By Sharon Oliver
Contributing Writer
REVERE – There is much more to Revere Beach than having the distinct honor of being America’s first public ocean beach. Due to its accessibility and attractions, it was a favorite destination for families from the late 19th to mid-20th century. Visitors were especially drawn to the annual Carnival Week which featured band concerts, fireworks, carousels, the Hippodrome and even an artificial volcano in 1906.
A certain allure
In addition to that, the Boulevard Theatre, and the funhouse at Bluebeard’s Place had a certain allure as well as the dances held the Frolic, the Ocean Pier Ballroom, the Oceanview Ballroom and the Wonderland Ballroom. It was Revere Beach where the Hurley family made their mark as pioneers in the concession and amusement park business. In the late 1890s, Frederick Hurley opened an ice cream stand followed by Hurley’s arcade and several rides which grew in popularity. Hurley’s Studios offered visitors the chance to take a picture in Fred Hurley’s car, which was one of the first cars in Revere.
Photo/Wikimedia Commons
Those like Richard Cohen who spent time at what is affectionately known as “the Coney Island of Massachusetts, the playground of New England,” had this to say on Facebook about a member of the Hurley family, “As I mentioned some time ago, Miss Hurley was my favorite teacher (2nd grade). I remember when the Hurleys live down the end of my street (No. Shore Rd).”
Responding to a vintage YouTube clip featuring Revere Beach, HowardKoore8863 wrote, “Some memories of Revere Beach. Several times every summer, dad drove our whole family in our non-air-conditioned brown station wagon to the ‘rides’ at Revere Beach. It was a short trip to the storied amusement park by the sea, and once we found a parking spot, we made our way excitedly to the action along the long boulevard, spending time twirling on the Flying Horses, defying gravity on the Round Up, and strolling the wide lit up sidewalks. People from all walks of life slowly passed us by as we all melded into a moving web of humanity enjoying a summer evening…”
Built in 1925 by Harry Travers, the world-famous Cyclone Roller Coaster operated there for nearly 50 years. The all-wood coaster was described as the world’s fastest and largest coaster, with 3,600 feet of track.
Blizzard of ’78 damage and a new era
Unfortunately, as most natives know the devastating Blizzard of 1978 swept through coastal New England with a particular vengeance, hammering homes and rendering some vehicles inoperable. Approximately 100 people lost their lives in Massachusetts. Hard-hit Revere Beach did not escape the storm’s wrath, including the Arcade Bazaar which was located across from Hurley’s Kiddie Land.
Gone are Boulevard eateries like Mary Ahearn’s or Kohn’s frozen custard stand, Barney Sheff’s Delicatessen, and Joe and Nemo’s hot dog stand. Still standing like a phoenix risen from the ashes as a reminder of the past is the first Kelly’s Roast Beef, which opened in 1951.
In the blizzard’s aftermath, Revere Beach’s scenery changed. High-rise apartments and condominiums have taken the place of former businesses. Tourists still come to visit Revere’s three-mile stretch of shoreline where outdoor enthusiasts gravitate to the area’s athletic fields, a designated bandstand for live performances that take place throughout the summer and the boardwalk which is lined with ice cream stands and fun shops.
Photo/Wikimedia Commons
The Revere Beach International Sand Sculpting Festival is an annual three-day festival that has been held every summer since 2004, offering thousands of dollars in prize money available for contest winners. The festival attracts over a million visitors anxious to see the sand sculptures on display and features the work of artists from all over the world.
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