However , park owner Arthur Looff built the Big Dipper with his own crew .
The 1921 - built Big Dipper at Playland in San Francisco ( 1921 -- 1955 ) was at one time said to be an early Prior and Church coaster .
Park owner Arthur Looff built the Big Dipper with his own crew .
The 1921 - built Big Dipper at Playland in San Francisco ( 1921 -- 1955 ) was at one time said to be an early Prior and Church coaster .