How old is old orchard beach

Bachelder, Peter Dow. Ellsworth, Me. The Breakwater Press. Blaney, Daniel E. Old Orchard Beach. Charleston, SC. Arcadia Publishing. Cole, Alton Bryant. Thesis M. Cournoyer, Jill C. Historic Preservation Commission. Augusta, Me. Text and photos from National Register of Historic Places.

Jakeman, Adelbert M. Centennial History of Ocean Park, Maine, Ocean Park, Me. Ocean Park Association. Old Orchard Beach and Vicinity. Portland, Me. Nelson Co. Publisher Portland, Me. Lakeside Press. Locke, John Staples. Scully, Jeffrey A. The Old Orchard. Dover, N. Warner, Raymond. Its significance is enhanced by the renown of some of its famous African American guests, who stayed at the Guest House while performing in Old Orchard Beach.

The family had five daughters and two sons, whom Charles supported in part by working as a porter at Union Station in Portland. The family kept a few animals in the barn on their suburban lot, just a few blocks from the beach its thriving waterfront. Between and the Cummings family appears to have lived in the tourist community year round. In later years they sometimes spent only summers in Old Orchard Beach, and lived either in Portland or Winchester, Massachusetts in winters.

In the family remodeled their farmhouse and opened their doors to African American travelers, an enterprise that was to bring them business for the next 70 years. Old Orchard Beach was one of a string of seaside resorts in Maine that became popular at the end of the 19th century. It became increasingly accessibly via rail and then automobile in the early 20th century. Along with the requisite grand hotels, sandy beaches, eateries and amusements, Old Orchard Beach became known for it extensive pier and boardwalk, which at one point stretched feet into the water and featured its own miniature passenger rail line along its length.

Although the pier was rebuilt many times due to storm damage, one of its biggest attractions was the Casino, a popular nightclub, that featured all of the Jazz and Swing greats of the era. The last room overlooking the Atlantic Ocean can be rented out for private events and weddings.

The Palace Playland amusement park was originally created in and stretches across four acres of beachfront land. The park features 25 total amusement rides including a Ferris wheel, swings, and many others. The Playland also features an arcade and a nightly firework show throughout the summer months. In terms of accommodations, there are numerous beachside properties, bed and breakfast locations, condominiums, motels and more for visitors.

Old Orchard also has many campgrounds and RV parks for tourist to enjoy, as well. Created in as a summer retreat, Ocean Park is most often used today as a place for summer camps, business meetings and self-improvement lectures. More Old Orchard Beach History…. Remembering our Veterans. Be on the lookout for Mr. Peppermint for this year. Last night we held the Chamber Membership Awa. The 27th Annual Car Show begins tomorrow with the. Instagram post Load More