The Coney Island of the Northwest

We discovered a hidden gem this weekend when we went to a wedding reception at the Oaks Park Dance Pavilion. Oaks Park in Portland was built in 1905 by Oregon Water Power and Navigation along the Willamette River to increase street car ridership from Portland to Gresham, Estacada and Oregon City. When it opened on May 30, people arrived on the trolleys, on foot, horseback and in boats. The street cars are long gone, but the amusement park is still there, including the oldest roller skating rink (with pipe organ) west of the Mississippi. Apparently there was even a roller skating elephant on The Midway back in the day. Very cool place for a wedding reception, and while there are no more skating elephants rolling around, we will certify that the dance floor at the pavilion is in excellent shape!

It reminded me of Norumbega Park (1897-1963), another of the 'Trolley Parks' of the era. My parents took us there when we were kids. It was right on the Charles River, in the area where now the Mass Pike meets Rt 128/I95. It had a classic old carousel, kiddie rides, a train, paddle boats, and even bears! There were rides for 'big kids' too, like the caterpillar, which had cars that went in a big loop, and an awning cover would come over it during the ride. My parents told us about taking the trolley or bus out to Auburndale from their homes in the Brighton and Allston neighborhoods of Boston to dance the night away at the Totem Pole Ballroom, the dance pavilion at Norumbega. I was 11 when it closed down. It was a sad day for kids in our area. The Newton Marriott has been on the site for years. We sure hated that hotel in our little kid minds! I don't think our parents were really happy about it either. But that was progress.

Anyway, it was very cool to see a park of the same era, with the same origins (promoting public transportation). And we had a great time, even though the only people we knew were the parents of the bride! You know me, we knew plenty of people by the time the band packed up!