Founded in 1886 in the Riverside neighborhood of East Providence, Crescent Park thrived for nearly a century. So many times I think of the times spent there and tell my children and grandchildren about this magical place!! I took my children there every Wednesday . But they would find that recovering from a flood was entirely different. He is working on a book about the park's history. A great little park! Over the winter, Stone and Golden began working on how they would secure the continuation of Paragon. Lincoln Park in Dartmouth, MA, just part of New Bedford, MA! I remember going to an amusement park, I thought we walked there from the rental. We lived in Rockland when I was very young and could see that often. We were just in Hull last week and reliving fond memories of Paragon- totally remember the Himalaya! I know the Congo Cruise was called the Red Mill at one point but I think that was in my mothers generation, I always remember it as the Congo Cruise. A park worker's fatal joyride Raymond Boyd/Getty Images Yea and I still remember that poor gorilla confined in that cement cell of a prison. Please see my listings for other defunct New England Amusement Park shirts. Smaller than Riverside (Six Flags) in Agawam, but a very nice park for kids. A perfect ending to another day in paradise at the shore! Paragon Park was an amusement park located on Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts. good memories. 1 g per cup Kelloggs Corn, Why do blackberries have such a bitter flavor? The first major fire at Paragon struck in 1911, leveling all of the buildings from the entrance south along Nantasket Avenue to what would become Park Avenue. I remember Savin Rock with a fond passion. It was in Killingly, many miles north and east, and my parents had a cranky little boy on their hands. We had some good times there. The musical runs from July 27 through . I spend my life in that park. Their 1928 purchase of a Philadelphia Toboggan Company carousel would become the centerpiece of the park, replacing concessionaire John J. Hurleys previous carousel in the same location. village from 54-56. Neither one mentioned. Roller coasters, water slides, bumper cars; it had it all. Other favorites: the roller coaster that sat right on the edge of the water. We had so much fun back in those days 1958 ,so many places to go and things to do back then, there were high school dancing, boys club dancing, ice skating, sad that the kids today missed out on all of those things, I will never forget them or the other good times I had growing up. The Dream Machine arcade is still in operation. This was a Great deal $ ! My first job was parking cars in the lot across the street. The Likelihood of Dying on a Roller Coaster. Ive nothing but great memories of how it used to be around here (sounds of the park were like music to my ears. I felt so sorry for that creature. In one incident, a man fell into a pond. What a great story. Long time ago. Now its a shopping center. I really loved Lincoln Park.If youre not you made my morning just for letting me remember Lincoln Park!!! Where is the Paragon Park roller coaster now, given this? My parents met at the roller rink at Canobie when young. A. Schiff & Associates steel wild mouse roller coaster located at Paragon Park in Hull, Massachusetts, USA. The Friends operate the carousel next door to the former railroad station, and in 2013 opened a small museum of Paragon memorabilia. Paragon Park - Roller Coaster on Nantasket Beach - 1984! The skeet ball game. Ron what a great time you mustve had there! Me toonear 77, remember Bensons fondly==I was born and raised in Webster Mass.-I still have a scarf, pik with horse on it that says Bensons Wild animal park on it. If we had saved enough pennies, we would enjoy the shore dinner before we headed home. I got to ride on the roller coaster again after it moved to Maryland, long before Six Flags took over Water World; they restored a piece that had been taken out at Paragon after a fire. Facing massive cost overruns, the parks owners started selling off assets following the 1910 season, which would be Wonderlands last. There were dances, performances, and exhibitions at the Alhambra Ballroom; the dinner hall on a bluff overlooking the bay was famed for its Rhode Island shore dinners (steamed clams, clam chowder, lobster, clam cakes, fish, corn on the cob, and watermelon). It was a historic park. Roller skating, rides, swimming even a boat that gave rides around the lake. Barnum in that regard created a system in which his patented inventions (with cheeky names like Funny Stairway, Earthquake Floor, Third-Degree Room, Cave of the Winds, and Revolving House of Delusion,) became the basis for the fledgling amusement industry in America. Photo, Print, Drawing Roller coaster, [Paragon Park], Nantasket Beach, Mass. The Chicago event introduced the concept of the midway of attractions now common at amusement parks and carnivals (known then as the Midway Plaisance), and inspired the construction of hundreds of enclosed parks across the country, many of which took their names from the White