Charles Alexander Christie History
Dartmouth Police Officer killed in the line of duty 1966
Charles Alexander Christie was born in New Bedford on June 17, 1891, to Joseph Christie (1861-1946) and the former Mary Boland (1866-1914). The couple raised seven children: Laura, George, Joseph, William, Charles, Levi, and Agnes. The family home was initially located on Cove Road in New Bedford. Eventually, they moved to a one-family home at 11 Buttonwood Road in Dartmouth, where Charles would reside for the remainder of his life.
Charles, who was 23 when his mother died, completed the 8th grade and then went to work for the Town of Dartmouth’s Water Department. He registered for the draft on June 5, 1917, just days before his 26th birthday. He enlisted on October 4, and was assigned to Company K of the 326th Infantry, one of four regiments within the United States Army’s 82nd Division, which had been activated at the end of August. They underwent their initial training at Camp Gordon near Atlanta, Georgia, and were transferred to Camp Upton in New York in April of 1918 to prepare for their assignment in France: trench warfare.
The 326th Regiment reached the French port of Le Havre on May 17, 1918, and were soon sent into battle. For their first combat assignment, they were ordered to relieve the 101st Infantry Regiment in the Toul section of France.
On August 4, 1918, the men of the 326th advanced behind a German artillery barrage to capture three machine guns and eliminate approximately 75 enemy soldiers. In September, they held their ground in the battle of Saint-Mihiel despite being subjected to deadly mustard gas from the German Army. The regiment also took part in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, a 10-day battle that proved to be the last major offensive of World War I, involving 1.2 million American soldiers. The forces sustained heavy casualties and Corporal Charles Christie was among them. He was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received in battle. After the Armistice with Germany was signed on November 11, 1918, the 326th remained in France for five months before returning home in April of 1919. They were demobilized at Camp Mills, New York. Charles Christie’s 326th Regiment served in active operations longer (and without relief) than any other unit.
Three (3) of the Christie brothers served in World War I. Older brother, George was a mechanic in the Army Coast Artillery Corps and younger brother William was a Private in Company A of the 25th Engineers Regiment.
After the War, Charles returned to his job at the Dartmouth Water Department where he was appointed foreman in 1920. His older brother, Joseph, had been serving on the Dartmouth Board of Health since 1915, and became a police officer in town in 1922. Joseph served as the departments third police chief from 1927-1931. Police Chief Joseph Christie died suddenly at his Dartmouth Street home in January of 1938 at the age of 47. A veteran of the Dartmouth police force and served 23 years on the Board of Health. At the time of Joseph's death, his younger brother, Levi, was also in public service as a member of the Board of Selectmen.
Charles joined the police department as an unpaid (private-paid) officer in 1923 and became a regular officer in the Dartmouth Police Department in 1926. From 1931-1933, Charles served as a Special Officer to the Town of Dartmouth while also being employed as a guard at the Ash Street House of Correction. Charles, who never married, was still living with his father, his brother, Levi, and their sister, Agnes.
When the United States entered World War II in December of 1941, Charles was still working at the Ash Street jail, and despite his advanced age of 50, he still registered for the draft. This time he was not pressed into service.
After the death of his father, in 1946, Charlie returned to the ranks of the Dartmouth Police as a Reserve Officer from 1948 to 1952. During this period, he also owned and operated a small package store "Christie's Package Store", located on Cove Road, for a time. In 1953, at age 62, he became an Intermittent Officer for the Town of Dartmouth, and would continue in this role for the remainder of his life.
Despite being 75 years old, Charles continued working as a Dartmouth Police Officer. On August 18, 1966 his assignments was directing traffic during the construction of Interstate 195. On Thursday, August 18, at 4:25 PM, Officer Christie was directing traffic at Reed Road and I-195 when he was hit and run over by a construction truck. Dartmouth Police Officer Joseph Oliveira, who investigated the accident, determined that Officer Christie was on the “blind side” of the truck, that is, the right side-farthest from the driver’s view, when the incident occurred. An ambulance was called to the scene and Officer Christie was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford where he died of his injuries at 7:10 that evening. Officer Christie was buried alongside his brothers and his parents at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Dartmouth Police Officer killed in the line of duty 1966
Charles Alexander Christie was born in New Bedford on June 17, 1891, to Joseph Christie (1861-1946) and the former Mary Boland (1866-1914). The couple raised seven children: Laura, George, Joseph, William, Charles, Levi, and Agnes. The family home was initially located on Cove Road in New Bedford. Eventually, they moved to a one-family home at 11 Buttonwood Road in Dartmouth, where Charles would reside for the remainder of his life.
Charles, who was 23 when his mother died, completed the 8th grade and then went to work for the Town of Dartmouth’s Water Department. He registered for the draft on June 5, 1917, just days before his 26th birthday. He enlisted on October 4, and was assigned to Company K of the 326th Infantry, one of four regiments within the United States Army’s 82nd Division, which had been activated at the end of August. They underwent their initial training at Camp Gordon near Atlanta, Georgia, and were transferred to Camp Upton in New York in April of 1918 to prepare for their assignment in France: trench warfare.
The 326th Regiment reached the French port of Le Havre on May 17, 1918, and were soon sent into battle. For their first combat assignment, they were ordered to relieve the 101st Infantry Regiment in the Toul section of France.
