Founded in October 1846 by two local families, Lake Compounce began
its transformation from a rustic summer resort into a bustling
amusement park. Gad Norton and Isaac Pierce teamed together to build
a park that utilized the lake’s natural appeal for swimming,
boating, and picnicking. Through vintage photographs, Lake Compounce
highlights the park’s long history of big bands, the Crocodile Club,
the Wildcat roller coaster, and the William Gillette train. For
generations, the park has been able to maintain its status as a
local treasure while expanding and growing into what is today
recognized as “America’s pioneer playground.”
About the Author
Lynda J. Russell, a resident of Bristol, is author of Bristol
Historic Homes and Plainville. She is a member of the historical
societies in Bristol and Plainville, and she serves on the board of
the Plainville Chamber of Commerce, Quota Club of Bristol, and the
Bristol mayor’s TEAM committee.
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