After a profitable first year , the pier was extended in 1905 , and Swanton planned further expansion . The Neptune Casino survived the April 1906 San Francisco earthquake , but burned down on June 22 , 1906 from a kitchen fire . A large tent was erected and the Republican Party of California held their convention there in the summer . Swanton sold his electric company and trolley business to free up capital , and again raised more money to rebuild . Architect William Henry Weeks was hired to design an even larger complex which opened by June 15 , 1907 . In 1908 , the first " thrill ride " opened , a miniature railway designed by LaMarcus Adna Thompson . In 1911 , a carousel commissioned from Charles I. D. Looff was installed with an 1894 band organ from Andreas Ruth & Sohn . Swanton developed the Casa Del Rey Hotel across the street from the Casino in 1911 . By 1912 , a business downturn caused by the Panic of 1910 – 1911 wiped out the original stockholders . For the third time Swanton convinced investors to raise funds for the enterprise . By 1915 the Santa Cruz Seaside Company took over with Swanton again becoming an investor
1906 San Francisco earthquake
1906 San Francisco earthquake
Fred Swanton