Paragon Park Tribute

[@elc1960]

I had relatives in Hanson as well. Most of them are from Rockland and Brockton. Oh well, as I have said before, Paragon Park may have been just an amusement park at the beach, but it was OUR amusement park at a beach. We loved it and miss it terribly. The last time I was there was in 1986. Almost nothing left of it then; now it's all gone.

[@gruelurks]

Nothing was ever more exciting than being taken down to the park and hitting the rotary in Hingham, knowing we were that much closer to the park. Then finally making the final turn by the cliffs and seeing the big coaster standing in the sky against the backdrop of the open water.

[@utube9000]

Gruelurks - I remember that moment! Making that final turn, seeing the giant white coaster looming in the distance. Everyone in the car would cheer!

[@shejean]

I grew up in Waltham until I was 8 and then Newton. My family and I used to go to Nantasket Beach several times during each summer! I remember it well!! Also--Revere Beach!!! The rides, the carney, the food, the beach!!! Some friends' families would rent homes (or even owned them) during the summer in Nantasket; wish our family did--we kids attended day and/or overnight camp instead!!

[@laurelfaletra8411]

I just sent this to my cousin for a birthday greeting, his siblings and parents are passed now, I hope these memories bring memories of them vividly, and help him celebrate his day of birthdays gone and birthdays to come. I lived in Mattapan, they in Roslindale, we went as babies and all through our summers as we became teenagers!! Lots a memories, we were born in the late fortys and early fifties!! It is sad to see the changes

[@chuckprefontaine1837]

I remember the first time i crossed the Wier River just past the court house and the roller coaster was gone! I loved the water slides and arcades. And Hull was better when Paragon was open. Who comes to Hull to visit the condo's?

[@susanjohnson4632]

I am from Hanson but my cousins all lived in Brockton. That is where my parents grew up. My three aunts and some cousins are still there. I miss Paragon Park and Kings Castle. I live in Central Florida now and Disney is just not as personal I guess. Paragon Park and Kings Castle were for home folks, I guess you could say.

[@EdmundDunn]

Paragon Park to those who remember it well was the place to go on hot summer days, where young children could dream and families could spend time together. But it was also a place where young lovers would go to walk on the beach and spend time together. In a way which most today may never understand when Paragon Park was taken away Boston lost a part of itself. Not even those who reside there now can fully understand what I mean. Although they may have a ocean view they do not know the excitement that Paragon Park had brought. Yes it may have been at times a bit rough, but Paragon bound a community together and for miles around small businesses continued grow, until one day it closed. Now what stands there is not a dream that beckons children, only faceless buildings that in the end nobody truly wants.

[@dannysordello]

Ed,that's a very good description of the feelings and the memories that Paragon Park had a way of intertwining into the very being of those that Loved it.

[@bhobo09]

thats awesome great memories i grew up in quincy but my friends and i would take the 13 mile bicycle trip down to paragon park on saturdays and we would spend the day there. I live in hull now and i have very fond memories of paragon park.

[@Steve197201]

What a blast from the past. I grew up in Hull (Samoset Ave. and Touraine Ave.), and I have very fond memories of this place. Growing up in the 80s, Hull seemed like such a magical place, especially with Paragon. My favorite rides were the Kooky Kastle and the bumper cars. What a time to grow up in Hull. I feel bad for the younger generation that missed this special place.

[@bootedRichard]

My first job was at Lahage's Salt Water Taffy. Mr. L was the best boss I ever had! the feeling I got when sitting up and being able to work the taffy wrapping machine and it would roll down the chute and people would just stand and stare for hours...

[@takuhe156]

i took my kids to paragon park last labor day weekend and they had a ball. the smell of the clam cakes and the clams were awesome. kids were afraid to go n the coaster because it was made of wood. looking forward to going again next summer.

[@richracer]

Sorry been away a bit, I used to remember coming home from visiting relatives in Worcester, and my trigger for knowing we were almost home was the Ole mississippi water wheel boat that was grounded, before entering the turn that goes past Paragon Park. Hey InspireImages, I can't tell you her last name but I can tell you I wish I kept all the stuff she would bring home. I went to Damon school at the time. I also miss the aquarium, I think I need a trip back to see my old homestead.

[@elc1960]

Re that "Flying A Days" promotional flyer: Flying A was a chain of gas stations that was bought out by Getty oil in either the very late '60s or very early '70s. Another memory of the past that only those of us over 50 remember, like Sinclair gas and the big dinosaur on their roof (how apropos; they sold fossil fuel made from dinosaurs, and then Sinclair became a dinosaur as well - extinct).

[@Ponderosa65]

It was called a number of different things. I remember it as the Bermuda Triangle. But at one point it was called the old Mill or something similar because of the huge wheel that cranked the boats up the hill.

[@takuhe156]

well it was there this past summer and my kids loved the wooden roller coaster. the clam cakes and fries are my favorite

[@darjeeling3]

I saw this video last year and cried watching it. Grew up in the 60's and a teen in the 70's. We lived in Weymouth and loved this place! Had some of the best times of young lives there and teen years. Loved the "Surf" too and then "Uncle Sams" rock club.