On August 4, 1918, the men of the 326th advanced behind a German artillery barrage to capture three machine guns and eliminate approximately 75 enemy soldiers. In September, they held their ground in the battle of Saint-Mihiel despite being subjected to deadly mustard gas from the German Army. The regiment also took part in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, a 10-day battle that proved to be the last major offensive of World War I, involving 1.2 million American soldiers. The forces sustained heavy casualties and Corporal Charles Christie was among them. He was awarded a Purple Heart for wounds received in battle. After the Armistice with Germany was signed on November 11, 1918, the 326th remained in France for five months before returning home in April of 1919. They were demobilized at Camp Mills, New York. Charles Christie’s 326th Regiment served in active operations longer (and without relief) than any other unit.
Three (3) of the Christie brothers served in World War I. Older brother, George was a mechanic in the Army Coast Artillery Corps and younger brother William was a Private in Company A of the 25th Engineers Regiment.
After the War, Charles returned to his job at the Dartmouth Water Department where he was appointed foreman in 1920. His older brother, Joseph, had been serving on the Dartmouth Board of Health since 1915, and became a police officer in town in 1922. Joseph served as the departments third police chief from 1927-1931. Police Chief Joseph Christie died suddenly at his Dartmouth Street home in January of 1938 at the age of 47. A veteran of the Dartmouth police force and served 23 years on the Board of Health. At the time of Joseph's death, his younger brother, Levi, was also in public service as a member of the Board of Selectmen.
Charles joined the police department as an unpaid (private-paid) officer in 1923 and became a regular officer in the Dartmouth Police Department in 1926. From 1931-1933, Charles served as a Special Officer to the Town of Dartmouth while also being employed as a guard at the Ash Street House of Correction. Charles, who never married, was still living with his father, his brother, Levi, and their sister, Agnes.
When the United States entered World War II in December of 1941, Charles was still working at the Ash Street jail, and despite his advanced age of 50, he still registered for the draft. This time he was not pressed into service.
After the death of his father, in 1946, Charlie returned to the ranks of the Dartmouth Police as a Reserve Officer from 1948 to 1952. During this period, he also owned and operated a small package store "Christie's Package Store", located on Cove Road, for a time. In 1953, at age 62, he became an Intermittent Officer for the Town of Dartmouth, and would continue in this role for the remainder of his life.
Despite being 75 years old, Charles continued working as a Dartmouth Police Officer. On August 18, 1966 his assignments was directing traffic during the construction of Interstate 195. On Thursday, August 18, at 4:25 PM, Officer Christie was directing traffic at Reed Road and I-195 when he was hit and run over by a construction truck. Dartmouth Police Officer Joseph Oliveira, who investigated the accident, determined that Officer Christie was on the “blind side” of the truck, that is, the right side-farthest from the driver’s view, when the incident occurred. An ambulance was called to the scene and Officer Christie was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford where he died of his injuries at 7:10 that evening. Officer Christie was buried alongside his brothers and his parents at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Massachusetts Chap 56 of the Acts of 1967 - Establishes the Charles A. Christie Memorial Bridge.
An Act designating the Reed Road Bridge, so called, in the town of Dartmouth as the Charles A. Christie Memorial Bridge
"The Reed Road bridge, so called, over interstate highway route 195 in the Town of Dartmouth shall be known and designated as the Charles A. Christie Memorial Bridge in memory of Charles A. Christie, who was killed in the performance of his duties while directing traffic on said interstate highway during its construction, and a suitable marker bearing said designation shall be attached thereto by the Department of public works in compliance by the federal bureau of public roads." Approved March 13, 1967
An Act designating the Reed Road Bridge, so called, in the town of Dartmouth as the Charles A. Christie Memorial Bridge
"The Reed Road bridge, so called, over interstate highway route 195 in the Town of Dartmouth shall be known and designated as the Charles A. Christie Memorial Bridge in memory of Charles A. Christie, who was killed in the performance of his duties while directing traffic on said interstate highway during its construction, and a suitable marker bearing said designation shall be attached thereto by the Department of public works in compliance by the federal bureau of public roads." Approved March 13, 1967
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (2022)
On October 25, 2022, the Dartmouth Police Department submitted an application on behalf of Officer Christie to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, located at Judiciary Square, adjacent to the National Law Enforcement Museum, honors over 23,000 United States law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
On November 16 2022 The National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial approved Officer Charles Christie's application. His name was engraved in the wall and announced at the Candlelight Vigil in May 13, 2023.
Officer Jason Arruda aggressively spearheaded the Washington D.C. portion of our history project. Thanks to his incredible efforts, calls to Washington D.C., chasing down documents and getting the proper paperwork signed and approved – the results were a success!
On October 25, 2022, the Dartmouth Police Department submitted an application on behalf of Officer Christie to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, located at Judiciary Square, adjacent to the National Law Enforcement Museum, honors over 23,000 United States law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty.
On November 16 2022 The National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial approved Officer Charles Christie's application. His name was engraved in the wall and announced at the Candlelight Vigil in May 13, 2023.
Officer Jason Arruda aggressively spearheaded the Washington D.C. portion of our history project. Thanks to his incredible efforts, calls to Washington D.C., chasing down documents and getting the proper paperwork signed and approved – the results were a success!
Charles A. Christie Memorial Bridge Rededication (2023)
On August 18 2023, 57 years after Officer Christie's death, the Reed Road/195 Bridge was rededicated to Officer Charles A. Christie.
