Whalom Event Series

Whalom Event Series
"For a Whale of a Time"

Written by: Michael Coutermarsh

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For more then 100 years Whalom was a destination for family entertainment for New Englanders, especially the people of North Central Massachusetts who called Whalom their home park. So many families built memories but as the century came to a close so did the entertainment offered by Whalom. When the New Whalom Park Ownership Program was started it was built on the objective of returning entertainment to North Central Mass. While our main goal is to build a park in the memory and atmosphere of Whalom Park we wanted to get the entertainment going wile we continue our efforts to rebuild Whalom. After participating in events in the past and sponsoring a roller skating event last October we wanted to move forward. From those small outings, the Whalom Event Series was born. Family fun will return to the region in the form of Dance Nights sponsored by DJ Mike Campbell’s Platinum Productions, a summer fair, as well as other events cooperating with local businesses. The New Whalom Park Ownership Program is thrilled to offer our Event Series for 2010. It will without a doubt be a whale of a time.

View Whalom Events Series Schedule on the Official web-page

Discuss This news on our Forums

New Whalom Park “A Good Thing”

Written by: Michael Coutermarsh

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New Whalom Park Ownership Program, LLC is working to rebuild the Joy and memories of the Amusement park. Whalom Park was built off of the history and memories that are equally as strong as the goal we have set for our company. Using Whalom as an established brand, we feel we can rebuild the classic attraction while incorporating a newer level of technology. Whalom will, most importantly, be family friendly, family priced, and green.

The original park employed 300 during the peak summer season, New Whalom Park would employ more then that to support a more diverse ride selection. We expect to hire up to 700 seasonal employees to support park operations with a portion of that consisting of year round positions. New Whalom Park would have an impact on local unemployment by hiring locals both seasonal and full time to handle park operations. Recent industry trends have also seen an increase in adults looking to the amusement industry for employment.

A return of Whalom Park would have a huge impact on the area. Local economies have reported profitable changes after the return of a local park. Some small parks with as little as 200 employees have reported paying salaries exceeding 2 million dollars. Maggie Valley, North Carolina has reported that over the last 2 years their reopened park has paid out $125,000 to the state and county in Sales and amusement taxes. Since it’s reopening the area has seen an increase in occupancy rates along with the tax revenue associated with hotel and motel occupancy.
Attendance at the New Whalom Park would generate funds that would trickle into the local economy. Whalom had been generating an attendance of more then a quarter million guests a year. New Whalom can expect to see that and more. Tax revenue would be paid out to city and state in the form of income, property, sales and food taxes. By hiring our needed employees locally, we will in turn be building a stronger local economy.

Discus this news on our forums

Whalom Still Strong

It’s been eight years since the gates of Whalom were locked shut and its future turned form bright and cheery to dark and uncertain. The rides sat idle without care or the accompaniment of a rider’s joy. The grounds, though overgrown, thrived to show the life that had been the foundation of the long standing Trolley Park. The memories and desire of Whalom lived on. What was obvious was the spirit of Whalom was thriving.

To bring Whalom back, and succeed, a group needed to be formed. The New Whalom Park Ownership Program grew from the roots of smaller projects that were started to support the park. The foundation was built with local Enthusiasts with one thing in common, a love for amusement parks, and especially a love for Whalom. A Board of Directors was brought together adding to include professionals with the experience to help the project Succeed. Quickly the New Whalom Park Ownership program took the steps to be declared an LLC, Limited Liability Company. The group continues to move forward becoming a member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. The program has also taken other steps in order to resurrect Whalom Park.

Interest in the park is as strong as ever. Bring up Whalom park to a local and you are likely to be showered with stories of joyful days and rides on the seemingly Dangerous, but safe, Comet Roller coaster. Grandparents and parents who visited Whalom look forward to introducing the next generation to their memories. The Program has opened Forums which continues to see many new member requests. The fan page opened on the Community site facebook has grown to more then 2,500 fans and counting. It stands as one of the most popular amusement park fan pages on the site. The support shown for the program and Whalom Park stands as a reminder of the task at hand and the rewards that will come when Whalom reopens its gates.

