Crescent Park Stories
The Crescent Park Carousel was pretty much a given to like. The wonderful people
all around, the loud music, whats not to like? Gail Durfee is my grandmother and
she was one of the 5 people who saved the carousel. As a child I loved going up
to the carousel riding the rides and enjoying great food. As I was quickly growing
up I knew I had to work there. At the age of 11 and 12 I started lending a hand
for free, anything I could do to make everyone's day less stressful! Now I am 14
years old, soon to be 15. I cannot wait to fill out an actual application and be
an official worker. My grandmother has been Manager for a couple of years now.
Everyday during the summer, if I had nothing to do, I would go up the street to
the carousel and help out. To me it's a family working job. My grandmother is the
manager, my brother Jay worked there, and on car show nights my mom would help in
the concession stand. I figure the only Bodell left besides my dad is little Katie.
I love that carousel and sometimes my friends ask me "Aren't you a little old to
be hanging around there?" So I say to them, "No person is ever to old for anything!"
The environment at the carousel is amazing. Everyone is nice, kids having fun, etc.
So as I wrap up this story, all I can say is that if you think you're too old for
that carousel, well you're wrong because people of all different ages work there,
and go there to have fun. Kaitlin Bodell,
-Riverside, RI
I am an "ex" Rhode Islander from way back when. I remember some pretty good times
that I had at the old park. Those were the days back in the late 50s and 60s. I
used to work at the Shore Dinner Hall for a few years, until Rocky Point Shore
lured me away...heheheh. I think I ate more than I served. The one thing I
remember best is that old wooden roller coaster, man I can still hear those wooden
boards and timbers creaking. Been around the world since then (a few times, lol)
presently living in Houston, Texas. I am retired Air Force and in a few years
gonna retire again from Federal Government, this time for good. Maybe then I can
go home to get some great tastin clam cakes and chowder. These people down here
would not know a clam cake, or a steamed clam if they tripped over them...lol!
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention, in reading all the posts from the parks visitors,
I found the email of an aunt I had not seen in many years...(small world huh?)
Lee Lampinski,
-Houston, TX
It is so sad that Crescent Park is gone. I would have loved to bring my children
back there for a nice visit. I moved to California in 1955. I went to East
Providenca High School until the tenth grade. When I was little, my mother took
me to the park at least twice a month. I will never forget the fun times there.
I knew one boy that worked on the bumpin cars. His name was Teddy. He was a very
nice guy. The penny arcade was a favorite of mine, so many different things to do
in there. Most of all I miss those great clamcakes. We can't find them out here.
Yes, I may live here in California, but my memories will stay with me forever, of
the best place on earth, Crescent Park. -Mary
Came across this web site by accident and found it very interesting, especially
seeing my name mentioned so often. I first became interested in saving the
carousel when Beverly Simmons, wife of Ray, one of the owners and Charles I. D.
Looff's great grandson, showed me two boxes of memorabilia she had saved that
told Looff's life. By reading some of his correspondence I realized that he was
a Walt Disney, before Disney. I became so interested that when the carousel was
in danger of being sold or torn down to make way for development, I got involved.
The rest is history and one of these days I will put the whole story in book.
I am still involved as I now manage the ride and related concessions.
-Gail Durfee,
Riverside, RI
I have to say that Crescent Park was one of the many great memories that I
have as a child being brought up in the late 60s with my 4 older brothers at
the time. My parents would take us down to the park on our way to visiting our
grandparents who lived in Riverside. My brothers being much older and taller
than me, would always grab the rings for me to throw. A few years back, I
finally got to visit the park and for the first time, I got to grab the rings
myself! What a thrill! My kids got to enjoy the nostalgia for themselves as
well. Riding the antinque cars was always one of my favorite rides apart from
the carousel. I couldn't wait till I was finally tall enough to ride the cars
by myself, then the fire came. It was the end of an awesome era.
-Amy (Levesque)Rothrock,
amyrothrock@erakey.com
Hi friends: I lived in West Barrington and went to Crescent Park as a
child. My children, Edward and Frances Prue also enjoyed the park. About
three years ago, I took my grandaughter to the carousel and it brought
back many happy memories. I was sad when it all burned. I also went
dancing on ladies' night at Alhambra dance hall. That was a beautiful
place. I had good memories as a child and sorry that it is gone.
Loved all the pictures. I live in New Mexico and drive back to R.I.
every July to see family and friends. Thanks for all the pictures.
-Lois Hanson Prue O'Brien,
130 Lewis Lane
Deming NM 88030
Hi, my name when I was a kid was Anna Peters, now have married name. I love
the park and I will always have good memories. I still go there with my
family, to the carousel. What a wonderful place, it's where my heart is.
I grew up in West Barrington. I lived on Narragansett Ave. I still go there
and drive around, its where my heart will always be. Thanks for the
wonderful memories. Anna (Peters) Quirini,
-Warwick, R.I
I worked in the Shore Dinner Hall a few summers in the late 50's and early
60's... but before that, enjoyed going there almost once a week during the
summer months, growing up in East Providence...of course I enjoyed all the
rides, but probably spent more time in the Penny Arcade playing the baseball
games, the basketball game and getting those 1-cent baseball cards which
were more "brown & white", than "black & white"...twenty-five cents went a
long way back then. I guess my favorite rides were the Flying Scooter and
the Whip. I don't recall seeing anything on the website about some of the
games...especially those where you always won a prize...the "Pull-A-String"
game, where you selected and pulled a string from a bunch of 100 or more
strings and got the prize that was at the other end of it and also the
"Fish Pond" game where Fish drifted by and you picked one up in a small
fish net and got the prize that related to the number that was on the
bottom of the fish. Ah! The Good Old Days!
-Dick Bamford,
Warwick, RI
What an awesome web site for someone who grew up in the shadow of Crescent
Park in the 30s and 40s. Our family lived in the residential area south of
the Park known as Narragansett Terrace. My father was a Physical Education
Teacher and Basketball Coach at Hope High School in Providence. I attended
Turner Avenue and Arthur E. Platt elementary schools as well as Riverside
Jr. High School, all in Riverside, RI. As a child attending school in
Riverside, we would take the bus from it's southern most stop at Crescent
Park to and from school daily, all during the early 1940s. The bus, at that
time, did not go down into the area of Narragansett Terrace and we had to
walk up to the Park to wait for the bus in front of the main building where
the McCusker family sold their Salt Water Taffy, Clam Cakes and Chips
served with Malt Vinegar. During the off season, when the Park was closed
for the winter, all us kids from Narragansett Terrace would walk through
the closed Park facilities and relive the joys of summer. We would walk
around the closed buildings and talk about the good times and sometimes
we would do things we weren't supposed to be doing like walking the tracks
of the Roller Coaster until some caretaker or guard would holler, "Hey,
you kids!! Get down off there. You don't belong up there." and we would
scatter to the four winds. What memories your web site has stirred in me!
There is a picture of a young Freddie McCusker shown on your web site.
As I recall, the McCuskers also lived down on Narragansett Terrace, but I
remember the people running the concession stand as being older than I was,
actually adults when I was a kid. I was born in 1934 and started school in
1940 at Turner Avenue. Could your picture be of a Freddie, Jr.? Your
history section of the web site mentions Arthur Simmons and a partner
taking over the ownership or maybe managership of the Park in the 50s.
