Norumbega Park

[1] The park offered canoeing and pedal boating on the Charles River, a theater, gardens, restaurants and food vendors, a penny arcade, picnic areas, a zoo and amusement rides.

[1] Norumbega Park opened in June 1897 and was built by the directors of the Commonwealth Avenue Street Railway in an attempt to increase patronage and revenues on the trolley line running between Boston and Auburndale.

Its location on the Charles River meant that the park was accessible by water as well as via steam train, electric trolley, and (more so as the decades went on) automobile.

The new venue featured vaudeville acts, plays (dramas, comedies, and musicals) as well as moving pictures shown on a novel device called a "Komograph".

[1] Famous acts that appeared at the Totem Pole Ballroom include: During World War II, a United States Army Ordnance Corps company was stationed at Norumbega Park's restaurant.

In 2011 the Wurlitzer band organ from the Norumbega Park carousel was completely restored and is playing again for the enjoyment of the public in a variety of parades and events.

[6] This park of 13 acres (5.3 ha) is owned by the City of Newton and is a popular jogging and dog-walking site with hills, meadows, woods, and access to the river.