Discuse this news on our forums.

Board of Directors

Board of Directors: Get to know who is running the New Whalom Park Ownership Program, LLC and what they do for the company.

New Whalom Park Ownership Program, LLC

Board of Directors

Scott A. Lanciani
Chairman/CEO
Media Contact

David Belliveau
Vice Chairman/CFO
Investor Relations

Andrew Probert
Conceptual Artist
Theme, Design Director
www.probertdesigns.com

Dan Evans Jr.
Human Resources
Marketing Director

Dean Defrancisco
Amusement Entertainment
Facilities Director

Michael Coutermarsh
Amusement Entertainment
Research Director
Web Site & Forum Administrator

NWPOP Discused on In The Loop Podcast

NWPOP's CEO Scoot Lanciani talkes with the Coaster Crew on In The Loop.

The New Whalom Park Ownership Program, LLC is always looking for a way to spread the word on our efforts. Recently Scott Lanciani took some time to talk with the Coaster Crew on their In The Loop podcast. The interview is at the end of the December 17th podcast. The discussion talked about current plans for the web site along with the former Whalom property.

CoasterCrew.com (In The Loop Podcast)

Discus this topic on our forums

A Brief Overview of the Program

The closing of Whalom Park on Rt. 13 in Lunenburg Massachusetts saddens many people in the community. For 108 years generations went to the amusement park for old-time non-commercial fun. Families could go for the day and unwind from the long work week, while couples once went there for roller skating and dancing. Whalom was never a Disney World or Six Flags, but that's what made it home for so many.

Employees who worked there felt like they were at home away from home; now all the community has to look forward to are possible townhouses. People are upset that there is no place for families, children or people of all ages.

Portions of the community want to get involved but don't know how. Some think that Whalom Park is too far gone. However, there are many people with a small shimmer of hope, and united in the right way they could make Whalom Park shine again. A local man, Scott A. Lanciani has developed a plan for the community to get involved. Through a public ownership, called the Whalom Park Ownership Program, People can invest in the park by purchasing shares. This would be a way to win back the people in the surrounding communites; Everyone can and would be heard. Local people would own the park. Local people would run the park - A true family environment!

This community based program involves buying investment shares, and owning a piece of the park. This is not a donation program. We are a for-profit organization. All shares are voting shares, and all share holders will receive season passes to the park for as long as they own their shares. Help bring back beloved Whalom Park, for generations of today and tomorrow to enjoy!!!

If you have any questions or comments or would like more information on this program, please contact Scott A. Lanciani at (978) 697- 0289 or send us an email: whalompark at gmail dot com


'The New Whalom Park Ownership Program,LLC' : Keeping the memory of Whalom Park alive!

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Whalom Roller skaters reunion slated (13 Sept. 2008)

The Whalom Roller Skating Reunion Committee announces a get-together will be held Saturday, Sept. 13 2008 at the Eastwood Club, 389 Townsend St., Fitchburg. A social with appetizers will be held at 7 p.m. A program featuring DJ and comedian Sheila Van Dyke will be presented at 8 p.m.

Roller skaters from the early days at the Whalom Rink up to the time it closed are invited to attend.

Anyone with pictures or other mementos from days gone by are welcome to bring them for display; label them for identification. All will be returned. Tickets are $10. Tickets are limited and are available until Sept. 8.

For more information and to purchase tickets, call Nancine Brooks at (978) 549-4653, Bill and Maryann Franklin at (978) 345-4672 or Frank Vargo at (978) 343-0029.

(source)

Scott Lanciani, Chairman and CEO of the New Whalom Park Ownership Program, LLC (whalom.org) will be there to answer questions and share information about plans for the park and how to become a shareholder.

Discus this news at:
NWPOP, LLC Forums

SEE THE STARS AT WHALOM – MERV GRIFFIN!

For over 100 years Fitchburg, Massachusetts has been home to Stage and Theater.
From the mid 1880's up until the mid 1980's there were as many as Ten Theaters all serving an important social role within the neighborhoods and communities.