The Simmons family lived on Terrace Avenue on Narragansett Terrace and had
a son my age named Richard or "Dickie" as we called him. My recollection
was that during the 1940s, Dickie's father owned or ran just the Merry-Go-
Round, because when some of us kids would accompany Dickie up to the Merry-
Go-Round, we all rode for free as much as we wanted. I wonder if Dickie is
still around and, if so, has an e-mail address? My family left Rhode Island
in 1949 when my father retired and we moved back to his home town in Vermont
where we had a Summer place. I graduated from high school and college in
Vermont, but still visited Riverside friends throughout the 1950s until
after I got married in 1958 and had begun my career working for General
Electric. During my working years, my family and I were transferred all
over the country, living in Vermont, New Hampshire, Cincinnati, OH, Chicago,
IL and Charlotte, NC, but I always remembered my youthful years with
Crescent Park as one of my fondest memories. In 1998 we visited the now
historic Crescent Park Merry-Go-Round and I rode it 10 or 20 times. We
purchased audio tapes of the music which I listen to frequently. Today, I
stumbled onto your web site and it has made my day just roaming through all
the memories. Thank you so very much for creating this great web site to
commemorate this great memory in my life. Sincerely,
-Cardin A. Hesselton,
Seminole, FL
My husband, Frank Gaboury, worked at Crescent Park as a kid and then after
World War II. He has many memories working at the Pony Track, the Shore
Dinner Hall and the Tilt-A-Whirl. He talks about Allie the Jap and other
colorful people. After the Park closed for the evening then everyone
went to Hope Creamery. Everyone who lived in Riverside at one time or
another worked at the Park. I remember watching the fire at the Alhambra
Ballroom. In the late 1960s, my Mother-in-law went every Sunday and sat
and watched people on the Carousel. -Ruth Gaboury,
RJGaboury@aol.com
I married my wife after meeting her at the roller skating rink at
Crescent Park 56 years ago. We've owned a construction business in
East Providence for close to 50 years. Good Luck.
-Gerry Greaves,
G G Greaves Construction
Crescent Park was my home away from home...I loved it there. On Memorial
Day 1946 I met my husband to be in front of the roller coaster. I was 16
years of age and he was eighteen. We were married six months later. For
many years I took my five sons to enjoy what I had enjoyed so much. I
love and miss the park to this day. I'm now 74 years of age, and only
wish I could go back for just one day to the great "CRESCENT PARK".
-Rita D. Lampinski,
mims1929@cox.net
I have worked for the carousel for as long as I can remember. I am 18
years old. I was pretty much born into the carousel. My grandmother
was the founder of "Save Our Carousel" (Gail Durfee). Until the age
of 13, I put in endless hours of work and did not get paid. At the
age of 12, I started doing actual jobs as the youngest employee. It
was tough at times, but the help I found from Ed Serowick and little
Joe Kadan got me through it. I would listen to all their stories and
just suck in the knowledge. Now I am in The United States Coast Guard
stationed in St Petersburg, Florida. The thing I miss the most about
Riverside is that damm carousel. People think I am crazy, but that
place is a part of my family and my life. The best job I have ever
had took place from Easter to Columbus Day from 1995 to 2002 and I
will be back to be a ride operator. -Jay Bodell,
U.S. Coast Guard
What a pleasure to find your site! I spent seven years living in Riverside
just two blocks from the park. It was always a special place for me and
our family (my Mother's first trip to the park was in 1918). Since I have
lived away from RI for many years, it is special to see your site. I have
made trips back with my children to ride the carousel many times. My
husband has bought me many pieces of memorabilia from E-bay. I do have
postcards that are not on your site, along with park banners and even ruby
glass pieces from 1903-1906. If you would like, I will ask my husband to
take digital pictures of these items and e-mail them to you. Sincerely,
-Barbara Solomon,
bsolomon@twcny.rr.com
I remember Crescent Park with fond memories. I was 12 years old the year
1977. I was told by my parents we were moving to California. My last
weekend before we moved was spent at Crescent Park. With my friend Frank
Garish. I remember every ride with explicit detail from the Flying Fish
roller coaster the same as Rocky Points Wild Cat to the Old West Hotel
Haunted Fun House with the continuous chuckle of the fat lady sitting in
the window near the entrance. Some of the rides had strange names such as
the Jelly Bean maybe that was the Bubble Bounce I remember a ride that
would lift you up then would make a strange noise before it would drop
you. I also remember The Show Boat my friend said in the middle of the
ride jump out and wait for another car to get into. I said are you nuts
he said relax It's tradition. I said well" when in roam" It was alot of
fun I remember the Westward Ho the old cars that you could drive similar
to Disney Lands Autopia Cars. The Tilt-A-Whirl The Sky Rider that would
take you over the bay then turn around and come back . The whip the same
as Rocky Points Hug and Swing. It was a bargain at $2.50 to wear the pay
one price blue string bracelet to ride all day. A Memory long gone
although it seems like yesterday. -Bill Ehrhard,
billyre@earthlink.net
I am orignally from Riverside. Grew up there and worked a couple of
summers at the concession stand in the middle of the park. I graduated
from EP in 1964. I am currently doing some geneaology research and
while doing so, I found a reference to a Russell De Wolf Bullock as
being an owner of the park. Now this could be an error, yet his last
name is Bullock and I am trying to see if there is any connection to
Bullock Point. I have not verified this and I am wondering since you
have done a lot of research on Cresent Park if you have come across
this name. I have a photo that was forwarded to me. Any information
you would have may be of help. Thanks,
-Bill Roberts,
nortfork@bellsouth.net
My name is Marge (HEEKS) Hawley, and I grew up living on White Ave.
in Riverside, about a block from the park. I remember going to sleep
with the sounds of the carousel putting me & my sister to sleep. We
moved there from Providence about 1948. Of course, I remember the
carousel rides & the quest for the brass ring. I used to get free
rides on other rides from my friends who worked there during the
summer. The roller coaster was also one of my favorites, along with
the Tilt-a-Whirl. We used to get cotton candy & greasy clamcakes
& play the games. Some of their prizes would be collectibles now.
Like the plastic doll dressed in feathers on a stick, & the carnival
glass ashtrays I used to bring home. My father was from an old
fishing family, so he & a neighbor set up a clamcake & chowder stand
on an empty lot across from where the school now stands. My mother
made the chowder & clamcakes, & they did a thriving business that
year. At that time it was an open field across Bullocks Pt. Ave.,
until you got to Ray's Market which was on the park side of the
street in those days. When I was a teen I remember the dances at
the Alhambra Ballroom. Across the street from the park they had a
boardwalk which went out over the water, until the hurricane
destroyed it. They also had speedboat rides out to the lighthouse
& back. It's been fun reading about the different things people
remember about the park, as it spans the years. Thanks for the
efforts of those who saved the carousel, and thanks for this
wonderful website! You ought to call it The Time Machine!
