Story Land

by Miller, Jim

• ISBN13: 9780738573038
• ISBN10: 0738573035
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-07-14
• Publisher: Arcadia Pub

Summary

When sedans and station wagons replaced trains for vacationers heading to New Hampshire's rugged and picturesque White Mountains, new motels and attractions catering to middle-class families sprang up amidst the established grand hotels and diversions for socialites, artists, skiers, and hikers. In 1954, a tiny children's park inspired by a collection of storybook dolls opened in the quiet village of Glen. Through a unique combination of independent innovation and regional cooperation, Story Land has continually grown for more than 50 years through economic and cultural changes that undermined many amusement parks. Parents still travel great distances for a Story Land getaway with their children, just as their own parents did, sharing a common experience that is talked about between multiple generations at family gatherings. This photograph collection illustrates the unlikely beginnings and creative entrepreneurship behind one of New England's most memorable and enduring childhood institutions.

Author Biography

Jim Miller served as Story Land's marketing coordinator and general manager, working with the park's second generation of family ownership and other longtime cast members to share its history and outlook with guests, staff, community, and the media. He has been a manager, promoter, and student of White Mountains tourism businesses for 25 years.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. 6
Introduction	p. 7
Nobody Expected That Crazy Idea to Survive	p. 9
Royalty and Resiliency Even in Recession	p. 27
Safe, Smooth, Smiling, Spotless Service	p. 51
Involv-aroundings of Historic Proportions	p. 71
The Pursuit of the Unique Factor	p. 89
A Product Taken Home in the Heart	p. 109
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