Businessman. He and Fredric Thompson were successful American amusement park promoters at the turn of the 20th century. At first, he and Thompson were in a competition with each other, but decided to form a partnership instead. Compared to Dundy, Thompson was ten years younger and lacked business experience. Thompson and Dundy leased Paul Boyton's Sea Lion Park on Coney Island, and with $700,000 in borrowed money, created their Luna Park. With the opening of Luna Park in May of 1903, these two men became the creator and owners of one of the earliest amusement parks in the world. Although the park provided an income, the park was only open for four months out of the year. Of this partnership, Thompson had the artistic creativity side, whereas Dundy the financial side. In 1905 Thompson and Dundy built a huge indoor stadium in Manhattan called the Hippodrome. They were very successful with assets of $1,500,000 at one point. After Thompson married a Broadway actress, Dundy invested in several Broadway plays. Born the son of a federal judge, he had in his home several opportunities to meet Buffalo Bill Cody, Indian fighter and circus promoter. Although his father wanted him to study law, he wanted to join the amusement business. With Thompson, he had a successful career in the amusement business. After being diagnosed with pneumonia in the winter of 1907, he died within days leaving the inexperienced Thompson to manage their vast investments. Thompson declared bankruptcy five years later. Some sources state that Dundy was a junior partner as Thompson had the vision, drive and imagination, but it was Dundy had a head for business and found the money for these projects.
Businessman. He and Fredric Thompson were successful American amusement park promoters at the turn of the 20th century. At first, he and Thompson were in a competition with each other, but decided to form a partnership instead. Compared to Dundy, Thompson was ten years younger and lacked business experience. Thompson and Dundy leased Paul Boyton's Sea Lion Park on Coney Island, and with $700,000 in borrowed money, created their Luna Park. With the opening of Luna Park in May of 1903, these two men became the creator and owners of one of the earliest amusement parks in the world. Although the park provided an income, the park was only open for four months out of the year. Of this partnership, Thompson had the artistic creativity side, whereas Dundy the financial side. In 1905 Thompson and Dundy built a huge indoor stadium in Manhattan called the Hippodrome. They were very successful with assets of $1,500,000 at one point. After Thompson married a Broadway actress, Dundy invested in several Broadway plays. Born the son of a federal judge, he had in his home several opportunities to meet Buffalo Bill Cody, Indian fighter and circus promoter. Although his father wanted him to study law, he wanted to join the amusement business. With Thompson, he had a successful career in the amusement business. After being diagnosed with pneumonia in the winter of 1907, he died within days leaving the inexperienced Thompson to manage their vast investments. Thompson declared bankruptcy five years later. Some sources state that Dundy was a junior partner as Thompson had the vision, drive and imagination, but it was Dundy had a head for business and found the money for these projects.
Bio by: Linda Davis
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