Forum Title: LIZZIE BORDEN SOCIETY Topic Area: Fall River and Its Environs Topic Name: Take a trip to Rocky Point  

1. "Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by harry on May-15th-03 at 9:16 PM

Some postcards of the amusement park at Rocky Point, RI where a good number of Fall River police were on Aug. 4, 1892.  I don't know the dates of the postcards but some look around that time.

Click Rocky Point in the main panel on the right and then click QuickPix Search on the top of the left panel. Some 47 postcards. There's a few victorian pictures in the Costume category as well.  Nice hats.

http://www.quickpix.com/cgi-win/IICGI.exe/warwick

(Message last edited May-15th-03  9:25 PM.)


2. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by Susan on May-15th-03 at 9:58 PM
In response to Message #1.

Thanks for the great link, Harry.  Theres a postcard from the 1938 hurricane showing damage along the beachfront.  I too love the ladie's hats!  Though, I can't imagine wearing such a confection myself. 


3. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by harry on May-15th-03 at 10:16 PM
In response to Message #2.

Here's the ladies in all their finery. The picture was supposedly taken in 1898.


4. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by harry on May-15th-03 at 10:23 PM
In response to Message #2.

Oops, hit the wrong button.

(Message last edited May-15th-03  10:24 PM.)


5. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by stefani on May-15th-03 at 11:35 PM
In response to Message #3.

Hey, isn't that Lizzie in the middle? Just fooling. I am sure somebody would try to sell the image that way, as we have been witness to in the recent past.

The lady second from the left looks a little like David Letterman or maybe Doogie Howser.

This image reminds me of a candid shot. The women are not quite in their poses and their faces betray a reality that is seldom seen in old timey shots. I really like looking at it.

Does anyone else spend lots of time at antique shops browsing through old studio portraits and cards looking for Lizzie lookalikes? Or is it just me? Another quirky Lizzie habit of mine I guess.


6. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by stuart on May-16th-03 at 12:00 AM
In response to Message #5.

Stefani: I always look through old photos and albums when I am out antiquing (which is actually my job!), hoping to find Lizzie lookalikes, or, miracle of miracles, a stray photo of one of the Bordens. I have one sketch I bought due to the resemblance to Lizzie.
I'll dig it out, and (if I can figure out how to) post it. Maybe we should have a Lizzie Lookalike Contest!


7. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by harry on May-16th-03 at 12:38 AM
In response to Message #1.

On the photos you can enlarge them by clicking on the photo.

When the first view comes up you can click a photo and that photo will come up on a separate screen and when you click on the photo again it will enlarge it.


8. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by Edisto on May-16th-03 at 9:53 AM
In response to Message #3.

Isn't that Hillary Clinton (second from right)?  Must have been taken back when she was a "Goldwater Girl."


9. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by Lola on May-16th-03 at 12:43 PM
In response to Message #3.

Good grief, looking at those pics reminds me of looking at pics of myself from the eighties, when big hair and really ugly earrings were popular. A hundred years from now, do you think people will be looking at pics of us on the internet and chuckling about our fashions? I do!


10. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by bobcook848 on May-27th-03 at 9:47 PM
In response to Message #9.

What a shame that Rocky Point is no more...well at least not the way it used to be....the rides, the ocean, the chowda house, ah, yes those were the days.  Now it's a vast vacant lot of land waiting for rezoning and development. There was talk one time of opening it back up but there were not takers...too expensive...sad too...I used to love to drive down past the airport on Airport Road to Hoxey Four Corners...turn right and follow the signs down to the shore.

You could smell chowda and clam cakes a mile away...not to mention the cotton candy and Del's lemonade, frozen lemonade...not that cheap stuff you buy in the mahkets eitha...I'm talking the real McCoy here...oh sweet nectha of life...........

BC


11. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by augusta on Jun-19th-03 at 8:49 PM
In response to Message #10.

