OOB...Old Orchard Beach

Old Orchard Beach was started in 1657 by a man named Thomas Rogers as "Garden By The Sea". It has undergone many changes and been destroyed several times by either storm or fire. It is gerat beach area, amusement park, and family vacation spot. In the summer you will hear more french than english. Quebec and Montreal are only a few hours away and this is a prime vacation spot.
In 1873 The Boston and Maine Railroad opened a stop here and things really took off. In 1892 electric trolley cars connected the resort to nearby towns increasing the popularity yet again.
In 1898 the first pier was built. It was 1770 feet long and 20 feet above the tides. In 1902 the amsuement park was enlarged to include roller rinks, merry-go-rounds, and vendors.
In 1907 a fire destroyed much of the park and downtown. In 1909 a storm took out much of the pier reducing it's length to 700 feet.
The Big Band Era ushered in a whole new scene for the park. Guy Lambardo, Rudy Valle and Duke Ellington were among the headliners to play here.
In 1978 another storm severly damaged the pier and it was immediately rebuilt and opened in 1980. There are an estimated 1.2 million visitors a year here.
It's old fashioned and kind of hokey and man I love this place. It does not have the glitz of Atlantic City, or the gambling, and it has not changed much in all the years I have beem going here..guess thats part of its apeal for me.
There are several websites about Old Orchard Beach or OOB as we call it. Hope you enjoyed your tour.
Dale