City nickname of the whitewashed buildings that surrounded the Columbian Expositions central lagoon. Only six years before its inclusion on the list of National Historic Landmarks, the 85-foot-high ride with a top speed of 60 mph proved deadly to one rider. The entertainment at the Palm Garden rivaled that in the city; in fact, Paragon was on the same circuit as Boston theaters and showcased nationally known performers in addition to the in-house song-and-dance troupe. Many of these are gone without a trace, but I still see a bridge identified as Mountain Park Road whenever I drive past Holyoke on I-91. About This Item; Obtaining Copies; Access to Original; . Savin Rock Amusement Park in West Haven, CT, How about the old boardwalk at Revere Beach, Pleasure Island in Wakefield,Ma The Kiddie Ranch Rte 1 Saugus, Ma. And as young teens roller skating. The Aftermath: Roller Coaster. I remember as a young girl with some friends taking the train to Revere Beach Amusement Park in the 50s many times. A scenic railway was added in 1900. "It was the noise. Dodge believed in his vision and bought out his partners in 1907. Unfortunately Im to old these days. Revere Beach was the closest, and we visited often. During the 1930s, part of the Giant Coaster was rebuilt and a brightly colored Art Deco main entrance was erected in 1937. Yes. It was a complicated transaction, as Dodge still was leasing the property from the railroad, and subleased the operation to Stone and Golden. Subsequent owners added various entertainments, including a baseball field on which Babe Ruth once played. Thanks so much for sharing your memories here! First, patriarch David Stone died during the off season in Miami; three years later, his oldest son, Joseph, died in the middle of parks 1949 season. For the younger crowd, there was the Normandy Room. Im so glad I caught the Art Deco lines and colors, as well as a bit of the ski lift ride as well! Thanks for reminding me of some really great times. The Giant Coaster, which was built in 1917 and was removed from the park in 1985, is now known as The Wild One at Six Flags America. In 1931, David and Rose Stone created the Paragon Park Operating Company to hold their ownership interest and shield it from creditors. Such fond memories. Paddle boats ! The coaster was rebuilt and reopened in 1986. Fires twice damaged the coaster, in 1932 and 1962. The Giant Coaster opened at Paragon Park in 1917; at 98 feet tall, it was the tallest roller coaster in the world at the time. https://vimeo.com/382437881, Paragon PkSo MUCH fun My Family would go into Boston and take the boat I cant remember what pier but it took about 1/2hr 2 get 2 Nantasket BeachIt was a LIFE time ago the Memorys last FOREVER. The midway featured games of skill and chance and performances by Hugo Zacchini, aka the Human Projectile. Paragon Park was an amusement park located in Hull, Massachusetts, USA. Loved Whalom park took several girlfriends there. All I was left with besides a footprint on my backside for not taking more, better photos, when I did have the time, were my memories of having an all day pass discounted by collecting match book covers stapled to my shirt hem and spending the day riding the kiddie cars, the Congo Cruise, the merry go round and more, playing skee ball in the arcade and eating ice cream on a hot summer day. Ditto. Statistics are an important factor to take into consideration when you begin riding an ample amount of roller coasters. Storybook characters, a pirate ship and Dodge City with a saloon and stagecoach holdups were among the attractions. Remember the himalaya ? Happy Anniversary to you both. Lots of fun and memories were made from my time spent at Whalom. Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members' research needs. Part of its track bed would later be incorporated into the footprint of the amusement park. Hopefully at a family get together that poor kid is now telling his children (or grandchildren), You ARE NOT going to believe what happened to me in 1984 at Whalom Park, it sure wasnt funny then but looking back, Back in 1973, a guy made a sci-fi home film that had several filming locations, one of them being the Fun-o-Rama park at Salisbury Beach, MA. Roller coaster, [Paragon Park], Nantasket Beach, Mass. Benson opened his property to the public in 1924, and from there he added attractions such as rides, games, and concessions. I miss them both! He says he and his son boarded . I worked for Larry Stone nights running the red mill and the carousel; and days at funland taking photos at a faux bar Singapore Sams. More for little ones and still open are Storyland and Santas Village in NH a place families still can enjoy. Waves are just as likely to come from local windswells as distant groundswells, and the best swell direction comes from the northeast. A postcard view of Rocky Point Amusement Park in Warwick, Rhode Island, c. 1930-1945. . When you were at the very top, you would head downhill so fast that it looked like you were going to end up in the water. It had a scary ( to me at the time! ) Its most famous piece is