Founded in October 1846 by two local families, Lake Compounce began its transformation from a rustic summer resort into a bustling amusement park. Gad Norton and Isaac Pierce teamed together to build a park that utilized the lake s natural appeal forswimming, boating, and picnicking. Through vintage photographs, Lake Compounce highlights the park s long history of big bands, the Crocodile Club, the Wildcat roller coaster, and the William Gillette train. For generations, the park has been able to maintain its status as a local treasure while expanding and growing into what is today recognized as Americäs pioneer playground.

Lynda J. Russell, a resident of Bristol, is author of Bristol Historic Homes and Plainville. She is a member of the historical societies in Bristol and Plainville, and she serves on the board of the Plainville Chamber of Commerce, Quota Club of Bristol, and the Bristol mayor s TEAM committee.