New signage was installed with one sign on each end of the bridge. Originally there was one sign facing both directions.
Officer Christie's great nephew, Steve Whiteacre, attend the rededication ceremony. Mr. Whiteacre also presented Dartmouth Police Chief Brian Levesque with a handcrafted sign, which will hang proudly inside the Dartmouth Police Department.
Mr. Whiteacre was presented a mini-version of the newly installed signs for his family to keep.
On August 18 2023, 57 years after Officer Christie's death, the Reed Road/195 Bridge was rededicated to Officer Charles A. Christie.
New signage was installed with one sign on each end of the bridge. Originally there was one sign facing both directions.
Officer Christie's great nephew, Steve Whiteacre, attend the rededication ceremony. Mr. Whiteacre also presented Dartmouth Police Chief Brian Levesque with a handcrafted sign, which will hang proudly inside the Dartmouth Police Department.
Mr. Whiteacre was presented a mini-version of the newly installed signs for his family to keep.
Lincoln Park 1894-1987 History
The Beginning 1894-1940
Before being named "Lincoln Park" it used to be known as "Midway Park" or "Westport Park". The name "Lincoln Park" was chosen by a lottery. The Union Street Railway Company created Lincoln Park on July 4 1894 as a way to connect Fall River to New Bedford. Forty-six (46) acres of land in Dartmouth was purchased and began being used as a picnic area. In 1901 A fire severely damaged the park, destroying the theater and several other buildings.
In 1910 A Looff Carousel was added to the park and in 1912 a "Giant Coaster" was leased from the Fall River Coaster Company and installed. In 1921 a PTC-54 Carousel was purchased from the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. and installed. The old Looff Carousel was removed.
Change in Ownership, New Rides, New Roller Coaster 1941-1960
In 1941 Lincoln Park was purchased by Boston investors John Collins, Harry Prince and Max Zand for $40,000. They invested $150,000 installing a fourteen (14) lane bowling alley and updating an existing dance hall, and added a full complement of amusement park rides.
In 1943 the Giant Coaster was closed for renovations, which was slowed due to World War II. In 1946 the park hired National Amusement Devices (NAD) to erect a much bigger roller coaster. NAD commissioned Vernon Keenan and Edward Leis to design and install the coaster which was to be named "Cyclone". The coast had two (2) trains each with five (5) cars and had a top speed of 55 MPH. Keenan has also designed the Coney Island Cyclone in 1927. Keenan turned to its top builder, Ed Leis of East Providence, R I to install the new Cyclone. Total cost to erect the coaster was about $80,000. The "Cyclone" was changed to "Comet" in 1947. The ownership of Lincoln Park agreed to drop "Cyclone" and simply call it Comet. There are documents indicating the owners of the Coney Island Cyclone had objected to their coaster being cloned, but to avoid legal entanglement, the ownership changed the name.
Roller Coast Accidents
The first of many accidents started in 1964. The first caused the death of a man who fell off the roller coaster after standing up as it ascended the first lift.
On July 23 1968 just after 10pm, the rear car of one of the trains became disconnected while ascending final hill. The cart then rolled backwards causing the cart to derailed sideways, dumping nine (9) people ten (10) feet to the ground below. The Dartmouth Police launched an investigation and a theory developed that the recent spell of dry weather and damp nights may have caused expansion or contraction along the roller coaster rails — or riders may have been rocking the cars, causing the last one to derail.
The Beginning 1894-1940
Before being named "Lincoln Park" it used to be known as "Midway Park" or "Westport Park". The name "Lincoln Park" was chosen by a lottery. The Union Street Railway Company created Lincoln Park on July 4 1894 as a way to connect Fall River to New Bedford. Forty-six (46) acres of land in Dartmouth was purchased and began being used as a picnic area. In 1901 A fire severely damaged the park, destroying the theater and several other buildings.
In 1910 A Looff Carousel was added to the park and in 1912 a "Giant Coaster" was leased from the Fall River Coaster Company and installed. In 1921 a PTC-54 Carousel was purchased from the Philadelphia Toboggan Co. and installed. The old Looff Carousel was removed.
Change in Ownership, New Rides, New Roller Coaster 1941-1960
In 1941 Lincoln Park was purchased by Boston investors John Collins, Harry Prince and Max Zand for $40,000. They invested $150,000 installing a fourteen (14) lane bowling alley and updating an existing dance hall, and added a full complement of amusement park rides.
In 1943 the Giant Coaster was closed for renovations, which was slowed due to World War II. In 1946 the park hired National Amusement Devices (NAD) to erect a much bigger roller coaster. NAD commissioned Vernon Keenan and Edward Leis to design and install the coaster which was to be named "Cyclone". The coast had two (2) trains each with five (5) cars and had a top speed of 55 MPH. Keenan has also designed the Coney Island Cyclone in 1927. Keenan turned to its top builder, Ed Leis of East Providence, R I to install the new Cyclone. Total cost to erect the coaster was about $80,000. The "Cyclone" was changed to "Comet" in 1947. The ownership of Lincoln Park agreed to drop "Cyclone" and simply call it Comet. There are documents indicating the owners of the Coney Island Cyclone had objected to their coaster being cloned, but to avoid legal entanglement, the ownership changed the name.
