. High School had a rifle range in the basement where students would learn how to shoot. If you don’t believe me look at the blueprints from the renovation about ten years ago, that’s where I got the information.
https://youtu.be/UgLtWYE4hZQ

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: your pants must be on fire ()
Date: March 05, 2018 05:46PM

wally pip Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Back in the post WW1 days I flew a bi plane out of
> the airport that use to be there
>
> I do remember the pony ride and a few other things
> might associate with a circus but I don't believe
> had anything to do with barnum and Bailey circus
> as the long time rumor that has faded in recent
> years



Then you must be over 120 years old, liar.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Old Enough ()
Date: March 05, 2018 06:07PM

your pants must be on fire Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> wally pip Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Back in the post WW1 days I flew a bi plane out
> of
> > the airport that use to be there
> >

I worked at the Drive In movie theater across the street from the airport. Tire tracks from the planes all over the top of the screen.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Take me back ()
Date: March 05, 2018 07:47PM

I went to the pony ring to celebrate childhood birthdays. I recall it well.

Unlike others, however, I never went to a S&W cafeteria before Giffords. I was always taken to Hot Shoppes, located just across Columbia Pike from the pony ring. Mighty Mo and Orange Freeze! Then on to Giffords for a banana split.

Whenever the Goodyear Blimp was in town it tied up at the Washington Virginia Airport just beyond the pony ring.

Good times.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Nice try asshole ()
Date: March 06, 2018 06:52AM

> Successors allegedly support the many Annandale
> Korean BBQs to this day.

I run the largest buffet in Koreatown!
Horsemeat price too high!
I only use PREMIUM “West ox canine prime!”
Love,
Mr. Tang Soo Yuk

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: remembering person 2 ()
Date: March 06, 2018 06:17PM

Jesus, does every thread have to be like the gay "pics of old fairfax county..." thread??

How about more posts about illegals and Arthur Treacher's, please?

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Haymarket Steve ()
Date: March 09, 2018 07:46PM

Grew up in Parklawn, Braddock Rd. at Columbia Pike. Spent many weekends riding the ponies at Bernie’s. Dad used to hire them to come to the house for birthday parties. Next door neighbor loved the residue for his garden! We would go to Giffords on Saturday night and Hot Shoppes Cafeteria in the Nassif Building on Columbia Pike after church at St. Albans on Sundays. Probably ate dinner at the Hot Shoppes at the Crossroads a 100 times ( Mom didn’t cook much in those days). Always wondered about those 3 stone houses we looked out the window at. This was the late 50’s to early 60’s. All good memories.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Johnny ()
Date: March 22, 2021 11:52PM

If anyone rode ponies at Bernie's during the spring/summer of 1963 I'd love to hear from you! I was the skinny kid in the ring keeping the ponies moving and counting the laps. On the weekend we had up to 12 ponies. A ticket was $.25 cents and you got three laps, your choice of slow or fast track. Some parents bought a couple of tickets, some bought ten, usually with a few tickets on the slow track and balance on the fast track. My job was keep the ponies moving, keep track of the # of tickets and laps, change ponies to the fast track on lap count and turn them back in when all tickets were finished. If I made a mistake you better believe your parents were also counting and let me know about it! It was a fun job and you really can keep track of it all in your head, no computer required! I was 15 at the time and that was my first Big Time job! Johnny

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Re: Does anyone remember that Flying Saucer drive-in restaurant at Scofield Rd and Route in the 1950s?
Posted by: Kathryn ()
Date: August 21, 2022 01:48PM

texasmax Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I also remember from the late '50s the very small
> group of rides at Bailey's Crossroads. Besides
> the pony ride, my favorite was the kids'
> helicopter ride with the helicopters set out from
> the center pole in a spoke like formation.
>
> Best part was going more or less across the street
> to Gifford's [sadly no longer there either] for
> ice cream.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Good Times ()
Date: August 21, 2022 06:25PM

"They showed "adult" movies, and there would be about 50 boys at the fence on any given night during the summer. You could hear the soundtrack out of the tinny little speakers people put in their cars, not that the dialog or music were an important part of the experience."

Using a ladder, a better view with less hassle could be had from the flat roof of the old Irving Payne, NVCC and C&P garage located on Caryln Springs Rd. Coolers of beer and party snacks made it the best entertainment ticket in town.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Uh, Oh, the Memories ()
Date: August 21, 2022 07:50PM

Take me back Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I went to the pony ring to celebrate childhood
> birthdays. I recall it well.
>
> Unlike others, however, I never went to a S&W
> cafeteria before Giffords. I was always taken to
> Hot Shoppes, located just across Columbia Pike
> from the pony ring. Mighty Mo and Orange Freeze!
> Then on to Giffords for a banana split.
>
> Whenever the Goodyear Blimp was in town it tied up
> at the Washington Virginia Airport just beyond the
> pony ring.
>
> Good times.


The Mighty Mo!

Oh God .. how I loved it.

A friend of my older brother used to take me to that Hot Shoppes.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Theresa Ellis ()
Date: November 23, 2022 05:40PM

So excited that I found this site. Great memories at the Bailey's Crossroads with my brother, sister and grandfather who would often take us for a pony ride and a stop at McDonalds on Arlington blvd, Falls Church. I remember counting laps around the circle and the one time my pony hopped over the chain and started trotting before a few guys ran over to stop us. I was probably around 5 then. I remember the pony or handler's name was Mike?

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: copperfield ct ()
Date: November 25, 2022 11:57AM

Theresa Ellis Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> So excited that I found this site. Great memories
> at the Bailey's Crossroads with my brother, sister
> and grandfather who would often take us for a pony
> ride and a stop at McDonalds on Arlington blvd,
> Falls Church. I remember counting laps around the
> circle and the one time my pony hopped over the
> chain and started trotting before a few guys ran
> over to stop us. I was probably around 5 then. I
> remember the pony or handler's name was Mike?


Theresa, this is no longer a safe place to post and you should not have used your real name. The trolls dig deep here. Be very careful.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: suck it ()
Date: November 26, 2022 01:00AM

copperfield ct Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Theresa, this is no longer a safe place to post
> and you should not have used your real name. The
> trolls dig deep here. Be very careful.


Kindly grow the hell up, idiot. You sound like a troll yourself.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: copperfield ct ()
Date: November 26, 2022 09:31AM

suck it Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> copperfield ct Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Theresa, this is no longer a safe place to post
> > and you should not have used your real name.
> The
> > trolls dig deep here. Be very careful.
>
>
> Kindly grow the hell up, idiot. You sound like a
> troll yourself.

Well go ahead and fuck off. Maybe you should go fuck your mother up the ass again.

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Re: Pony ring at Bailey's in the '60's
Posted by: Rita Fernandez ()
Date: February 27, 2023 04:05PM

This pony ring belonged to my brother, Richard (Dick) Hansbrough and his partner Bernie Cox. Attached pic is from the early 60’s - me riding Trigger. Ponies were all killed sometime later while
Being transported to Florida for the winter.
Attachments:
002BFCFA-EE6F-4C27-841C-BC28F8299D20.jpeg

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