New Britain herald., 1928-04-21
RESERVOIR ONCE
 PICNIC GROUNDS
Shuttle Meadow Had Its Day as
 Amusement Center

hluuOVlll0ll VVutVl
 Years ago Shuttle Meadow reser.
 voir and the outlying territory was
 one of the most popular picnic and
 amusement places in this part of the
 state. It was mostly visited by th, Sunday school classes. each church
 taking It's turn in holding picnics
 there.
 l The amusement center of the
 reservoir was situated on the east [ side of the lake and was owned by
 Robert Durham. The place w;ts | known as Lake House" and there
 were two large pavilions. One of the
 pavilions was mainly for dancing
 while the other contained a dining [ room, bowling alleys and pool tables.
 There was also a large menagerie
 of animals such as bears, monkeys.
 parrots and poisonous snakes. Be-
 sides the animals the amusements
 for the children consisted of flying
 horses and various types of swings.
 During the early fall months the
 paN.llons were often used by young men for roller skating and roller l polo. It is said that many q blood
 battle in polo was fought nt ule 1 rink.
 AS is the case now the territory m tSc district of the reservoir was filled with thick woods. In the groves near the reservoir tables We're erected under and around the trees. X stunt practiced by many , was to walk around the reservoir q number Of times. Strange to say the reservoir was not guarded as strict iy then as is the case at the present day. thing unheard of now, that or fishing and also boating, was all lowed at the lake and hundreds took advantage Of the opportunities offer cd them as the fishing in the lake was excellent. Boating was also very popular with the older boys and men and the lake was usually crowded.
 Another feature of the place was large wooden tower which people climbed to get clear view of the sur rounding country. This tower was built when the place was first open ed but after about ten years it was necessary to close it to the public because the stairs became worn and dangerous. Another feature of the place WAS the exciting horseshoe contests that were held there. Most Of the important horseshoe titles Were settled at the lake,
 The Lake House was visited al- most entirely by Sunday school classes from this city. Although number Of young men used 70 visit the reservoir. the activities of the Sunday school classes occupied most of the schedule. During the week, especial ly Wednesday. q Sunday school class would gather early in the morning at its church. Large wooden car rlases. built somewhat along the line of modern motor buses, were hired to take the children out 10 the reservoir. These carriages held about 20 and took about 2 l-2 hours 10 drive out to the lake. The roads were hilly and the horses were hard put to draw the cumber- some wagons over the dirt roads.
 Young couples delighted in hiring bussies and taking a spin to the lake but very seldom took part in the amusemeuts. The couples rode around tho reservoir a number of times and then returned home. The Lake House was always considered the children's paradise and except for Its popularity with the children, it would have been a failure. The lake hoomed for about 50 years and then gradually died out. The opening Of Compounce and White Oak were the dcciding factors that spelt its end.
 A queer thing concerning the res orvoir was the dangerous conditions Iii the nearby woods. The woods were literally infested with snakes and Were only few 100 yards from the amusement houses. Often when the wagons and buggies approached the reservoir the horses would leap i'll terror as a snake crossed the path Few people, even reckless young men. dared to wander in the nearby woods because of the abundance Of snakes. At that time a canal ran from the lake and its sides were lit- erally covered with flowers but it also proved ts he thick with snakes \ few adventurous youths used to invade the district of the canal with large clubs to beat off the attacks , of the snakes while picking flowers. However although the snakes were 1 close to the reservoir there was not a single case Of child being bitten.
 Many of the younger people of to- day will be surprised 10 hear that 1 Shuttle Meadow reservoir was once I the scene Of an amusement center ! because the place is so strictly l at present Fishing is for- bidden and no one is allowed 10 1 throw even stone into the lake. l Traces of the amusement houses have long since disappeared but many Of the city residents will re- member the days they spent at the