-Marge (Heeks) Hawley,
mheeks@yahoo.com
I am a history major at the University of Rhode Island. I am writing
my major thesis paper on the first twenty years of Crescent Park. I
enjoyed going as a child (yes, I am an older student) and decided
that this would be a great topic! Your website is terrific! Is there
any other info you might have or know about from the first twenty
years? I will be working on the paper from now until September so
any info in that time period would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your help and for a blast from my past!
-Charlotte Markey
cmar7411@postoffice.uri.edu
With my grandmother living "around the corner" from Crescent Park, I have
fond childhood memories visiting her and often strolling over to the park.
What awesome happy memories. -Norman Pelland
I grew up hanging out at Cresent Park! I lived in RI/MA for 35 years before
moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma. I always took my kids to the carousel when we
lived there, and still do when we return to visit family & friends! It's
become a tradition! We purchased a carousel horse statue as a gift
yesterday and I was looking on-line to see if I could find any info on the
Cresent Park carousel for my 8 yr old daughter to give along w/her gift to
show the 'where and why' she fell in love with carousels, when I ran
across this site! It's such a great site. The music & pics of the past
really brought back memories! Even the pics of the fire...the year I
graduated high school! I had forgotten about that. I plan to pull pics
I have and see if there are any to send you to add to your gallery.
Thanks so much for putting this site together! I long for our next visit
this summer ~ 2003! -Amey-Jo Jones
Tulsa, OK
I can't beleave I found this site I was on the internet looking for
pictures of roller coasters and thought of the one in Riverside. So
for the heck of it, I searched Cresent Park and found this. I grew
up in East Providence. I moved to N.Y. in 1960. My husband was from
Moravia N.Y...thats upstate. Well, when I was a teenager I use to walk
the 3 or 4 more miles to Cresent park just to ride the roller coaster.
I loved it. Now, every other year, I come home for our reunion and I
go and stop there and ride the merry go round. I think this site is
just great I sent it to My sister in Wilmington N.C. and to my other
sister that lives here. Thank you very much for this site. We love it.
-Prudy (Lund )Wilkinson
Moravia, NY
Today I had an opportunity to visit your website. I grew up in East
Providence and I remember all of the exciting times I spent at the park.
Wow...it brought back so many wonderful memories, of an innocent time
past. I couldn't wait for the summer break because I knew my friends and
I would spend a day at the park. We would go on all of the rides;
sometimes, scaring ourselves half to death, but we didn't care, we
were having the best time. We saved the best ride for last...the carousel,
or as we called them, the "dobby horses". We'd all hurry on, with great
anticipation, trying to get the best position trying to catch the "gold
ring". After 3 or 4 times, we knew that it was time to go home and hoped
that if we were really good, our parents would reward us with another day
of adventure. Thanks for taking me down memory lane! Best Regards,
-Pat Connors DeRuisseau,
Tarpon Springs, Florida
I must admit I enjoyed going on your site. Brought back a lot of memories.
When I was a kid, my father worked for Channel 10. My brothers and I got
to make a few commercials when we were kids. Recently I have collected an
old menu (Lobster Dinner was $3.75), some old coupons and a few postcards
some of which I see in your gallery. I also printed out the history and
will enjoy reading it. There is a video out and I remember watching it,
also was very interesting. Thanks again for taking the time to do this.
It has brought back a lot of memories.
-Craig
Thank you to the people who put this package of great memories togeather.
I used to have lots of fun there. I'm now 41 year of age, and now that I
see these pictures, they really stir up old memories. Thanks,
-David A. Flodin
Riverside, RI
Hi! I was just down to Crescent Park today for a little while, after
visiting the East Bay Health Clinic. My wife and four kids are living in
Woonsocket, RI. I brought my wife and two daughters down for a ride on the
Looff Carousel a few years ago. We also took a walk along the beach area
and collected beach shells. I grew up in Upstate N.Y., Endicott, N.Y.
actually. When I was little they used to take me to Enjoy Park, which is
also now gone. There are a couple of carousels left in the area, though.
My only regret is that I never got to visit Crescent Park before it was
tore down. I have been to Rocky Point Park a few times, and Canopie Lake
Park and other parks as well. I have always been fascinated by history. A
few months ago there was a good special on T.V. about Coney Island. There
is something that always intrigues me about Crescent Park, though. Maybe
it's just that it's near the ocean and we had such a good time on our
visit there. Well, that's all for now. Sincerely,
-Gregory D. Titus
I had to do an oral report on East Providence for a geography class at RIC
and besides the usual population, economy, bla bla bla...I thought it might
be interesting for some of those younger people who are unfamiliar with
Riverside and the Crescent Park Legacy to get a quick history lesson...I
found your site great! Thank You, -Scott,
HLWRANGLER@aol.com
My brothers and I grew up in Norton, MA and some of my happiest childhood
memories were when we got to take a ride to Crescent Park. It seemed like
it took forever to get there and then the day was over before we could
even get started. I was hoping to find a picture of the flying fish ride
(my personal favorite), and your website gave me that and so much more.
Thank You for all the wonderful photos and information. What a blast from
the past. I can almost smell the chowder and clamcakes. I can still
remember the excitement of getting an outside horse on the carousel and
reaching for that golden ring. I loved the park, and I appreciate all the
time you spent bringing us all back there with your site.
-Jon Rei,
Formerly of Norton, MA
Now resides in Florida
After the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, cities and towns
all over the United States began mobilizing Civilian Defense personnel.
This included Air Raid Wardens, Auxiliary Police and Fire, Rescue and
Ambulance Corps and Ham Radio operators. Early in 1942, five Chevrolet
chassis were purchased by the town. Some of the work and placement of the
booster tanks was done by a body shop in Pawtucket. They were then sent
to Station #1 where under the direction of Master Mechanic Earl Griffith
the rest of the body work was completed. They were painted, lettered and
striped in the paint shop at Station #2 in Riverside, under the direction
of Master Painter, John DeFontes. The permanent men, members of the
Narragansett Engine Company and many of the auxiliary firemen spent many
hours working on these trucks. They were then sent back to Station #1 for
outfitting and hose packing. They were all in service by the summer of
1942. One of these fire trucks, Auxiliary Hose 2A was assigned to Crescent
Park on a part time basis....
There was a storage shed in the rear if the Crescent Inn. There was room
enough for a desk and chair in one section of the shed. An alarm bell and
telephone tied into the East Providence Fire Alarm system was installed
and when a crew was available, Hose 2A normally housed at the Riverside
Fire Station, would be sent down to the auxiliary fire station at Crescent
Park to take part in drills or respond to fires along with the permanent
fire apparatus. During the course of the summer, some of the auxiliary
firemen became friendly with the cooks at the adjacent Shore Dinner Hall
and they used to send over some of their famous chowder, clam cakes and
watermelon. After awhile, the other fire stations in town got wind of
this, so with permission from then Chief Arthur Griswold, they would fill
up a 5 gallon stainless steel container with chowder and a large carton
of clam cakes and a few watermelons. They would then call Hose 2A out of
service and deliver it to all the other stations. Duty at Crescent Park
was pretty nice, aside from responding to drills and an occasional fire
alarm, the park was crowded with military personnel from Newport and
Ouonset Point and there was always something going on. Also, the park
management liked having the auxiliary firemen there in the event that
they had a fire in the park itself. There were a few minor fires in the
park during this period. The Auxiliary Fire Department was disbanded in
1945 and the apparatus was used to replace some of the aging regular fire
trucks. -George Murdock,
Riverside, RI
When I was young in the early to mid-Sixties, my Grandfather, Bert Martin,
who, as far as I know, was the last working blacksmith in East Providence,
used to take me to "Crazy Park", as he called it, to ride the "darby horses",
on the bus, which I believe at that time were an awful light green color.