The oldest of the Theaters, and perhaps the most popular, was at Lake Whalom in Lunenburg, Massachusetts, on the grounds of the Whalom Amusement Park, the tenth oldest family amusement park in America at the time of its closing in 2000.

In its various incarnations, the Whalom Theater, dating back to a rustic rough hewn timber dwelling in the open air built in 1893, eventually became known as the Whalom Playhouse.

Whalom Playhouse advertising post card 1964, photo donated by Ron Toth, Jr. - Owner Time Passages Nostalgia Company.

MERV GRIFFIN AT THE LAKE WHALOM PLAYHOUSE

Talk show host, TV game show host and creator, media mogul and hotel magnate Mervyn Edward Griffin Jr. was once a ‘B’ movie actor and occasional Broadway performer. In his first stint as talk show host with the Merv Griffin show, created for him by Jack Parr in 1962 (this show lasting only a year), Merv's show was rife with Broadway performers. One of his favorite guests over the ensuing years was musical theatre legend Ethel Merman.

MANY CAREERS, INCLUDING SUMMER THEATER

Somewhere in between Mr. Griffin’s many careers (his wife Julann sparked the idea for Jeopardy in 1964) he found time to appear in Summer Theater, most notably for us in the Fitchburg area, in the week of July 27, 1964.

When Guy Palmerton’s Lake Whalom Playhouse opened for the 1964 season on the 6th of July, the first two shows featured heavies Imogene Coca and Donald Woods.

The third show, advertised as “George Abbott's Great Comedy Songs - Dances - Jazz & Girls” was ‘Broadway’, and starred 39 year old Merv Griffin.

The show was described as:

"a comedy-melodrama of the 1920's about a small town hoofer in a nightclub when the bootleggers and the gangsters held sway in this thirsty land. Murder, mayhem and music!"

Evenings at 8:30, Matinees Wednesday and Saturday 2:30







WE MISS OUR PLAYHOUSE

Local residents of the Fitchburg-Leominster area have many fond memories of “Seeing the Stars at Whalom” on warm, romantic summer nights being entertained at the Whalom Playhouse or at the equally famous 70 year old Whalom Ballroom, where the masters of the Big Band such as Tommy and Jimmie Dorsey and even Bill Haley and the Comets played over the years.

Whalom Park also had a vintage 19th century wooden floor roller rink where an organ player provided live music for skating enthusiasts and the Rose Garden, where the roof opened up to the in the summer and patrons could ‘dance under the stars’.

THE FUTURE OF THE WHALOM THEATER

We were indeed lucky ‘once-upon-a-time’ of having the opportunity to see great Hollywood, Broadway, and Burlesque stars such as Merv Griffin and Mickey Rooney perform here, and to take in fantastic Operas, Musicals and Plays. After a few years’ hiatus, between the closing of Whalom Park and the opening of the New Whalom Park in Winchendon Massachusetts, people will once again thrill to enriching entertainment experiences so sorely missing from the area for so many years now.

The New Whalom Park Ownership program (Whalom.org) plans to bring back the best of the old era while incorporating the new. Mickey Rooney’s manager has asked when Mickey would be able to perform at Whalom Theater again, as Mickey and his wife are still touring. And let’s bring other acts into town. Built on a solid reputation firmly established and time tested since 1893, the residents of Central Massaschusetts have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

RIP Merv Griffin (1925 – 2007)







We gratefully acknowledge the following sources:




[1] http://www.buckscountyplayhouse.com/playhouse/bcphis64.html





[2] http://home.iprimus.com.au/metzke/Old.Fitchburg.Theaters.html





[3] http://www.leominsterchamp.com/news/2006/0317/opinion_editorial/017.html





[4] http://www.angelfire.com/nh/whalom/whalomnews.html

Toy Town on the short list (Winchendon Courier)

LOGO CONTEST WINNERS

Three winners have been selected by a combination of public vote and Board of Director judging.




They are:





WINNING LOGO

The winning logo was designed by Keith LaFerriere







runner up








The second place logo was designed by Candace LaBonte







third place








The third place logo was designed by Keith LaFerriere







The logos will represent the New Whalom Park on all company correspondence, official website, advertising and publications. A line of souvenir merchandise will be offered to the public and is likely to include caps, shirts, beachwear, keychains, and magnets.




