Savin Rock / Edith Reynolds and Suzanne Peters Reynolds.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Reynolds, Edith, author.

Reynolds, Suzanne Peters, author.

Series:

Images of modern America.

Images of modern America

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Amusement parks--Connecticut--History--Pictorial works.

Amusement parks.

Savin Rock (Conn.)--History--Pictorial works.

Savin Rock (Conn.).

Savin Rock (Conn.)--Buildings, structures, etc--Pictorial works.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (95 pages) : illustrations, maps.

Place of Publication:

Charleston, South Carolina : Arcadia Publishing, [2016]

Summary:

The area surrounding Savin Rock in West Haven followed a traditional New England path that began as farmland for colonists. After the Civil War, however, that path took a new turn when entrepreneur George Kelsey constructed seaside attractions. After nearly a century of being home to the Savin Rock Amusement Park, once a popular tourist destination, the site had seen better days. The buildings were blighted and business had slumped as automobiles gave people the opportunity to visit attractions farther away. In 1964, Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson imagined a Great Society and declared a War on Poverty. West Haven took advantage of federal money to reclaim the Savin Rock, creating a mix of business, residences, and open, public space. This transition was not without growing pains as locally owned park concessions were eliminated, long-standing businesses were displaced, and residents were uprooted. When plans were proffered to reconstruct the area and line the shore with residential housing, this spurred a grassroots effort by local citizens who worked to keep the shore open to the public. Consequently, West Haven is home to Connecticut's largest stretch of free, public beach, which is used by thousands every summer.

Contents:

A safe, working harbor

Redevelopment

Private enterprise and public space

Food drives the economy

The boardwalk, a return to the past

A place where people play

Those who made it possible

Maintenance and growth.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781439657805

1439657807