He took me the day the Three Stooges were on stage outside the Shore Dinner
Hall, which was a defining moment for many of us born in the mid-Fifties.
Although I am not sure, I actually think it was around 1962. It is one of
those events, like Woodstock, where I think many more people claim to have
been there, than actually WERE there! I was looking for information on the
Carousel and found this Web Site, as we are going to bring our 3 year old
there to hopefully start a new tradition. Many thanks to those who submitted
so many priceless stories! -Chas Chesler,
Hometown: EP, RI
Residence: Newburyport, MA
Great Website! I miss the park myself. I still take my daughters to the
carousel every year. They started riding when they were 6 months old. I
created a website about the park and carousel, not as great as yours, but
its brief. Check it out:
http://hometown.aol.com/raa990/index.html
-Bob Asciolla,
North Providence, RI
Let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Joseph Phillips. I'm one
of the late Fred McCusker, Sr's great-grandnephews. Fred's wife Alice was
my grandmother Leona (Martin) Phillips' sister. It's really great seeing a
website devoted to a special place my brother, Tommy Phillips Jr. and I
grew up hearing about. We liked seeing the photo Jobelle donated of my
father, Tommy Phillips and his cousin Freddie McCusker, along with Dave
Bayha, Tommy Healy sitting on the carousel. Thanks again,
-Joe Phillips
This site is wonderful! I grew up in Riverside, as did my Dad (George Case)
and Grandfather (Arthur Case) - both of them worked at the Park at one time
or another. I have tons of memories of good times there - like the last day
of school, getting out early and bringing your report card to be rewarded
for your "A's", the concerts (oh, how disappointed I was to discover that
Bobby Vee used hair spray!), Sundays at the Shore Dinner Hall (but, no one
could beat my Grampie's chowder & clamcakes, which he sold during the
Depression to get by - he also owned The Clam Shell, at the head of Wampanoag
Trail, at one time). In my genealogical research I'm always looking for
information and stories to supplement the dry dates, so this site will be
added to my Favorites. I have photos which I will dig out & send along.
Thanks for preserving my past. -Susan Case-Ciesielski,
Gainesville, FL
I have fond memories of summer "Dollar Days" spent at Crescent park during
the 1960's. In those days a dollar bought a stamp on the back of your hand
that entitled you to ride the midway rides all day! A couple of times I
didn't have the dollar, so a friend would press the back of his stamped hand
against mine and voila, I rode free all day!
I particularly remember the two fun houses on the south end of the midway,
the Flying Fish with the cracked fiberglass fish cars, and the carousel. One
time I was kicked off the carousel for putting cotton candy into one of the
horse's mouth! I forgot about the Flying Tigers until I saw the website. You
had to do all the work, but it was still a fun ride! And those clamcakes! I
sure would like to have some of those again.
I left Rhode Island many years ago, and often wondered what became of the
park. I was disappointed, but not surprised to learn that it closed, and was
torn down in the in the late 1970's. Nice to know that the carousel
survived. -Pete Maguire
Formerly of West Barrington, RI
Currently in San Diego, CA
I remember riding the riverboat one time with my mother. I was only five
then. She thought it would be tame because of the dixieland band on the
front. We were unprepared for the southern terrors within! The swamp
ghost,the civil war scene, the pirate being forced to walk the plank,
the voodoo witch, the sea captain's ghost, the mardi gras celebration,
the gorilla, the cannibal village with the heads bobblng in the soup,
and the door made to look like a train. Scared my mother silly! I
laughed thru the whole ride. To this day, we still remember my memorial
day at crescent park!
I have a funny story about not only the Riverboat, but the Flying fish!
One day in 1973, my mother rode the Riverboat with me. When we got to
the Voodoo woman scene, my mother screamed and her pocketbook went
sailing! It got tangled around the papier mache figure. At the end,
the ride operator got it for her. My father made the mistake of a
lifetime getting her on the flying fish. I heard her scream "Get me
off this Crazy ride!" I of course thought it was the biggest joke I
ever heard! To this very day, she can vividly describe that story.
I still wish I could have had a camera and photographed the look of
terror on her face! -Richard Almeida
I left Rhode Island in 1972, and since then, whenever I see my brothers,
someone will mention Crescent Park. We could only go there once or twice
each summer, this around 1960, and only on Kiddie's Day. The ride down
Pawtucket Ave. seemed interminable! We would hold our breaths as long as
we could, trying to hold it until the POPCORN sign came into view. When
I learned that the Park had burned and been turned into apartments years
earlier, part of me died. -Tom
Dear sir. I am writing to say thank you for the memories of Crescent Park!
I spent many summers there with my mother and grandparents. My favorate
ride was the riverboat. I remember riding it near one hundred times. It
was not only scary, it made you laugh. Even though I am well into my
thirties, I still remember the monsters vividly. A ghostly sea captain,
the cannibal village, the voodoo woman, the gorilla, and the pirate that
ran on the same hookup as the ride cars. I wish I could take my cousins
Eric and Joshua there. Im sure they would have enjoyed it as much as I
once did. Thank you, -Richard Almeida
I met my husband Tom at Crescent Park, June 23,1963 just after graduation.
My cousin and I went to see a Neil Sedada concert there. Tom was in the
Navy then, stationed in Newport and home on leave. He was born in
Riverside and grew up on Middle St. His brothers and other family members
still live in Riverside. What great memories I have of the park especially
that day. Tom and I have been friends for 38 years and will be married for
35 years come April. We moved in 1977 to Ca., Lake Tahoe to be exact. When
I heard about the closing of the park and then the fire I was crushed. How
many kids would not get to see and enjoy all those great rides and who
could forget McClusksys the greatest carmel popcorn around, always had to
have some when I went to the park. We have gone back there and all 3 of my
kids have ridden the carousel. I hope some day to take my grandchildren
back, so they can enjoy the carousel too. Thanks for the great web site
and all the wonderful memories. -Brenda Mello Heron,
formally of East Providence
now living in Northern CA
A Letter from one of the Carousel Saviors
Thank you for such a fun site! It sure brings back memories. I had
actually forgotten about some of the rides you mention. I started going
to the Park when I was very little, but I fell in love with the Merry-
Go-Round (as well as my first boyfriend, Frankie, who worked there) in
1957. At that time the crew was Frankie St. Martin, Freddie McCusker,
Tommy Phillips, Dave Bayha, Tommy Healy, and the ride operator,'Little'
Joe Kdan.
My love of the ride was rekindled when I found out it was in danger of
being dismantled and sold piece meal by the City of East Providence in
1977. I belonged to a very active citizen's group at the time, The
Riverside Action Committee, Inc., and when Gail Durfee contacted us,
Richard Lund and I helped her form the Save Our Carousel Committee.