We are looking for individuals with experience to help us put together a line of souvenir collectibles that will promote the New Whalom Park and draw support for the work that needs to be done to make it a reality.





To volunteer for souvenir merchandise please email us or call Scott Lanciani at (978) 697-0289.

Richard and Fran Curtis - 30 Years at Whalom

Richard Curtis of Edgewater, Florida sent along a wonderful set of photos showing the same two boys (Richard and his brother Fran) sitting next to the famous Whalom Park clown. The photos were taken 30 years apart!




Like so many of us who grew up at Whalom Park, we sincerely thank Richard who took the time to piece together these memories - for there's a big piece of Whalom Park inside all of us. The park meant so much to so many. Like many, Richard is asking when the park will re-open. We can't answer that yet, but depending on the support of the community and Whalom-lovers everywhere it won't be too long.




Richard loved Whalom Park so much that he mentioned that he would be willing to make the trip up from Florida for the grand re-opening, and has asked how he can support the park in the meantime. This website is the right place to start. This is the only online community based preservation website for Whalom Park.


Once again, Richard - thank you SO MUCH for sharing and supporting the New Whalom Park. You are indeed an inspiration to us all!

Ted Whitten's Story

Hi Scott

Do you have any pictures of the Haunted House ride (the one that
burned down in the early 80's)? That used to be my favorite.

I'd also love to have any pictures of Whalom Park from the summer of
1985, which was the year I worked there. I was only 16 years old,
and wasn't allowed to operate most of the good rides, but I worked
some of the Kiddie Land rides, and the Giant Slide, and did a lot of
general grounds work, like trash duty.

Sadly, I got myself fired, while working at the Giant Slide. It was
my responsibility to stand at the bottom and make sure kids didn't
run back up the stairs for a second go, after landing at the bottom.
A certain rascal of a kid kept ignoring my shouts, and running back
up again and again. After about the fifth time, out of frustration
and anger, I defiantly raised my arm with a certain rude finger
gesture (for purely my own satisfaction, mind you .. as his back was
turned to me and already running back up the stairs). It turned out,
his father was standing by watching, and reported me, so I was
summoned to the office soon after and fired. Ohhhh the shame of it
all! Of course, I understood it was wrong, and they were justified
in firing me .. it wasn't appropriate behavior for a park employee ..
but I was young and stupid. I sincerely regretted losing that job,
as that was one of the most fun and memorable summers of my life,
working there.

I made a good friend who I'm still in touch with (Heather Bulger, who
operated various rides from 1984-1985), met one of the long-term
loves of my life (Tracey Harmon, who worked at the front entrance
gates, taking tickets), attended some after-work 'Whalom Employee
Parties', broke the rules a few times and operated the 'grown up
rides' when people had to go to the bathroom bad enough to 'risk it'
by letting me take over, and basically... had a whale of a time!

;-)

Ted Whitten



www.myspace.com/ted_whitten


"The Illustrated Pro-Yo Trick Bible"
www.yoyo-tricks.com


"Let's Trade", CD-R Bootleg Trading
www.yoyo-tricks.com/LetsTrade.html

Transformation of Whalom - by Stu Sherman

5prc.jpg, originally uploaded by scsherman.

Stu Sherman, http://www.stusherman.com/Galleries/ owner of Stu's Photography (17 Bow Street, Union Square, Somerville Ma.) is exhibiting Photographs of Liminal Spaces, (including Whalom Park) - at the Somerville Open Studios on May 5 and 6, 2007.




ABOUT STU'S WORK




I use a view camera (4x5) because I find it gives me the control with composition I am looking for as well as the fine detail for capturing structures during periods of growth and destruction. The sites in my photographs exist within communities and help create a space in which one is neither completely attached nor detached from culture. In focusing on such sites the images attempt to provide a ground for the viewers to reflect on their own world. The current project I am working on focuses on the physical transformation of Whalom Park.




