Moodus summers

I spend part of every summer in Moodus and I absolutely love this site. Great Work and keep it up!

Regards,
--Elazar Meisels

First crush at Riveredge

When I was 10, which was 22 years ago, my family and I would go for a week or 2 to a resort called Riveredge which was in Moodus.

I have some cute memories and photos from there. I remember I had my first crush there, would join in all the games, like the sac races, the pie eating contests, etc. I also enjoyed the paddleboats and learning how to use a scaddadle (water skiis covered with canvas).

I remember going to the rec hall to play ping pong or watch a movie. I remember having corn roasts and hot dog roasts at night near the river and taking tours on the pontoon boats. I even think I remember one of the social directors there whose name was Arty.

Can you tell me if the resort still exists or is still open? I would love to take my children back there.

Thanks,
--Jeanette Ziangos

Really fresh chicken at Budka's

My Czech grandparents owned property in the Rocky Hill Road/Lake Bashan area of Moodus from 1930s onward. A relative still owns the property. Sent there as a child from Michigan in the 1940s (w/o parents).

I remember Weinstein's drug store in Moodus Center (where fireworks were purchased) as well as the Grand Union store in the village, a local doctor (could his name have been Dr. Horsefeathers?) who came up one day to examine me thoroughly in what much have been a concern about polio.

Czech relatives owned a boardinghouse (possibly Julia Budka's from your photos) where my older cousin & friends went to help prepare meals, including plucking feathers from the place's freshly killed chickens. Also remember that the evening's activity frequently was a walk to Mr. Bailey's ice cream store at a reservoir. Day events including swimming & soapy baths in Lake Bashan as our farmhouse had an unreliable water supply.

--Rhona N.

Soapy baths in Bashan Lake

My Czech grandparents owned property in the Rocky Hill Road/Lake Bashan area of Moodus from 1930s onward. A relative still owns the property. Sent there as a child from Michigan in the 1940s (w/o parents).

I remember Weinstein's drug store in Moodus Center (where fireworks were purchased) as well as the Grand Union store in the village, a local doctor (could his name have been Dr. Horsefeathers?) who came up one day to examine me thoroughly in what much have been a concern about polio.

Czech relatives owned a boardinghouse (possibly Julia Budka's from your photos) where my older cousin & friends went to help prepare meals, including plucking feathers from the place's freshly killed chickens. Also remember that the evening's activity frequently was a walk to Mr. Bailey's ice cream store at a reservoir. Day events including swimming & soapy baths in Lake Bashan as our farmhouse had an unreliable water supply.

--Rhona Neuwirth

Honeymoon at Hilton's

My wife and I were married June 27, 1953 and spent our honeymoon at Ted Hilton's (which became Frank Davis Resorts, which is now Sunrise).

Truly a memorable occasion. One unforgettable happening: I developed a toothache, and Mr. Hilton personally took me into a dentist for relief. He said that no one should be uncomfortable on their honeymoon. What a man!

--Don

Riveredge echos of childhood

I was quite surprised to turn up your excellent web site! It brought back many memories of growing up there: buying eggs from your family's farm (I assume the coops/art center were located on the farm on the hilly road to Banner Lodge), the lazy summers at Riveredge (we had a reunion at Frank Davis - 200 people came), and the old downtown with the wooden sidewalks. My uncle Art still has old clippings of the great flood in the 20s which took out the power plant on the Salmon River and crested at a good 20' above normal.

Riveredge is now a private residence, after a brief attempt as a time-share, but I can still see ghostly echos of my childhood every time I drive by the place.

==Diana Donnellan in California (must be an affinity for earthquake country)

Many Riveredge memories

I stumbled across your site while googling for 'moodus riveredge', and was quite surprised to turn up your excellent web site! It brought back many memories of growing up there: buying eggs from your family's farm (I assume the coops/art center were located on the farm on the hilly road to Banner Lodge), the lazy summers at Riveredge (we had a reunion at Frank Davis - 200 people came), and the old downtown with the wooden sidewalks. My uncle Art still has old clipping of the great flood in the 20s which took out the power plant on the Salmon River and crested at a good 20' above normal.

My family still remains on Clark Gates Road by the old apple orchards, but I left for better schools in the late 60s. Riveredge is now a private residence, after a brief attempt as a time-share, but I can still see ghostly echos of my childhood every time I drive by the place.

Thanks - Diana Donnellan in California (must be an affinity for earthquake country)