New Britain herald., 1926-11-11
WHITE OAK PARK DAYS; NEW POSSIBILITIES


 Twenty-Five years ago-what re- miniscences flare before the mind at the term. The department in this paper devoted to references to the news highlights of that time right ly belongs to the most interesting in these columns, particularly to those whose remembrances of New Britain extend to that time when the new century was scarcely a year old.
 A story in the Herald of 25 years ago had to do with bicycle races at White Oak park. Crowds of people, 1t seems, flocked to the resort, and those not interested in bicycle races had much else to occupy their atten- ton. There were even bears in cages and peacocks on the grounds. White Oak park at that time had enormous popularity, relatively speaking, netting handsome profit for the street railway company, which was used by almost everybody to reach the happy wooded grounds about half the distance to Plainville. Only those who rode bicycles saved the nickles necessary to get there, not overlooking those who walked. Lake Compounce as 1t is today, Is a small potato compared with what White Oak park used to be.
 At the present time there may be some youngsters in the city who never heard of White Oak park. If so, their elders, or the older citizens generally, can tell them all they need to know. It was a grand old place-for some years. Its ultimate decadence was due to variety of causes, and to many 1t became en- tirely too popular The street railway company finally discontinued service and the park went into the oblivion of discarded things. Originally own- ed by John Cooke of Plainville, the park was ultimately obtained by the street car company which still owns the land.
 The pond alongside which the park nestled is still there, such as it is. The same large white oaks are present, the identical slopes along which children, grown-ups and lov- CTS browsed are still there. But it would take the skill of an explorer to locate the sites of the various amusement and sport enterprises of that bygone day, although it could be done most handily by anyone familiar with the park as it was 25 years ago. Nearby was Electric park, where baseball and other sports at tracted thousands.
 To this day the contiguous terrain remains attractive, mainly by dint Of the pond and the heavily wooded slopes. It is paradise for mixers, except those who prefer to do their hiking further afield.
 At the time White Oak park was in it's prime the fine site occupied was a subject for frequent comment. Today the site is still there, but the park is not. Suburban dwellers are slowly spreading out in that direc- tion but they will take long time to reach the pond and the woods. It remains to be seen whether this pretty spot will be allowed to dis appear with the advent of habita- tions, whether it will become site for a street car barn or some such unsightly affair. or whether in the dim future a city or state park will eventuate. It would be a park for the next generation, no doubt-and one with water for bathing and canoeing in summer and skating in winter. This opportunity Is right at the door of New Britain. One won- ders whether it will be seized be- fore too late.