WHALOM PARK PROJECT




This project started the summer before the demolition of Whalom Park. I really wanted to get inside and photograph the park before the demoltion, during it, and while the developers were building their new community. I figured the best way to do this was to talk with the developers and see if I could get permission to be inside. I spoke with some people at Global and they have allowed me to photograph Whalom and the upcoming construction. That is how I've been able to get access to take the photos I have posted.




Stu's dramatic photos of Whalom Park can be viewed at the Somerville Open Studios and very soon on his new website. Stay tuned for more announcements.

Man with a plan touts New Whalom Park

Sunday, April 29, 2007


By Lynne Klaft CORRESPONDENT


Worcester Telegram & Gazette News




The New Whalom Park Ownership Program is looking for a home for its vision of a re-creation in Winchendon of the old Whalom Amusement Park.




Scott A. Lanciani of Leominster, the founder of the group, worked at the old park as a ride operator during the 1994 summer season.




“It was a summer job when I was in high school … I never though I’d be trying to bring back the old park,” he said.





“I read in the newspapers about the park being sold."





“It bothered me when the park was closed in 2000. It’s a huge loss for the area and for families. Now there is nothing for families to go to,” Mr. Lanciani said.





During a Leominster Lions Club presentation on the history of Whalom Park, he said he thought to himself, “How can we let this place go? Then I thought, maybe the person to do something about this is me.”




Mr. Lanciani talked it over with his family, who encouraged him. He bought a computer and through trial and error created a Web site.




One thing led to another and Mr. Lanciani now has a network of friends, old classmates, interested local people and contacts who share his vision of a new Whalom Park.




After the city of Leominster tabled discussions of allowing the new park within a commercially zoned area of town, Mr. Lanciani received a phone call from the town manager of Winchendon.




“I’m a Fitchburg boy, born and raised, and the park was near and dear to my heart,” said Town Manager James M. Kreidler Jr.




“I had been following the news and there did not seem to be overwhelming support from Leominster, so I made the call to Scott.




“Winchendon’s moniker is Toy Town,” he said, “and what better place to have an American heritage family park than in Toy Town?”




Winchendon received the nickname Toy Town when Morton Converse Toys, known for its wooden hobby horses, was a flourishing business around the turn of the century, he said.




Here’s an interesting tidbit of history.




In 1914 during the 150th anniversary celebration for the toy company, the owner dispatched carvers to Whalom Park to replicate an up-scaled version of one of the carousel horses: a 28-foot-high hobby horse.




“I expressed interest in seeing the group’s business plan, their finances and the phasing of the project,” Mr. Kreidler said.




“If all is in order, we would seriously contemplate engaging in a discussion of the prospect of the park coming to town.




“We have two state campgrounds that attract tens of thousands of visitors every year. What a great opportunity to draw on that population for this park,” Mr. Kreidler said.




The New Whalom Park Ownership Program group is looking for applications from the public for a board of directors.




“A lot of us involved now have the passion, but do not have any experience in land use, business management or finances,” Mr. Lanciani said.






Read the full story here.

Whalom trees get new life

Thursday, April 12, 2007

By Elaine Thompson TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF



FITCHBURG— When tenants begin moving into the new Falls at Arden Mills condominiums later this month, they will see a little piece of the old Whalom Amusement Park.




Dick Madonia, the project manager, hired a local company to transplant about three dozen Colorado spruce trees ranging in height from 16 feet to 35 feet from the former park 2-1/2 miles away to the property at the condominiums on Beamis Road. The four-story Flying Comet roller coaster, the carousel, ballroom and other facilities at Whalom Park were torn down last year to make way for Emerald Place, another 240-unit luxury town house development that Mr. Madonia is overseeing.




“It’s an exciting situation. We put our heads together to try to get a part of Whalom Park and try to save a lot of the bigger trees down there,” Mr. Madonia said recently, unable to conceal his enthusiasm. “This helped keep some part of Whalom Park alive.”




Mr. Madonia said if the trees were purchased at this size, they would have cost between $80,000 and $100,000. About 30 large rhododendrons, 6 to 7 feet high and 7 to 8 feet wide, were also brought from the old Whalom Park site.