Roller Coast Accidents
The first of many accidents started in 1964. The first caused the death of a man who fell off the roller coaster after standing up as it ascended the first lift.
On July 23 1968 just after 10pm, the rear car of one of the trains became disconnected while ascending final hill. The cart then rolled backwards causing the cart to derailed sideways, dumping nine (9) people ten (10) feet to the ground below. The Dartmouth Police launched an investigation and a theory developed that the recent spell of dry weather and damp nights may have caused expansion or contraction along the roller coaster rails — or riders may have been rocking the cars, causing the last one to derail.
Lincoln Park Fire 1978
In September of 1978, an arson fire destroyed two buildings in the park. It took 60 firefighters from Dartmouth and Westport to bring the blaze under control. The park’s bowling alley was saved from the flames.
Lincoln Park Murder 1982
During the very early morning hours of March 6 1982 Charles Chaples (21) gained entry into a home in Dartmouth and stole a 12-gauge shotgun, two (2) boxes of shells and a pair of gloves. After committing the house break, he drove to the area behind Lincoln Park and parked his vehicle. He walked through a wooded area and positioned himself behind one of the amusement rides. Form this position Chaples was able to carefully watch the activities of the night watchman, Raymond Santos (48). At a maintenance warehouse area of the park, Chaples confronted Santos and demanded the keys to the park, Santos refused, Chaples persisted and again Santos refused a second time, then Chaples raised the shotgun and fired at Santos, in all he Chaples shot Santos three (3) times. Chaples then fled the scene. Chaples tossed the shotgun into the woods along with the shells.
On March 6, 1982 at 7:30AM Maintenance workers discovered the body of Raymond Santos. Chaples was questioned the next day about his activities and whereabouts. During questioning he confessed to the murder.
In 1983 Charles Chaples was convicted of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He also received a concurrent sentence of 3-5 years for larceny, and breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony. He was paroled in 2007 after serving 24 years.
In 2007, Chaples was arrested by Mattapoisett Police Department, after a 24-hour search for him, after a domestic dispute. He had violated his parole and was charged with aggravated assault & battery, intimidation of a witness and larceny all connected to the domestic incident.
On June 4 2020 The Massachusetts Parole Board decided Chaples (59), will be released after serving one (1) year in a lower security prison. Once the one-year in a lower security prison is complete, Chaples will be released to an approved residential program. Conditions included as part of his parole are : He will be placed on a curfew, wear an electronic monitoring device (GPS) and participate in counseling for mental health along with alcohol and drug testing.
In 2021 Chaples incurred three (3) parole violations, his parole was revoked in February 2022 and was placed back in prison.
On September 29 2022 The Massachusetts Parole Board wrote in a unanimous decision that Charles Chaples (62) is not suitable for parole. Chaples remains in prison and is eligible for parole in 2025.
In September of 1978, an arson fire destroyed two buildings in the park. It took 60 firefighters from Dartmouth and Westport to bring the blaze under control. The park’s bowling alley was saved from the flames.
Lincoln Park Murder 1982
During the very early morning hours of March 6 1982 Charles Chaples (21) gained entry into a home in Dartmouth and stole a 12-gauge shotgun, two (2) boxes of shells and a pair of gloves. After committing the house break, he drove to the area behind Lincoln Park and parked his vehicle. He walked through a wooded area and positioned himself behind one of the amusement rides. Form this position Chaples was able to carefully watch the activities of the night watchman, Raymond Santos (48). At a maintenance warehouse area of the park, Chaples confronted Santos and demanded the keys to the park, Santos refused, Chaples persisted and again Santos refused a second time, then Chaples raised the shotgun and fired at Santos, in all he Chaples shot Santos three (3) times. Chaples then fled the scene. Chaples tossed the shotgun into the woods along with the shells.
On March 6, 1982 at 7:30AM Maintenance workers discovered the body of Raymond Santos. Chaples was questioned the next day about his activities and whereabouts. During questioning he confessed to the murder.
In 1983 Charles Chaples was convicted of 2nd degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. He also received a concurrent sentence of 3-5 years for larceny, and breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony. He was paroled in 2007 after serving 24 years.
In 2007, Chaples was arrested by Mattapoisett Police Department, after a 24-hour search for him, after a domestic dispute. He had violated his parole and was charged with aggravated assault & battery, intimidation of a witness and larceny all connected to the domestic incident.
On June 4 2020 The Massachusetts Parole Board decided Chaples (59), will be released after serving one (1) year in a lower security prison. Once the one-year in a lower security prison is complete, Chaples will be released to an approved residential program. Conditions included as part of his parole are : He will be placed on a curfew, wear an electronic monitoring device (GPS) and participate in counseling for mental health along with alcohol and drug testing.
In 2021 Chaples incurred three (3) parole violations, his parole was revoked in February 2022 and was placed back in prison.
On September 29 2022 The Massachusetts Parole Board wrote in a unanimous decision that Charles Chaples (62) is not suitable for parole. Chaples remains in prison and is eligible for parole in 2025.
Lincoln Park Fire 1982 & Ride Accident
In May 1982, another arson fire in the “Monster Ride”. Police believed a rider stepped out of a slow-moving car inside the darkened building and set fire to wall coverings among the various monster displays. It’s believed the rider then stepped back into the car and exited the ride before the fire was noticed.
