Ever wonder what your grandparents may have done on a warm, Sunday afternoon? Christopher Gutscher has an idea; he guesses that they would spent the day in Merrymeeting Park. Gutscher lives in the shadow of Merrymeeting Park. Sort of. During the past decade he has researched the old amusement park, and now, he's published a small booklet. Gutcher's 24-page booklet is crammed full of old photographs and postcards, maps of the sprawling amusement psrk, and a sampling of programs and advertising used at the park. It is a must see, for anyone interested in life in Brunswick-Bath of nearly a century ago. Through Gutscher's research, you will get an idea what the place was like in its heyday; from dances and revivals in the casino, to the amusement area or zoo, or simply a quiet ride on the ponds, or river. In summary, Gutscher tries to explain why the complex was built, and what brought about its demise. Readers may obtain a copy of MERRYMEETING PARK, 1898, from the author at RD 4, Box 185, Brunswick, Maine 04011, or from the Bowdoinham Historical Society, PO Box 4, Bowdoinham, ME 04008. The booklet costs $5.00.
Frank Connors
Bowdoinham Advertiser
August 1985
A big turtle was captured recently in the Abagadassett River at Bowdoinham, by Wilbur Rumrill and two others. The story of its capture as told by the three men who participated in the struggle is very thrilhng. The fight by the turtle was a fierce one. He seemed determined to remain where he had lived so happily for many yesrs. The size of the turtle, from actual measurements is 18 inches in length, and width, 16 inches. The forelegs of this monster resemble much the foot of a tiger, and the claws are fully one-half inch long. The head is one of the fiercest looking objects that human eyes can behold. The tail is some ten inches in length, and it shows barnacles that many claim is a condition of its age. The weight of this monster of the Abagadasset is about 50 pounds. The turtle has been purchased by officials of the Lewiston, Brunswick and Bath Street Railway, and has now assumed very comfortable quarters at Merrymeeting Park.
Brunswick Telegraph
May 11, 1901