Thank you, Harry!  No wonder I never spotted "Rocky Point" on a map.  I never knew it was in Rhode Island!!!  All the Lizzie books I've read, and I don't recall anyone ever mentioning that.  So it was a pretty big place and an amusement park??  That really helps fill in what used to be a blank picture to me.  I used to just picture mustachioed men and their brides eatin' and sittin' on big rocks. 

Here's a photo that "could" be Lizzie.  She's at Rocky Point here with Nellie Shove on August 4, 1892 - or so she says ...


12. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by Lola on Jun-20th-03 at 10:49 PM
In response to Message #11.

WHADDYA MEAN ROCKY POINT CLOSED?  Waaahhhh!  I can't believe it!

I loved that place! For those of you who don't know, Rocky Point was an amusement park on the ocean, with a Salt Water Pool! Oh the sacrilage! (sp!)

bobcook, had you ever been to Lincoln Park? I couldn't believe the first time I drove down route 6 and the Park was GONE! It was such a HUGE part of my childhood - I'd gone back east to visit, not knowing about the fire and I must say, I cried over that one. Sorry, I'm just assuming you know what I'm talking about.

Lincoln park was another amusement park in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. I can't tell you all the memories I have of that place.

It's so sad - so much of the Fall River of my childhood has disappeared. 


13. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by rays on Jun-21st-03 at 10:39 AM
In response to Message #12.

TV and the automobile has killed off many a former amusement park.
There is also the "class concept" where increasing popularity means this place is "spoiled": no longer acceptable to upper class people.


14. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by Susan on Jun-21st-03 at 1:32 PM
In response to Message #11.

Did someone say, "Clam bake"? 


(Message last edited Jun-21st-03  1:36 PM.)


15. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by njwolfe on Jun-21st-03 at 3:53 PM
In response to Message #14.

what a great picture!  What is the year and place? 
No bathing suits?


16. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by Susan on Jun-21st-03 at 4:50 PM
In response to Message #15.

The year is sometime in the 1890s and the place is the Jersey shore, Asbury Park or Ocean Grove.  I lived there for quite a few years and love looking at the history of the place, it was once such a thriving beach resort!  Oh, and I think all the people in bathing suits are in the water, they look like just that, suits! 


17. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by njwolfe on Jun-21st-03 at 5:06 PM
In response to Message #16.

I live at the Jersey shore and it is still thriving! (traffic
unbelievable in summer) Asbury Park sure isn't what it used
to be though, I can't understand why they can't get that place
going again, all that ocean-front, it has been a slum area
for years now.  Ocean Grove however, right next door, is a great
little place with that historic auditorium and history...
  I am further South near Seaside, very busy place, although
raining, still they are coming to the shore!
  Love that pix, thanks.


18. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by bobcook848 on Jun-21st-03 at 11:38 PM
In response to Message #12.

Lola, yes indeed I certainly do remember Lincoln Park on route 6 in Dartmouth.  After I moved to Massachusetts in 1970, living with my late Auntie Ethyle and Uncle Ed, I was subjected to the roller coaster many times by my thrill seeking cousins.  I don't particularly care for the coaster but that one was a stomach churner.

Of course the one at Rocky Point could bring up your clam bake in a single ride as well, which is why I nevah, nevah, get on one.  Even today my three grown children mock me and poke fun at the "old man" for not having the intestinal fortitude.  Truth is I can't take many of those darned rides.

Yep, Lincoln Park was the place, with its grand ballroom where I attended many Bishop's Ball Charity Dance (a Roman Catholic thing) and then in a flash it was gone, lock stock and barrel.  Sad when you think of it.  All the fun, cotton candy, midway games, ahahahah, sweet are the memories.

And Rocky Point is in the same boat a victim of finances and time. The cost to operate such a park has skyrocketed lest we mention liability insurance.  Who from New England recalls Agawam Park in Agawam, MA?  It's owners had to sell to the Six Flags corporation in order to keep up with "the Joneses".

It's all about capital, cash, mowla, greenbacks...if park owner want bigger, better, faster, newer and hi-tech they have to invest big bucks into their property or sell out.  So nowadays we have Six Flags New England at Agawam.  But we don't have Lincoln or Rocky Point Parks.


