Starting in the 1960's, Teresa Patton worked for her
family in the outdoor amusement business, supplying games on
some of America's grand midways. Her father, Bob Sr.,owned one
of the last pinball-type horse racing derbies to travel the
carnival circuit. They were built in the 1940's of surplus aircraft
parts and known throughout the carnival world as "Santa
Anita Derbies".They were one of the forerunners to today's
water and other group games.
Growing up in the business, along with her older brothers,
Bob Jr.,John, and sister Jean; Teresa soon learned that honesty
and integrity can't be bought, and this has followed her and
her family throughout life.
In 1972, a 23 year old James Dillman started in the
outdoor amusement field with the James E. Strates Shows, joining
the show in May. What a first day it was! An incredibly muddy
lot and a train wreck were only the highlights of that day!
By the end of the 1972 season, a young Jim Dillman was picked
to be the chief electrical supervisor of this giant railroad
carnival! After 3 seasons on Strates and 1 on Royal American
Shows, Jim became electrician for the late Jimmy Floyd's Cumberland
Valley Shows in 1976. There he met Teresa, and the Dillman and
Patton families soon joined.
In 1976 our company was officially formed, with the
purchase of a new Funbag and a new tradition of quality family
fun soon began.
In 1981 their son, James was born and his sister Staci
came along in 1982. Today, James is part of the working backbone
of Dillman Family Rides.
In 1985,we bought our first major ride, a Hollingsworth
GlassHouse. It was modified many times before it was sold in
1998.
In 1990 Jim Dillman began managing the Ghost Galleon Dark
Ride with Reithoffer Shows. Over the next 6 years the ride would
play some of the biggest fairs on the Reithoffer's Route, the
ride was finally retired after years of service in 1998.
In 1994, the Show-Me MAGIC PALACE was purchased, and
is stayed with us until the fall of 2003, when it was sold.
In 1996, a Round-Up ride was purchased, overhauled,
and re-themed as the "Wave Rider". With a full compliment
of effects, it soon became a riding favorite wherever it showed.
In 1999, it was decided to sell it because of other interests.
In 1998, the TOMB OF GLOOM was purchased and reconditioned,
with many new features added to this venerable old dark ride.
In 1999, the SUPER TRUCK was added, and just recently
sold to make way for the "THRILLER."
In 2000, the family branched out into the food business
with Teresa's FRENCH FRY trailer. We sold it in the spring of
2003 to persue other interests
In 2002 we branched out once again with a new walk-thru
ride called the "THRILLER."
In 2004 the Dillman Family joined up with Amusements of
America in the management and operation of the Ghoul City Dark
ride.
In 2008 the Dillman Family has once more aquired a famly
thriller, the Cave Of Doom and again with the new Demon World.
See them at your fair.