Some town officials and local residents resisted the demolition of the amusement park, which was built in 1893. Each summer, thousands of people visited Whalom Park, which became known as the playground of central New England. The selectmen’s attempt to take the property by eminent domain failed at a 2005 town meeting. Several abutters also filed suit in Worcester Superior Court to try to block the development. Global Property Development Corp. of Bridgewater bought the 31.64-acre property from Whalom Amusement Co. for $4.5 million to develop Emerald Place condominiums on the site.




Mr. Madonia said the first of three phases of the Falls at Arden Mills along the Nashua River is complete, and tenants will begin moving in within the next two weeks. He said half of the first 48 units have been sold. The second phase of 78 units should begin in about three months and will take up to two years to complete. That set of units will be at the waterfall near Duck Mill Pond. Phase three, which will be 78 units along the Nashua River, will begin after the completion of the second phase.




The development will be a gated community with heated parking garages on the ground level. Three levels of town houses with 9-foot ceilings will be over the garage. The one- to two-bedroom units range from 1,000 square feet to 1,350 square feet. Prices start at $179,000 and go up to $304,100 for units overlooking the river. There is a walking path along the river, and by August, there will be a clubhouse with a swimming pool, a bathhouse and an exercise room, and a gazebo at Duck Mill Pond.




Mr. Madonia said energy-saving materials used in the construction will reduce the cost of heating and air conditioning for home owners by more than half. The 71-year-old Fitchburg native contacted Carl Pearson, vice president of Global Properties, to do the two local condo projects. Mr. Madonia and his family used to own a construction company that built several buildings in Fitchburg and Leominster. Among them are Fitchburg’s state police barracks, Wallace Civic Center, Wallace Towers, South Street and Reingold elementary schools, and the Carmelita Landry Ice Rink. His former company also built the police station, courthouse, and Southeast Elementary School in Leominster.




William E. Gleason, whose wife, Heather Heywood, owns Gleason Landscaping and Tree Transplanting, located around the corner from Whalom Park, said saving the large trees was a way to retain some of the fond memories of the park. Mr. Gleason grew up in Lowell, but his wife, a Townsend native, used to visit the amusement park.




“I guess a lot of people really loved Whalom Park. My wife used to go there all the time,” Mr. Gleason said. “The trees are beautiful, and I didn’t want to seem them go to waste. Plus, I know people would like to see some Whalom Park material being saved.”




The Gleasons said it took about a week to dig the trees out of the ground hydraulically, place each on the bed of a truck and transport them 2-1/2 miles to their new home. He said digging each tree out of the ground with a special machine only took about 10 minutes, compared to several days if done by hand. The biggest part of the job — which took about five hours for each tree — was climbing to the top and tying each branch upward like a packaged fresh Christmas tree. With the large, valuable cargo, he was only able to drive about 10 miles per hour. The trees were placed in holes at the entrance to the project on Beamis Road.




Mr. Madonia said Mr. Gleason will teach his workers how to care for the large transplanted trees and shrubbery. He said some of the bigger trees need up to 200 gallons of water a day.




“As soon as the weather breaks, he’s going to be training our staff. We’ve got our fingers crossed. We hope that they catch,” Mr. Madonia said. “The trees make the buildings look like they have been there a long time, but they’re brand new.”




Read the full story here.

Discus this story: Whalom Forums.

Putting a Price on Whalom Park

The following is an excerpt from inparknews




http://www.inparkmagazine.com/images/5news.pdf

by Bill St.Yves

I can’t put a price on the value of Whalom Park. Unfortunately, a developer can.

Recently it was announced that the land Whalom Park is on has finally been sold after the park has sat abandoned since 2000. Condos will be built there, and there will be no more Whalom Park. I’ve watched so many smaller parks close – Miracle Strip most recently – and I can’t help but think, how can you put a price on these places? They are more than real estate. They are more than a bunch of rides and games and buildings. They are the history of this industry. Without the trolley parks and pleasure gardens of the 20’s & 30’s there would be no Disney, no Six Flags, no Universal Studios. I’m thankful for the traditional parks that have survived and thrived like Cedar Point and Kennywood. There are not that many traditional old parks left and many of them may be one high bid away from becoming another set of town homes.