In June 1983, six (6) people were injured on the “Himalaya Ride” when one of the large painted backdrops fell on the riders. All of those injured were teenagers
Change in Ownership
In June 1986, Lincoln Park was purchased by Jay Hoffman for $5 Million. He planned to invest $2.5 Million on renovations. The bowling alley was removed and converted into a full arcade. In June of 1986, Lincoln Park announced the park’s opening would be delayed. There had been delays in the delivery and installation of new rides.
Ride Accidents and Deaths Continue, Park Closes
On August 17 1986, Michael Lynch (27), an electrician, was killed, after falling 55-feet, while preforming maintenance work on the roller coaster.
On November 3 1986 plans were developed to move the carousel to Battleship Cove, Fall River. It is one of several things sold off to try to raise revenue to operate the park.
A Providence Journal article, in May 1987, the new owner spent $75,000 restoring park, and had a 5-year plan to restore park to its former glory. The kiddy roller coaster (Comet Jr.) was dismantled during his upgrade. On September 29 1987 four people were injured when the braking system on the roller coaster failed. The braking system jammed and the cars jackknifed. This was the final ride for the roller coaster. The cars remained frozen in time on the tracks until vandals tore them off years later.
On December 3 1987 Lincoln Park closed, the park owed $48,000 in back taxes and $13,000 to the town for police details. Almost all of the 48 rides in the park were dismantled and auctioned off.
In May 1982, another arson fire in the “Monster Ride”. Police believed a rider stepped out of a slow-moving car inside the darkened building and set fire to wall coverings among the various monster displays. It’s believed the rider then stepped back into the car and exited the ride before the fire was noticed.
In June 1983, six (6) people were injured on the “Himalaya Ride” when one of the large painted backdrops fell on the riders. All of those injured were teenagers
Change in Ownership
In June 1986, Lincoln Park was purchased by Jay Hoffman for $5 Million. He planned to invest $2.5 Million on renovations. The bowling alley was removed and converted into a full arcade. In June of 1986, Lincoln Park announced the park’s opening would be delayed. There had been delays in the delivery and installation of new rides.
Ride Accidents and Deaths Continue, Park Closes
On August 17 1986, Michael Lynch (27), an electrician, was killed, after falling 55-feet, while preforming maintenance work on the roller coaster.
On November 3 1986 plans were developed to move the carousel to Battleship Cove, Fall River. It is one of several things sold off to try to raise revenue to operate the park.
A Providence Journal article, in May 1987, the new owner spent $75,000 restoring park, and had a 5-year plan to restore park to its former glory. The kiddy roller coaster (Comet Jr.) was dismantled during his upgrade. On September 29 1987 four people were injured when the braking system on the roller coaster failed. The braking system jammed and the cars jackknifed. This was the final ride for the roller coaster. The cars remained frozen in time on the tracks until vandals tore them off years later.
On December 3 1987 Lincoln Park closed, the park owed $48,000 in back taxes and $13,000 to the town for police details. Almost all of the 48 rides in the park were dismantled and auctioned off.
Foreclosure 1988 & More Fires!
On April 9 1988 the park property was foreclosed on by the bank after it failed to sell for $3,500,000. Jay Hoffman said at that time that he was confident it would never reopen as an amusement park. The bank proceeds to auction off anything of value on the property.
During the 1990's numerous arson fires occurred, the first fire burning 10 buildings. In 1991 another fire at the park The Ballroom, and Pavilion buildings destroyed. The fire was caused by two teenagers playing with fire in a building called the taproom. At this time the property was owned by Shawmut Bank.
On February 2 1992 Leonard Hebert, an independent real estate broker, buys the property for $1 million with plans to restore and reopen it.
On July 13 1992 A fire consumes the skating rink and former bowling alley. Development plans are scrapped because there isn't really nothing left to rebuild. It's not clear if Hebert sold the property back to Shawmut Bank or simply defaulted and let it revert to them. In 1993 another arson fire consumed the food buildings.
In 1993 Bronhard Trust buys the park from Shawmut Bank for $265,000 the least ever paid for the park.
In 1997 another arson fire, the warehouse and maintenance building. In 1998 "The Lincoln Park" sign was removed to add a water pumping station at the front corner of the property.
Redevelopment - Housing
The trains were purchased by Little Amerricka Amusement Park, who also expressed interest in buying the coaster in 2002. The owner of Lincoln Park at the time, Walter Bronhard, offered to sell the coaster for $90,000, but received no buyers. Little Amerricka decided that they would possibly build an exact replica of the ride and all of the proposals were cancelled.
On September 28 2002 the park is sold to Midway Realty, LLC for $1.85 million. In 2003 fire consumes an empty house on the property, the former house of the park keeper. In 2005 The Lift Hill of the comet roller coaster collapses effectively crushed by heavy snow in a winter storm. On July 12 2012 the roller coaster was demolished. The "Village at Lincoln Park" now sits on the 42-acre site.
On April 9 1988 the park property was foreclosed on by the bank after it failed to sell for $3,500,000. Jay Hoffman said at that time that he was confident it would never reopen as an amusement park. The bank proceeds to auction off anything of value on the property.
During the 1990's numerous arson fires occurred, the first fire burning 10 buildings. In 1991 another fire at the park The Ballroom, and Pavilion buildings destroyed. The fire was caused by two teenagers playing with fire in a building called the taproom. At this time the property was owned by Shawmut Bank.