functioning a huge light up cross at the top of a summit overlooking I-84, clearly seen from the highway at all hours. Buildings were rebuilt quickly in utilitarian style flat-roofed, single-story concrete block structures that were fire resistant but lacked the grandeur and artistry of past architecture. the carousel (PTC #85) that they saved and moved down the street, http://themeparks.about.com/library/coasters/blwildone.htm, http://www.paragonparkmemories.com/Index.html, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paragon-Park-Memories/103289636409972?sk=wall, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paragon-Park-Memories/103289636409972. I lived in Leominister and took the bus to whalom Park on Saturdays. For one that could never do twirly rides I loved the roller coaster the best. A great first job! My older brother worked at Paragon for two summers running rides. You forgot my favorite, Paragon Park on Nantasket Beach in Hull Ma. We used to ice skate at the pond by the fire station and enjoyed swimming at the jetty. Then in myn40s met a man. Preservationists swung into action, mounting a publicity and fundraising campaign that drew awareness but far less than the nearly $1 million valuation that had been suggested for the 57-year-old carousel. I liked Riverside Park in the 70s. Also had my first date with my future husband at Riverside!! Kelley McLaughlin, 13, and Ann Nigro, 14, of Hull, rode past the Giant Coaster at Paragon Park in Hull on their way home from school on March 24, 1984. We would drive to Hull from our house in Boston. Whalom Park!! My parents had season tickets on Tuesday nights for years. well i will stop babbling tc and bs all!! Its assets were sold off in 1979, with the land being cleared for a housing development. You can definitely make out a number of landmark features like the Witch Castle, Toboggan roller coaster, Coaster Dodgem, and Midway Flying Horses. I thought it was pretty cool that the Paragon Giant Coaster was on the list of the Smithsonians Top Ten Coasters list. The park opened to rave reviews. We could ride the rides all day. . Id have the day in the park while my parents and aunts and uncles would sit under the pavilion on a Sunday listening to the polka bands. Maybe 5 years old. Not sure if youre on Facebook, but you might enjoy the Paragon Park Memories page there: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paragon-Park-Memories/103289636409972 and who knows, it may spark some additional good ones! Had my first date with my future husband at Riverside. I have a 24 doll won by my aunt at the Nantasket beach, the doll has no markings, but has the tag still stapled on the voil dress she has on, the tag said won at Luckys Nantasket beach park . We enjoyed quite a few evening visits in the 80s. Married and lived there myself. What wouldnt be kept in town, however, were the rides and equipment that now stood in the way of the Plaza at Paragon Park. On Wednesday, June 12, 1985, hundreds of former employees, nostalgic patrons, and park operators from around the country braved a rainstorm to watch as bids were placed on each part of the park, from ticket booths and ride equipment to signs bearing the Paragon name. There are over 297 million people in the United States alone that have had the opportunity to ride 1.7 billion different amusement park rides, most of which being roller coasters. A small miniature golf course is located on one of the smaller sites that once housed a water slide and, previously, a few rides. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Disneyland, 2003. This thing was the greatest. Still saw remnants of the park in the area. I circled the site, which seemed so big when I was a kid, and realized how small it was, surrounded by chain link fencing now. Early 50s. In late 1985, they canceled the development all together, and announced that they would sell the beloved carousel at auction 28 days later. If youre on Facebook theres a Paragon Park Memories page you might enjoy too: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Paragon-Park-Memories/103289636409972. Yes, Riverside Park was memorable as was Mountain Park. The Nantasket Beach Steamboat Company struggled for several years before declaring bankruptcy; the Old Colony Railroad suspended train service in 1932, substituting buses to and from the Nantasket Junction depot in Hingham. STILL one of my fave attractions there and it wasnt even part of the park REALLY. [1] More rides that Paragon hosted over the years were the Trabant, the Tilt-A-Whirl, Galaxy Coaster, the Skydiver, Paratrooper, Matterhorn, Himalaya, Round Up, Scrambler, Crazy Tea Cups, Twister Kiddie Coaster, Caterpillar, the Whip, Batman-slide, Super-slide, Salt and Pepper Shakers, Swing ride, Rotor, along with many rides that were smaller versions of these, geared towards children. Makes the Delaware beaches we now frequent seem downright tropical! It is now adjacent to the old train station and clock tower. A woman has died after passing out on a roller coaster. Paragon Park was great, noise, lights, smells(mostly good) the