BobCookBobCook


19. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by Kat on Jun-22nd-03 at 2:30 AM
In response to Message #18.

OOO.  I don't wish to sound *fawning* over all your recent posts, but I do thank you for such wonderful info!
Very interesting!


20. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by Susan on Jun-22nd-03 at 3:51 PM
In response to Message #17.

Yes, Ocean Grove is beautiful, its like taking a step back in time!  I don't know if its still there, but, my cousin had a cafe over there.  My younger brother and his family live over in Seaside Heights.  Boy, I do miss the Jersey shore, the water out here never quite warms up enough, always brisk.


21. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by Lola on Jun-22nd-03 at 5:46 PM
In response to Message #18.

bobcook,

I remember the ballroom at Lincoln Park well. I went to Roman Catholic schools but am unfamiliar with the Bishops Ball. My brother went to Bishop Connelly High School in FR. In fact, he was a member of the very first graduating class. This was back in the days when it was a boys only school. I went to Sacred Heart school and then Sacred Heart Academy, which was a girls only high school. Both have since closed. The Sacred Heart School building is still standing and is now condos. I snuck in during my last visit there and was so relieved to see that they did a wonderful job renovating. The hallways look virtually unchanged, down to the child's level drinking fountains. Sacred Heart Academy (SHA)was actually knocked down and Union Hospital expanded and rebuilt on that site. This was almost more heartbreaking than I can stand. SHA was a lovely, actually, quite beautiful old building. The school closed during my sophmore year and that is how I ended up at BMC Durfee.

Okay, I'll shut up now. 


22. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by bobcook848 on Jun-23rd-03 at 8:58 AM
In response to Message #21.

Lola: please don't stop talking...history is history and the only way we can preserve history is to talk about it (it is better of course to write about it but in the absence of writing) we need to talk and talk and talk.

The Bishop's Ball was an annual event held in honor of the Bishop of the Fall River Diocese, I am not all too sure if other Diocese's held a similar event, but the Fall River clan was a hoopla event.

Each spring each parish in the Diocese would nominate a "king and queen" from their own flock and somehow or other from all these nominees a "king" and a "queen" would be selected to reign over the Ball.  Of course the "major attraction" was the Bishop himself.

All pomp and circumstance was the format for the evening and tickets were considered reasonable in price.  My in-laws were always on the local parish committee and they would be given courtsey tickets so my Mrs. and I rarely missed the chance to go. 

I am not too sure what year these annual Balls ended but I think they were replaced with the modern "Catholic Charity Appeals" which in theory is the annual fund raiser for the entire Diocese budget. Sadly of late though and due in great part to the trials and tribes of the Church the annual collections are used for legal expenses more than for educational and support services.

Ah...alas...yet another history lesson...I'll end it there.

BobCookBobCook


23. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by Lola on Jun-23rd-03 at 3:06 PM
In response to Message #22.

Thanks for your kind words, bobcook. I'm never sure if people here are interested in one person's history in FR. I don't want to fill up posts with things no one is interested in.

Also, it's SO nice to talk with someone who remembers the "old days" in FR. Where in Massachusetts did you live with your Aunt and Uncle? 


24. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by Kat on Jun-23rd-03 at 7:13 PM
In response to Message #23.

Oh we love to hear the stories and somebody probably would have told you that (I should have told you because I know we love it!).
This particular post tho was earmarked BobCookBobCook, as a sort of shared reminiscence.  It seems sometimes an intrusion if you are speaking to him.
Oh but rest assured we are dedicated to finding out anything you wish to share, and about Fall River especially.


25. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by Lola on Jun-23rd-03 at 11:38 PM
In response to Message #24.

Hi Kat and everyone
Thanks for making me feel so at home here. There are not many people in the world who are so enthralled with my hometown stories. I have to remember that you kind folks here share my love of FR and it's famous and infamous inhabitants.


26. "Re: Take a trip to Rocky Point"
Posted by bobcook848 on Jun-24th-03 at 10:09 PM
In response to Message #25.

