A
GrandCelebration for
a Grand Beach!
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The weekend of July 19, 1996 was a time of grand celebration
for Revere residents as the Revere Beach Centennial kicked
off in full form. This celebration marked the 100th anniversary
of the Metropolitan Parks Commission's acquisition of Revere
Beach.
Back in 1896, landscape architect Charles Eliot developed
Revere Beach as the first public beach in American history.
His dream was to create a place where people could easily
go to appreciate the beach's natural beauty and enjoy a wide
variety of fun activities. Developing Revere Beach was not
easy. Railroad tracks had to be relocated to where the MBTA
Blue Line is now and replaced with what is now Revere Beach
Boulevard. Buildings had to be removed from the water's edge.
Bathhouses were constructed along the beach. Unfortunately
Charles Eliot did not live to see many of his dreams for Revere
Beach come to life. He died from Meningitis in 1897 at the
age of 37. Eliot Circle was named in his honor.
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MDC Commisioner Balfour recognizing
Mr. Peter McCauley as Revere Beach Historian |
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Mr. & Mrs. Peter McCauley |
The celebration offered something for everyone… Some
of the events included
- live music (Tavares, Freddy Boom Boom's Band, Zipper,
My Reality, Spinning Jenny and more)
- comedy (Maria Falzone)
- a canoe race, storytelling
- parachute drop
- a dance party
- a Centennial stroll along the beach
- Fiesta Show rides
- antique fire engine parade
- A collection of original Cyclone RollerCoaster cars presented
by Rent-A-Tool
- volleyball match
- arts and crafts
- children's entertainment (face painting, swimming lessons,
dunk tank, more…)
- and of course a fabulous fireworks display.
Minuteman ModelA
Bandstand and pavillions
Attractions, rides, amusements
America Online offered their computer stations for visitors
to view Revere Beach home pages on the Internet. Beach historian
Peter McCauley's Revere Beach photo collection was available
as memorabilia as well Norman Gautreau's paintings.
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