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Canobie Lake Park opened on August 23, 1902 as a trolley park. The park was owned by the Massachusetts Northeastern Street Railway Company. Like so many of its kind, Canobie was built with the intention of the trolley company to increase ridership on the weekends. Usually at the 'end of the line,' these parks were built near a river or lake. Canobie was one of the most beautiful at the time, featuring beautiful botanical gardens, tree-lined promenades, and of course the beautiful lake views. This new park, known as Canobie, was an instant success.
Some of the attractions that the park boasted were the Mammoth roller coaster, one quarter mile in length, and the carousel which featured fine orchestration. There was a shooting gallery, the Circle Swing, a Penny Arcade, the Dancing Pavilion, a restaurant with a seating capacity of 600. The electric fountain, which remains on the property to this day, was a prominent feature. A regulation bowling alley was housed in what is now Bear Lodge. The area behind Untamed was an athletic field, complete with two grandstands and dressing rooms. There was even an enclosed Deer Park, with a fine herd of deer.
Some of the attractions that the park boasted were the Mammoth roller coaster, one quarter mile in length, and the carousel which featured fine orchestration. There was a shooting gallery, the Circle Swing, a Penny Arcade, the Dancing Pavilion, a restaurant with a seating capacity of 600. The electric fountain, which remains on the property to this day, was a prominent feature. A regulation bowling alley was housed in what is now Bear Lodge. The area behind Untamed was an athletic field, complete with two grandstands and dressing rooms. There was even an enclosed Deer Park, with a fine herd of deer.
From an early park brochure...
The Management caters especially to Societies, Churches, and Organizations, to whom special inducements are offered in the way of reserving separate groves for all day and allowing the use of the enclosed athletic field for a portion of the day for ball games and sports. A competent force of police keep the Park free from objectionable characters; no intoxicating liquors are sold; women and children may come unattended and be assured of protection from annoyance. |
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When the trolley cars needed maintenance, they would go to the "Car Barn." The building stands to this day, on Main St in Salem, NH. The following photos are of the Car Barn in the early 1900s, along with some of the hard-working crew who worked on the trolley cars.
When the trolley cars needed maintenance, they would go to the "Car Barn." The building stands to this day, on Main St in Salem, NH. The following photos are of the Car Barn in the early 1900s, along with some of the hard-working crew who worked on the trolley cars.