Traditional old parks are of huge value to us as an industry. We can look to them for ideas and proven concepts that have worked longer than some other parks have been open. They are a training ground for tomorrow’s industry leaders. They bring us back to a time when you didn’t have to be the tallest and the fastest to still have a good time. But most importantly, they help us see where we have come from. The problem is the land these parks sit on is more valuable as real estate than as a safe place for families to go and spend some quality time together. If we don’t value (and visit) our old parks, someone else – someone with other intentions – will. - BILL ST. YVES

Letter from Kim

Maybe this could actually work out for everyone. The town of Agawam's property taxes are fairly reasonable because Six Flags pays a huge tax rate. Sorry to sound so negative but this could be a big boom for towns in this area because lets face it Winchendon, Gardner, Athol etc. are all cities and towns that are "depressed" and Whalom Park would actually bring further business in to these areas, which would help everyone. We have sparse retail and even sparser resources for employment, so I would welcome Whalom Park. Traffic or no traffic.




ref: http://www.haloscan.com/comments/sentinelenterprise/5686257/#39425

Winchendon eyed for new Whalom Park

By Malinda Govoni

Article Launched: 04/17/2007 10:49:07 AM EDT

Sentinel & Enterprise



Winchendon Town Manager James Kreidler hopes that Lunenburg's mostly demolished Whalom Park will be rebuilt on a piece of land off of Route 140, in the town where he works.



Read the entire article

here.

DevalPatrick.com - Save Whalom's Heritage

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick ran a campaign about getting people to check back in to politics, to participate in shaping their community and government. This new website is intended to help carry on that mission by giving you the tools to communicate with the Governor and to organize your own community around the issues that are important to you.




Nathaniel Palmer, Cohasset has posted an issue on the governor's website for all of us to support:




'Whalom Park is the last 19th Century outdoor cultural center (or if you like "Amusement Park") which could be saved. This is a vital part of the Commonwealth's cultural heritage, and could be a valuable part of our future. The New Whalom Park Ownership Program provides an opportunity to save Massachusetts history, cultural heritage, and an invaluable resource for all citizens. The Massachusetts Legislature should act to make this a priority.'




Please go to http://devalpatrick.com/issue.php?issue_id=7613371 and support this issue!



Many thanks for your action, Mr.Palmer - we salute you!

Where are they now… Paul L’Ecuyer – Master Puppeteer

Whalom Park Staff (1980 - 1989)

Drawbridge Puppet Productions; We catch up with the former Artist/Entertainment Director of Whalom Park in this interview:

1. Happy anniversary to Drawbridge Puppet Theater. How has business been in the first year?

Thank You! I am celebrating 25 years as a puppeteer this year, fifteen years of operating "Drawbridge Puppet Productions", and this is our first year operating the permanent Drawbridge Puppet Theater here in Lunenburg, and it is going quite well. More and more people are hearing about it and through word of mouth new folks are arriving all the time. We also have a constant stream of regular patrons, parents and children, that have become 'hooked' on the puppet shows.

The older folks (who bring their grandchildren) seem to enjoy the humor that my puppet partner Jeff Koslik writes into the scripts and original music especially for the grown-ups to enjoy. They really enjoy the quality time they get to spend with each other, and in our environment - it's a perfect place. We also do perform at the Lunenburg Primary school (right next door) as well as in surrounding cities and town schools, libraries etc. both with our travelling shows as well as field trips coming here to us.

2. How did the new Whalom Park DVD come about, Paul?

I had planned a video in the past, and put together lots of clips from the years that I worked at the park (1980-1989) as artist/entertainment director and puppeteer. But once computers came out, I soon learned that video was becoming obsolete and decided to learn what I could about the movie making software - which I did.

It is fantastic that anyone now can create their own media from computers! I certainly wish computers were around back in those Whalom Park years! Anyway, I took lots of the video clips and photos both that I had, and had acquired from others to create this one hour DVD - entitled "Whalom Park - For a Whale of a Time" A Personal View by Paul L'Ecuyer.

