Post #43586 by puamana on Fri, Jul 18, 2003 3:23 PM

This week Sabu & I thought we would switch over & I would start the Tiki History post,
which is for the Bali Ha'i at the Beach, at Pontchartrain Beach, New Orleans, LA.
Pontchartrain Beach was an amusement park (on Lake Pontchartrain) which opened in 1939,
and closed in September of 1983. Along with the roller coasters, haunted houses, game booths,and
swimming pool was the Bali Hai, located in front of the park. Here's an aerial view photo of Pontchartrain Beach:

This photo ( taken by Gene Leingang around the time when the park opened) and others can be
found along with an interesting history of the park at: www.pontchartrainbeach.com

Here's a few other photos (also found at the same website):

exterior view photo of the entrance of the Bali Hai...

nice graphics, possibly from a matchcover...

and this exterior view, also found online:

I have a menu from there, with some nice stylized illustrations on the front cover:

The back of the menu also has an illustrated view of the building exterior :

Above this drawing it reads: " Aloha... It is our endeavor to bring you the color, romance,
legendary hospitality and tempting delicacies of the exotic Polynesian Islands. Whether
you be a Malihini (newcomer) or Kamaina (old-timer) to this delightful way of culinary
life we are confident that you will find it a unique, delicious experience."

The inside of the menu features dinner selections, with some illustrated drink offerings,
showing two familiar tiki mugs/bowls:

Looking forward to seeing Sabu's postcard & more history he may have found on the Bali Ha'i.

[ Edited by: puamana on 2003-07-18 15:26 ]