Ms. Kat as always you have the words of eloquence lest we mention one of "the" most versed Bordenites save for sister Stef, but with over 5000 posts you must be at the scholar level of this forum.  What say you dearest Kat? 

Lola: Ms. Kat is truly on the mark here, this forum is for all topics great and small and virtually any subject matter that crosses your mind, especially the history of Fall River and its surroundings. So let me answer your last question, I moved to Massachusetts in August of 1970 just after I finished high school in East Central Illinois (Danville, home of Dick & Jerry Van Dyke, Donald O'Conner and Gene Hackman, and of course BobCookBobCook, lol)

I moved to the hustling bustling city of Attleboro where I have made my home since.  I lived with Auntie and Uncle but for three or four months whereupon I moved into an old fashioned rooming house.  At that time I was the only inmate of the house who was under 35 years of age.  During the first five years of my re-settlement I enjoyed the carefree life afforded a bachelor, traveling around New England absorbing its history and culture.

In a previous thread I related to all readers how my late Uncle Ed Leach (with whom I boarded for that short while) always maintained that he was "direct" decendent of our famous Borden family.  He could never produce and proof of this claim but the more Uncle drank the more convinced 'he' became that he was IN FACT a "cousin" to Lizzie Borden.  He was one of the most amusing Uncles I have ever had, Gawd rest his soul.

Well anyhow that's how I came to be in Massachusetts, I am the eldest of 12 and only myself and one brother live here in Attleboro. He is a police detective and I am a firefighter, both of us work for the City.  We married sisters (Mutha o'Heaven) and the rest is...well its my tale and I'm stickin' to it!

PS: Kat, I changed my posting signature to BobCookBobCook because you have made that handle famous....

BobCookBobCook


27. "Re: And Speaking of Rocky Point"
Posted by bobcook848 on Aug-13th-03 at 5:44 PM
In response to Message #20.

This is a re-printed half page ad I found in The Times Newspaper (Pawtucket, RI) on Tuesday, August 12th. 

RHODE ISLANDERS


HELP PRESERVE ROCKY POINT


AS AN HISTORICAL SITE

DON'T BE TAKEN IN BY TALK OF A

"PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP"

THE DEVELOPERS PLAN TO BUILD 200

CONDO UNITS.  CALL THESE OFFICALS

AND SAY NO TO ANY CONDOS.


Representative James Langevin  732-9400

Representative Patrick Kennedy  729-5000

Sentator(sic) Jack Reed  528-5200

Senator Lincoln Chafee  453-5294


Paid for by Donald S. Alarie


Note: the area code is absent from the ad as it must be known that "401" is the area code for the entire state of Rhode Island.  One of few left in American that have but a single area code.

This is a half-page ad that must have cost Mr. Alarie at least $450.00 or more depending on the number of days the ad is run.  The reason I post this ad is that we all know that on Thursday, August 4, 1892 over half of the Fall River police force was having its annual outing at Rocky Point.  Awhile back I posted some info on the status of Rocky Point as being readied for auction.  That auction in fact did take place and the entire Rocky Point parcel was purchased in joint venture with a certain public land agency (of Rhode Island) and a certain private agency. 

I don't have the Providence Journal article in my possession but I recall that the two agencies pledged to preserve the land and make every effort to minimize the impact on the historical value of Rocky Point.  But as we all know the almighty buck prevails and soon there will be, unless those connected with this ad campaign can pressure the elected officals get behind the plate and control the condo-effect. 

I know I have pictures of the old Rocky Point midway around here somewhere....

bobcookbobcook


28. "Re: And Speaking of Rocky Point"
Posted by Susan on Aug-14th-03 at 3:09 AM
In response to Message #27.