On February 2 1992 Leonard Hebert, an independent real estate broker, buys the property for $1 million with plans to restore and reopen it.
On July 13 1992 A fire consumes the skating rink and former bowling alley. Development plans are scrapped because there isn't really nothing left to rebuild. It's not clear if Hebert sold the property back to Shawmut Bank or simply defaulted and let it revert to them. In 1993 another arson fire consumed the food buildings.
In 1993 Bronhard Trust buys the park from Shawmut Bank for $265,000 the least ever paid for the park.
In 1997 another arson fire, the warehouse and maintenance building. In 1998 "The Lincoln Park" sign was removed to add a water pumping station at the front corner of the property.
Redevelopment - Housing
The trains were purchased by Little Amerricka Amusement Park, who also expressed interest in buying the coaster in 2002. The owner of Lincoln Park at the time, Walter Bronhard, offered to sell the coaster for $90,000, but received no buyers. Little Amerricka decided that they would possibly build an exact replica of the ride and all of the proposals were cancelled.
On September 28 2002 the park is sold to Midway Realty, LLC for $1.85 million. In 2003 fire consumes an empty house on the property, the former house of the park keeper. In 2005 The Lift Hill of the comet roller coaster collapses effectively crushed by heavy snow in a winter storm. On July 12 2012 the roller coaster was demolished. The "Village at Lincoln Park" now sits on the 42-acre site.
Sol-e-Mar Hospital & Cemetery History Sol-e-Mar Hospital 1923-1953
In 1923 Amelia Hickling Jones (1849-1935) owned a 166-acre farm at the bottom of Buttonwood Road near Clark's Cove. She donated the farm and $1 million to be used exclusively as a hospital for children with serious health problems. The hospital later became a branch of St Luke's Hospital.
The Grand Opening of the hospital was on June 23 1932, and had a capacity of 40 children.
This new hospital in Dartmouth was inspired by Amelia’s childhood trip with her father to Portugal, where she visited a children’s hospital named Sol e Mar, Portuguese for “sun and sea.” Sol e Mar used a holistic approach, including sun and salt water therapies as well as a nutritional program of fresh fruits and vegetables. The hospital offered tutoring to make sure that the children continued to learn as they recuperated. Over the years its capacity grew from 40 to 80 children. With advancements in pediatric medicine requiring fewer hospitalizations, Sol e Mar closed in 1953.
Discalced Carmelite Nuns Convent 1965-1987
In 1965, the Carmelite Nuns of Boston purchased the defunct Sol-e-mar hospital and created another branch of their order. On December 11 1966 the nuns cut themselves off society. The nuns took the vow not to see or be seen by outsiders except for monthly visits from family. They lived a life of contemplation and prayer, communicating with the outside world by handwritten notes or through a metal screen. The term discalced means they wear sandals with no stockings instead of shoes. The word comes from Latin "calceus" meaning shoe.
Explosion and Fire 1985
On March 10 1985 at 8AM a fire triggered a gas explosion at the convent that injured nine (9) firefighters and displaced eight (8) nuns. Firefighters had extinguished the blaze quickly, but flames had damaged a natural gas pipe in a utility room, causing the room to fill with natural gas. A crew re-entered the room and switched on a light, which caused the explosion. The blast melted the helmets of firefighters, blew out windows and sent fire billowing through a door. The thickness of the building’s masonry and concrete walls prevented major structural damage.
Dartmouth Police (Patrolman Joseph Correia) arrested Sister Maria Gartner, 39 at the scene and charged her with setting a total of five (5) fires at the convent. She was ordered to undergo psychiatric observation at Taunton State Hospital. On March 28, 1985 Sister Maria Gartner was found incompetent to stand trial for the fires by District Court Judge John A. Markey. The case was continued for a year, at which time the judge will decide if she should continue treatment or be released. No trial ever occurred.
Convent Closes, Bodies Removed from Cemetery
The numbers of faithful nuns declined and the convent closed in 1987. Prior to the sale of the convent, four (4) nuns had been buried on the property; their bodies were removed and interred at the Nun's Circle in Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Bedford. In 1977 The bell from the hospital was installed on the roof the fire station on Bridge Street in Padanaram Village.
Housing Construction
In 1987 the land was sold, building demolished, and condo-style housing was constructed. The development today is called "Sol-e-mar".
In 1923 Amelia Hickling Jones (1849-1935) owned a 166-acre farm at the bottom of Buttonwood Road near Clark's Cove. She donated the farm and $1 million to be used exclusively as a hospital for children with serious health problems. The hospital later became a branch of St Luke's Hospital.
The Grand Opening of the hospital was on June 23 1932, and had a capacity of 40 children.
This new hospital in Dartmouth was inspired by Amelia’s childhood trip with her father to Portugal, where she visited a children’s hospital named Sol e Mar, Portuguese for “sun and sea.” Sol e Mar used a holistic approach, including sun and salt water therapies as well as a nutritional program of fresh fruits and vegetables. The hospital offered tutoring to make sure that the children continued to learn as they recuperated. Over the years its capacity grew from 40 to 80 children. With advancements in pediatric medicine requiring fewer hospitalizations, Sol e Mar closed in 1953.