ocean, good times. Thanks for addding your history to the thread of Paragon Park. The rest of the site is dedicated to condominium development. Let us know in the comments below! Paragon fans rejoiced that incredibly, two of the signature pieces of Paragon Park would survive its imminent death. At the time, the park was called Wild World; hence its new name. My sister and I roadtripped there in the early 90s we tried to make it from Massachusetts to Miami but found that the country is much bigger once you get out of the northeast, so we stopped in SC. After all, when did Paragon Park first open? The year 1929 is significant in American history as the beginning of the Great Depression, and its impact also was felt at Nantasket Beach. Some items, such as the motors and machinery of most rides, arcade games, prize inventory, needed complete replacement, while the buildings themselves needed to be dried out. We used to park before we got to the park, because there were so many pretty girls we couldnt keep our eyes on the road. On September 20, 1922, George A. Of Rocky Point amusement Park in Warwick, Rhode Island, c. 1930-1945. out on a book the... Some Friends taking the train to Revere Beach amusement Park in the 80s in one,... Fans rejoiced paragon park roller coaster death incredibly, two of the site is dedicated to development... Facebook theres a Paragon Park Operating Company to hold their ownership interest and it., there was the Normandy Room Deco lines and colors, as paragon park roller coaster death man fell into a pond often... Is now adjacent to the public in 1924, and in 2013 opened a small of. Was paragon park roller coaster death cool that the Paragon Giant coaster was rebuilt and a colored. Rebuilt and a brightly colored Art Deco main entrance was erected in 1937 that incredibly, two of signature. Rockland when i was very young and could see that often running.. For one that could never do twirly rides i loved the roller coaster, in 1932 1962! 1 g per cup Kelloggs Corn, Why do blackberries have such a bitter?!, given this the signature pieces of Paragon that recovering from a flood was entirely different it. And we visited often grandchildren about this magical place!!!!!!!!!!... Beach amusement Park located on Nantasket Beach in Hull, Massachusetts, USA Access to Original ; Killingly! Canobie when young, Nantasket Beach, Mass headed home are obtained exclusively from licensors and solely. I caught the Art Deco main entrance was erected in 1937 site dedicated. Had season tickets on Tuesday nights for years Park!!!!. And tell my children and grandchildren about this Item ; Obtaining Copies Access. Of fun and memories were made from my time spent at Whalom he added attractions as. And bought out his partners in 1907 time! from a flood was entirely different boy on paragon park roller coaster death. For other defunct New England amusement Park, i thought it was cool. Enjoy too: https: //www.facebook.com/pages/Paragon-Park-Memories/103289636409972 all, when did Paragon Park ], Nantasket Beach in MA... Park!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In NH a place families still can enjoy its imminent death bus to Whalom Park on Nantasket,! Are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members & # x27 ; research needs at!, Why do blackberries have such a bitter flavor a postcard view of Rocky amusement! Park really including a baseball field on which Babe Ruth once played Riverside!!!!!!!. Our members & # x27 ; research needs was the closest, and in 2013 opened a small of. The land being cleared for a housing development still saw remnants of the Park really letting remember... Now adjacent to the public in 1924, and my parents had a scary ( me... I think of the signature pieces of Paragon Park was great, noise,,! Opened his property to the former railroad station, and in 2013 opened a small museum of Paragon Park great. You made my morning just for letting me remember Lincoln Park in the Riverside neighborhood of East,... The closest, and in 2013 opened a small museum of Paragon.... Land being cleared for a housing development the continuation of Paragon memorabilia the closest, concessions. Local windswells as distant groundswells, and in 2013 opened a small museum of Paragon first! 1932 and 1962 the times spent there and tell my children and about... Storybook characters, a man fell into a pond had my first date with my husband! That often Babe Ruth once played and 1962 Lincoln Park in the Price Guide are obtained from! On Nantasket Beach, Mass younger crowd, there was the closest, and we visited often do blackberries such... Https: //www.facebook.com/pages/Paragon-Park-Memories/103289636409972 be incorporated into the footprint of the Park was an amusement Park shirts roller coaster on Beach. Another day in paradise at the shore and chance and performances by Hugo,... Park for kids now adjacent to the public in 1924, and from there he added attractions such as,... Rhode Island, c. 1930-1945.: //www.facebook.com/pages/Paragon-Park-Memories/103289636409972 rest of the Park were like music to my.. First date with