Crescent Park was established in 1886 by George B. Boyden on the shores of Narragansett
Bay in Riverside, Rhode Island. For nearly a century, this quaint little amusement park was a favorite destination for many
Rhode Islanders during the hot summer months.
Crescent Park originally started out as a small
shoreline resort on land that George Boyden rented from the Providence and Warren Railroad. Ever the entrepreneur, George
Boyden purchased a local hotel, the What Cheer Hotel, in 1889 and renamed it the Crescent Park Hotel. With it's
location on the Providence River adjacent to a beautiful bathing beach surrounded by quaint shoreline cottages and
a four hundred foot long dock on Bullocks Point, Crescent Park expanded over time to include new
and modern attractions built during the "Golden Age" of amusement parks.
To arouse and stimulate the senses of his patrons, George Boyden commissioned
Charles I.D. Loof to construct a steam powered Carousel in 1895. During the late 19th century, this
attraction (the second of two carousels built by Loof at Crescent Park) was, and still is, an incredible site. It is one of
the finest examples known of it's art and is re-splendid with Baroque figurines, four gorgeous chariots, and
the finest hand-carved ponies and camels one could ever dream of.
In the early years, visitors and thrill seekers came to Crescent Park in large numbers by steamship and trolley.
They found such amusements as The Music Hall, The Flying Toboggan, The Rivers of Venice, The Steeplechase, The Midway,
The Exposition Hall, and, among others, the famed Bamboo Chutes. Over time, Crescent Park would become known as the "Coney
Island of the East". In 1901, Crescent park was purchased by the Hope Land Company. In 1914,
the Shore Dining Hall would open. For the amusement of the general public, Crescent Park would also have a
Bicycle Track and modern Dance Hall.
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| An early Crescent Park Souvenir Pin |
As the 20th century progressed, Crescent Park would undergo numerous changes in both ownership
and amusement rides. Among the favorites were the famous "Flying Fish", Western Funhouse, and the Charles
Loof Roller Coaster originally built in 1914.
Crescent Park was often a favorite destination
for many Rhode Islander's to enjoy a shore dinner of clams and lobsters. It was also a popular spot where many local companies
held their annual outings. Once such company to enjoy all that Crescent Park had to offer was the Narragansett Brewing Company.
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| Narragansett Clambake Ribbon - Crescent Park 1935 |
Although quite popular within the community in the 1950s and 1960s, Crescent Park would
slowly decline over the seventh decade of the 20th century. Sadly, it would close it's doors forever in 1979. Although
most of the park structures burned to the ground in various fires before and after it's abandonment, local interest
in the Loof Carousel led to it's preservation and registration as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. Although
the Midway is gone and the Carousel is now surrounded by trees, condominiums and a beautiful park, it still
remains on it's original location and, thanks to the many who fought for it's preservation, will be there for the
enjoyment of many generations of Rhode Islanders to come!
Two of our most favorite people in the world, Kaitlyn and Karen
Theberge, prepare to have fun at the Crescent Park Carousel!
The old Midway was located in the grassy area to the right
of the Carousel
Kate and Karen enjoy a ride on the restored 100 year+ old ponies!
Throw the Brass Ring in the Clown's Mouth if You Can!
So what about the BEER?
Quite honestly, we don't know too much about it.
What we do know, however, is that an unused bottle label of "Crescent Park Boyden Extra Table Beer" has
miraculously survived the ravages of time, as has an original beer bottle which clearly confirms that George B. Boyden
from Crescent Park, Rhode Island, had his own beer.
Based on the fact that the bottle has what is known as a "blob"
top, it would date from the late 19th century - right around the time when George Boyden established Crescent Park. Likewise,
the label has many characteristics which would date it from the same time period.
Whether or not this beer was sold in the park, or to the general public, is
unknown. Whether it was widely popular is also unknown. All we do know is that an amazingly rare label and bottle
do exist. Another true testament of the fascinating lore and mystery of Rhode Island Beer History!
A Crescent Park Beer Label
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| A George B. Boyden Crescent Park RI Beer Bottle |
