Leisure

April 18, 2008

The Irish In New Haven : Leisure

One of the biggest attractions in the
area was Savin Rock Amusement Park in West Haven, CT.
Just a trolley ride away from the city, it was a place where people could unwind after a hard
week of work. Savin Rock also was a source of employment for many Irish Immigrants, my ancestors included.

One of my ancestors, George Stanford, ran the “Stanford Hotel” at Savin Rock for many years. The Hotel was home
to the “Stanford Orchestra” which had George’s nephew as Conductor. The “Stanford Hotel” on Beach St., (pictured here)

had originally been an elaborate home owned by New Haven businessman and yachtsman by the name of Morgan.
This area was the location of many beautiful summer homes. Later, the Savin
Rock Skating Rink (Latta Arcade) was on that site. It was burned down in the 1960’s.

The “Park” was the area of Savin Rock which held the bandstand, the Fountain and the
Seaview Hotel. The Bandstand was later moved to a site on Palace St. and later became “Chris’”, a refreshment stand.