[@poemstogothefirst]

Best memories on the planet! That sand, those waves, those childsummer summers, the greatest!

[@richracer]

She operated different rides and also worked in the midway games. I remember she would always come home with different prizes and even some of the hoops you would toss, lol. Oh yeah and lots of extra tickets. Thanks again Paragon!!!

[@jim02026]

I remember taking the boat from Boston's waterfront to Nantasket with my folks. After swimming at the beach, we would go to Joe & Nemo's for fried clams. Then, off to Paragon. Another spot we went to was Revere Beach amusement park, which closed around 1970. As a teenager, I went there during the final summer the park was open to say I rode "The Cyclone"...Well I almost had a heart attack. My mother told me I had rocks in my head for riding that "monster" in Revere!

[@karenmarieshea]

ahhhh, the nostalgia of "Paragon Park" all of us they went there will never forget it. It is surely a place that is kept in my heart and the hearts of so many others, It is one of my childhood memories that I will never forget

[@beachy68]

Remember stopping those boats...my cousin would do it and I would flip out! Nothing like the smell of the congo cruise water!! Ew makes my stomach turn today. But a smell I would give anything to smell again. I feel like I took a ride in the way-back machine today!

[@beachy68]

OMG I can't believe this video. Would you think less of me if I told you watching it made tears (happy ones) come to my eyes?! I spent every weekend for years at Paragon. Always wished I could have worked there but it closed before I got a chance. Such memories...congo cruise, kiddie land, Sam the tankard Man, the wild mouse and the crown jewel the Giant Roller coaster. I am so happy that a friend sent me this link. I'm forwarding to all the Paragon Park groupies I know. ~Carrie

[@Carbizzgirl]

It was like Disney Land to go to Paragon when growing up on Shriley St in Roxbury!

[@elc1960]

OK, thanks pal. I just saw these pictures and began to reminisce about all the times my family spent there. You made me cry (and that isn't easy to do). I'm originally from Brockton MA and spent a lot of time at Nantasket in the '60s and early '70s. Not much left on the Strip; there's a blues club and a few shops and fast food places. I remember the Hojo's at the end of the Strip and getting ice cream just before we left the park. I'm going to send my sister a link to this. This rocks!

[@bbxx44]

Boy does this bring back memories. I had many great summers in Nantasket.

[@Mike1964]

I used to go there with family ever since I can remember. Last time was 1981.

[@leloelela]

I loved going to to King's Castle Land... such a shame that place is gone.

[@richracer]

All I can say is thank you for helping me relive my 70's childhood, from Kenburma St. in Hull. My sister Tia woked there in the 70's.

[@edfitzgerald396]

So fortunate for having grown up in those years. I see the youth of today,sitting around,cell phone in hand,eating fast foods and getting fat. ,

[@elc1960]

Every couple of weeks I come on KZbin and watch this video again. I really miss this place. Me, my sister, my mom and dad and my grandparents (mom's parents) came here at least 5 or 6 times each summer going back as far as I remember. The last time we were all there together was 1972. We left Eastern MA for Connecticut the following year. My sister told me she saw this video after I sent her a link to it and cried like a baby. Thanks so much for posting this gem.

[@mainmedic]

wow this brings me back. Paragon Park in the Summertime. Ah so many memories. Sadly most of these places only exist in memories now. Rocky Point, Whalom Park, Paragon Park all gone

[@mickwillie]

Loved Paragon Park, especially the bumper cars. Roller coaster, not so much! Thanks for posting.

[@rascal5657]

OMGosh....did you just bring back many great memories.....luv it!!!!

[@susan2david]

It would be the greatest wish to be able to take a nostalgic trip and visit one more time. Thank you for posting nice tribute to us that remember.

[@jim02026]

I must be realy old 'cause I even remember Revere Beach Amusment Park and Pleasure Island in Wakefield MA.

[@JohnnyAngel8]

Wasn't Pleasure Island where the whale breached the water and squirted a plume of water into the air? I have a vague memory of the place, being only 4 or 5 years old.

[@BlackWires]

Had a season pass there the last year it was open! (83? 84?) The last remaining piece is the Carousel, moved down the road, but still operating!

[@inkey2]

@alicerockerboy OMG...yeah, the kooky Castle......remember at the end of the ride your car bats against thin metal glowing gravestones on each side....then you burst into daylight outside the ride

[@dannysordello]

Now, that dreamer hoping to make a billion dollars and then rebuild Paragon Park is a man that thinks exactly as I do!! Right on!! --------Danny Sordello, Hull, MA

[@Chreepo]

Paragon Park WAS Disney World to all of us that went....What a great video...brings back so many great memories...

[@leloelela]

They tore it down when I was 4, so by the time I was around all that was left was the Carousel and the playground with the Wizard of Oz murals (also gone now).

[@tweedlededee]

why did they have to tear it down? our kids would have loved this place!! or am i stuck in the fifties?? after reading the comments, it seems that all of us would love to go back to that wonderful place in our lives........what a loss....

