Before Theme Parks
Norumbega, where the street-car line
and Commonwealth Avenue end,
was an amusement park with rides
and games for young and old.
The Caterpillar, the Merry-go-round,
the Ferris Wheel and bumper cars
offered thrills with the fun.
Booths with air guns, with balls
to knock over bottles, with bean bag toss
and skee ball gave chances to test
skills.
Kids came with a pocket full of nickels
ready to spend the day.
Lunch brought from home or
hot dogs and junk food from park's
snack bars was eaten at picnic tables.
On benches under spreading maples
sat parents and chaperones keeping
a watchful eye on the kids.
To us it was a delight.
Amusement parks were sprinkled
throughout
the countryside. No one needed
reservation
for flights or hotels. Families,
church groups and summer activity camps
visited the parks for a day of fun.
I wonder if today's theme parks are as
much fun.
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