Paragon Park opened in 1905 as an oceanfront resort amusement park at Nantasket Beach, Massachusetts. Rose and David Stone acquired it in 1920, and they were later joined by their sons Joseph and Larry and Larry's wife Phyllis. The Stone family owned and operated Paragon Park until 1985, when it was purchased to make way for a condominium development. In its early years, the park had only a few rides, along with the Palm Gardens Restaurant and Grill, fashioned after a German beer garden, and the chateau ballroom, both of which opened in 1905. Over the years, many new rides and attractions were added, including the Giant Roller Coaster, considered 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. The site includes the original Paragon Park Carousel, built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. in 1928, with its original hand-carved and hand-painted wooden horses and chariots. Another attraction was the Jungle Ride, a modern, updated version of the original Tunnel of Love boat ride. Each summer season, Paragon Park employed over 300 local high school and college students and senior citizens. It was a major attraction for fun lovers of all ages.

Photo: William Fischer, Jr.

Photo: William Fischer, Jr.

Photo: William Fischer, Jr.

Hull, Massachusetts · USA