3. You have an extensive collection of WP memorabilia displayed on http://www.drawbridgepuppets.com. Do you have any items on display on site for visitors at Drawbridge Puppet Theater?

I have lots of 2D artwork which will eventually be matted and hung in our future museum. Things like b/w graphic art of the rides and signage, advertisements and even the fold out map of the park that was used in the park brochures for many years.

4. What media coverage have you and Drawbridge Puppet Theater received?

Several were done during my employment at the park, including a front page article by the Fitchburg Sentinel the year I left Whalom. I also appeared as 'Barnaby, the Puppet' on a Boston Television daily talk show called "Talk of the Town" which was hosted by Matt Lauer. Clips of this footage along with folks from Lunenburg are included on the DVD. Just recently an article was written by the Montachusett T&G in which I mentioned my past employment at Whalom and the soon to be released DVD.

Please visit the web site: http://www.drawbridgepuppets.com and through the "ABOUT US" button, click on News to see and read some articles. There have been numerous articles written about the theater, as it is such a unique business and as it contains history from both Whalom Park and 'The Toy Cupboard Theater, in S.Lancaster, MA .

5. Tell us an anecdote about Whalom Park that nobody knows about.

Well… In the mid 1980's I hired a very talented young man, David Vendetti who was a graduate of the Ringling Brothers Clown College and truly a very professional clown. He entertained as a street type performer and allowed patrons waiting in long lines an avenue to be entertained while they waited for the ride.

Many times, "Chuby The Clown" as he was known would work in silence and his humor was seen as visual antics. Often he would walk normally and then suddenly his big clown pants would fall to the ground, leaving him standing with an embarrassed stupor on his very elastic face.

Of course it was used as part of his clown schtick to get a laugh from those who watched, and it always did. He had big colorful shorts on underneath of course, so there was never any indecency. However, one day I was told by the park managment to put a stop to his dropping of pants. They felt it inappropriate for the Park's family environment to be having such immoral behavior occur by a park employee.

I was seeing red and stood up for "Chuby" saying that if they felt it necessary to censor him, then they should tell him themself - as I would not, as I felt it was not indecent - and simply a clown thing to do! Nothing more was said, and David continued to drop his drawers every now and then - to lots of laughter too! Sadly, David Vendetti passed away in 1995.

6. Future Plans?

Our plans are to remain in Lunenburg. I am originally from this town (Lunenburg High School Class of 1977) and have always loved living here. What better place to operate a puppet theater? We're just one mile away from the center of town on Mass. Ave (Rte. 2A) and people find that our country setting with safe off-street parking is perfect for their visit here. The gardens that exist on the property are also wonderful in the spring and summer months and have had many comments on the beauty they possess.

Our theater also provides a meeting place for the town's "Garden Club" which hosts its monthly meeting from our space. It is our hope to continue in this same location for many years to come, including the eventual enlarging of theater space, and starting a school that will encompass the many elements of puppetry arts.

We are also planning to open our theater to anyone who has also made a film and wishes to share it in a public place. We feel that the ability to create film and produce DVD's through one's computer is a fantastic way of personal and artistic expression and hope to allow another avenue for those creative talents who may still lay undiscovered or unheard.

"Whalom Park - For a Whale of a Time" A Personal View by Paul L'Ecuyer.

It is available for immediate order at Drawbridge Puppet Productions.






ORDER YOURS NOW




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Whalom ,

Whalom Park ,

amusement park ,

Emerald Place ,

Lunenburg ,
Lunenburg Mass ,

puppet ,

puppet theater ,

puppet theatre ,

marionette ,

Paul L'Ecuyer ,

DrawBridgePuppets.com ,

DrawBridge Puppets ,

DrawBridge Puppet Productions ,

Whalom DVD ,

Whalom Park DVD.





Article by: The New Whalom Park Ownership Program, whalompark.blogspot.com Leominster, MA.

Photos by: Paul L'Ecuyer, drawbridgepuppets.com, Lunenburg, MA.