Founded in October 1846 by two local families, Lake Compounce began its transformation from a rustic summer resort into a bustling amusement park. Gad Norton and Isaac Pierce teamed together to build a park that utilized the lake's natural appeal for swimming, boating, and picnicking. Through vintage photographs, Lake Compounce highlights the park's long history of big bands, the Crocodile Club, the Wildcat roller coaster, and the William Gillette train. For generations, the park has been able to maintain its status as a local treasure while expanding and growing into what is today recognized as "America's pioneer playground." Lynda J. Russell, a resident of Bristol, is author of Bristol Historic Homes and Plainville. She is a member of the historical societies in Bristol and Plainville, and she serves on the board of the Plainville Chamber of Commerce, Quota Club of Bristol, and the Bristol mayor's TEAM committee. Used Book in Good Condition