Dear Sun Spots: I have been giving thought to the demise of Bear Pond Park in Turner. In March, due to heavy snow on the roof, the last of the buildings on the lot (the roller-skating rink) collapsed. The owner reports he plans to clear it up but is not sure of future use for the site.

I feel a writing assignment is in order. Hence, the reason for this request. I wish to compile – with your help – memories of the decades of fun (1920-2005) at Bear Pond Park that we have had. Swimming, boating, cotton candy, school picnics, mini-golf and driving range, roller-skating, campground, cross country skiing, airplane rides and other amusements.

I would like to also have pictures and your written memory of your connection to this once active and well-attended place. Many of us have fond memories and stories to tell. I hope you will share them. I welcome your contribution as a donation or loan to benefit the Turner Museum and Historical Association. This group is currently moving its exhibits and artifacts from the Turner Town Office to the top floor of the Leavitt Institute building for a permanent home. They can use funding for the restoration and preservation of significant Turner artifacts.

Should you wish to contribute, please forward your memory to me at 7 Beach Street, Turner, ME 04282 or via e-mail at elph@megalinklnet with subject “Bear Pond.” If you are sending pictures, please specify whether you would like to give them as a donation or on loan. If on loan, please include your full name and mailing address for proper return. Thank you. – Eva Dudley Leavitt, Turner.

Answer: Sun Spots hopes readers who recall this piece of nostalgia will be willing to share it with other readers who may also be interested in the history of this park.

In the meantime, Sun Journal news assistant Anna Rodrigue kindly did some research on this childhood haunt of hers.

Bear Pond Park came into being as an amusement park in the early ’20s, notes a May 10, 1978, article in The Lewiston Daily Sun.

According to an Aug. 12, 1946, article in the Lewiston Evening Journal, an early morning fire destroyed the entire layout of buildings and amusement apparatus at the park. The roller-skating rink and small building housing the gift shop were not involved. The fire was blamed on a short circuit in the wiring system. At the time, Bear Pond Park was owned and operated by Tarrie Bova of Gardiner and Marblehead, Mass. He had been a summer resident of the resort for the previous 24 years.

Stephen J. Koske, a roller-skating rink operator in Lewiston and Boothbay Harbor, purchased the park in 1947 for $22,500, including the beach, bathhouses, dance hall, roller-skating rink and other buildings, along with 55 acres of land. At the time, he planned to enlarge the rink and erect buildings to house more amusement concessions.

Dear Sun Spots: I am looking for Jerusalem artichoke tubers for planting in the garden and also high-bush blueberry plants. Is there anyone in the Lewiston/Auburn area with some to give away or sell? Please call me at (207) 375-8959. Thank you. – No Name, Sabattus.

Dear Sun Spots: Does anybody know where I might purchase Excedrin QuickTabs? I used to get them for my son since he cannot swallow regular pills, but I can’t seem to find them anywhere. If anybody knows, please let me know as soon as possible. I can be reached at (207) 782-5092. – Tim in Lewiston.

Answer: In addition to responses from readers, try ordering online at www.medshopexpress.com.



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