SEASIDE PARK has been a great place to relax ,perhaps have a picnic,take a swim,view the statues or perhaps fishing is your sport.Join me literally as we go back in time and share some history of SEASIDE PARK.SEASIDE PARK offers more than swimming ,fishing,and boating.The very first part of our trip begins at the entrance way as you enter the park on PARK AVENUE.THE PERRY MEMORIAL greets us as it stands majestically awaiting our passage .The arch was dedicated to WILLIAM H.PERRY at a cost of seventy five thousand dollars.in 1918.This is only our first stop along the way as we enter the 329 acre park. which belonged to P.T.BARNUM long ago.BARNUM owned several properties.AT just about the center of the park sits a statue of the famous showman himself P.T,BARNUM.THE huge bronze statue depicts him very well.AS we move further we come across another statue .This one is in honor of ELIAS HOWE inventor of a sewing machine.This statue is placed so a view of the ocean can be seen easily.Also next lets'talk about the statue of CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.HIS statue stands there as though it adored the view of the massive ocean.IF you are a history buff you must see the statues at least once.There is another statue here that of THE SOLDIERS AND SAILORS.THIS was erected for those who died during the civil war.IT was erected AUGUST 29TH 1866.IT-was dedicated in 1876.AS we leave the park the last stop is on MAIN STREET-AND PARK PLACE.This is where the BERGH STATUE STANDS.THIS was constructed in 1897.This was built in memory of animals and prevention of cruelty to them.During the 50's era a few restaurants were the place to go while at the beach.ONE place was CONTES,ANOTHER THE BUGLIGHT,ANOTHER WAS HOMAS and let us not forget THE SEAWALL.THERE is so much history here at SEASIDE PARK.What once was BARNUMS'back yard is ours to share our summers and picnics etc.SO if you are a history buff take a walk or ride or bike and enjoy part of the legacy of our city.
AUTHOR RICH SATTANNI BPT.RESIDENT/CONTACT RICH AT rsauthor00@gmail.com