Hey Bob Cook/Bob Cook, I found this link for a list of books out there on Rocky Point:

http://members.tripod.com/~RWUHP/ca/amparks/senior/works.html

And I found this, pretty funny stuff:

follow these simple rules whenever you are in Rhode Island:


(as told by a Cranstonian)


1. first of all, there are stop signs at every possible location and you will come to one at least every 15 seconds, so 'coming to a complete stop' means vaguely slowing down, then speeding up to full speed again immediately


2. If you need a coffee, but accidentally just passed a Dunkin' Donuts, dont worry and dont turn around, you will pass another one in about 20 seconds


3. no one presses the crosswalk buttons cuz they need them, most people just run across the street at random places, if it doz get pressed, either the person is old, or its just bored teenagers who think its funny that you hafta sit and wait for no reason


4. try not to hit the people running across the street at random places... however, u may hit the annoying teenagers who pressed the crosswalk buttons while they walk along the sidewalk


5. RIPTA busses dont make noises when theyre approaching from behind, so be careful while walkin in the street (just think of that scene from Final Destination)... but for some reason the bussed are very loud when theyre in front of you


6. Most Rhode Islanders have mastered steering with their knees while drinkin a coffee in one hand and holdin a doughnut in the other


7. NEVER try to park at Providence Place Mall... sure its easy to find a parking space, but it's usually on the 8th level and takes a few hours to actually get out


8. 'No Turn on Red' signs are just there to remind you to turn while the light is red


9. if coming out of the parking at a P. Bruins game, it is customary to beep along to whatever song everyone else is beeping


10. no matter where you are goin, there is always a way there using backroads


11. wait til the last possible second to turn on your blinker and turn down a street


12. occasionally dont use ur blinker - see how many people you can piss off


13. when driving in roger williams park, make sure u have good traction...there are alot of twists and turns


14. unless you grew up near roger williams park, you are most likely going to get lost in it


15. While looking for a parking space, if the entire lot is full, just wait behind a car that looks like it could be leaving soon


16. You must look at the Big Blue Bug whenever you pass it


17. Fire trucks and police cars go by every 5 mins, so you may not get anywhere too quick

18. When in doubt, find Park Ave and you'll never b lost


19. Be careful where you leave your car in Providence


20. Always Pahk ya cah in the pahkin laht


21.  There is always road work going on


22. No one likes to let you go in front of them


23. Green means 'go' yellow means 'speed up, you just might make it' and red means 'eh, stop if ya feel like it'


24. If you're at the front, and the light turns green, go asap, or else every car behind you will get aggravated


25. if you are behind someone and the light turns green, get aggravated at them if they dont go asap


26. the dancing cop usually stops traffic more than he directs it


27. Warick and Wawick both mean Warwick


28. if you are lost, and start to notice that people are holding their "a"s a bit long, you know ur in Craaaaaaaaanston


29. if you're out in the stix, be sure to say hi to the cows


30. Drive over to Newport Creamery and order a "wicked big sundae w/ jimmies" then ask where the bubbla is (dont worry, you didnt say anything bad)


31. You hafta eat at Applebee's,... after lookin at the walls u'll learn alot about RI

32. dont wear a green thunderbolt in west cranston


32. dont wear a red falcon in east cranston


33. Keep snow boots, an umbrella,  a jacket, a bathing suit, and sunscreen handy at all times...the weather could change in an instant


34. Dont swim in Budlong pool... thats just gross


35. go quahogging


36. go to rocky point... theres no park anymore, but there's chowder and clam cakes


37. Dont eat anything that came from Almacs


38. Memorize the jingles from Newport Grand and Foxwoods commercials....everyone else has


39. Dont light a match in CHSE...chances are there's a gas leak and you'll blow up


40. Dont pronounce your 'r's... say 'ah' instead


41. drink Del's lemonade


42. Learn to sail


43. Rhode Island is not an island


44. when saying Rhode Island, pronounce it "Rhoe Die-Lan"


45. you cannot cheer for both URI and PC in basketball... it just doznt work


46. 'P-Pack' (PPAC) is the Prov. Performing Arts Center... not a pack of pee


47. If you dont know why we celebrate Gaspee Day, its ok, alotta people dont, but hey, theres a parade


48. If you start seeing places that look like paint was thrown on them, or melted, or just draw on, its ok... it just means ur near RISD (RI School of Design)


49. Rhode Island Red is the state ...uhh... Rooster.. the Big Blue Bug is the state insect


50. No matter what the Park Cinema says, it will NOT be open in the spring... its been like that for about the past year or so


51. Garden City is not a city....or a garden


52. most directions start with "first, you get on I-95..."