Our first lawyer was Martin Stutchfield, who was forced to drop our
case when his law firm realized exactly who we were fighting. That was
politics at its worst. Sister Arlene Violet took up the fight and
brought us to victory. It took over 20 years, but we ended up getting
more than we originally asked for.
Much thanks to the other four plaintiffs...Gail Durfee, Linda McIntee,
Robin Peacock, and Richard Lund for sticking it out, even when we were
sued for over $85,000,000 by the city of East Providence. There were
many other people who were very important to our victory. Too numerous
to mention here, but I would like to mention Rose Larisa and Eddie
Doyle. We couldn't have gotten off the ground without them. Thank you
again for a wonderful site. -Jobelle (Tracy) Aguiar,
Riverside, RI
I grew up in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and have fond memories of going to
Crescent Park as a child - not only the rides, of course, but the great
chowder and clam cakes (as others have mentioned!). When my children were
younger, and we visited my parents in Pawtucket, they enjoyed taking MY
children to the (thankfully) still standing Carousel. Even more interesting
is that the orchestra that played in the Alhambra (the Weygand brothers'
orchestra) was made up primarily of my grandmother's brothers! I can't wait
to tell my mother about this (especially after reading Linda Coleman's entry,
below - I seem to have located another distant cousin!). If anyone has any
information, personal experience seeing that orchestra, other relatives -
please feel free to email me! -Craig LeHoullier,
Raleigh, NC
clehoullie@aol.com
I have many great memories. We won't discuss the day that the employees at
the two midway food counters decided to have a contest on how many flies
they could kill during their shift...they kept the piles on the counters.
If you ever wondered where the last brass ring (of the 1977 year went)...
Eddie Serowik Jr. and I left the Swamp at 1:00am (The last night of the last
season) to rummage through the Clown Box. The last brass ring had been
mistakenly thrown into the clown several rides before closing where it
patiently remained until we retreived it. It now sits in a display case in
my living room...one of my most treasured possessions.
-Chaplain Rob Sugg, USAF,
Andrews AFB, MD
rob_sugg@juno.com
As a child from Attleboro, Mass. the highlight of our summer vacation was
our day at Cresent Park with other family members.
-Nancy R. Stairs,
formerly of Attleboro,
now living in VA
Hello, I was checking out the site and I recall the day that the Satellite
ride collapsed. I grew up in Riverside and we went down there that day
because we heard the fire trucks racing down Bullocks Point Avenue. It was
something like the labor day weekend or the last day of the season. I think
it was either 1961, '62, or '63. I was very young; six or seven. It was a
big deal cause the ride was just slowing down. If the ride had collapsed
just seconds earlier, it would have been much worse. I do recall that a man
broke his leg. Just thought maybe you could look into the story and get a
picture on there from that incident. Yours truly,
-Paul Woodbine
PS: I was kicked out of the park forever in 1970 for jumping off the train.
The Crescent Park web site was very interesting and exciting to browse
through. My grandfather, Fred Weygand, played piano with the Alhambra
Orchestra (perhaps sometimes called the Weygand Brothers Orchestra) at
Crescent Park. I believe it would have been during the 1930s and possibly
into the early 1940s. My grandfather's brother, Charlie, was one of the
Orchestra's leaders and five other Weygand brothers played in the Orchestra,
as well. Just about anyone (including my parents) who would have any
details about the Orchestra, are gone. I believe they played at Crescent
Park two or three nights a week. I remember my parents telling me that my
grandfather would come home from a long day at Reed and Barton (he was a
silversmith), have dinner, take a bath, and put on his tux, in preparation
for a night at Crescent Park. According to my parents, my grandfather's
fatigue would disappear, and he would head out with a renewed spirit for a
night of music at Crescent Park. I wish I could have been there! Most of the
Weygands lived in Taunton, Massachusetts, in those days, and that's where I
was born. However, I have lived in Virginia most of my life. A family friend
lives in Rhode Island, and I have visited her several times. In June of this
year, she and I drove over to Crescent Park. Unfortunately, the carousel
wasn't open...a big disappointment for me. Maybe another time; I sure hope
so. By chance is there any information about the Alhambra (or Weygand)
Orchestra in your archives? I would be most grateful for any information you
might have. Also, ironically, I have very recently met two people (one over
the internet, and one in person) with similar ties to the Alhambra Orchestra:
one is the daughter of a lady (still living) who sang at Crescent Park with
the Orchestra (and who later was married to one of the Weygand brothers for
a very short time); the other is a Taunton native who attended school with
my Mom and whose father-in-law played in the Orchestra. Small world! Thanks
again, -Linda Coleman,
Virginia
Email Linda Here
I'm not a native RI and never went to Crescent Park. I was recently in East
Providence on a bike trip and stopped to look at the magnificent carousel.
When I returned home I questioned some friends about it. They indicated
that there was a terrific resort and amusement park on the site that dated
back to the turn of the century. Thanks for providing an informative and
entertaining web site about a long lost New England Treasure. Best Wishes,
-Anthony Anderson,
Pawtucket, RI
Great web site on the old Crescent Park. Brought back nice memories of
the many summers my grandfather (Charlie Church) would take all his
grandchildren to Crescent Park for a fun filled day. It was one day each
summer, my brother, sister and I, and my cousins certainly looked forward
to. Thank you for making this site available for the generations that once
enjoyed and still miss that old Crescent Park!
-Steve Church
I well remember when we lived in Providence my parents took me to the park,
bought me a little sailors hat and my Dad took me on the ferris wheel. We
got to the top and stopped, my Dad started rocking the car, and my Mom was
having a fit. This was back in the early 50's. Thanks for the memories.
-Chet Holmes,
Northern NY
Ever since recently discovering your site, my brother and I have had a ball
using your links to mentally walk around the park, trying to remember what
was located where (circa 1955-60). Neither of us could remember seeing the
roller skating rink, but we did remember the Flying Scooter next to the
Alhambra which wasn't one of your links. I used to get a kick when the
operator would yell at me to "settle down" as I had that scooter car swooping
all over the place. -Bruce Remick
Have just gone all through your Crescent Park memory lane and can not tell
you how much my husband and I enjoyed it. We as young people spent many a day
there and we both worked for Grampy Freeman and spent many a night roller
skating at Charlie Kronsons roller skating rink. You have brought a little of
our youth back into our lives. I have a print of the Carousel by Karl
Doerflinger which I treasure very much and also one of the coins from the
carousel. Our many thanks for your fine rendition of days gone by.
-Marion and Fred Daft
Hello! I found your site while browsing on the Canadian coaster enthusiast's
history page. I am too young to remember Crescent park, but I am interested
in amusement park history. As a member of ACE (American Coaster Enthusiasts),
I have a particular fondness for all the coasters that are no longer with us,
so to speak. I've always wondered WHY crescent park dismantled their large
coaster in '61...and I've never received an answer to this puzzling question,
especially since they had to compete with places like Lincoln Park, whose
Comet made Crescent Park's version look like a kiddy ride! LOL! I've recently
constructed a website for RI and some MASS parks. I plan on linking your site
to mine on my next update. You may like some of the stuff, because I have a
page about crescent park, showcasing rides/postcards, souveniers, history,
and current-news. http://www.angelfire.com/ri2/amusementparks
Feel free to stop by and leave a message in the guestbook! You have a great
site, and I'll definately visit again! Keep up the good work.
