I was contacted over the summer by Newton resident Michael Halle. Here’s what he had to say ...
“I am new to Newton, but I love pieces of its history. It makes me sad to see it forgotten, or neglected. Today my family and I took a paddle boat out on the Charles, and it made me think of Norumbega and how grand it must have been to listen to big band concerts from canoes (not to mention the almost unimaginable splendor of the midway).
What do you think of the dream of “Norumbega for an Evening”: music for those on and off shore, picnic dinners, stories, floating lanterns, maybe dancing? Auburndale Cove. Who would join in to dream and help?”
This idea struck a chord with me. Even though I didn’t grow up in Newton my parents told us stories about going to the Totem Pole Ballroom and canoeing at Norumbega when they 
were dating. I told Michael I’d love to help make it happen and try to round up other folks too.
So this is a call to arms to anybody who would like to help with this bodacious project. No planning has begun but best guess is that it might happen early next June, possibly in conjunction with an “Auburndale porchfest”.
We posted a notice on the Auburndale Facebook page last night and have already got a number of enthusiastic responses there. It looks like Michael has already struck a chord with a number of people. What about all you Village 14’ers? Who’s in for bringing Norumbega back to life for a night?
Anybody interested in kicking this idea around with Michael Halle (who proposed it) and me sometime soon?
At this point, the more big and crazy ideas the better. Contact [email protected] and/or [email protected]. We’ll plan an evening some time soon to get everyone together and try to get this Norumbega ball rolling
@Jerry Reilly – I was so thrilled to see your post in the Auburndale Facebook group yesterday! I would love to be involved, but probably don’t have time to help until after November 7 🙂
I didn’t grow up in Newton, but have heard great stories about Norumbega from my stepfather who grew up in Stoughton and used to come up to the Totem Pole.
Vote for Allison Sharma.
Because you know what? Democracy got screwed.
You’ve got an election, I’ve got a play, so yes I don’t think it will happen before November … but we’ll come looking for you then 😉
@Ted Hess-Mahan –” democracy got screwed”.
No it didn’t. Not yet. Vote Allison Sharma!
@Jerry Reilly
Amaze Balls!
OK, my bad, now back to our regular Norumbega programming …
As Mike probably knows all too well, it was the “super-highway” that led to the demise of the park.
A few years ago when Wal-Lex was coming down to make way for another CVS, they tried selling/ giving away the mirror ball from the Totem Poll Ballroom. I’m not sure if anyone picked it up.
Jerry– I’m in! Can we all bike party to the porch Fests and then park on the roof of Charles river canoe?
According to Wikipedia, the band organ from it still exists. Maybe it could be incorporated in some way?
“In 2011 the Wurlitzer band organ from the Norumbega Park carousel was completely restored and is playing again for the enjoyment of the public. Its restoration was featured in the Carousel News magazine and the journal of the Carousel Organ Collectors Association, and has been featured in a variety of parades and events.”
Some of my best childhood memories took place at Norumbega. Both of my parents were physicians so they were pretty busy. Even though the price of our home in Newton was pretty cheap by today’s standards – my mom went to work full time when we moved to Newton so they could pay off the mortgage quickly. (An unfamiliar practice in today’s world). My father’s job was a bit more flexible so he used to take me to Norumbega on an occasional summer afternoon. I LOVED the carousel and the caterpillar. I really loved skiball and used to save up my tickets to “buy” prizes for my mom. I’m too young to remember the totem pole but my brother does. I remember to this day when our neighbor, Mr. Finkelstein, came to our house to convince my parents that selling Norumbega to become a Marriott was in the best interests of the city. I’m sure it was in our best interests. Times were changing and we had to face up to that. But – I still miss that place that exists in my memories. I’d love to help after the election.
@Bruan Barash – great lead, thanks.
@Susan Albright – OK, once the dust settles after the election, we’ll come knocking
As a young child, my parents often took me to Norumbega and I have wonderful memories of bumber cars, boats, and the carousel! If anyone has not yet seen the Joe Hunter documentary “Return to Norumbega,” you really should. Very well done!
Count me in. I love organizing a party!
Kiddieland to become Doggieland…
What an extaordinarily creative idea…Nelson and I will both volunteer to stir the creative pot. Skimmers and white jackets and white shoes and all political persuations of Newton neighbors raising history in fun! Love it!
I would love to be part of the planning process too- after the election!
@Eileen Sandberg – and so you shall. We’ll come looking for you after the election.