Memories of Riverside Park from the 1940s

The first time I saw Riverside Park in Agawam was the spring of 1940 when it re-opened. The park had closed when the owners couldn't keep it operating during the Depression years. This revived pleasant memories for my mother of times there in her single, carefree days. Back then there were boats to take people down river from Springfield. "Lake Takadip", a cement swimming pool described as the largest of its type, welcomed park-goers. This had diving boards, bathhouses, and a refreshment stand. Dancing under the stars at an open-air ballroom was for romantic dates. Popular bands came and attracted huge crowds. The same wooden roller coaster in operation today, thrilled riders back then. Vaudeville shows, and fireworks also featured on weekends. By 1940, the pool and dance floor were gone, yet other attractions kept us excited about this new form of entertainment. As we entered there was a honky-tonk atmosphere with music playing from the merry-go-round and other rides. Near the center, a mechanical lady laughed and laughed until you wanted to gag her. Neon lights bubbled and flashed, loud speakers blared announcements. The air echoed with screams of laughter and happy people. The Fun House was scary with dark, cobweb filled passages, and a room with the floor which seemed to drop out from under our feet. The three-story wooden slide was a challenge as we sat on burlap bags and hurtled to the bottom. The ever-present rolling barrel forced us to maneuver through as we kept falling and gasping with laughter, hoping to remain on two feet. The "Laugh in the Dark" ride seated us in a car that raced through a dark tunnel and scary objects, sounds, and faces popped out. This was also offered the opportunity for your date to put his arm around you, if he dared. I loved the old wooden roller coast and chose that rather than the merry-go-round. There was the ever present Ferris wheel which I chose to ignore, along with the "Dodgems" with the sparking sounds and pungent aroma of electricity. Somehow I was always backed into the corner, or stalled in the center as others rammed my car. The Whip and other amusements invited us to try them also. The Penny Arcade with its various machines, lots of prizes and games of skill challenged our abilities as bells and shouts echoed the excitement of players. The automatic photo booth invited us to record fun times with friends. Concession stands offered fast food and sometimes the combination of piquant aromas and queasy stomachs from the spinning, twirling, and fast moving rides was a bad combination. Out on the main road, a bowling alley, roller skating rink, and restaurant invited alternate types of relaxation for different ages. I enjoyed watching the graceful couples skate intricate steps to the accompaniment of beautiful organ music. In 1939 the "Park-In" Theater opened. This was the first drive-in movie in the area. An oval racetrack for stockcars was built down by the river with a viewing stand. This eventually became a huge attraction and the roar of speeding cars was heard throughout the area. Riverside also revived the concept of the open-air dance floor to make a heavenly evening of dancing under the stars. During World War II, when the area was host to soldiers from Westover, and wartime workers were anxious for relaxation, the shortage of gasoline became a problem for access to Riverside. The park's engineer developed a formula of propane capable of running a "Transmobile" to carry 75 people or more. This was free of charge, to Riverside from Broadway and Vernon Streets in downtown Springfield every 20 minutes. The rig had a cab which towed a converted car carrier. Seating was inside and a top added in case of inclement weather. I recall taking this trip several times. An additional feature was a large picnic grove in back of the amusement area. Many annual company picnics, family and school reunions as well as political gatherings were held there maintaining the freedom to enjoy food, fun, and friendship in relative privacy. Gone are the big band sounds of Horace Heidt, Harry James, Woody Herman, Paul Whiteman and other equally famous groups. The laughing lady, the roller-skating rink, bowling alley, drive-in theater, race track and other pleasures of my youth are distant recollections. Today's youth have "Six Flags" with all the excitement, challenging and daring rides and fun to build their own memories. And I cherish mine. Jane D. O'Donoghue is a Hungry Hill native and retired school librarian who enjoys writing. Her work has appeared in several local and regional publications.