Paragon Park - Hull, MA
Posted by: 
NorStar
N 42° 16.232 W 070° 51.397
19T E 346889 N 4681482
This sign by the old Paragon Carousel and clock has pictures and text that tell about Paragon Park, which was an amusement park that had a well known roller coaster and the Paragon Park Carousel.
Waymark Code: WM73GR
Location: Massachusetts, United States
Date Posted: 08/27/2009
Views: 10
Along Nantasket Avenue, near a traffic light intersection with a cross road, by a multi-sided building, is a sign with pictures and text about Paragon Park. The sign text states:
Memories of Paragon Park
In 1905 Paragon Park opened as an ocean front resort amusement park at Nantasket Beach, Massachusetts. Rose and David Stone acquired this popular palatial playground in 1920 and they were later joined by their sons Joseph and Larry and his wife Phyllis. The Stone family owned and operated Paragon Park until 1985 when it was purchased to make way for a condominium development.
In the early years, the Park had only a few rides and also the famous Palm Gardens Restaurant and Grill, which was fashioned after a German beer garden. The fabulous chateau ballroom was also opened. Both were opened in 1905. Through the years, many new rides and attractions were added, including the incomparable Giant Roller Coaster which was one of the ten best coasters in the country. It was the highest and longest of its kind in New England and attracted visitors from all over the world.
On this site is the original Paragon Park Carousel built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. in 1928. This carousel has the original hand-carved and hand-painted wooden horses and chariots. Another attraction was the Jungle Ride which was a modern, updated version of the original Tunnel of Love boat ride. Paragon Park employed over 300 local high school and college students and senior citizens each summer season. Paragon Park was a major attraction for fun lovers of all ages.
Thrilling, suspenseful and daring are some of the words used by thousands to describe this fantastic amusement park. This plaque is a tribute to the memories of Paragon Park.
Also on the sign are pictures of the park entrance, a flume ride, around the roller coaster, and the carousel.
As stated in the sign, the park was closed in 1985. Only the Paragon Park Carousel and the clock tower building remain of the park. The park occupied the triangular spot where the arcade and the brick condominiums are now, between Nantasket Aveune on the east side, and George Washington Boulevard on the west side. The carousel is operational and provides rides for a nominal amount that goes toward fully restoring it.
There is no indication of the group responsible for putting up the sign, but since it is near the carousel, I am pretty sure it is the Friends of the Paragon Carousel. The link to their web site is below.
Agency Responsible for Placement: Unknown
County: Plymouth
City/Town Name: Hull
Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]
Agency Responsible for Placement (if not in list above): Not listed
Year Placed: Not listed
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