-Kathy
Wow! What a Great site. I found it two days ago, and I've been coming back
every day to look at the awesome pictures. Although my memories of Crescent
Park are from the early 70's, I still love the feeling it gives me to think
back of how much I loved this park. My aunt used to take us often because
she knew a security guard and he would let us on the rides for free! My
favorite was The Whip,and the carousel of course. I recently took my 10 and
8 year-old boys there last week, they really enjoyed it. My son even grabbed
the "golden ring" and won a free ride. I enjoyed the feeling it gave me
listening to that music. I will visit every summer from now on. Thanks for
a great site. -Lisa,
Providence, RI
I grew up in Riverside on Turner Ave and got my first exposure to Crescent
Park in the early 1950's when we would ride our bikes past the Park to
explore the remains of the old mansions on the shoreline at the Terrace.
The Penny Arcade fascinated me the most, and I could spend an hour or more
deciding how to spend five or ten cents worth of pennies there. We would
park our bikes between the Merry-Go-Round and the Arcade and never worry
about theft or damage. The Whip, Bubble Bounce, and Dodge-Ems were my
favorite rides whenever my folks brought me to the Park. I remember after
my grandmother told me that someone had been killed on the roller coaster,
I was always afraid of riding on it. The occasional "record hops" for
teenagers on weekends at the Alhambra were great for meeting kids from all
over the area. Most of us didn't care about Charlie Weygand's Orchestra
and were glad when they played the records we liked. In my late teens, I
landed a summer job at the clam cake & hot dog stand attached to the shore
dinner hall. It was a great place to people-watch and meet girls, and I
could always take home left-over clam cakes and chowder when the stand
closed at night. I remember how sick I got of hearing that same repetative
caliope music and clanging bell from the Merry-Go-Round across the street
all day long, every day. Today, over forty years later, that's all that's
left - the Carousel and that same music. Sure makes me feel good to hear
it now. -Bruce Remick,
Springfield, VA
Hi there! Recently I visited this website, and here I am again for another
visit. I am a native of Rhode Island, and lived in the East Providence/
Riverside area until 1958 when my parents dragged me down to Orlando, FL.
Unfortunately, I never made it back to Rhode Island for a visit. However,
I'm aware that Crescent Park was dismantled and condos were built on the
park site, and I'm sorry that such a landmark has gone the way of so many
others. Crescent Park was always a very special place for me. I learned
to skate at the roller rink, enjoyed the numerous rides and arcade games,
danced at the Alhambra, and pigged out on clams, clam chowder and clam
cakes from the Shore Dinner House. I cherish my memories of Crescent Park
and still miss Rhode Island. Guess I'll always be a New Englander at heart
no matter where I am. Bye for now, but I'll be back another day. Sincerely,
-Sandra Thorburn Smart
What a great place that was! I have such fond memories of this park. My
parents would take us whenever they could. We have some home movies of us
there. Such a shame that sometimes the wonderful things leave to make way
for the new. I still take my kids to the carousel. I ride it and throw
the brass ring! -Diane Rodrigues
We went almost every Saturday night from Bristol from 1949 to 1956.
Hurricane Carol wiped out my favorite, the speed boat rides. My teenage
boys can't believe how fascinating this is for me. Hope you can get more
photos. Nice job! -Ted,
msv6@home.com
Thank you for taking the time to preserve an important RI historic
cultural feature and make it available to Diaspora of former Crescent
Park visitors worldwide! Great job. Crescent Park played a significant
part in my childhood (and that of my five brothers and one sister) during
the 1960s and your site-especially the Kodachromes of Kiddy Land-really
brought me back. By the way, the boats and (second) the planes were
always my favorites. I also enjoyed the carousel, especially after I
mastered grabbing the brass rings. My mother and all of her immediate
family lived in Riverside...many still do. Her maiden name is Helen
Najarian (EPHS Class of '56) and her family ran a hardware store/variety
store/gas station in Riverside from the 40s to the late 60s or early 70s.
The store was known as S & J Hardware and it was located on Willett
Avenue. Naturally, she has great memories and stories about hanging out
in the park as a teenager in the 50s. I'll definitely pass the word about
your site to her and other family members. With a little more bits and
bytes, I believe that your site could become one of the most popular in
RI for those who, like you and I, like to reminisce. Feel free to add me
and any of these remarks to your site. Sincerely,
-Armand J.B. Levesque,
Seoul, Korea
Formerly of Providence, RI
Hi, in the late 20's and early 30's my paper routes ended at the park. I
spent many hours there, dancing, rollerskating, having shore dinners and
of course on many of the rides. As a child my favorite horse had to be
the one with the rabbit on the back. I lived in Riverside from 1924
through 1994, with the exception of the war years and 1946 & 1947.
You have done a great job and I hope many who have enjoyed the park get
to see your site. I now live in Maine 6 months and in Florida the other
six months. I stop in on the way through for four or five days in the
spring and in the fall. We try to get to the carousel when in town.
Great Job. -Harry
Hi, your Crescent Park web site is wonderful! I've been enjoying it so
much. I grew up in Riverside (a few blocks in back of St. Brendan's
Church) and spent some of my most fun loving hours with family and friends
on that carousel and mid-way. Now your address has been sent to everyone
I know that they will enjoy walking through memory lane, too. Thanks for
those memories! -Diane (Cary) Machado
My daugther sent me the program about Crescent Park that you put together.
I want to commend you on putting that together. It is very good and brings
back a lot of memories. Nice job. -Lee Sittinger
Just wanted to say that I found a souvenir of Crescent Park from 1906. I
live in Hockessin Delaware and a local antique dealer in Newark (home of
the University of Delaware), had a ruby or cranberry cut glass shot glass
with Crescent Park 1906. I had given this item to my friend who collects
this type of glass and she investigated on the internet to see where this
shot glass came. Thanks for all the information and next time I go up that
way, I'll be sure to stop and see Riverside and the famous carousel of
Crescent Park! -Connie Steenberghs,
csteenberghs@usa.net
Hi! I worked at "Crazy Park" during the summer of 1968 at McCusker's Stand.
I "specialized" in the cotton candy. I usually went home with cotton candy
all over my clothes and in my hair. I also had lots of visitors in the form
of bees! My Dad and my late grandmother also worked at times at McCusker's.
When my Dad visits for Christmas, I'll show him your site. I enjoyed this
quick visit. I'll return again. Sincerely,
-Carlene (Hoglund) Joiner,
jjoiner@tiac.net
When I was very young, I must have been about seven or eight, which made
it sometime around 1965 or 1966 or close to those years, the 3 Stooges
came to the stage behind where you got the clam cakes from. I walked in
back of the stage where there were doors. When the Stooges came out I
asked for an autograph from one of them on a napkin, which I would love
to find. I remember Moe speaking to "us kids" about "never poke someone in
the eyes". Then they showed us how they did it. I was so impressed with
that show. If anyone remembers what year that was, please let me know.