Discalced Carmelite Nuns Convent 1965-1987
In 1965, the Carmelite Nuns of Boston purchased the defunct Sol-e-mar hospital and created another branch of their order. On December 11 1966 the nuns cut themselves off society. The nuns took the vow not to see or be seen by outsiders except for monthly visits from family. They lived a life of contemplation and prayer, communicating with the outside world by handwritten notes or through a metal screen. The term discalced means they wear sandals with no stockings instead of shoes. The word comes from Latin "calceus" meaning shoe.
Explosion and Fire 1985
On March 10 1985 at 8AM a fire triggered a gas explosion at the convent that injured nine (9) firefighters and displaced eight (8) nuns. Firefighters had extinguished the blaze quickly, but flames had damaged a natural gas pipe in a utility room, causing the room to fill with natural gas. A crew re-entered the room and switched on a light, which caused the explosion. The blast melted the helmets of firefighters, blew out windows and sent fire billowing through a door. The thickness of the building’s masonry and concrete walls prevented major structural damage.
Dartmouth Police (Patrolman Joseph Correia) arrested Sister Maria Gartner, 39 at the scene and charged her with setting a total of five (5) fires at the convent. She was ordered to undergo psychiatric observation at Taunton State Hospital. On March 28, 1985 Sister Maria Gartner was found incompetent to stand trial for the fires by District Court Judge John A. Markey. The case was continued for a year, at which time the judge will decide if she should continue treatment or be released. No trial ever occurred.
Convent Closes, Bodies Removed from Cemetery
The numbers of faithful nuns declined and the convent closed in 1987. Prior to the sale of the convent, four (4) nuns had been buried on the property; their bodies were removed and interred at the Nun's Circle in Sacred Heart Cemetery in New Bedford. In 1977 The bell from the hospital was installed on the roof the fire station on Bridge Street in Padanaram Village.
Housing Construction
In 1987 the land was sold, building demolished, and condo-style housing was constructed. The development today is called "Sol-e-mar".
Joseph Weaver House & Cemetery History
The Joseph Weaver House (c. 1773-1778) remains standing, but has been severely neglected. The structure is located within the Cedar Dell Housing area of UMass-Dartmouth.
The property was originally owned by Lemuel & Meriah (Tripp) Barker, The Barkers sold 50-acres and a dwelling to Joseph Weaver in 1778 for $1000. Records aren't clear on exact date the house was constructed, sometime between 1773 and 1778. In 1778 Joseph married Sarah Bryant and began raising their six (6) children. Edith (1788-x), Thomas (1790-x), Sarah (1792-1832), Sylvia (1796-1882), David (1798-1878), Joseph M (1770-1841).
The Weaver Family farmed the land for years, with many of them buried in the cemetery on the property. Prior to the construction of the university, The Soares, Roberts, Szala families resided and farmed the land. Today, the structure sits empty and continues to crumble. Cemetery access is very difficult due to the large amount of debris the university dumps. The Town of Dartmouth has taken no action to prevent further damage of either sites.
Who was Joseph Weaver?
Joseph Weaver (Jan 29 1758-1844) was born in Troy (now the City of Fall River). In 1776, at age 18 he enlisted with the American Army, His first assignment was as a guard at Howland's Ferry (Tiverton R.I.) . In 1777 his unit was sent to Fogland Ferry (Little Compton R.I.) for guard duty. In June 1778 Weaver was serving in a coastal patrol detachment, stationed at Mishawm Point, patrolling the shoreline from Dartmouth to the Acushnet River.
In Weaver's military pension application it states:
"The said Joseph says that while he was on duty as aforesaid he Quartered at the time at a place called Mishaum near the shore aforesaid, that during the time aforesaid and while he was performing duty the British burnt the village of Bedford, that as soon as we heard of the landing and march of the British as aforesaid, we was marched to the Village of Bedford, when we arrived there it was in the evening, the British had left the place, the Village and Shipping were on fire, we found three men had been shot and was then laying on the streets.” “The said Joseph says he assisted in taking care of those men that were shot, one of them by the name of Trafford was dead, one by the name of Russell died in a few minutes after he got to him and while he was conveying him to the house, the other by the name of Thomas Cook was mortally wounded and died about a week after from his wounds.--The said Joseph says that he was employed for some time in saving property from fire in the Village of Bedford.”
For his intermittent service as a militia private during the war, Weaver was granted a pension of $40 per year. He received the pension decades after the war had ended, and was paid out until his death a few years later.
Weaver Family Cemetery 1831-1886 11 Graves
Revolutionary War Veteran - Joseph Weaver (1758-1839, (wife) Sarah B Weaver 1763-1853
David Weaver (1798-1878), (his wife) Philadephia Weaver (1820-1886)
Their son Joseph Weaver (1840-1869) Civil War Veteran
Edith Weaver (1788-x)
Joseph M Weaver (1770-1841)
Sarah Weaver (1792-1833)
Sylvia Weaver (1796-1882)
(Unknown) A Weaver Ukn-Ukn
(Unknown) Weaver (x-1831)
The Joseph Weaver House (c. 1773-1778) remains standing, but has been severely neglected. The structure is located within the Cedar Dell Housing area of UMass-Dartmouth.
The property was originally owned by Lemuel & Meriah (Tripp) Barker, The Barkers sold 50-acres and a dwelling to Joseph Weaver in 1778 for $1000. Records aren't clear on exact date the house was constructed, sometime between 1773 and 1778. In 1778 Joseph married Sarah Bryant and began raising their six (6) children. Edith (1788-x), Thomas (1790-x), Sarah (1792-1832), Sylvia (1796-1882), David (1798-1878), Joseph M (1770-1841).