[@vwblue72]

Thank you so much for including this video. I went on my class trip to Paragon Park in the Late 60's. Rode the roller coaster the entire day!

[@rf396]

The only happy times in my life were spent in this unassuming yet magical place

[@ts3000]

Ah, good times!!! I love your work, you are a genius.

[@daveclark1961]

I think it was originally called the Old Mill, then Congo Cruise, then the Bermuda Triangle.

[@silear07]

Nice! Though I wonder where the picture of THE COMET is from. Paragon had many things, but no trees! Thanks for the memories!!

[@NaturesFairy]

Thanks for sharing this video,,, I loved Paragon Park,,, U did a great job on the video!! YAY!! :)

[@Jaylectricity]

Last time I checked, there was still miles of beach to hang out on... and if you know the right people, there's plenty to do there.

[@paulcarty]

Lots of good memories. Good job. I created a 3D animated ride loosely based on the "Kooky Kastle" for anyone who remembers that ride. I'm not someone who runs around KZbin redirecting people, but it might bring back some cool memories...there's a bit of the "Congo Cruise" thrown in there too!

[@inkey2]

ahhhh Nantasket ....where the aroma of fried clams, ocean air and cigarette smoke was like an ever present perfume lingering in the air

[@JohnnyAngel8]

The first ride shown was the Tribant. That one and the Round Up always made me ill. Also, I think the Bermuda Triangle went by the names of "Congo Cruise" and way back the "Old Red Mill".

[@KennedyRegan]

Kev..Great Job as usual!

[@mrm28813]

Anyone remember the tasty fare at Abbadessa's Pizza up the street from Paragon Park?

[@lspiros]

Great video, this brought back so many memories.

[@fasterpussycat2161]

I miss the old place! Thanks for the post.

[@alparkranger]

I spent summers there in the late 60's. I still go there in the summer to ride my bike - great hills on the north end of Hull. As someone mentions through, Comet coaster + trees? I don't remember any trees around the coaster. Could this be the park it was moved to? But the car still says Paragon Park. A mystery.

[@SmallPaperBird]

Ahhh... ParaGOn Park. Rest in Peace

[@harvestkat]

it was nice to see the great moments of the park do you remember the name of the loune there it was near the golf course& turnpikecars

[@achillies8]

what a wonderful surprise on this daylight saving time Sunday morning. I am the " Woofer or the Ooper depending on how close we were. Eddie Wolfe's the name Simco's by the bridge was my game,and those weekends at Kenberma St. I can just see Goldie meandering about the crowd.Fried clams mmmmmmmmm.

[@Sky1]

When they closed Paragon Park it was like I lost my best friend.

[@StuartRedman1]

I just rode the old coaster

[@chuckprefontaine1837]

O no we ticked off a townie. Listen I love Hull. I fish for Striped Bass in Hull. Allerton Point being my favorite. Don't take it personal. And yeah I know lots of people from Hull.

[@HullGirl57]

To SnuggyinFL: I grew up in Hull. I remember the Surf. What type of reunion are you planning?

[@utube9000]

Wow, this is great knowing that everyone on this post is from Massachusetts/ New England

[@DuxburyDan]

Being a child was much more fun in those days.

[@SNUGGYinFL]

To takuhe156 ~ What are you SMOKING ? Paragon Park was Awesome , and if you were there this past summer with your kids I want some of whatever your on. Lots of it ! LOL

[@susanjohnson4632]

I agree, our kids would have had a fun place to go every summer. To bad people are so greedy.

[@matgiov]

The craziest thing, at the 2 minute mark, that is my cousin and myself sitting in the number 5 teacup! Lol If anyone has an idea where that picture came from please let me know if I can get a copy. I'm the little guy with the #3 bowl cut, lol.

[@Ponderosa65]

YOu are right. My parents referred to it as the Old MIll. Then Congo....then they put that huge weird monsters head on it...was that Congo or Bermuda?

[@inkey2]

@tweedlededee i'll tell you why they tore it down.....the land was worth a fortune and the ever growing temptation to sell the place prevailed

[@LemurScat97]

Went back to Nantaskett in '97...it's a whole other (not very good) animal without the park.

[@SNUGGYinFL]

Don't believe we know each other. Graduated in 71 . Who are you ? :-)

[@Marsha2011able]

what was the ride pushed by water that went under the tunnel all painted and nice?

[@utube9000]

If I ever made a billion dollars, I'd buy that land, tear down those stupid condos and rebuild Paragon Park!!!!!!

[@robbredman]

Better when I was growing up there "70s":

[@SNUGGYinFL]

What are you smoking Hon ? Paragon Park ? LOL I want some of whatever your smoking.

[@Jaylectricity]

Don't be stupid... Who are you even talking to? Not one single comment in the last two months for this video mentions seeing Paragon Park within the last few decades.

[@cjarchive5105]

did Julian Koster make this? hah

[@jmac5058]

Low income beachfront housing is much better than this.

[@SSurferAYI]

NAH NOPE!

[@s7o0a0p]

Haha!!! The Three Stooges!