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Paragon
Park/Nantasket Beach
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PARAGON PARK 1905
Paragon Park, new in 1905, was a “ mini worlds fair. ” Each pavilion flew the flag of its country. It boasted a man-made lagoon on which floated authentic gondolas and even a Chinese junk. It was decorated with beautiful gardens and ornamentation. Patrons were treated to band concerts,circus acts and rides, and could refresh themselves at the Schlitz Palm Garden. The park closed in 1985 and the property became the site of condominiums.
Winner: Second Place, Weymouth Art Association, December 1997 |
WILD MOUSE PARAGON PARK circa 1970’s
A popular and exhilarating ride, the Wild Mouse brought many thrill-seekers to Paragon Park for years. The Rocket Swing, the Whip, and the Giant Coaster are seen in the background. John Allen of the Philadelphia Toboggan Company built the Giant Coaster. It was a dominant ride in Paragon Park. It was 3,400 feet long and 96 feet high. In the 1960s it was named one of the top-10 coasters in the world by the New York Times. The ride lasted only a minute, but the thrill lingered on. The Giant Coaster was sold to an amusement park in Maryland when Paragon Park closed in the 1980s.
Winner: First Place, Hull Artist's Studio Connection, April 2004
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THE LAGOON at PARAGON PARK 1905 A
4-foot deep man-made lagoon graced the gardens of Paragon Park in
1905, on which floated an authentic Chinese junk in addition to a
flotilla of Venetian gondolas. The Schlitz Palm Gardens was an
elegant restaurant and the massive Rockland House Hotel is seen in
the distance on the hilltop behind the park. The flags of all
nations flew from the rooftops in the
park. Winner: Second Place, Weymouth Art Association,
April 1998 |
AMUSEMENTS AT PARAGON
PARK - 1960’S This view from inside Paragon Park shows some
rides; the Caterpillar, Lindy Loop, part of the Carousel Pavilion,
the “kiddie” Merry-go-round, and the Giant Coaster in the
background. Games of “skill” and luck were located along the
walkway where many a young man would impress his girl by winning
dolls and stuffed animals for her. There were interesting pastimes
to explore for all ages at Paragon Park. |
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CAROUSEL at NANTASKET
The Paragon Carousel, built by the Philadelphia
Toboggan Company in 1928, contains 66 hand carved horses and two
Roman Chariots. It is considered a “grand” carousel because it’s
horses stand four abreast. Local investors bought and moved the
carousel and it’s Pavilion from Paragon Park in 1985 when Paragon
Park closed. It is presently located next to the historic Waiting
Station with its distinctive Clock Tower, at Wade’s Corner. Hull's
only remaining Paragon Park ride is today owned and operated by the
Friends of the Paragon Carousel. |
CONGO CRUISE AT PARAGON PARK – 1970’S Paragon’s tunnel of love had numerous names over the years. The Mill Rapids in 1920 became the Red Mill, which was destroyed by fire in 1963. It became the Jungle Ride for a year before becoming the Congo Cruise. Regardless of the names given to this popular “love” ride, they all featured a thrilling splash down into a small pool at the end. The Whip is shown to the left with the Rocket Swing along side Lahage’s popular food stand and the Carousel Pavilion housing the Merry-go-round. Winner: Honorable Mention, Hull Artist's Studio Connection, April 2002; Honorable Mention Weymouth Art Association, December 2004 |
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CHATEAU at PARAGON PARK, circa 1950’s In the 1950’s the Chateau at Paragon Park was a large ballroom and restaurant. Previously the site of the Schlitz Palm Garden Grill, in later years it became the “Blue Bunny”. Among the popular rides pictured are the “Auto Scooters” also known by many fans as the “Bumper Cars”. Next door was the popular “Jig Saw” and the large “Flying Scooters”. A “kiddie" selection of rides included the “Boats”, the “Swans”, the “Whip” and a mini Carousel. We were all thrilled by the sights, sounds and smell of Paragon Park. |
ENTRANCE to PARAGON PARK 1905
When beautiful Paragon Park was built in 1905, its majestic entrance evoked a look back at the old ornate European castles. All who passed this portal were treated to 20 acres of amusements which delighted the senses. It was an extravagant, fun-filled way to spend a summer afternoon at the ocean.
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NANTASKET BEACH RESORT HOTEL
The Clarion family of hotels claims the Nantasket Beach Resort Hotel & Spa. Rising up at the edge of the magnificent blue Atlantic Ocean, the site was formerly the location of the historic Ocean Gardens, remembered fondly from the days of the Big Band Era during World War II. The luxurious Nantasket Beach Hotel, takes it’s place in the history of Hull, a town noted for it’s historical luxury Victorian hotels.
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