I was born in 1958 and lived in Barrington. Thanks for letting me share
this online. -Alex Natale
anatale@ealaw.com
Thanks for the nice story on crescent park! Would like more info on the
carousel. I visit it at least once a year and my husband a native Rhode
Islander remembers the park! -Irene & Richard Duffany,
Warwick, RI
I enjoyed my visit to your site. It was suggested to me by my "old" friend
Peggy Carlson Rochette. You've done an excellent job! My brother worked
at the Park during the 1950's and I used to go there for the rides and
occasionally to the Ballroom. The historical background was very
interesting. Thank you. -Marianne (Underwood) Buddington,
Sterling, VA
(formerly of Riverside RI)
As a teen in the early 50's, I spent many Sundays at Cresent Park with my
friends and their Mother and Father. He played the bass fiddle and fiddle,
with Eddy Zack's band. There were 5 of them and I got to be "one of their
kids" on those special days. We got to ride for free and one time we rode
13 times on the Roller Coaster...and that was the last time I ever went on
one. I remember the penny arcade and still have, to this day, one of the
pictures from the photo booth. I also remember taking the bus in from
Cranston with my Grandmother and getting a transfer in downtown, to get to
the park so we could have a ride on the boat - (which I didn't see on your
site). How she loved to do that. I can still smell the bag of clam cakes
that we took home to my Grandfather. Thank you for such a nice site and to
be able to "go back to our childhood". -Jean (in Chepachet),
formally of Scituate
I used to work at the park when I was 15 or 16 years old. The first job
I had was at Goodie One (one of the concession stands at the top of the
midway). I then was promoted to the Shore Dinner Hall, which I worked at
for another 2 years (summers that is). I have nothing but the fondest of
memories of my time at the park and will never forget it. It was a pleasure
to happen upon your web page. I'm going to check with my family to see if
we have any pictures from the Park. We would be happy to share them with
you. The time that I worked there was in the late 60's. To give you an
idea, there was a guy that used to hang out there and his name was Walter.
In fact, a few years back Walter had won a contest with his impersonation
of Johnny Most. Some of my most clear memories where of the fire works
displays. When I was a child we would get on the other side of the cove
and watch the fire works from there. Other fond memories where the smells
of the Park at particular times of the day (Like the cotton candy machine
or the smell of the clam cakes, or the smell of the funk on the pavement
on a hot day on the midway. Wow, what a smell. It was also interesting to
work from about 10:00am to 11:00pm at the Park because the place had a
very different feel from daytime to nightime (from casual to almost
exciting in the evening). Thanks for the memories.
-Emerson Torrey
I went to Crescent Park when I was younger; always had a great time;
memories galore in your site. I forgot about the flying fish ride. Once
when I was about 14, my father got me out of bed, drove me to Riverside
just in time for fireworks at the park. They were incredible. Had a
great time, then went home. Great job!
-Joseph Ferreira
Worked the Shore hall and the games. Mostly the toaster and lamp and steak
knive game. Cant remember the actual name of it. My Grand Dad worked in
the Alhambra ballroom in the early days; he was in the band. He played the
drums. His name was H.C. Carpenter Sr. Do you remember the night that the
Alhambra went down? I was sitting by Carey's bait shop and the railroad
tracks. I was a young kid, but think that I did understand that that some
of RI history was lost. I am glad that the Carousel was saved. I live in
Utah now. I have been back and have some mixed feelings about what it has
become. I'm Glad that I can still go back and ride the ponies though. It
is nice to know that people like to keep that place alive. I'll put you in
my favorite places and check in from time to time. Much appreciation to
your page. Thank You . -K.C.,
Utah
I remember going to the club Sugarberries in the 1960's. We saw Sam the
Sham and The Pharoahs, amoung others. The kids of today don't have any
of that. It was fun. -Janice (Duffy) Deming,
Smithfied, RI
As a young boy, I lived in Riverside in the very early fifties. I have
very fond memories of Crescent Park and walked the ponies for the kiddie
pony rides. The Merry-Go-Round, as we called it, was truly beautiful.
I even managed to grab a few brass rings! I am wondering if you recall
that in those days they used to occasionally have a "penny toss" wherein
pennies were tossed from, I forget which type of vehicles, all over the
park by the thousands. Everyone scrambled around like crazy grabbing as
many of them as they could. It was really nuts, and in retrospect I muse
on why nobody was ever seriously injured. Perhaps they were for all I
know. I visited Riverside and my old neighborhood on Knowlton street in
1990. I was very surprised, except for the park, how little had changed
after fifty years. That is a long time, my friend. What they say is
true - you can never go back home! But those were indeed far different
times. I have lived in California for the last 40 years. I am now
retired and live in Big Bear Lake, CA, a mountain resort area about 140
miles from Los Angeles. Thank you for your Website!
-Jamie Bernier,
Big Bear Lake, CA
Hi, my name is Karen Murdock. I grew up in East Providence and moved to
Northern CA when I was 19 years old. I have fond memories of Crescent
Park as a child. The Flying Fish, driving cars, Carousel, and the ride
in which you could fly to the sky were some of my favorites. I can still
smell the bay in the early evening before it got dark. They don't make
parks like this one any more. I remember one time, someone actually got
thrown off the Flying Fish, the car went off the track. It didn't stop
me from going back, but I always thought this was how I was going to
die. Anyway, thanks for the memories!
-Karen Murdock,
Northern California
Great website. Just sent it to a friend of mine in Nevada who grew up
in Seekonk and my sister in Deleware. We all have fond memories of
Crescent Park back in the 40's and 50's. Spent a lot of time there.
Last year my husband and I took two of our grandchildren for a walk
down in back of the carousel and checked out the remains of some of the
skeletons of the rides that are still there. Again, absolutely great.
-Joan Champigny,
Seekonk, MA
We're checking our family photos. It is very enjoyable, lots of
memories. Thanks. -Herman Bishop,
Putnam, CT
I used to get out of Riverside Jr. High School on Thursday afternoons, and
grease the rides and open up Kiddieland and stay until closing. Then I
used to walk home to Hospital Rd. My mother worked for Manton Bissette as
a cashier on the bowling alley. I set up pins in the bowling alley before
Kiddieland, and parked cars next to the roller rink. This was probably
in the neighborhood of 1955. Does anyone remember the name of the guy that
had the diner on Clam Alley Hill? Eddy Serowick told me his name a few
years ago, but I have forgotten it. A few years ago, I was down there at
the Carousel with Eddy Serowick and I video taped (with him running the
commentary) on how it works, and a thumb nail sketch of the history, and
sent copies to my brother in California, and my son in Chicago.
