Norumbega Park facts for kids
Norumbega Park was a fun place with rides and games in Auburndale, Massachusetts, near Boston. It was a popular amusement park. The Totem Pole Ballroom was also part of the park. It became a very famous place for dancing and music, especially for big bands in the 1940s.
At the park, you could go canoeing or pedal boating on the Charles River. There was also a theater, pretty gardens, and places to eat. You could play games at a penny arcade and have picnics. The park even had a zoo and exciting amusement rides! Norumbega Park closed on Labor Day in 1963. The Totem Pole Ballroom closed a few months later, in February 1964.
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History of Norumbega Park
Norumbega Park first opened in June 1897. It was built by the people who ran the Commonwealth Avenue Street Railway. They wanted more people to ride their trolley line between Boston and Auburndale. The park got its name from the Norumbega Tower. This stone tower was built across the river in Weston, Massachusetts. It was built by Eben Norton Horsford to mark where he thought Vikings might have settled long ago.
The park’s "Pavilion Restaurant" was run by Joseph Lee. He was a very skilled chef. Before working at Norumbega Park, he owned a fancy hotel in Auburndale.
Many people visited Norumbega Park every year. It was easy to get to because it was on the Charles River. People could arrive by boat, steam train, electric trolley, or car. Norumbega Park was like other "trolley parks" of its time. These parks were popular with middle-class families who wanted fun, affordable places to visit outside the busy city.
By 1905, the outdoor theater at Norumbega Park was replaced. A fancy indoor building called the Great Steel Theater was built. This new theater had different shows like vaudeville acts, plays, and musicals. They even showed early movies on a special machine called a "Komograph". The Great Steel Theater was the biggest theater in New England. The park's zoo was also the largest in New England.
Norumbega Park stayed popular through the 1920s and beyond. New rides were added to the park. These included bumper cars, a Caterpillar ride, and a huge Ferris wheel. The park already had a fun carousel.
Riverside Recreation Grounds
In the early 1900s, a part of the Charles River called the "Lakes District" was very popular for canoeing. More than 5,000 canoes were kept along its 5.8 miles. Norumbega Park, along with Riverside Recreation Grounds in Weston, made this area famous. Many other fun places in Newton, Massachusetts and Waltham, Massachusetts also added to the fun. The Lakes District was known for recreation, sports, and good times.
Totem Pole Ballroom and Famous Performers
In 1930, buses started to replace the trolleys. The Great Steel Theater was then changed into the Totem Pole Ballroom. Many ballrooms advertised in Boston newspapers, but the Totem Pole was a top place. For over 30 years, the Totem Pole Ballroom hosted the most famous entertainers in the United States. This was especially true during the swing music era. Music from the ballroom was heard all over the country on ABC, CBS, and NBC radio.
Some famous acts that played at the Totem Pole Ballroom include:
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Norumbega Park During World War II
During World War II, a US Army group used Norumbega Park's restaurant. The park's owner, Roy Gill, helped organize special events. These events promoted war bonds and collected scrap metal to help the war effort. He also held charity events. The park’s ballfield became home to a women’s professional softball team called the Totem Pole Belles.
Decline and Closure
After the war, Norumbega Park and the Totem Pole Ballroom became less popular.
More cars and better roads meant people could travel further for fun. This led to the closing of many local amusement parks. The Charles River also became polluted. It was no longer good for swimming or small boats.
On summer weekends, people living nearby started going to the mountains or the seashore instead. Places like Nantasket Beach and Paragon Park became more popular for swimming and rides near Boston.
As mentioned, the park closed in 1963 and the ballroom in 1964.
What's There Now
Today, a large Marriott hotel stands where the park used to be. East of the hotel's parking lot is an area of about ten acres. This area is called the Norumbega Park Conservation Area. The City of Newton owns it. It's a popular place for jogging and walking dogs. It has hills, open fields, woods, and access to the river. Most of the old amusement park parts are gone. However, a few small pieces still remain.
In 2011, the Wurlitzer band organ from the Norumbega Park carousel was fully fixed. It now plays music again for everyone to enjoy! Its restoration was featured in magazines and has been part of many parades and events.
Images for kids
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Marriott Hotel and boat rental facility on the site of the park
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Relic of a water fountain from the park
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View of the Charles River from Norumbega Park Conservation Area
