Remembering Rocky Point Amusement Park

Any native Rhode Islander (of a certain age) remembers Rocky Point Park in Warwick, Rhode Island. Although it closed the year I was born, my parents used to talk about the amusement park by the water where they went on dates and spent summers hanging out with friends. This is not a story unique to me, either. For over 100 years, generations of Rhode Islanders made memories along the shores of Rocky Point, and for that, it remains a most sacred and revered memory in the 401.

While the most recent memories of Rocky Point consist of amusement rides, concession stands, and yes, the famous Shore Dinner Hall, the park was much more than that over the course of its lifetime. In its heyday, it hosted litical campaign stops. The appearance of the park had also changed many times since its creation by Captain William Winslow in 1847, as time and time again the property was ravaged by storms, most famously the Hurricane of ’38. After surviving wartime several times, the great depression, repeated storms, and various management issues, Rhode Island sadly lost Rocky Point to bankruptcy in the 1990’s. When bits and pieces of the Amusement Park went up for auction on a dreary spring day, it was devastating. While I am obviously an auction enthusiast, I can imagine it was heart wrenching for locals to see such nostalgic symbols of their childhoods sold off to the highest bidder. If you’ve read my articles before, you know I understand how personal (and therefore valuable) mementos of our childhoods can be to collectors. Whatever held value was bought, and before the bulldozers and wrecking balls came for the rest, many Rhode Islanders braved the fences and overgrowth to snatch a piece of that tangible history for themselves - no judgement here, folks! ment you need. go ahead and enjoy your well-earned rewards.

Because of this, we occasionally see these Rocky Point keepsakes come up for auction, even almost 30 years after the park closed for good. If you loved Rocky Point, we have two items saved from the wreckers coming up for auction this June you might be interested in. Who remembers peevishly standing in front of the height sign, nervous about being banished to kiddie land rides for the day? Or how about Rocky the Lobster welcoming you to the dinner hall? They may not be much, but they are a small part of all that’s left of a Rhode Island icon.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You’ve come through a difficult period of helping others deal with their problems. Now you can concentrate on putting your energy to work on your own projects.

Our Lady Of Czenstochowa Polish Festival

Our Lady of Czenstochowa will host their Polish Festival on Friday & Saturday, June 16 & 17 from 5-9PM on the school grounds at 222 MacArthur Boulevard, Coventry. Join them for Polish/American food, games, raffles, Cow Chip Bingo and much more. FROZEN Golombki & Pierogi also available for sale. Free parking and free admission. Call 821-7991 or visit olcsvp.org for more information.

SWEATIN’ TO THE MUSIC EXERCISE CLASS AT THE WEST WARWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY West Warwick Public Library, 1043 Main Street, West Warwick is offering free exercise classes on Tuesdays at 3PM & Thursdays at 10AM, hosted by Mind and Body Studios. You’ll move & groove to a playlist of greatest hits while laughing and having fun. This program is open to all fitness levels and all ages. No sign up required. Call 828-3750 for more information.

COVENTRY PUBLIC LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAMS

Coventry Public Library offers Summer Reading Programs for children (ages 3-entering Grade 5), teens (entering Grades 6-12), and adults! Registration begins June 19. For more information or to register, call the library at 822-9100.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The often skeptical Aries might find that an answer to a question is hard to believe. But check it out before you chuck it out. You might well be surprised at what you could learn.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your resolute determination to stick by a position might make some people uncomfortable. But if you’re proved right (as I expect you to be), a lot of changes will tilt in your favor.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) The often skeptical Aries might find that an answer to a question is hard to believe. But check it out before you chuck it out. You might well be surprised at what you could learn.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might feel conflicted between what you want to do and what you should do. Best advice: Honor your obligations first. Then go ahead and enjoy your well-earned rewards.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) That financial matter still needs to be sorted out before you can consider any major monetary moves. Pressures ease midweek, with news about a potential career change.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Your resolute determination to stick by a position might make some people uncomfortable. But if you’re proved right (as I expect you to be), a lot of changes will tilt in your favor.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A workplace problem threatens to derail your well-planned project. But your quick mind should lead you to a solution and get you back on track without too much delay.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might feel conflicted between what you want to do and what you should do. Best advice: Honor your obligations first. Then

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) An opportunity opens up but could quickly close down if you allow pessimism to override enthusiasm. A trusted friend can offer the encourage- the gregarious Goat seek the company of just a few friends. But you charge back into the crowd for weekend fun and games.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22) That financial matter still needs to be sorted out before you can consider any major monetary moves. Pressures ease midweek, with news about a potential career change.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Forget about who’s to blame and, instead, make the first move toward patching up a misunderstanding before it creates a rift that you’ll never be able to cross.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Good news for the travel-loving Sagittarian who enjoys galloping off to new places: That trip you put off will soon be back on your schedule.

LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You’ve come through a difficult period of helping others deal with their problems. Now you can concentrate on putting your energy to work on your own projects.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A mood change could make the gregarious Goat seek the company of just a few friends. But you charge back into the crowd for weekend fun and games.

LEO (July 23 to August 22) A workplace problem threatens to derail your well-planned project. But your quick mind should lead you to a solution and get you back on track without too much delay.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A decision you made in good faith could come under fire. Best advice: Open your mind to other possibilities by listening to your challenger’s point of view.

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You can avoid being swamped by all those tasks dangling from your line this week by tackling them one-byone, according to priority. The weekend brings good news.

SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) Forget about who’s to blame and, instead, make the first move toward patching up a misunderstanding before it creates a rift that you’ll never be able to cross.

AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) A decision you made in good faith could come under fire. Best advice: Open your mind to other possibilities by listening to your challenger’s point of view.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a fine business sense and a love of the arts. You enjoy living life to its fullest.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

VIRGO (August 23 to September 22) An opportunity opens up but could quickly close down if you allow pessimism to override enthusiasm. A trusted friend can offer the encouragement you need.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Good news for the travel-loving Sagittarian who enjoys galloping off to new places: That trip you put off will soon be back on your schedule.

CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) A mood change could make

PISCES (February 19 to March 20) You can avoid being swamped by all those tasks dangling from your line this week by tackling them one-byone, according to priority. The weekend brings good news.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a fine business sense and a love of the arts. You enjoy living life to its fullest.