On Lake Quinsigamond
Lake Quinsigamond is a long, deep glacial lake that separates the City of Worcester from the Town of Shrewsbury. Unitl the mid-1800s the area around Lake Quinsig was wilderness. In 1857 the Quinsigamond Boat Club was formed and the first boat race, or regatta, was held on Quinsig. The Lake's geographical features makes it ideal for such races. Interest in the lake as an area to spend leisure time picked-up around this time. Over the years, various canoe clubs, social clubs, parks and bathing beaches sprung-up around Quinsig. Minature steam boats sailed its waters.
Perhaps Lake Quinsigamond's most famous attraction was The White City. In the early part of the 20th century, Worcester businessman Horace Bigelow decided to build an amusement park on the eastern shore of Lake Quinsigamond. The White City was officially opened to the public on June 18, 1905. Over the years its many attractions included the "Shoot The Chutes" boat rides, the "Whirl Of Captive Airships" ride, a "Miniature Railway" train, "The Whip", a Fun House, a Dance Hall, a roller coaster called "Zip" and various food courts, side shows and concession stands. There were high wire acts and high divers. There was a carousel and a roller skating rink. There was a pony track for youngsters. There were even high-diving horses. Celebrities who performed at White City included Jerry Vale, Bobby Darin, Paul Anka and Edie Gorme.
Sadly, however, the White City Amusement Park, the land of "Fifty Thousand Electric Lights", is no more. It closed its gates for the last and final time on Labor Day, 1960. Today White City Plaza, a mall and movie theater complex, sits on the land that for fifty-five years thrilled millions of people.
The post cards below show a little bit of the times on Quinsig some ninety-odd years ago.
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On Lake Quinsigamond |
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On Lake Quinsigamond |
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On Lake Quinsigamond Looking Toward The Iron Bridge |
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I Find This View Confusing I Think The View Is Looking Away From Lincoln Park From The Iron Bridge Toward The Causeway Which Connects Worcester And Shrewsbury |
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On Lake Quinsigamond |
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On Lake Quinsigamond |
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On Lake Quinsigamond |
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On Lake Quinsigamond |
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On Lake Quinsigamond |
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On Lake Quinsigamond |
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On Lake Quinsigamond |
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On Lake Quinsigamond |
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On Lake Quinsigamond Doesn't That Scene Look Inviting! |
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On Lake Quinsigamond From A Different Angle They Look A Lot Better From This View! |
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On Lake Quinsigamond |
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On Lake Quinsigamond White City Was Actually In Shrewsbury, Not Worcester |
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The Land Of 50,000 Lights |
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Scenic Railway In White City |
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Scenic Railway In White City This Is A Color Printed Card Compare It With The Real Photo Card Below |
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The "Bay State Limited" Scenic Railway In White City This Is The Photo That Was Used To Produce The Color Version Of The Postcard Displayed In The Color Group Just Above This One |
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The Shore Of Lake Quinsigamond |
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Coal Mine Brook On The West Shore Of Lake Quinsigamond |
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Major Dodo A Landmark In White City |
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Wooden Roller Coaster In White City |