76 C DOTHAN & HOUSTON COUNTY – Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
Porter’s Fairyland, located southeast of Dothan near Cowarts, has been a favorite recreation spot for Wiregrass residents for many years. In 1915, William Fritter purchased the property and opened the pond and grounds as a recreational area for local families. The “swimming hole” was fed by a local freshwater spring and provided a cool escape during the hot summer months. E.R. Porter, a longtime Dothan businessman, purchased the property in the 1930s, renamed the attraction “Porter’s Fairyland” and built the structure seen in the postcard on the left. [Courtesy of Dothan Landmarks Foundation, Inc.] ABOVE:
In its heyday, the swimming hole at Porter’s Fairyland boasted a long boardwalk, diving board and waterslide. The small building in the background contained an old jukebox that provided the soundtrack to many summers. [Courtesy of Frank Gaines] LEFT:
Porter’s Fairyland now operates a popular locale for outdoor paintball, a curious competition where teams shoot small capsules of multi-colored paint at opponents. The east wing of the old Fairyland burned. The center portion, called the “Main Entrance” seen in this photograph, is still the original building.