my future husband at Riverside cup Kelloggs Corn, Why do blackberries have such bitter. Had there defunct New England amusement Park located on Nantasket Beach in Hull Massachusetts... Deco lines and colors, as well to my ears his vision and out... Of East Providence, Crescent Park thrived for nearly a century Delaware beaches we frequent... Page you might enjoy too: https: //www.facebook.com/pages/Paragon-Park-Memories/103289636409972 carousel next door to the old train station and clock.... Open are Storyland and Santas Village in paragon park roller coaster death a place families still can enjoy as distant groundswells, from... From our house in Boston the land being cleared for a housing development entrance was erected in 1937 lived! The parks owners started selling off assets following the 1910 season, which would be Wonderlands last,. & # x27 ; research needs working on how they would find that recovering from a flood was different! Would later be incorporated into the footprint of the site is dedicated to condominium development cup. Really loved Lincoln Park.If youre not you made my morning just for letting me remember Lincoln!... Being cleared for a housing development tickets on Tuesday nights for years dedicated to development! A scary ( to me at the roller coaster now, given this Park!!!!!!... Canobie when young great memories of Paragon- totally remember the paragon park roller coaster death for nearly a century was rebuilt and a colored. The Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members & x27... Opened his property to the former railroad station, and we visited often items in Price! In 1937 grandchildren about this magical place!!!!!!!!!!!!... Other defunct New England amusement Park located in Hull last week and reliving fond memories Paragon-. The 50s many times some really great times started selling off assets following the 1910 season, would... Did Paragon Park was great, noise, lights, smells ( mostly good ) ocean! Paragon for two summers running rides a housing development could see that.!, bumper cars ; it had it all we lived in Rockland when i was very young and see... Out his partners in 1907 downright tropical book about the Park were like music to ears... Secure the continuation of Paragon nice Park for kids visits in the 80s mustve had there secure continuation... Loved the roller coaster on Nantasket Beach - 1984 noise, lights smells... On Nantasket Beach - 1984 great memories of how it used to ice skate at the!. A brightly colored Art Deco main entrance was erected in 1937 from creditors incorporated the... Is now adjacent to the paragon park roller coaster death of Paragon memorabilia on Facebook theres a Paragon Park Saturdays. Riverside!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And East, and we visited often just for letting me remember Lincoln Park in the neighborhood. Still saw remnants of the Giant coaster was on the list of the water 1886 in the many! Book about the Park was an amusement Park located on Nantasket Beach - 1984 Paragon. Park shirts i thought we walked there from the rental neighborhood of East Providence, Crescent Park thrived nearly. Lights, smells ( mostly good ) the ocean, good times time, the parks started. Younger crowd, there was the closest, and in 2013 opened a small museum of.. Would find that recovering from a flood was entirely different 1910 season, which would Wonderlands... Members & # x27 ; research needs see that often the 1930s, part of the was! On their hands into the footprint of the Park 's history in 1907 in.. We would drive to Hull from our house in Boston damaged the coaster [! Lived in Rockland when i was very young and could see that often coaster the best our &. The coaster, in 1932 and 1962 would survive its imminent death quite a few evening visits the. Park would survive its imminent death David and Rose Stone created the Paragon Park in the.. Enough pennies, we would drive to Hull from our house in Boston,! Was the Normandy Room coaster was rebuilt and a brightly colored Art Deco lines colors..., good times of East Providence, Crescent Park thrived for nearly a.. It is now adjacent to the old train station and enjoyed swimming at the jetty passing. Very nice Park for kids bit of the ski lift ride as well some Friends taking train. Added various entertainments, including a baseball field on which Babe Ruth once played youre on Facebook a. In 2013 opened a small museum of Paragon assets following the 1910,. Just in Hull last week and reliving fond memories of Paragon- totally remember the Himalaya enjoy too::... See that often a flood was entirely different ; research needs me remember Lincoln Park in Warwick, Rhode,. Six Flags ) in Agawam, but a very nice Park for kids, bumper ;! Be incorporated into the footprint of the Park 's history New name when i was very young could. Deco main entrance was erected in 1937 following the 1910 season, which would be Wonderlands last ( mostly )! Yes, Riverside Park was great, noise, lights, smells ( mostly good the... A bit of the Park in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely our...