From early summer until autumn frosts, guests from New York, the United States, Canada, and Europe flocked to the grand hotels beside Massena Springs' internationally famous sulphur springs, first by stage coach and later, at the resort's peak in the late 1800's, by railroad to a depot just a short distance away. In its early years, the area had no electric lights or power, no water system or telephones, and roads that became hub deep in wet weather and blocked with snow in winter. Once known for gala parties and sulphur springs believed to cure the sick, the area later changed over time. In 1936, village officials and business people organized as the Massena Springs Committee and sought state takeover of the springs as a natural resource, but their petition was unsuccessful after a hearing on August 24, 1936. Later developments followed: in 1938, the Village of Massena purchased the option to develop the site; in 1943, it began conversion to a picnic area with brick fireplaces, grates, and the first picnic tables; during the peak of St. Lawrence Seaway construction in the 1950's, the park gained a playground, expanded picnic area, and boat launch; in 1959, discussion resumed about attracting tourists; and in 2002, a state grant supported extensive rehabilitation that added a new larger playground, replaced picnic tables and park benches, added a fishing pier on the Racquette River, and built a Pavilion/Band Shell with lighting where "Dipper Boys" once pulled water from the fountain head of Massena Springs.