The Weaver Family farmed the land for years, with many of them buried in the cemetery on the property. Prior to the construction of the university, The Soares, Roberts, Szala families resided and farmed the land. Today, the structure sits empty and continues to crumble. Cemetery access is very difficult due to the large amount of debris the university dumps. The Town of Dartmouth has taken no action to prevent further damage of either sites.
Who was Joseph Weaver?
Joseph Weaver (Jan 29 1758-1844) was born in Troy (now the City of Fall River). In 1776, at age 18 he enlisted with the American Army, His first assignment was as a guard at Howland's Ferry (Tiverton R.I.) . In 1777 his unit was sent to Fogland Ferry (Little Compton R.I.) for guard duty. In June 1778 Weaver was serving in a coastal patrol detachment, stationed at Mishawm Point, patrolling the shoreline from Dartmouth to the Acushnet River.
In Weaver's military pension application it states:
"The said Joseph says that while he was on duty as aforesaid he Quartered at the time at a place called Mishaum near the shore aforesaid, that during the time aforesaid and while he was performing duty the British burnt the village of Bedford, that as soon as we heard of the landing and march of the British as aforesaid, we was marched to the Village of Bedford, when we arrived there it was in the evening, the British had left the place, the Village and Shipping were on fire, we found three men had been shot and was then laying on the streets.” “The said Joseph says he assisted in taking care of those men that were shot, one of them by the name of Trafford was dead, one by the name of Russell died in a few minutes after he got to him and while he was conveying him to the house, the other by the name of Thomas Cook was mortally wounded and died about a week after from his wounds.--The said Joseph says that he was employed for some time in saving property from fire in the Village of Bedford.”
For his intermittent service as a militia private during the war, Weaver was granted a pension of $40 per year. He received the pension decades after the war had ended, and was paid out until his death a few years later.
Weaver Family Cemetery 1831-1886 11 Graves
Revolutionary War Veteran - Joseph Weaver (1758-1839, (wife) Sarah B Weaver 1763-1853
David Weaver (1798-1878), (his wife) Philadephia Weaver (1820-1886)
Their son Joseph Weaver (1840-1869) Civil War Veteran
Edith Weaver (1788-x)
Joseph M Weaver (1770-1841)
Sarah Weaver (1792-1833)
Sylvia Weaver (1796-1882)
(Unknown) A Weaver Ukn-Ukn
(Unknown) Weaver (x-1831)
D Smith Mills Meetinghouse History
The Smith Mills Meetinghouse was constructed in 1845 and remained near the intersection of Route 6 and Tucker Road until 1996. In 1996 the building was carefully dismantled and reassembled at Woolman Hill in Deerfield Massachusetts.
The Tucker Family led a faction of Quakers called the Wilburites to break away from the New England Yearly Meeting. Due to the separation, it was necessary to build a meetinghouse for the Wilburite group. In 1850, Benjamin Tucker purchased from Perry Gifford land on the south side of the main road (now a state road, Route 6) for the meetinghouse.
Separating from the "larger body" of the Dartmouth Monthly Meeting, the Dartmouth Monthly Meeting became one the more successful Wilburite meetings in New England, strengthened by the absorption of smaller peers including Westport (1850), and New Bedford (1865). In 1944, just prior to the New England Friends' reunification, Dartmouth Monthly changed its name to North Dartmouth Monthly to distinguish itself from the Dartmouth Monthly Meeting situated in South Dartmouth.
Friends Burial Ground - Chase & Old Westport Road
The Wilburite group purchased land on Chase Road from Benjamin Tucker for a burial ground. In 1852, Yearly Meeting decreed that simple stones might be placed over Quaker burials. Since this cemetery was established at about that time, there is not a large number of unmarked gravesites in this burial ground, as there is in other Quaker burial grounds in Dartmouth.
The Smith Mills Meetinghouse was constructed in 1845 and remained near the intersection of Route 6 and Tucker Road until 1996. In 1996 the building was carefully dismantled and reassembled at Woolman Hill in Deerfield Massachusetts.
The Tucker Family led a faction of Quakers called the Wilburites to break away from the New England Yearly Meeting. Due to the separation, it was necessary to build a meetinghouse for the Wilburite group. In 1850, Benjamin Tucker purchased from Perry Gifford land on the south side of the main road (now a state road, Route 6) for the meetinghouse.
Separating from the "larger body" of the Dartmouth Monthly Meeting, the Dartmouth Monthly Meeting became one the more successful Wilburite meetings in New England, strengthened by the absorption of smaller peers including Westport (1850), and New Bedford (1865). In 1944, just prior to the New England Friends' reunification, Dartmouth Monthly changed its name to North Dartmouth Monthly to distinguish itself from the Dartmouth Monthly Meeting situated in South Dartmouth.
Friends Burial Ground - Chase & Old Westport Road
The Wilburite group purchased land on Chase Road from Benjamin Tucker for a burial ground. In 1852, Yearly Meeting decreed that simple stones might be placed over Quaker burials. Since this cemetery was established at about that time, there is not a large number of unmarked gravesites in this burial ground, as there is in other Quaker burial grounds in Dartmouth.