The Big Band Era helped buoy the national morale.

Old Orchard Beach was a premier stop of most major acts’ road tour itineraries, drawing eager audiences from throughout New England and even Canada. The Beach’s two elegant venues, the Pier Casino Ballroom and the Palace Ballroom hosted performances by the colossal talents of Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington Cab Calloway, Guy Lombardo, Rudy Vallee, Jimmy & Tommy Dorsey, Frances Langford, Lawrence Welk, to name a few. In addition to the nationally renowned bands, Old Orchard Beach native son and trumpeter John Trull led the Palace Ballroom house band, the Lee Russell Orchestra.

This summer 2017, the Old Orchard Beach Historical Society will launch its Big Band Era exhibit at the Harmon Museum, highlighting the historic role Old Orchard Beach played.

The Museum is located at 4 Portland Avenue, Old Orchard Beach (at the top of Main Street). For more information, visit their website or call (207) 934-9319.

More Old Orchard Beach History…

NOAH’S ARK

From 1929 until the fire of 1969 a “must-see” attraction for visitors to OLD ORCHARD BEACH was NOAH’S ARK. Located beside the pier and next to the Jack and Jill slide, the walk through fun-house boasted colorful and true to life wooden sculptures of Noah, his family, and many of the Ark’s animals.

THE KITE TRACK

Old Orchard Beach boasts a rich history of harness racing, and in 1936 the KITE TRACK reopened after its colorful first life which began in the late 1800’s. Locals and visitors flocked to this premier track where at least two world harness racing records were set. In 1952 the State of Maine purchased the site, just off Walnut Street and East Grand Avenue, and it has since become a game preserve.

PIER FRIES

A visit to O.O.B. would not be complete without a stop at PIER FRIES! For almost 100 years the delicious crinkle-cut boxed treats have been prepared the same way; premium potatoes cooked in soy oil with choice of salt, vinegar or catsup. Originally located on the pier, PIER FRIES can now be found at the foot of Old Orchard Street in the historic WHITEHALL BUILDING.

THE ANIMAL FAIR

The ANIMAL FAIR, one of O.O.B.’s favorite family attractions and home to sea-lions, elephants, monkeys, camels and bears was open from 1958-1962. Located on the Cascade Road where the POWDER HORN CAMPGROUND sits today, attendees could feed the animals and visit monkey island, the seal and swan pools, the elephant circle, or take a burro ride to the observation tower, all for an admission fee of 75 cents for adults and 35 cents for children!

ARTIST R.N. COHEN’S CONNECTION TO OLD ORCHARD BEACH

R.N. Cohen worked in Old Orchard Beach during the summers of his high school years. He started a series of Old Orchard Beach paintings in 1988 that included over 20 paintings. His grand parents and extended family owned property at Old Orchard Beach and spent summers there. His Old Orchard Beach paintings and prints are in numerous countries around the world.