Fifth Way Down
The fifth way down to the Lake leads to the Winnipesaukee Pier. Head down the ramp, passing by several shops, and then, just before reaching the arcade, a set of stairs will lead down to East Coast Flightcraft, where you can rent a boat to further explore the lake (highly recommended).
HISTORY OF THE WINNIPESAUKEE GARDENS/WINNIPESAUKEE PIER
The fifth way down to the Lake, circa 1965. In the foreground, the cruise boat the Flying Yankee II is seen tied up at the dock. Up on the boardwalk, from left to right, are seen a huge, Speedboat Rides sign; a shop selling gifts and souvenirs; Connors Karmelkorn & Ice Cream, and Bill’s Playland, an arcade. At the far right of the photo is the stairway to the marina. Click here for more photos and info about the marina at Irwin’s Winnipesaukee Gardens.
Irwin’s Winnipesaukee Gardens Ballroom opened on May 30, 1925, and for 50 years the most famous big bands in America played there. In 1973, the webmaster of this website saw the amazing – and unforgettable – Duke Ellington (1899-1974) at his very last Weirs Beach performance. In 1976 the big band era ended forever in Weirs Beach, as the ballroom that once accommodated “2000 dancers” was converted to an arcade, along with a name change to the Winnipesaukee Pier. (This was the name of the former boating facility that had occupied the site from 1909-1924, before the Winnipesaukee Gardens had been built.)
The footbridge seen in the postcard below led to a public bandstand. Built in the late 1920’s, the bandstand and footbridge were removed in the early 1950’s. From 1980-2016, a miniature golf course occupied the site of the bandstand.
Notice the “Beano” sign on the far left of the above postcard. In the USA, Beano was a game played at county fairs. A dealer would select numbered discs from a cigar box, and players would mark their cards with beans. In 1929, Edwin S. Lowe commercialized the game, changed its name to Bingo, and sold packaged game boards and cards. Lowe later went on to have another huge game hit in Yahtzee, which he introduced in 1956.
Below are photos of the original Winnipesaukee Pier. Click here for many more photos and info about the original Winnipesaukee Pier. Opened in 1909 by H.H. Buffum, the original pier only lasted 16 seasons before it was replaced by the current structure.
THE HOTEL WEIRS WHARF
Below, the Hotel Weirs wharf (circa 1885-1908), which preceded the original Winnipesaukee Pier. Click here for many more additional photos and info.