-Bob Clark,
Riverside, RI
Well I'll tell you how I got the name Buggy Dougy at the Park. It was a
very warm muggy summer of '72, and not very busy at the greyhound game that
I had worked the summer before. We kept all the prizes in the back room
for easy access. I decide to restock the shelves with more prizes like my
boss (Richard/Fred) wanted, so to attract customers. Well, when I came
back from the back room both of my legs start to swell up (bigger then
Elephant legs). Richard ran and got Fred. Fred upon seeing my legs told
Richard to rush me to the hospital. The Doctors said that it was flea
bites all over my legs and fleas still affect me to this day. Well to make
a long story short, when I came back everyone knew what had happen and
called me Buggy Dougy. And the next year I just could not get rid of that
name. -"Buggy Dougy" Bell,
Rehoboth, MA
Marie Anzelone Wagner of North Providence and her husband Bob Wagner
LCDR USN (Ret) of San Diego visited your Cresent Park Site. We met at
the Girls City Club in downtown Providence in 1953 when I was a young 20
year old 2nd Class Sonarman. Those pictures bring back fond memories of
some 45 years ago. Warm Regards, -Bob & Marie Wagner,
San Diego, CA
My Mother spent the happiest years of her youth in Riverside, R.I. before
marrying my father and moving to Connecticut. I remember her talking
about the park and the good times she had there. Although, I have only
one recollection of being there, it still stirs up memories of my Mother
which are very precious to me because she has been gone for nearly 30
years. On the occasion that I did go to the park, I remember being
thrilled to be on the carousel with my cousins Janice and Joanie, and how
disappointed I was when I didn't get a gold ring. There was nothing like
Crescent Park in my childhood, and I hold these memories very dear.
Especially now that I live so far away from New England and my family
roots. -Mary Lou Newcomb,
Glendale, AZ
I worked at Crescent Park from 1941-42 at Freeman's Ice Cream Parlor,
also the ice cream stand near the Alhambra Ballroom, where I worked as
a hat check girl with my sister Beverly.
Thelma (Gregory) Work
The Park was a great place for the servicemen to come to relax and enjoy
along with others. Those were the good old days, Amen!
-Thelma (Gregory) Work,
Riverside, RI
My husband was born and brought up in Rhode Island and visited Crescent
Park many times. He has very fond memories of the park especially eating
a shore dinner at the Shore Dinner Hall. In his opinion the clamcakes
and chowder were unequaled. At any rate, many years have gone by, he moved
to Virginia, we were married and he has a great yearning for a good old
fashioned Crescent Park style clamcake. Do you think a recipe for these
clamcakes survives and is obtainable? If so, I would appreciate it very
much if you would let me know. Thank you.
P.S. - Here in Virginia we can't find them nor can we find a good recipe.
-Pam Robillard,
Virginia
If you can help Pam out please eMail her HERE!
As a lifelong resident of Riverside, my fondest memories of Crescent Park,
are probably between 1945 and 1957. It was a place, close to home, where
we could go with little or no money to have some good clean fun. I
personnaly cannot ever remember a fight down there and it was a great
place to meet your friends and hang out. I could never forget the good
times I had at Charlie Kronson's roller rink. For a few cents you could
rent skates and go round and round for a long time. Life was so much
simpler then, we had a treasure right in our midst. My son saw the tail
end of the park, how I wish he could have been there and got the memories
that I have. -Joan (Carlson) Gregory,
Riverside, RI
Dear friends! I was just at the Carousel last week with my three young
"grandfriends" and their mother for several hours of riding and joy. It
reminded me of the mid-60's when I used to take my own children to the
Park, one of their favorite places in New England. We drove from Attleboro,
where we lived for many years. The "grandfriends" have all had their first
Carousel rides on the Looff at Crescent Park, with me as hostess. They
range in age presently from 7 months to 5 years. I do believe that "Senior
Grandfriend" had just as much fun as the kids! About 5 years ago my grown
children and their partners/spouses and my husband plotted the most
wonderful surprise. We drove and drove and drove, without them telling me
the destination. We finally arrived at the Carousel...never knew it took
so long to get from our home in North Providence to Riverside! We rode
the Looff Carousel for hours, then adjourned to the little park across the
street for a most delicious picnic. The Carousel music added joy to that
part of the day, also. I've ridden on many Carousels in my 66 years, but
never one as lovingly restored and as beautiful as the Looff in Crescent
Park, RI. My sister has been a carousel history buff for decades and knows
the precious site we in New England almost take for granted. Unfortunately
her schedule does not ever allow her to get here from the midwest when the
Carousel is open, so she's not been able to ride. I send her pictures each
time I go. Thank you for the WWW site!
-Caroljean H. Goulder,
Minnesota native,
now of Rhode Island
Growing up barely a mile from the park, I recall the summer nights in my
house, when the wind was just right, hearing the carousel music and the
shouts of the people on the rides. I could see some of the fireworks from
my backyard. I also remember as a child, seeing Rex Trailer at the outdoor
stage. As a teenager I spent many days and nights at the park hanging out
with friends or just being a fun place to take a date. Before landing a
job there in the summer of 1976, a friend of mine and I had slipped into
the woods at the edge of the driving range and found many golf balls in the
woods. Not wanting to pass up an opportunity, we went to the park office
and informed Mr Perry that there "might" be golf balls in the woods and we
would like the job of retrieving them. He saw right through our scheme, but
allowed us to clean out the woods of stray golf balls. He "paid" us with a
handful of tickets for the rides. A thrill for a couple of young teenagers.
The memories of the Cotton Candy, Clam Cakes and the sights and sounds of
the Midway will never be forgotten. Many Thanks to the Carousel committee
for saving at least a small piece of our youth. My family and I enjoy the
carousel when we are in RI. Many Thanks also to you, Don, for creating this
tribute that will bring back a flood of memories for everyone who strolls
through your Midway. All the best, -Kevin, Mary Lou, Courtney
and Caitlin Sittinger
Wilmington, North Carolina
AS A CHILD I GREW UP AT THE PARK. SPENT HALF MY SPARE TIME RIDING THE
WOODEN ROLLER COASTER AND GOING TO THE PENNY ARCADE. EATING THOSE
AWESOME CLAM CAKES AND CHOWDER. HERE I AM NOW, SOME 30 YEARS LATER, IN
HAWAII AND TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT THE CALM BOILS AND THOSE CLAM CAKES THAT
THEY NEVER HEARD OF. THEY JUST CAN'T PICTURE IN THIER MIND WHAT THEY
COULD BE. NOW MY 6 YEAR-OLD NEPHEW RIDES THE CAROUSEL. I ONLY WISH
THAT HE COULD HAVE SEEN THE PARK WHEN IT WAS IN IT'S HAY DAY, THE SHORE
DINNER HALL AND THE ENTERTAINMENT. SURE WISH THEY COULD HAVE KEPT THAT
OLD PARK. BUT LIKE ANYTHING ELSE THAT HAD A HISTORY, AND A LIFE OF IT'S
OWN, AND A STORY TO TELL YOUNG AND OLD, THE WORLD JUST HAS TO REMOVE IT
AND PUT UP "THINGS" THAT NO ONE WILL REMEMBER A COUPLE OF YEARS DOWN THE
ROAD. THANK YOU FOR THIS TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE AND BRINGING BACK THE
LAUGHTER I REMEMBER HAVING AS A CHILD AT CRESENT PARK. YOU SURE MADE MY
DAY AND I NOW CAN SHARE A BIG PART OF MY YOUTH WITH MY 18 YEAR-OLD SON,
AT THAT. THANK YOU. -MRS. C. deGRANDCOURT
HONOLULU, HI.
The thought of Crescent Park stirs memories of a carefree time in my life.
I can almost smell the cotton candy and hear the racheting of the chain
of the "Flying Fish". I can still remember my excitement the first time
I measured up against that blonde-haired cutout and was allowed to DRIVE
the "Westward Ho"! -Don Gregory,
Riverside, RI