53. Most people cant pronounce half the places in RI


54. If you dont drink coffee or eat seafood, then leave now, cuz its pointless to b in RI


55. bring something to do with you.... it gets very boring here





Submitted by abby


Yes, believe it or not, submitted by Abby!!!  Heres the linkhttp://www.forwardgarden.com/forward/50986.html


29. "Re: And Speaking of Rocky Point"
Posted by Kat on Aug-14th-03 at 5:40 PM
In response to Message #28.

Oh that's GREAT regional stuff, Susan!  Thanks! 


30. "Re: And Speaking of Rocky Point"
Posted by Susan on Aug-14th-03 at 8:53 PM
In response to Message #29.

You're welcome, Kat.  I thought Bob Cook/Bob Cook would get a kick out of it and maybe be able to add to the list! 


31. "Re: And Speaking of Rocky Point"
Posted by bobcook848 on Aug-14th-03 at 9:07 PM
In response to Message #30.

Actually I'm working on it....

bobcookbobcook


32. "Re: And Speaking of Rocky Point"
Posted by Susan on Aug-15th-03 at 3:37 AM
In response to Message #31.

  Great!  Can't wait to see what you come up with! 


33. "Re: And Speaking of Rocky Point"
Posted by Jim on Aug-16th-03 at 2:42 PM
In response to Message #32.

What is the status of Rocky Point Amusement Park today?  Does any of it remain?  Is it simply closed and shuttered or has demolition begun?  I spent several summers teaching at the Portsmouth Abbey School and we took kids to Rocky Point and I always enjoyed that.  In addition, I am a member of the Peace Through Understanding Forum which is dedicated to the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair.  I remember that there was a NYWF legacy at Rocky Point.  It was one of the Fair's General Food Information Arches.  They dotted the Fairgrounds for two years and had huge electronic display boards which flashed daily events, news items, weather conditions, waiting times at various pavilions as the like.  At the close of the Fair, they (along with virtually everything connected to the Fair) was sold.  Rocky Point had one of those arches near the main entrance.  Does anybody know if it is still there? 


34. "Re: And Speaking of Rocky Point"
Posted by Susan on Aug-16th-03 at 3:47 PM
In response to Message #33.

Jim, found this site here that has fairly current photos of whats left of Rocky Point.  Its quite sad.

http://www.joenisil.com/rockypoint/index.htm


35. "Re: And Speaking of Rocky Point"
Posted by Jim on Aug-16th-03 at 6:51 PM
In response to Message #34.

Thank you, Susan.  I checked the site and actually found a photograph of that General Foods Arch.  As of the time of those photos (2000), it still stood.  I have shared this information with the Peace Through Understanding (theme of the 1964-65 NYWF) website forum members.  I believe they will find it to be very interesting and I would not be a bit surprised if one or two of them head for Rocky Point and try to locate the arch or try to remove it themselves!  Thank you again.


36. "Re: And Speaking of Rocky Point"
Posted by Kat on Aug-16th-03 at 9:19 PM
In response to Message #34.

Thanks Susan -that's a wonderful site!


37. "Re: And Speaking of Rocky Point"
Posted by bobcook848 on Aug-16th-03 at 9:20 PM
In response to Message #35.

Sadly enough Rocky Point is pretty much a history lesson.  I personally have not been to the site in a number of years primarily because the park closes years ago.  Once the major rides and attractions, those that could be salvaged, were sold off the rest of the site sort of rotted in the ocean breeze.

Like the former Lincoln Park of Dartmouth, Massachusetts, Rocky Point will become the home of new homes and will also be profit to someone or someones...those wonderful summer daze filled with clam cakes and chowda have gone the way of time...

bobcookbobcook